We showed up this past Monday for camp all a little travel wearied. So much happened in those few days I can't recapture all of it. There were God moments, both privately as I walked with Him ,as well as in public as He moved in the hearts of students and adults in our worship gatherings. Just like that it is over.
I'm sitting at the airport in Panama City. FL waiting for my return flight back to Texas. How can I summarize all that happened in these few words? I can do it in just one word. Ten.
Ten professions of faith. Ten meeting Jesus. Ten willing to follow in believer's baptism back home in their local church. Ten souls Satan lost. Ten souls written in the Lamb's Book Of Life. Ten souls ushered out of darkness into God's marvelous light. Ten souls adopted as children of God. Ten redeemed. Ten new creations.
It makes all the hassle of traveling away from home worth it. Ten is a beautiful number. Ten will be the number I take away from this camp.
How can I express my humility and thanks that at 52 God still chooses to use me to minister to students. Thankful for a trip to the Gulf Shores and Sunshine State. Thankful for getting to meet some new people. Thankful for another chance to preach God's glorious truth.
We had a great week but my heart is turned toward home. To a loving wife I have not seen since 5:00 a.m. last Monday. I am thankful for the chance to have a loving flock awaiting on Sunday. I am thankful for another chance to get to preach in a couple of days. I praise and bless His hame and give all glory to Him for ten!
Friday, June 21, 2019
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Lessons From The Moon
I rolled over and looked at my phone. 4:23 a.m. Wide awake I rolled out of bed and had a crazy thought. Being that Turner and Tucker sleep in the common area where I spend time with God I decided I would stroll down to the beach.
Once I got past the camp ground the only lighting came from the moon. I looked up trying to determine what kind of day would soon break. Would it be overcast or clear. I saw a few clouds but the moon shone clearly. The moon beams shimmered across the gulf waters.
The sound of waves pounding the shore and the balmy breeze my only early morning companions. I walked to where the waves had packed the sand near the tide. I had no idea how far I would walk. This walk would be for fellowship with God and not for exercise.
As I ventured out I came up on a private luxury hotel. They had sunbathing reclining chairs and I took my seat in one, though I am sure I was not supposed to be there. Who would notice at 4:30 a.m. I sat to enjoy communion with the Creator. Than I saw it. A flash of lightening out over the waters. The soft glow in the cloud looked like someone turned on a light switch behind a drawn shade.
Recalling my adventure in the rain yesterday I decided to head back for camp. I trudged through the sand trying to find where I entered the beach in the soft glow of the moon. Eventually I found my shoes and made my way to the boardwalk steps. I sat down one last time to take in the sight. I worshipped. I listened. I took a snapshot with my heart.
Then I went back to the camp and went to a pool where I reclined in one of the pool chairs and fixated on the skies. By this time the sky behind began slowly fade from black to blue. In front of me it was a totally different story. Soft puffy white clouds got gobbled by dark ones. It almost looked like a black pac man game.
Through all of this the moon still shone. I prayed, "Lord, what do you want me to get from this morning. What can I learn?
The thought came, "The moon is a reflection of the sun. I am to be a reflection of the Son." By this time the dark clouds engulfed the moon as well hiding behind its black curtain. That did not mean that the moon was not still there. Nor did it mean the sun would not rise even though the clouds might try to hide it.
Jesus the Son still shines in the darkest nights, in the darkest places and in the darkest minds. None of those things can keep Him from being the Light of the World. As He shines so are His followers to shine.
John 8:12 (NKJV)
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Once I got past the camp ground the only lighting came from the moon. I looked up trying to determine what kind of day would soon break. Would it be overcast or clear. I saw a few clouds but the moon shone clearly. The moon beams shimmered across the gulf waters.
The sound of waves pounding the shore and the balmy breeze my only early morning companions. I walked to where the waves had packed the sand near the tide. I had no idea how far I would walk. This walk would be for fellowship with God and not for exercise.
As I ventured out I came up on a private luxury hotel. They had sunbathing reclining chairs and I took my seat in one, though I am sure I was not supposed to be there. Who would notice at 4:30 a.m. I sat to enjoy communion with the Creator. Than I saw it. A flash of lightening out over the waters. The soft glow in the cloud looked like someone turned on a light switch behind a drawn shade.
Recalling my adventure in the rain yesterday I decided to head back for camp. I trudged through the sand trying to find where I entered the beach in the soft glow of the moon. Eventually I found my shoes and made my way to the boardwalk steps. I sat down one last time to take in the sight. I worshipped. I listened. I took a snapshot with my heart.
Then I went back to the camp and went to a pool where I reclined in one of the pool chairs and fixated on the skies. By this time the sky behind began slowly fade from black to blue. In front of me it was a totally different story. Soft puffy white clouds got gobbled by dark ones. It almost looked like a black pac man game.
Through all of this the moon still shone. I prayed, "Lord, what do you want me to get from this morning. What can I learn?
The thought came, "The moon is a reflection of the sun. I am to be a reflection of the Son." By this time the dark clouds engulfed the moon as well hiding behind its black curtain. That did not mean that the moon was not still there. Nor did it mean the sun would not rise even though the clouds might try to hide it.
Jesus the Son still shines in the darkest nights, in the darkest places and in the darkest minds. None of those things can keep Him from being the Light of the World. As He shines so are His followers to shine.
John 8:12 (NKJV)
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Rejoicing In The Rain
I admit sometimes I bite off more than I can chew. That is never more true than when it comes to working out. Over the years I've done some pretty stupid things. Like riding my bike from Paradise, TX to Hurst, TX. About a 50 mile jaunt through major city traffic.
A few years ago Brenda bought me a fit bit. I got addicted to trying to beat all sorts of goals or milestones I achieved previously. Like the day I did 100 bleachers so I could break my all time high of the steps and floors I climbed in a single day. Like the day I went for 15,000 steps. Then that was not enough. I worked my way to 20,000, 25,000 and one time 30,000 but, broke it up into two different sessions in the day.
Some of the weight lifting routines I draw up are ridiculous. Especially for a man my age. Still I love the challenge. It's a good day when the sons groan about the intensity of the work out. It fuels me to keep pressing harder.
A year ago my fit bit broke. It just quick working all together. My boys joked that I wore it out. I really think that I sweat so much wearing it that the salt from the sweat corrupted the performance. Needless to say, without that challenge of beating goals, walking did not take on the same fun.
Then.... Brenda got me another one for Father's Day. I've spent this week breaking it in. Yesterday I hit my first goal. I decided on an early morning start after reading my Bible today. I set an ambitious goal. As soon as I walked out the door two things became apparent. I heard thunder. I felt more humidity than normal. The thought crossed my mind I ought to stay close to camp just in case it rained. I had the challenge in my head though. A goal to achieve. A challenge to overcome. I did not listen to common sense. Off I went.
I admit the destination was further than I thought. A lot further. Undeterred I kept pounding the pavement. Finally, after working up a good sweat, I reached the destination and made my turn to head back. This is where the real adventure started. With a long way to go I felt the first raindrop. I thought it was nothing and would pass. Then I felt another. Then I noticed several wet spots on the pavement where the raindrops fell.
I prayed. "Lord, please hold the rain off until I get back to camp. Just a few more minutes." The rain stopped. I felt confident and thankful. Then the drops returned only harder. People with any sense had long ago cleared the walking, jogging and biking path. Except me and one other man up in front of me. I forgot about the rain and my competitive juices kicked in. I wanted to catch and pass that guy. I found another gear though my feet ached by this time.
Then it happened. Sprinkling turned into a full pledge shower and then into a driving rain. You have heard the phrase "blinding rain." I found out first hand what it meant. It rained so hard it stung as it pelted my skin. I could not keep my head up. To push forward I had to keep my head down periodically using my fingers as windshield wipes on the windshield of my eyes.
With each step I drew nearer my opponent. He was older than me. He wore a beach hat which he strategically pulled over his eyes shielding them from the rain. A good move and jealously I wished I had such a hat to help me as victoriously I surged past him.
It rained so hard my clothes stuck to my skin soaked. My new shoes were soaked as well as my socks causing a small blister to form. I still had about a mile left to get back. Then I saw lightening flashes and heard thunder. Suddenly this was not just a challenge anymore. It was a matter of life and death. I prayed earnestly for God's protection to help me get back.
Soaked to the bone, blinded by the rain, wearied from the journey it dawned on me that little morning walk is a metaphor for life. The walk itself is the journey of life. My destination to get back to the cabin for refuge is Heaven Jesus followers are pressing toward. The man I passed was like a fellow pilgrim on his own journey at his own pace. Then I began rejoice in the rain. I am not kidding.
With a long way to go, aching back, sore feet and wet from head to toe I rejoiced in the rain. I praised, thanked, celebrated and rejoiced in God in the middle of a storm. I thanked God for having this subject matter to blog about. Then I put my head down and pressed forward thanking God for different things along the way.
I walked for awhile in this fashion when the rain let up and the skies began to clear a little. Just like that the storm ended. It is the same way in life. Our storms do not last forever. They blow in doing damage but they also move on.
Life is not easy. There are challenging days. Storms pop up when we are most vulnerable. Though the winds may howl and the rain may pelt we must keep enduing. Keep pressing ahead. Keep pushing toward the finish line. Even when we can barely see what is in front of us. These storms do not last forever. We must finish this race of life well.
As I put the finishing touches on this the sun is out. I've showered and had breakfast. I exchanged my wet clothes for dry ones. Looking back I recall being in the middle of that storm was not enjoyable. In some ways it was miserable. Now on the other side I rejoice. I rejoice for the lessons learned along the way. I rejoice that God protected me. I rejoice that I made it back. I rejoice He gave me something else to write about. I ALSO REJOICE I REACHED MY WALKING GOAL FOR THE DAY BEFORE 8:30 a.m.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
A few years ago Brenda bought me a fit bit. I got addicted to trying to beat all sorts of goals or milestones I achieved previously. Like the day I did 100 bleachers so I could break my all time high of the steps and floors I climbed in a single day. Like the day I went for 15,000 steps. Then that was not enough. I worked my way to 20,000, 25,000 and one time 30,000 but, broke it up into two different sessions in the day.
Some of the weight lifting routines I draw up are ridiculous. Especially for a man my age. Still I love the challenge. It's a good day when the sons groan about the intensity of the work out. It fuels me to keep pressing harder.
A year ago my fit bit broke. It just quick working all together. My boys joked that I wore it out. I really think that I sweat so much wearing it that the salt from the sweat corrupted the performance. Needless to say, without that challenge of beating goals, walking did not take on the same fun.
Then.... Brenda got me another one for Father's Day. I've spent this week breaking it in. Yesterday I hit my first goal. I decided on an early morning start after reading my Bible today. I set an ambitious goal. As soon as I walked out the door two things became apparent. I heard thunder. I felt more humidity than normal. The thought crossed my mind I ought to stay close to camp just in case it rained. I had the challenge in my head though. A goal to achieve. A challenge to overcome. I did not listen to common sense. Off I went.
I admit the destination was further than I thought. A lot further. Undeterred I kept pounding the pavement. Finally, after working up a good sweat, I reached the destination and made my turn to head back. This is where the real adventure started. With a long way to go I felt the first raindrop. I thought it was nothing and would pass. Then I felt another. Then I noticed several wet spots on the pavement where the raindrops fell.
I prayed. "Lord, please hold the rain off until I get back to camp. Just a few more minutes." The rain stopped. I felt confident and thankful. Then the drops returned only harder. People with any sense had long ago cleared the walking, jogging and biking path. Except me and one other man up in front of me. I forgot about the rain and my competitive juices kicked in. I wanted to catch and pass that guy. I found another gear though my feet ached by this time.
Then it happened. Sprinkling turned into a full pledge shower and then into a driving rain. You have heard the phrase "blinding rain." I found out first hand what it meant. It rained so hard it stung as it pelted my skin. I could not keep my head up. To push forward I had to keep my head down periodically using my fingers as windshield wipes on the windshield of my eyes.
With each step I drew nearer my opponent. He was older than me. He wore a beach hat which he strategically pulled over his eyes shielding them from the rain. A good move and jealously I wished I had such a hat to help me as victoriously I surged past him.
It rained so hard my clothes stuck to my skin soaked. My new shoes were soaked as well as my socks causing a small blister to form. I still had about a mile left to get back. Then I saw lightening flashes and heard thunder. Suddenly this was not just a challenge anymore. It was a matter of life and death. I prayed earnestly for God's protection to help me get back.
Soaked to the bone, blinded by the rain, wearied from the journey it dawned on me that little morning walk is a metaphor for life. The walk itself is the journey of life. My destination to get back to the cabin for refuge is Heaven Jesus followers are pressing toward. The man I passed was like a fellow pilgrim on his own journey at his own pace. Then I began rejoice in the rain. I am not kidding.
With a long way to go, aching back, sore feet and wet from head to toe I rejoiced in the rain. I praised, thanked, celebrated and rejoiced in God in the middle of a storm. I thanked God for having this subject matter to blog about. Then I put my head down and pressed forward thanking God for different things along the way.
I walked for awhile in this fashion when the rain let up and the skies began to clear a little. Just like that the storm ended. It is the same way in life. Our storms do not last forever. They blow in doing damage but they also move on.
Life is not easy. There are challenging days. Storms pop up when we are most vulnerable. Though the winds may howl and the rain may pelt we must keep enduing. Keep pressing ahead. Keep pushing toward the finish line. Even when we can barely see what is in front of us. These storms do not last forever. We must finish this race of life well.
As I put the finishing touches on this the sun is out. I've showered and had breakfast. I exchanged my wet clothes for dry ones. Looking back I recall being in the middle of that storm was not enjoyable. In some ways it was miserable. Now on the other side I rejoice. I rejoice for the lessons learned along the way. I rejoice that God protected me. I rejoice that I made it back. I rejoice He gave me something else to write about. I ALSO REJOICE I REACHED MY WALKING GOAL FOR THE DAY BEFORE 8:30 a.m.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Oceanic Blue
I stared out across the large ocean blue,
Where I saw the most clear picture of You,
A beautiful creation scene I got to behold,
Your divine design forYour glory to unfold
Looking out at that great oceanic expanse,
A beautiful masterpiece You freelanced,
If You can create that with a spoken word,
To doubt You this hour would seem absurd,
Your power from on high left for all on display,
Your greatness, majesty, Your splendor on replay,
If You can do all that - what concerns me now,
My mountains moved before You must bow,
I trust in this critical hour of urgent distress,
Where anxieties, doubts, sorrows all compress,
Driving me to my knees in fervent faith praying,
Wondering why so long You have been delaying,
If You can create such a magnificent oceanic blue,
My trials are nothing and I can wholly trust You.
Where I saw the most clear picture of You,
A beautiful creation scene I got to behold,
Your divine design forYour glory to unfold
Looking out at that great oceanic expanse,
A beautiful masterpiece You freelanced,
If You can create that with a spoken word,
To doubt You this hour would seem absurd,
Your power from on high left for all on display,
Your greatness, majesty, Your splendor on replay,
If You can do all that - what concerns me now,
My mountains moved before You must bow,
I trust in this critical hour of urgent distress,
Where anxieties, doubts, sorrows all compress,
Driving me to my knees in fervent faith praying,
Wondering why so long You have been delaying,
If You can create such a magnificent oceanic blue,
My trials are nothing and I can wholly trust You.
What Kind Of Kid Were You?
One of the camp counselors asked today,, "So what kind of kid were you?" I responded, "That is a broad question."
