A wonderful reading of the Christmas Story from Lifeway:

http://bcove.me/5bnisnec

Merry Christmas from your NHBC family!

Prince of Peace in a World of Chaos

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.  For, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people...."   Luke 2:10 (NIV)

The winter weather, snow, and cold has been nice for this southern boy who grew up wearing shorts and flip-flops through a good portion of the "winter months".

Yes, I enjoy the snow.  It's very awe inspiring when the world seems to stop and all is pure and untouched.  That is, until you have to get out in it and leave behind your cup of hot chocolate and warm blanket for a driveway that needs to be shoveled.  I've tried very hard to keep it snow free. Our driveway is rather steep, so it can get very slick.  But, unfortunately, our street isn't one that gets plowed by the city.  So, even if we get out of the driveway, we're probably still going to slide through the stop sign at the end of the street.  We've had to be very careful!

Speaking of sliding through things...sometimes, that's the way I feel about December all in all.  I mean, already it's December 9th, and I promise that I keep thinking that Thanksgiving was last Thursday!  Every year, I brace myself in November for the craziness of the month to follow.  Parties, shopping, musicals, travelling--there's so much to do and so little time to get it done!  Sometimes, it can be so much that I need to hear again the words the angel announced to the shepherds--"do not be afraid!".

The angel goes on to say, "...For, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."  I think it's rather ironic that we celebrate the season of great joy, hope, and peace with such stress, anixiety, and busy-ness.

A.W. Tozer is quoted as saying, "Christ came to bring peace and we celebrate his coming by making peace impossible for six weeks of each year."

And, we all chuckle as we read that; all the while, deep down inside, the majority of us yearn and long for the peace that has been promised.

But, that's the beauty of the promise.  Christ was born the Prince of Peace into a world of chaos.  And, sometimes, despite the intensity of the chaos around us during this season, we hear, once again those beautiful words of great hope fulfilled and breaking through, not unlike the angels piercing the darkness and revealing glory:

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end."  Isaiah 9:6-7a  (NIV)

Thanksgiving Living

Remember Thanksgiving? It was that holiday just a few days ago.... And now, we are headlong into the Christmas and New Year holidays. Well, actually some people headed that way before the turkey even had time to digest, but that's another topic!

I heard it said several times this year that thanksgiving was never meant to be limited to just one day, and how true that is. After all, God certainly doesn't confine His blessings into just one day. Everywhere we look EVERY minute of every day, He is providing us MULTITUDES of blessings...not just the job we wanted, physical healing, the birth of a baby, and so forth. He does it with the air we breathe, the smiles we see, the laughter we hear, the warmth of the sun, the rain for our land, and even the problems we encounter--because we know we are not going through it alone, He is with us every step of the way.

I'm challenging myself to be more diligent about thanksLIVING. And when you begin naming those blessings one by one, rather than in mass, you will truly be ASTOUNDED at what the Lord has done and continues to do each day.

          Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 (NIV)

#100

This is the 100th post to our NHBC Blog! Thanks for allowing us to share our hearts with you each week. Since this is also the week of Thanksgiving, I can't think of a better way to celebrate 100 posts than with one of my favorite psalms, a song of thanksgiving, Psalm 100.

Happy Thanksgiving!
 

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

² Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations. (NIV)

A Time To Be Thankful

A Time To Be Thankful

As hard as it is to believe, we are a month from Thanksgiving. In writing/putting this article together, I came across the following article that I wanted to share: (the following article is from Dare 2 Share)

Every year it seems to me that Thanksgiving is increasingly just a thin slice of celebration sandwiched between the massive marketing machines of Halloween and Christmas. It's become a few days of respite for post school/work burnout and pre Christmahanakwanza preparation!

But it hasn't always been this way you know. There was a time when Thanksgiving was a sacred day set aside for so much more than watching the Detroit Lions lose and downing twice your body weight in turkey and stuffing. It was more of a time to remember, reflect, and rejoice in what happened in the Fall of 1621 when the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal as a sacrifice of praise for their survival. The story of that momentous day was passed on to each generation, and in 1777 George Washington made it an official holiday.

The Pilgrims came across the pond for many reasons, one of the most critical being the dream of being able to worship God in whatever way they felt was His calling on their lives. They endured the bitter winters and hostile conditions to fulfill a dream of finishing the race and remaining faithful to the end.

Their resolve was galvanized by their Christian faith. And no doubt in their hardship, they took courage from the following words of the Apostle Paul, penned shortly before his death:

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing (1 Timothy 4:5-9).

So what about you? You are charged with THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples - an endeavor that will outlast all holidays and every nation on earth.

