A Thought For Today

Desires

2011-04-04T08:15:00.000-05:00

As a younger man (which I am no longer), I saw a dynamic which concerned me greatly then and still concerns me today. I had not been a Christian long when I began seeing men who were then my age now developing a very unhealthy attitude. They had subscribed to the train of thought of "I have put in my time. I have worked hard all my life and now am very comfortable. I intend to enjoy life." Well, so far, not too dangerous a set of thoughts, but wait. They would go from there as say, not verbally, mind you, but with every fiber of their being, would say, "I have served God faithfully and now it's time for the younger generation to step up and do their fair share. They have the energy and and mine is waining so I am going to sit back and relax."

Those desires are, not only unbiblical, they are downright dangerous. Dangerous how, Dwight? Glad you asked. One of my favorite devotion books has become "The Complete Green Letters" by Miles Stanford recommended by by friend from Argentina, Will Herndon. In the chapter entitled "Process of Discipleship," Stanford says,
           "So many seek to settle for this stage; saved with heaven assured-plus a pacifying measure of
           Christian respectablility, at least in church circles. Here we have the believer as a normal kernel of
           wheat containing life inside a more or less shiny golden covering, in fellowship high up on the stalk
           with similar kernels of wheat. This is but a stage, not the goal. And, like middle age, this can be a
           dangerous stage: one of seeking a 'much deserved' rest: of basking aimlessly in the fellowship of
           meetings, classes, etc.; of ignoring or forgetting the struggles and growing pains of the tiny green
           blades down at one's feet, and expecting and exhorting them to shape up and mature without delay."

My heart aches for those who are missing so much. It is true that the physical body cannot do at 60 or even 50 what it could at 30 or even 40. However, we can do what we can do. One of my heroes in the faith is Harry Piland. Harry was the director of the Sunday School department at the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay) when I first became involved in Sunday School work. Not only at 70 did Harry fuel a fire in my heart for Christian education but he set an example for us all in his last years.

After Harry retired from the Sunday School Board, he began serving as minister of education at churches. This continued until brain cancer ended his life and took him to Glory. Oh, how my desire is that my last years be my best years! And I hope it's yours too.

If Only...

2011-02-12T17:12:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday night Zannie and I both raised the average age in our mid-week service considerably. The Decatur D-Now kick-off was at Decatur Baptist Church and we wanted to see what was going on. The young man leading the concert was, so I was told, the worship leader for Andy Stanley's church in Atlanta. Yeah, we were a bit out of our element-in the presence of about 1500 sreaming, rocking, jumping, worshipping, and praising high school students.

I began thinking later about when I was in high school and the youth group events we had. I remember going to the youth evangelism conference in Nashville one Saturday and I remember serving for a Valentine banquet. That's about all the activities besides an occasion pizza party we ever had. I began to wonder how things would have been if we had 1st Priority. We've had almost 200 students across our county saved already this year because of 1st Priority. I wondered how many young people might have turned out differently in years past if the youth pastors were like the dedicated student pastors of today. I know that there have been great youth leaders in my generation and we probably have some not so good ones today. But that is not what I have experienced and am experiencing today.

I do actually envy students today. I have seen in recent days some of the most dedicated young men of God anywhere! I see young people being taught to not only live out their faith on a daily basis but I see students leading frineds to Christ and brining their lost friends to church. They are not doing this out of obligation or peer pressure but from a deep desire to see their friends enter into a saving realationship with Christ.

There is hope for this generation. In fact, we could learn much about their commitment.

Thankful

2011-01-31T16:38:00.000-06:00

I know it's not the Thanksgving season, but after all, isn't it always the season to be thankful? I just had a brief conversation with my pastor who had shoulder surgery a couple of weeks ago and is in a great deal of pain all the time right now. I have seen several emails today from people who are dealing with some very serious health issues. Then there are those who are requesting prayer for employment.

And then there's me; I am blessed beyond measure. I am convinced that no man living or dead has or had a better wife than me. Few as good either. God gave us three great kids and three awesome granddaughters. I've healed pretty much completely from my recent knee surgery. I serve a church that has a staff so committed to their areas of ministry that it's a true blessing to come in to the office each day. God has given me a ministry assistant who truly does keep me on track and doesn't just do her job (and extremely well, I might add) but one who has a standard of excellence and a haert for doing things above and beyond constantly.

The teachers I lead love God, love His Word, and love their flocks.They are as agreeable a bunch as I have ever had the joy and pleasure to work with.

The news is filled with articles of persecution and famine and tragedy. I'll go home to a comfortable home and rest tonight with no fear. Many today will make choices today as to which child gets fed; my biggest choice regarding food today has been toast or cereal for breakfast and what to order from the Crack Barrel menu at lunch.

I have the down payment of heaven in the Holy Spirit Who lives in me. I truly am blessed!

My goodness! I live a life for which I am truly thankful!

The Gift is Coming!

2010-12-17T10:03:00.001-06:00

This Christmas is a bit different from all the ones of years before and not just because it's Christmas Present instead of Christmas Past. Because Austin and his family have gotten stranded a couple of times in snow on the interstate in Indiana on their way south, we decided to do Christmas with all the kids and grand girls on the day after Thanksgiving. Lots of fun to be with the girlies when they started opening presents!

So Christmas activities are, more or less, in the rear view mirror for us. Zannie, Andrew, and I will be going to Gulf Shores for Christmas; that'll be a bit different. And we have the staff Christmas party ahead of us but things are gearing down now; however...

There is still one more gift Zannie and I are waiting for. Our house is listed on the real estate market and we are waiting for God to bring us a buyer but that's not all of the gift for which we are waiting. Zannie and I both strongly feel that our house was exactly the one He wanted us to have when we moved to Alabama. We are convinced of it! We are equally convinced that He has a particular house in Decatur for us as well. We've been praying that He will place us in a house where we can be actively involved in ministry to our neighbors particularly in the area of evangelism.

Just as convinced of His placing us on Blackburn Road are we that He has a very specific house for us in Decatur. It may still be owned by someone who, right now, has no thoughts of selling it. It may be in foreclosure. It may not even be built yet. It may have been on the market for a long time or just recently become available. Only He knows but we are on His schedule and in His perfect time we'll know. We are expecting to literally know which house it is when we see it. I told Zannie this morning that I feel like a kid who sees the gift under the tree; I know it's there but I just have no clue what is on the other side of the pretty paper. Anticipation is high and gets higher every day but I will just have to wait. I can't cheat by slipping off the paper and rewrapping this gift (not that I would have ever thought of doing anything like that at any stage in my life). I can't even shake this surprise. I just have to trust that my Father will choose the perfect gift for us and we will be shown later. The excitement is building!