How would you answer that question? Were you quiet, shy and introverted. Were you loud, friendly and extroverted? Were you into math? Did you like to read? Were you compliant or rebellious? Were you hard working or lazy? Were you creative or competitive?
I finally answered, "Quiet, insecure, introverted, alone, competitive and angry."
The sponsor next asked, "When did all that change?"
"When I met Jesus," I replied. I went on to explain that some of it has not changed completely. When I am in a room of people I do not know I often drift to the background and sit alone. I have been criticized for it over the years. At times I force myself to meet new people and be extroverted. It does not come natural. It is something I make myself do.
Yet, Jesus has changed many things in me. As a child I could have never imagined I would stand before crowds of people and preach. I could not even make eye contact with the class when giving an oral book report. I seriously questioned and doubted when I sensed God calling me to preach. I did not think I could ever do it and now I can't imagine doing anything else. Jesus made all the difference.
Jesus took an insecure boy from a dysfunctional family and He rescued me. He rescued from generational curses that have plagued my family for years even to this day. He rescued from a life of mistakes and misery. He rescued from vices that could have destroyed me. He rescued me from a life without purpose.
While always driven, that drive would have taken me in the wrong direction. I never would have met my wife. Not enjoyed my four sons. I also would have missed out on the great adventure my life has been since I started following Him. How could I have imagined as a child that I would have the blessing of preaching to teenagers in Panama City, FL.
Jesus has made all the difference. He has connected me with deep relationships. He continually opens doors for ministry. He gave me a front row seat to watch Him move in power. How can I ever say thank you enough to my Savior who has blessed me beyond words.
There have been challenging days. Many of them. We've endured more financial crisis than I care to remember except for the fact that when He came, and still comes, through I have a platform to brag on Him. I am not deserving. One of my heroes is George Mueller. Little did I know how similar our lives and ministries would be except, I have not been called to care for orphans. I'm called to a life of faith walking just like he was.
Jesus took my childhood passion for writing and carefully crafted it into a ministry for Him. I thought my writing days were over after I surrendered to preach. Now I realize writing is just preaching in a different form. As a child how could I ever imagine that one day people would read what I wrote from Russia, India, Canada, Spain, and Indonesia. In just the past 24 hours readers have clicked on this site from Hong Kong, Denmark, France, Portugal and the United States. Jesus took a childhood passion and turned it into a ministry for Him that reaches around the world.
Before I was born God had a purpose for me. As a child God shaped and molded me. Others could not see His divine design. Hard headed. Stubborn. Persistent. Determined. Passionate. All of those childhood qualities now redeemed by the blood of Jesus all help fuel my purpose. To God be the glory.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
How would you answer that question? Were you quiet, shy and introverted. Were you loud, friendly and extroverted? Were you into math? Did you like to read? Were you compliant or rebellious? Were you hard working or lazy? Were you creative or competitive?
I finally answered, "Quiet, insecure, introverted, alone, competitive and angry."
The sponsor next asked, "When did all that change?"
"When I met Jesus," I replied. I went on to explain that some of it has not changed completely. When I am in a room of people I do not know I often drift to the background and sit alone. I have been criticized for it over the years. At times I force myself to meet new people and be extroverted. It does not come natural. It is something I make myself do.
Yet, Jesus has changed many things in me. As a child I could have never imagined I would stand before crowds of people and preach. I could not even make eye contact with the class when giving an oral book report. I seriously questioned and doubted when I sensed God calling me to preach. I did not think I could ever do it and now I can't imagine doing anything else. Jesus made all the difference.
Jesus took an insecure boy from a dysfunctional family and He rescued me. He rescued from generational curses that have plagued my family for years even to this day. He rescued from a life of mistakes and misery. He rescued from vices that could have destroyed me. He rescued me from a life without purpose.
While always driven, that drive would have taken me in the wrong direction. I never would have met my wife. Not enjoyed my four sons. I also would have missed out on the great adventure my life has been since I started following Him. How could I have imagined as a child that I would have the blessing of preaching to teenagers in Panama City, FL.
Jesus has made all the difference. He has connected me with deep relationships. He continually opens doors for ministry. He gave me a front row seat to watch Him move in power. How can I ever say thank you enough to my Savior who has blessed me beyond words.
There have been challenging days. Many of them. We've endured more financial crisis than I care to remember except for the fact that when He came, and still comes, through I have a platform to brag on Him. I am not deserving. One of my heroes is George Mueller. Little did I know how similar our lives and ministries would be except, I have not been called to care for orphans. I'm called to a life of faith walking just like he was.
Jesus took my childhood passion for writing and carefully crafted it into a ministry for Him. I thought my writing days were over after I surrendered to preach. Now I realize writing is just preaching in a different form. As a child how could I ever imagine that one day people would read what I wrote from Russia, India, Canada, Spain, and Indonesia. In just the past 24 hours readers have clicked on this site from Hong Kong, Denmark, France, Portugal and the United States. Jesus took a childhood passion and turned it into a ministry for Him that reaches around the world.
Before I was born God had a purpose for me. As a child God shaped and molded me. Others could not see His divine design. Hard headed. Stubborn. Persistent. Determined. Passionate. All of those childhood qualities now redeemed by the blood of Jesus all help fuel my purpose. To God be the glory.
Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
Worship At The Water's Edge
I walked out of my cabin this morning down a private drive that runs through camp. I crossed the two lane Front Beach road and made my way down a sandy path and some stairs to the beach. Staring back me stood the Gulf of Mexico. A bluish green body of water here in Florida with peaks of tan mixed in where you can see the sandy bottom.
I walked to the water's edge and looked out over that impressive expanse of water. Overhead the sun shone but not so brightly or hotly making it unbearable. The wind blew enough to keep it cool. I just stood ankle deep in that water and felt the coolness against my legs. Waves rolled in splashing the water up to my knees at times.
I just stood there alone. Not wanting to talk to anyone but God. Lost in the wonder of His creation and the worship at His power. I pondered God's magnificence and my insignificance in comparison. Who am I to relate to such a God? Who am I among the billions on this planet for God to love or give His attention? Who am I to try to describe His majesty and glory in a sermon or in writing? I am nobody. I am nothing.
When I consider God knows every inch of that ocean I am humbled even further. He knows the number of fish, the different species. Up and down those miles of beaches He knows every grain of sand along with every person like me who stands at the water's edge. He knows those who get lost in wonder and worship. He also knows every pagan only bent on evil who never even consider God made the very ocean they splash in. Who are any of us? More specifically who am I to relate to Him?
Yet, He created me in His image.[Gen 1:26-27] He chose to love me [Rom 5:8], purchase my redemption and through the blood of Jesus to give me access to His throne to talk to Him and find help in my time of need [Heb 4:16]. Even at the water's edge away from the crowds, church buildings and home. I met God at the water's edge.
I walked to the water's edge and looked out over that impressive expanse of water. Overhead the sun shone but not so brightly or hotly making it unbearable. The wind blew enough to keep it cool. I just stood ankle deep in that water and felt the coolness against my legs. Waves rolled in splashing the water up to my knees at times.
I just stood there alone. Not wanting to talk to anyone but God. Lost in the wonder of His creation and the worship at His power. I pondered God's magnificence and my insignificance in comparison. Who am I to relate to such a God? Who am I among the billions on this planet for God to love or give His attention? Who am I to try to describe His majesty and glory in a sermon or in writing? I am nobody. I am nothing.
When I consider God knows every inch of that ocean I am humbled even further. He knows the number of fish, the different species. Up and down those miles of beaches He knows every grain of sand along with every person like me who stands at the water's edge. He knows those who get lost in wonder and worship. He also knows every pagan only bent on evil who never even consider God made the very ocean they splash in. Who are any of us? More specifically who am I to relate to Him?
Yet, He created me in His image.[Gen 1:26-27] He chose to love me [Rom 5:8], purchase my redemption and through the blood of Jesus to give me access to His throne to talk to Him and find help in my time of need [Heb 4:16]. Even at the water's edge away from the crowds, church buildings and home. I met God at the water's edge.
God Came Through Again
I did not feel like preaching Sunday. It really had nothing to do with not feeling well physically. My symptoms were emotions in the heart. After weeks of bad fortune, adversity, setbacks, trials, bad news on top of bad news we received another blow Saturday night. A devastating blow. My emotional reserves were exhausted. I felt I had nothing else to give. No prayers left to pray. Brenda and I just hurt.
We showed up. When it came time to preach I did so dutifully and with as much passion as I could muster leaning on Jesus the whole time. I can't say how God used it in others. I preached to myself.
I stook in the back and talked to each one as they exited. Some I hugged. Some I listened to their questions. I teased the little children lovingly. Deep inside Brenda and were weeping silent tears.
As I secured the building our treasurer approached told me he needed to talk to me in my office. After talking to a few other people I eventually made it to my office. He and another man met me there. They told me they knew how tough things had been lately for Brenda and I. They knew we were in a big bind. They handed me a folded check saying, "We hope this helps." I stood their silently. The words would not come but the tears did. I barely muttered, "I've been praying and begging God for help." We circled and I thanked God for His help and for those two men and lifted their burdens before the Lord. We hugged. We each told the others we loved one another.
When they left I opened that check. A $1,000 love gift. I stood there for a moment and thanked God. You see, I had a car wreck in the miracle blessing car given to us just about a month ago. The person who gave us the car said the insurance was paid on the car through the end of May. We planned to have our coverage start June 1. I had my accident, totally my fault, just before the insurance was to change over. It did about $2,500-3,000 damage on the truck I clipped and about $700 on ours. I could not turn it on insurance because it was not in our name yet and opted to pay it outright. A decision we made on faith because we did not have the extra money to do so. When the man told me damages to his truck were what they were my heart sunk. Like a little child I fell at God's feet and wrapped my arms around his throne pleading for help. All the money I get from this camp this week is going toward those vehicle repairs and I still needed more. I saw no way out. God heard. God moved. God provided. I trust He will make up what is lacking and once again show Himself faithful for my family. God did it again and once again I brag on Him and testify about the great things He has done.
We showed up. When it came time to preach I did so dutifully and with as much passion as I could muster leaning on Jesus the whole time. I can't say how God used it in others. I preached to myself.
I stook in the back and talked to each one as they exited. Some I hugged. Some I listened to their questions. I teased the little children lovingly. Deep inside Brenda and were weeping silent tears.
As I secured the building our treasurer approached told me he needed to talk to me in my office. After talking to a few other people I eventually made it to my office. He and another man met me there. They told me they knew how tough things had been lately for Brenda and I. They knew we were in a big bind. They handed me a folded check saying, "We hope this helps." I stood their silently. The words would not come but the tears did. I barely muttered, "I've been praying and begging God for help." We circled and I thanked God for His help and for those two men and lifted their burdens before the Lord. We hugged. We each told the others we loved one another.
When they left I opened that check. A $1,000 love gift. I stood there for a moment and thanked God. You see, I had a car wreck in the miracle blessing car given to us just about a month ago. The person who gave us the car said the insurance was paid on the car through the end of May. We planned to have our coverage start June 1. I had my accident, totally my fault, just before the insurance was to change over. It did about $2,500-3,000 damage on the truck I clipped and about $700 on ours. I could not turn it on insurance because it was not in our name yet and opted to pay it outright. A decision we made on faith because we did not have the extra money to do so. When the man told me damages to his truck were what they were my heart sunk. Like a little child I fell at God's feet and wrapped my arms around his throne pleading for help. All the money I get from this camp this week is going toward those vehicle repairs and I still needed more. I saw no way out. God heard. God moved. God provided. I trust He will make up what is lacking and once again show Himself faithful for my family. God did it again and once again I brag on Him and testify about the great things He has done.
Soft
Hard times produce hard people. Pioneer settlers worked hard to cut out homesteads out of the wilderness and prairies. By the sweat of their brow they cleared the land, cut their own timber, built their own homes, raised their own livestock and crops and hunted for what else they needed. Meals were hard to prepare by scratch. Traveling was hard by horse or horse drawn wagon. Very little was easy in those days.
Veterans fought hard battles to preserve freedom. They slept in sorry conditions. They slept little and marched much. They saw and witnessed things they have never talked about. Those hard times made them hard. They are as tough as boot leather. I wonder if they look on a soft lazy generation of youngsters in disgust and disbelief.
Contrast that with our soft society. Instead of raising our own crops we go down to the grocery store and get a meal in a can or microwavable meal to be zapped. Easy peasy. We reward laziness when our kids do nothing productive and yet have everything and more they could ever want. Parents justify it by wanting them to have it better than they had it growing up. Some summer sleepy head youths slumber until the afternoon after staying up all night binge watching something on Net Flix or their phones. When asked to do a simple job like clean their rooms or take out the trash they balk and talkback.
Others stay up all night playing Call Of Duty or Fort Night. They live in a fantasy world where if they get shot and killed in the game they just start over. That is not the case on the battlefield. Real bullets create real wounds and real fatalities. There are no do overs. In war you don't just get to turn the game off and walk away.
In our soft society everybody gets a trophy. Competition is frowned on because there are no winners and losers they say. Everybody is a winner. Try telling that to the person who gets passed over for a job time and time again and bills mount up while they are unemployed. Try telling that to the persons who work so hard in medical school but can't pass the grades and fail in their dream of becoming a physician. Try telling that to the children who's parents are getting divorced. Try telling that to the victims of fraud. Try telling that to the family who lost a loved one tragically and unexpectedly. They suffer loss.
Lastly, consider those early followers of Jesus. They were not soft. They were hard. Not hard hearted but hard and firm in their resolve. They withstood opposition and persecution. Millions still do today. They have learned their lessons well from saints who have gone on before. Many serve Christ in hard conditions. They are hated. Despised. Rejected. Ridiculed. Yet they serve with a rock hard undeterred faith. They resolutely resist the evil one.
I write in plush climate controlled conditions on a computer. Paul wrote from prison on parchment with a pen and ink. Not a fountain pen mind you. Paul did not softly follow Jesus. He followed hard.
I pray we do not fall victim to a soft society. Just two nights ago our electricity went out about 1:00 a.m. I awoke about thirty minutes later aware the ceiling fan no longer blew cool air on me. I kicked the sheets off and lay there. I did not sleep soundly the rest of the night. The electricity still had not come back before we left the house for our worship gathering. I thought about how spoiled and soft I am thinking I have to have a/c. I wondered what happen if something happened and the electricity went out for everyone and grocery stores were emptied in hours. How would we make it? As I write this in my camp cabin the cold air blows making my accommodations comfortable. I've read about old time camps where people showed up and pitched tents for one or two weeks at a time. Where the worship gatherings were held outdoors under open air or under a tabernacle. Can you imagine that today? How many would show up for that camp meeting?
What will this soft generation of Christians do when the hard times come? Will we quit? Will we easily lose heart? Will we compromise when the persecution arises? May God strengthen with hard resolve for the hard times ahead.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Veterans fought hard battles to preserve freedom. They slept in sorry conditions. They slept little and marched much. They saw and witnessed things they have never talked about. Those hard times made them hard. They are as tough as boot leather. I wonder if they look on a soft lazy generation of youngsters in disgust and disbelief.
Contrast that with our soft society. Instead of raising our own crops we go down to the grocery store and get a meal in a can or microwavable meal to be zapped. Easy peasy. We reward laziness when our kids do nothing productive and yet have everything and more they could ever want. Parents justify it by wanting them to have it better than they had it growing up. Some summer sleepy head youths slumber until the afternoon after staying up all night binge watching something on Net Flix or their phones. When asked to do a simple job like clean their rooms or take out the trash they balk and talkback.
