"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:25-28)
These were already strange times, but the COVID-19 virus has raised the panic to a brand new level. Some folks are paranoid about the possibility of contracting this virus. Others are acting as if they are invincible to it. I believe prudence is somewhere between these two extremes.
The Church I pastor has for the first time produced a Live-Stream of our Sunday services. The bright spot of this is that more watched online than normally attend on a given Sunday. Although, Live-Stream should never take the place of gathering with other believers. We need the fellowship, the corporate worship, and the opportunity to encourage each other in person.
There are many hysterical voices out there that see a conspiracy from various sources that either desire to kill us all or bring us into subjection to totalitarian government. The news media and many politicians are using this pandemic as an opportunity to advance their particular causes. The Stock Market has been in a free fall due to the treacherous times. The result is that many are living in fear because they are uncertain what they should believe and what action, if any, they should take.
The above passage from Luke is part of a prophetical message given by Jesus that speaks of His return to establish His Kingdom. I hold to the view of a Pre-Tribulation rapture of the Church. On this basis, what is spoken of by Jesus means that the rapture is up to seven years sooner than what Jesus spoke about in this discourse. If we see these things already coming to pass, it ought to cause believers to be looking for the soon coming return of Jesus for His Body.
Throughout history there have been wars, natural disasters, plagues, and pandemics. This may not be an indication that Jesus will return in the next month, but He could! At some point He will return and the majority of the world will be unaware of what has come to pass. What comes next will be worse than anything experienced thus far.
Jesus is coming! The issue for consideration is "are you ready?". If you have trusted Jesus as your personal Savior, then you are ready. If you are trusting your morality, you are not ready. If you are trusting your religion (or lack thereof), you are not ready. If you are trusting the faith of your parents or grandparents, you are not ready. If you are living in denial, you are not ready.
In this time of paralyzing fear, find your peace and refuge in Jesus!
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-13)
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Saltines for Thanksgiving
Better is a dinner
of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
(Proverbs 15:17)
Better is a little
with righteousness than great revenues without right. (Proverbs 16:8)
Better is a dry
morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
(Proverbs 17:1)
Better is an
handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of
spirit. (Ecclesiastes 4:6)
Thanksgiving is tomorrow.
I am amazed at the preparations that Sandy is making for this unique
opportunity to enjoy family as we pause to thank God for His manifold blessings
to us. I am in awe as I realize that the
meal we will enjoy is beyond the comprehension of many people around the world. For many it will not be what they will eat
for their meal, it will simply be whether they will eat.
We are a blessed people.
We live in a land of abundance.
Even the “poor” among us have
a higher standard of living than the majority of the world. Our blessings have been passed on to us by
myriad predecessors who sacrificed, faced hardship and deprivation, and laid
the foundation for our current standard of living. Primarily, we must remember that our
blessings have come from God Himself. We
can never earn these blessings, but we can at least show thankfulness for the
gracious outpourings of God upon our lives.
I would be less than honest if I claimed that the
wonderful meal together with family wasn’t being eagerly anticipated. Thanksgiving is one occasion where family
members make a concerted effort to gather and enjoy being with each other. Perhaps your family is like ours and will
have turkey as the main dish, or maybe you could choose to have ham.
What would be the reaction tomorrow if the family
gathered together and all of the traditional foodstuffs were removed from the table? In their place there would be a stack of
saltine crackers. Would we sit down and
thank God for our bounty, or would we assume that a cruel trick was being perpetrated? I have decided that there are some situations
where I would be happy to have saltines for Thanksgiving.
I would be happy to have saltines for Thanksgiving if the
people I love could live in peace and harmony with each other. Perhaps even the political divide in our land
could be spanned if folks would look beyond their own selfish desires and look
for ways to bless others.
I would be happy to have saltines for Thanksgiving if I
could once again see a move of God similar to what I experienced as a teenager. It was during this time that the person of
Jesus and the moving of the Holy Spirit became a reality in my life. My faith was not only confirmed, but I
surrendered to preach during this time of Spiritual renewal.
I would be happy to have saltines for Thanksgiving if it
meant that my family would have their needs supplied. My feast would be happily forfeited if I
could see my family walking with the Lord and finding their joy and purpose in
the will of God for their lives.
There are so many things that are far more important than
a single sumptuous meal. Perhaps we need
to adjust our perspective and be thankful for our blessings of the past, but
let’s also dedicate our lives in such a way that God will bless even more in
the future.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
We Are Not Ignorant, but.......
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
(II Corinthians 2:11)
One of the great frustrations and heartbreaks of my nearly 45 years of being a Pastor is watching folks fall into traps of temptation and bondage when they actually know better. Sometimes it is seasoned believers that fall, other times it is new believers that listen to the lies of those around them, and even those who were raised in Christian homes take a path that leads them into heartache, deception, and destruction.
I vividly recall one dear brother who had trusted Christ and the Lord had delivered him from serious alcohol addiction. He was on fire for the Lord and was an inspiration to his family, his friends, the Church, and all he came in contact with. Gradually, I noticed a change in his behavior. One day, he met with me to share that he now believed he could drink alcohol in moderation and it would not affect his walk with the Lord. It didn't take long before he had lost his family, his testimony, and had returned to his former way of life. He knew better, but......
Another example was a dear friend that came to the end of himself over drugs and agreed to go to a Christian home for help. He did marvelously and the facility even wanted to hire him, but for a number of reasons he chose to come home and stay. Eventually, he fell back into addiction and lost his life at the hands of law enforcement. He knew better, but....
I have seen too many circumstances where professing believers have thrown away their marriages because of lust. When they have agreed to counseling, they have often used the phrase, "Don't I have the right to be happy?". My response is always, no you don't have a right to be "happy", you have an obligation to do right, and in the process of doing right God can fill your life with happiness. They knew better, but.....
I am often puzzled by those who have been raised in homes that sought to follow Jesus and yet they chose paths that either denied the faith or walked contrary to their upbringing. Sometimes, the home is at fault because the faith was not lived out consistently. There are other times when the draw of the world, the flesh, and the Devil will deceive even those who were raised to the best of the parents ability. They knew better, but......
Looking at my own life, I realize that I have experienced my own share of failures and rebellious actions. Perhaps I have assumed that I was entitled to a particular fulfillment of lust. Perhaps I assumed that the rules didn't really apply to me. Perhaps I simply thought I could handle something that I knew was dangerous. I always get in trouble when I rely on my own understanding instead of relying on God's Word and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I should know better, but......
We have an enemy that desires to destroy our lives, our testimony, and our reputation. God has given us the necessary information and help to overcome anything that is inspired by Satan. The choice is ours, will we live in victory or will we allow ourselves to be deprived of what we could be for the Lord? We know better, but.....
(II Corinthians 2:11)
One of the great frustrations and heartbreaks of my nearly 45 years of being a Pastor is watching folks fall into traps of temptation and bondage when they actually know better. Sometimes it is seasoned believers that fall, other times it is new believers that listen to the lies of those around them, and even those who were raised in Christian homes take a path that leads them into heartache, deception, and destruction.
I vividly recall one dear brother who had trusted Christ and the Lord had delivered him from serious alcohol addiction. He was on fire for the Lord and was an inspiration to his family, his friends, the Church, and all he came in contact with. Gradually, I noticed a change in his behavior. One day, he met with me to share that he now believed he could drink alcohol in moderation and it would not affect his walk with the Lord. It didn't take long before he had lost his family, his testimony, and had returned to his former way of life. He knew better, but......
Another example was a dear friend that came to the end of himself over drugs and agreed to go to a Christian home for help. He did marvelously and the facility even wanted to hire him, but for a number of reasons he chose to come home and stay. Eventually, he fell back into addiction and lost his life at the hands of law enforcement. He knew better, but....
I have seen too many circumstances where professing believers have thrown away their marriages because of lust. When they have agreed to counseling, they have often used the phrase, "Don't I have the right to be happy?". My response is always, no you don't have a right to be "happy", you have an obligation to do right, and in the process of doing right God can fill your life with happiness. They knew better, but.....
I am often puzzled by those who have been raised in homes that sought to follow Jesus and yet they chose paths that either denied the faith or walked contrary to their upbringing. Sometimes, the home is at fault because the faith was not lived out consistently. There are other times when the draw of the world, the flesh, and the Devil will deceive even those who were raised to the best of the parents ability. They knew better, but......
Looking at my own life, I realize that I have experienced my own share of failures and rebellious actions. Perhaps I have assumed that I was entitled to a particular fulfillment of lust. Perhaps I assumed that the rules didn't really apply to me. Perhaps I simply thought I could handle something that I knew was dangerous. I always get in trouble when I rely on my own understanding instead of relying on God's Word and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I should know better, but......
We have an enemy that desires to destroy our lives, our testimony, and our reputation. God has given us the necessary information and help to overcome anything that is inspired by Satan. The choice is ours, will we live in victory or will we allow ourselves to be deprived of what we could be for the Lord? We know better, but.....
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Age Doesn't Always Bring Wisdom
"Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment." (Job 32:9)
Today I am celebrating 66 years of life. I am amazed at how much things have changed during my "brief" journey. I am also amazed that so much remains unchanged. We have much more technology, but wisdom seems to be an elusive quality.