I am thankful that we have Him as our real estate agent to sell our current house and we don't even have to pick out our next house. He will pick it out for us. We sure do have a great Father! All good gifts and all perfect gifts, after all, do come from Him.

Merry Christmas!

Ensley Kate

2010-11-01T19:35:00.000-05:00

It's been a delight to have Grace and little Ensley in Alabama for a few days. It's given me time to reflect a bit. This afternoon as I held Ensley, I was taken back to earlier years. Seeing her little legs almost involuntarily flail as she enjoyed a clean daper, I was given to the thought of how we often flail about in life. I could see the generalities of her future-she will soon be sitting up, then crawl, walk, talk, and hug. She will begin to make choices-some good and some bad. She will have to be disciplined and at times even punished. The love of her parents and grandparents, as well aunts and uncles, will be no less, however.

Yesterday, as I held her innocent little body, I prayed that God would draw Ensley to Himself at an early age. As much joy as there is in seeing your child win awards, excell in athletics and academics, as joyous the occassion is when they are married or even bear their own children, there is no greater joy than knowing they are born again.

I have prayed the same prayer for our two other granddaughters and we continue to repeat that prayer. The same God and Creator who made heavens and earth, who has redeemed countless millions can do the same for Ensley. I am grateful for His power, His willingness, and His desire to do so.

She, like all of us, can continue to flail about in life or she will have to opportunity to discover the plan He has for her. Just like I pray for Ensley's salvation, I pray for her discovering and carrying out the plan God has custom designed for her. Salvation secured in heaven and obedience in following Him on earth. Both very good ideas!

Stick With the Basics

2010-10-07T14:53:00.000-05:00

I was fed, taught, have studied, and have learned the most basic of Sunday School principles the whole time I have been involved in Christian education. Never have I had the desire to get "fancy, shmancy" with this very critical and effective ministry. For that I am grateful.

In recent days, many of those basic ideas learned have come to light in practicality. After a recent leadership meeting where there was a lot of discussion about "open" enrollment or spinning off the old Andy Anderson "Growth Spiral" statement of enrolling anyone anywhere anytime, my pastor asked me to teach enrollment principles to the whole church last night and next Wednesday. I had a great time and I trust the congregation did as well.

I was excited to enroll a young lady for Sunday School this Tuesday night while making visits then this morning our awesome Latino pastor came to my office with "buenas noticias" (good news). He said that after teaching open enrollment to his congregation they have enrolled two families this week. One of the moms said that we were an answer to her prayers. They had no idea as to where to go to church but knew that we were sent by God. Amen to that!

I've had the opportunity to see God Almighty work in such amazing ways, not only in our lives, but in the lives of others recently. I should not be surprised...just reminded! I will continue to stick with the basics.

Seek His Face

2010-09-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

In recent days, there have been numerous occassions when I needed to know what choice to make in situations that would effect others as well as myself. I know that my wisdom is limited, to say the least, and I also know that eventhough my choice matters, I don't know the "unseens". However, I know that God knows and there are no unseens for Him.

I had to just say, "Lord, this is what I think but I don't want to choose X if You want Y or A or B or something else of which I don't even know. Please make it very clear as to what I should do." It should be no suprise that He did. As a result of seeing Him work in my life, I have begun a daily prayer of something like, "Lord, there will be things crossing my path today that I, in myself, am not equipped to make a decision on. Please give me wisdom to deal with what comes my way today. I am not asking for tomorrow yet, just today."

Earlier this week when I was solicited for advise, I made a couple of suggestions but said, "Ultimately God knows all the details and you just need to get on your face before Him and see what it is He wants." They did and He did make it clear.

Now here is the problem with all that; why is it that I sit here and write of a principle that all Christians know but so few, including me, seldom practice? We know the power of prayer. We know the omniscience of God. We have been taught since an early age to seek Him first. We have head knowledge of the right things to do but flesh, self-will, lack of faith, and who knows what else gets in the way of the implementation.

But the good side is that I am growing. I am moving closer to Him. And I am daily experiencing how much He can be trusted.

A New Adventure

2010-09-16T07:43:00.000-05:00

My new adventure with God started on Monday. I am the new Christian Education Pastor at Decatur Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama. And what an awesome church! The ministry staff, the administrative staff, the support staff, and the people at large are just awesome. Do I miss the folks at Clements? Of course, I do. They will always be family and will hold a very special place in Zannie's and my hearts. Our family has just enlarged ...a lot!

I don't really feel that I have done anything significant this week because it has been eaten up with getting the computer set up, filling out new employee papers, studying resumes for a ministry assistant, trying to find things in my newly "organized" office, and eating lunch. This is the most "eating out" bunch of people I have ever met. I'm liking it...a lot!

I am humbled and in awe of how God Almighty could entrust the education ministry of such a great church to me. Early in the process of praying about coming here, I told God that I didn't know that I could do all that was required of me here. Very, very clearly I heard Him say in that still, small, yet very loud and distinct voice, "I don't want you to do it; I want to do it through you." And that is my prayer-that it will not be me doing any of this but me being emptied of myself living in complete reliance on Him. Then I can watch Him amaze even me.

God is good all the time and all the time God is good! Amen and amen!

"Hello! Goodbye!"

2010-08-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

God sure does bring surprises into our lives. Eight years ago this week, God brought Zannie and me to one of the greatest churches on the face of the earth, Clements Baptist Church in Athens, Alabama. I was a salesman and passionate Sunday School director who God allowed to serve Him vocationally full-time as a minister of education. Then low and behold, He decided that it was time for us to go elsewhere. And I am convinced that, once again, He has placed us in one of the greatest churches on the face of the earth, Decatur Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama.

For people who change jobs every few years, I suppose it would be rather hard to understand the angst that is taking place in my heart. On the one hand, we are leaving family. Eight years is enough time to see see elementary children graduate from high school and enter college. It's time to see students join the military, get married, have children and start whole new lives. It's time to see God work in good people's lives who had served faithfully within the body of the church then realize that they, up to that point, only had lots of religion then enter into a personal realationship with Jesus Christ. It's enough time to fall deeply in love with the people God had called you to serve. It's enought time for them to truly become family.

On the other hand, we are getting a whole new family. God is the only One who knows whether we'll be at Decatur Baptist Church for another eight years or 28 years. (That would put me at 87. I have always said that Caleb was one of my heroes of the faith.) In any case, God knows and He knows the blessings He has in store for us at Decatur. We have trusted Him in this time of decision-making and we'll trust Him in the time of transition. We'll trust Him to bring victory in all situations.

Thank you, God, for wanting only Your best for us.

