November is the month that we set aside to remember to be Thankful for all that God has blessed us with. I believe to be “thankful” is to be content and filled with joy. Isn’t it strange that we have to have a day for some to remember that we are so blessed and to remember to pray for those who are not?
Often times our thankful attitude can be directly connected to our happiness. If we are happy we are thankful, if not happy, well then other things could be better and our selfish desires deplete our gratitude.
I read a story not long ago about a man who had an accident in his middle years and was left blind. For years his loving wife had stood by his side and while not taking away his independence she waited on her love hand and foot. The day came when his wife passed away leaving him with the need to enter a “retirement” home. He arrived early on the day of his admission and had to wait for his room to be prepared. As the attendant walked him down the hallway a complete description of the room was given to him. “Oh, I love it, I am so happy with everything” he responded to the description. The attendant somewhat confused with this “other-than-normal” attitude questioned his excitement; “but you haven’t made it to the room to see it and you already like it, how can you be so happy?” His simple answer was, “because I chose to be happy, happiness is a choice, I chose to be happy.”
Every day we should remember to be thankful, happy and content with what God has given us. What is our “choice”?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
What an Experience!
Question, what do you have when you have minor flu like symptoms, headache, agitation, nervousness to the point when you lie down and get still you have to kick and jerk and roll up in a ball, minor shakes, the sweats and insomnia (about an hour or so sleep a night) for 5 days?
Hydrocodone detoxification...it could last from 6 - 8 days and in some cases two weeks! As I write this I am sure hoping mine is only 6 days.
For the last several years I have experienced a very rapidly deteriorating left hip. Injury related arthritis set in nine or so years after an accident broke the femur head off the femur and fractured that big thigh bone. The arthritic spurs had completely destroyed the cushion that normally allows the ball to rotate in the socket with no pain. My main orthopedic in Virginia wanted me to wait until I was sixty before replacing the hip and at that time I was only fifty. I was put on a therapy of hydrocodone and diclofonac (NSAID). As the disease progressed it took more and more of these drugs for me to walk with manageable pain.
When we moved to Texas and I found a orthopedic I had been on the hydrocodone (the narcotic) for almost two years.
This gives a brand new appreciation for people who are coming off harder stuff. I feel fortunate that in the first place the hydrocodone is not the higher classed narcotic and secondly that my doctor saw the sense in replacing the hip.
After four weeks now with my new hip I am in very little pain; no pain in the hip and manageable pain where the muscles were cut and tendons reattached. I am looking forward to once again picking up my golf clubs which I laid down after the accident due to my inability to twist.
Now if I can just deal with the frustration of missing the six foot putt!
Hydrocodone detoxification...it could last from 6 - 8 days and in some cases two weeks! As I write this I am sure hoping mine is only 6 days.
For the last several years I have experienced a very rapidly deteriorating left hip. Injury related arthritis set in nine or so years after an accident broke the femur head off the femur and fractured that big thigh bone. The arthritic spurs had completely destroyed the cushion that normally allows the ball to rotate in the socket with no pain. My main orthopedic in Virginia wanted me to wait until I was sixty before replacing the hip and at that time I was only fifty. I was put on a therapy of hydrocodone and diclofonac (NSAID). As the disease progressed it took more and more of these drugs for me to walk with manageable pain.
When we moved to Texas and I found a orthopedic I had been on the hydrocodone (the narcotic) for almost two years.
This gives a brand new appreciation for people who are coming off harder stuff. I feel fortunate that in the first place the hydrocodone is not the higher classed narcotic and secondly that my doctor saw the sense in replacing the hip.
After four weeks now with my new hip I am in very little pain; no pain in the hip and manageable pain where the muscles were cut and tendons reattached. I am looking forward to once again picking up my golf clubs which I laid down after the accident due to my inability to twist.
Now if I can just deal with the frustration of missing the six foot putt!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
God's Bulldogs
I am always amazed at how people who claim to be believers can be filled with hate and be so critical and mean-spirited. When we become Christians, we are to be characterized by our love. Sure, we can correct one another and reprove one another. Sure, we are to be careful and discerning. But we can do these things in a loving way.
I have seen believers harshly criticize others and their actions, and meanwhile, they are doing nothing at all for the kingdom of God. They are quick to criticize everyone else's efforts, but they are doing nothing themselves other than critiquing. I like to call these the “Bulldogs” of the faith but realized that they are neither animals nor are they practicing our faith and attempt to be like the Christ we claim to serve. In fact I have found that most criticism of others comes from a deep seated need to build ourselves up. It is almost always self-serving and seldom redemptive.