Others stay up all night playing Call Of Duty or Fort Night. They live in a fantasy world where if they get shot and killed in the game they just start over. That is not the case on the battlefield. Real bullets create real wounds and real fatalities. There are no do overs. In war you don't just get to turn the game off and walk away.
In our soft society everybody gets a trophy. Competition is frowned on because there are no winners and losers they say. Everybody is a winner. Try telling that to the person who gets passed over for a job time and time again and bills mount up while they are unemployed. Try telling that to the persons who work so hard in medical school but can't pass the grades and fail in their dream of becoming a physician. Try telling that to the children who's parents are getting divorced. Try telling that to the victims of fraud. Try telling that to the family who lost a loved one tragically and unexpectedly. They suffer loss.
Lastly, consider those early followers of Jesus. They were not soft. They were hard. Not hard hearted but hard and firm in their resolve. They withstood opposition and persecution. Millions still do today. They have learned their lessons well from saints who have gone on before. Many serve Christ in hard conditions. They are hated. Despised. Rejected. Ridiculed. Yet they serve with a rock hard undeterred faith. They resolutely resist the evil one.
I write in plush climate controlled conditions on a computer. Paul wrote from prison on parchment with a pen and ink. Not a fountain pen mind you. Paul did not softly follow Jesus. He followed hard.
I pray we do not fall victim to a soft society. Just two nights ago our electricity went out about 1:00 a.m. I awoke about thirty minutes later aware the ceiling fan no longer blew cool air on me. I kicked the sheets off and lay there. I did not sleep soundly the rest of the night. The electricity still had not come back before we left the house for our worship gathering. I thought about how spoiled and soft I am thinking I have to have a/c. I wondered what happen if something happened and the electricity went out for everyone and grocery stores were emptied in hours. How would we make it? As I write this in my camp cabin the cold air blows making my accommodations comfortable. I've read about old time camps where people showed up and pitched tents for one or two weeks at a time. Where the worship gatherings were held outdoors under open air or under a tabernacle. Can you imagine that today? How many would show up for that camp meeting?
What will this soft generation of Christians do when the hard times come? Will we quit? Will we easily lose heart? Will we compromise when the persecution arises? May God strengthen with hard resolve for the hard times ahead.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
Only For Jesus
When my alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. my first thought was, "Already?" I Had to get up. Had a busy day. I packed a suitcase the day before and sent it along with Taylor, Tucker and Turner as they left to board a bus bound for Panama City, FL. I had to get up to catch a plane to fly there the next morning.
Groggily I shaved and showered and gathered a few last minute things before heading out the door. I told Brenda I loved her and drove to Weatherford where I met with another guy heading to camp and we drove to Dallas Love Field.
We checked in and navigated the long lines at security. Only for Jesus. Eventually we boarded the plane and nestled in our seats. I took a window seat. After all the customary instructions and waiting in line for take off we flew into the overcast skies headed east. I spent my time reading a Charles Spurgeon biography until my eyelids grew so heavy I fell asleep for the last thirty minutes. We touched down got our rental car, a Volkswagen Bug, and grabbed a quick lunch before getting to camp.
We got our rooms just before the campers arrived. I hustled to the store for some last minute items and then got in a quick workout. After that I prayed and got ready for the evening service.
It has been a long time since God moved in me so deeply during the worship. The little room we met in reverberated with the praises of God. Tears fell as I sang. Emotionally I stepped up to preach but got choked up so we prayed silently for God to speak to us. Then I preached. A hard word and yet preached softly. According to the scriptures I called for repentance. A no nonsense start to Beach Camp. God settled His word on all of our hearts including mine. The students broke into small groups to debrief the message.
Wearied I went back to my room called Brenda and fell immediately asleep after we hung up. Only for Jesus. Only for Jesus would I pack a suitcase and leave the love of my life as I have done so many times over the years. Only for Jesus would I willingly sleep in strange beds and eat camp food. Only for Jesus would I leave the flock entrusted to me. Only for Jesus would I endure the whipping of airports. Only for Jesus. And HE IS WORTH ALL OF IT A THOUSAND TIMES AND MORE. ALL FOR JESUS.
Groggily I shaved and showered and gathered a few last minute things before heading out the door. I told Brenda I loved her and drove to Weatherford where I met with another guy heading to camp and we drove to Dallas Love Field.
We checked in and navigated the long lines at security. Only for Jesus. Eventually we boarded the plane and nestled in our seats. I took a window seat. After all the customary instructions and waiting in line for take off we flew into the overcast skies headed east. I spent my time reading a Charles Spurgeon biography until my eyelids grew so heavy I fell asleep for the last thirty minutes. We touched down got our rental car, a Volkswagen Bug, and grabbed a quick lunch before getting to camp.
We got our rooms just before the campers arrived. I hustled to the store for some last minute items and then got in a quick workout. After that I prayed and got ready for the evening service.
It has been a long time since God moved in me so deeply during the worship. The little room we met in reverberated with the praises of God. Tears fell as I sang. Emotionally I stepped up to preach but got choked up so we prayed silently for God to speak to us. Then I preached. A hard word and yet preached softly. According to the scriptures I called for repentance. A no nonsense start to Beach Camp. God settled His word on all of our hearts including mine. The students broke into small groups to debrief the message.
Wearied I went back to my room called Brenda and fell immediately asleep after we hung up. Only for Jesus. Only for Jesus would I pack a suitcase and leave the love of my life as I have done so many times over the years. Only for Jesus would I willingly sleep in strange beds and eat camp food. Only for Jesus would I leave the flock entrusted to me. Only for Jesus would I endure the whipping of airports. Only for Jesus. And HE IS WORTH ALL OF IT A THOUSAND TIMES AND MORE. ALL FOR JESUS.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Second Guessing
Sometimes I sit at this computer knowing just what to write. I have a topic, message and scripture burning in me and off I go. Other times I start writing with no clear objective and surprised where I end. My imagination and, prayerfully inspiration, take me to places I never imagined.
Today I am thinking about the topic of second guessing. We've all done it. Made decisions we regretted. Passed up on opportunities we wish we could go back and take advantage of now. Acted impulsively on matters we should have mulled over longer. Turned left when we should have turned right. Hurried ahead when we should have waited for God's clear leadership.
We can second guess a lot of things. Wavering back and forth in our mind. Weighing pros and cons. Praying. Wondering what if. Could it be that Satan at times causes us to second guess. He loves to sow confusion in the mind. God is not the author of confusion. A confused person will second guess everything. They become incapable and incompetent to make wise choices. This is just what Satan wants. Satan also uses confusion and second guessing to sow discontent. Discontent people entertain divorce thinking their are better options out there. Discontent people are always looking at the greener grass on the other side. Discontent people are seldom satisfied.
On the other hand, does God cause second guessing under conviction of the Holy Spirit when we disobey intentionally or unintentionally. When reoccurring thoughts come does God plant them there. When certain scriptures seem to point in a different direction than we are going. When we lack inner peace about decisions and directions we are choosing. When we feel convicted convincing us we are headed the wrong way like Jonah.
Even writing this I can second guess where the source of second guessing originates.
And then.............. I go back to the scripture. Today I offer a scripture to help in times of second guessing.
James 1:5-8 (NKJV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
We need God's wisdom in making the best choices. Every good idea is not necessarily a God idea. Let me say that again. Every good idea is not necessarily a God idea. Every opportunity is not ordained of God. So let us ask God for wisdom. Let us learn to wait on His leadership and guidance before we press ahead. Let us ask for wisdom in faith and not doubt. That doubt makes us unstable. Doubt causes second guessing and double mindedness.
God knows all. Therefore, if we seek His wisdom on matters and wait for Him to clearly show us what to do we can avoid the pitfall of second guessing. Then we can precede ahead in full confidence we are where and doing what God intended. We are in the center of His will. That is a path of peace. Choose wisely people.
Today I am thinking about the topic of second guessing. We've all done it. Made decisions we regretted. Passed up on opportunities we wish we could go back and take advantage of now. Acted impulsively on matters we should have mulled over longer. Turned left when we should have turned right. Hurried ahead when we should have waited for God's clear leadership.
We can second guess a lot of things. Wavering back and forth in our mind. Weighing pros and cons. Praying. Wondering what if. Could it be that Satan at times causes us to second guess. He loves to sow confusion in the mind. God is not the author of confusion. A confused person will second guess everything. They become incapable and incompetent to make wise choices. This is just what Satan wants. Satan also uses confusion and second guessing to sow discontent. Discontent people entertain divorce thinking their are better options out there. Discontent people are always looking at the greener grass on the other side. Discontent people are seldom satisfied.
On the other hand, does God cause second guessing under conviction of the Holy Spirit when we disobey intentionally or unintentionally. When reoccurring thoughts come does God plant them there. When certain scriptures seem to point in a different direction than we are going. When we lack inner peace about decisions and directions we are choosing. When we feel convicted convincing us we are headed the wrong way like Jonah.
Even writing this I can second guess where the source of second guessing originates.
And then.............. I go back to the scripture. Today I offer a scripture to help in times of second guessing.
James 1:5-8 (NKJV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
We need God's wisdom in making the best choices. Every good idea is not necessarily a God idea. Let me say that again. Every good idea is not necessarily a God idea. Every opportunity is not ordained of God. So let us ask God for wisdom. Let us learn to wait on His leadership and guidance before we press ahead. Let us ask for wisdom in faith and not doubt. That doubt makes us unstable. Doubt causes second guessing and double mindedness.
God knows all. Therefore, if we seek His wisdom on matters and wait for Him to clearly show us what to do we can avoid the pitfall of second guessing. Then we can precede ahead in full confidence we are where and doing what God intended. We are in the center of His will. That is a path of peace. Choose wisely people.
Friday, June 14, 2019
Sudden Storms And The Savior
The clouds swirled sinisterly around. Once tranquil breezes turned into gale force winds. Black and dark grey mixed overhead blotting out the sun. Soon rain fell turning into hail. Big chunks of ice crashed against the hood of the car. Violently the thunder boomed and lightening flashed all around.
We noticed the thickening clouds as we drove home from teaching the Bible. A mix of ominous looking storm clouds from a distance forming in the very direction we were headed. I commented to Brenda that didn't look good. Then we saw the first flash of lightening. Big. Bright. Followed by a crashing earth shaking clap of thunder. A storm formed and it looked to be pretty nasty.
For a moment I thought we might just miss it as we skirted on the edge of it driving down FM 920. Then it rained. Then it turned into a torrential downpour making visibility difficult even with the windshield wipers swishing back and forth at full strength. Next, the hail fell. So hard I feared it might crack the windshield as we veered left and crept down FM 2210 at a snail's pace. It sounded horrible as the hail danced and bounced off the hood. Damage to the vehicle seemed the least of our concerns at the moment. The rain caused some flash flooding making the drive home even more treacherous.
Suddenly it all stopped. The clouds began to blow past. The rain and hail let up. The sun pulled it head from beneath peaked out from the blanket of clouds. Everything went back to normal except the roads were wet. Seldom have I been through a more intense and fast moving storm. Just as fast as it came it ended. We made it home safely without further incident.
That storm is symbolic of life. Storms suddenly blow through. Some of those storms are nasty and cause severe damage. In the middle of them fear sprouts and blooms, anxiety strangles hope, and confusion clouds our minds.
When I lift my eyes to survey the landscape I see suffering abounding. In our small congregation cancer has reared its foul head. People have fallen injuring themselves. Chronic pain debilitates. Heavy burdens weigh people down. Financial stresses snarl and sink their teeth into the lifeblood of faith like a ravenous vampire. Some families get blindsided on all sides by tragedy and adversity at the same time.
In the middle of those storms it is easy to panic and doubt God. His silence is often misinterpreted for His lack of concern or absence. May the following familiar story bring a little comfort and hope into your stormy day. May He speak into your heart and into your storms today.
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
We noticed the thickening clouds as we drove home from teaching the Bible. A mix of ominous looking storm clouds from a distance forming in the very direction we were headed. I commented to Brenda that didn't look good. Then we saw the first flash of lightening. Big. Bright. Followed by a crashing earth shaking clap of thunder. A storm formed and it looked to be pretty nasty.
For a moment I thought we might just miss it as we skirted on the edge of it driving down FM 920. Then it rained. Then it turned into a torrential downpour making visibility difficult even with the windshield wipers swishing back and forth at full strength. Next, the hail fell. So hard I feared it might crack the windshield as we veered left and crept down FM 2210 at a snail's pace. It sounded horrible as the hail danced and bounced off the hood. Damage to the vehicle seemed the least of our concerns at the moment. The rain caused some flash flooding making the drive home even more treacherous.
Suddenly it all stopped. The clouds began to blow past. The rain and hail let up. The sun pulled it head from beneath peaked out from the blanket of clouds. Everything went back to normal except the roads were wet. Seldom have I been through a more intense and fast moving storm. Just as fast as it came it ended. We made it home safely without further incident.
That storm is symbolic of life. Storms suddenly blow through. Some of those storms are nasty and cause severe damage. In the middle of them fear sprouts and blooms, anxiety strangles hope, and confusion clouds our minds.
When I lift my eyes to survey the landscape I see suffering abounding. In our small congregation cancer has reared its foul head. People have fallen injuring themselves. Chronic pain debilitates. Heavy burdens weigh people down. Financial stresses snarl and sink their teeth into the lifeblood of faith like a ravenous vampire. Some families get blindsided on all sides by tragedy and adversity at the same time.
In the middle of those storms it is easy to panic and doubt God. His silence is often misinterpreted for His lack of concern or absence. May the following familiar story bring a little comfort and hope into your stormy day. May He speak into your heart and into your storms today.
Mark 4:35-41 (NKJV)
35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side."
36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.
37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling.
38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"
Sinking But Not Sunk
I once sailed on calm peaceful seas under fare skies. Life abounded in blessings and ease. Without warning I have been torpedoed taking a broadside hit and my vessel is taking on water. While the pumps work furiously I fear they will not be able to withstand the damage done.
I look back on better days and wonder how I got here. Past days of peace. Foregone days of joy, abidance and fruitfulness. How did the enemy break through my defenses. Where did it all go wrong?Somewhere along the way my compass broke and I wandered into dangerous enemy territory.
A person can spend their whole lives looking back. Such a person cannot go back in time and recapture the glory of former days except in their mind. They cannot recreate the past. Our only legitimate option is to press ahead.
That might mean barely staying afloat slowly sailing into port for necessary repairs and restoration. It might mean limping into God's hospital of mercy and recovery.
There is nothing in the past except some memories. It does no good to take flights of fancy wanting to return to days gone by. It cannot be done. No matter how I think about former days playing football I cannot go back and don the purple and gold of the Lufkin Panthers or the blue and gold of the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets. My body reminds me all the time I am not what I used to be. Those days are gone.
In the present this vessel is damaged and taking on water. It doesn't mean my demise. It just means I have been hit by unseen torpedoes beneath the water that slammed into my hull. it doesn't mean I'm giving up but the reality is my vessel is damaged. Port is in sight though. There I can find safe harbor. If I press ahead I can find all the necessary help to repair the damage. So I press ahead. Slowly.
The past is past. It is behind me. I have to own the mistakes I've made and the consequences for bad choices. I cannot undo any of what lies behind me. The script has been written in permanent ink in the book of my life. While I can learn from the past I can't rewrite it.