A Few Of My Heroes

2010-07-14T14:35:00.001-05:00

Everyone of us has or has had some heroes in their lives. Over the years, I have had many. A few of my heroes growing up were Tarzan, Superman, Rifleman, & Roy Rogers just to name a few. Well, I’ve outgrown these heroes…sort of. Those heroes can be fun as a child but heroes begin to shape your life at some point.

Heroes such as Ann Moore-there are few reading this blog who have ever heard of Ann Moore but she helped shape my life. Mrs. Moore was a high school English teacher who expected no more of me than I was capable of doing but required no less either. For C+ students, she expected no less than a C+ but at the same time understood that to expect more was not realistic. She knew how to get the best out of every student in her class. To this day, I cannot sit down to write something that I am not transported back to Obion County Central High School in Troy, Tennessee and ask myself, “What would Mrs. Moore think of this?”

In 1985, as a young Sunday School teacher and deacon, I really understood the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ for the first time. At that point I committed my life and my soul to His care a direction for my life. He has absolutely revolutionized my life and my future. He is the ultimate hero!

Then there’s Gene Moss, my dad. I learned hard work, ethics, going to church, and being on time from him. I remember going to the Old & Third National Bank in Union City, Tennessee and borrowing a few hundred dollars as a 12 year old to by some hogs and setting up an account at the feed mill. I remember on the way home him telling me that whether or not I had signed a piece of paper saying I’d pay back the money, my word should be enough. A handshake and a verbal promise to him were as binding as a written contact.

A hero for over 36 years is Zannie Moss, my wife. She has not just told me about and modeled compassion, mercy, and forgiveness for me, she has lavished all three of them on me when I deserved justice instead.

Robert Raikes is another hero to me. Raikes is credited for his innovation in setting up the first “Sunday school” in 1780 for the unruly children who lived in Glouster, England. Many of you are headed to heaven because of the “out of the box” idea Raikes had to teach the children to read by using the Bible as a text book.

Another of my Sunday school heroes is J. M. Frost who had the ability to look into the future to see the need for a publishing house for Southern Baptist Sunday School curriculum and presented a resolution in the 1890’s which formed the Baptist Sunday School Board.

For his “Formula” for Sunday School, Arthur Flake entered the ranks of hero to me when I read his book “Building a Standard Sunday School.” He taught me long after his death of the great organizing power of Sunday School and the basic principles that has strengthened Southern Baptist Sunday School for almost 100 years. Flake was a layman who joined the Baptist Sunday School Board in 1909 and became the first Director of the Sunday School Department in 1920.

Then there is Harry Piland whose drive and passion for Christian education influenced me like I didn’t know anyone could. His statement, "the word 'retire' is not in my vocabulary," to a group of Sunday School directors in 1994 has let me see that age has nothing to do with retirement. Retirement is a state of mind. Harry fanned a flame for Christian education in me in 1994 that burns hotter than ever today. Harry left LifeWay in 1994 at age 65 to become associate pastor/minister of education at First Baptist Church of Dallas where he served until 1997 before brain cancer forced him to return to Nashville for treatment before he died in 2001.

His predecessor at LifeWay as director of the Sunday School department, Bill Taylor is a hero to me because as I offered excuses as to why I could not become a minister of education, he showed me why and how I could.

One more Sunday School hero to me is Allan Taylor, the minister of education of First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA. Allan leads the education ministry for Pastor Johnny Hunt. I have never met anyone who and has more passion for what he does and believes in and loves Sunday School any more than Allan Taylor…unless it’s me!

Then there’s Dr. Frances Grace Moss Wood, my daughter. As she was in undergraduate school at the University of Tennessee at Martin her fiancé (now husband), E. J., was about an hour away at Lambuth University in Jackson Tennessee. On Friday and Saturday nights instead of chucking the studies for time together, Grace chose to close the library down. Her commitment to her studies and focus on the task at hand inspire me to this day.

One more set of heroes before I share with you some of my very favorite heroes. That is the local pastor-he works long hours doing a mentally, spiritually, and often physically grueling task. There is an incredibly heavy load to carry that he can share with no one. He leads under a microscope and has the opportunity at every turn to upset somebody.

Then there is a hero that goes so often unrecognized exercising constant faithfulness with little reward. He puts in countless hours of ministry, study and preparation every week of the year, most often after a full week of work. That’s the Sunday School teacher. Your level of scholarship inspires me. Your desire to minister to your flock causes me to re-examine my own heart regularly.

I have a lot of heroes and there are a lot more people than me who are looking at you as heroes. Live your life not as a hero but as a servant of Christ. Pour yourself into the task and invest in the lives of others. Wouldn’t it be great to have Jesus say someday, “You are one of my heroes!”?

God's Creative Genius

2010-06-17T05:25:00.000-05:00

It seems a bit understated to refer to "genius" and "God" in the same sentence but that's just the weakness of the human language...or at least my grasp of it. However, as I recover from my recent surgery (removal of 12" of my colon), I can't help but think of how He designed the human body. Yes, it is true that I had a part to become defective. But, thankfully, I had a very good doctor to do some mending.

I can detect improvement everyday and am extremely grateful. The interesting thing is that God didn't design us as we design a car. By that, I mean that when a part goes out on the car, a part replacement doesn't occur unless it is put in correctly and all the circuits, fuses, and connections are operating correctly. A car repair doesn't improve itself over time.

God's plan for the human body is that, yes, the part has to be put in correctly or taken out, in my case, but He designed us in such a way for the body to mend itself. He doesn't "make" it mend or "force mend" it. He gives us the sense or lack thereof to assist the healing process and understand the changes in our bodies to know when to get off the couch or when to back off physical activity.

Salvation is sort of like that. God does the work...all the work. He just allows us to accept what He has done for us and apply it to ourselves or ignore and continue to go our own way. He allows me to abuse my soul or take care of it. I am thankful that in 1985, I realized His work and I chose to allow it to do it's work in my own life.

This may be a stretch to compare God's plan for the healing of our bodies and our souls but it is something to think about today.

Upcoming "Events"

2010-05-13T08:03:00.000-05:00

This post gives information of my upcoming surgery. For those of you who read this blog on occassion, you know that I have always had a bent toward pointing others to God and His goodness and not to, in any way, point toward myself. Last week a Twitter, Facebook, and personal friend made a blog entry about his upcoming surgery. I thought his approach was a very effective way to give information in a wholesale manner to those who were wanting to know but at the same time, leaving the door open to those who wanted more specific info to ask. In either case, I encourage you to pray for Daniel Beard. You can see his blog entry at dailyadventuresofdaniel.wordpress.com.