As I read this article I began to think about The Cause of making disciples and what I have to be thankful for. Although one thing I have learned in life, I should celebrate thanksgiving each and every day because I have much to be thankful for each day. SO WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? The following is TEN things I have to be thankful for:

1)       Relationship with God and the salvation that He freely offered me.

2)       Family, both immediate and extended, including Sara and her family.

3)       Friends

4)       Opportunities God has given me ministry and that God allows me the opportunity to be involved in what He is doing.

5)       Opportunities God has given me to share the gospel with those who don’t know Him.

6)       An amazing church to serve at

7)       An amazing group of students that I get minister to and serve alongside

8)       Great health

9)       God’s amazing creation

10)   The Christian heritage that runs all through my family.

A Blank Page

It's my turn to do the blog, and I sat staring at the white, empty page, wondering what to write. I'm convicted as I ponder how many times I present a blank page to God, asking Him to be the Author of my life. Not near enough, I'm afraid.

Too many times I fill in my plans, my schedule, my desires, and want God to 'sign off' on it. Instead, I need to be the one who signs off on God's plans...knowing that His ways are perfect. Psalms 32:8 tells me "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." He's got it all planned out, I just need to follow, step by step.

I notice God already has  plenty of things written out for me to get a good start....things like loving my neighbor, studying His word, praying for others, etc. I'm going to try and do a better job each day of handing God the page of my day with my signature on the bottom, trusting Him to show me the details of what He wants me to do. And I'm going to keep the white out ready to blot out things I add that I shouldn't!

What's the Code?

I forgot my ATM pin number. Admittedly, it was not a crisis, but it was terribly annoying. Especially to the people in line behind me. I tried every combination of every pin number I had ever devised. Nothing worked. I knew my money was in that little metal box, but had no idea how to retrieve it. One more wrong pin number, and the little metal box threatened to eat my ATM card. By the looks of the faces in the growing line behind me, the little metal box wasn't the only one.

Fortunately, a kind bank employee helped me reset my pin number. The experience taught me an important lesson in evangelism. We have people all around us who don't have the right pin number to obtain what they desperately need in life. They are trying a variety of combinations that will never work: money, popularity, power. Nothing works.

Then they come to us. How do we treat them? They don't look right or dress correctly. They ask all the wrong questions. We inadvertently may give the impression that we wish they would just get out of the way.

I'm glad the bank employee knew what to do when I needed them. Scripture tells us to prepare ourselves for those who need to hear the gospel message. The Holy Spirit sends people our way every day. Will we be ready?

1 Peter 3:15

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Light in the Darkness

Lately, I’ve spent way more time in Emergency Rooms and ICU than I ever wanted to. There have been times I have even wanted to run away, because I didn’t want to face the difficulties there. While I greatly admire the skill of folks working there, and their amazing, highly advanced equipment, it is often overshadowed by the sadness, pain, and desperation seen on the faces all around.

Not every hospital emergency situation ends ‘happily ever after.’ Sometimes even the most skilled professionals and the most up-to-date equipment cannot save a person or the diagnosis for life remaining is occasionally tough to handle. But there ARE many times where lives are saved, illnesses are healed, and the prognosis turns out to be VERY good.

Life can be that way sometimes, too. It may seem that everywhere we look is anguish, fear, and violence. Occasionally, it seems more than we can even bear to face. However, we know through God we can have peace DURING the struggles, and that ultimately He will be the victor.

If I had my way, I’d never walk through the door of another ER or ICU—but realistically, that’s not likely to happen. Similarly, I’d rather not hear of any more sadness in the world around us. But even if I was never to darken the door at the hospital, and was to live with my head in the sand regarding the world around me….the sadness would still be there. There’s no escaping it in this world….but what a blessed promise that we have an anchor, and this is not the end of the story!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Rain the Bugs Away

Our bush got spider mites. I know very little about gardening, and even less about insect control (although I have since been told that a spider mite is not an insect, but technically an arachnid - some people know way too much about bugs). The best way to control spider mites, according to the University of Missouri extension office is - rain. A good soaking rain will wash the mites off the plant, and provide nourishment that will keep the bush strong. Fortunately, it rained before my bush died.

In Deuteronomy 32, Moses compares the teaching of God's word to a cleansing rain:

Deuteronomy 32:2

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

We all need the rain of God's word on our life. Sometimes the spider mites gather. God's word reveals not only what we need, but what we don't need - allowing God's power to wash it away and nourish our heart. Let the rain fall in your life - spend some time in God's word today.

I am the resurrection and the Life.

My lilies had finished blooming, but I hadn’t cut them back. The remaining green foliage still added color to the flower garden and filled the spots where lilies once bloomed. But eventually, I decided it really was time to cut them back--it was the end of August, and they had fulfilled their purpose.