(I also realize that I could be seen as guilty of doing and being exactly what I am writing about now.)
As Warren Wiersbe has said, "Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God's people. . . . If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest." I have seen Christians divide over minor issues rather than pull together for the sake of the gospel.
The difference in attitude can be seen in the Jewish zealot Saul and the Apostle Paul. Both are the same man, at least in the skin they wore. However, Saul full felt he was doing the Will of God by eradicating the misfit followers of Jesus. He was so sure that God wanted this done that he went out of his way, put in extra effort and got permission to go all the way to Damascus to round up these wrong-doers.
On his way though he met Jesus and soon his whole attitude changed. Not just in the fact that as Paul we was no longer persecuting the “Christians”, but that He now saw the positive and strove to concentrate on that.
Saul was a religious man, but he was a godless man. He was running from God. He was attacking Christians. He was thinking he would successfully destroy the Christian faith. But he had a surprise in store on the Damascus Road. How can we hear Paul speak these words “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Phil. 4:8 NIV) and think that is our God given responsibility to be God’s Bulldogs?
Give me wings and a beak. I would rather be a dove!
I have seen believers harshly criticize others and their actions, and meanwhile, they are doing nothing at all for the kingdom of God. They are quick to criticize everyone else's efforts, but they are doing nothing themselves other than critiquing. I like to call these the “Bulldogs” of the faith but realized that they are neither animals nor are they practicing our faith and attempt to be like the Christ we claim to serve. In fact I have found that most criticism of others comes from a deep seated need to build ourselves up. It is almost always self-serving and seldom redemptive.
(I also realize that I could be seen as guilty of doing and being exactly what I am writing about now.)
As Warren Wiersbe has said, "Impatience with God often leads to impatience with God's people. . . . If we start using the sickles on each other, we will miss the harvest." I have seen Christians divide over minor issues rather than pull together for the sake of the gospel.
The difference in attitude can be seen in the Jewish zealot Saul and the Apostle Paul. Both are the same man, at least in the skin they wore. However, Saul full felt he was doing the Will of God by eradicating the misfit followers of Jesus. He was so sure that God wanted this done that he went out of his way, put in extra effort and got permission to go all the way to Damascus to round up these wrong-doers.
On his way though he met Jesus and soon his whole attitude changed. Not just in the fact that as Paul we was no longer persecuting the “Christians”, but that He now saw the positive and strove to concentrate on that.
Saul was a religious man, but he was a godless man. He was running from God. He was attacking Christians. He was thinking he would successfully destroy the Christian faith. But he had a surprise in store on the Damascus Road. How can we hear Paul speak these words “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Phil. 4:8 NIV) and think that is our God given responsibility to be God’s Bulldogs?
Give me wings and a beak. I would rather be a dove!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Being Many, We are all Important
"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5)
All too frequently in today's Christian circles, we place certain individuals and certain gifts on a pedestal, and all too often the resulting pride is devastating. Pride may be the favorite tool of Satan. Pride was the reason Satan rebelled and lost his exalted position. He appealed to Eve's pride in the garden, similarly tempted Christ in the wilderness, and uses it on us today. James reminds us that it's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."(James 4:6 Message) " Some of the best advice I ever received was from a deacon in the church that licensed me to “Preach the Gospel”. He told me that if I go into the pulpit like a proud rooster someday I would exit it like a “whuupped dog”. It was not long after that I felt the sting of his wisdom.
Paul, through the Holy Spirit, chose to introduce his teaching on the use of spiritual gifts and unity of the entire body with a warning against pride, admonishing “for by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you”. (Romans 12:3 NIV). His discussion on the many-membered body which follows leaves no room for pride. Nor does the parallel passage in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
The apostle points out that each Christian forms an equally essential part of the whole. Since we are all equal in God's eyes, and all mutually dependent upon one another, what room is there for pride? Likewise, Paul points out that each Christian possesses an equally vital connection with Christ. Who are we to tell Christ a part of His body is less valuable than the rest? Can the body exist without a leg; Yes. Can the body function without eyes? Could I have continued on without the new hip? The answer is of course. We see it everyday. People conquering the challenges of having less than a “perfect body” but when the body is whole and working as it is supposed to it is a much easier task to do day to day functions. He is concerned for each one equally and has given each part of the body and the church its/their specific mission and function.