Some of you know that I have dealt with diverticulitis (occassional infection in the colon usually cleared up with anti-biotics) for several years now. In recent days, I have had a persistent problem and have been advised by my gastro-intestinal doctor to have surgery. After my most recent bout with it, I am in full agreement. So the consultation has taken place and the decision has been made and scheduled; I will be having the infected section of my colon (about 12 inches) removed on Wednesday, May 19, at the Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville Alabama. According to the surgeon, I should be in the hospital 3-4 days then about 3 weeks recovery at home. I think I can cut that recovery time down a bit though.

According to everybody I have talked to who has had this surgery, I will feel so good after it's done, I'll be asking myself why I hadn't done it years ago. I certainly hope that is the case. On another up side of this, I have already lost about 16 pounds and while I am looking forward to losing another 15 or so, I do NOT recommend this as a weight loss program.

If you would be so kind to lift up me in prayer as I go into the surgery, I would greatly appreciate it. Of course, my family as well, especially, my sweet wife, Zannie, need your prayers too. Please also pray for my surgeon, and every person assisting in the surgery. I want the "A" team on this project! Also pray that I will not only have multiple opportunities but that I will be sensitve to seize the opportunities to lift up my Lord and point others to Him while in the hospital. And while you are praying, remember my friend, Daniel, too.

Another Woman

2010-04-19T11:47:00.000-05:00

Well, after almost thirty-six years of being married to my best friend, having the most beautiful daughter in the world, and the two most beautiful and smartest grandaughters anywhere by an awesome daughter-by-marriage, it happened! I have fallen in love with another woman. Well, we haven't exactly met yet and she's not exactly a woman yet... What? Read on.

Last Friday while running some errands and listening to my XM Radio, I heard a song I had long forgotten, "Isn't She Lovely?" by Stevie Wonder. The lyrics, in part, read:
"Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?
Isn't she precious?
Less than one minute old.
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she.

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I am so happy
We have been heaven's blessed.
I can't believe what God has done.
Through us He's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love?"

Somehow God used those lyrics to introduce me to another woman, the newest love of my life, Grace and E. J.'s little Ensley Kate Wood. She's not even a minute old, in fact, she has about four months to go before any introductions can be made but she has already stolen my heart; and Stevie, you had it right when you asked, "Isn't she lovely!?" She most certainly is!

When We Had Much Less

2010-04-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

This week-end our three children, 2 children-in-law, 2.5 grandaughters, and 2 granddogs will be Alabamy bound. This means a great deal to Zannie and me because to have them all together just does not happen but maybe at Christmas. We have had much less time with our family than we would like so we appreciate what we do have greatly!

I remember the time when buying a full tank of gas or eating out was a huge deal because things were just so tight financially. Now that we have more, we appreciate it a lot because there was a time we just didn't have much.

I wonder if when we get to heaven and see all its splendor we will appreciate heaven and say, "You know, this is so wonderful because on earth we just didn't have that much that really mattered and now we have EVERYTHING that matters."

I don't know but it's just a thought for today.

Are You Offensive?

2010-04-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Good Friday! No, let's celebrate "Spring Holiday" instead; that 's the cry of some city officials of an Iowa town. Silly, just plain silly! Good Friday is offensive! Easter is offensive! Jesus Christ is offensive! The Gospel of Jesus Christ is offensive! Why are we so surprised? As long as Christians are a part of this world in such a way to make a difference, we will be offensive. Of course, I am not encouraging being offensive for the sake of being offensive but offensive for the sake of the Gospel.

As I type these words a team of workers are doing some minor repairs on my home. I wait for them to finish so I can share the Gospel with them. Will they be offended? I hope not but, in either case, I know that any offense is not directed toward me but toward Him. It's His Gospel, His Good News, but the news is only as good as the recipient wants to make it in his own appropriation. Yes, it is good regardless but personally good as applied.

For yourself, are you offensive? Not obnoxious, mind you, but offensive because you choose to share the Good News to a world which desparately needs to be "offended." It's just a thought for today.

Storms and Suffering

2010-03-11T09:55:00.000-06:00

This morning as I began reading my devotions, I quickly discovered a common thread running throughout, storms and suffering. I am a bit of a slow learner sometimes but when the same thing continued to pop up in the different books written by different people during different times, it really caught my attention. In fact, while I know that the words from the devotion writers are not inspired, I was reminded of how God used different men from different backgrounds and over hundreds of years to pen inspired Scripture using one common theme, the love of God for His created people by providing salvation through Jesus, some looking forward, a few looking eye-to-eye, and us looking backward.

As I began to read, I put those different thoughts down on paper and now on this blog. I do hope and pray the words will help you where you have been, where you are right now, or in what you will be facing in days ahead.

"Watch for the storms of God. The only way God plants His saints is through the whirlwind of His storms....If you select your own spot to be planted, you will prove yourself to be an unproductive, empty pod. However, if you will allow God to plant you, you will 'bear much fruit' (John 15:8)." Oswald Chambers

"God punishes the ungodly by ignoring them. This is why they have success in the world--the most frightful punishment because in God's view, this world is immersed in evil. But God sends suffering to those whom He loves, as assistance to enable them to become happy by loving Him." Soren Kierkegaard

"You assume (God) relieve(s) struggle and replace(s) it with rest. But (He) use(s) struggle to uncover a rest beneath the struggle that no anguish can destroy. The struggle with fear and pain will continue. Only in the storm will you know there is an anchor." Larry Crabb

"The Psalms are not an anesthetic. They are not a cup of hot chocolate on a cold night. They are the prayers of someone lost in a dark wood, shivering in bitter cold, unable to stand the fierce wind. They are the praise that flows from that person's heart when he abandons himself to (God) for deliverance, when he trusts that (God's) hand has grasped his and that (God) is leading him home, very slowly but very surely. Job learned that he must die to the hope that darkness and cold and wind were not part of (God's) plan." Larry Crabb

"Your tears will become the melody of a new song. Your darkness will become the wind through which new light will appear. Your doubt will become new ground, solid ground, on which to stand. Expect your theological boxes to explode, to lose all false hope in what (God's) love will provide in this life. Expect your personal dreams to shatter, to lose all false confidence in what (God's) power guarantees in this life. Meditate on each psalm, knowing that (God) is calling you to walk a long road that, for long seasons, you will not enjoy. Then decide, again and again: either cling to (God) as I AM or reshape (Him) into who you want (Him) to be. The stakes are high. Either you will find yourself in finding (God) as (He) reveals (Himself), or you will lose yourself in creating (Him) to fit your foolish expectations. Make the right choice. (He) want(s) you to sing a new song." Larry Crabb

"You are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or headed for a storm--life is stormy. In the midst of our personal storm, we, too, need the One who used the sea as a sidewalk to save us: we too need to proclaim, 'Truly You are the Son of God.' Only Christ can bring calm in the midst of calamity. It is not natural to have peace in the midst of a storm--it is supernatural! Human nature shuns storms; divine nature stills storms. When faith cries out, 'Lord save me!' the hand of God reaches down and picks us up. Let Jesus bring you victory in the midst of your storm today." Allan Taylor

This is my thought for today.

