Bountiful Blessings

Read today's passage and tell me what you think....well, don't tell me, just think about what you think.
He turns rivers into a desert, springs of water into thirsty ground,
³⁴ a fruitful land into a salty waste, because of the evil of its inhabitants.
³⁵ He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.
³⁶ And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in;
³⁷ they sow fields and plant vineyards and get a fruitful yield.
³⁸ By his blessing they multiply greatly, and he does not let their livestock diminish. (Ps. 107.33-38)
(www.lifejournal.cc)
Alright, what you thinking?  Do you think that is telling you that God is going to make you rich?
A lot of people would believe that.  A lot of preachers would preach that.  I just don't think that is where it is at.  Nothing wrong with money or having money as long as it does not become a god to you (and it does for a bunch of folks).  I just don't think God's blessings is directly linked to money.  God has blessed me over and over again and many times by meeting my needs but, by no means with wealth, at least not by America's standards.  (Running water is wealth in some parts of the world and don't you ever forget it.)
I see God's blessings as the affirmation of His Divine Approval of the path we are taking.  Many people misunderstand that.  They are not pleasing the Lord with their lives or life choices, yet everytime something good comes along it's all about the Lord.  Serve Him all the time, not just in the jams. 
God's blessing is that intangible that you just can't put your finger on but you know it when you sense it.  His blessings are as relieving as a good, saturating rain to parched land. His blessings are as refreshing as the blooms of a fruit tree giving promise to the treasures of tomorrow.  His blessings are as rejoicing as fresh water spring providing everlasting refreshment.  His blessings are worth much more than money, last much longer than money, and bring more joy than money. 

And don't you ever forget it.  Or as the psalmist says- Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.- (Ps. 107.43)

Rest in that today, no matter your journey!

Facing Jesus

I have recently been studying the calling of the disciples.  While preaching through Mark, I focused on his descriptions of the callings.  This morning in John, I am reminded of a couple more.  Notice they have a unique touch to them.  Read it first:
John 1.43-51 - The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” ⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” ⁴⁶ Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” ⁴⁷ Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” ⁴⁸ Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” ⁴⁹ Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ⁵⁰ Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” ⁵¹ And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you,^[k] you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (www.lifejournal.cc)

What I notice about Philip is how fast he figured out who Jesus was.  Apparently, as soon as he met the Lord, he knew that Christ fulfilled all the prophecy.  He told Nathanael so.  What does that tell us about the stark reality that each of us will face, when we see the Lord face to face when we leave this world?  Immediately, a lot of light will be shed on our life, our opportunities, and our investments in those opportunities.  Philip knew immediately that Christ was all anyone could hope for and all past hopes had looked to. 

Now notice Nathanael.  First he spits out some outrageous, cultural bias against Nazareth.   (v.46)  However, when he saw Jesus and Jesus spoke to him in a flattering, welcoming, and insightful way, Nathanael's attitude changed immediately.  It did not take him long to catch on.   When Jesus said He knew where He was at an apparently important time in Nate's life, he gives Christ the proper praise.
When Nate is blown away by this, Christ lets him know that a lot of much bigger things are coming.

The question of the day is how do you respond when God speaks to you.  Do you recognize Him for who He is (no matter what He is telling you), give Him praise, and have no doubts? 
Or are you like Nate?  Do you scoff at who He says He is, only to watch Him prove it?
You can respond either way, but I would highly recommend that you do in a way that acknowledges Him for who is, gives Him praise along the way, and refuses to doubt the love, power, and salvation of the Lord. 

Bless the Lord

Psalm 103.1-5 -Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, ³ who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,  who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, ⁵ who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (www.lifejournal.cc)
Bless the Lord this Lord's Day, not for what He has done but for who He is!  Although He has done and is doing plenty enough for us to bless Him simply for His forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal in our lives.  Either way, bless the Lord today! 
I hope to worship with you today!

Fall the Right Way

2 Peter 2.17-   These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.
We live in a world with a lot of darkness.  Although the ways in which it is revealed may be new to our society, none of those wicked ways are really new to the world.  There have always been the false promises of the evil options.  Each option away from God is as hopeless as a mirage in the desert or a waterless spring.  Each temptation is as shifty and useless as storm driven mists. 
The message:  Don't hold out for the false promises of the world.  Lean hard on our Promises in Christ.  He is not a spring, He is living water.  He is not just a mist, but a good saturating rain of relief that soaks down to the roots. 
Don't fall for the world.  Fall for Jesus!