While working in the quiet morning air, God spoke to me, telling me these lilies were much like my mother, who had died just days before. Her life here on earth was ‘done,’ but she yet still lives. I can’t see her anymore (like the blooms), but I WILL see her again one day. Just as something is going on below ground that I can’t see that will enable those flowers to burst forth again, things are going on in the spiritual realm I cannot see that are fulfilling God’s promises to us.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” I Cor. 2:9

“We walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7 

Isn’t it wonderful how God uses the ordinary, everyday parts of life to show us His very extraordinary plans.  

 

Memories

As I gathered with my family to celebrate my mother's life and her faith in the Lord, I realized how extraordinarily blessed I have been with parents and family who believe in the Lord. I came to know Christ through the testimony and witness of my parents. It is hard for me to imagine what my life would have been without them pointing me to the Savior. This past week has reemphasized the significance of a Christian home. As a church, I pray our ministries will help parents and family continue their God-given calling to share the love of Christ with their children. Don't miss the blessing!

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NIV)

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Sonship

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Romans 8:15-16 (NIV)

Sonship--I've experienced this as a son, but never as a father.  So, this verse takes on a whole different meaning now.  

   Whatever happens in life, I don't ever want Meyer to be afraid to come to me.  Right now, it's hard trying to figure out what it is that he needs or wants, and I have to try my best to meet his needs.  But one thing that I'm noticing is that he's beginning to know who I am.  When I pick him up and say "Hey, little man, Daddy's here."  He seems to recognize my voice and calm down.  He's learning that his daddy is going to try his best to meet his needs.  And, just being near to me, he's learning what it means to be my child.  He's learning that he no longer has to be afraid of this strange and scary world when I pick him up.  Comfort is coming.  

   It's the same with your heavenly Father.  You don't have to be afraid of Him or of this strange and scary world.  But none of this is possible without the sweet moments of just spending time together.  The more time Meyer spends with me, the more he learns that I will try to bring comfort because he is my son and I am his father.  With you and your heavenly Father, the more you spend time with Him, the more His Spirit will testify with your spirit that you are His child, and comfort is coming.  

Oh my loving Father, thank You for making me Your child. Help me to know You, love You and live for You. I need You to guide my life. AMEN 

Supply List

While shopping for our backpack giveaway, I found the lists from school to school and grade to grade varied greatly. Some wanted glue sticks, some wanted no glue sticks; some wanted pink erasers, some wanted pencil-top erasers; some wanted any color dry-erase markers, some specified they wanted black ones. A quick look down the Walmart aisles could be overwhelming with the massive selection of the various folders, binders, pencils, etc. You could buy lots of supplies, and still be lacking. Without having the correct list, your child could show up at school woefully ill equipped.

Similarly, there are all sorts of religions and philosphies in the world. Some say you can become like God, some say you must have enough good works, some say you come BACK again to live on the earth after you die, and the list goes on....and on....and on! You could 'buy' into any number of ideas, but your soul would still be lacking and as stated above--woefully ill equipped.

Thankfully, God supplies us with the perfect list for what we need in His word. And His list is complete. Deuteronomy 4:2 states,  "Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you." Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."

As I compared the lists to those I got last year, I saw that school supply lists change from year to year. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8, NIV).

Cool! All we need, never changing, and available to us anytime! It doesn't make sense to look any further!

School Days

Last night, NHBC welcomed over one hundred children to our annual Backpack Giveaway. This is always an exciting event, watching children excited to get ready for the start of school. As the new school years begins, pray for the teachers and administrators preparing classrooms for incoming students, for students as they ready themselves for a new year of learning, and parents as they participate in the process of education. At National Heights, we celebrate all of the good people who have dedicated themselves to the important task of teaching. May God give each of you wisdom and strength as you prepare for the new school year!

Excited for Christmas

A few weeks ago, one of my friends posted, “Six months until Christmas!” Last week, I heard that Hobby Lobby was putting out Christmas decorations. And, yesterday, I received our choir newsletter, notifying us that August 25 would be our “Christmas” party, where we would hear the Christmas music for the choir’s presentation. I love the Christmas season, but have always felt that rushing it too much takes away some of the specialness of it, and poor old Thanksgiving certainly gets left out.

However, yesterday when reading the choir newsletter, it made me smile. I was impacted by thoughts of how people in Bible times were looking forward and even longing for “Christmas.” They were looking forward to the REAL Christmas….the coming of the Messiah. They knew nothing of trees, tinsel, presents, “Black Friday” sales, or Christmas decorations. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if current-day people also  looked forward to seeing Jesus, believed He is coming, and spread the word.

Many people put a LOT of effort into preparation for Christmas…they shop, bake, decorate, sing, and look forward with anticipation. But we’re often neglectful to look forward to the second coming, and to put great effort into preparing for it, by sharing with others, preparing our hearts, and celebrating the true meaning of that day.

