Faith Forward

 2020 has been an unprecedented year. The trials have come like a tsunami. The flood waters of misery have not subsided for many. Millions world wide wake up everyday to fear. Fear of the Corona Virus. Fear of the unpredictable economy. Fear of the eventual outcome of the presidential election. Fear of what unknowns are ahead in 2021. Fear of the stores running out of toilet paper and food. 

I say enough of fear. Faith forward. No matter what the coming days hold we should approach those days with faith forward reliance on God. Fear discourages. Fear paralyzes people in states of anxiety, stress and depression. Faith forward thinking promotes hope, peace and courage. 

As we endure the last month of a very challenging year, fear mongers prey on anxious Americans. They predict a dark winter, a bleak future and the new normal. I say trust God, believe Him for better days, rest reassured in His faithfulness, confidently and courageously face the battles of each day. Put your faith forward in front of all fears and anxieties. 

Faith forward living is essential. Faith forward living sees things from God's perspective. We never know when God is going to step into our circumstances and do something amazing, bewildering, dumbfounding and astounding. Remind yourself anew of things God did in the Old and New Testaments. Encourage your faith with the vitamin supplements of scripture, biographies and listening to the testimonies of others. Faith forward living is essential now. 

The Bake Shop of Bountiful Blessings

 During this Thanksgiving season I have had many reasons to be thankful. In recent days I have written about ways God has showered us with blessings. He did it again yesterday morning. Sitting in a box in my office was an IMAC desk top computer. A generous donation from a business owner and son of some of our members. An undeserved blessing. 

Taylor spent most of yesterday afternoon getting it set up. What a blessing. I am humbled by God's bountiful blessings. Those blessings have come in many forms. Our music minister and wife gave me an Invicta watch for pastor appreciation month. It is silver and gold with a blue face. A beautiful time piece. Another of God's bountiful blessings. 

Some might take such blessings for granted. On top of the vehicles I wrote about previously, the Edwards have received much from our Lord through the hands of loving and generous people. Each blessing is a reminder of God's love and His enduring faithfulness. Our family has certainly had reasons to celebrate that faithfulness in recent days.

We have not even scratched the surface. God has done so much, but amazingly He desires to do so much more. I sit humbled by it all. Who am I that God should love me and shower my family with tangible evidence of His love? I am no great orator. I am not a celebrity pastor. I have no extraordinary gifts. I am just an average guy seeking God and trying to walk this path of faith pointing others to my faithful Father. 

I do not recall asking for a computer or a watch. God blessed anyway. He does that. Sure, there are lean seasons when things are tough and the provision is minimal. There are also seasons when His provision abounds in prosperity. It is all part of this faith pilgrimage. 

I do not take bountiful blessings for granted. Large or small. In addition, someone treated me to breakfast a few days ago. That same family blessed us with a delicious cake, sugar free by the way, also blessings from God. 

I can say with the deepest conviction I am a blessed man. I have a wonderful wife. I am blessed with a quiver full of grown up children. I serve an amazing and loving flock who have captured my heart. They are a delight to serve. I love them more the longer I am with them. God has opened Heaven in recent days and showered blessings in response to persistent prayers. 

In response, I glorify Him. He blesses. He provides. He heard and answered prayers in His timing. He has once again shown Himself faithful to a watching world through this servant. 

Admittedly, the faith life is not an easy life. There are many impossible trials and immovable mountains. Sometimes I get to the point I don't know what else to pray. There have been seasons of doubt and depression under the severity of trials. The past decade has been tough sledding for the most part. Sure, God had come through, but it has been the hardest decade of my life. 

Then, God brings you to a season like this. A season of peace, rest and blessing. He encourages and refreshes. In the bountiful blessings I rejoice, not so much in the gifts, but in the Provider of those gifts. I delight in my Father. 

I know more trials will come. I know more faith battles will be fought. I know every season will not be like this current season. I do not see that pattern in the life of Jesus, Paul, John, Matthew, or Mark where they had trial free lives. Life is not always desert. You have endure some vegetables you may not like, but the desert is the reward at the end. 

Seasons of bountiful blessings inspire us with hope to endure the difficult prolonged seasons of pain. Going through all the pain and enduring in faith, makes the bountiful seasons all the more sweet. Sweeter than surrounded by goodies in a bake shop. 

Press on weary soldiers. Your bountiful blessings are ahead. Do not lose heart. Keep trusting, keep praying, keep persisting, keep trudging forward. Life is sweet from the bake shop of God's bountiful blessings. There is room for you at our table in the bake shop of bountiful blessings.

Jehovah Jireh

 I have documented our faith journey on many occasions. When God has come through, and provided in ways that astounded us, and glorified Himself we have testified. We love bragging on God. We have many reasons to brag in our near thirty year marriage and pilgrimage of faith. Everywhere I walk around my house I see the tangible evidence of God answering prayer. Furniture, refrigerator, exercise equipment and even the house itself. All provided by our loving Heavenly Father. Not just our home in Runaway Bay. We also see it in the parsonage at Spring Creek filled with God's bountiful blessings of furniture. Like the song says, "He is a good good Father."

If you regularly read these blogs, you know of my prayer and belief in God to provide three vehicles for my family all debt free. I have prayed that for three years. I wrote earlier this week about God's first provision in a truck. I write today to tell you of the second. a 2004 Yukon. It has only half the miles our old suburban did we donated to a local charity. We prayed. We looked. We sought. We knocked. We waited and God provided. Another vehicle sitting in my drive way debt free. It is just like our old suburban except with leather seats, custom wheels, and charcoal grey color. 

God did it again. We traded in the older car Brenda has driven for the past two years. We paid, are you ready, $3,750 plus our trade in. We walked out the door debt free in a better vehicle than we donated. God truly did exceed our prayers and expectations. He does that. He knows better than we do. 

We bought the GMC Yukon from the same guy who sold us the truck. A former resident of Seminole, TX. That is not coincidence. That is God orchestrating provision and honoring many faith filled fervent prayers. We drove home yesterday humbled, giddy, and thankful. 