Building Up

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.....For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. ⁸ For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.- 2 Peter 1.3,5-8 (www.lifejournal.cc) 

Aim right and live right- inside and outside!  Just like sin as a cumulative effect and one lie builds on top of another, or one yield to temptation  makes it easier the next time, or gossip session, or step of waywardness, so the good things of God build on each other.  We can build something mighty sweet in the Lord if we will just stay at it- day in and day out!  Let's do it for the Lord today!

Fearless

I love those nature shows that show the struggle of the animal kingdom in the African safari.   The hyennas are stalked by the lions and when one hyenna strays away by itself, the lion prowling around starts his pounce.  It is just a matter of time.  It reminds me of I Peter 5.8-11 - ⁸ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. ¹⁰ And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. ¹¹ To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen (www.lifejournal.cc)

We are the hunted.  How do we handle it?
1.  Pay Attention Spiritually.   There is no time to play games with your spiritual lives.  We are in a war for souls and we don't need to be half-attentive or we will fail victim.
2. Be Aware of Your Enemy.  He is there.  You can rest assured.  There is nothing to fear but there is one to serve and look to.  If we get lulled asleep spiritually, we will be like a straying hyenna.
3. Be On the Offense.  Notice we resist.   We stand our ground.  We don't wait for a spiritual attack, we actively serve the Lord looking for opportunities to get in on what He is doing.
4. Recognize that you don't fight alone.  There are saints all around the world praying for each other.  There are local congregations committed to each other.  There is a heavenly cloud of witnesses cheering us on.  There is our Lord and Savior making intercession for us.  We are not alone. 
5. Remember that relief will come.  He will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.  His forgiveness restores.  His Spirit confirms.  His Word strengthens.  His promises establish us. 

To God be the Glory!  You have nothing to fear.  Live Fearless!

The Three R's

What do you do when you don't know what to do?  Every situation that comes up cannot be solved by you.  As much as some of us try to solve what ails us and ours, some things we cannot.  So what do you do?  Remember...Reflect...be reassured.  Isaiah will help you do that...
Isaiah 43.1-3 -But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
³ For I am the Lord your God,  the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (www.lifejournal.cc)
The Lord lives, walks with us, loves us more than we can imagine, knows everything about us, and never leaves us alone.  What do you do when you don't know what to do?  Be reassured!
Live like you are reassured today and have a great day!

In the Meantime

A large part of what I do is not on Sunday, but during the week.  On Sunday I know what to do, whether I hit a homerun or strike out, I know what I am suppose to do.  It is the Monday through Saturday things that are not as easy to decipher.  Those are the days I walk in the valley with folks.  Just this week, I buried a dear saint of the Lord, am trying to minister to another family with a dying loved one, and another with a child with severe injuries in an accident, and another who lost a pregnancy and continues to struggle with symptoms that caused it, and another who got over one health ailment to now find herself in another.  Closer to home, my mother-in-law has a biopsy today, my father-in-law is about to enter a nursing home, and my wife has went to care for them, not feeling good herself.  I sometimes feel handcuffed in each situation.  They are all hanging in the balance.  Some already miss their loved one, others are waiting for healing, others are waiting for the seeming inevitable, while others are waiting for the Great Day.  All are 'in the meantime.' 

That is where we live our lives.  The power and opportunity of faith in God is that He walks with us 'in the meantime.'  He tells us to not be discouraged.  He said it through Isaiah to me today. 
Isaiah 40.28-31  -Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹ He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
³⁰ Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
³¹ but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (www.lifejournal.cc)
I feel handcuffed because I do not wait to sound like a preacher.  You know what I mean..."well, you know, it is the Lord's Will."  I don't like preacher jargon.  I try not to use it.  Some things in life stink and I don't understand it.  There is no need to hide it.  I feel handcuffed because there is not much I can do, not much I can say, and I cannot give all the answers. 