This year, whenever I see a Christmas sale, decoration, etc., rather than have the mindset of “NOT YET,” I hope I’m reminded of that other event that will one day happen…not just an anniversary of Christ’s coming, but His final coming….and most of all, I hope my spirit is quickened with the urgency to spread the news so that others will be able to share in that same victorious event.

        Revelation 22:20 (NIV): He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”


²⁰ He

²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Follow Through

I have never been an athlete. It's not for lack of trying. I've had several coaches through the years who have done their best. They just didn't have much material to work with.

I still remember much of their instruction. One that was repeated over and over was to remember the "follow through." Whether it was golf, baseball, tennis, even the one week I tried out for the chess team, follow through was always important. "Follow through" is whatever you do after whatever you are supposed to do in the sport. What you do after you hit the ball, swing the club, or move your rook is apparently very significant. I had a golf coach who told me that "a poor follow through leads to a poor shot every time." I must have been afflicted with a lot of poor follow through.

Follow through is not only significant in sports, but in life as well. It is especially important in ministry. We've had a great start to summer: a wonderful VBS, exciting mission trip, and super mission VBS. The work is not done, though. I'm grateful for a church that understands the importance of follow through. When we asked for volunteers to visit VBS families, all of our outreach bags were gone within a half hour! That's exciting!

Paul talked about the importance of follow through, interestingly using a sports analogy.

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NIV)

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

I thank God for a church that is running a great race. Don't forget the follow through!

 

It's here, it's here! Today is the first day of Bible School!

 

Bible School is many times referred to as VBS....everyone else thinks that stands for Vacation Bible School; however, I know for me it stands for Very Blessed Season.

 

This season in our church's life is bathed in prayer, orchestrated by many volunteers, and is loved by parents, kids, and workers. What an awesome privilege to have the chance to share with all those kids, and be blessed ourselves beyond measure.

 

I have many memories of Bible School as a child. Of course, I didn't comprehend the many hours of preparation the teachers had invested--but I knew they would be there for us. The last I knew, my mom still has the marble paperweight I made one year, as well as the popsicle paper clip holder. I remember two cookies on a napkin, and a different color of Kool-Aid each day. I remember the pastor coming to our class to tell us the plan of salvation, and the missionary stories about such as William Carey, the Judsons and Lottie Moon. I remember the pledges to the flags and the Bible, lining up and filing into the auditorium each morning, and family nights. What a special time in my life each summer!

 

Bible School itself lasts only five short days. The preparations prior to Bible School involve hours and hours. The cleanup and follow up also involve lots of time.  But the EFFECT of Bible School will not fully be realized until eternity. THANK YOU to all those who took part----to Jan and Becky--our directors, to those who served as workers, who helped prepare and clean up, who faithfully prayed, who brought children, and most of all, to our Heavenly Father for allowing us the opportunity!!!   

Trusting God is a stabilizing experience

Trusting God is a stabilizing experience

We can’t know for sure, but from every indication David didn’t have the jitters when he went into battle. Why? Because he was stabilized by his trust in God. Again, no matter what situation we face in life, it always starts with where our eyes are fixed. Back in July, Nik Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls. Of course this is something that takes much training. However, there is another important factor in being able to complete this feat. He was able to complete this feat because no matter what issues he faced his eyes were fixed on one thing. I think this thought can also be illustrated by storms. A lot of times when it storms and rains, all we see are a sky full with clouds, rain, and lightening. However, if we took time to imagine seeing through the clouds, rain and lightning, we would see the sun shining. It is the same with the storms in our lives. All we see is the storms that are going on. However, if we look past the storms, the sun is always shining on the other side. Do we see as the world sees? Or do we see as God sees? Like David, we also stabilized by our trust in God.

"Garden Somethin'..."

I called my mom on Mother's Day. 

I had rushed to the post office on Thursday morning to mail the greeting cards for my mother and grandmothers, hoping that they would get there in time (and they surprisingly did!!). 

Regardless, in our phone conversation, one of the things I asked her was, "did you get my card?"  To which she replied, "yes, and so did both of your grandmothers." 

She then went on to tell me about her recent visit with her mom and dad.  Apparently, she and my sister-in-law had taken all the kiddos up to see their great-grandparents a few weeks back. 

Now, my mom's parents always plant a huge garden every year.  Whenever I call to catch up with them,  there's always lots of talk about what's growing, how much they planted this year, and what things don't seem to be doing too well. 

So as you can imagine, when they all arrived that afternoon, there were gardening tools and plants laid out on the front porch as Papaw had apparently been working in the garden that morning.  Mom goes on to tell me that when they got out of the car, Luke, my little nephew, says to his great-grandpa, "Papaw, I want to garden somethin'!  Can I help you garden somethin'?" 