We knew God had a vehicle for Brenda. We just did not know where nor when He would reveal it. I sit writing this today amazed at His power to pull things like this together. He tested our faith. We prayed hard to pass the test. We had to be patient. I cannot overemphasize the fact we prayed and waited for three years. Many times I wanted to get in a hurry. Each time God brought me to my senses and called us to wait on Him. Many hours I pleaded and petitioned for God to help us. At times, it seemed like He turned a deaf ear to us. Not so. He just wanted to test and build our faith. To increase our trust in Him to do impossible things. I have to admit on many occasions I really wondered if God would provide three cars debt free. It seemed outlandish. Fanciful. A pipe dream. Yet the conviction remained and the fervent faith inspired prayers ensued. 

At one point, Brenda and I talked about how it felt like we were striving too hard. We needed to relax and let God work. Brenda found the seller on Facebook marketplace. Just a picture and a price that intrigued us. The seller loves Jesus. He also stated, "I have to answer to Jesus for every car I sale." He dealt honestly with us. Frank is a man of integrity. A man I want to do business with trusting him. 

I saw the Yukon at his business on the day we bought the truck. I dared not ask about it. I figured it was wayyyyy out of our price rain. At the end, I did ask. When he told me the price he would sell it for, I began to see possibilities. I awakened at 3:18 a.m. when prayers about whether God might be putting this together. God brought Frank back into our path when his wife left her car keys and wallet in the truck she drove earlier the day we purchased it. We had to go see Frank again to return the wallet. Coincidence or God ordained? Earlier that morning I really began to sense God might be in us purchasing the Yukon. Then I wondered if he would accept a trade in on Brenda's old car. I could barely contain the excitement when he did and the final price to pay to walk out the door was $3,750! Yes. You read that right. The GMC Yukon we purchased is the equivalent of a Chevrolet Suburban. In other ways, God had provided that money. All glory to God for orchestrating another answer to prayer. 

We donated our old suburban. God restored it. A newer version with half the miles the old one had. He even added the luxury of leather seats and custom chrome wheels. I sit here amazed, but not surprised. I carried that vehicle in my spirit for three long years. I did not know the color or exact specifics, but I knew God would provide. It is simple. He is Jehovah Jireh. He is God our provider. We had a need. He is a loving Father. He has done it before. Multiple times before. At least half a dozen times before the truck and Yukon God provided what we call miracle vehicles. As of this writing, increase that number by two. 

God is not finished. As you will recall, I asked for three vehicles not two. That does not include replacing my truck with 280,000 miles on it. I have a son without his own vehicle. So we trust God for more. Two vehicles is not harder than one for God. Three is not harder for God than two. Dare I believe that four is not harder than three and Jehovah Jireh might in due time replace my old truck? He is able. I am willing to pray and wait. He will provide. 

Three years of praying. Two answers to prayer. One left to go and just possibly more. Zero debt on those vehicles. All glory to God. Praise His powerful, wonderful, faithful, and holy name. 

He Jumped Over The Couch

 Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive. Brenda and I experienced that recently with one of our sons. We gave an unexpected gift. When we handed it to him, his eyes got big with surprise. For a split second he stood there. Then like being shot from cannon, he bolted for his bedroom and jumped over the arm of the couch, nearly crashing into the built in bookcases in the living room. He could not contain his excitement and enthusiasm from the blessing. 

I chuckled at seeing him so excited. What a joy it is to give. As the Christmas season approaches, many people get caught up in gift receiving. They eagerly wait to open gifts. As any parent worth their salt knows, the real joy comes in giving. In blessing others. In showing love and affection through giving. 

Jesus calls us to give. Even when it hurts and requires sacrifice. Dr. Frankie Rainey, who served as one of my favorite Bible professors at Howard Payne University repeatedly said, "Gentlemen, you will never out give God." Brenda and I have experienced that. We love to give when God prompts us. We also love to bless our children. The more we keep giving, the more God has entrusted to us. Many times we have given in faith. We have never outgiven God. 

Our sons are no longer little boys but have all grown up into men. They have no idea how many times the blessings they received were answers to prayer from a loving, gracious and generous Heavenly Father. Everything from trampolines, bicycles, basketball goals, four wheelers, and vehicles all blessings from God. 

If Brenda and I got so much enjoyment from giving to our son, how much more joy does God receive giving to His children. Giving love. Giving salvation. Giving grace. Giving second chances, third, fourth and so on. God gives us comfort. He gives guidance from His word and the Holy Spirit. He gives provision to meet our needs. He gives and gives. HE GAVE HIS SON SO THAT ALL WHO BELIEVE ON HIM WOULD FIND EVERLASTING LIFE. 

I wonder if God ever gets tickled seeing the giddy way we respond when He gives. The infectious joy when a person gets saved. The thrill of God answering prayer in a dramatic way. The excitement of getting blessed with the desire of your heart because you delighted in Him. God showers blessings. He is constantly giving. 

Today, I am thankful. Not because it is Thanksgiving day. I am thankful for a God who gives all year long. I am thankful that from time to time He allows Brenda and I to experience the joy of giving to our children and others. It is a joy we cannot contain. I got so much joy out of watching my son sprint and leap over the end of the couch I want to go and do likewise. Wait a second. Reason is the better part of valor. At my age, I am not sure I can leap over a credit card. I think watching his joy is spectator sport. 

I am thankful that God blesses His children so we can to turn around and be a blessing to others. TRULY IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE!

One Down More To Go

 Waiting is not always fun. Waiting on God can be frustrating if you get impatient. He is an always on time God. His timing is perfect. I began praying for vehicles back in the fall of 2017. The need was legitimate. We had vehicles with 320,000 and 280,000 miles on them.  Our vehicles range in age from fifteen to seventeen years old. We found in our place of needing not one, but three vehicles at the same time. 

No problem some would say. Go down to the local car dealership and finance each of them. That is what most people do. I am reminded the borrower is slave to the lender. We have asked God for these vehicles all debt free. 

Many years ago I committed to God I would never go in debt for another vehicle. I would trust Him to provide as my family had seen Him do repeatedly in the past. With that conviction in my heart, I began the long process of petitioning God for, not one vehicle, but a minimum of three. Three vehicles without going a single penny in debt. I also asked God to do it all close together so that He would get the glory. 