God's Plan for Holiness

2010-02-18T08:33:00.000-06:00

I am reading 66 Love Letters. It is a book written by Dr. Larry Crabb in quite a unique format; it is a dailogue between the author and God about the reason for God "writing" each of the 66 books of the Bible and how Christ is central in each book. In a recent chapter, I was taken by the following quote (God speaking):
"You ask what will work to make your life better, to correct the injustice you suffer, to see to it that more things go as they should in your life. I want you to ask what holiness would look like in your situation, whatever it is; holiness that might not right the wrongs you suffer but that would let us enjoy each other."

I couldn't help but think of what we as American Christians view as "injustice" in our lives; someone cutting in front of us getting "our" parking space, or when we get home discovering an incorrect charge from the department store, or how about gas prices going up 5 cents per gallon on our way back from dinner out and we have to pay an additional $1.50-$2.00 on a fill-up.

Is God really concerned about those sort of things? I am not sure He is or is not but I do know that there are true injustices by anybody's standards in our world-genuine persecution, government graft, physical and sexual abuse of children, and on I could go. I am reminded that God wants deep, personal, and intimate relationship with us; and He made a way for us to have realtionship with Him.

Simply put, He wants us to be more like Him in order to fellowship better with Him; through His Son is the only way. Jesus, Himself, said it well, "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life; no one comes to the Father except through me (emphasis added)" (John 14:6).

Not to minimize what many go through but God far more wants us holy rather than happy! It's just a thought for today.

"Locked Out"

2010-02-08T07:57:00.000-06:00

As I was relaxing in front of the TV, I received a phone call from one of my Sunday School teachers with some terrible news; his mother had just passed away. I immediately contacted others who needed to know and headed to the nursing home where she had been being cared for since she had broken her hip a few weeks prior.

I went to the main entrance and by a sign on the door, I was informed to go to the "West Entrance." Well, I did; I rang the bell, buzzed the intercom button, and knocked on the door. No entrance there. I went a few yards to the East entrance and discovered the same sign as the one posted on the main entrance but I ran that bell, buzzed that intercom button, and knocked on that door but again to no avail. I was there to minister and the people on the inside were just ignoring me! To my confusion and frustration, none of my efforts would get me in.

As I stepped away from the door, an aid walked out of the main entrance door and I told her why I was there-to minister to one of my friends and asked if she could help me get in. Her reply was, Sure, I can get you in but he just left." I thanked her and got back in my car.

As I drove home I began to think about his mom being in heaven. Her works, as good and numerous as I am sure they were, would not get her in. There was only one way to get into heaven; a person, the Person of Jesus Christ. I was again reminded that it's nothing but Him and Him alone that will get any one though the gates of heaven. Then I asked myself a question, "Am I offering to help everyone I can to get into heaven; am I introducing them to the one Person who can bring them in?"

Thank you, young lady, for being used by God to open my eyes to an eternal truth. It's something to think about.

New Life

2010-01-29T15:41:00.000-06:00

What an exciting gift! As I opened the small Christmas gift, shock and utter delight were experienced simultaneously. The attractive picture frame contained a photograph of our daughter, Grace, and her husband, E. J., holding a hand painted sign which read, "We're Expecting." That brought back memories of the box holding my old Teddy Bear (Ted) opened by my dad during the Christmas of 1978 announcing the expectation of his and my mom's first grandchild. But I drift into nostalgia.

Since Christmas I have had a little bit of time to reflect and think about what is headed our way. I hold with great anticipation the joy of holding that new life for the first time. There's the first smile from recognizing the arrival of "that old balding guy who is going to give me whatever I want." I look forward to hearing, "Pappa D" (or whatever I might be called by this one) for the first time. I can't wait for that first time he/she cries when Zannie and I leave.

As much fun as all that will be, I far more look forward to the phone call saying, "Guess what, Poppa D. I asked Jesus to come into my heart today." I look forward to that call from all of my grand children but back to the newest addition. My heart is so light because I know that this baby's dad and mom love Jesus. They serve Him and they both have a great desire for their children to spend eternity with them (and us) in heaven.

They will take this precious gift, of which they are only stewards, to Sunday School and church each week. They recognize that this child does not belong to them but to God; He only loans our children to us for a while. We are just called to take the best possible care of them while we have them and the most loving thing we can do is point them to Jesus.

No doubt they are already praying for this little miracle as are Pappa D and Mamma Zannie. They are probably even praying for the spouse, born or unborn, who will someday steal a heart and become a part of our family. This is the way it should be when the love of God reigns supreme in a family.

I am grateful beyond expression that our prayers and instruction for so many years bear fruit before our eyes. And life continues; life on earth and life eternal.

Truly Blessed!

2010-01-28T11:12:00.000-06:00

As I prepare to leave my office for a two day conference/encouragement session with other ministers of education in Alabama, a few thoughts about the God I serve come to mind.

First of all and foremost, I am so grateful that God Almighty heard my heart and granted the desire of my heart to serve Him and a local church full-time vocationally as a minister of education. I am completely in awe of Him and His perfect will and allowing me to be a part of His ministry Kingdom.

Secondly, I am so grateful that He has brought me to an area where there are so many great ministers of education who are willing to share with, support, and encourage each other. The state of Alabama in general, and North Alabama in particular, truly has some of the finest ministers of education anywhere and the same goes for our state missionaries. Par excellence!

Finally, I am so thankful for the wife God gave me. So often people will mention her in sort of a "she is the standard" way. She is a wonderful wife and I cannot imagine ministry without her. She bring so much balance to my life; my second "Holy Spirit," I often call her.

I truly am looking forward to these next two days. I even get to ride to and from the meetings with my great friend and fellow ME. God truly is good...all the time!

Is College Football Scriptural?

2010-01-14T08:18:00.000-06:00

I received a text message from another Tennessee fan which said, "Bye, bye Kiffin." As I began to attempt to unravel that cryptic message, I discovered that our head football coach of one year had bailed on us to coach at USC. Frustration and, yes I admit it, anger reigned.

The next morning as I attempted to vent to some of my wonderful Crimson Tide co-ministers, a comparision began in my mind between Lane Kiffin and former UT head coach Phillip Fulmer. Bear with me now; this is just where my mind went.

It is obvious, to my mind anyway, that Kiffin had nothing but himself in mind; not the program, not the fans, and certainly not the players. Fulmer on the other hand with a very strong career at UT, not only as a coach with a National Championship, but also as a player, looked far more into the lasting effect of a decision. His resignation after the 2008 season was one of class. Why the difference?