To my grandfather's delight, he led the whole bunch of great-grandkids down to the garden to plant a few vegetables and such. 

Of course, little Luke didn't do much "gardening".  He more or less just played in the dirt and messed up the rows and mounds that his great-grandpa had meticulously worked on.  But, I'm sure Papaw was still smiling from ear to ear as his little "helpers" did more harm than good as they attempted to "garden something". 

Sometimes, I bet that's how it is with our heavenly Father.  When we look at our own efforts, it seems to that we don't accomplish much.  Sometimes, it might even seem that we do more harm than good. But God Almighty desires that we join Him in His work.  It's not about whether or not you make mistakes...  It's just about joining Him in the work that He's already doing....

Jesus reminded us that there is a need for more gardeners to help:
...so pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.  Matthew 9:38 NLT

Maybe we should all be asking, "I want to garden somethin'!  Can I help you garden somethin'?" 

Lessons from Children

The old expression (which actually originated in the Bible), states,  “Out of the mouths of babes.” Art Linkletter used a similar phrase when he stated, “Kids say the darndest things.”  The expression recognizes that children often surprise us with things they say, particular insight, honesty, and perspective.  

 

We adults would do well to listen to what kids are saying during this year’s VBS. Over and over this year, they will proclaim, “ Facing Fear, Trusting God!” From the life of Paul, they will be challenged to Dare to Change, to Speak up, to Believe, and to Stand Strong.  This theme and focus are each based on 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

They will sing songs that remind us that NOBODY is greater than God, that we should not be afraid, and that we should tell everybody about Jesus. They will recite the ABC’s of salvation…to admit, believe and confess. And, they will find reminders of God even in the crafts they make.  

Certainly God will speak through all the adults involved in Bible School as we share the love of God with children, but perhaps we as adults should listen to the children, too….and to be reminded that we are commanded in Matthew 18:3 to  become like little children. After all, He Himself came as a little child when He came to save the world!

Weather....hmph!

The weather has been so unpredictable these past few weeks.  The temperature has been up, and then down,… and then we’re up again.  Weather can be such a fickle thing.  You never know what to expect from one day to the next.  Reminds me of a group of guys who found themselves in an unexpected bout with the weather. 

In Matthew 14 it says:  (After feeding the five thousand), “He (Jesus) made the disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.”  I bet when the winds began to come and the waves began to beat upon the boat, the disciples must have felt a little abandoned.  Even wanting to blame Jesus. “He made us go before Him in the boat to the other side.  Now, we’re going to perish!” 

Then, Jesus comes to them in the storm.  He tells them: “Take heart!  I am here!  Don’t be afraid!”  After Peter and the disciples are reminded that their faith is too small, the wind ceases.

Sometimes, I think that we need to be reminded that our faith is too small and we need to listen to him say, “Take heart!  I am here!  Don’t be afraid!”    

The world is just as unpredictable as the weather.  But Jesus is certainly always there! 

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Doing Battle is a Lonely Experience

Lessons Learned: David vs. Goliath Part 2

Doing battle is a lonely experience

All David was there for was to take some things to his brothers and make sure they were ok. However, as Goliath taunted the armies of the living God, the men fled from Goliath and were greatly afraid. Even King Saul, who out of anyone should have been willing to stand up and fight, did not want to fight. He even makes an offer to anyone who will fight Goliath. A pretty HUGE offer. Yet no one takes the offer. Finally, David says I will go. He knows if he is going to go, he will have to physically go alone. (Although God was with him).

It’s no different in our lives as Christians. As we go into battle as Christians, seeking to become Christ-like, witnessing, taking a stand, etc. , sometimes we have to go alone. As we go into battle, people will discourage us in words and action, people will doubt us, and people will attack us. Sadly, the discouragement, doubt and attacks may come from other Christians. So what do the discouragement, doubt and attacks amount to? Satan uses these to throw us off our game. When we are thrown off our game, we lose our focus of what is important, and what God has asked us to do. May the following prayer help keep our eyes fixed on God.

"Father, I want to know Thee, but my coward heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come.
Please root from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become a very part of my living self, so that Thou mayest enter and dwell there without a rival. Then shalt Thou make the place of Thy feet glorious. Then shall my heart have no need of the sun to shine in it, for Thyself wilt be the light of it, and there shall be no night there."

                                    --- From The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer:

SURPRISE!!

New tires…yuck! I’m thankful we have a reliable vehicle for transportation, and grateful we could purchase the needed tires…..but tires are EXPENSIVE! And, they’re not pretty….I will not hurry home to get comfortable and sit enjoying my newly acquired tires. I can’t cook with them, invite visitors to come over and play cards around them, nor do they match the items in my house. But we NEED them! A ride through town has recently become like a turbulent ride on an airplane – without the pretzels!