Impossible. Improbable. Presumptuous. I have heard it all before. Walking by faith sounds exciting when you hear the miracle stories. It is also scattered with skeptics along the way. I have seen and heard it all before. I trust God and wait for Him to silence the doubters. 

Like I said in the beginning, waiting is not fun. We have visited car lots. We have shopped online. We have contacted private sellers and over and over again walked away from deals we thought too high. We never kept praying and waiting on God to come through. 

Like a woman carrying a child in the womb, I have carried this burden for vehicles in my spirit for three years now. Some may have interpreted the long delay as God refusing our requests. His timing is perfect and so the wait continues. I never asked God for brand new vehicles. I did ask Him for His best for my family. I prayed and waited. We saw the provision of God and saved a little miracle money. Then Corona hit and the price of used cars sky rocketed. It forced us to pray harder and wait longer. 

Last night Brenda and I went to look at an older truck. We were surprised to learn the man selling the truck graduated from Seminole High School. We served the FBC of Seminole, TX back from 2009-2011. We love the people of Seminole. We knew this could not be coincidence. We have just been studying ways God speaks to His people with our community of faith. We have learned God speaks through the Holy Spirit in the Bible, by prayer, circumstances and the church to reveal Himself and His purposes. Frank, who sold the truck is a follower of Jesus. That circumstance gave us peace. When we drove the vehicle we had more peace. We pulled the trigger and made the deal. 

We were able, by the great provision and blessing of God, to pay cash for a 2005 truck. It shows it age. Yet, we believe it is the first answer to this prayer. One vehicle answer to prayer given. 

Now, we move onto to believing God for the next two. Brenda is driving the oldest vehicle in our family. She needs a new one. Even now is needs additional mechanical repairs. That car was a gift from God through a loving church member in a previous church. I do not count it as one of the three vehicles we prayed for because, over $4,000 has been spent on mechanical repairs for the vehicles and right now we need additional repair work done on the engine. It is time for a new vehicle. When I say new one, that does not mean brand new unless that is God's design. We are perfectly content with used vehicles if that is God's plan. Our status and identity are not caught up in what we drive. We typically drive vehicles until there is not much life left in them. So we pray and watch to see what God will do for Brenda. 

Turner has been driving my truck. I am glad for him to do so. That means the majority of the time I do not have transportation. It all works well. When I stay in Weatherford, I literally have to walk less than 20 yards to get to the office. When I am in Runaway Bay, my office is 15 paces from my bed. 

Tuner has patiently waited his turn to get a vehicle of his own. He saw God provide for his brothers and trusts God will provide for him too. We have prayed with him and for him about this matter. Again, we are resolved we will not go in debt. God is our provider and He is perfectly able to provide the need on the front end as He is able to provide on a monthly basis. We believe He gets more glory by doing it all debt free. 

So we continue to pray and trust God to complete the miracle. I have publicly stated our belief that God would provide three vehicles debt free before. Not to solicit money from people, but so when God does it HE WILL GET THE GLORY! He is able to do it. We have legitimate needs. While we are not abounding in finances, our Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He knows our needs. He knows our address. He is able to get any vehicle He desires for us into our possession without going in debt. 

So I awake eager today with a heart of faith to watch for what God will do next. I go to the mail box everyday anticipating the next miracle. I ask, seek and knock knowing through experience that we receive, we find, and doors are opened for our family. 

One down and more to go. I look forward to testifying even more in the days to come as God completes the miracles of three vehicles. Truth be told, I have actually in recent days begun asking for even more. He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than we ask or think. So I ask big because, big praying produces big glory for God. One miracle vehicle down. More to come. Praise His holy name. 

Stop The Spread

 At first glance, you may think this is another article relating to the Corona Virus. It is not. Just a few moments ago Brenda notified me her youngest sister got bit by some kind of insect in the arm yesterday. The swelling, pain, and infection have spread in less than twenty-four hours forcing her to go to the Emergency Room for treatment. 

What started as a small bite leaving an irritation, has now escalated into a much more serious health issue. The swelling and enflamed area keeps spreading. Intervention by Jesus and or medicine has to stop the spread. 

Sin is just like that insect bite. At first, we may barely notice the effects. The poison of sin spreads. If not checked, it can dull our sensitivity to spiritual things, poison our attitudes, harden our hearts, reshape our thinking and lead to destruction. I have seen it happen in my own life. I have seen it happen repeatedly in the lives of parishioners. Unchecked sin is deadly both spiritually as well as physically. 

We must constantly examine ourselves. We must keep close guard over our hearts. Temptations come from all sides. Twisted demonic attacks do not cease. The forbidden fruit of sin is tantalizing and promises pleasure. It is a lie. Sin only leads to death and destruction. 

One bite. One sip. One look. One phone call. One night stand. One drink. One toke. One snort. One moment of passion. It can spread so much further than we ever though we would go and cost us so much more than we are willing to pay. Satan is a deceiver. Sin will never produce what he promises. 

Stop the spread. Say yes to God and no to sin. We are called to holiness because God is holy. I Peter 1:15-16. We do not have to give into temptation. Read 1 Cor 10:13. Stop the spread. Reverse course and let passion for Jesus, His word, holiness, and righteous living spread. Whatever we do, we must stop the spread of sin in our own lives and family. Satan will always use sin to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10. Let us resist him steadfastly. Eph 6:10-12

Not The End

 Right across the street from my office window I can see the Spring Creek Cemetery. Many people are buried there. Many tears have been shed in that place grieving the loss of loved ones. That is the end of the road for lives. Or at least that is the way it appears to the eyes. 

There is a far greater reality unseen. Cemeteries are not the end. The remains of a person may be laid to rest in a casket there, but the truth is that person lives on in eternity. They either live on in eternal life or eternal damnation. 

We cannot fathom what Heaven will be like. We can imagine. We see a few glimpses from the Bible, but we only see in part. There are many songs about Heaven. We can sing about it, but at best we are singing about something we know little about. We cannot imagine the beauty, majesty, the sights an sounds of being in the presence of Yahweh and Jesus. Life just begins then. Life that will go on into infinity and beyond. Eternal life. Everlasting life. 