O but the future is a different story. Those chapter remain unwritten. The future is filled with possibilities. There are multiple opportunities ahead. Even now I chart the course for future voyages. In the future my vessel will sail to exciting new adventures. I expect I will weather some stormy seas as well as to enjoy calm seas and gentle breezes. I know danger lurks ahead. The enemy schemes to sink my ship. I sail under the banner of protection of a Sovereign Commander in Chief. Jesus is my battleship offering safe passage.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I look back on better days and wonder how I got here. Past days of peace. Foregone days of joy, abidance and fruitfulness. How did the enemy break through my defenses. Where did it all go wrong?Somewhere along the way my compass broke and I wandered into dangerous enemy territory.
A person can spend their whole lives looking back. Such a person cannot go back in time and recapture the glory of former days except in their mind. They cannot recreate the past. Our only legitimate option is to press ahead.
That might mean barely staying afloat slowly sailing into port for necessary repairs and restoration. It might mean limping into God's hospital of mercy and recovery.
There is nothing in the past except some memories. It does no good to take flights of fancy wanting to return to days gone by. It cannot be done. No matter how I think about former days playing football I cannot go back and don the purple and gold of the Lufkin Panthers or the blue and gold of the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets. My body reminds me all the time I am not what I used to be. Those days are gone.
In the present this vessel is damaged and taking on water. It doesn't mean my demise. It just means I have been hit by unseen torpedoes beneath the water that slammed into my hull. it doesn't mean I'm giving up but the reality is my vessel is damaged. Port is in sight though. There I can find safe harbor. If I press ahead I can find all the necessary help to repair the damage. So I press ahead. Slowly.
The past is past. It is behind me. I have to own the mistakes I've made and the consequences for bad choices. I cannot undo any of what lies behind me. The script has been written in permanent ink in the book of my life. While I can learn from the past I can't rewrite it.
O but the future is a different story. Those chapter remain unwritten. The future is filled with possibilities. There are multiple opportunities ahead. Even now I chart the course for future voyages. In the future my vessel will sail to exciting new adventures. I expect I will weather some stormy seas as well as to enjoy calm seas and gentle breezes. I know danger lurks ahead. The enemy schemes to sink my ship. I sail under the banner of protection of a Sovereign Commander in Chief. Jesus is my battleship offering safe passage.
Philippians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Lukewarm Living
O Jesus how sickened You are by this church age,
Laodicean like from Revelation written on page,
A wealthy people content without the least lack,
Except lukewarm living required a turning back,
Lukewarm living makes You vomit in repulsion,
Sickened by the pretense leading to expulsion,
As Your Spirit is quenched, grieved neglected,
Not what You want or could've ever expected,
Let zeal burn for You and Your house consume,
And revival fire fall to no longer let us presume,
Until we are wholly pleasing in Your holy sight,
As Your word convicts bringing truth to light,
How we have sickened You in our gatherings,
Unaware You vomit in our grandest fathomings,
We plan, scheme, and labor in endless events,
Lukewarm in nature filled with much pretense,
We live tepidly for You when You desire zeal,
And fervent prayer for this sin sick land to heal,
We're satisfied with our mediocre efforts content,
But You call Your Laodicean followers to repent,
So here we are broken lukewarm living exposed,
Our prayers of repentance continually composed,
Until our spirits burn white hot and start to boil,
And You're well pleased with all our many toils.
Laodicean like from Revelation written on page,
A wealthy people content without the least lack,
Except lukewarm living required a turning back,
Lukewarm living makes You vomit in repulsion,
Sickened by the pretense leading to expulsion,
As Your Spirit is quenched, grieved neglected,
Not what You want or could've ever expected,
Let zeal burn for You and Your house consume,
And revival fire fall to no longer let us presume,
Until we are wholly pleasing in Your holy sight,
As Your word convicts bringing truth to light,
How we have sickened You in our gatherings,
Unaware You vomit in our grandest fathomings,
We plan, scheme, and labor in endless events,
Lukewarm in nature filled with much pretense,
We live tepidly for You when You desire zeal,
And fervent prayer for this sin sick land to heal,
We're satisfied with our mediocre efforts content,
But You call Your Laodicean followers to repent,
So here we are broken lukewarm living exposed,
Our prayers of repentance continually composed,
Until our spirits burn white hot and start to boil,
And You're well pleased with all our many toils.
Nauseated
You know that feeling you get when you feel nauseated. When your stomach churns rumbles and whatever contents you previously digested revolt inside before erupting like a volcano. Many years ago I got some kind of virus or food poisoning right before a ministry trip. I had to pull over on the side of the road seven times to vomit. Not very dignified when you doubled over puking your guts up for onlookers to observe. I felt chilled to my bones, weak, and dehydrated. When I arrived at my ministry destination I spent the first several hours sick in bed.
Now read these next words carefully.
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "
Jesus called out the Laodiceans harder than any of the other six churches mentioned in Revelation. Most theologians agree we live in the Laodicean church age. Apathy abounds. The chill of coldness in the hearts of church members freezes out the fire of God. People are ho hum in their zeal. Tepid. Lukewarm. Half hearted.
Jesus even says He would prefer we be cold, chilly, or hot, boiling, than we live lukewarm in our hearts for Him. Yet lukewarmers are lulled to sleep with lukewarm worship and lukewarm sermons all around. If they show up once in awhile, if they throw a little cash in the offering plate from time to time, if they do anything remotely related to serving they are content. They convince themselves they have done a good job and fulfilled their Jesus obligations.
Verse 16 is tough. Such lukewarm people make Jesus want to vomit. When I look back over the years at all the churches I've served and all the people I met and all our gatherings I wonder how much of it made Jesus nauseated. I wonder how much of our religious pretense made Him vomit as He revulsed over our mediocre and meandering worship. How many times has he rejected my preaching and teaching because I did so with a tepid heart not on fire for Him.
When Jesus looks at us do we make Him sick because we are lukewarm? Half in the world and half in following Him. It is not that we do not understand commitment. Just look how committed American families are to their children's sports endeavors. They will rearrange schedules, spend endless amounts of money, sit in cold, heat, rain all for the love of sports. Jesus does not get near that devotion.
How many songs have been sung in worship that sickened Jesus to the point of throwing up? How many Bible studies so nauseated Jesus He vomited in response to them? How many sermons so sickened Jesus He could not keep them down before upchucking dead lifeless dry apathetic religious talks?
People work hard to keep up the sham. They focus on the exterior things like showing up, dressing up, making up and talking up their walk with Jesus. Jesus looks past the exterior stuff. He goes to the interior and what He finds among many repulses Him to the point of vomiting.
Jesus expects devoted followers. This was true in the Old Testament.
1 Kings 18:21 (NKJV)
21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word.
Now read these next words carefully.
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' "
Jesus called out the Laodiceans harder than any of the other six churches mentioned in Revelation. Most theologians agree we live in the Laodicean church age. Apathy abounds. The chill of coldness in the hearts of church members freezes out the fire of God. People are ho hum in their zeal. Tepid. Lukewarm. Half hearted.
Jesus even says He would prefer we be cold, chilly, or hot, boiling, than we live lukewarm in our hearts for Him. Yet lukewarmers are lulled to sleep with lukewarm worship and lukewarm sermons all around. If they show up once in awhile, if they throw a little cash in the offering plate from time to time, if they do anything remotely related to serving they are content. They convince themselves they have done a good job and fulfilled their Jesus obligations.
Verse 16 is tough. Such lukewarm people make Jesus want to vomit. When I look back over the years at all the churches I've served and all the people I met and all our gatherings I wonder how much of it made Jesus nauseated. I wonder how much of our religious pretense made Him vomit as He revulsed over our mediocre and meandering worship. How many times has he rejected my preaching and teaching because I did so with a tepid heart not on fire for Him.
When Jesus looks at us do we make Him sick because we are lukewarm? Half in the world and half in following Him. It is not that we do not understand commitment. Just look how committed American families are to their children's sports endeavors. They will rearrange schedules, spend endless amounts of money, sit in cold, heat, rain all for the love of sports. Jesus does not get near that devotion.
How many songs have been sung in worship that sickened Jesus to the point of throwing up? How many Bible studies so nauseated Jesus He vomited in response to them? How many sermons so sickened Jesus He could not keep them down before upchucking dead lifeless dry apathetic religious talks?
People work hard to keep up the sham. They focus on the exterior things like showing up, dressing up, making up and talking up their walk with Jesus. Jesus looks past the exterior stuff. He goes to the interior and what He finds among many repulses Him to the point of vomiting.
Jesus expects devoted followers. This was true in the Old Testament.
1 Kings 18:21 (NKJV)
21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word.
It was true in the New Testament.
Luke 9:23 (NKJV)
23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Philippians 3:7-8 (NKJV)
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
We have not even scratched the surface of what Jesus expects of His followers. Sadly what He sees today sickens Him. Think about it. All the effort, planning, and money spent on religious events that do not please Him in the least run by lukewarm people and attended by lukewarm people. He vomits repulsed by the lack of zeal.
What about you? How would you classify your relationship with Jesus at this point? Are you chilled? Are you boiling in zeal? Are you lukewarm?
Be zealous and repent. Be earnest and turn from your sinful offensive ways. Do not fool yourself into thinking you are pleasing Him with half hearted commitment. Wake up to reality and let this Laodicean truth sink in. Do not waste your days and all your lukewarm living nauseate Jesus instead of pleasing Him. We may fool others but Jesus knows the truth. We will all give account of our walks and works one day before Him.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NKJV)
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.
14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
May Jesus produce zeal in our hearts as He revives us. May He ignite boiling hot passion for Him and His kingdom that boils over impacting those around us. May we NEVER EVER be content with lukewarm living that nauseates our Lord.
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Free Speech?
Constitution of United States of America 1789 (rev. 1992)
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
This is supposed to be a guaranteed right guarded by the Constitution in the United States. Our freedom of speech is being taken away more and more everyday. I am not on social media. You cannot find me on facebook, twitter, instagram or snapchat. I have no intentions of entering these platforms. I did some time on facebook. Convinced myself I was doing good by using that platform to do exactly what I'm doing here. I wrote and posted blogs. Ministry articles. Then one day I felt I was wasting my time and faded away.
Now those very social media outlets are putting tighter muzzles on what you can and cannot say. If you do not believe me then write something negative about homosexuality, Islam and Jihad, abortion and or transgenders continuously. Do it from a Bible perspective. Eventually you will be warned and removed. Others have been. They say you would be promoting hate. With that one phrase we are losing our first amendment rights.
How long before we are fined for speaking out against sin because we promoting hate. My family went to a movie this past Saturday. Tucker and Turner entered the theater before we did. They told me they were showing a gay pride commercial. Tucker booed out loud. Praise God. How long before the theater management might receive a complaint against such actions and he be removed and banned from further admissions.
For now preachers still have freedom of speech to preach the word of God in most parts of the United States if they have guts and courage to do so. This is has not been and is not the case in many countries. There were times in the past when this was not the case. Investigate the lives of John Bunyan, Martin Luther, William Tyndall and others. There were times when preaching the Bible was considered a high crime punishable by death. Many died for their freedom of speech.
There are multiple countries where there is no freedom of speech. You have to speak politically correct or be arrested. Places like Iran, India, England, North Korea, China and a host of others. Opposition voices are quickly silenced. They are harassed and arrested. In some places they are still killed. Silencing free speech seems like a major objective for many governments in many nations.
The apostles faced this same threat as the fledgling new church sprouted. They were warned and threatened not to teach or preach in Jesus name which, of course they ignored.
Acts 4:18-31 (NASB)
18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;
20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;
22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM,
25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
26 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'
27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,
30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
This is supposed to be a guaranteed right guarded by the Constitution in the United States. Our freedom of speech is being taken away more and more everyday. I am not on social media. You cannot find me on facebook, twitter, instagram or snapchat. I have no intentions of entering these platforms. I did some time on facebook. Convinced myself I was doing good by using that platform to do exactly what I'm doing here. I wrote and posted blogs. Ministry articles. Then one day I felt I was wasting my time and faded away.
Now those very social media outlets are putting tighter muzzles on what you can and cannot say. If you do not believe me then write something negative about homosexuality, Islam and Jihad, abortion and or transgenders continuously. Do it from a Bible perspective. Eventually you will be warned and removed. Others have been. They say you would be promoting hate. With that one phrase we are losing our first amendment rights.
How long before we are fined for speaking out against sin because we promoting hate. My family went to a movie this past Saturday. Tucker and Turner entered the theater before we did. They told me they were showing a gay pride commercial. Tucker booed out loud. Praise God. How long before the theater management might receive a complaint against such actions and he be removed and banned from further admissions.
For now preachers still have freedom of speech to preach the word of God in most parts of the United States if they have guts and courage to do so. This is has not been and is not the case in many countries. There were times in the past when this was not the case. Investigate the lives of John Bunyan, Martin Luther, William Tyndall and others. There were times when preaching the Bible was considered a high crime punishable by death. Many died for their freedom of speech.
There are multiple countries where there is no freedom of speech. You have to speak politically correct or be arrested. Places like Iran, India, England, North Korea, China and a host of others. Opposition voices are quickly silenced. They are harassed and arrested. In some places they are still killed. Silencing free speech seems like a major objective for many governments in many nations.
The apostles faced this same threat as the fledgling new church sprouted. They were warned and threatened not to teach or preach in Jesus name which, of course they ignored.
Acts 4:18-31 (NASB)
18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;
20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;
22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM,
25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
26 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'
27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,
30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:18-31 (NASB)
18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;
20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard."
21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened;
22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, "O Lord, it is You who MADE THE HEAVEN AND THE EARTH AND THE SEA, AND ALL THAT IS IN THEM,
25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS?
26 'THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.'
27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.
29 "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence,
30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus."
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
What will we do as they try to take away our free speech? Will be cower and comply with their commands? Will we resolutely refuse to compromise? We had better count the cost. I am sure a cost is coming. Not just getting banned off social media. That is not suffering. The government has many other ways of intruding into our private lives and taking away our freedoms. What will we do?
Speak truth! Write truth! Preach truth! Share truth!
So let me state it where there is no misunderstanding.
1. Abortion is murder. The woman's right to choose is to remain chaste outside marriage. [Ps 139:13-16] [Jer 1:5] [Eph 2:10] [I Thess 4:3-4]
2. Homosexuality is sin. [I Cor 6:9]
3. God ordains Biblical marriage and is one man married to one wife. [Gen 2:21-24]
4. God ordains the gender of a person at birth. [Gen 1:26-27]
5. There is only one God. His name is Yahweh, Jehovah and His Son Jesus. [Gen 1:1] [Ex 20:1-3]
6. There is absolutely no other way to salvation except through Jesus. [Jn 14:6] [Acts 2:28-39]
If you find those things offensive you have the constitutional right to be offended by my free speech. Get over it. I get over being offended by other people's free speech and hate speech against Christianity everyday.
Cloudy Skies
From my private little breakfast nook I see puddles on the ground from this morning's passing showers. We've had our fare share of showers in recent weeks. Not that I am complaining. My time in west Texas taught me never to take rain for granted.
Overhead the clouds are still overcast with peaks of blue letting the sunshine peak through. Overcast clouds would define my life right now if it were a weather forecast. There are peaks of sunshine and I know the clouds will break soon bringing bright blue skies. But now they are overcast.