Next, I found that in order to get these new acquisitions, I needed to be way across town early in the morning, and be shuttled back to work by an unknown person. (To say I am not a morning person is like saying a raindrop can fill an ocean.) But, that’s what needed to be done, and so we scheduled the appointment, I put on my best happy face, and headed across town.

Before I got out of the car, I made sure that my radio was left on the Christian station I listen to, and at an ‘acceptable’ level, hoping that God could use it to touch the person or persons who had to drive our car during the service appointment. I filled out the necessary paperwork, and requested the shuttle ride back across town. As I climbed in the shuttle vehicle, the first thing I noticed was that the radio was on the very same Christian station as I had just left on in our car! I mentioned it to the driver, which led to a most enjoyable conversation about God, our churches, and the paths of our lives.  It seemed like the trip across town lasted only a very short time, and I was actually a bit sorry to see it end. 

I was immediately struck by God’s little surprise. What I thought was going to be a rather negative start to the day turned out instead to be pleasant and refreshing! God often shows up that way, so why don’t I look for it more often and actually expect it? Just a small investigation led me to MANY articles about people being surprised by God, and further affirmation of how much He delights in His people, wants the very best for them, and wants to spend time with them. The pages of scripture are filled with such surprises. THANKFULLY, God tells us that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts. His plans are far above ours. The most amazing surprise of all is that the never-changing, omnipotent God loves us with an eternal love. I want to see more surprises from Him…and I vow to be looking and expecting them more!

Getting new tires didn’t transform me into a morning person, and the price still pinches, but now I appreciate my tires a little more, and smile to think God gave me FOUR reminders of Him that I’ll see and use daily! The service car for our vehicle turned out to give ME a little tune-up, too! J

Repaired vs Resurrected

I just spent two hours with a HVAC repairman. The outcome: he will come back tomorrow when he has had a chance to research our unit. The problem: the unit won't turn on. That's a pretty important thing. When there is snow on the ground, it's nice for the heat to actually work.

Fortunately, it's in a part of the building that isn't being used today, and I'm sure our able repairman will discover the answer and have it working soon, but I also realize another reality. Even after he repairs it, our unit will one day break down again. Eventually, it will quit altogether, only to be replaced by another unit that will one day break down. This is why there will always be HVAC training schools.

Easter does not celebrate repair. Christ has not “fixed” our life only to have it break down again. We celebrate the Resurrection, not the Repair. What Christ accomplished that first Easter morning is nothing less than the defeat of death itself. That's worth celebrating!

2 Corinthians 4:13-14 (NIV)
¹³ It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, ¹⁴ because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.

How much do I truly hunger and thirst for God’s Word?

     As I have been studying for our Wednesday night youth service, a question kept coming to my mind. “How much do I truly hunger and thirst for God’s Word?” As I thought about this question, to be honest, I wonder sometimes if I hunger and thirst for God’s Word like I should. I live in America where we have the freedom to study God’s Word and Worship Him. Although many times, we busy our lives so much that God’s Word is often the last thing we think about. If we compare this to other places in the world we see a much different result. There are places in the world where the study of God’s Word and/or worshiping Him can cause someone to be thrown into jail or even killed. Does this stop believers in those countries? No. They continue to study God’s Word and worship Him for multiple hours a day. As I thought about this, I was reminded of an excerpt of a book that I had read. It has challenged me in my walk with God. I would like to share it with you, and pray it challenges you as well.

“Just imagine going to a worship gathering in one of those house churches. Not an all day training in the Word. Just a normal-three hour worship service late in the evening. The Asian believer who is taking you gives you the instructions. ‘Put on dark pants and a jacket with a hood on it. We will put you in the back of our car and drive you into the village. Please keep your hood on and your face down.’

            When you arrive in the village under the cover of night another Asian believer meets you at the door of the car. ‘Follow me,’ he says.

            With your hood over your head, you crawl out of the car, keeping your face toward the ground. You begin to walk with your eyes on the feet of the man in front of you as he leads you down a long and winding path with a small flashlight. You hear more and more footsteps around you as you progress down the trail. Then finally you round the corner and walk into a small room.

            Despite its size, sixty believers have crammed into it. They are all ages, from precious little girls to seventy-year-old men. They are sitting either on the floor or on a small stools, lined shoulder to shoulder, huddled together with their Bibles in their laps, The roof is low, and one light bulb dangles from the ceiling as the sole source of illumination.

            No sound system.

            No band.

            No guitar.

            No entertainment.

            No cushioned chairs.

            No heated or air-conditioned building.

            Noting but the people of God and the Word of God.

            And strangely, that’s enough.