On the other hand, there is another everlasting life in torment, agony, anguish, torture in darkness surrounded by the flames of hell. The cemetery might be the end where bodies are buried. That is not the end. We can't see the end. EVREYONE DOES  NOT GET TO HEAVEN. Sometimes you can read an obituary that describes someone "going to be with the Lord." How do we know? Apart from a personal relationship with Jesus and trusting His saving grace nobody gets to Heaven. Nobody. You can't bluff your way in or buy your way in. NOBODY GETS IN EXCEPT THROUGH JESUS. John 14:6

Tombstones have dates engraved of a person's birth and death. Don't be fooled. The date of death is not the end. It is the beginning of eternal celebration or eternal misery and damnation. Which will it be for you?

The Shadow Surprise

 I was near the end of my walk. I had my head down as I trudged up one last hill counting the steps to make the task seem easier. I did not hear a sound. What happened next caught me totally by surprise. 

When I looked up, a giant black lab dog had zeroed in on me at a full sprint. I had very little time to react. Trying to hide my concern, I said in a deep authoritative voice, "Hey! What are you doing?" With those words the dog stopped and started sniffing me like dogs are prone to do. I reached my hand out so he could smell it. Friendship established, I started petting and the tail started wagging. Next thing I knew, the stop reared up on his hind legs putting his large paws on my chest. Did I mention he was a large dog? 

Soon a teenaged boy came riding up on his bike apologizing. I learned the dog's name was Shadow. It fit his black velvet like fur. Even though Shadow looked intimidating, he turned out to be loving and friendly. There was no reason to fear. No reason to be anxious. 

As I pondered that scene on the last jaunt of my journey home, it become clear. We grow anxious and fear so many things in life. We are even prone to worry about and fear things that do not even happen. Shadow had no ill will toward me. Like a curious oversized puppy, he just wanted to make a new friend. 

It saddens me how many people live in private prisons of fear and anxiety. This is certainly the case with the Corona Virus pandemic. It is one thing to be wise and cautious using good sense to protect yourself and loved ones. It is a whole other matter to give into fear. The news media plays on the fears of people. They often overhype the severity of approaching storms to generate more viewers and keep people glued to their televisions or devices. People live in fear about the economy. They live in fear about politics. They give into terror over all the what ifs that most likely will never happen. 

We are told in Matthew 6:25-33 repeatedly not to be anxious about tomorrow. Paul exhorts us in Phil 4:6 to be anxious for nothing. Not Corona Virus. Not who will sit in the Whitehouse. Not the weather. Not the what ifs. In essence, we are not to worry about anything but pray about everything. We tend to do the opposite. We worry about everything and give little prayer to the way we view and approach life. 

How much energy is wasted in life worrying about little things that cast a giant shadow? How much stress in created from the toxic thoughts of fear and anxiety that never come to pass? 

Shadow the dog proved not to be a menace, but actually a blessing to break up the monotony of climbing that steep hill. A sweet spirited loving dog eager to make a new friend. How many blessings do we miss out on because of fear. God did not give us a spirit of fear. II Tim 1:7 

Life is filled with surprises. Some are unexpected trials. Even trials can turn out to be blessings in disguise. Other surprises are God's manifest love and favor. Admittedly, there are surprises that are unwelcomed intruders in the form of tragedy, disease and death. 

Death is the worst thing that can come to any of us unexpectedly. For those who have trusted Jesus, death is not something to fear. Like one dying man told me once, "I'm not afraid to die. I know where I am going. It is just the process of getting there that troubles me." The process of dying is harder for some than others. Death itself, for a true child of God, is a promotion from this life. It is advantageous to anything we can experience here. That is why David wrote in the 23rd Psalm, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for your rod and staff comfort me."

Death is but a shadow. A shadow producing fear in the hearts of multitudes. Death is also just a door for children of God to finally put sight to the faith they have long held. Death is a door of reunion with Jesus. It is also a reunion of loved ones who have gone on before. I plan to meet my Momma, Papaw, Mamaw, and baby sister Jamie at those pearly gates. So come on shadow of death. You do not scare me. 

We Needed An Interpreter

 Sunday evening we sat down to dinner after a full day of worship and ministering the word of God. We were all there except Taylor. Stories were swapped. Laughter filled the dining room. 

Suddenly, Brenda ducked her head and flailed her arms. I thought she had a fly or other bug swarming her head. I could not have been more wrong. To all of our surprise, a bird perched on top of her head. A sparrow to be more exact. Yes, a bird had somehow gotten inside our home. THE CHASE WAS ON!

Tanner took out in hot pursuit. Turner could not quit laughing in between ducking when the bird nosedived near his head. Tucker vigilantly stood guard over doors as we tried to hem the bird in the living room. We opened the front door and the door leading into the garage. At one point, the bird actually landed on top of the open door. Just inches from freedom all the bird had to do was fly outside. When Tanner and Turner closed in, along with Brenda holding the broom, the bird darted for the dining room again. The chase continued. Tanner in full chase mode. Turner still laughing and Tucker still standing guard. 

I thought to myself, "If I were a bird I could speak the bird's language and escort it to freedom." The bird flew in fear because we could not communicate with one another. We needed an interpreter. 

This whole scene played out for about ten minutes. Finally the bird got so tired Tanner caught it up and tossed it outside. When Tanner sat down he had a full sweat going. I admire his persistence. He saved the day like Superman. 

It got me to thinking. God tried everything to communicate with people. Dreams. Visions. Prophets. He sent laws. Still people kept sinning, rebelling and forsaking Him. Something kept getting lost in communication. God finally sent Jesus in human form. Jesus communicated on a level people understood and set the example on how to live. He modeled a life that pleased God. He taught truths that transformed. Jesus bridged the gap between God Almighty and His creation. Jesus became human and took our sin guilt so we could become holy. 

During this Thanksgiving season, I am all the more thankful for Jesus. Thankful He left the splendor of Heaven to walk the dusty dirt roads of Earth to communicate the love of God in a language we could understand. He became like us so we could become like Him. That fact still amazes me. Jesus became our interpreter. Gratitude should fill the heart of every believer. Hope should fill the heart of unredeemed people who have wrecked their lives. Jesus is the way to restoration and salvation. 

I will not soon forget the lesson I learned from a bird in our house. Just one more demonstration of God communicating love and truth in a way a simple minded man like me can understand. 