While the sun is still there sometimes it gets hidden from view. Though the Son is still there sometimes I lose sight of Him behind the clouds of circumstances. He promised He would always be there. I see glimpses of His handiwork. From time to time I hear from Him. Still the clouds are overcast.
Cloudy skies cover Heritage Baptist Church. Stormy seasons pound the flock. The winds howl against the sheep. Lightening strikes land all around. Stress and fears abound.
I gather the sheep close and offer them the shelter of God's love and promise.
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
Overhead the clouds are still overcast with peaks of blue letting the sunshine peak through. Overcast clouds would define my life right now if it were a weather forecast. There are peaks of sunshine and I know the clouds will break soon bringing bright blue skies. But now they are overcast.
While the sun is still there sometimes it gets hidden from view. Though the Son is still there sometimes I lose sight of Him behind the clouds of circumstances. He promised He would always be there. I see glimpses of His handiwork. From time to time I hear from Him. Still the clouds are overcast.
Cloudy skies cover Heritage Baptist Church. Stormy seasons pound the flock. The winds howl against the sheep. Lightening strikes land all around. Stress and fears abound.
I gather the sheep close and offer them the shelter of God's love and promise.
Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)
10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
Are You Still There?
The child got scared in the stormy black night,
Frightened by darkness engulfing all the light,
Shadows and images appeared on the walls,
Strange sounds seemed to come from the hall,
The thunder boomed and the lightening cracked,
Covers pull overhead it courage the child lacked,
The child cried out loudly, "Father are you there?"
The father came offering his tender loving care,
The father held the child's tiny trembling hand,
He sang words of comfort better than any band,
The child drifted back to sleep in perfect peace,
His father's presence made all the fears to cease,
The child now grown awoke with a sudden stark,
Troubled and overwhelmed with an anxious heart,
Fears clawed his mind and he cried out in the night,
Anxiety choked his faith and blinded hopeful sight,
"Father, are you there?" the grown child cried out,
"Faith is being conquered by my pressing doubts,
O my Father I can't see but are You still out there."
With love the Father comforted the man with care,
"I will always be here, I''ll never leave or forsake you,
In both good and bad I will always be faithful and true,
In stormy seasons when you can't find me anywhere,
Don't fret, don't worry I promise I'll always be there."
Frightened by darkness engulfing all the light,
Shadows and images appeared on the walls,
Strange sounds seemed to come from the hall,
The thunder boomed and the lightening cracked,
Covers pull overhead it courage the child lacked,
The child cried out loudly, "Father are you there?"
The father came offering his tender loving care,
The father held the child's tiny trembling hand,
He sang words of comfort better than any band,
The child drifted back to sleep in perfect peace,
His father's presence made all the fears to cease,
The child now grown awoke with a sudden stark,
Troubled and overwhelmed with an anxious heart,
Fears clawed his mind and he cried out in the night,
Anxiety choked his faith and blinded hopeful sight,
"Father, are you there?" the grown child cried out,
"Faith is being conquered by my pressing doubts,
O my Father I can't see but are You still out there."
With love the Father comforted the man with care,
"I will always be here, I''ll never leave or forsake you,
In both good and bad I will always be faithful and true,
In stormy seasons when you can't find me anywhere,
Don't fret, don't worry I promise I'll always be there."
An Ear, A Shoulder And A Prayer
She unburdened her heart. So much pain on so many fronts. I could just listen. I had no words of wisdom or comforting cliches to offer. Just a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. She lay her head on my shoulder for awhile. A little time passed before I heard the sniffles. I softy asked, "Are you crying?" She replied in a broken voice weakly, "Yes."
I hugged her a little harder in the only ministry of comfort I knew to give at the time. Then I prayed for her. In the big of scene of things a hug and simple prayer may not mean that much. It is the best I had to offer at that moment. In addition to a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, a simple prayer can be used of God produce a comfort of supernatural proportions. Many people do not have any of that.
They grope through the darkness of their life like a person stumbling in a pitch black forrest stumbling over stumps and tripping over hidden vines. The scrapes and bruises take their toll. Maybe the worst part is groping through the darkness of distress alone. There is no one to listen. No shoulder to cry on. Nobody to pray.
There is no way I can express her shattered heart or mine after hearing her unload her cares. A tale of such sorrow it made my heart hurt as deeply as hers. I saw no easy fixes. People have been hurt. Sinful actions have destroyed lives.
Sinful actions don't just affect the offender. Sinful actions hurt many people. In the wake of sin you can see scattered debris from shattered lives left behind. It is painful to watch. It is difficult to help such people pick up the pieces again. Society is filled with such people. Sadly, so are churches.
Each time we gather for worship and study broken people sit in those seats barely clinging to faith and hope. They too need a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. They could use a prayer for comfort and strength. They could use Jesus with some skin on.
Now, before you form the wrong opinion that woman I wrote about in the beginning is my wife. She has seen so many people she loves suffer in recent days. So many marriages falling apart. So many wounded friends. So much pain. Pain like a filet knife cutting away layers of insulation and comforts scraping against the nerve endings. Indescribable grief. Unconsolable sorrow. Gut wrenching nausea. A dreadful nightmare that is no dream at all but, the harsh new reality.
In such moments real ministry may be as simple as a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and a simple prayer.
I hugged her a little harder in the only ministry of comfort I knew to give at the time. Then I prayed for her. In the big of scene of things a hug and simple prayer may not mean that much. It is the best I had to offer at that moment. In addition to a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, a simple prayer can be used of God produce a comfort of supernatural proportions. Many people do not have any of that.
They grope through the darkness of their life like a person stumbling in a pitch black forrest stumbling over stumps and tripping over hidden vines. The scrapes and bruises take their toll. Maybe the worst part is groping through the darkness of distress alone. There is no one to listen. No shoulder to cry on. Nobody to pray.
There is no way I can express her shattered heart or mine after hearing her unload her cares. A tale of such sorrow it made my heart hurt as deeply as hers. I saw no easy fixes. People have been hurt. Sinful actions have destroyed lives.
Sinful actions don't just affect the offender. Sinful actions hurt many people. In the wake of sin you can see scattered debris from shattered lives left behind. It is painful to watch. It is difficult to help such people pick up the pieces again. Society is filled with such people. Sadly, so are churches.
Each time we gather for worship and study broken people sit in those seats barely clinging to faith and hope. They too need a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. They could use a prayer for comfort and strength. They could use Jesus with some skin on.
Now, before you form the wrong opinion that woman I wrote about in the beginning is my wife. She has seen so many people she loves suffer in recent days. So many marriages falling apart. So many wounded friends. So much pain. Pain like a filet knife cutting away layers of insulation and comforts scraping against the nerve endings. Indescribable grief. Unconsolable sorrow. Gut wrenching nausea. A dreadful nightmare that is no dream at all but, the harsh new reality.
In such moments real ministry may be as simple as a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and a simple prayer.
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
The Day Of Trouble
Psalm 50:15 (NASB)
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."
The day of trouble abounds. There are so many suffering. Their faces flash across my mind. I agonize for them as I pray. Their pain has become my pain. Their sorrows my sorrows. The day of trouble abounds.
The word trouble in this verse means affliction, anguish and distress. What troubles you today? Maybe like me you can't sleep because you are troubled troubled by other people's troubles. Maybe you have your own troubles. The anguish is real. The distress is discouraging. Another meaning for the word trouble is tp be in a straight. To put that another way is to be in a tight spot. So tight you cannot see your way out.
Some troubles are easy to fix. When a child falls down and scrapes their knee it's easily fixed with bandaid. When that same child grows older bandaids seldom fix their troubles. I think of combat veterans facing PTSD. They cannot cope with all they experienced in war. Their minds are tormented night and day. They cannot find peace. Alcohol is used to dull the pain while helpless family members can only love and pray. A bandaid will not fix that. I think of those coping with the reality of divorce. Their day of trouble blindsided them. They never saw it coming. It has afflicted their heart as painful as multiple stab wounds from a knife. They ache willing themselves to get trough the days. The life has been sucked right out of them. While on one hand, they ache on the other hand, they are numb. They weep until they have no more tears to cry. The anguish is worse than death because their really is no closure. Some live under such intense financial pressure to make ends meet it feels the weight will crush them. No matter how hard they work the financial setbacks keep coming like strong straight line winds. Medical expenses. Endless bills. Unexpected expenses. The constant barrage of family members who need help. These setbacks cause a deeper hole that cannot be climbed. Some face disease. Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimers. A once healthy body now afflicted ushers in new days of trouble.
It is easy to focus on the day of trouble. That is not what God calls us to do. We are exhorted to call on Him. The word call means cry out and to scream. When you have prayed every prayer you know to pray and things do not get better you cry out and scream for God's help like a needy child. That is what the day of trouble does. It reduces a person to a needy child.
I know there are some days of trouble no matter how hard your try you simply cannot fix. You need help. More importantly you need God's help. You need His miraculous intervention. You need His comfort and strength. You need His strong hand to reach down and pull you up and out. In those moments you can no longer pray eloquent prayers pleasant to the ears. You scream. All the raw pain bubbles to the surface and comes out in anguished ear piercing screams for God's help.
This is not a pretty sight. Desperate people pray desperate prayer in desperate ways. The tears are real. The sobs are heavy. The pain at times unconsolable.
This happened to me at a youth camp many years ago. We were facing our own day of trouble. Even though assigned to preach to students that week the pain lay just beneath the surface. I fought to keep it back. One night in worship and after the message I could not contain it any longer. I lay on my face and cried out to God. I mean that in the most literal sense. I cried my eyes out. I sobbed so much snot began pouring from my nose. All I could do was wipe my nose on the carpet as a fresh wave of tears overwhelmed me. Those tears were my prayer. I could not form words other than, "Please help me." People avoided me. Not one person came to pray with me that night. When I finally cried all the pain out I got up. A puddle of tears soaked the carpet and a puddle of snot the evidence of my encounter with God. The wife of a friend saw it and told me it was beautiful because I encountered God there.
I know some of you are at that point. The pain so real, the troubles so titanic, and the distress so disturbing you cry out, scream and call out for God's help. This might make others uncomfortable. Yet, for those who have battled their own day of trouble and been moved to cry out in desperation, they will empathize. They know and understand what you are experiencing. They pray with you and for you.
Now, what does God do in response to such desperate praying? He rescues. He delivers. He helps. Does He always rescue? Just this past week a police officer died working an extra shift to provide for his family. Prayers for his protection did not rescue him in the day of trouble. This week another got bad news from a biopsy. Another spouse walked out on the marriage. Calling out to God for help did not change the diagnosis or deny the divorce. A single parent stressed by financial straights got more bad news from another unforeseen expense as they fall further behind in a ditch they cannot get free from.
I hope you will pay close attention as we try to answer that question and bring this to a close. Does God always rescue? I say emphatically GOD ALWAYS RESCUES HIS CHILDREN. It may not always be in this lifetime. Eternity in heaven is another way God rescues. One thing I have learned over the years is that some of God's best servants did not escape the day of trouble. Joseph didn't. Moses didn't. Elijah didn't. David didn't. Neither did Naomi, Esther, Jeremiah, Job, Daniel, Peter or Paul. They all faced afflictions, anguish and distress. Their stories and writings have fueled the faith of Jesus followers for centuries.
Some people love Jesus so much they willingly suffer joyfully to honor and glorify His name. They treasure Jesus more than trouble free lives. They press through the pain. They weep through the nights of weeping. They endure the endless days of troubles all for the glory of God. All so that they can boast in Him. Brag on Him. To show His glory to those watching both up close and from a distance.
Brenda and I have endured more than one day of financial trouble. Most of our trials over 28 years of marriage have been financial. Neither of us like it. We wish for carefree days of abundance. We now live in troubled days of lack at times. But.... God rescues us. I have spent the past near three decades bragging on God for the miraculous way He provides for my family. Some of the stories are so far fetched people have questioned whether they really happened. Like a $5,000 check showing up in my mailbox from a doctor I'd never met. Like groceries given to my family from a complete stranger after they read my book Behold The Faithfulness Of God. Like thousands of dollars given to us over the yers at just the right time to make needed car repairs. Like the friends who came to visit from a former church who brought a $7,000 check at just the time I needed tires on one of our vehicles. Like the times when we needed down payment money to purchase a house and God sent it in answer to prayer from people in ways that astounded us. Like the precious saint who sends us a monthly gift so we can make our house payment now. Like the doctor who has not charged us for treatment on multiple occasions. Like the multiple vehicles given to us over the years. Like the provision given to hold the Kermit Shake The City Revival meetings. All for the glory of God. I get to brag on Him. We get to testify about His faithfulness. None of that would have been possible if we did not have some days of trouble.
Over the years I have preached from personal experiences about days of trouble and how God helps. I have written more articles like this all to encourage people to keep trusting God. I would have no authentic voice to do so if we had not survived many days of trouble ourselves. All these years later I can still say I trust God in the days of trouble. Sometimes you would not want to be present for our prayer meetings. They are filled with raw emotions but in the end God rescues us. For that I glorify His name.
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."
The day of trouble abounds. There are so many suffering. Their faces flash across my mind. I agonize for them as I pray. Their pain has become my pain. Their sorrows my sorrows. The day of trouble abounds.
The word trouble in this verse means affliction, anguish and distress. What troubles you today? Maybe like me you can't sleep because you are troubled troubled by other people's troubles. Maybe you have your own troubles. The anguish is real. The distress is discouraging. Another meaning for the word trouble is tp be in a straight. To put that another way is to be in a tight spot. So tight you cannot see your way out.
Some troubles are easy to fix. When a child falls down and scrapes their knee it's easily fixed with bandaid. When that same child grows older bandaids seldom fix their troubles. I think of combat veterans facing PTSD. They cannot cope with all they experienced in war. Their minds are tormented night and day. They cannot find peace. Alcohol is used to dull the pain while helpless family members can only love and pray. A bandaid will not fix that. I think of those coping with the reality of divorce. Their day of trouble blindsided them. They never saw it coming. It has afflicted their heart as painful as multiple stab wounds from a knife. They ache willing themselves to get trough the days. The life has been sucked right out of them. While on one hand, they ache on the other hand, they are numb. They weep until they have no more tears to cry. The anguish is worse than death because their really is no closure. Some live under such intense financial pressure to make ends meet it feels the weight will crush them. No matter how hard they work the financial setbacks keep coming like strong straight line winds. Medical expenses. Endless bills. Unexpected expenses. The constant barrage of family members who need help. These setbacks cause a deeper hole that cannot be climbed. Some face disease. Cancer. Diabetes. Alzheimers. A once healthy body now afflicted ushers in new days of trouble.
It is easy to focus on the day of trouble. That is not what God calls us to do. We are exhorted to call on Him. The word call means cry out and to scream. When you have prayed every prayer you know to pray and things do not get better you cry out and scream for God's help like a needy child. That is what the day of trouble does. It reduces a person to a needy child.
I know there are some days of trouble no matter how hard your try you simply cannot fix. You need help. More importantly you need God's help. You need His miraculous intervention. You need His comfort and strength. You need His strong hand to reach down and pull you up and out. In those moments you can no longer pray eloquent prayers pleasant to the ears. You scream. All the raw pain bubbles to the surface and comes out in anguished ear piercing screams for God's help.
This is not a pretty sight. Desperate people pray desperate prayer in desperate ways. The tears are real. The sobs are heavy. The pain at times unconsolable.