I also wonder if sometimes we have the opposite attitude. We do not feel that we are more important because we have a certain function and in our own eyes the body would not function without us. I wonder if sometimes we feel our job, our function is not as important as others. Therefore we do not take it as seriously. What if I don’t give my gift all the attention I need to? Who will notice that my part is missing?
Either attitude, and over-indulged pride or a lack of importance are both as equally devastating to our growth in the spirit.
All too frequently in today's Christian circles, we place certain individuals and certain gifts on a pedestal, and all too often the resulting pride is devastating. Pride may be the favorite tool of Satan. Pride was the reason Satan rebelled and lost his exalted position. He appealed to Eve's pride in the garden, similarly tempted Christ in the wilderness, and uses it on us today. James reminds us that it's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."(James 4:6 Message) " Some of the best advice I ever received was from a deacon in the church that licensed me to “Preach the Gospel”. He told me that if I go into the pulpit like a proud rooster someday I would exit it like a “whuupped dog”. It was not long after that I felt the sting of his wisdom.
Paul, through the Holy Spirit, chose to introduce his teaching on the use of spiritual gifts and unity of the entire body with a warning against pride, admonishing “for by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you”. (Romans 12:3 NIV). His discussion on the many-membered body which follows leaves no room for pride. Nor does the parallel passage in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31.
The apostle points out that each Christian forms an equally essential part of the whole. Since we are all equal in God's eyes, and all mutually dependent upon one another, what room is there for pride? Likewise, Paul points out that each Christian possesses an equally vital connection with Christ. Who are we to tell Christ a part of His body is less valuable than the rest? Can the body exist without a leg; Yes. Can the body function without eyes? Could I have continued on without the new hip? The answer is of course. We see it everyday. People conquering the challenges of having less than a “perfect body” but when the body is whole and working as it is supposed to it is a much easier task to do day to day functions. He is concerned for each one equally and has given each part of the body and the church its/their specific mission and function.
I also wonder if sometimes we have the opposite attitude. We do not feel that we are more important because we have a certain function and in our own eyes the body would not function without us. I wonder if sometimes we feel our job, our function is not as important as others. Therefore we do not take it as seriously. What if I don’t give my gift all the attention I need to? Who will notice that my part is missing?
Either attitude, and over-indulged pride or a lack of importance are both as equally devastating to our growth in the spirit.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Whose Plans are Your Plans?
When we “fail to plan then we plan to fail” and “make a plan and then work the plan” are sayings I have heard and tried to live by from my youth. I like plans but sometimes plans are not to be set in concrete, they often are not made of steel and words written in rocks can be eroded by nature. Plans are best seen as guidelines or roadmaps that keep us going North when we want to go northish. There are times when the plan has to be altered or something happens that causes a detour but if the plan is a guideline then we understand the plan is more about the place we want to end than the roads we take to get there.
Proverbs 19:21 tells us that “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (NIV) This does not discourage us from planning but reminds us that our plans need to be bathed in prayer and direction from God’s Spirit needs to be sought. We may have the best plans we could possibly come up with and find that at some point in the venture the plan has to be changed because we are being carried off in the wrong direction. God’s plans or purpose as the Proverb says is going to win out in the long run. God will not let our human and earthly ambitions derail or even sidetrack His ultimate purpose.
Spend time in prayer and talk with God about what His plan is for you today, tomorrow, a week , month or year from now. Then you can start planning with the surety that God is in it with you…then how can you fail!
Proverbs 19:21 tells us that “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (NIV) This does not discourage us from planning but reminds us that our plans need to be bathed in prayer and direction from God’s Spirit needs to be sought. We may have the best plans we could possibly come up with and find that at some point in the venture the plan has to be changed because we are being carried off in the wrong direction. God’s plans or purpose as the Proverb says is going to win out in the long run. God will not let our human and earthly ambitions derail or even sidetrack His ultimate purpose.
Spend time in prayer and talk with God about what His plan is for you today, tomorrow, a week , month or year from now. Then you can start planning with the surety that God is in it with you…then how can you fail!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Our Daily Walk
What great opportunities we have today to worship. There are so many “devotional” sites that one with the internet has no excuse not to take a few moments each day worship. I can remember when I was a young preacher it was much more difficult to find sources that helped with a “quiet” time. Books were expensive and when finances were tight essentially unavailable.
We always had God’s Word and there is no better material than the teaching of Scripture but so often it simply became an exercise in reading. In the last few years I have been so blessed by the resources that have helped my devotional times.