Only For Jesus

 It was a very busy week. So busy in fact, I only saw Brenda a few hours on Thursday evening and Turner as he walked out the door headed for school Friday morning. Somewhat reluctantly I packed a suitcase, as I have done a hundred times preparing for another preaching trip. 

Dutifully I packed already feeling a little homesick. It had been since Sunday night the last time I saw Brenda and Turner and would be three more days before I really got to spend time with them. I had already preached four times that week and still had five more messages to deliver before returning home. I felt exhausted before leaving. I asked Jesus for strength and power to complete the assignment. Only for Jesus. 

Only for Jesus would I leave the love of my life, Brenda, and our sons. Over the years I saw those sons cry when they were little each time I left for the next preaching trip. They could not understand why dad was leaving again. They were too young to understand I did it only for Jesus. 

Only for Jesus would I leave a flock I have grown to love and cherish  the time to minister to as their under shepherd. Only for Jesus would I hit the road again instead of enjoying time behind my desk or with the people who have showered me and my family with affection to minister the word to strangers. Only for Jesus would I sleep in strange beds. 

Only for Jesus would I preach my guts out, pray fervently and hope God truly impacted the lives of students and adults. It is something Jesus has called me to do for two and a half decades. From the sandy beaches of Florida to the mountains of California and many points in between. I have traveled for Jesus thundering Bible saturated messages calling people to salvation, repentance and revival. It is something I only do for Jesus. 

I've lugged worn out luggage all over this nation for the privilege of speaking God's word. I would only do that for Jesus. At times, I have not made a penny. At other times, I have been generously compensated. It is not about the money. It is about Jesus.  

None of it is a sacrifice. Not in comparison for what Jesus did for me on a cross. Heb 12:2 So, gladly I go where He leads. If He chooses to keep giving me invitations, I will keep going for Him. I'm scheduled to go out to west Texas in the Spring. We will see what He opens after that. I commit to keep going.  Even when I get homesick. Even when my family cannot go with me. Even if I'm exhausted. Even if I miss a little time with the flock I love. All for Jesus. He is worth all of it and more. 

From Concrete Jungle To Dust On The Boots

 In the span of one week, I went from the concrete jungle of the suburbs of Houston, TX to the dust on the boots out in the country. I navigated the twisted spaghetti like maze of sidewalks of city life as well as, the dirt trails through wooded country kicking up some dust on the boots. 

People need Jesus in the concrete jungles. People need Jesus in rural backwoods America too. I prefer the wide open spaces. The dusty trails. The simpler slower pace of country life. People in urban populations need Jesus too as well as the cowboys and cowgirls. Foundry workers need Jesus just as much as farmers. CEOs in sky rise offices are in need of a Savior just as much as down to earth country folks. Those living in fine houses with manicured lawns are in need of the gospel as much as those living in farm houses located at the end of dirt driveways.  

Whether people slip on loafers or pull up boots, all are sinners in need of a Savior. Rom 3:23. Rom 6:23. Jesus is that way to reconcile us to God. Rom 5:8 Jn 3:16. So I keep going where God opens the door to keep telling the good news to people from all walks of life. From concrete jungles to cow patty littered pastures, millions grope along in spiritual darkness. Jesus still shines brighter than the neon lights of the metropolitan areas as well as, brighter than the clear starry lit skies of the open range. 

Wherever you are, wherever you reside, keep telling the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. Keep pointing people to His offer of salvation leading to both abundant and eternal life. 

Frozen In Time

 It had been awhile. Several years as a matter of fact. The last time, our boys were still boys. Now they are grown men. We planned it weeks ago. A day for family pictures. We drove out the Grasslands located outside Alvord, TX. We color coordinated our dress for the photos. Pose, smile, click. We smiled so much our faces hurt. For nearly an hour we posed, readjusted where we stood, smiled and heard the click click of the camera. Julie Horner does a great job has been our preferred photographer for the past decade. 

We laughed. We took pictures near some Pine Trees, which reminded me of my boyhood home back in the Piney woods of East Texas. We took pictures by a pond. We took pictures on a gravel road. All six of the Edwards in harmony of color and love. 

Those moments captured on photographs will be moments frozen in time. Moments we can look back and remember. Moments to make our hearts swell with more love for one another. Make no mistake. No photograph can substitute for the real thing. We love having all six places at the Edwards' table occupied. Thanksgiving Day will be filled with laughter, gratitude, and sumptuous food, as Brenda and I are surrounded with the people we love. 

All over this planet moments have been frozen in time through iconic photographs. Images of war, famine, industry, love, family, sports and celebrities. From pioneers to space travel, it has been captured in pictures. 

In actuality, no moment can be frozen in time. I will long remember our photo session of yesterday, but that moment has come and gone. The images remain but time marches on. The pages of history continue to turn. Even as I write this, we are nearing the final month of 2020. A year I don't many will be sad to see fade into history. 

My challenge today is for you to enjoy the people God has surrounded around you. Treasure the moments you have with them. Enjoy time doing little things. Bask in the moment not taking them for granted. Say I love you. Appreciate one another. Take multiple snap shots with the heart. No moment can be frozen in time, but we can learn to enjoy and make the most of the moments we have with those we love. 

A Different World

 I have spent the majority of my ministry in small towns and country churches. You are more likely to see jeans and boots than a business suit. Spring Creek Baptist Church is situated out in the country. It is not uncommon to see tractors rolling by, hay and cattle trailers hauled by big trucks. Even as I write this, I sit in a button down shirt, Wrangler jeans and Tony Lama boots. It is the world and culture I live in. 

Last night I found myself in a far different world. To be honest, it was a world out of my comfort zone. A world only a dozen miles from our country abode. A world of skateboards, skaters, ramps, rails, Vans, spill and thrills. Allan, Connie and I felt compelled by God to visit this world. The truth is we have felt compelled to come go to this world for months. Last night we stepped out in faith. To invade their space. We went to McGratton Park armed with homemade cookies, bottled water and the love of Jesus. 