I can remember home phones that were on party lines, you had to pay extra for a private line, and it was good entertainment to pick up the phone and listen to the conversations of your neighbors. Today, almost everyone carries a phone with them that can do much more than any early computer.
I can remember a time when we treated everyone with civility, even those with whom we disagreed. The Senatorial hearings on this date shows this is a bygone notion. Perhaps folks should pass a civility test before they are allowed to use social media or speak in important meetings. Of course, this would violate the notion of "free speech", but it would be a refreshing change.
I can remember when you could watch the evening news and you never knew the political leanings of the reporter, because he only desired to present the facts. Today, news in general is a platform of hysteria that is pushing an obvious agenda.
I can remember when church was a place for fellowship and worship rather than a place of mere entertainment. The preacher would preach the Word of God with a desire to see lives changed rather than a self-help speech that pacified us of our condition as long as we continued to give and support the program.
I can remember when sinful actions were committed in the shadows of secrecy. Today, sin is flaunted and society demands that we not only tolerate wickedness but we must celebrate it. To do less than endorse wickedness means that we are "intolerant".
I can remember when people were recognized for their ability and industriousness rather than their "education" and "connections". Some of the greatest preachers had very little formal training, but you knew they had spent much time with Jesus.
I can also remember that sin was just as black and deplorable in the "good old days" as it is in current time. No generation can claim that they were the best and brightest, but we definitely have a long way to go to reach our potential in the will of God.
I can remember when we looked forward to the future with hopeful anticipation. I am definitely looking forward to meeting the Lord Jesus and spending eternity with Him, but in the meantime I would like to finish my race well. I am praying that God will again stir a generation and that they will yearn to see God do a work that will return us to a Biblical and moral mindset.
Hey younger people, give this older guy a reason to look forward to the future with hopeful anticipation! The ball's in your hands, don't fumble it.
I can remember home phones that were on party lines, you had to pay extra for a private line, and it was good entertainment to pick up the phone and listen to the conversations of your neighbors. Today, almost everyone carries a phone with them that can do much more than any early computer.
I can remember a time when we treated everyone with civility, even those with whom we disagreed. The Senatorial hearings on this date shows this is a bygone notion. Perhaps folks should pass a civility test before they are allowed to use social media or speak in important meetings. Of course, this would violate the notion of "free speech", but it would be a refreshing change.
I can remember when you could watch the evening news and you never knew the political leanings of the reporter, because he only desired to present the facts. Today, news in general is a platform of hysteria that is pushing an obvious agenda.
I can remember when church was a place for fellowship and worship rather than a place of mere entertainment. The preacher would preach the Word of God with a desire to see lives changed rather than a self-help speech that pacified us of our condition as long as we continued to give and support the program.
I can remember when sinful actions were committed in the shadows of secrecy. Today, sin is flaunted and society demands that we not only tolerate wickedness but we must celebrate it. To do less than endorse wickedness means that we are "intolerant".
I can remember when people were recognized for their ability and industriousness rather than their "education" and "connections". Some of the greatest preachers had very little formal training, but you knew they had spent much time with Jesus.
I can also remember that sin was just as black and deplorable in the "good old days" as it is in current time. No generation can claim that they were the best and brightest, but we definitely have a long way to go to reach our potential in the will of God.
I can remember when we looked forward to the future with hopeful anticipation. I am definitely looking forward to meeting the Lord Jesus and spending eternity with Him, but in the meantime I would like to finish my race well. I am praying that God will again stir a generation and that they will yearn to see God do a work that will return us to a Biblical and moral mindset.
Hey younger people, give this older guy a reason to look forward to the future with hopeful anticipation! The ball's in your hands, don't fumble it.
Monday, July 3, 2017
VBS Times Forty-One!
We recently completed VBS at the church I am privileged to Pastor. This is one event that I truly look forward to each year because I believe it has the potential to influence the next generation for the cause of Christ.
Over the years, I have seen much of the recommended program change to keep up with "contemporary" tastes, but it intrigues me that some of the old things still seem to keep the kids excited. We currently enjoy video presentations, interactive stories, and extensive decorations to keep the kids focused upon the message. Yet, closing out each night with competitive singing of "Hallelu," remains a favorite with the kids of all ages (and many adults as well).
VBS is a time for the preacher to "let down his hair" and act a little crazy in front of the kids. Personally, I think this is good for the kids to see the preacher as a person, and it's also good for the preacher not to take himself too seriously. It's a time where many different members of the church family can overlook their differences and work together for a common cause. In my many years of being a Pastor, I have been blessed by many good folks that were willing to go the extra mile to make VBS a success.
It is intriguing to me that young people who were in VBS in the early years of my ministry now have kids of their own, and a few even have grand-kids. I have received a number of kind messages from some of these folks that wish we could recapture some of those by-gone experiences.
Over the years the technology has advanced tremendously. The program and organization has become much more user friendly. The publishers have become much more attuned to help churches put on a successful program. Yet, one thing is unchanged if VBS is done as it should be done, Jesus must be the focus of all that is done. Once again we were blessed with a number of young people who professed their faith in Jesus as Savior. Mere entertainment without a spiritual challenge is just high tech babysitting.
I find that I move a little slower physically, but my passion to challenge young people with the Gospel is still strong. I don't know how many more times I will be able to do my part in VBS, but the focus must remain for us to make much of Jesus!
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Over the years, I have seen much of the recommended program change to keep up with "contemporary" tastes, but it intrigues me that some of the old things still seem to keep the kids excited. We currently enjoy video presentations, interactive stories, and extensive decorations to keep the kids focused upon the message. Yet, closing out each night with competitive singing of "Hallelu," remains a favorite with the kids of all ages (and many adults as well).
VBS is a time for the preacher to "let down his hair" and act a little crazy in front of the kids. Personally, I think this is good for the kids to see the preacher as a person, and it's also good for the preacher not to take himself too seriously. It's a time where many different members of the church family can overlook their differences and work together for a common cause. In my many years of being a Pastor, I have been blessed by many good folks that were willing to go the extra mile to make VBS a success.
It is intriguing to me that young people who were in VBS in the early years of my ministry now have kids of their own, and a few even have grand-kids. I have received a number of kind messages from some of these folks that wish we could recapture some of those by-gone experiences.
Over the years the technology has advanced tremendously. The program and organization has become much more user friendly. The publishers have become much more attuned to help churches put on a successful program. Yet, one thing is unchanged if VBS is done as it should be done, Jesus must be the focus of all that is done. Once again we were blessed with a number of young people who professed their faith in Jesus as Savior. Mere entertainment without a spiritual challenge is just high tech babysitting.
I find that I move a little slower physically, but my passion to challenge young people with the Gospel is still strong. I don't know how many more times I will be able to do my part in VBS, but the focus must remain for us to make much of Jesus!
"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Monday, October 17, 2016
Heaven Help Us!-- Early Voting in Georgia Is Underway
Throughout the last 40 years, I have had people ask me in each election who I was supporting. There have been times when I was very enthusiastic about my choices, and there have been other times when I was saddened at the poor choices that we had presented to us. The national election this year has proven to be the saddest example of poor choices in my life. If I thought a third party was viable I would heartily vote for such a candidate, but this is not realistic. I know some will have cause to criticize my choices, and I would encourage those critics to prayerfully vote as they feel led of the Lord. I believe David Jeremiah summed up this election very well when he said, "we may not be able to vote for someone that is like us, but we can vote for someone that is not against us."
Here are my choices. You can print them out and use them as a possible voter guide, or you can simply ignore my choices and accuse me of dementia or being misguided. Regardless, it will give you some fodder for entertainment.
President- Donald J. Trump
United States Senate- Johnny Isakson
Public Service Commissioner- Tim Echols
U.S. Representative from the 12th District of Georgia- Rick Allen
State Senator from the 20th District- Larry Walker
State Representative from the 150th District- Matt Hatchett
District Attorney of the Dublin Judicial Circuit- Craig Fraser
Clerk of Superior Court- Jackie H. Dalton
Sheriff- W.A. "Bill" Harrell
Tax Commissioner- Ralph H. Jackson
Coroner- Richard N. Stanley, III
County Commissioner District 2- Trae Kemp
Constitutional Amendment 1- No
Constitutional Amendment 2- Yes
Constitutional Amendment 3- No
Constitutional Amendment 4- Yes
God help us to pray, vote, and seek the face of God for our land!
Here are my choices. You can print them out and use them as a possible voter guide, or you can simply ignore my choices and accuse me of dementia or being misguided. Regardless, it will give you some fodder for entertainment.
President- Donald J. Trump
United States Senate- Johnny Isakson
Public Service Commissioner- Tim Echols
U.S. Representative from the 12th District of Georgia- Rick Allen
State Senator from the 20th District- Larry Walker
State Representative from the 150th District- Matt Hatchett
District Attorney of the Dublin Judicial Circuit- Craig Fraser
Clerk of Superior Court- Jackie H. Dalton
Sheriff- W.A. "Bill" Harrell
Tax Commissioner- Ralph H. Jackson
Coroner- Richard N. Stanley, III
County Commissioner District 2- Trae Kemp
Constitutional Amendment 1- No
Constitutional Amendment 2- Yes
Constitutional Amendment 3- No
Constitutional Amendment 4- Yes
God help us to pray, vote, and seek the face of God for our land!