However, the reality is, this feeling of handcuffed is good.   All I feel that I can do is point them to the Lord, in the midst of their valleys.   And that is when I do my best. 

I had not been on the new church field long when a long time sufferer died.  I did not know her.  I had met her in the hospital a few times, but really did not know her.   When she passed, I went to sit with her children and discuss what I could do to help them.   In talking about the funeral, I said, " I did not know your mother very well...".  In the midst of my sentence, a bitter family member broke in on my words and said, "That's right, you didn't know her, so what are you going to say?" I looked her in the eye and said, "I am going to do the same thing at your mother's funeral that I do at all funerals- I am going to point folks to the Lord.   She has lived her life and the people at that funeral know her better than me.   There is no reason for me to act as if they do not.  I am going to point them to comfort, guidance, and salvation- all found in the Lord."  Nothing else was said.   Isaiah reminds me this morning that I am going to do the same in the 'meantimes' of people's lives.  May God bless my- no, 'our'- efforts as we do...in the meantime.

Not Just Passing Through

I often speak of the war that we are in.  Yes, I have friends that are serving our country overseas, but that is not the war that I speak of.  We are in a spiritual war.  When you see mass tragedy happen from a terrorist attack or a demon possessed gunman, it is a reminder to us that the thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10.10).  Thank God we can have life and life abundantly in Jesus' name.  Big tragedy is a sudden reminder, but also remember that the spiritual attacks of temptation that we feel is also the evidence of the battles we face.  It is important that we stand strong, no matter what may come. We need to live to please the Lord.  We need to live to set an example for others.   We need to live so that the world can look at us and say, 'What in the world!"  Notice how Peter put it:   1 Peter 2. 11-12- Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. ¹² Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (www.lifejournal.cc)
The Holy Spirit can use our conduct to draw others to Christ.  We must live in such a way...even in the midst of our times.  Keep this in mind:  the war has been won.  The battles continue to rage around us and within us, but the real war has been won.  We just have to let others know of their opportunity of victory and live our lives in a way that claims the victory that we have already received.
Let's live victorious today...and until He comes!

The Never Failing Word

I Peter 1.24- “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,²⁵ but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
Do not resist it; embrace it.  Do not run by it; pause for it.   Be faithful to worship with your congregation today and let the Lord speak through His Living Word.
May God bless us as we worship!

Along the Path

We all struggle in some form or fashion with living the consistent Christian life (that is those of us who strive hard at it).   Some folks don't want you to know they struggle and they try to bluff everyone around them.  Some folks struggle and don't celebrate or announce their struggle, but live day to day striving to please the Lord.  Some folks want everyone to know all their struggles.  (TMI-too much information.  Let's talk about it. Don't ask the whole world to advise you through social media.) And then some folks get weary in the struggle, stop struggling and give in.  That is not good.  However, it is also not good how we often act toward folks that have such struggles in the Christian life. James advises us on this-
James 5.19-20-My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, ²⁰ let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (www.lifejournal.cc)
In other words, don't give up on them.  It is not only the job of fellow Christians to love on good and faithful Christians, but we must also step away from the 'pack' and run alongside one that is limping.
May God put one in our path today to help along!

Serious Enjoyment

Have you ever got the giggles?  Have you ever been in a situation where you better not laugh, but you got the can't-help-its?   Now, if you know me, you know I like to laugh.  When I can, I try to use humor when I speak, when I write, and in whatever I do.  My thought is that there is a lot in this world to cry about, let's try to enjoy life as much as we can.  But as Solomon said 'there is a time to weep and a time to laugh'.  You will do better off if you can tell the difference. 

When I was in school, I was not a trouble maker but I did have a lot to say...a lot more than there was time alloted for apparently.  I got in trouble for talking too much...and laughing too much...and enjoying myself too much.  I thought teachers' jobs were to make sure that you did not enjoy your childhood.  Now that I know several teachers, I realize their job is to not allow their students to ruin their own lives or their teachers' lives.  God bless teachers.  However, that is another matter for another day.  It is bad when you laugh at the wrong thing or at the wrong time or in the wrong situation.  Many people do it spiritually.  James warns us not to in James 4.9- Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. (www.lifejournal.cc)
If you are laughing at what God is frowning on or crying when you ought to be enjoying and celebrating your salvation, you are off-track.  In other  words, don't take your walk with God, your walk away from sin, and your pursuit of the good, Godly things in life too lightly.  They are not laughing matters.  Seriously walk with God and have a blast doing it!  Even today!