            God’s Word is enough for millions of believers who gather in house churches just like this one. His Word is enough for millions of other believers who huddle in African jungles, South American rain forests, and Middle Eastern cities.

            BUT IS HIS WORD ENOUGH FOR US?”

Excerpt comes from David Platt, Radical (Colorado Springs, Co: Multnomah Books, 2010), 25-26.

We're having a baby!!!

Most of you already know that Suzy is pregnant, and we couldn't be more excited.  This past Tuesday, we went to the doctor for her regular check-up and the doctor says to Suzy, "So, we're practically half-way through this pregnancy, how are you doing? Any questions...?"  But my mind stopped at the "half-way through" part.  Really?!  Halfway through!  Didn't we just announce this to everyone?  How long is this supposed to last? 
 
Now, I know that pregnancies are 40 weeks.  And, I knew that we're in week 20 according to the app on my iPad.  But, it didn't register in my mind that we're halfway through. 
 
I have to say, that I've been trying to do my best as the husband/father to keep up with these important things.  Like I said, I have an app for that.  We've also accumulated all kind of books laying around the house that I flip through from time to time.  Books like: "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and "You're Having a Baby".  So, I'm trying to do my best.  But, let's face it, I'm a guy, and I'm not going to understand and think about all those things that Suzy does. 
 
But, as I follow along on my iPad and  read through the books about what's going on in Mommy's tummy--like eyelashes developing and enamel forming on the teeth of our little baby, I'm in awe of the process that our Creator is taking our precious child through.  And, I find myself quoting David's Psalm:

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

David goes on to say...  

13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

As I enjoy thinking about our baby growing and becoming all the beautiful things that I hope it will be, I'm overwhelmed to know this most wonderful truth for all of us: 
Our Creator is still forming us and making us into a beautiful treasure.   

14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 

16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.

Yes, the Creator of the Universe, God Almighty, thinks of you often:

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

 

Psalm 139

 

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

Certain Forecast

I heard it a lot. As weather forecasters told us of the seemingly inevitable arrival of freezing rain, sleet, and frigid temperatures, people expressed comfort in the fact that it was, at least, late in the season. That made much easier to take than if it was early in winter with months to go. It might be bad for a short time, but relief and warmer temperatures are just around the corner!

Life for the believer is that way, too. Listening to the news, we hear that the economy is bad and violence is on the rise. We talk to friends, and hear of illness, betrayal, loss of life, disappointment, and other sadnesses. But, it is later in the 'season of life' than it ever has been before. Psalm 30:5 tells us that 'weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.' God has promised to walk with us through each season of our lives and get us through, and to provide the ultimate victory when He returns. The days to come are better than we can even dream possible (I Corinthians 2:9 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.')  And, we can take heart to know that 'our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us' (Romans 8:18).

We did get ice...and we groaned a lot about it. But the next morning, when the sun shone on that very same ice, it was beautiful, sparkling like polished diamonds. As I looked at it, I was reminded how our lives can also shine brightly when we let The SON shine on us and through us.

We sometimes joke about how many times the weather forecasters are wrong. But brighter days for Christians are not just a forecast, not just a prediction, they are a PROMISE, given by God, Whose promises are 100% infallible!

In the Trash

When I took out the trash last week, I had to walk carefully because of the sleet and ice on the ground. I rounded the corner of my house, walking down the gentle slop that leads to the spot where we store our trash cans. The sleet crunched under my feet, but didn't cause much problem until I was halfway down the hill. The sleet had apparently melted and refrozen in the shadow of our house. My tennis shoes became a size ten bobsled as I slid about fifteen feet down the hill. Fortunately, I slid all the way down without falling, grabbing one of the trash cans and performed a perfect three point stop. If there was an Olympic event for skating with trash bag in hand, I would have scored a perfect ten. Well, at least nine.

After depositing my trash and congratulating myself on a perfectly executed triple axel, I realized a new problem. I had no way to get back up the hill. My tennis shoes had absolutely no grip on the ice, and there was nothing to grab in order to pull myself up the hill. After wondering how long it would be until the spring thaw, I managed to pull myself along the fence to my neighbors house where I could grab their wall and pull myself back up the hill.

My midwinter adventure taught me yet another lesson about sin. The slope doesn't look so steep or slippery from the top of the hill, but don't be fooled. Give in to temptation, and sooner or later you wind up in the trash can. The good news is, God provides a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Look for the way out, and remember, it's much easier to find at the top of the hill!

What You Said

“What You Said”

When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise. Proverbs 10:19, HCSB

Every time you speak, your words have the potential either to bring joy to others or to cause great pain.