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
I'm Tired of Beating Myself
I cannot speak for all men, husbands, dads, or pastors, but I can share my own experience and heart. Perhaps I have been too prone over the years to assign blame to myself when I saw failure in the lives of those I care about the most, but I fear this is not entirely unique to my own emotional construction.
In my years of family life and ministry I have experienced some of the greatest joys imaginable, but I have also endured some times that nearly overwhelmed my soul. The difficult times are always those times that I am driven to serious self examination. The blame is all mine when I have failed to walk with God and provide Godly leadership to my family and church. The blame is a little harder for me to pass off when a church member turns against the ministry they once loved and supported, when a friend in ministry falls into some grievous sinful lifestyle, or a family member allows philosophy or substance to bring their life to the brink of destruction. In these moments, I find myself wondering if I could have done more to be a better example or to provide necessary encouragement.
Cain's defense before God could be echoed by us all "....Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). As I continue to age the more I realize, in a sense, that we truly are our brother's keeper. The church has the responsibility to encourage, exhort, and rebuke as we bear each other's burdens. The issue at hand though should draw us to the right conclusions.
Yes, we can share in the victories and defeats of others, but we also have to realize that our own personal responsibility can only extend so far. As a husband, I am to provide love, security, support, and compassion for my God-given wife. As a dad, I am to provide unconditional love, an example, Godly instruction, and a consistent life of following Jesus. As a pastor, I am to love and care for the folks that God has led me to serve, preach the Word faithfully under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and provide an uncompromising example of standing for right.
There is a point though that I must stop afflicting myself over the failures of others. When we have honestly did the best we could perceive and those we love fail, we must realize that they made a personal choice and they are accountable to God for their decisions. The Bible is filled with examples of those that served God faithfully, and yet those closest to them failed to follow in their footsteps.
My desire at this stage in my life is to show my family, my friends, and the folks I have served in ministry just how deeply I love them. I will pray for them, rejoice with them, weep with them, and at times weep for them. Ultimately, each of us will stand before God and give an account for our life. I am not sure exactly how God will conduct our judgment, but let's give our best to Jesus now and face that time with as clear a conscience as possible.
If we have failed someone, let's see the way to make it right. If others have failed us, let's forgive them and pray for them. If loved ones have fallen, let's pray without ceasing for their help and restoration. Let's be like the father of the prodigal and await with anticipation the return home of our loved ones.
In my years of family life and ministry I have experienced some of the greatest joys imaginable, but I have also endured some times that nearly overwhelmed my soul. The difficult times are always those times that I am driven to serious self examination. The blame is all mine when I have failed to walk with God and provide Godly leadership to my family and church. The blame is a little harder for me to pass off when a church member turns against the ministry they once loved and supported, when a friend in ministry falls into some grievous sinful lifestyle, or a family member allows philosophy or substance to bring their life to the brink of destruction. In these moments, I find myself wondering if I could have done more to be a better example or to provide necessary encouragement.
Cain's defense before God could be echoed by us all "....Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). As I continue to age the more I realize, in a sense, that we truly are our brother's keeper. The church has the responsibility to encourage, exhort, and rebuke as we bear each other's burdens. The issue at hand though should draw us to the right conclusions.
Yes, we can share in the victories and defeats of others, but we also have to realize that our own personal responsibility can only extend so far. As a husband, I am to provide love, security, support, and compassion for my God-given wife. As a dad, I am to provide unconditional love, an example, Godly instruction, and a consistent life of following Jesus. As a pastor, I am to love and care for the folks that God has led me to serve, preach the Word faithfully under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and provide an uncompromising example of standing for right.
There is a point though that I must stop afflicting myself over the failures of others. When we have honestly did the best we could perceive and those we love fail, we must realize that they made a personal choice and they are accountable to God for their decisions. The Bible is filled with examples of those that served God faithfully, and yet those closest to them failed to follow in their footsteps.
My desire at this stage in my life is to show my family, my friends, and the folks I have served in ministry just how deeply I love them. I will pray for them, rejoice with them, weep with them, and at times weep for them. Ultimately, each of us will stand before God and give an account for our life. I am not sure exactly how God will conduct our judgment, but let's give our best to Jesus now and face that time with as clear a conscience as possible.
If we have failed someone, let's see the way to make it right. If others have failed us, let's forgive them and pray for them. If loved ones have fallen, let's pray without ceasing for their help and restoration. Let's be like the father of the prodigal and await with anticipation the return home of our loved ones.
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12)
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Free Range Spirituality
I have recently been amused by the “free-range” chicken commercial that shows a chicken wandering all over the country. He sends pictures back home, but they have no idea where he is or why he is there. I gave this concept a lot of thought and have determined that a lot of “christians” are practicing a form of “free-range” spirituality.
A recent article stated that many Americans consider themselves to be growing more spiritual, but they no longer believe in the church. While there is much to criticize about the modern church as an institution, the concept of abandoning something that was established by Jesus goes contrary to Scripture and true spirituality.
When we use the term spiritual, we must remember that it can encompass a wide spectrum of thought and practice. Hinduism, Demonism, Spiritism, Islam, Pantheism, Wicca, Christianity, and every cult can be seen as spiritual by their adherents. Spirituality without the Word of God and the Holy Spirit is a dangerous element that can lead many astray from truth.
Too many professing believers have been deluded into thinking that church affiliation and involvement is an optional portion of the Christian life. I remember many years ago having a visitor attend our services, and on his visitor card he wrote that he was a member of the “invisible, universal church”. I suppose if you are a member of an “invisible” church, then it is acceptable to support the ministry with invisible tithes and offerings. Many of the mega-church ministries have made this mindset even worse, because it is very easy for people to simply get lost in the crowds as folks come and go for the multiple services conducted each Sunday.
Jesus refers to the church as His Bride. In light of this description, I think it is only appropriate that we take the institution that was started by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit as something that is worthy of our support and attention. As Paul journeyed in his missionary travels, he started churches in many of the places he ventured to with the Gospel.
Pastors have a responsibility to serve and lead the folks that God given to their care, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:1-5). The individual believer also has a responsibility to heed the advice and leadership of Godly instruction, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17).
It is hard to instruct those that feel no obligation to be faithful to the church that God would have them serve Him and others. The church is still viable, but for it to be what it needs to be, we need the faithfulness and support of those who claim the name of Jesus. This is not a time for “free-range” spirituality, but it is a time when God’s people need the support of solid Bible preaching and the fellowship of other believers. It is difficult to live for God, but it is more difficult when we are wandering alone without the support of those who are committed to our care.
A recent article stated that many Americans consider themselves to be growing more spiritual, but they no longer believe in the church. While there is much to criticize about the modern church as an institution, the concept of abandoning something that was established by Jesus goes contrary to Scripture and true spirituality.
When we use the term spiritual, we must remember that it can encompass a wide spectrum of thought and practice. Hinduism, Demonism, Spiritism, Islam, Pantheism, Wicca, Christianity, and every cult can be seen as spiritual by their adherents. Spirituality without the Word of God and the Holy Spirit is a dangerous element that can lead many astray from truth.
Too many professing believers have been deluded into thinking that church affiliation and involvement is an optional portion of the Christian life. I remember many years ago having a visitor attend our services, and on his visitor card he wrote that he was a member of the “invisible, universal church”. I suppose if you are a member of an “invisible” church, then it is acceptable to support the ministry with invisible tithes and offerings. Many of the mega-church ministries have made this mindset even worse, because it is very easy for people to simply get lost in the crowds as folks come and go for the multiple services conducted each Sunday.
Jesus refers to the church as His Bride. In light of this description, I think it is only appropriate that we take the institution that was started by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit as something that is worthy of our support and attention. As Paul journeyed in his missionary travels, he started churches in many of the places he ventured to with the Gospel.
Pastors have a responsibility to serve and lead the folks that God given to their care, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:1-5). The individual believer also has a responsibility to heed the advice and leadership of Godly instruction, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17).
It is hard to instruct those that feel no obligation to be faithful to the church that God would have them serve Him and others. The church is still viable, but for it to be what it needs to be, we need the faithfulness and support of those who claim the name of Jesus. This is not a time for “free-range” spirituality, but it is a time when God’s people need the support of solid Bible preaching and the fellowship of other believers. It is difficult to live for God, but it is more difficult when we are wandering alone without the support of those who are committed to our care.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Journeying through the Desert
Life is a journey.
Just like any other journey, we will encounter a variety of scenes and a host of environments. Personally, I enjoy traveling through lush areas that are filled with trees, streams, and wildlife. I even enjoy traveling through vast expanses of fertile farm land where there is an abundance of new life that will sustain many. The areas that I don't particularly care for are the barren deserts and wastelands.
I have learned that the ministry that God has called me is a journey which encounters all of the scenes I have described above, and more. In fact, sometimes I find myself reminded of the old America song that has the lyrics, "I've been through the desert on a horse with no name."
The desert spans of life are the places where many of us will falter, fail, and be tempted to surrender in our journey. God will at times, in His purpose, lead us into a desert to help us learn to rely upon Him. God revealed this truth to the children of Israel in their wilderness journey, "So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them," (Exodus 15:22-25).