Almost all “big” churches have a very good presence on the internet. You can find pastors sermons just a click away. I have three that I listen to all the time. Some are simply audio while others are available in video. Just search for a particular church and go to their website and look for the sermons. Bookmark the ones you like and you are just a couple clicks away from a good sermon on Tuesday morning.
Search for devotionals and you will be amazed at the sites that offer free daily devotionals. Many of them are able to send a daily devotional or thought to your email. Wake up in the morning grab your coffee and you Bible and check your email. How easy can that be?
Sites like Tangle.com and YouTube.com have great short video resources for worship. If you facebook then do everyone a great favor when you find a great short worship video. Simply copy the URL or the Embedded code and share it with your friends. Hey, I think that is called being a witness!
With the power of the internet in the present day we have no excuse to skip a daily walk with God’s Spirit and I wonder why we can send jokes and political pokes but have failed to see the power of sending a positive redemptive message of God’s love to all the friends on our forward list. Hmmm… I think I just thought of something to do on a daily basis.
I hope you enjoy this….
We always had God’s Word and there is no better material than the teaching of Scripture but so often it simply became an exercise in reading. In the last few years I have been so blessed by the resources that have helped my devotional times.
Almost all “big” churches have a very good presence on the internet. You can find pastors sermons just a click away. I have three that I listen to all the time. Some are simply audio while others are available in video. Just search for a particular church and go to their website and look for the sermons. Bookmark the ones you like and you are just a couple clicks away from a good sermon on Tuesday morning.
Search for devotionals and you will be amazed at the sites that offer free daily devotionals. Many of them are able to send a daily devotional or thought to your email. Wake up in the morning grab your coffee and you Bible and check your email. How easy can that be?
Sites like Tangle.com and YouTube.com have great short video resources for worship. If you facebook then do everyone a great favor when you find a great short worship video. Simply copy the URL or the Embedded code and share it with your friends. Hey, I think that is called being a witness!
With the power of the internet in the present day we have no excuse to skip a daily walk with God’s Spirit and I wonder why we can send jokes and political pokes but have failed to see the power of sending a positive redemptive message of God’s love to all the friends on our forward list. Hmmm… I think I just thought of something to do on a daily basis.
I hope you enjoy this….
Friday, September 11, 2009
Just be Obedient
I have preached this idea for thirty plus years. I have taught it in various ways but I received an email story today that may be the most clear I have heard it explained. I hope you get out of this what I get.
A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to Push against the rock with all his might.....
So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!
Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: (He will do it every time)!
'You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved.' Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
Satan said, 'Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough.' That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of Prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.
'Lord,' he said, 'I have labored Lon g and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?'
The Lord responded compassionately, 'My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.
Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed..
But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard.
Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be Obedient and to push and to exercise your Faith and trust in My Wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock.'
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He Wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.
By all means, exercise the Faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the Mountains.
A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to Push against the rock with all his might.....
So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!
Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: (He will do it every time)!
'You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved.' Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
Satan said, 'Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough.' That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of Prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.
'Lord,' he said, 'I have labored Lon g and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?'
The Lord responded compassionately, 'My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.
Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed..
But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard.
Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be Obedient and to push and to exercise your Faith and trust in My Wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock.'
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He Wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.
By all means, exercise the Faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the Mountains.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Recently I got one of the emails that so many of us get all the time. You know what it is, “I am a friend of the president of some country and we have to move some funds….” Yeah sure! Open that bank account, give them your number and they take your money.
Today I received a new angle on the scam. GOD!, and Christian charity. Let me say that at first thought I wondered who would really fall for such a thing. Doesn’t everyone realize that if I had access to $62,000,000 dollars I have access to lawyers, financial handlers surely I have friends and the list could go on and on. I would not need to be calling for help!
I have posted part of the email here:
I could not believe at first that someone would use the charitable hearts of some un-suspecting Christian brother or sister to work this scam. Then I thought about all the Gospel of Wealth preachers who preach their versions of God’s blessing and material wealth; all the while asking that the listeners support them as a true sign of their faith.
The problem is that both of these scams will have good hearted Christians falling for the idea of making some easy money, or getting God’s blessing through those new houses, cars or whatever and that makes me wonder who will be judged the hardest. The Christian who seems to want more than the peace of Christ or the scammer who takes advantage of “the least of these”.