We met five young men. At first, they stood off. Eventually each of them came to the picnic table where we sat and visited. Some ate cookies. They were a little suspicious. At one point, they called us old. I know nothing about skaters or skating other than the little I did as a teen. Most shared a little of their stories. Troubled. Some separated from their biological families and living with grandparents. One admitted many times he sleeps in his vehicle. We heard very colorful language you will not hear in Sunday morning church. Most have little to no interest in religion. One said he does not believe in any of it. He went on to say he is in the middle thinking no religion is better than the others. One commented, "I am actually really into God," then absent mindedly dropping repeated "f" bombs. 

This group of young men represent a culture. A foreign culture to me. They are often misunderstood and labeled. They said earlier in the evening there had been up to 40 skaters. It dwindled to five when we arrived. These students feel outcast. Harassed by law enforcement authorities. Drug use was admitted. One in particular was very open. He preferred to go by his nickname. I asked how he got the nickname and he responded, "From doing drugs and fighting."

I shared the gospel, but they were not open to it. I must earn their hearing. We plan to return next week armed with pizzas and more love of Jesus. To love. To listen. To befriend. To counsel when needed. Most importantly with the prayerful desire to introduce those skaters to Jesus. It is way out of the comfort zone of a country church. Even this country pastor. I am from the world of sports, weight rooms and athletics. That is not the world of our new friends. We saw and heard things that would make most church people uneasy. We choose not to be offended but to love with no strings attached. 

If those skaters never attend here, I am willing to take Jesus to them. Possibly to even begin a Bible study on their turf in time. WE MUST GET OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF THE CHURCH. WE MUSTGO AND TAKE JESUS TO THOSE WHO NEED HIM MOST. Jesus often left the religious masses to seek out and befriend sinners and outcasts. Should we not do the same. We are commanded to do so. Matt 28:19-20. Mark 16:15. Acts 1:8. Rom 1:14-16. 

Are we willing to love the people many have given up on. Parents. Schools, Law Enforcement. The church. I can predict the future of this ministry. There will be one step forward in progress and many steps backwards as these young people fall into destructive behaviors. This is a not a quick fix ministry. We may never see one of them step through the doors of Spring Creek Baptist Church. That is not the point. I would much rather they enter the doors of Heaven because they met Jesus as their Savior.  Of course we will invite them here. 

So, we enter this adventure with Jesus to seek and save those who are lost. Hard days will probably lie ahead. Spiritual warfare will be waged. We walked right into the enemy's camp. He will not ignore that threat. Like Paul I want to say to my last breath;

Acts 20:24 (NASB)
²⁴  "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. 

Enthralled

 To be enthralled means to have your attention captured and fascinated. There are many experiences and realities that enthrall people. Look at a child walking into Six Flags or Disney Land for the first time. They are enthralled. Watch the masses at a sporting event or concert. They are also enthralled. 

What about where you worship? Do you see people enthralled? Do you witness worshipers who are fascinated with God as they sing and express their devotion? Do you see exuberance, reverence, awe? People enthralled in the presence of God. 

Many years ago I made the decision to not sit on the stage during worship so I could focus on God and not the people. I cannot say I know how people worship or if they are ever enthralled behind me. That is between them and God. It is not my job or the music minister's job to work people up into a frenzy. People choose to be enthralled or bored in worship. God is the audience. He is worthy of our best attention and fascination. 

What is more important to me is, am I enthralled with God in my private worship? I want my attention captured and fascinated with Him. It was this morning in my time with Him. Enthralled in pure worship not contaminated by what others think. Just the two of us enjoying each other. Yes, I said enjoying each other. In my enthralled experience today, I enjoyed God. I did not rush through our time. I did not have any other agenda except to enjoy Him. To be caught up in His vastness. To lose track of time and space in delighting in who He is.

Enthralled is a great word, but I cannot say my private times with God have always been enthralling. Never on God's part. The problem lies with me. Many times when I come to the prayer closet, I feel like a race horse in the starting gate. I want to start my day. To study. Write. Make phone calls. Plan, Text. Read. So much to do. So much that I rush through private worship and don't take the time to get enthralled. I'm betting I am not the only one. You may have done the same. 

I think being enthralled in private worship on a regular basis enhances public worship. Lackluster public worship gatherings may indicate people's  lackluster private walks with God more than laying the blame at the worship leader's feet. Yahweh is a great King. He deserves great seeking, great devotion, great praise and for us to pause long enough to be enthralled. 

The All Seeing Eye

 Jeremiah 16:17 (NASB) 

¹⁷  "For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity concealed from My eyes. 

God has all seeing eyes. This can be a great comfort. Comfort when you need His protection, His guidance, provision, counsel, strength and so forth. It can also be disconcerting when you think about your own personal iniquity or the iniquity of a group of people. That is even true of an entire nation. 

Think of the all seeing eyes of God on all your ways. From the moment you awake until you go to bed. Every action. Every word spoken. He sees the inside too. He knows your thoughts and attitudes. Not just for one day, but for every day of your life. Things done in supposed secret are not secret to Him. Things you practice hidden in the shadows are clear before His marvelous light. 

God sees deceit, hucksters, shysters, and corruption. Nobody gets away with it. There is a day of reckoning for everyone. That was true in Jeremiah's day and is just as true in our day. God holds people accountable for their sinful ways. He sees all and knows all. 

What kind of person does that make us want to be? Does it motivate us onward toward holy living? In many cases it does not. It did not for the people of Israel. They did not amend their ways and eventually they felt the consequences of God's chastisement. 

We can be forgiven, if we have been washed in the blood. We can be restored, if we repent and turn from our wicked ways. If God sees all, may we live our lives in the light of eternity. May we ever be mindful He is watching and be more diligent to mind our actions. Live for the day when the All Seeing Eye becomes the Reverberating Voice in Heaven saying, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Prophesying Falsehood

 Jeremiah 14:13-14 (NASB) 

¹³  But, "Ah, Lord GOD!" I said, "Look, the prophets are telling them, 'You will not see the sword nor will you have famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.'"
¹⁴  Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds.  

I hold the office of prophet in high esteem. They were often lonely men living shut up to God and proclaiming an unpopular message. Many times their message was rejected and they personally experienced persecution. Both were true in Jeremiah's case. 

God spoke a very clear and consistent warning to the nation of Israel through Jeremiah. People did not listen. It proved fertile ground for false prophets to peddle a message of prosperity. This message played to the crowds, Built a following and popularity. There was only one problem. Their message was false and not from God. 