It was God that led them into the place of no water. The people complained and God turned the bitter water of Marah into water fit to drink. That could be seen as the end of the story, but God reveals more details: "And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters." (Exodus 15:27) Just a short distance from the scene of their complaining was Elim, a place with twelve wells of waters and seventy palm trees. Had they simply traveled on, they would have been able to enjoy the bounty that God had in store for them without the drama and doubt.
Sometimes ministry can seem to be like lush tropical forests with a proliferation of new life, and at other times it can seem as if we are stuck in a desert that seems endless as we gaze toward the horizon. When we are in the desert times of life, we have to make a choice. We can simply give up and our bleached bones will be a testimonial to what could have been. We can gripe and complain and God can make the bitter water tolerable to us. We can trust God and faithfully journey on. If our confidence is in the leadership and power of God, then there will be an oasis ahead. Also, no desert lasts forever. The Sahara is a massive desert, but the jungles and grasslands of the African continent await if you travel far enough.
Do you feel as if you are in a desert? Travel on, it eventually will end. Are you dry and thirsty? Go to God in faith, He waits to refresh us "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses." (Isaiah 44:3-4).
Life is a journey. Travel on, the desert will end!
Just like any other journey, we will encounter a variety of scenes and a host of environments. Personally, I enjoy traveling through lush areas that are filled with trees, streams, and wildlife. I even enjoy traveling through vast expanses of fertile farm land where there is an abundance of new life that will sustain many. The areas that I don't particularly care for are the barren deserts and wastelands.
I have learned that the ministry that God has called me is a journey which encounters all of the scenes I have described above, and more. In fact, sometimes I find myself reminded of the old America song that has the lyrics, "I've been through the desert on a horse with no name."
The desert spans of life are the places where many of us will falter, fail, and be tempted to surrender in our journey. God will at times, in His purpose, lead us into a desert to help us learn to rely upon Him. God revealed this truth to the children of Israel in their wilderness journey, "So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them," (Exodus 15:22-25).
It was God that led them into the place of no water. The people complained and God turned the bitter water of Marah into water fit to drink. That could be seen as the end of the story, but God reveals more details: "And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water, and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters." (Exodus 15:27) Just a short distance from the scene of their complaining was Elim, a place with twelve wells of waters and seventy palm trees. Had they simply traveled on, they would have been able to enjoy the bounty that God had in store for them without the drama and doubt.
Sometimes ministry can seem to be like lush tropical forests with a proliferation of new life, and at other times it can seem as if we are stuck in a desert that seems endless as we gaze toward the horizon. When we are in the desert times of life, we have to make a choice. We can simply give up and our bleached bones will be a testimonial to what could have been. We can gripe and complain and God can make the bitter water tolerable to us. We can trust God and faithfully journey on. If our confidence is in the leadership and power of God, then there will be an oasis ahead. Also, no desert lasts forever. The Sahara is a massive desert, but the jungles and grasslands of the African continent await if you travel far enough.
Do you feel as if you are in a desert? Travel on, it eventually will end. Are you dry and thirsty? Go to God in faith, He waits to refresh us "For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses." (Isaiah 44:3-4).
Life is a journey. Travel on, the desert will end!
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Graduation Day!
I remember the day that I trusted Christ as my Savior. Mr. Charles Faust, a faithful Sunday School teacher, had shared the Gospel with me week after week at Tenth Avenue Baptist Church. His passion for my salvation led me to accept the Good News and become a child of God.
Unfortunately, I rarely saw the same passion in church as I saw in that Sunday School class, and I soon became bored with church and began to drift. No matter where I attended church, the preachers seemed very proper but didn't seem to really captivate my attention. My life was beginning down a dangerous path that could have very well led to much heartache and sorrow.
I will never forget my first Sunday at Providence Baptist Church. I really didn't want to be there, in fact I hid in the car during Sunday School, but I knew I would have to go in for church since my family would be looking for me. When Bro. Hancock got up to preach, I was not initially impressed. He wasn't that big of a guy, but he had the heart of a lion. I had never heard anyone preach like him. He simply told it the way it was without decorating the message with religious and impressive language. The way he preached, it seemed as if he had been watching me all week and was telling everyone just how bad I had been living. I did not like him! Even though I didn't like him, I went back the next week so I could dislike him some more. Over a course of weeks God began to move in my heart.
It wasn't long before my family quit going to church, but the church van from Providence was always there to pick me up and carry me to church. I grew to love and appreciate the straightforward preaching of Bro. Raymond Hancock, and God used him to gradually help transform my life from a potential thug to a follower of Jesus. I cannot overstate the deep appreciation that I have for the ministry of Dr. Hancock and Providence Baptist Church.
At Providence I met my future bride, Sandy Wade, and Bro. Hancock conducted our wedding ceremony. It was under his ministry that God called me to preach and his signature on my Ordination Certificate is one of my prized possessions. As I sat and listened to him preach each week, I gleaned much on how to conduct myself behind the pulpit. In the years that followed, I would occasionally take some of my folks to hear him and they often commented that I had adopted much of his preaching style. I wear that as a badge of honor.
Yesterday Dr. Raymond Hancock won his battle with mortality and stepped into the presence of Jesus. He has graduated ahead of many that he influenced for the cause of Christ, but his dividends continue to grow as those whom he influenced are still serving Jesus.
Thanks for being there Bro. Hancock. Thanks for being faithful through the wonderful and the difficult times. Thanks for being a role model for me when I desperately needed one.
Unfortunately, I rarely saw the same passion in church as I saw in that Sunday School class, and I soon became bored with church and began to drift. No matter where I attended church, the preachers seemed very proper but didn't seem to really captivate my attention. My life was beginning down a dangerous path that could have very well led to much heartache and sorrow.
I will never forget my first Sunday at Providence Baptist Church. I really didn't want to be there, in fact I hid in the car during Sunday School, but I knew I would have to go in for church since my family would be looking for me. When Bro. Hancock got up to preach, I was not initially impressed. He wasn't that big of a guy, but he had the heart of a lion. I had never heard anyone preach like him. He simply told it the way it was without decorating the message with religious and impressive language. The way he preached, it seemed as if he had been watching me all week and was telling everyone just how bad I had been living. I did not like him! Even though I didn't like him, I went back the next week so I could dislike him some more. Over a course of weeks God began to move in my heart.
It wasn't long before my family quit going to church, but the church van from Providence was always there to pick me up and carry me to church. I grew to love and appreciate the straightforward preaching of Bro. Raymond Hancock, and God used him to gradually help transform my life from a potential thug to a follower of Jesus. I cannot overstate the deep appreciation that I have for the ministry of Dr. Hancock and Providence Baptist Church.
At Providence I met my future bride, Sandy Wade, and Bro. Hancock conducted our wedding ceremony. It was under his ministry that God called me to preach and his signature on my Ordination Certificate is one of my prized possessions. As I sat and listened to him preach each week, I gleaned much on how to conduct myself behind the pulpit. In the years that followed, I would occasionally take some of my folks to hear him and they often commented that I had adopted much of his preaching style. I wear that as a badge of honor.
Yesterday Dr. Raymond Hancock won his battle with mortality and stepped into the presence of Jesus. He has graduated ahead of many that he influenced for the cause of Christ, but his dividends continue to grow as those whom he influenced are still serving Jesus.
Thanks for being there Bro. Hancock. Thanks for being faithful through the wonderful and the difficult times. Thanks for being a role model for me when I desperately needed one.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Tis the Night Before Christmas
Christmas....
As a child, I had a love/hate relationship with Christmas. It was always wonderful at Mema's house, but elsewhere it presented challenges within my mind. Growing up with divorced parents always caused me to desire that my kids would never have to face the conflicts that I felt.
As an adult, Christmas is always my favorite time of the year. Although, I am still prone to be a mixture of Scrooge and the Grinch if I am not careful. I am so blessed to have Sandy, the love of my life, help me celebrate Christmas the right way. I find the greatest pleasure simply watching as my family opens their gifts and shows their delight. Tonight I will spend some time in reflection and contemplation remembering the Christmas mornings when our kids were young and recounting their joy and appreciation for their gifts. I am truly grateful to God for each of my kids and their families. Tomorrow, when a number of the family arrives, we will be able to watch as the family opens gifts and I see the same level of delight in the eyes of the grandkids that we saw years ago in our kids.
As I think of the gifts that we share with our family, they are merely a token of the love that we have for each of them. As I think of the gifts for my wife, I realize that she is deserving of so much more than I could ever give to her. Outside of my salvation, she is the greatest gift that God has ever given to me.
Christmas Eve is a time of anticipation and joy as we await the dawn of Christmas, but this was not true on that first Christmas. The text for a recent sermon series, "The Spirit of Christmas", began with "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah 9:2)." The world that Jesus entered was dark, dreary, oppressed, and enslaved by sin. In all honesty, that same condition is true today. Our nation may dress up the holiday and make it a time of celebration and distraction, but the same heart condition of the first Christmas persists today. The ultimate Christmas gift is Jesus Himself! Without a personal relationship with Him, the day loses its true significance. With Jesus, the day is glorious as we remember the birth of Christ our Savior. Without Jesus, we could easily quote Scrooge and say "Christmas is a humbug."