Today I received a new angle on the scam. GOD!, and Christian charity. Let me say that at first thought I wondered who would really fall for such a thing. Doesn’t everyone realize that if I had access to $62,000,000 dollars I have access to lawyers, financial handlers surely I have friends and the list could go on and on. I would not need to be calling for help!
I have posted part of the email here:
Dear Beloved ,
It is by the grace of God that I received Christ, knowing the truth and the truth have set me free.
Having known the truth I had no choice than to do what is lawful and right in the sight of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for witness of God mercy and glory upon my life.
I am Alty Susan Jane. I am married to Dr. Alty Michael , who worked with Chevron/Texaco for TWENTY years before he died in the year 2005.We were married for Fifteen years without a child, He died during one of the riots in IRAN. He was held hostage and slain to death by protesting youths before his death we were both born again Christians.
Since his death I decided not to re-marry. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of ($62,000,000.00.( Sixty Million US. Dollars)with ( Security Company in Dublin Ireland .) and now the management of the bank have just wrote me to come forward to receive the money or rather issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receive it on my behalf if I can not come over. I am presently with my laptop in a hospital where I have been undergoing treatment for cancer of the lungs, I have since lost my ability to talk and my doctors have told me that I have only a few months to live. It is my last wish to see that this money is invested and at the end of every year distributed among charity organization.
For your compensation, as soon as the money enters your account or delivered you take 30% of the total money, 5% for any expenses while 65% will be for the work of GOD. I took this decision because i know that there are a lot of poor people suffering from different kind of disease and nobody to come to their aid. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of (Security Company in Dublin Ireland) were the money is been deposited. . .
I could not believe at first that someone would use the charitable hearts of some un-suspecting Christian brother or sister to work this scam. Then I thought about all the Gospel of Wealth preachers who preach their versions of God’s blessing and material wealth; all the while asking that the listeners support them as a true sign of their faith.
The problem is that both of these scams will have good hearted Christians falling for the idea of making some easy money, or getting God’s blessing through those new houses, cars or whatever and that makes me wonder who will be judged the hardest. The Christian who seems to want more than the peace of Christ or the scammer who takes advantage of “the least of these”.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First Wrong Impressions
I hate going to the dentist! Not that I am afraid, nor have I ever been hurt by one but I just do not have great teeth. Going to the dentist is about like taking our old 1985 Toyota Tercell into the shop for a minor fix and the mechanic spending thirty minutes telling me what needed to be done. But not long ago I had to buckle down and take the trip.
After making the hour and half drive from Cotulla to San Antonio I arrived at the dental office and found a place to park my truck. As I was waling across the parking lot I crossed a man that was rather ragged and rough looking. He had shaggy hair, un-kept beard and was wearing greasy jeans with a dirty T-shirt and leather vest. He was standing on the sidewalk smoking a cigarette and drinking a coke.
We made casual eye contact and the polite nod as I passed him. I am somewhat ashamed to say that this person and I would probably not be having lunch together and would be a much rougher and tougher person than I would normally hang around.
As I checked in I was informed that I needed to up-date my personal information and was given a clip board with four sheets of questions. This was my second visit to this dentist and we had just completed all of these papers in our first. However, I was told that the date on those papers were 2008 and they needed a new year update.
I found a seat in the crowded waiting room next to an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair. He was obviously unable to care for himself and just sit and stared into space. I spoke as I sat down and he did not respond.
I started filling out the papers with my name, address, phone numbers, email, and other vital information that they would need and out of the corner of my eye I noticed the man from outside was walking toward me. With blanket in hand he addressed the old man and wrapped him gently in the blanket with the words, “are you warmer now daddy.” I do not believe I have ever heard such compassion in a voice as when this man spoke to his father.
We never know. Forgive me for my judgment!
After making the hour and half drive from Cotulla to San Antonio I arrived at the dental office and found a place to park my truck. As I was waling across the parking lot I crossed a man that was rather ragged and rough looking. He had shaggy hair, un-kept beard and was wearing greasy jeans with a dirty T-shirt and leather vest. He was standing on the sidewalk smoking a cigarette and drinking a coke.
We made casual eye contact and the polite nod as I passed him. I am somewhat ashamed to say that this person and I would probably not be having lunch together and would be a much rougher and tougher person than I would normally hang around.
As I checked in I was informed that I needed to up-date my personal information and was given a clip board with four sheets of questions. This was my second visit to this dentist and we had just completed all of these papers in our first. However, I was told that the date on those papers were 2008 and they needed a new year update.