Words of encouragement don't always come easily. Building up others requires that we first think about what they need to hear, and then allow the Holy Spirit time to give us the words he wants us to say. This requires setting aside the desire to do all the talking, focusing our attention instead on the other person. It means resisting the urge to interrupt every time we think of something to say.

A fool, on the other hand, doesn't think before speaking. A fool is never concerned about saying the right thing at the right time. Opportunities to say an encouraging word are often lost, because the fool is unprepared and preoccupied with selfish thoughts. Some of the deepest hurts people carry throughout life have come from careless words spoken to them by a fool.

Have you missed opportunities to bless others because you were too busy talking to listen to them? Are you in the habit of blurting out comments without thinking of the potential damage your words could cause?

Commit yourself to becoming a wise person whose words bring comfort and encouragement. Ask questions, listen more, and talk less. You'll be pleased with the results, and so will those around you.

As a I read the above devotional, I was reminded of this song:

“Words” by Hawk Nelson

They've made me feel like a prisoner
They've made me feel set free
They've made me feel like a criminal 
Made me feel like a king
They've lifted my heart to places I've never been
They've dragged me down back to where I began

Words can build you up
Words can break you down
Start a fire in your heart
Or put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't want to say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

You can heal the heartache
Speak over the fear
God, your voice is the only thing we need to hear

Words can build us up
Words can break us down
Start a fire in our hearts
Or put it out

Let my words be life
Let my words be truth
I don't want to say a word
Unless it points the world back to You
Let the words I say
Be the sound of Your grace
I don't want to say a word
Unless it points the world back to You

I want to speak Your love
Not just another noise
I want to be Your life
I want to be Your voice

                Are our words life-breathing or life-taking? Do they build up or tear down? May our words point people towards Christ.

The above devotional is courtesy of TQ.

Ups and Downs v. Constancy

Church work is always a matter of emotional ups and downs.  You see a person come to Christ, and you are on an emotional high… excited to see God at work in people’s lives.  Then you turn around and find out that a church member has a teenager who has turned their back on God, family, and everything else, and you are brought low as you hurt for and with this family that is going through a trial. 

But, you know, in both of those situations, you can find God at work.  Whether it’s a problem or a victory, if you look for it, you’ll see God’s hand and heart moving us closer to Him.  It just depends upon your perspective. 

In my brief 12 years of being in the ministry, God has reminded me time and time again to take note of where I’m focusing.  It’s so easy when you come into contact with so many people who are going through such varied life experiences to feel like you’re on a roller coaster of ups and downs.  But here’s what I always come back to:  am I looking to Him?—the author and perfecter (Hebrews 12:2) or am I looking around me?—driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-8) 

Perspective changes everything. 

You can always find two truths. 
1.  Change is inevitable. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)  2. God is constant.  (Hebrews  13:8)  

There are going to be ups and downs.  It’s just a part of life.  There are going to be good times and bad times.  There are going to be times of growth and times of pruning. 

If you focus on the change or the ups and downs in your life or in the lives of those around you, you’re looking at things from the wrong perspective.  If you focus on the constancy of God,… 

Well, that’s just what you’ve got to do!

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.  Hebrews 12:2 THE MESSAGE.

Rx

I was sick last week....really sick.....and I didn't like it one bit. It's amazing how something microscopic can cause megascopic effects on your body. My head throbbed, I had fever, then I chilled, I couldn't stay awake, I coughed (and coughed and coughed), and the symptoms went on.

Sin can be like that. Just let one negative thought creep in, allow yourself to become apathetic in just one area, ignore that still, small voice 'just this once,' and before you know it, there are noticeable illnesses in your spirit. Thankfully, God has just the right prescription for every area of our lives. Worried about tomorrow? ("My God shall supply all your needs..." Phil. 4:19) Needing a rest? ("Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28) And the list goes on and on and on! The Bible is full of God's cures for any and all of our soul's sicknesses. Best of all, each prescription is personalized--just take a look at THIS one! ("God so loved YOU that He gave His only Son!")

Feeling better after being sick feels--well--so--good. You remember very well where you WERE and are so glad to be past that point. Fixing a spiritual illness feels even better, for it brings us back into a right deeper fellowship with God. And the effects can be MEGASCOPIC ! : )





 

Good Forecast

Weather is a funny thing. This morning, we woke up to 60 degree warmth. In January. In two days, it supposed to be 33 - for the high. The birds in my yard seem to prefer the former. Me, too. I've never been much of a fan of cold weather. Ice and snow is the stuff you defrost out of the freezer. Those of you who enjoy the cold are welcome to come shovel my driveway.

No shoveling today, though. At 60 degrees, I even left my jacket at home. But I have it handy for Wednesday when winter returns. Such is life planning your wardrobe in the Ozarks.

It's wonderful to know a God who does not change. No matter the weather, He is still in control.

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Now that's a great forecast!