Shaky?

It is feeling shaky, ain't it?  I can't quite put my finger on it. 
Some believe it is political and November could solve it all...nah. 
Some believe it is medical and a change of the plan could help...maybe, but that is not what I am saying. 
Some believe it is the state of affairs overseas...they have always been shaky. 
Some believe it is the direction of the country...not Washington...the country...maybe. 
Some believe it is the last of our days....it IS always imminent.  Don't ever forget that. 
Some believe it all collapse quick...some societies have done that. 
Some believe it is an eroding...much more likely.  Don't know what it is...it is shaky though, ain't it? 

I think it is spiritual.  I think we live in a time of great spiritual conflict.  It is, as if, there is a battle taking place of which we cannot see, but can certainly feel the results.   Some of the results.  
Is it that this cosmic battle has come to our doorstep because we have let our guard down?  That makes sense to me.  What are we going do?  Do we dig a big hole and go hide in it.  I have a storm shelter now, but there are some storms that it does not help with. 

I think we ought to read Psalm 46 (www.lifejournal.cc) and take it to heart, no matter the battles or storms we face...
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶ The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Though the storms may come...Thanks be to God!

Riding the Victory Bus!

I played a little football in high school and there is a distinct difference between a win and a loss on the bus ride home.  When you play an 'away' game and win, the bus is rocking.  There are no rules.  The coaches enter in to the chant.  The windows are down and the hooping and the hollering is at the max.  However....when you get waylaid on the field, dragged up and down, and leave bloody and bruised, you then get chewed out by your coach as you kneel around him in front of those you love and those that won.  But no, it is not over.  You then get on the bus to a 'more clear' tail chewing that is not edited by the restraints of loving parents listening, and are required to be silent on the bus ride home.  Do you know how miserable that is when you are two to a seat, shoulder pads in your lap, riding on a Blue Bird bus in the dark for an hour?  It stinks.  You want to ride with your Momma and let her get you a McDonald's milk shake, but, instead, you have to endure the agony of defeat.  The whole time you are riding home, you are thinking, "We've got to win next time and ride that victory bus."

Well, Christian, we will ride in victory, and the anticipation of that victory ought to keep us focused today on doing what we need to do to honor and celebrate Him in all of our life.  Savor this passage:
Isaiah 35.10- And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (www.lifejournal.cc)
Man, that sounds fun!  That sounds like a victory bus!  Live like you believe it!

Nippin' It

If you will recognize the wide road that each of us is so tempted to walk down, and see it destination, it should help you not to be so flippant about starting something that will end so much bigger than you thought.  Notice the deadly process:
James 1.14-15- But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵ Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(www.lifejournal.cc)  Keep in mind that this is not an overstatement.  The death that it speaks of can be spiritual death, relational death, or the death of an opportunity.  The devil doesn't want to give you a headache today, he wants to steal from you, destroy you, and kill your zeal.  However, he is not in charge.  He is not a cosmic equal with God battling it out.  He is a fallen created one raising a ruckus. God is in control.  He lives within the Christian.  You have power within you to turn away from temptation.  The Christian is no longer enslaved to sin, so don't play around with it.  As the great theologian Barney Fife said, "Nip it in the bud", or get it from the get-go.  That is the best way to not be toyed with spiritually.  The great Cathedrals song put it this way: 
Sin will take you farther than you wanna go
Slowly but wholly taking control
Sin will leave you longer than you wanna stay
Sin will cost you far more than you wanna pay

Don't fall into that mess today.  Walk in the freedom found in the Lord and have a great day.