I found a seat in the crowded waiting room next to an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair. He was obviously unable to care for himself and just sit and stared into space. I spoke as I sat down and he did not respond.
I started filling out the papers with my name, address, phone numbers, email, and other vital information that they would need and out of the corner of my eye I noticed the man from outside was walking toward me. With blanket in hand he addressed the old man and wrapped him gently in the blanket with the words, “are you warmer now daddy.” I do not believe I have ever heard such compassion in a voice as when this man spoke to his father.
We never know. Forgive me for my judgment!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Pop-Ups, Who Needs'em
I have the “pop-up” blocker set on my web browser. I have the “pop-up” blocker set in my Google tool bar and still sometimes one of those blasted, hated pop-ups will just simply “pop-up” and I have to deal with it, seldom read it almost always delete it.
I had actually started this blog with a certain direction in mind. However, just about the time I got to “simply ‘pop-up’” a distraction came into the room. This one was appreciated though because it was one of my nurses coming in to wrap my hip in cellophane so I could take a most wanted shower. But that reminded me that all day long we can have our personal “pop-up” blockers set to protect our time and keep us safe from distractions but somehow we will deal with “pop-ups” throughout our day. Many times it is our attitudes that will determine if we successfully deal with these distractions. Accept them; try to understand them and most of all work with them positively.
There is another pop-up in our daily lives that is most beneficial and we often try to set up the blockers so we will not have to deal with it. I am talking about those times when God’s Holy Spirit pops into our lives and convicts us of a wrong action, selfish motive or destructive attitude. That is what the Holy Spirit does; convicts as well as encourages. When we try to ignore His working we are denying one of the greatest gifts God has to give us; a love so great that not only would He give Himself on a cross to become our sin, but a love that is great enough to continue to work with us so we might become the kind of people He wants us to be.
In short you can attempt to block web site pop-ups with good reason, you can try to protect your time when things need to get done but never, never, never attempt to block the wonderful work of the Spirit even when It pops-up at what seems to be the most inconvenient time.
I had actually started this blog with a certain direction in mind. However, just about the time I got to “simply ‘pop-up’” a distraction came into the room. This one was appreciated though because it was one of my nurses coming in to wrap my hip in cellophane so I could take a most wanted shower. But that reminded me that all day long we can have our personal “pop-up” blockers set to protect our time and keep us safe from distractions but somehow we will deal with “pop-ups” throughout our day. Many times it is our attitudes that will determine if we successfully deal with these distractions. Accept them; try to understand them and most of all work with them positively.
There is another pop-up in our daily lives that is most beneficial and we often try to set up the blockers so we will not have to deal with it. I am talking about those times when God’s Holy Spirit pops into our lives and convicts us of a wrong action, selfish motive or destructive attitude. That is what the Holy Spirit does; convicts as well as encourages. When we try to ignore His working we are denying one of the greatest gifts God has to give us; a love so great that not only would He give Himself on a cross to become our sin, but a love that is great enough to continue to work with us so we might become the kind of people He wants us to be.
In short you can attempt to block web site pop-ups with good reason, you can try to protect your time when things need to get done but never, never, never attempt to block the wonderful work of the Spirit even when It pops-up at what seems to be the most inconvenient time.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Recovery, Recovery, Recovery
Today is day two of a new life with a new hip. To be honest with you I have lived in a lot of pain for the last two years as the “injury related arthritis” just kept getting worse. I was able to hand the day to day activities with little distraction because of the pain meds I was on but knew that I could not do that from now on.
Now I do not want to whine because I know there are many people in the world who are dealing with physical issues much greater than my hurting hip, but it was my hip and it was hurting and now we are dealing with its remedy.
One thing I have learned is that the better you are to the nurses they better they are to you. That has pretty much proven true again here at this hospital too. Whatever we have needed they have provided with a smile and kind heart. I can just imagine what it must be like working with people everyday who are not at their best. Sick, hurting or just not feeling good they will have a tendency to just be meaner than usual. Nurses have to have the ability to overlook that. Many do and some don’t but so far the ones I have had have been just great.
I joked with the radiologist yesterday that they must have to go through sadomasochist classes because they seem to enjoy bending and hurting parts of the body and causing more pain. He just laughed because he knew that I knew he had to get me in just the right position to get a good picture.
Physical Therapist must make you stretch and move parts of the body that are already in pain so that they will be easier to move tomorrow. In-so-doing many people do not like them, but I do. They are going to help me get up and out of here and hopefully soon riding my bike and swinging a golf club again.