Spend some time thanking God for the "unspeakable gift" of Jesus. In light of the gift of God we can truly appreciate all that Christmas really should be to us.
Christmas is a day to relish. The Savior came and brought light to a dark world. His light in our hearts brings salvation, joy, and purpose. Thank you Father for the gift of Your Son!
As a child, I had a love/hate relationship with Christmas. It was always wonderful at Mema's house, but elsewhere it presented challenges within my mind. Growing up with divorced parents always caused me to desire that my kids would never have to face the conflicts that I felt.
As an adult, Christmas is always my favorite time of the year. Although, I am still prone to be a mixture of Scrooge and the Grinch if I am not careful. I am so blessed to have Sandy, the love of my life, help me celebrate Christmas the right way. I find the greatest pleasure simply watching as my family opens their gifts and shows their delight. Tonight I will spend some time in reflection and contemplation remembering the Christmas mornings when our kids were young and recounting their joy and appreciation for their gifts. I am truly grateful to God for each of my kids and their families. Tomorrow, when a number of the family arrives, we will be able to watch as the family opens gifts and I see the same level of delight in the eyes of the grandkids that we saw years ago in our kids.
As I think of the gifts that we share with our family, they are merely a token of the love that we have for each of them. As I think of the gifts for my wife, I realize that she is deserving of so much more than I could ever give to her. Outside of my salvation, she is the greatest gift that God has ever given to me.
Christmas Eve is a time of anticipation and joy as we await the dawn of Christmas, but this was not true on that first Christmas. The text for a recent sermon series, "The Spirit of Christmas", began with "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (Isaiah 9:2)." The world that Jesus entered was dark, dreary, oppressed, and enslaved by sin. In all honesty, that same condition is true today. Our nation may dress up the holiday and make it a time of celebration and distraction, but the same heart condition of the first Christmas persists today. The ultimate Christmas gift is Jesus Himself! Without a personal relationship with Him, the day loses its true significance. With Jesus, the day is glorious as we remember the birth of Christ our Savior. Without Jesus, we could easily quote Scrooge and say "Christmas is a humbug."
Spend some time thanking God for the "unspeakable gift" of Jesus. In light of the gift of God we can truly appreciate all that Christmas really should be to us.
Christmas is a day to relish. The Savior came and brought light to a dark world. His light in our hearts brings salvation, joy, and purpose. Thank you Father for the gift of Your Son!
Monday, September 22, 2014
Watch Your Step!
I have had several occasions in my life that should have taught me the importance attributed to the "watch your step" concept. Sadly, I sometimes forget the lessons that I thought I had painfully learned and I get the privilege of learning them afresh.
Once when I was in my pre-teen days, I was walking along a sidewalk without really paying attention to where I was going. I was unaware of utility work that was going on and I fell down the hole that had been opened to get to the pipes below the sidewalk. The result was that I took all of the skin off the back of my arm from the wrist to the elbow. Interestingly, my dad never considered suing the city, but he did teach me a lesson in the first aid he provided to me. After his treatment of peroxide, alcohol, merthiolate, and iodine my injury healed. I have often told him that it was afraid not to heal.
A little over a week ago, I again learned the importance of watching your step. While descending a ladder in the church auditorium, I thought I was at the bottom of the ladder and stepped off. Unfortunately, I was not at the bottom and this resulted in me losing my balance and falling against the wall. The end of this story is that I broke three ribs due to my own carelessness.
It is crucial for us to diligently watch our steps. The Bible tells us that God will direct the steps of those that look to Him for guidance, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." (Psalms 37:23). None of us will follow the Lord by accident, it is a purposeful decision that requires daily dedication.
We must be perpetually alert to watching our step for there are many that would encourage us to go in destructive ways, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:" (Exodus 23:2). Our steps will reveal our character much clearer than our words, "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (III John 11).
Perhaps the greatest danger to our steps comes when we think that there is no one that will see us and we will not be discovered, "For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house," (Proverbs 7:6-8). This chapter is devoted to the one who tries to satisfy his passion in secrecy, but it leads to his destruction.
We must watch our step because it impacts our own relationship with God. We must watch our step because our path does influence others. We must watch our step because our actions will either bring joy or pain to those that we love. We must watch our step because Jesus deserves our best and our total devotion.
"Watch Your Step!"
Once when I was in my pre-teen days, I was walking along a sidewalk without really paying attention to where I was going. I was unaware of utility work that was going on and I fell down the hole that had been opened to get to the pipes below the sidewalk. The result was that I took all of the skin off the back of my arm from the wrist to the elbow. Interestingly, my dad never considered suing the city, but he did teach me a lesson in the first aid he provided to me. After his treatment of peroxide, alcohol, merthiolate, and iodine my injury healed. I have often told him that it was afraid not to heal.
A little over a week ago, I again learned the importance of watching your step. While descending a ladder in the church auditorium, I thought I was at the bottom of the ladder and stepped off. Unfortunately, I was not at the bottom and this resulted in me losing my balance and falling against the wall. The end of this story is that I broke three ribs due to my own carelessness.
It is crucial for us to diligently watch our steps. The Bible tells us that God will direct the steps of those that look to Him for guidance, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way." (Psalms 37:23). None of us will follow the Lord by accident, it is a purposeful decision that requires daily dedication.
We must be perpetually alert to watching our step for there are many that would encourage us to go in destructive ways, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:" (Exodus 23:2). Our steps will reveal our character much clearer than our words, "Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." (III John 11).
Perhaps the greatest danger to our steps comes when we think that there is no one that will see us and we will not be discovered, "For at the window of my house I looked through my casement, And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding, Passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house," (Proverbs 7:6-8). This chapter is devoted to the one who tries to satisfy his passion in secrecy, but it leads to his destruction.
We must watch our step because it impacts our own relationship with God. We must watch our step because our path does influence others. We must watch our step because our actions will either bring joy or pain to those that we love. We must watch our step because Jesus deserves our best and our total devotion.
"Watch Your Step!"
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Help Lord! I'm Leaking!
The past few days have led me to recall a great truth that I first learned in Bible College. Dr. Kenneth Dean, as he was teaching the second year Greek class, stated an intriguing truth about this familiar verse: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;" (Ephesians 5:18). He said that the verb construction of this verse should be understood that being filled with the Spirit is on ongoing, continuous process.
I can't speak for anyone else, but I realize that if I am not being constantly filled with the Spirit, I will soon be empty and dry of God's presence and power. Scripture teaches us that we have the treasure of God contained in earthen vessels. Earthen vessels, at least mine, are often cracked and the only way to keep them filled is to continue pouring a fresh supply into them.
Why are our earthen vessels leaking? Sometimes it is the weights of life or the sin which so easily besets us, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2). It could be the difficulties and tragedies of life that cause us to become distracted from our relationship with the Lord. We may even find ourselves so disappointed in others that we lose our joy and purpose through a time of despair. Perhaps we have been praying diligently for a certain thing, yet God did not answer our prayer in the way we desired. Regardless of the cause of our Spiritual seepage, we must remember that "......for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10).
If I allow sin to gain a foothold in my life, I leak. If I doubt the promises of God, I leak. If I try to solve problems by myself without casting my cares upon the Lord, I leak. If I let the struggles and heartaches of life overcome my being, I leak.
Although, if I remember the source of my help and come to the Lord in brokenness and faith, He is my source of spiritual supply. Even though my earthen vessel is often cracked and leaking, His ability to fill me is more than adequate to overcome my shortcomings.
If you feel like you are leaking and growing dry in your relationship with Jesus. Join me in crying out "Help Lord! I'm leaking!"
I can't speak for anyone else, but I realize that if I am not being constantly filled with the Spirit, I will soon be empty and dry of God's presence and power. Scripture teaches us that we have the treasure of God contained in earthen vessels. Earthen vessels, at least mine, are often cracked and the only way to keep them filled is to continue pouring a fresh supply into them.
Why are our earthen vessels leaking? Sometimes it is the weights of life or the sin which so easily besets us, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2). It could be the difficulties and tragedies of life that cause us to become distracted from our relationship with the Lord. We may even find ourselves so disappointed in others that we lose our joy and purpose through a time of despair. Perhaps we have been praying diligently for a certain thing, yet God did not answer our prayer in the way we desired. Regardless of the cause of our Spiritual seepage, we must remember that "......for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10).
If I allow sin to gain a foothold in my life, I leak. If I doubt the promises of God, I leak. If I try to solve problems by myself without casting my cares upon the Lord, I leak. If I let the struggles and heartaches of life overcome my being, I leak.
Although, if I remember the source of my help and come to the Lord in brokenness and faith, He is my source of spiritual supply. Even though my earthen vessel is often cracked and leaking, His ability to fill me is more than adequate to overcome my shortcomings.
If you feel like you are leaking and growing dry in your relationship with Jesus. Join me in crying out "Help Lord! I'm leaking!"
Monday, July 21, 2014
Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend....Commitment?
I have been musing for some time about the current weaknesses in the "organized" church. One of the primary areas of apparent weakness in American Christianity seems to be in our level of true commitment.