The Old Testament put a severe penalty on false prophets. If they prophesied falsely and those things did not come to pass they stoned them to death. I wonder how many so called prophets would be so quick to espouse their messages if they knew they would suffer the same fate. 

I have written this before. Some prophets speak for profit. False prophets know what message appeals to the crowds. I used to view a prophet website. On this site many published their words from the Lord. I noticed a pattern. They were mainly messages of prosperity and very general and vague in nature. Over months I also noticed how few ever came to pass. My verdict; false prophets. 

Why would prophets intentionally deceive? For one reason, to pad their pockets financially or to secure special favors from listeners. There is also another possible reason. Deception from the enemy. On more than one occasion, demons influenced prophets to prophesy falsely. 

All of this to say, prophets beware. God will hold you accountable for words you say are from Him. Listeners beware. Be discerning. Do not beguiled by what tickles the ears. May we not be taken in by falsehoods but hold to God's truth. We might not always like the prophet's message, but so many times it has been needed. 

Jeremiah never saw people repent and turn. They hated him and his message. God approved. In the end, God approval is always superior to the applause of people. I thank God for courageous prophets like Jeremiah. 

A Tragic Dark Day

 It all seemed lost. The long sought after victory ended in dismal failure. Some grieved. Many rejoiced. The spiritual darkness seemed to engulf the land like midnight. Many stood in disbelief. Shocked unsure what to do or where to turn. Tears fell for some. Shouts of triumphs arose from others. 

The demons hissed and laughed. Their wicked plans succeeded. They won. They celebrated the confusion and defeat of many believers. They high fived. Patted themselves on the back. Had a victory party. 

All seemed lost. 

Then something happened. Unnoticed by the masses. Not by God. A flicker. A fluttering. A RESUURECTION! A TRIUMPH. UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE A MIGHTY TRIUMPH O'RE HSI FOES. Hope was rekindled. Faith reignited. A revival spread. The good news shared. 

Now the demons shuttered. Now they hissed in fear. Now they grew weak in the knees and realized they utterly failed. What they meant for evil God meant for good. HE LIVES! HE LIVES! CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY! HE WALKS WIH ME AND TAKLS WITH ME ALONG LIFE'S MERRY WAY. HE LIVES!

There have been many tragically dark days. Many times when hope seemed lost. Be of good courage. Do not fear. God has weathered many a disheartened soul through stormy and gloomy waters before. He will do so again. 

We Lost A Sister Today

 We tragically lost a sister in Christ today, 

As she struggled on her pilgrim pathway, 

The shock hit hard without any warning, 

Leaving sobbing eyes in torrential storming, 

The questions linger, what if, if only , why,

Did one so relatively young have to die, 

Leaving a husband and grown sons to grieve, 

The pain so oppressive making it hard to breathe, 

Where are You in those moments so troubling, 

When sorrows like springs start to bubbling, 

You say You are near to those brokenhearted, 

Grappling with the losing of the departed, 

Your word says to live is Crist - to die is gain, 

Our sister is alive with You and not slain, 

She is free to dance before You in glory, 

Forever to sing Your redemption story. 

A Prayer For America

 Jesus, 

I am so grieved for the United States. We have sinned against You. We have rejected You time and time again. We have sown the seeds of sin. We are now reaping the consequences of that sin. The holocaust of abortion is ever before You. I rejoice that You welcomed each one of those murdered infants into Your arms.

 You gave full witness when the Supreme Court decided to legalize homosexual marriage though, You outlawed it thousands of years ago and have not changed. Your eyes witness the sexual degradation and depravity of people enslaved in the bondage of lust. You are aware of every immoral act. Nothing escapes Your notice. You are painfully aware of corruption, fraud, deceit, trickery, theft and a host of other wicked behaviors. 

We as a nation have no excuse. You gave us Your word. You gave us religious freedom. You gave a land with abundant resources. You protected us from foreign invaders. You helped the orchestration of our Republic and the framing of our Constitution. You backed us all the way. 

You guided us through a Revolution, a Civil War, two World Wars and many others. For all of that, we turned away from You. We frolicked in our prosperity and romped in pleasure and entertainment. All the time the enemy lulled us to sleep. We got comfortable while Satan kept advancing. Ever taking more and more ground. 

You sent clarion calls to awaken Your church. Most were not heeded. Now, this country is divided. Corrupt, wicked evil politicians litter the entire political landscape at every level. The hatred and vile venomous rhetoric spewed is wretched and deplorable in Your eyes. You are in a war for the very soul of this nation. You against Lucifer. Your angels against demons. The stakes are high. Eternally high. 

I for one am not ready to give up on America. I ask You to turn the hearts of the people back to You again. I ask You to awaken Your church to pray. To pray for the light of Your truth to shine brighter. For corruption to be exposed and taken down. For righteousness to triumph wickedness. 

I ask You to transform people with the liberating message of Jesus. I ask You to transform people, families, communities, cities, states and an entire nation. I pray for You to spark a spiritual revolution that encompasses the whole country. Where millions get saved and are changed from the inside out. I ask You to leave no state unturned. 

I ask You to tear down spiritual, political, and economic strongholds of Satan. I ask You to bring everything exalted against the knowledge of You crashing down. May righteousness arise in its place. I ask You to have Your say. To show Your power. To thwart every purpose of Satan. To oppose the Prince of Darkness at every turn. 

I ask You to strengthen Your soldiers to fight. I ask You to renew their strength to keep fighting the good fight. Please help Your people not grow weary and lose heart. May we fight these battles prayerfully and boldly before Your throne of grace. This is our hour of need. We turn to You. You are our only hope. You are the only salvation for America. In Your name Jesus, amen. 

Voting Biblically

 Millions have already voted in the 2020 Presidential election. Millions more will vote tomorrow. We often hear preachers say we should vote biblically. What does that mean. I would like to offer a few things you should consider biblically when casting your ballot. 

1. You should vote for the most pro-life candidate. 

Psalm 139:13-16 (NASB)
¹³  For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.
¹⁴  I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
¹⁵  My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
¹⁶  Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.