Now I do not want to whine because I know there are many people in the world who are dealing with physical issues much greater than my hurting hip, but it was my hip and it was hurting and now we are dealing with its remedy.
One thing I have learned is that the better you are to the nurses they better they are to you. That has pretty much proven true again here at this hospital too. Whatever we have needed they have provided with a smile and kind heart. I can just imagine what it must be like working with people everyday who are not at their best. Sick, hurting or just not feeling good they will have a tendency to just be meaner than usual. Nurses have to have the ability to overlook that. Many do and some don’t but so far the ones I have had have been just great.
I joked with the radiologist yesterday that they must have to go through sadomasochist classes because they seem to enjoy bending and hurting parts of the body and causing more pain. He just laughed because he knew that I knew he had to get me in just the right position to get a good picture.
Physical Therapist must make you stretch and move parts of the body that are already in pain so that they will be easier to move tomorrow. In-so-doing many people do not like them, but I do. They are going to help me get up and out of here and hopefully soon riding my bike and swinging a golf club again.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Golf Balls and Rattlesnakes
One of the little farms we lived on was a pasture away from the Brownfield Country Club and Golf Course. As young boys we thought it was neat to walk along the edge of the golf course (probably the seeds of my love to play the game) and watch the “rich” folks play. I thought they were rich anyway. I knew we were not and I didn’t know anyone, especially any of my relatives, that was a member of the Country Club and players of the game.
One of the activities that we enjoyed was finding golf balls. At that time we thought it was special and that we were really doing something. Actually now I realize that when you put the average golfer together and an extreme rough (woods, water, pastures, etc.)together you get one thing; lost golf balls.
I now know that when those duffers hit balls out into the pastures most of them would not go on foot to find them because there was a real good chance they would find something else. But as young boys who were used to the pastures as their playgrounds that was just part of the adventure and to find the treasures we had to deal with the rattlesnakes.
I don’t mean to make you believe that there was a rattlesnake with every step but they were not unusual. We did not take the dangers lightly and when we heard that unmistakable warning we found the source and carefully moved away. The adventure and the opportunity to find that brand new shiny golf ball was well worth the dangers at that moment in our lives.
One thing I learned growing up on the farm is that sometimes you have to face the rattlesnakes in order to gain the prize. I wonder if that is what Paul meant when he would talk about gaining the prize and in Philippians 3:14 where he is direct when he writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” To “press” on meant that there would be some kind of obstacle that needed to be overcome. Paul knew that there were dangers but the prize was well worth facing them.
We face obstacles everyday in the living out of our faith. Here, in most of our communities, we do not have to worry so much about the dangers Paul had to face but we do have our fears and people who would stop us from pressing on toward the prize. Paul would tell you to “run the race to win” and “press” on because the prize is definitely worth it. A young boy easing through the brush of a panhandle pasture would tell you to find golf balls you have to face the rattlesnakes.
One of the activities that we enjoyed was finding golf balls. At that time we thought it was special and that we were really doing something. Actually now I realize that when you put the average golfer together and an extreme rough (woods, water, pastures, etc.)together you get one thing; lost golf balls.
I now know that when those duffers hit balls out into the pastures most of them would not go on foot to find them because there was a real good chance they would find something else. But as young boys who were used to the pastures as their playgrounds that was just part of the adventure and to find the treasures we had to deal with the rattlesnakes.
I don’t mean to make you believe that there was a rattlesnake with every step but they were not unusual. We did not take the dangers lightly and when we heard that unmistakable warning we found the source and carefully moved away. The adventure and the opportunity to find that brand new shiny golf ball was well worth the dangers at that moment in our lives.
One thing I learned growing up on the farm is that sometimes you have to face the rattlesnakes in order to gain the prize. I wonder if that is what Paul meant when he would talk about gaining the prize and in Philippians 3:14 where he is direct when he writes, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” To “press” on meant that there would be some kind of obstacle that needed to be overcome. Paul knew that there were dangers but the prize was well worth facing them.