I had an old song from my teen years come into my mind early this morning. The song, "Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend John", was written by Dick Holler and first recorded by Dion. While it was never one of my favorite songs, it still had a melody and message that was intriguing to many teen minds. The song was a reminder of people that were lost to the present, but their ideals were to live on.
As this tune played in my mind, I had the thought that we seem to have abandoned some very important qualities in recent days that need to be reclaimed. One of the first traits that came to mind was the concept of commitment. Human nature has always been, at best, flawed and in need of constant spiritual prodding, but the world of today seems to be particularly shallow when it comes to being committed. Marriages fail when one, or both, spouses no longer feel the need of being faithful to their mate and their vows. Many churches are struggling spiritually because the membership sees their involvement as being driven by convenience and personal preference.
God has gifted His people to be able to serve ably for the glory of the Lord and the benefit of others, " But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him..... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (I Corinthians 12:18, 27). He enables us to do what we need to do for His Kingdom, therefore, the breakdown is not with God but it is within us.
The American church seems to want a religion of convenience that allows us to come and go as we please, live anyway we please, and never be challenged about things that would make us uncomfortable. I realize that there are a good number of vibrant, evangelistic Bible believing ministries, and I am thankful to God for the work they are doing for God. Although, I am greatly concerned with many of the "church growth" models that are more specifically designed to entertain the crowds rather that challenging them to follow Jesus with full devotion.
The Lord Jesus showed His commitment to us when He died upon the cross. This reality should motivate those of us that truly know Him as Savior to devotion, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16.24). Too many "professing" believers have adopted a brand of spirituality that can be controlled by our personal whims and desires.
Jesus came to be our Savior. Praise the Lord for this great truth! Those that are serious about their faith see that Jesus is also Lord, and as Lord He is worthy of our commitment, " He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:10-13).
Anybody here seen my old friend commitment? I pray that God will enable me to model true commitment to my marriage, my family, my church, and my Savior. We need a band of people who will be touched by God to exhibit real commitment in a fickle age.
I had an old song from my teen years come into my mind early this morning. The song, "Anybody Here Seen My Old Friend John", was written by Dick Holler and first recorded by Dion. While it was never one of my favorite songs, it still had a melody and message that was intriguing to many teen minds. The song was a reminder of people that were lost to the present, but their ideals were to live on.
As this tune played in my mind, I had the thought that we seem to have abandoned some very important qualities in recent days that need to be reclaimed. One of the first traits that came to mind was the concept of commitment. Human nature has always been, at best, flawed and in need of constant spiritual prodding, but the world of today seems to be particularly shallow when it comes to being committed. Marriages fail when one, or both, spouses no longer feel the need of being faithful to their mate and their vows. Many churches are struggling spiritually because the membership sees their involvement as being driven by convenience and personal preference.
God has gifted His people to be able to serve ably for the glory of the Lord and the benefit of others, " But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him..... Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." (I Corinthians 12:18, 27). He enables us to do what we need to do for His Kingdom, therefore, the breakdown is not with God but it is within us.
The American church seems to want a religion of convenience that allows us to come and go as we please, live anyway we please, and never be challenged about things that would make us uncomfortable. I realize that there are a good number of vibrant, evangelistic Bible believing ministries, and I am thankful to God for the work they are doing for God. Although, I am greatly concerned with many of the "church growth" models that are more specifically designed to entertain the crowds rather that challenging them to follow Jesus with full devotion.
The Lord Jesus showed His commitment to us when He died upon the cross. This reality should motivate those of us that truly know Him as Savior to devotion, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew 16.24). Too many "professing" believers have adopted a brand of spirituality that can be controlled by our personal whims and desires.
Jesus came to be our Savior. Praise the Lord for this great truth! Those that are serious about their faith see that Jesus is also Lord, and as Lord He is worthy of our commitment, " He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16:10-13).
Anybody here seen my old friend commitment? I pray that God will enable me to model true commitment to my marriage, my family, my church, and my Savior. We need a band of people who will be touched by God to exhibit real commitment in a fickle age.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
The Roller-Coaster Called Life
Every life has those exhilarating high moments and those times when it seems the bottom has fallen out from under us. This seems particularly true in the life of a pastor. The pastor not only deals with the issues of his own life, but he is called upon to share and help with life's details of those that are within his care.
This past week has been a microcosm of the extremes that life presents to us. Last week my wife and I celebrated our forty-second anniversary of marriage. Sandy is a special gift of God's grace to me and I could not imagine having anyone else to be the one who completes me. We also had the joy of traveling to San Antonio, Texas to be present at our oldest son's "Change of Command" ceremony. It was a wonderful trip and allowed us to spend some quality time with his family. While we were gone, we received word that we had a death in our church family. Life seems to be a continuous mixture of laughter, joy, tears, and sorrow.
We find within ministry a constant call to be there with people we love in their intimate moments. Some need us to rejoice with them in their wonderful times. Others need advice and compassion to help them through times of sorrow,struggle, failing marriages, sicknesses, and even death.
Over the years, I have had a number of men that have come to me to inform me that they were considering ministry as a "vocation". My advice to them has always been that if they could do anything else, and feel that they were in the will of God, they should do something different. On the other hand, there is no calling that is more fulfilling than ministry when it is a calling from God.
Many years ago we made a trip to Six Flags over Georgia, and the "Scream Machine" was at that time the main roller-coaster at that site. I remember the anxiety as we were strapped into place and the cars began their ascent. There was a moment when I wondered if we could survive the trip, but after a few minutes we arrived safely at the point of departure. Since that time, I have ridden a number of roller-coasters that have made the "Scream Machine" seem tame, but they all are a good example of life.
When we begin to leave the loading area, we are unsure about what is ahead, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12). The only thing that we have to keep us secure is the realization that we are held secure by the promises of God's Word, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the Designer of our life, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2).
Praise the Lord, one day the roller-coaster ride will be over. Those who know Christ as Savior will be able to enjoy eternal happiness and bliss, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4).
Life may have many unexpected drops and turns, but if we are held by the Spirit of God and the promises of God we shall arrive home safely. Be certain that your faith is in Christ as Savior rather than your own ability to weather the storms of life. Jesus alone has the ability to be the author and finisher of our faith!
This past week has been a microcosm of the extremes that life presents to us. Last week my wife and I celebrated our forty-second anniversary of marriage. Sandy is a special gift of God's grace to me and I could not imagine having anyone else to be the one who completes me. We also had the joy of traveling to San Antonio, Texas to be present at our oldest son's "Change of Command" ceremony. It was a wonderful trip and allowed us to spend some quality time with his family. While we were gone, we received word that we had a death in our church family. Life seems to be a continuous mixture of laughter, joy, tears, and sorrow.
We find within ministry a constant call to be there with people we love in their intimate moments. Some need us to rejoice with them in their wonderful times. Others need advice and compassion to help them through times of sorrow,struggle, failing marriages, sicknesses, and even death.
Over the years, I have had a number of men that have come to me to inform me that they were considering ministry as a "vocation". My advice to them has always been that if they could do anything else, and feel that they were in the will of God, they should do something different. On the other hand, there is no calling that is more fulfilling than ministry when it is a calling from God.
Many years ago we made a trip to Six Flags over Georgia, and the "Scream Machine" was at that time the main roller-coaster at that site. I remember the anxiety as we were strapped into place and the cars began their ascent. There was a moment when I wondered if we could survive the trip, but after a few minutes we arrived safely at the point of departure. Since that time, I have ridden a number of roller-coasters that have made the "Scream Machine" seem tame, but they all are a good example of life.
When we begin to leave the loading area, we are unsure about what is ahead, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12). The only thing that we have to keep us secure is the realization that we are held secure by the promises of God's Word, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the Designer of our life, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2).
Praise the Lord, one day the roller-coaster ride will be over. Those who know Christ as Savior will be able to enjoy eternal happiness and bliss, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4).
Life may have many unexpected drops and turns, but if we are held by the Spirit of God and the promises of God we shall arrive home safely. Be certain that your faith is in Christ as Savior rather than your own ability to weather the storms of life. Jesus alone has the ability to be the author and finisher of our faith!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
The Fred Wooten Suit
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of preaching a revival service at a church in Dublin, GA. In the midst of that message, I remembered someone who had been a special person to me during my early days of ministry. I suppose that I am often prone to be nostalgic about the folks that God has used in my life, but we are all today a product of what we were molded into from the past. Let me share a poem I wrote many years ago about a suit that was given to me as a gift from a special individual.