This happened to me at a youth camp many years ago. We were facing our own day of trouble. Even though assigned to preach to students that week the pain lay just beneath the surface. I fought to keep it back. One night in worship and after the message I could not contain it any longer. I lay on my face and cried out to God. I mean that in the most literal sense. I cried my eyes out. I sobbed so much snot began pouring from my nose. All I could do was wipe my nose on the carpet as a fresh wave of tears overwhelmed me. Those tears were my prayer. I could not form words other than, "Please help me." People avoided me. Not one person came to pray with me that night. When I finally cried all the pain out I got up. A puddle of tears soaked the carpet and a puddle of snot the evidence of my encounter with God. The wife of a friend saw it and told me it was beautiful because I encountered God there.
I know some of you are at that point. The pain so real, the troubles so titanic, and the distress so disturbing you cry out, scream and call out for God's help. This might make others uncomfortable. Yet, for those who have battled their own day of trouble and been moved to cry out in desperation, they will empathize. They know and understand what you are experiencing. They pray with you and for you.
Now, what does God do in response to such desperate praying? He rescues. He delivers. He helps. Does He always rescue? Just this past week a police officer died working an extra shift to provide for his family. Prayers for his protection did not rescue him in the day of trouble. This week another got bad news from a biopsy. Another spouse walked out on the marriage. Calling out to God for help did not change the diagnosis or deny the divorce. A single parent stressed by financial straights got more bad news from another unforeseen expense as they fall further behind in a ditch they cannot get free from.
I hope you will pay close attention as we try to answer that question and bring this to a close. Does God always rescue? I say emphatically GOD ALWAYS RESCUES HIS CHILDREN. It may not always be in this lifetime. Eternity in heaven is another way God rescues. One thing I have learned over the years is that some of God's best servants did not escape the day of trouble. Joseph didn't. Moses didn't. Elijah didn't. David didn't. Neither did Naomi, Esther, Jeremiah, Job, Daniel, Peter or Paul. They all faced afflictions, anguish and distress. Their stories and writings have fueled the faith of Jesus followers for centuries.
Some people love Jesus so much they willingly suffer joyfully to honor and glorify His name. They treasure Jesus more than trouble free lives. They press through the pain. They weep through the nights of weeping. They endure the endless days of troubles all for the glory of God. All so that they can boast in Him. Brag on Him. To show His glory to those watching both up close and from a distance.
Brenda and I have endured more than one day of financial trouble. Most of our trials over 28 years of marriage have been financial. Neither of us like it. We wish for carefree days of abundance. We now live in troubled days of lack at times. But.... God rescues us. I have spent the past near three decades bragging on God for the miraculous way He provides for my family. Some of the stories are so far fetched people have questioned whether they really happened. Like a $5,000 check showing up in my mailbox from a doctor I'd never met. Like groceries given to my family from a complete stranger after they read my book Behold The Faithfulness Of God. Like thousands of dollars given to us over the yers at just the right time to make needed car repairs. Like the friends who came to visit from a former church who brought a $7,000 check at just the time I needed tires on one of our vehicles. Like the times when we needed down payment money to purchase a house and God sent it in answer to prayer from people in ways that astounded us. Like the precious saint who sends us a monthly gift so we can make our house payment now. Like the doctor who has not charged us for treatment on multiple occasions. Like the multiple vehicles given to us over the years. Like the provision given to hold the Kermit Shake The City Revival meetings. All for the glory of God. I get to brag on Him. We get to testify about His faithfulness. None of that would have been possible if we did not have some days of trouble.
Over the years I have preached from personal experiences about days of trouble and how God helps. I have written more articles like this all to encourage people to keep trusting God. I would have no authentic voice to do so if we had not survived many days of trouble ourselves. All these years later I can still say I trust God in the days of trouble. Sometimes you would not want to be present for our prayer meetings. They are filled with raw emotions but in the end God rescues us. For that I glorify His name.
Monday, June 10, 2019
The Mountain Climb
I got up early and looked out my window. Staring at me was the mountain. Big. Intimidating. High. Massive. Intruding. Dominating the landscape. There was no avoiding it. It stood in my way before I even attacked the day. That mountain could not be ignored. Neither could it be avoided. I would have to deal with the mountain one way or another.
I walked outside after dressing, slipping on a pack and squared my shoulders. I set my gaze on the mountain. I looked up at the peak in the far away distance. Then I heard the faintest whisper of God beckoning me upward. I prayed for the resolve to traverse to the top and over on the other side. After some praying I began my initial ascent.
Initially the climb didn't offer much challenge. The paths worn smooth by other climbers worked upward in switchback patterns. Still each step elevated a little higher than the last one. Before long the heart pumped harder and breaths shortened and were heavier. By this time I had only made my way up a fraction to the top.
In a slow methodic pace I continued the climb. I noticed several other climbers. We exchanged pleasantries but all continued at their own pace. Some stragglers sat along the way. They sought to distract me. They discouraged me from attempting to climb higher saying the way was too steep and too difficult to continue. I listened to their impassioned pleas for me to turn back and yet I felt God beckoned me to continue the climb. Onward I went.
The higher I went the less trampled the path became. It seemed fewer people went past the initial ascent before turning back. Every so often I saw signs that others had passed this way before me. Some even left notes of encouragement to inspired people like me to continue the climb. "You can do it." "Look how far you have already come." "You're making great progress." "Stay the course." This proved a far different message than the distractors below.
I continued the climb. The way grew steeper. The burning in my legs screamed for me to stop. My back begged me to sit down and take a break. My feet burned like they were on fire. My lungs screamed for more air. The voice of God called me upward.
The higher I went the fewer signs I noticed that others had been there before. Soon the way became so steep I could no longer see the summit. The summit was obscured by the mountain itself. Now I had to actually climb. Over rocks. Up boulders. Across narrow passes. I was too high to get down easily. I was too low to even be close to the summit.
Each step become labor. Each grip of my hands felt raw and shaky. I had to take momentary breaks to recover my wind and strength to keep going. Faintly through the trees I could hear the still small voice of God calling me higher. Higher than I felt comfortable, safe or secure. Higher away from others.
My mind played tricks on me. All I could think of was turning back. It seemed impossible to go any higher especially alone. Then I heard a voice. At first I thought it was just in my imagination. I heard the voice again and just ahead I saw a man. He looked rugged. He had a head full of hair and full unkempt beard. He looked like he belonged on the mountain. I made my way to him and set down for a spell. He looked determined. Hard. Strong. Yet kind. He had kind eyes and I felt I could trust him.
He offered me some food and drink. He wanted to know my story. Why had I ventured up so high on the mountain he queried. I knew my answer would sound silly to such a rugged experienced mountain man. Sheepishly I said, "I heard God calling me up." The man bent over slapping his knee in laughter shouting, "Me too! Me too! It happened years ago and I have been on this mountain since then."
I asked, "You mean you have never come down this mountain since you started your expedition up it many years ago." He smiled and nodded affirmatively. "What's at the top? Have you been to the summit?" Again he smiled. He did not answer whether he made it to the top but he did say, "You will have to find out what's up there for yourself."
We passed away the time swapping stories and he invited me into his tent for the night. He offered me a warm blanket and a soft pack for a pillow. He lifted up a prayer for the both of us before drifting off to sleep. At first my mind got bombarded with questions. Who was this guy? Could I truly trust Him? How far had he climbed? What did he discover? Why had he never leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeft....zzzzzzzzzzzzz. I slept soundly and peacefully.
When I awoke the next morning Paul, my host, had just finished cooking a fine mountain breakfast. We had bacon, eggs, biscuits and some hot chocolate. He encouraged me to eat well for I had a lot of difficult climbing ahead. He shocked me when he informed that God had instructed him to guide me upward. With that he handed me a well worn leather book. He told me that book was a guide for climbing. He had an extra copy and gave it to me for keeps. He told me the book had been written by other seasoned climbers. Those authors included tips of warning, words of inspiration, practical ways to navigate the challenges of the mountain and a proven road map to the summit. I carefully shut the book and put it in my pack.
Paul and I broke camp and started upward. Paul climbed like a deer. Sure footed. Vice like grip. I could barely keep up. At times he assisted me by offering a helping hand or a rope to pull me upward. He did not talk much as we climbed. He seemed focused. Distant. Driven. The only times he spoke included asking if I was okay.
The previous day proved a walk in the park compared to the climbing we had to do. From time to time I stopped to catch my breath. I looked down and could not make out civilization from those lofty heights. Yet when I looked overhead all I could see was the mountain. I wearied more easily than Paul. He knew it and intentionally slowed the pace.
Our days began to form a routine. He led the way. We stopped a few times to eat. Each evening we made camp for the night and gathered around a campfire. I always had questions. Endless questions. Paul had a loving gentle nature. He seldom answered my questions outright. He kept pointing me to my mountain climbing guide. I began reading more. Learning more. Fascinated by those who had gone before us. After days of climbing, camping and reading I turned a page one evening and low and behold I saw that Paul had written part of the climbing guide. He never let on once he contributed to that guide. While Paul was confident he also exuded deep humility.
The pattern continued for days. Weeks maybe. I lost track of time. Consumed with this desire to get to the top. Each time I asked Paul what was up there he told me I would have to discover that for myself. I could not believe how long we climbed. Still I never could see the summit. I knew it existed because I saw it from afar when I was still on flat ground back home.
Periodically I would hear the still soft voice of God calling me to come higher. He usually encouraged me with something or inspired me with sights from our lofty perch.
One morning Paul and I awoke to our same routine. I never knew where he got the food for us to eat but each day we had sufficient portions to help us climb. On this particular day Paul seemed pensive deep in thought. When I arose to start breaking camp he ushered me to sit back down. He informed me that he could go no further with me. God had informed he needed to go back down and help another climber up. I would be on my own the rest of the way. Somberly we packed and he started back down. He left me some provision and exhorted me to stay in my mountain climbing guide. He told me I would find everything I needed to know for the rest of the climb there.
I felt alone. There was no one to talk to. Nobody to ask questions of except God in prayer. My fellowship now turned heavenward. I conversed with God more. I listened more. I lost track of all else. Still I felt compelled to climb higher. Ever higher. Slowly higher. Laboriously higher. Harder and higher I inched forward and upward it seemed.
Somewhere along the way I contented myself in the climb. I felt more and more at home on the mountain than I had ever felt down below.
Exhausted one night I pitched my small tent and fell asleep immediately. I dreamed about Paul. I dreamed about what awaited me at the summit. And then awoke. The night appeared to pass in just moments. I awoke disoriented like can happen after falling into a deep sleep. When my eyes adjusted to the morning light everything looked familiar and yet strangely out of place. I awoke back in my house in my bedroom. I saw the same furniture, the same pictures on the wall. The same bed and covers. Sleeping peacefully Brenda lay next to me.
Bewildered I thought, "What in the world? Where is the mountain? How did I get down here?" I mulled this over and then it dawned on me. It had all been a dream. A very realistic dream. But what did it mean?
God made it all clear. The mountain was God. The climb was my life growing closer to God and knowing Him more. My guide was the Apostle Paul. My climbing guide was the Bible. The summit was God in all of His glory and splendor. God's call on my life is to keep climbing toward the summit that I will never reach. Nor anyone else. We will never discover all there to know about God. Once we start the climb we will devote the rest of our lives to keep climbing. God is a mountain that can never be topped. O but the adventures and encounters that await us on the climb.
Will you climb the mountain that is God today? Will you help others on their climb as well? It the quest of a lifetime. It is our ultimate purpose. It is a quest that will take an entire lifetime. May we assiduously devote ourselves to the quest of this mountain climb.
I walked outside after dressing, slipping on a pack and squared my shoulders. I set my gaze on the mountain. I looked up at the peak in the far away distance. Then I heard the faintest whisper of God beckoning me upward. I prayed for the resolve to traverse to the top and over on the other side. After some praying I began my initial ascent.
Initially the climb didn't offer much challenge. The paths worn smooth by other climbers worked upward in switchback patterns. Still each step elevated a little higher than the last one. Before long the heart pumped harder and breaths shortened and were heavier. By this time I had only made my way up a fraction to the top.
In a slow methodic pace I continued the climb. I noticed several other climbers. We exchanged pleasantries but all continued at their own pace. Some stragglers sat along the way. They sought to distract me. They discouraged me from attempting to climb higher saying the way was too steep and too difficult to continue. I listened to their impassioned pleas for me to turn back and yet I felt God beckoned me to continue the climb. Onward I went.
The higher I went the less trampled the path became. It seemed fewer people went past the initial ascent before turning back. Every so often I saw signs that others had passed this way before me. Some even left notes of encouragement to inspired people like me to continue the climb. "You can do it." "Look how far you have already come." "You're making great progress." "Stay the course." This proved a far different message than the distractors below.
I continued the climb. The way grew steeper. The burning in my legs screamed for me to stop. My back begged me to sit down and take a break. My feet burned like they were on fire. My lungs screamed for more air. The voice of God called me upward.
The higher I went the fewer signs I noticed that others had been there before. Soon the way became so steep I could no longer see the summit. The summit was obscured by the mountain itself. Now I had to actually climb. Over rocks. Up boulders. Across narrow passes. I was too high to get down easily. I was too low to even be close to the summit.
Each step become labor. Each grip of my hands felt raw and shaky. I had to take momentary breaks to recover my wind and strength to keep going. Faintly through the trees I could hear the still small voice of God calling me higher. Higher than I felt comfortable, safe or secure. Higher away from others.
My mind played tricks on me. All I could think of was turning back. It seemed impossible to go any higher especially alone. Then I heard a voice. At first I thought it was just in my imagination. I heard the voice again and just ahead I saw a man. He looked rugged. He had a head full of hair and full unkempt beard. He looked like he belonged on the mountain. I made my way to him and set down for a spell. He looked determined. Hard. Strong. Yet kind. He had kind eyes and I felt I could trust him.
He offered me some food and drink. He wanted to know my story. Why had I ventured up so high on the mountain he queried. I knew my answer would sound silly to such a rugged experienced mountain man. Sheepishly I said, "I heard God calling me up." The man bent over slapping his knee in laughter shouting, "Me too! Me too! It happened years ago and I have been on this mountain since then."
I asked, "You mean you have never come down this mountain since you started your expedition up it many years ago." He smiled and nodded affirmatively. "What's at the top? Have you been to the summit?" Again he smiled. He did not answer whether he made it to the top but he did say, "You will have to find out what's up there for yourself."
We passed away the time swapping stories and he invited me into his tent for the night. He offered me a warm blanket and a soft pack for a pillow. He lifted up a prayer for the both of us before drifting off to sleep. At first my mind got bombarded with questions. Who was this guy? Could I truly trust Him? How far had he climbed? What did he discover? Why had he never leeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeft....zzzzzzzzzzzzz. I slept soundly and peacefully.
When I awoke the next morning Paul, my host, had just finished cooking a fine mountain breakfast. We had bacon, eggs, biscuits and some hot chocolate. He encouraged me to eat well for I had a lot of difficult climbing ahead. He shocked me when he informed that God had instructed him to guide me upward. With that he handed me a well worn leather book. He told me that book was a guide for climbing. He had an extra copy and gave it to me for keeps. He told me the book had been written by other seasoned climbers. Those authors included tips of warning, words of inspiration, practical ways to navigate the challenges of the mountain and a proven road map to the summit. I carefully shut the book and put it in my pack.