I realize that any analogy will break down at a point but look with me breifly at something. Athough there are still UT fans who are not Fulmer devotees, there has to be resepct for his love for the University of Tennessee, its traditions, and history, and particularly its football program. His decision to resign as head coach just about a year ago truly, in my eyes at least, was the best thing for the football program, its fans, and the university at large.

Kiffin, on the other hand, had no long term investment in Volunteer history; it was a job and nothing but! During the fall of the year when people begin to decorate for halloween and orange dominates the scene, Mr. Kiffin, more than likely, didn't smile. To drink an Orange Crush meant only a sweet thirst quencher, not what fans expect at every game in Neyland Stadium.

The comparision need not stop with the two coaches. I couldn't help but think of myself and ask a couple of questions. Am I more program (Kingdom) focused or me focused? Am I willing to sacrifice my comfort and ease for the team or is it all about me? Do I want to be more like Lane Kiffin or Phillip Fulmer? Well, in the football sense, Fulmer hands down!

So the title question is posed, is college football scriptural? I believe based on Scripture that all good gifts come from God (James 1:17) so if you believe that college football itself is from Him, then I am fine with that. But the more important question is, do you want to be self-focused or kingdom-focus (Gal. 2:20)? It's just a thought for today.

For the "Directionally Challenged"

2010-01-06T07:48:00.000-06:00

Who among us has not gone on a trip, regardless of the length, and realized that we were, if only momentarily, "directionally challenged?" A trip is one thing but life and eternity are completely others. This morning as I was enjoying my devotional time, I read a devotion from Michael Cloer of Englewood Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC from the One Year Devotional Prayer Book compiled by Pastor Johnny Hunt. Let me share that with you here followed by some brief thoughts of my own.

As a basis for his devotion, Cloer used Psalm 119:59: "I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies."

"Have you ever been traveling on a journey and realized you may not be going in the right direction? At that moment you have two choices: turn around or continue traveling and hope that you will eventually arrive at the right destination. The psalmist tells us four steps to follow when traveling on life's journey. We begin with concentration. He says, 'I thought.' One thing our Enemy does not want us to do is to stop and think about the direction we are traveling. He surrounds us with thousands of amusements in order to keep us from thinking.

"His thought led to a culmination. He says, 'I thought about my ways.' Have you taken the time to be quiet and ask, 'Where is this path taking me?'

"Once he discovered he was heading in the wrong direction, he made a correction in his journey. He said he turned his feet. Here is the point of decision, the crossroads. Ask yourself, 'Am I determined to keep going in the wrong direction knowing the destination is not good, or am I going to turn around?'

"Finally, the psalmist did not make his decision based on man's philosphy, but according 'to Your testimonies.' His only consideration was the Word of God."

Now I can't speak for you but I know that there was a time when I was headed in the wrong direction (spiritualy speaking) and God moved in such a way that there most certainly was some concentration, many weeks worth. It led to a culmination of all of my false beliefs being challenged and at that point I chose to make a correction. It was for sure from the consideration of I John 5:13 helping me to understand that I could KNOW if I was headed in the right direction or not.

If your "traveling" has not brought you to the point of concentration, culmination, and correction by consideration, let me encourage you to do that right now. This is a very valid thought for today... and I wouldn't wait until tomorrow to do it either.

What Will Christmas Be Like This Year?

2009-12-21T16:19:00.000-06:00

As I look forward to time on Christmas day with some family and highly anticipate New Year's with my two granddaughters, I think about what Christmas will be like for others.

Zannie spent most of this past Saturday afternoon and evening getting ready for Christmas day by "playing" in the kitchen making goodies to nibble on. For some, a nibble may be all they get. A full fledged meal with all the side dishes is completely out of the question. Hunger will not be part of our Christmas.

We do anticipate time with children and we dearly love our son by marriage and our daughter by marriage. Need I say anything about grandchldren? I think not other than we just can't wait. We are not living in dread of a family member coming home and creating some nightmare for us. For some, that dread is the focus of Christmas. Bad familiy relationships will not be part of our Christmas.

I totalled my car the day before Thanksgiving but God has provided exactly the car I had wanted and I am not dealing with broken limbs, internal damage, or worse. Other than still carrying around some of Thanksgiving's excesses, we are all in very good health. Many around us are dealing with loss or very poor health. If things continue as they are, these will not be a part of our Christmas either.

In talking to some new friends recently, I discovered that Christmas has no real meaning to them because Christ has no meaning to them. I think of how sad it is to go through the holiday that celebrates the birth of God Almighty in human form, Immanuel, God with us, only to be wrapped up in Santa Claus and stuff. Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" is great and what is preparing for the big day without Nat King Cole singing, "The Christmas Song" and "O, Holy Night"? But what is this holiday (holy day) without the Holy of Holies being a part of it? An absence of true meaning will also be absent from our Christmas, thankfully!

God has truly given us the opportunity for a Christmas for which we anticipate and greatly look forward. I pray that as you ask yourself, what will Christmas be like this year? you will have far more joyful hopes than fears and hurts. It's just a thought for today.

Merry CHRISTmas!

My 'Bestest' Friend

2009-11-20T14:49:00.002-06:00

In recent days, what I thought was some email spam actually was an invitation to my 40 year high school reunion (40 years! Is that even possible?). As I began to make the necessary contact to be included in that event I began to think about the years gone by and I was reminded of the value of friends. Friends are those who you do things with who know who you really are. Some of my high school friends know of some escapades we were involved in back in the '60s. Friends later made dinner just for us-the dishes we like best. For some it was very late night coffee and chit chat. I've seen friends make some very bad decisions and break my heart as well as others around them.

I've seen friends abandon and be abandoned. While we call all of those different categories "friends," in actuality, most of these are acquantances to whom we happen to get rather close. True friends are those who know more about you than anybody and still love you. They are those who don't gauge the level of friendship by performance. When you stop and think about true friends, we all have very few. In fact, I have heard it said that if you have more friends than you can count on one hand you are in a very small minority.

So I began to think about my "friends." Now don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for even those who are friends during a season. You know, those peope with whom you develop a close relationship while you live in a place for a while. You have a lot in common and enjoy doing things together. In the broad sense, they are friends but not in the refined sense.

Many talk about their "best friend;" some talk about their "many" best friends; others talk about their "new" best friend. Comediene and former Miss North Carolina, Jeannie Robertson, refers to her "bestest" friend. Of course, everybody wants friends and even at least one best or bestest friend.