2. You should vote for the most pro-Israel candidate. 

Genesis 12:1-3 (NASB)
¹  Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you;
²  And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing;
³  And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."

3. You should vote for the most pro-marriage candidate as defined by the Bible. 

Genesis 2:24 (NASB)
²⁴  For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 

4. You should  vote for the most pro-work candidate not rewarding those who refuse to work.

2 Thessalonians 3:9-10 (NASB)
⁹  not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.
¹⁰  For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.

There are many others but, this is a good place to start. May God guide you in the polling booth. As a Christian it is our right, privilege and duty to vote. May you do so biblically.  

U Turn

 One of the things I do for exercise is walking. I enjoy the solace of time to commune with God and to ponder. I get lost in my thoughts step after step. Sometimes I get brought back to reality when facing a steep climb uphill.

A few days ago I faced such a hill. A steep long hill I've trudged up numerous times. On this occasion, I decided to put my head down and focus on the steps in front of me instead the far off peak. I can't say what made me look up. When I did, I found a surprise on the road a few steps in front. On that cool brisk morning, a snake lay stretched out in the middle of the road. I stopped in my tracks. 

At first, I thought the snake was dead. That it had been run over by a car. Upon closer examination I determined the snake had not been crushed. Then, it dawned on me. The snake was warming itself in the sun on the road. I estimate the snake to have been four to five feet in length. I could not tell what type of snake it was. We did not exchange pleasantries. My initial thought was to try to step past it to the side. My second thought was what a bad idea that probably would be. I had no stick or rock to persuade the snake to get out of my path. Finally, I settled on the decision to make a U turn and backtrack charting a new course than I originally intended. 

I mused on this incident for much of the remainder of the walk. I could have just as easily kept my head down while traversing that hill and never seen the snake until I walked right on it. It made me think how many times God warns us about our course. He warns us we are on a dangerous path. He warns us to prevent pain and suffering. If we heed the warning, we repent and make U turns. If we ignore His warnings, we usually end up making a mess of things. 

U turns in life are needed spiritually speaking. I thank God for the numerous times God warned me, shut doors, and called me to turn around. He did this while dating. I dated one girl for five years and had every intention of marrying her. She was younger than me and decided to go to a different college after high school than I attended. We decided to date other people. That was a hard U turn but that is when God brought Brenda into my life. The other girl was also a Christian, kind, loving and sweet. She was not my soul mate. Brenda is the perfect compliment for me. I love and admire her more than I can ever put into words. 

On another occasion, I accepted a call to a church. We commuted back and forth waiting for the end of school before we moved. I later learned Brenda had reservations. The church was an urban inner city church. 80% of the crime in that city happened within a few blocks of the church. That appealed to my adventurous running toward risk. We fell in love with the people. They did some of the most innovative outreach things I have ever seen in a church.  Over the course of those months of commuting on the weekends, we learned that the church had some theological beliefs we could not support. Brenda and really loved those people. They made a deep impression on us. After three months, we knew we had to make a U turn. I could not support some of their beliefs and knew our staying there would only cause pain. It was difficult to meet with the leadership on a Saturday night to inform them and then to resign the following Sunday morning. It was painful, but Brenda and I left their with peace we did the right thing. The church felt so hurt they did not even want me to come back for two more Sundays. I understood. The U turn was providential in that God opened the door for Spring Creek later. 

I thank God for the U turns in my life. I am sure you do as well. I thank Him for His words of warning motivated by a heart of love and our well being. 

The United States of America needs a U turn. Back to God. Back to the Bible and away from backsliding. . Back to church and away from communist politicians. Back to holiness and away from Hollywood. Back to Jehovah and away from Jihad. Back to Jesus and away from the jeopardy of sin. Back to revival and away from running toward evil. America needs a U turn. Away from abortion. Away from homosexuality. Away from socialism. Away from pedophilia. Away from corruption. Away from lies and deceit. Away from empty promises that hold no water. Away from secularism. America we need a U turn. If we do not heed His warning, we are headed for more pain and devastation. 

Honk To Show You Care

 I had an amazing experience on an early morning walk recently. I heard the sound of honking. I looked around but did not see anything. The sound continued and eventually I laid eyes on a geese formation flying overhead. The whole scene fascinated me. Watching them flying in their 'V' formation. It prompted me to do some research. 

The purpose of the geese flying in the "V" formation is it's more aerodynamic. Each bird gets the benefit of the lift from the bird flying in front of them. When the lead goose gets tired, it will fall back into formation and another will move into the lead position. In this way they are able to fly further than any single goose could fly alone. 

The honking comes from the geese behind the leader encouraging the leader to keep up the speed. I heard that constant honking as they flew past me. Each honk encouraging the leaders to keep going, to stay strong, and to not give up. 

The formation of the geese is called a gaggle. Geese in the gaggle have a strong affection for one another. So much so that, if one gets sick or weak, some in the gaggle will fall behind with sick goose until it gets strong enough to resume the flight. They do not abandon their weak. 

Fascinating. Those same characteristics are exactly what ought to happen in the church. People in church should work together to impact their communities. Each person contributing with their gifts, talents and resources. Each using their strengths. Sadly, some people get on such power trips they end up working against each other. Church is no place for power struggles. Jesus is Head of the church. He is the leader. The rest of us need to get in formation behind Him and follow His lead. 

People in the church should encourage one another. They should encourage the leaders to keep going strong. I have received honks of encouragement from people who cared many times. It is uplifting to the soul. Honks of encouragement can come in the form of texts, phone calls, letters, cards and verbal affirmation face to face. It is grievous when in many churches, you will hear more criticism than you will hear encouragement. This ought not be the case. 

We should also care for the weak. This means our senior adults, our wounded, sick, and broken. They should not be left to suffer alone. The old saying goes, "Out of sight and out of mind." Many times over the years I've heard members ask about the well being of absentees. They ask but do not reach out. They care but do not go the extra mile to contact those absentees, to pray with them and check on them. Those absentees do not know anyone asked about them. Over time they start to think nobody really cares. We must not let people suffer alone. 

It reminds me of the truth of scripture. 

"Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

It sure seems Christians can learn a lot from the example of geese. I am thankful for my encounter with them a few days ago. I hope as a pastor you will hear me honking because I care.