Paul and I broke camp and started upward. Paul climbed like a deer. Sure footed. Vice like grip. I could barely keep up. At times he assisted me by offering a helping hand or a rope to pull me upward. He did not talk much as we climbed. He seemed focused. Distant. Driven. The only times he spoke included asking if I was okay.
The previous day proved a walk in the park compared to the climbing we had to do. From time to time I stopped to catch my breath. I looked down and could not make out civilization from those lofty heights. Yet when I looked overhead all I could see was the mountain. I wearied more easily than Paul. He knew it and intentionally slowed the pace.
Our days began to form a routine. He led the way. We stopped a few times to eat. Each evening we made camp for the night and gathered around a campfire. I always had questions. Endless questions. Paul had a loving gentle nature. He seldom answered my questions outright. He kept pointing me to my mountain climbing guide. I began reading more. Learning more. Fascinated by those who had gone before us. After days of climbing, camping and reading I turned a page one evening and low and behold I saw that Paul had written part of the climbing guide. He never let on once he contributed to that guide. While Paul was confident he also exuded deep humility.
The pattern continued for days. Weeks maybe. I lost track of time. Consumed with this desire to get to the top. Each time I asked Paul what was up there he told me I would have to discover that for myself. I could not believe how long we climbed. Still I never could see the summit. I knew it existed because I saw it from afar when I was still on flat ground back home.
Periodically I would hear the still soft voice of God calling me to come higher. He usually encouraged me with something or inspired me with sights from our lofty perch.
One morning Paul and I awoke to our same routine. I never knew where he got the food for us to eat but each day we had sufficient portions to help us climb. On this particular day Paul seemed pensive deep in thought. When I arose to start breaking camp he ushered me to sit back down. He informed me that he could go no further with me. God had informed he needed to go back down and help another climber up. I would be on my own the rest of the way. Somberly we packed and he started back down. He left me some provision and exhorted me to stay in my mountain climbing guide. He told me I would find everything I needed to know for the rest of the climb there.
I felt alone. There was no one to talk to. Nobody to ask questions of except God in prayer. My fellowship now turned heavenward. I conversed with God more. I listened more. I lost track of all else. Still I felt compelled to climb higher. Ever higher. Slowly higher. Laboriously higher. Harder and higher I inched forward and upward it seemed.
Somewhere along the way I contented myself in the climb. I felt more and more at home on the mountain than I had ever felt down below.
Exhausted one night I pitched my small tent and fell asleep immediately. I dreamed about Paul. I dreamed about what awaited me at the summit. And then awoke. The night appeared to pass in just moments. I awoke disoriented like can happen after falling into a deep sleep. When my eyes adjusted to the morning light everything looked familiar and yet strangely out of place. I awoke back in my house in my bedroom. I saw the same furniture, the same pictures on the wall. The same bed and covers. Sleeping peacefully Brenda lay next to me.
Bewildered I thought, "What in the world? Where is the mountain? How did I get down here?" I mulled this over and then it dawned on me. It had all been a dream. A very realistic dream. But what did it mean?
God made it all clear. The mountain was God. The climb was my life growing closer to God and knowing Him more. My guide was the Apostle Paul. My climbing guide was the Bible. The summit was God in all of His glory and splendor. God's call on my life is to keep climbing toward the summit that I will never reach. Nor anyone else. We will never discover all there to know about God. Once we start the climb we will devote the rest of our lives to keep climbing. God is a mountain that can never be topped. O but the adventures and encounters that await us on the climb.
Will you climb the mountain that is God today? Will you help others on their climb as well? It the quest of a lifetime. It is our ultimate purpose. It is a quest that will take an entire lifetime. May we assiduously devote ourselves to the quest of this mountain climb.
Your Craft
Some work with tools. They use wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers to build and repair things. Some work with hammers, saws, measuring tapes to build and construct. Some use tractors, plows and strippers to plant and harvest crops. Some use horses, ropes, cattle pens and ear tags to ranch.
Me? I work with words. Mostly the word of God. I build messages around the meaning of words. I shape those words into messages to help people. I communicate with words. And on a day like today I use words to write on random topics. Today I wrote about my grandfather and wife. I got lost in my craft losing track of time.
Some craft metals to build. Some craft ingredients together to make delicious food. Some craft notes on a page or instrument to compose and play beautiful music. Some use their craft to treat people medically. Some craft numbers to make financial deals for profit in business.
Whatever your craft is do it heartily as unto the Lord. Sing for Him. Build for Him. Legislate for Him. Play for Him. Serve for Him. Cook for Him. Mow for Him. Plant and harvest for Him. Rope for Him. Herd for Him. Clean for Him. Repair for Him. Preach for Him. Write for Him. Study for Him.
Whatever your craft is do it for Him.
Colossians 3:22-23 (NASB)
23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
Me? I work with words. Mostly the word of God. I build messages around the meaning of words. I shape those words into messages to help people. I communicate with words. And on a day like today I use words to write on random topics. Today I wrote about my grandfather and wife. I got lost in my craft losing track of time.
Some craft metals to build. Some craft ingredients together to make delicious food. Some craft notes on a page or instrument to compose and play beautiful music. Some use their craft to treat people medically. Some craft numbers to make financial deals for profit in business.
Whatever your craft is do it heartily as unto the Lord. Sing for Him. Build for Him. Legislate for Him. Play for Him. Serve for Him. Cook for Him. Mow for Him. Plant and harvest for Him. Rope for Him. Herd for Him. Clean for Him. Repair for Him. Preach for Him. Write for Him. Study for Him.
Whatever your craft is do it for Him.
Colossians 3:22-23 (NASB)
23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
Sunday Drive
After a long day of teaching, preaching and meeting we got home exhausted. Due to unforeseen circumstances Brenda and I needed to make a road trip about 6:30 last evening. To be honest, I dreaded it. I did not want to have to get back out. Our little round trip took us 74 miles.
I so enjoyed the time with my bride of 28 years that the miles seemed to just float past like in a dream. We got lost in discussion about various things. I looked over at her at one point and fell in love with her all over again. Her beauty. Her kind heart. Her sweet smile that lights up my heart. Her soft hands in mine. Her sparkling brown eyes that still draw me into and hold me in her love spell. We have been together for 30 years including the years we dated. I would marry her all over again.
She is wise. I trust her counsel. She is a servant. I follow her example and delight in serving her. We do not always get time just the two of us. I'm glad we still have a car full in the summer months. I cannot lie. I like it when it is just the two of us. I love those road trips we get to take. Even when she sleeps most of the way. I love when we get lost in conversation.
Life is filled with so many little blessings. Some we take for granted. When she told me we needed to take a little road trip I dreaded it. I wanted to stay home and relax. I am so glad we went. A lot of love can be enjoyed on a Sunday drive. A lot of communication can be shared on a Sunday drive. Many memories can be made on a Sunday drive.
I am a blessed man. Brenda makes my life more enjoyable. She completes me. I am not saying she gives my life meaning and purpose. Jesus did that for both of us decades ago. She completes me in the way she compliments me. We are better together than we are apart. She is organized, a gifted administrator, a behind the scenes worker. I am a visionary big picture guy. I dream the dreams and she helps put all the details together to make the dream a reality. I am an out front leader. She shuns the spotlight. I come alive on stage with a Bible in my hand.
And I get to share my life and Sunday drives with Brenda Maria Ortiz Edwards. I am blessed. God, thank you for Sunday drives with the love of my life. May we get to share many more.
I so enjoyed the time with my bride of 28 years that the miles seemed to just float past like in a dream. We got lost in discussion about various things. I looked over at her at one point and fell in love with her all over again. Her beauty. Her kind heart. Her sweet smile that lights up my heart. Her soft hands in mine. Her sparkling brown eyes that still draw me into and hold me in her love spell. We have been together for 30 years including the years we dated. I would marry her all over again.
She is wise. I trust her counsel. She is a servant. I follow her example and delight in serving her. We do not always get time just the two of us. I'm glad we still have a car full in the summer months. I cannot lie. I like it when it is just the two of us. I love those road trips we get to take. Even when she sleeps most of the way. I love when we get lost in conversation.
Life is filled with so many little blessings. Some we take for granted. When she told me we needed to take a little road trip I dreaded it. I wanted to stay home and relax. I am so glad we went. A lot of love can be enjoyed on a Sunday drive. A lot of communication can be shared on a Sunday drive. Many memories can be made on a Sunday drive.
I am a blessed man. Brenda makes my life more enjoyable. She completes me. I am not saying she gives my life meaning and purpose. Jesus did that for both of us decades ago. She completes me in the way she compliments me. We are better together than we are apart. She is organized, a gifted administrator, a behind the scenes worker. I am a visionary big picture guy. I dream the dreams and she helps put all the details together to make the dream a reality. I am an out front leader. She shuns the spotlight. I come alive on stage with a Bible in my hand.
And I get to share my life and Sunday drives with Brenda Maria Ortiz Edwards. I am blessed. God, thank you for Sunday drives with the love of my life. May we get to share many more.
Papaw
Seated in a little breakfast nook this morning I heard a song on the radio about a grandson and his grandfather. It reminded me of my Papaw. I have not thought of him in sometime. He died when I was a sophomore in high school. I count his death as one of the top three most grievous events in my life. I wept and wept for hours when I heard. Unconsolable weeping.
I still remember my last conversation with him. He was in the hospital battling leukemia. I asked how he was doing. He replied, "I wouldn't win a foot race." I told him I would run for the two of us. He died before I ever got to see him again.
He died before he ever saw me play a down of high school football. He had been a great athlete in his younger days starring in football, basketball, baseball and track. I idolized him. He was the closest thing to a father I ever had and he died way too soon for me. Just writing about him brings back a surge of emotions.
He bought me my first baseball glove. He taught me how to throw and catch. I can see us now in mind in the backyard working on catching grounders and fly balls. A tradition I passed onto my boys. Papaw and I used to lay in his bed watching Monday Night Football or baseball games. I treasure those memories.
Out of all his grandkids I was the only one who stuck with athletics. He saw that drive in me and I think it gave us a special bond. Not that he didn't love all his grandkids but he and I shared something special. That is why his death hit me the hardest. I am saddened he never saw me play for his beloved Lufkin Panthers or in college. As a young athlete all I wanted to do was to make him proud.
The last year he got to see me play he never saw me play. I rode the bench that year. Played second string and hated it. I vowed it would not happen again. I devoted myself to weight lifting and running while my friends went separate ways. I never played second string for an entire season again all the way through my last year of playing in college. It pangs me that he did not see me. I would have loved to have him met at the end of a game. Even if he offered constructive criticism. I wish he could have been there. I am betting he wished the same thing while he battled the disease that eventually took his life.
He was a hard man. He worked hard. We lived modestly. I saw we lived modestly because much of my childhood we lived with my grandparents. He used to take me to get a haircut. I felt like a grown up man when he took me into the barbershop. He and I used to go "take care of business." He took me to an old fashioned meat market. We used to go to farmer's markets and stop off at vegetable stands. I never knew what taking care of business meant but I felt honored he invited me to go with him and showed me off to all the people he knew around town.
I know Papaw loved me. I do not doubt that one bit. He never told me though. He also never told me even once he was proud of me. No mater how I tried, how hard I worked, or trained he never told me he loved me or was proud of me. I found out later when he died from one of his old football teammates that he bragged on me to them all the time when they got together. They used to meet once a month for the "Old Panthers Club." He took me to eat with them once. They swapped stories while I buried my head in my food. I did not know what an honor it was for me attend that meeting. I do now.
Papaw took me to my first football game. We set on the front row. As a youngster It felt more impressive to walk into Abe Martin Stadium for the first time than when I walked into AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play. The Panthers won that night and from that moment I was hooked on the game of football. No way I could have known that Jesus would save me and transform my life in that very stadium several years later.
Every little boy and little girl ought to know the joy of having a Papaw. Sadly my four sons have never known that. Both their grandfathers died before they could meet them. I'm thankful for a sweet couple named Joe and Jan who have sort of adopted my boys as their other grandchildren. We usually have lunch with them each Sunday after worship. I thank God for those two. Joe is the closest thing to a Papaw my boys will ever know. He loves them and they love him.
I am determined I will work hard to be a good Papaw if given the chance. I am grateful for this trip down memory lane. One day I hope to give my future grandchildren just a fraction of what my Papaw gave me. Papaw I love you and miss you. I will see you one day. Meet me at the Pearly Gates.
I still remember my last conversation with him. He was in the hospital battling leukemia. I asked how he was doing. He replied, "I wouldn't win a foot race." I told him I would run for the two of us. He died before I ever got to see him again.
He died before he ever saw me play a down of high school football. He had been a great athlete in his younger days starring in football, basketball, baseball and track. I idolized him. He was the closest thing to a father I ever had and he died way too soon for me. Just writing about him brings back a surge of emotions.
He bought me my first baseball glove. He taught me how to throw and catch. I can see us now in mind in the backyard working on catching grounders and fly balls. A tradition I passed onto my boys. Papaw and I used to lay in his bed watching Monday Night Football or baseball games. I treasure those memories.
Out of all his grandkids I was the only one who stuck with athletics. He saw that drive in me and I think it gave us a special bond. Not that he didn't love all his grandkids but he and I shared something special. That is why his death hit me the hardest. I am saddened he never saw me play for his beloved Lufkin Panthers or in college. As a young athlete all I wanted to do was to make him proud.
The last year he got to see me play he never saw me play. I rode the bench that year. Played second string and hated it. I vowed it would not happen again. I devoted myself to weight lifting and running while my friends went separate ways. I never played second string for an entire season again all the way through my last year of playing in college. It pangs me that he did not see me. I would have loved to have him met at the end of a game. Even if he offered constructive criticism. I wish he could have been there. I am betting he wished the same thing while he battled the disease that eventually took his life.
He was a hard man. He worked hard. We lived modestly. I saw we lived modestly because much of my childhood we lived with my grandparents. He used to take me to get a haircut. I felt like a grown up man when he took me into the barbershop. He and I used to go "take care of business." He took me to an old fashioned meat market. We used to go to farmer's markets and stop off at vegetable stands. I never knew what taking care of business meant but I felt honored he invited me to go with him and showed me off to all the people he knew around town.
I know Papaw loved me. I do not doubt that one bit. He never told me though. He also never told me even once he was proud of me. No mater how I tried, how hard I worked, or trained he never told me he loved me or was proud of me. I found out later when he died from one of his old football teammates that he bragged on me to them all the time when they got together. They used to meet once a month for the "Old Panthers Club." He took me to eat with them once. They swapped stories while I buried my head in my food. I did not know what an honor it was for me attend that meeting. I do now.
Papaw took me to my first football game. We set on the front row. As a youngster It felt more impressive to walk into Abe Martin Stadium for the first time than when I walked into AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play. The Panthers won that night and from that moment I was hooked on the game of football. No way I could have known that Jesus would save me and transform my life in that very stadium several years later.
Every little boy and little girl ought to know the joy of having a Papaw. Sadly my four sons have never known that. Both their grandfathers died before they could meet them. I'm thankful for a sweet couple named Joe and Jan who have sort of adopted my boys as their other grandchildren. We usually have lunch with them each Sunday after worship. I thank God for those two. Joe is the closest thing to a Papaw my boys will ever know. He loves them and they love him.