The Fred Wooten Suit
Tis Easter morn and soon our crowd will be
tightly pressed
Tradition will require that most present
will be finely dressed
Eyes will turn and roam to see the splendid
forms of new attire
Though very few eyes will gaze upon my old
suit and admire
But this old friend, this faithful suit that
is mine
Has a history that will be dear through the
ages of time
He was a lumbering giant who walked upon one
foot and a memory
He lost the other while in a foreign land
serving his nations’ ministry
His voice was coarse, gravelly, and even
gruff
But hide the love within? Never that rough
His eyes often twinkled with mischievous
glee
And just as quick could turn and weep with
me
Though none of these were really his most
important part
The attribute that often moved me most was a
loving heart
He seemed to watch over me with the greatest
of care
Whatever I thought I needed, he often found
a way to share
Once a turkey, next a C.B. radio, and an
occasional loaf of bread
His care was so constant; I had to use care
when speaking with Fred
The turkey grew and was eaten, and the radio
broke
But another moment yet, the thoughts still
provoke
Twas a brown plaid suit hanging on the
clothing rail
I hesitated to look at it for it wasn’t even
on sale
I told him my suits were fine, it wouldn’t
hurt to wait
But he’d come to buy his preacher a suit, no
debate
I looked at this brown friend of mine and
grimaced at the price
He asked if I liked it, said I “something
cheaper would be nice”
“Didn’t come to save money” was his stern
reply
“Pick up the suit, that’s the one I’m going
to buy”
From that day forth this suit of mine had a
little extra part
For somewhere in it was a sliver of Fred
Wooten’s heart
He bought it for Easter Sunday of 1977
It’s still here and he’s gone on to Heaven
Now prone to unravel and often needing
repair
Of today’s fashions, it doesn’t seem to be
aware
Yet, each time I put it, on I pause to
meditate
How a simple piece of cloth has such love to
radiate
So today, please enjoy your new suits and dresses
and even boots
But my joy is even fuller when I’m wearing
my “Fred Wooten” suit
Tom Vann
I wish that I still owned that suit, but over the years it seemed to shrink (at least that's my story) and I could no longer wear it. Bro. Fred would never allow me to tell where I got the suit while he was alive, but with his family's permission I shared this poem the Easter after his death. We all should cherish the people who loved and supported us over the years, and I think it would be good if we could follow their example and invest into the lives of those that we can bless and help.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
I Love VBS!
I am approaching my fortieth VBS as a pastor, and it continues to be one of my favorite activities on the church calendar.
I attended several VBS programs as a child at Concord Baptist Church and Tenth Avenue Baptist Church. In all honesty, I can't say that I really enjoyed them. The missionary stories were good, but most of the schedule was a bit boring to me. The highlight of each day was the Kool-Aid and the butter cookies.
When I became a pastor, I determined that VBS would be much different and no child should ever go home complaining that they were bored. During the early years of my ministry, we wrote much of our own material and we designed a lot of action into the final program each evening. We had giants a few years, we even designed our own "Teenage Mutant Ninja Vegetables", and we almost always had someone dressed up as the Devil. Fortunately, we always saw the Devil soundly defeated on the last day of VBS. I still remember the year that the Devil and I had a boxing match. When I knocked him out, a little boy wearing cowboy boots got so excited that he left his seat and kicked the Devil in the ribs while he was on the ground. I wish more of us could hate the Devil that much. I will always be thankful for Hazel Brewer's labor to fashion and sew our costumes, along with all of our faithful workers that labored every day to put on the best event possible. I also remember with great thankfulness Jim Strong, Marty Snodgrass, and others who played the part of the giants and the Devil.
During my ministry at Rentz Baptist, I have been in awe at the faithful work of our folks who give their best to make VBS work. Sherri Knight, Leann Skipper, David Gay, and many others sacrifice their time and talent into this annual outreach program of the church. I love VBS because it gives us the opportunity to reach children and their families that we may not reach otherwise. I love VBS because it draws our people together to work for a common goal. I love VBS because it gives us the opportunity to fulfill our duties according to the Scripture "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
(Luke 1:17; II Timothy 3:14-15)
I remember a preacher friend of mine telling me that he took his vacation every year during VBS so he wouldn't have to be bothered with it. I still believe that's a great waste of a good opportunity to impact the life of a child for Jesus.
I still love VBS!
I attended several VBS programs as a child at Concord Baptist Church and Tenth Avenue Baptist Church. In all honesty, I can't say that I really enjoyed them. The missionary stories were good, but most of the schedule was a bit boring to me. The highlight of each day was the Kool-Aid and the butter cookies.
When I became a pastor, I determined that VBS would be much different and no child should ever go home complaining that they were bored. During the early years of my ministry, we wrote much of our own material and we designed a lot of action into the final program each evening. We had giants a few years, we even designed our own "Teenage Mutant Ninja Vegetables", and we almost always had someone dressed up as the Devil. Fortunately, we always saw the Devil soundly defeated on the last day of VBS. I still remember the year that the Devil and I had a boxing match. When I knocked him out, a little boy wearing cowboy boots got so excited that he left his seat and kicked the Devil in the ribs while he was on the ground. I wish more of us could hate the Devil that much. I will always be thankful for Hazel Brewer's labor to fashion and sew our costumes, along with all of our faithful workers that labored every day to put on the best event possible. I also remember with great thankfulness Jim Strong, Marty Snodgrass, and others who played the part of the giants and the Devil.
During my ministry at Rentz Baptist, I have been in awe at the faithful work of our folks who give their best to make VBS work. Sherri Knight, Leann Skipper, David Gay, and many others sacrifice their time and talent into this annual outreach program of the church. I love VBS because it gives us the opportunity to reach children and their families that we may not reach otherwise. I love VBS because it draws our people together to work for a common goal. I love VBS because it gives us the opportunity to fulfill our duties according to the Scripture "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
(Luke 1:17; II Timothy 3:14-15)
I remember a preacher friend of mine telling me that he took his vacation every year during VBS so he wouldn't have to be bothered with it. I still believe that's a great waste of a good opportunity to impact the life of a child for Jesus.
I still love VBS!
Friday, June 13, 2014
God Can Use Feet of Clay
This Sunday is Father's Day!
Every time I approach this day of recognition, I am filled with gratitude that God allowed me to be a father and I am so grateful for each member of my family. At the same time, I always wish that I could have been a better dad as my kids grew up.
Although, I am encouraged when I look at Scripture and see that God often used men who undoubtedly had feet of clay. King David has always been a conundrum of sorts to me. His life reflected the heights of total devotion to the Lord, and it also revealed the depths of failure when the Lord is not kept in proper focus. Yet, through it all God declared that David was a man after His own heart, "And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:" (Acts 13:22-23). Moses is also an example of a great man of God who suffered moments of indignity and failure, yet there is no doubt that he was used mightily by the Lord.
Throughout my life, I have been blessed by the influence of men who helped to mold my life. My own father illustrated the necessity of dedicated hard work. My Granddaddy Vann showed that you can find humor (even if it's sarcastic) in almost every situation. My Granddaddy Daniels showed love and devotion even in the midst of personal struggles.
I am also thankful for those men that God used to influence my life in spiritual matters. Charles Faust was the faithful Sunday School teacher that taught my class, even when I was the only student present and encouraged me to trust Christ. Raymond Hancock, the pastor of Providence Baptist Church, was used by God to challenge me to surrender to God's will and make my life count for the Lord. God brought Daylon Moore to work with our Youth when I was an angry and confused young man. Mr. Moore became a mentor, teacher, and father figure at a crucial moment in my life. I will always be thankful for the investment he made in my life. Dr. Merle Huffmaster, one of my Bible college professors, was used by God to not only teach me Biblical truths, but he was also a role model for the appropriate pastorate. Jim Wade, who would become my father-in-law, was also a source of inspiration and served as a wonderful role model. I am so thankful that he welcomed me into his family and loved me as a son. He was perhaps one of the most consistent Christians that I ever had the privilege of knowing. His legacy lives on in our family.
In recent years, God also used a number of other men to help and encourage my life. Wayne Robertson befriended me when I was new to the state of Georgia and gave me a number of opportunities to serve the Lord in a broader way. Wayne Hamrick became a very special friend and example to my life. His passion for growing Sunday Schools was infectious and his devotion to God's Word, God's work, and God's people was unquestionable.
Some of the men that I have cited lived exemplary lives and others faced times of criticism, yet God used each of them. It encourages my heart to know that God can take every man and use him, if he is willing to surrender his life under the direction of the Holy Spirit. We may all realize that we have feet of clay, yet God is willing and able to use our earthen vessels for His glory "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (II Corinthians 4:5-7). Praise the Lord!
Every time I approach this day of recognition, I am filled with gratitude that God allowed me to be a father and I am so grateful for each member of my family. At the same time, I always wish that I could have been a better dad as my kids grew up.
Although, I am encouraged when I look at Scripture and see that God often used men who undoubtedly had feet of clay. King David has always been a conundrum of sorts to me. His life reflected the heights of total devotion to the Lord, and it also revealed the depths of failure when the Lord is not kept in proper focus. Yet, through it all God declared that David was a man after His own heart, "And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:" (Acts 13:22-23). Moses is also an example of a great man of God who suffered moments of indignity and failure, yet there is no doubt that he was used mightily by the Lord.
Throughout my life, I have been blessed by the influence of men who helped to mold my life. My own father illustrated the necessity of dedicated hard work. My Granddaddy Vann showed that you can find humor (even if it's sarcastic) in almost every situation. My Granddaddy Daniels showed love and devotion even in the midst of personal struggles.