So I began to think of my true friends. While I do count myself blessed, I know that in reality, I have few and that would most likely be true of you as well. My very best friend on this earth is one of whom I actually requested their friendship. We actually made a public declaration of our friendship for each other and have stayed true friends for over 35 years. Yes, my very best friend is my lovely wife, Zannie. She is the one person on this earth who can tell me things no one else can and I still come back for more. She makes me so mad sometimes I could chew nails (not those on my fingers either) and I know I do the same to her. But friendship gets beyond the frustrations of life, forgives, and moves on because we love each other. This kind of friendship hurts when the other hurts and never wishes anything but the best for the other.

And while she is my best friend, I do have a "bestest"friend as well. Few know what that is like. You may or at least I hope you do. He actually wanted to be my friend far longer than I had wanted to be his. He had attempted a relationship even when I had "far better" things to do than be his friend. I know that there were times when I deeply hurt him; not intenting to do so but not caring that I had either.

His attempts went unheeded for many years but finally on October 21, 1985 (my best friend Zannie's birthday), I accepted the continual offer of true freindship from my bestest friend, Jesus Christ. The Bible even refers to Him as a "friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

As I most certainly do look forward to seeing some of my high school buddies and friends, renewing old relationships, and reminiscing about old times, my desire is that they too, have a bestest Friend who sticks closer than a brother. He is a Friend who will never let you down, who will never leave nor forsake. He knows your heart even better than either you or your best friend. His love lasts forever. He wants to have a friendship with everyone but gives everyone the choice to reject if they so choose.

As this blog post ends, let me ask you to examine your friendships and ask, "Do you have Jesus as your bestest Friend, too?" It's just a thought for today.

What's Your Viewpoint?

2009-11-04T07:19:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we had a great missions conference at our church. It was much shorter than in the past but equally effective, if not more so. There was an outpouring of financial commitments, far more people signing up for mission trips, and in general, sort of a "this is normal" attitude about the whole thing. I know such an attitude is unusual for many churches but I have discovered that as my walk with the Lord matures my viewpoint changes. I pray that what actually is happening is that I am seeing things more through Christ's eyes and less through my own.

I found a video that challenged me but at the same time opened my eyes to a whole new concept of "local"missions. It shouldn't; it's one of those "Duh" moments. It shows the difference between attractional evangelism (bringing people to church) and incarnational evangelilsm (bringing Christ to the culture). It takes a little over 9 minutes. See how it will affect you.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rRGac7eHKgc

This is just something for you and me to think about today.

Things Have Changed

2009-11-03T15:28:00.001-06:00

I got into a conversation with a group the other day as we were reminscing about the good ole days. As we talked and shared memories of days gone by, we were all reminded that we tend to remember what we want to from those days. I remember when we got an indoor bathroom. For those of you who have never experienced it, there is nothing glamorous about an outhouse in the middle of the night in February. Actually there is nothing glamorous about an outhouse in the daytime either in any month for that matter. Picking cotton by hand (thankfully a one time experience for me), cleaning out the hog barn, three channels on TV on a good day (two most of the time). So many other things I, and probably you, could mention in addition to these. Things have changed!

Have they ever! I am so glad that even though from year to year as technology advances, conveniences abound, and politics get weirder and weirder there are a few things that remain constant.

The salvation that the apostle Paul received on the road to Damascus is the same salvation I received in 1985 and that hopefully you have received at some point in yoru life. The peace that comes today from belonging to Christ is the same peace that the first century martyrs possessed as they were tortured and burned alive. The joy that comes from leading a loved one into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is as sweet today as it was on a ship crossing the Atlantic for so many who escaped persecution for their faith in England. And the Savior who made it all possible is the "same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).

It's fun to think back and reflect on the good memories but there will be a day when all these days will be forgotten forever because there will be nothing to compare with the "days" of eternity with Him. I am greatful for memories but I am more greatful for the promises that lie ahead. That's just a thought for today.

Is H1N1 the Worst Pandemic Yet?

2009-09-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

In less than a week, I have

met with a registered nurse to talk about a workshop to share information with our church members about prevention and dealing with the flu, specifically H1N1 or "swine flu,"
read and signed an information sheet from the Center for Disease Control regading the flu,
dealt with the fallout from a parent who wanted all children who had someone in their family suffering from the flu in the last week to stay home from church,
been bombarded from the media with information about the flu,
made my own attempt to get a regular flu shot from a drive-through offering, and
even went home one day early because I thought I might be experiencing symptoms (apparently a mild migrane).

I have no desire to minimize anyone's concern about the flu. It is tough for anybody to deal with; it can be very dangerous for many; and a reasonable mind would suggest precaution for all of us.

But the worst global pandemic we, as a nation, or we, as a global community (if you prefer that sort of term) face today is the same pandemic the much smaller global community faced in FDR's day, in Martin Luther's day, and in Noah's day as well-sin and a lost world. Each generation has a new set of political, economic, health, and financial issues to face. But no matter how diverse these might be, every generation, every family, and for that matter, every individual must face the pandemic of sin and separation from God because of it.

Many years ago when I was teaching an adult couples' Sunday School class I decided to start the lesson in a different manner one Sunday morning. After our normal fellowship, announcement, and prayer time, I looked at them all and said, "I need to share something with you. None of you knew me in my younger days and are not aware of the lifestyle I led. Because of a very sinful and promiscuous lifestyle combined with regular use of intraveinous drugs I have contracted AIDS."

After a collective gasp sucking all the oxygen out of the room, I continued, "But...by doing lots of research and study of herbal remedies, changing many eating and exercise habits, and an overall change in lifestyle, I have discovered a cure for AIDS and am now AIDS free. I know that some of you might say, 'WOW! You need to tell others who are dying of AIDS how they can be cured, too.' But I don't want to push my discovery on them. After all, I found the cure by myself; so can they if they really want it. It would be very presumptive on my part to assume that they are ready for the cure."

As I saw many puzzled looks I further stated, "Somebody who knows them better can tell them; after all, they might reject me because they don't believe me." As some in the class began to catch on, I clarified, "Of course, I don't have AIDS but I once was infected with a completely deadly and 100% eternally fatal disease, sin! Christ offered me the cure and I am now healed from the penalty of that disease. Should we not be as eager to share that cure as we would be if we actually had discovered a cure for AIDS?" All agreed that, indeed, we should. I then opened my Bible and study notes and continued the lesson on evangelism.

Am I saying that I share the "cure" for sin as eagerly and often as I should? I am embarrassed and ashamed to confess that I don't. Is it comforting to believe that it's not just me but most Christians are just as guilty? Not at all! When I see the fervor with which some parents protect their children from a physical virus and the degree to which our government will go to inform everybody in our country, I am even more convicted that the level of my sharing needs to increase dramatically. Could it be that while we say with our mouths that sin is the eternally condemning pandemic, our actions actually do say that H1N1 is the worst pandemic yet? Just a thought for today.