I am determined I will work hard to be a good Papaw if given the chance. I am grateful for this trip down memory lane. One day I hope to give my future grandchildren just a fraction of what my Papaw gave me. Papaw I love you and miss you. I will see you one day. Meet me at the Pearly Gates.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
When You Don't Know What Else To Do
Have you ever faced periods in your life where nothing you did seemed to go right? Furthermore, when nothing you attempted to do to fix problems went right but things only got worse? What do you do when you don't know what else to do? What if such periods last for a long time?
I know many have tried hard to change your circumstances. You have toiled tirelessly, prayed incessantly and waited patiently but the long sought breakthrough has not come. Instead the trials have mounted insurmountable right before your eyes. Fatigue sets in. Doubts seep into the mind. Courage to keep battling is lost as discouragement takes the high ground in your life.
What do you do when you don't know what else to do? Many quit. They quit on their marriage. They quit on family. They walk away. Some quit on God. They grow weary of the trials and fold up their faith and store it away. Others rebel. They get so angry at God they flee in the opposite direction and give into temptation, which never satisfies but leaves a person just as empty as before.
I'm thinking of an old song. One line in that song replays in my mind this morning. "Anytime I don't know what else to do I will cast all my cares on You."
When the tempest swirls around you and everything is overwhelming cast all your cares upon Him. When you feel overwhelmed and the trials are beating you down cast all your care upon Him. When anxieties pierce your mind like an ice pick cast all your cares upon Him. When the pain hurts so deep in makes you feel nauseated cast all your cares upon Him. When your heart is shattered into pieces like a jigsaw puzzle cast all your cares upon Him. When your way is blocked and the odds are stacked way against you cast all your cares upon Him. When ominous clouds have obscured the light of hope from you for longer than you can remember cast all your cares upon Him. When grief holds you hostage cast all your cares upon Him. When the flood waters rise and the drought follows on its heels cast all your cares upon Him. When the finances will not stretch to cover the needs cast all your cares upon Him. When the child rebels cast all your cares upon Him. When the marriage spark has faded into barely a smoldering ember cast your cares upon Him. When the ones you trusted the most betray you the deepest cast all your cares upon Him.
1 Peter 5:7 (NASB)
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
I know many have tried hard to change your circumstances. You have toiled tirelessly, prayed incessantly and waited patiently but the long sought breakthrough has not come. Instead the trials have mounted insurmountable right before your eyes. Fatigue sets in. Doubts seep into the mind. Courage to keep battling is lost as discouragement takes the high ground in your life.
What do you do when you don't know what else to do? Many quit. They quit on their marriage. They quit on family. They walk away. Some quit on God. They grow weary of the trials and fold up their faith and store it away. Others rebel. They get so angry at God they flee in the opposite direction and give into temptation, which never satisfies but leaves a person just as empty as before.
I'm thinking of an old song. One line in that song replays in my mind this morning. "Anytime I don't know what else to do I will cast all my cares on You."
When the tempest swirls around you and everything is overwhelming cast all your cares upon Him. When you feel overwhelmed and the trials are beating you down cast all your care upon Him. When anxieties pierce your mind like an ice pick cast all your cares upon Him. When the pain hurts so deep in makes you feel nauseated cast all your cares upon Him. When your heart is shattered into pieces like a jigsaw puzzle cast all your cares upon Him. When your way is blocked and the odds are stacked way against you cast all your cares upon Him. When ominous clouds have obscured the light of hope from you for longer than you can remember cast all your cares upon Him. When grief holds you hostage cast all your cares upon Him. When the flood waters rise and the drought follows on its heels cast all your cares upon Him. When the finances will not stretch to cover the needs cast all your cares upon Him. When the child rebels cast all your cares upon Him. When the marriage spark has faded into barely a smoldering ember cast your cares upon Him. When the ones you trusted the most betray you the deepest cast all your cares upon Him.
1 Peter 5:7 (NASB)
7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
That sounds simple. I assure you it is on one hand and isn't on the other hand. First, it is because that is all you have to do. Take your anxieties, burdens, concerns, trials and hurl them at the feet of Jesus. Every single one of them. As many as you have. That is why the first word in that verse is casting. It is to be a continuous action. An intentional decision repeated over and over again. Constantly casting all your cares upon the Lord. Yet, how often do people choose to do just the opposite. They cling to their cares. They examine them, cling to them, dwell on them, hide them, and even get cozy with them. They worry about them, fixate on them, doubt they will ever be free of them and lose hope because of them. That is not casting all your cares upon the Lord.
To daily cast all your cares upon the Lord is both simple and yet hard to do. We think we can change things by just worrying about them. How many sleepless nights, wasted hours, and endless energy has been devoted to anxiety? It does not change the circumstances. It only produces stress. Needless stress. Let God handle those things. If I have learned one thing in this life it is this, WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL. We think we know what is best and we think everything should work according to our plans. When it doesn't how faith crumbles and anxiety sprouts.
I get it. Some things are hard to overcome. Some situations have no easy fix. Worrying about them is not going to alter the outcome one bit. The best course of action is to cast those cares upon the Lord and let Him do the heavy lifting.
To be honest, I just spent the last hour and a half tossing and turning in bed mulling over several things. It finally prompted me to get up. I am not writing out of theory. I am writing out of my own experience. What did I do when I didn't know what else to do? I cast all my cares on the Lord. His peace comforted me. Not one singly care I had has been solved of this moment but I know He is working all things for my good because eI love Him and am called according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28] Now, I'm going back to bed. I hope this helps someone else as it helped me.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Supper Time
Down here in the south we eat supper. To sup is to take food or drink by spoonfuls. Most people call the evening meal dinner. Old timers in the south still call it supper. I love supper time at our home. It is the one meal we still eat gathered around the table. We talk. Laugh. Swap stories. Enjoy sumptuous feasts prepared by the queen of our home. Sometimes we sit around and talk long after the meal is finished. I love supper with my family.
In the south we call lunch dinner. My family is scattered all over at dinner (lunch.) We typically eat breakfast at different times during the week except on Saturday. We typically eat breakfast together as a family on Saturday mornings. On some occasions we go get a cheap breakfast together and enjoy talking. I would not trade for the fellowship we enjoy as a family over meals both simple and elaborate.
Most families live in such a rush. They no longer eat supper together. On the rare occasion they share a meal it might be hunkered over TV trays watching television.
I recall the old standing rule in my house growing up. We had to be in by dark for supper. I can still hear my mother yelling from the front yard, "It's supper time!" Few things could pry me away from a ball game but when it came to supper time I typically came home running. We hate homemade cooked from scratch food. I never even heard of of a casserole until I went to college. My mother and grandmother worked hard to make our meals. Old recipes passed down from generation to generation. Some of those recipes I still have. One bite of those foods takes me back to the piney woods of east Texas and my childhood.
Brenda is a gourmet chef in our book. She knows the way into the hearts of all the men in her life, those four sons and myself. She cooks some of the best food you can imagine. I love watching the boys react when she cooks one of their favorite meals. For Taylor it is Mexican. Tanner loves Chinese. Tucker loves a simple meal of smoked sausage and fried potatoes. Turner loves chicken fried steak. They will get excited and usually there are no leftovers. Plates are licked clean. While I enjoy the food I enjoy our fellowship as a family more.
Each has an assigned seat. Tanner has an apartment on his own now back in Plainview. We miss him. Taylor's girl friend now sits where Tanner used to sit. The table is still full. The table is filled with laughter. Tucker usually keeps us in stitches. We relive old stories from their growing up years. Sometimes we discuss more serious matters. What matters to me is that we are together.
One day our once full table will dwindle down to just Brenda and I. She and I will supper together at the table. It will be quieter. I hope we still find reason to laugh. We will look forward to those days when the sons will come home with their families filling the house with activity. it will be a joyous time and we'll still enjoy supper time. We may have to have a bigger table but supper time will be the highlight of our evenings. I hope to pass on the supper tradition. A lot of good out of supper time.
In the south we call lunch dinner. My family is scattered all over at dinner (lunch.) We typically eat breakfast at different times during the week except on Saturday. We typically eat breakfast together as a family on Saturday mornings. On some occasions we go get a cheap breakfast together and enjoy talking. I would not trade for the fellowship we enjoy as a family over meals both simple and elaborate.
Most families live in such a rush. They no longer eat supper together. On the rare occasion they share a meal it might be hunkered over TV trays watching television.
I recall the old standing rule in my house growing up. We had to be in by dark for supper. I can still hear my mother yelling from the front yard, "It's supper time!" Few things could pry me away from a ball game but when it came to supper time I typically came home running. We hate homemade cooked from scratch food. I never even heard of of a casserole until I went to college. My mother and grandmother worked hard to make our meals. Old recipes passed down from generation to generation. Some of those recipes I still have. One bite of those foods takes me back to the piney woods of east Texas and my childhood.
Brenda is a gourmet chef in our book. She knows the way into the hearts of all the men in her life, those four sons and myself. She cooks some of the best food you can imagine. I love watching the boys react when she cooks one of their favorite meals. For Taylor it is Mexican. Tanner loves Chinese. Tucker loves a simple meal of smoked sausage and fried potatoes. Turner loves chicken fried steak. They will get excited and usually there are no leftovers. Plates are licked clean. While I enjoy the food I enjoy our fellowship as a family more.
Each has an assigned seat. Tanner has an apartment on his own now back in Plainview. We miss him. Taylor's girl friend now sits where Tanner used to sit. The table is still full. The table is filled with laughter. Tucker usually keeps us in stitches. We relive old stories from their growing up years. Sometimes we discuss more serious matters. What matters to me is that we are together.
One day our once full table will dwindle down to just Brenda and I. She and I will supper together at the table. It will be quieter. I hope we still find reason to laugh. We will look forward to those days when the sons will come home with their families filling the house with activity. it will be a joyous time and we'll still enjoy supper time. We may have to have a bigger table but supper time will be the highlight of our evenings. I hope to pass on the supper tradition. A lot of good out of supper time.
Grovel At Your Feet
Like a child I come to grovel at your feet,
Time spent with You increasingly sweet,
You alone can help in our time of need,
So I come to the throne of grace to plead,
For help in this dark hopeless sad hour,
For You to display your mighty power,
To move my mountains so immovable,
To demonstrate Omnipotence provable,
You see - You hear - You are very aware,
Preserve from this dark hour of despair,
Where can I turn in this day of trouble,
When sorrows and trials are doubled,
Like a child I come to grovel at your feet,
Trusting that my every need You'll meet.
Time spent with You increasingly sweet,
You alone can help in our time of need,
So I come to the throne of grace to plead,
For help in this dark hopeless sad hour,
For You to display your mighty power,
To move my mountains so immovable,
To demonstrate Omnipotence provable,
You see - You hear - You are very aware,
Preserve from this dark hour of despair,
Where can I turn in this day of trouble,
When sorrows and trials are doubled,
Like a child I come to grovel at your feet,
Trusting that my every need You'll meet.
Through It All
Sexual molestation by at least three persons. Physical abuse on one occasion. Financial trials numbering in the thousands. Broken heart. Shattered dreams. Temptation and sin. Dark despondent days. Betrayal. Rebellion. Little child in grown up clothes. Confusion. Disillusioned. Anger. Rage. Isolation. Bitterness. Frustration. Days of doubt. Brokenness. Forgiveness. Deliverance. Provision. Comfort, Strength. Peace. Hope. Revelation. Revival. God's glory. Fruitfulness. God's faithfulness. Growth. Persevering prayer. Plodding ahead. Following Jesus. Trusting in the trials. The word of God.
Andrae Crouch wrote a song called "Through It All." It encompasses a life of both blessings and trials.
Through It All
Andraé Crouch
I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places,
I’ve seen a lot of faces,
there’s been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Andrae Crouch wrote a song called "Through It All." It encompasses a life of both blessings and trials.
Through It All
Andraé Crouch
I’ve had many tears and sorrows,
I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
there’s been times I didn’t know right from wrong.
But in every situation,
God gave me blessed consolation,
that my trials come to only make me strong.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places,
I’ve seen a lot of faces,
there’s been times I felt so all alone.
But in my lonely hours,
yes, those precious lonely hours,
Jesus lets me know that I was His own
Through it all,
through it all,
I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God.
In this life we will go through it all. If you follow Jesus and have a saving relationship with Him you know He goes through it all with us. He does not abandon us in the tough times or triumphant times. He is steadfast. Some days are harder to trust Him than others. Through it all He is with us. Through it all He is available. Through it all He sustains us.
That does not mean there will not be disappointments. Nor does it mean He will give us every outcome we ask. He will not shield us from all pain. He will not give us everything we want. Through it all He will not abandon or forsake us. Take comfort in that truth today.
May Mr. Crouch's song minister hope and peace to you today in Jesus' name.
Friday, June 7, 2019
True Greatness
It's not often you get to truly be in the presence of greatness. It is not often that you get to stand next to someone who inspires you to be a better follower of Jesus. I had that opportunity today. The person I spent time with is a true servant through and through. Not just when people are looking. This person prefers no-one ever know good deeds done except God.
I see people all the time do some kind of good and immediately want everyone to know about it. They want to blow their own horn, pat themselves on the back and get the applause of men. That is not true of my friend. People do not know half the good deeds this person does. This one serves family, friends, through the local church and serves those in need.
This one spent the whole day serving and then just called me right in the middle of another act of service. Like I said, such a person inspires me to be better. Age and health are not limiting factors. My friend has battled both.
True greatness is not being first but choosing to be last. True greatness is putting others before self. That is exactly what Jesus did. That is what we are called to do. Many will serve on a missions trip when they get notoriety. It is another thing to serve your family when nobody is looking. Like doing something for your family without expecting any reward or payment in return.
Not every act of service is glamorous. Many are no fun at all. True greatness is meeting needs around you. It is humbling yourself beneath others help. Many service projects are difficult. People may start out gang ho in the beginning but that enthusiasm can wear off when you're elbow deep in grime, sweat and backbreaking service. Truly great people remind themselves they are doing service for Jesus and that is all the reward they expect or need.
Truly great people serve. They willingly and joyfully sacrifice. They deny themselves what is the comfortable easy road to follow Jesus' leadership. Jesus said it right when He said the last shall be first. If you are looking for true greatness don't look at the front of the line. You just might find true greatness in the very back.
Matthew 19:29-30 (NKJV)
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
I see people all the time do some kind of good and immediately want everyone to know about it. They want to blow their own horn, pat themselves on the back and get the applause of men. That is not true of my friend. People do not know half the good deeds this person does. This one serves family, friends, through the local church and serves those in need.
This one spent the whole day serving and then just called me right in the middle of another act of service. Like I said, such a person inspires me to be better. Age and health are not limiting factors. My friend has battled both.
True greatness is not being first but choosing to be last. True greatness is putting others before self. That is exactly what Jesus did. That is what we are called to do. Many will serve on a missions trip when they get notoriety. It is another thing to serve your family when nobody is looking. Like doing something for your family without expecting any reward or payment in return.
Not every act of service is glamorous. Many are no fun at all. True greatness is meeting needs around you. It is humbling yourself beneath others help. Many service projects are difficult. People may start out gang ho in the beginning but that enthusiasm can wear off when you're elbow deep in grime, sweat and backbreaking service. Truly great people remind themselves they are doing service for Jesus and that is all the reward they expect or need.
Truly great people serve. They willingly and joyfully sacrifice. They deny themselves what is the comfortable easy road to follow Jesus' leadership. Jesus said it right when He said the last shall be first. If you are looking for true greatness don't look at the front of the line. You just might find true greatness in the very back.
Matthew 19:29-30 (NKJV)
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
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