In The Deep End

I was young and had just learned to swim.  We were on vacation at Savannah Beach, staying at a oceanside hotel with an outdoor pool.  We were enjoying the pool and I was trying to get the nerve up to go off the diving board into the 'deep end'.  My dad said, "Come on, I'll catch you." He swam to the middle of the pool and started treading.  I walked to the end of the diving board and started pondering.  I remember the struggle.  I wondered: 1) Can he handle this? 2) Should I find out?  3) What if he can't?  I stood there long enough that he shouldn't have been able to handle it for treading water so long.  Finally, I took my first diving board plunge and 'old faithful' was there and did the job. In hindsight my problem was not the strength of my dad, but the focus of my eyes.  I was so busy looking at the deep waters that I would not focus on him.  Once I focused on him, everything else really did not matter.  That was my thought this morning as I read Isaiah 26.3- You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.  (www.lifejournal.cc). So it is with the Lord.   Quit looking at the deep waters of life and just focus on Him.  Nothing else will bother you in your plunge. 

Run Strong

We are blessed this morning with a classic passage that, no matter how familiar you are with it, cannot help but inspire you to run strong for the Lord today.
Hebrews 12.1-2-Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(www.lifejournal.cc)
The only way to finish strong in this race is to keep your eyes on the goal--Jesus!!  Lay aside everything that may slow you and run with Jesus, toward Jesus, and for Jesus!

See you in Worship today!

Faith Everyday

We put faith in the brakes on our car to stop us when we tap the petal.  We put faith in our house to hold up its structure when we walk in the door or go to sleep under its roof.  We put faith in a restaurant every time we eat their food. We put faith in the washing machine to wash our clothes without leaking water all over our house.  Why do we put faith in these things?  Why do we put faith in people?  Most of the time, we do because they have been reliable before.  My brakes have not failed yet.  My house has not fell on my head yet.  I have not ate poisoned food at a restaurant yet, although I have avoided some restaurants.  My washing machine is getting old but it has not failed me quite yet.  I have faith in these things without really thinking about it because they have been reliable.
Hebrews 11.6- And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.  (www.lifejournal.cc)
We put everyday faith in all these other things.   Let's put our faith in God today.  He has not let us down.  He is reliable.  He can be trusted.  Trust Him and thrive in Him today!

The Team

Anybody that knows me knows that I love football.  I really love college football.  I am counting down the days until football season starts.  I love it for several reasons.  I love the long runs, the hard hits, the pretty passes, the great catches, and the extra efforts.  Successful football builds a team that encourages and challenges one another.  The hope of doing his part helps the player to look pass the soreness, bruises, and limps that come in the midst of a season.  There are stars but there are also bruts, talkers, the big uglies, and the supply men.  Each have different roles and all of them are important.  None can do it alone.  The runner cannot run without the blocker.  The passer cannot pass without the receiver.  If the offense scores but the defense stinks, it is useless. It takes a team effort to bring victory home.

I thought about football this morning when I read Hebrews 10.23-25-  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (www.lifejournal.cc)
The Christian life is not for the lone rangers.  We are a team that work together to spur one another on to continue for the Cause even when the soreness, bruises, and limps come along the way.  That is not effective unless we huddle together, understand the game plan, and do our part to live it out.  Do not neglect God's team.  We are in this together.

You are not alone today.  Let's strive for victory today!

Big Hair and Waggy Tails

I have heard it many times.  The big haired fellar with the flashy suit rides up in the luxury car, barks about where his tape table is set up, and then sits down on the staged chair like Jonah sat under the vine regrettably eyeing Ninevah.  It seemed to happen every year at my church when I was growing up.  The hired gun would come in to tell us how hot hell was, how sorry we were, and how he had a special if we would buy  a whole set of sermons.  I know it is a stereotype but it is one that I ain't quite got over.  All of the evangelists that I remember coming to my church had a gimmick and all of them had a special story that set them apart.  One burned records, one had Godly gold medallions, and others had overcome great obstacles.  All of them quoted Hebrews 9.27-  And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. And may I be fair...rightly so.  They should have used that because it is truth and everyone needs to know what is coming and this is not all there is.  However, I wish just one of them would have finished the Hebrews writer's thought. Let's read it in context.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, ²⁸ so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. -Hebrews 9.27-28
Christ is coming again.  As sure as the judgment of God will determine the destiny of every soul, Christ is coming again, not to deal with sin, but to save all of us who eagerly wait for his appearance.