A Plan

2009-09-10T07:14:00.000-05:00

"For I know the plans for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..." I don't remember the first time I read or heard these words nor do I remember where I was the first time they truly resonnated within my heart. But Jeremiah 29:11 has become one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible to me. I understand that these words are specifically for the Jews in exile but I believe through other verses that the God who created me also has a specific plan for me; verses such as Psalm 139:15-16: ...When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. He has a plan for me, a personal, individual plan for me.

When Paul wrote the the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 12:7, 11 about the use of spiritual gifts, he said, But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. But one and the same Spirit works in all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills (empahsis added). The Holy Spirit of God gives me spiritual gifts in accordance to the plan He already has for my life.

He planned it for me. He prepared it for me. He equipped me for it. My part is to follow the perfect, specific plan He already has put together for my life. I can follow Him and receive great peace and joy in knowing that what I am doing is what I was created for or I can go my way and do my thing for my immediate pleasure and receive short-term satisfaction that leaves no lasting impact or peace.

Recently, I heard the idea that in 150 years from now, there will be no one living who knows me or knows my children or my grandchildren for that matter. In fact, chances are very good that no one will ever know I ever existed. What will remain after I am gone is the impact I make on people's eternity. That impact is best made by living my life out through the plan that God has designed for me. God has given me an incredible wife, five wonderful grown children (three by birth and two by marriage), and two beautiful granddaughters. God expects me to be the best husband, father and grandfather possible. But for all eternity, exactly what impact I will make will be determined by how obedient I am in the use of the gifts He has given me for the specific purpose of carrying out the plan He has for me.

I pray for myself, that I never fail Him. I pray for you that if you don't know the plan He has for you that you discover it and carry it out as well. But even more than that, I pray that if you don't know Him you will because whether you realize it or not He already has a plan for you; He's just waiting for you so He can share it with you.

Truly blessed...oh, really?

2009-09-04T13:13:00.000-05:00

Are the comforts of life in American truly blessings or have we been cursed with the comforts of live? After falling asleep in my recliner last night-not in bed, but comfy, nontheless-I woke this morning and decided to sleep in (til 6:30-I truly am a morning person). After breakfast from which there were many choices with my wonderful wife it was off for the Friday Wal-Mart run. After the drive-through at Starbucks and a quick stop at Lowes and a stop to gas up my car, I made it to Wal-Mart.

I started looking at the choices avalable: milk-low fat, 2%, whole, chocolate, each in three brands; snack bars-6-8 different brands in low fat, low calorie, regular, and a plethora of flavors. Shampoos: good grief at the choices! This choice thing went on throughout the store. After finishing at Wal-Mart and a stop to pick up some fresh tomatoes at the local produce stand and a stop at Dollar General for a prefered cleaner I returned to our air-conditioned home with a beautiful yard to listen to XM radio on my satelitte TV.

That's when my mind drifted to Ukraine. On our last trip there we stayed at what was classified for the Ukrainians as a 5 star resort; for us it was probably what we would consider budget accomodations. The room was reminiscent of a Micro-tel. So grateful were they for what we shared with them! And when we left they were literally taking our bags from our hands to carry them for us as an expression of thankfulness for what we had given them-encouragement and love. Mouths not being able to communicate with us but faces beaming with joy from what we shared with them.

We have so much at our disposal from food, luxury housing by most of the world's standard to instant entertainment and communication in a variety of forms. Yet happines seems to elude so many of us. And that is the problem for many of us-seeking happiness or contentment from the happenings around us. That is, at best, fleeting and, at worst, never existing. Oh, if we all could forget about happiness and seek joy. Paul reminded me that "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace..." in Galatians 5:22.

In other words, until the Holy Spirit of God is residing and working in my life, happiness is all I can hope for and happiness is always looking to be replaced by the next experience only to leave me looking for the next one ad nauseum.

Francis Chan in Crazy Love says, "We tend to think of joy as something that ebbs and flows depending on life's circumstances. But we don't lose joy, as though one day we have it and the next it's gone, oh darn. Joy is something that we have to choose and then work for. Like the ability to run for an hour, it doesn't come automatically. It needs cultivation...Obsessed people know that true joy doesn't depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God (James 1:2-4)."

I thank God for the joy that wells up inside me from the presence of His Holy Spirit regardless of circumstances. Are we truly blessed by all the conveniences and choices we have or would we be better off with less and a greater dependence on Him? I am not looking to give all them up but I am giving thought and gratitude to Him for making not only them possible but the joy that comes with or without them.

Just something to think about today.

No More "Playing Church"

2009-09-01T15:29:00.000-05:00

When Robert Raikes developed the idea of a school on Sundays for the illiterate and less than well behaved children of chimney sweeps in Gloucester, England in 1780, he had no idea of the impact on this minister's life or the impact on the eternal lives of countless men, women, boys, and girls yet to come for over two centuries now.

"Sunday School is the church organized," said Harry Piland, the former director of Sunday School for, the then Baptist Sunday School Board, now LifeWay Church Resources. And as long as today's churches continue to view Sunday School as a ministry and not a program, it will not only survive, but it will thrive! Sunday School continues to prove itself to be one of the greatest tools available to today's church for reaching people for Christ and helping them grow and develop their walk with Him.

God continues to equip His leaders for the "work of ministry" and His faithful will continue to not just do Sunday School but work Sunday School in order to continue to make an eternal difference in our own communities and neighborhoods.

The day has come and gone when we can just "play church"!

Crazy Love

2009-09-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

It is always exciting for a parent to see the growth of a child in the physical sense but even more so spiritually. While on vacation, my 25 year old baby girl, Grace, introduced me to Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. Her statement was, "It's the kind of book you just underline everything in!" Man, was she ever right! After reading through once, I am now reading again a bit slower with a highlighter. Thank you, Gracie.

Chan points out some things about God that so often slip past us as we go through our lives such as how vast He actually is. As I begin to see Him for who He is I also see myself for who I am; it's not about me (to quote Rick Warren) and I do need to get over myself as Chan instructs. There is only One who can stop the world and everything in it and it's not me.

As I read and ponder the greatness of God; as I look at His majesty and holiness; as I realize that for Him to not only love me but to have a custom designed plan for me and for Him to orchestrate the steps and direction of that plan, I am brought to my face before Him. Chan appropriately says, "This awesome, omnipotent, omniscient Creator of everything has this insane, ridiculous, crazy love for me (my paraphrase)." My heart overflows with gratitude and amazement for Him and then I begin to realize all the more as to how little I know Him and understand Him.

My prayer is that as each day goes by I look less and less like this earth and more and more like the Christ He has given for me. That's a thought for today.