I am also thankful for those men that God used to influence my life in spiritual matters. Charles Faust was the faithful Sunday School teacher that taught my class, even when I was the only student present and encouraged me to trust Christ. Raymond Hancock, the pastor of Providence Baptist Church, was used by God to challenge me to surrender to God's will and make my life count for the Lord. God brought Daylon Moore to work with our Youth when I was an angry and confused young man. Mr. Moore became a mentor, teacher, and father figure at a crucial moment in my life. I will always be thankful for the investment he made in my life. Dr. Merle Huffmaster, one of my Bible college professors, was used by God to not only teach me Biblical truths, but he was also a role model for the appropriate pastorate. Jim Wade, who would become my father-in-law, was also a source of inspiration and served as a wonderful role model. I am so thankful that he welcomed me into his family and loved me as a son. He was perhaps one of the most consistent Christians that I ever had the privilege of knowing. His legacy lives on in our family.
In recent years, God also used a number of other men to help and encourage my life. Wayne Robertson befriended me when I was new to the state of Georgia and gave me a number of opportunities to serve the Lord in a broader way. Wayne Hamrick became a very special friend and example to my life. His passion for growing Sunday Schools was infectious and his devotion to God's Word, God's work, and God's people was unquestionable.
Some of the men that I have cited lived exemplary lives and others faced times of criticism, yet God used each of them. It encourages my heart to know that God can take every man and use him, if he is willing to surrender his life under the direction of the Holy Spirit. We may all realize that we have feet of clay, yet God is willing and able to use our earthen vessels for His glory "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (II Corinthians 4:5-7). Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
If I Had Wings
Have you ever had those moments when you felt like the pressures of life were so great that you would like to simply fly away and find some peace and solitude? I think that most of us, if we are honest, would have to admit that there have been times when we felt overwhelmed and under-appreciated.
David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, shared his innermost emotional struggles in many of his psalms. He reveals to us that frustration and despair are not foreign things to the people of God, "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah." (Psalm 55:1-7). We sometimes set ourselves up for spiritual and emotional failure when we assume that dedicated Christians always live in peace and security. There will be times in all of our lives that we would long to simply escape the rat race and warfare of daily existence.
Jesus never promised that life would always be easy. In fact, He often directed the disciples to launch out in their boat when He knew that a storm would come. His presence in the storm is that which should give us Divine peace. Life will never be easy on this side of glory, but His constant companionship should carry us through the moments of worry and despair. Our existence, at present, will encounter many storms. In fact, I have heard it said that we are either currently in a storm, or we have just emerged from a storm, or we are preparing for the next storm. The promise of Jesus that He would never leave us should at least give us hope and comfort.
Why do we face trouble? Sometimes our difficulties are the result of our own foolish or sinful choices. God will always forgive our sins when we come to Him in repentance, but we may still have to suffer the consequences of our choices. Sometimes it is the actions of others that will cause us grief. Sometimes we must simply see that we are part of a fallen race that suffers the consequences of our sinful nature.
Sometimes our present suffering will be a mystery to us until either God reveals His plan, or we enter Heaven's glory. Regardless of the reasons for our struggles, we can be assured that God loves those that are His, and He has a purpose for all He allows in our lives.
I must confess that I am prone to allow a level of despair to sometimes overwhelm me, but I am glad that God is faithful even when I am fearful. I like the way David ends the previously cited psalm, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee." (Psalm 55:22-23).
God does not promise to remove the difficulties that make us want to fly away, but He does promise to sustain us in the midst of our trials. There is coming a day when there will be no more tears, but until then we have the presence of Jesus to help us through the times of joy and despondency.
Thank you Jesus!
David, the sweet Psalmist of Israel, shared his innermost emotional struggles in many of his psalms. He reveals to us that frustration and despair are not foreign things to the people of God, "Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah." (Psalm 55:1-7). We sometimes set ourselves up for spiritual and emotional failure when we assume that dedicated Christians always live in peace and security. There will be times in all of our lives that we would long to simply escape the rat race and warfare of daily existence.
Jesus never promised that life would always be easy. In fact, He often directed the disciples to launch out in their boat when He knew that a storm would come. His presence in the storm is that which should give us Divine peace. Life will never be easy on this side of glory, but His constant companionship should carry us through the moments of worry and despair. Our existence, at present, will encounter many storms. In fact, I have heard it said that we are either currently in a storm, or we have just emerged from a storm, or we are preparing for the next storm. The promise of Jesus that He would never leave us should at least give us hope and comfort.
Why do we face trouble? Sometimes our difficulties are the result of our own foolish or sinful choices. God will always forgive our sins when we come to Him in repentance, but we may still have to suffer the consequences of our choices. Sometimes it is the actions of others that will cause us grief. Sometimes we must simply see that we are part of a fallen race that suffers the consequences of our sinful nature.
Sometimes our present suffering will be a mystery to us until either God reveals His plan, or we enter Heaven's glory. Regardless of the reasons for our struggles, we can be assured that God loves those that are His, and He has a purpose for all He allows in our lives.
I must confess that I am prone to allow a level of despair to sometimes overwhelm me, but I am glad that God is faithful even when I am fearful. I like the way David ends the previously cited psalm, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee." (Psalm 55:22-23).
God does not promise to remove the difficulties that make us want to fly away, but He does promise to sustain us in the midst of our trials. There is coming a day when there will be no more tears, but until then we have the presence of Jesus to help us through the times of joy and despondency.
Thank you Jesus!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
God's Gift of Uncertainty
Once again, during this past week, a professing believer in Christ made the decision to end his life. There were many factors in play that led him to this fateful decision, but I found myself again wondering if I could ever fall into such a state of despair that I felt this was a valid choice. One thing I have concluded in this life is that those who loudly proclaim that they would never do a particular thing are often the very ones who are prone to act upon that which they decry.
When I was a young man and preacher, I often felt that I could rival the Oracle of Delphi with my astute knowledge and understanding. As I have grown older, I realize just how little I really grasp about the wisdom and purposes of God as He works in my life. I truly believe that God is being gracious to us when He does not reveal the entire future to us. Had God shown me all that would come to pass, I might have been tempted to overlook the moments of true joy, blessing, and happiness. I may have only focused upon the times of struggle and heartache that would exist in my pathway, and instead of following God in daily faith, I may have been tempted to give up on God's best for me. I have found it to be true that blessings are often born out of the ashes of difficulty and despair.
At no time does God promise an easy journey through life, nor does He reveal all of the details of what the future will bring. In fact, Scripture tells us that at present we cannot see the present or future with total clarity, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12). We will probably never see the whole picture of life until we come face to face with the Lord Jesus. The Bible also reveals to us that God provides just enough light for our path to keep us progressing, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105). God provides just enough light to reveal how to take the next step in our pilgrimage of faith. We should never become frustrated that God does not show us more of the future, rather we should trust His wisdom in leading us in a way that does not cause us to abandon our purpose for living.
This coming weekend it will be a joy to get together with some old and dear friends. Over the years, we have all had our share of joy and desperation, but God has been faithful and He has never led us astray. The times we find ourselves in the wilderness of the world and the flesh are those times when we discounted the light for our path and followed our own understanding.
I am truly thankful that I cannot see all of the future ahead of me. God gives us a wonderful gift when He leaves our future uncertain. His promises for eternity are secure and glorious, but the full details that fill our existence between now and eternity are blessedly clouded. The very fact that we don't know the future should drive us to trust the Savior who sees all from the beginning to the end. When I find despair overwhelming my life, I need to be reminded that God has not deserted me. In joy, health, prosperity, sadness, sickness, deprivation, and despair I can still trust God. My uncertainty does not mean that God is uncertain about His plan and purpose.
When I was a young man and preacher, I often felt that I could rival the Oracle of Delphi with my astute knowledge and understanding. As I have grown older, I realize just how little I really grasp about the wisdom and purposes of God as He works in my life. I truly believe that God is being gracious to us when He does not reveal the entire future to us. Had God shown me all that would come to pass, I might have been tempted to overlook the moments of true joy, blessing, and happiness. I may have only focused upon the times of struggle and heartache that would exist in my pathway, and instead of following God in daily faith, I may have been tempted to give up on God's best for me. I have found it to be true that blessings are often born out of the ashes of difficulty and despair.
At no time does God promise an easy journey through life, nor does He reveal all of the details of what the future will bring. In fact, Scripture tells us that at present we cannot see the present or future with total clarity, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12). We will probably never see the whole picture of life until we come face to face with the Lord Jesus. The Bible also reveals to us that God provides just enough light for our path to keep us progressing, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalms 119:105). God provides just enough light to reveal how to take the next step in our pilgrimage of faith. We should never become frustrated that God does not show us more of the future, rather we should trust His wisdom in leading us in a way that does not cause us to abandon our purpose for living.
This coming weekend it will be a joy to get together with some old and dear friends. Over the years, we have all had our share of joy and desperation, but God has been faithful and He has never led us astray. The times we find ourselves in the wilderness of the world and the flesh are those times when we discounted the light for our path and followed our own understanding.
I am truly thankful that I cannot see all of the future ahead of me. God gives us a wonderful gift when He leaves our future uncertain. His promises for eternity are secure and glorious, but the full details that fill our existence between now and eternity are blessedly clouded. The very fact that we don't know the future should drive us to trust the Savior who sees all from the beginning to the end. When I find despair overwhelming my life, I need to be reminded that God has not deserted me. In joy, health, prosperity, sadness, sickness, deprivation, and despair I can still trust God. My uncertainty does not mean that God is uncertain about His plan and purpose.
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