A couple of years ago a dog walked up on us and stayed.  The first thing I said was, 'who is he?', so we named her Whoosie (pronouced Who-Z, the extra O is in honor of our other dog that is no longer with us, Boo).  Whoosie looks like a hunting dog, chases squirrels like a hunting dog, and scopes the yard like a hunting dog.  A hunting dog she is not, however, for she is scared of everything (rough previous childhood I'm guessing). Whoosie loves us and we love her.  When we pull up, whether she is sleeping or loafing or whatever, she goes to work.  She runs from one end of the yard to the other and then nearly runs into the car trying to look busy and trying to meet us at the car door.  She is just glad we are home.  If I am alive, when the Lord returns that is the way I am going to be. I hope I will still be busy, but if I am not, I am going to try to look busy, and then I am going to run to my master, because....boy!... I'll be happy to see Him!  

That day is coming!  It surely is! Eagerly anticipate it and live your life in light of that today!  

Dark Shadows

I spent the night with a buddy one time when I was in high school. I had to get up in the night and when I stepped into the hallway, I quickly turned, took a step, and unexpectedly hit the wall. My half-opened eyes quickly opened wide and the first thing I saw was someone staring at me. Right in front of me! I took a step backward in a staggered shock and tried to respond. I then quickly realized that what I hit was a mirror on the wall. The horrifying image in front of me was myself. I had walked out the door and took a left when I should have taken a right. Darkness in a strange place can be deceiving. Well, we live in dark times and this world seems to get stranger by the minute, but we are not without hope. The prophet Isaiah put it this way- Isaiah 9.2- The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shone. We have an opportunity to share the love of Christ with a lost and dark world. He will illuminate our paths and keep us from running into ourselves in the dead ends of life. Enjoy His Light today and share it as well. Have a great day!

Song of the Day

Micah 7.19-He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. I am a Gospel music fan. The Cathedrals were the best. One of their great songs was In the Depths of the Sea. As I read Micah this morning, that song started playing in my head. Man has climbed every mountain, no matter how high He has conquered the planets from sky to sky But there is a place where man has not been And that’s where my Lord says He’s buried my sin (Chorus) In the depths of the sea of God’s forgetfulness Removed as east is from west Far away from all power and principality My sins are in the depths of the sea 2. Gone are the shackles, gone are the stains I’m free from the bondage, free from the chains My sins are separated as darkness from dawn Praise God, I’m forgiven, my sins are all gone Repeat Chorus (Tag) Far away from all power and principality My sins are in the depths of the sea My sins are in the depths of the sea Now, reading those lyrics is not like hearing Glen Payne sing the verses and chorus (http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w2Gbeg2Eit0) or hearing Danny Funderburk hit those final strong tenor notes, but for years I have listened to that song and sang that song in celebration for what God has done for you and me! That is my verse of the day and for me the song of the day. Celebrate His forgiveness today!

The Anchor Holds

I am not a boater, a sailor, or a yachtsman. I haven't been boating that often. I've fished. I've went water skiing. I've cruised on the water, but it has always been in someone else's boat. I've tried to watch them and learn, but I know little about such. I know what an anchor is though. An anchor is a stabilizer. When you want your boat to stay where it is, you drop the anchor. I read Moby Dick earlier this year. In that book they let down the anchor to survive the storm. When the storms come, you need an anchor. When you are ready to rest from the waters, you need an anchor. When you are sailing through your life, you need to have the security of knowing the anchor holds. That is what Jesus is to the Christian. Hebrews 6.19-20- We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf Behind the curtain is the Holy Place of prayer. Therefore, we have quite a combo in Christ: He is our stabilizer, our intercessor, and our pacesetter. What in the world are you worried about today! The Anchor Holds!

My Prayer For You Today

My prayer for you today...and my challenge to you: Psalm 100.1-2- Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!    Serve the Lord with gladness!   Come into his presence with singing! Today I pray that you will celebrate the Lord...audibly. I pray that you will serve Him with a smile. I pray that you will worship Him corporately with your church family. I pray that you will fully engage in worship. Sing to the Lord! Worship the Lord! He is worthy of our praise! Give this day to the Lord wholeheartedly!

The Real Step

It is good to go and good to be back! Today is the the day to get unpacked, grass mowed, and checked up on folks because Sunday is coming- I'm excited. Then Monday is coming and I know the fall is coming. It is time to get prepped for those days. The second half of summer break is the time for fall prep at the church house. It's time. Notice Hebrews 4.15-16- For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. That does not mean that Jesus is gullible enough to ignore the sin that we are ignoring in our lives. He is not that gullible or unholy. However, when repent (which requires change), He will forgive and allow us to draw near. However, if you are not going to repent or draw near,don't pretend like you are. Be real! God knows your heart! Get right with Him and He walks with you! That is both a comforting and challenging thought!

A Journey of Encouragement

None of us are perfect. We do not need to pretend to be. We do not need to look down our noses at others who struggle in their walks more than they should. Instead, let's encourage each other along. Let's do it everyday, including today. Hebrews 3.13- But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Pray that I will do that today as well. Over 400 mile journey home today with my family, I want the car to be filled with encouragement, laughter, and smiles! I hope your day is filled with that too! Have a great day!

The Marvel of A Five Dollar Armband

It is easy for a day to turn on a dime....at least for my 5 (almost 6) year old. Last night we went to see some fireworks. Before we got there, we made a few stops. We arrived later than expected, and it looked as if my children would not be able to ride the carnival rides that had been set up in the streets. My 5 year old said. "This is the worst day ever", as she watched the kids ride and slide. I felt the line was too long and the time too short to justify buying the armband. We, then, found some short lines, so I went ahead and bought the cheap armbands. After sliding one time and riding a very miniature version of a pirate ship ride, she ran to me, hugged my leg, beamed a big smile, and said, "This is the best day ever!" Oh, the marvel of 30 minutes and one five dollar armband! We can be the same way. We suffer in the Christian life and ride the high mountaintops of victory, only then to plunge into the depths of discouragement, temptation, and despair. Whether your 'worst day ever' or your 'best day ever', you are not alone. Hebrews 2.18- For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (www.lifejournal.cc) Beam today for Him! You are not alone!

A Friend and a Nation

Yesterday, I had a cool opportunity. We took the kids to a local waterpark. It was a neat opportunity for them, a nice park, and a fun day. It is also managed by one of my dearest friends in high school. I knew that he may be there and when I saw him, I made sure to speak. We talked about what was going on in our lives today, about mutual friends, family, and, yes, old times. Friends are a blessing to talk with. I have another friend. He sticks closer than a brother...or an old friend. He is not only my friend. He is my Savior. Hebrews 1.1-2- Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world The Creator of the world, the heir of all things, my Lord and my Savior, is here for me and speaking in me, to me, and through me. Be careful today to talk to your dearest friend today. I pray that you have a happy 4th. How grand it is to live in this amazing country. I used to have an accountant that would estimate my taxes, tell me the amount, and say,"this is what it costs to live in America...not a bad deal, huh?". No ma'am, not a bad deal at all. God bless America!

An A.M. Reflection

As I read the Word this morning, I cannot help but be thankful and reflective about faithful folks whose love and commitment are a blessing to me. The committed walk of others and the love that is shared by them is a blessing that brightens the heart as I ponder on it. Paul was thankful too, even when he asks for more. Philemon 4-6- I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. May you impact your world for Christ by faithfully showing His love throughout the day! Thank you for all you do in the Lord's Work.

Not To Us

Well, Greenville hit 107 degrees yesterday for the first time on record. That was followed by a lightning filled storm. I felt right at home. Good Scripture to ponder on today. First Psalm 115.1- Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,      for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! It is all about Him not about us. He gets the glory, because of who He is and we thank Him because He keeps us standing. What a follow up.... Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.- Jude 24-25. Ponder on that today and live like you are pondering it!

A Luau of Fruit

We are attending a luau today at the church I was raised in. It will be a fun event, but a preacher that loves his church and loves to preach, is always a little out of place at an event like that on a day like this. FBC Houston. We love you! Let's not waste the opportunities that come our way today. Paul urges Titus on in Titus 3.14- And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. Bear fruit, every time God gives you opportunity! Have a great day of worship in the Lord!