We face obstacles everyday in the living out of our faith. Here, in most of our communities, we do not have to worry so much about the dangers Paul had to face but we do have our fears and people who would stop us from pressing on toward the prize. Paul would tell you to “run the race to win” and “press” on because the prize is definitely worth it. A young boy easing through the brush of a panhandle pasture would tell you to find golf balls you have to face the rattlesnakes.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Fly Paper in Real Life
One thing I had forgotten about since we left Texas in 1985 was the "Fly Strips" that used to hang everywhere. I have not seen one since that time. The other day we were in the store and I was looking for the "once-and-for-all" Fire Ant killer and came across a box full of the strips. It immediately took me back to my childhood and the Cotton Gin that took up much of my youth. There in one corner, just behind one of the domino chairs hung a yellow strip of sticky (I would assume sweet)material that baited flies to land and get stuck and never again tickle the nose hairs of the napping farmers in the gin office.
I remember always being amazed that the strips would last until there was no more room on them. Flies are pretty stupid I guess. Couldn't they see that their brothers and cousins, their mothers and fathers, their sisters, aunts and uncles were all stuck and couldn't free themselves. Wasn't there some kind of Fly Strip warning signal. Evidently the sweet allure of the bait was to much to ignore and every fly that was stuck, buzzing and flapping wings in effort to free themselves were the very ones that would "get away with it". Sound familiar?
Maybe humans and flies have some things in common. How many times do we get caught in the sin trap. Maybe we just look at the sweet bait and ignore the glue (they always go together). Why don't those who are stuck already warn us (they probably do in action if not in words). Could it be that some of them love the company so no warning is given? Could it be that some are still so enticed by the sweet bait that they have yet to recognize they are stuck in sin?
Where is the "Fly Paper" in your life? Before you answer too quickly remember one of the characteristics of the paper may be the rejection of its danger. The truth is you cannot free yourself. Go ahead and try. . . pull and flap your wings all you want but you will find you need help. That is where Christ comes in. I John tells us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9 NIV) The only way off the strip is to be pulled off and only Christ can do that!
I remember always being amazed that the strips would last until there was no more room on them. Flies are pretty stupid I guess. Couldn't they see that their brothers and cousins, their mothers and fathers, their sisters, aunts and uncles were all stuck and couldn't free themselves. Wasn't there some kind of Fly Strip warning signal. Evidently the sweet allure of the bait was to much to ignore and every fly that was stuck, buzzing and flapping wings in effort to free themselves were the very ones that would "get away with it". Sound familiar?
Maybe humans and flies have some things in common. How many times do we get caught in the sin trap. Maybe we just look at the sweet bait and ignore the glue (they always go together). Why don't those who are stuck already warn us (they probably do in action if not in words). Could it be that some of them love the company so no warning is given? Could it be that some are still so enticed by the sweet bait that they have yet to recognize they are stuck in sin?
Where is the "Fly Paper" in your life? Before you answer too quickly remember one of the characteristics of the paper may be the rejection of its danger. The truth is you cannot free yourself. Go ahead and try. . . pull and flap your wings all you want but you will find you need help. That is where Christ comes in. I John tells us that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9 NIV) The only way off the strip is to be pulled off and only Christ can do that!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Nike Didn't Invent "Just Do It"
Wow, it is really easy to get behind in writing my blog and this is not a simple attempt to catch up but is an actual short thought that I have had recently. It deals with the freedom to act without “permission”.
I was brought up with the idea that if it needed to be done and you knew it you were the one that was see that it was accomplished. If you went by a fence that was broken you fixed it. If you grabbed a harness that was dry you oiled it. If a light bulb was out when you flipped the switch you replaced it. If you did wrong and it was brought to your attention you corrected it. It was simple life. It was done and you did not need to worry about that item anymore. You did not have to wait around for permission or an order to get it done.
I carried this philosophy with me through my military years and it seems to have worked. When I was promoted to Spec. 4 they pinned Sgt. E-5 stripes on my shoulder. They called it an “Acting Jack”. My squad was always top in our company in everything from room inspections to field performance. Each man knew his job but was always looking to see what else could be done.
I found that when a vehicle is moving it is much easier to steer and direct. Try turning your steering wheel when you car is still! It is the same with people and organizations. The problem with this is that sometimes there will be mistakes made. Things do not get double and triple checked and find that they are late in getting done. But when the day is over more progress has been made.
I will admit there are times when perfection is needed. When the surgeon is cutting on me I want him/her to be absolutely sure that it is the correct hip he is replacing. When our astronauts are being hurtled into space I am sure they are thankful that there are those that figure and refigure the exact speed and trajectory they are being shot into. The examples could go on and on with good reason.
However, in general we do not live our lives with these margins or the need to be so precise. In fact such restriction usually slows progress and frightens people into inactivity.
Louis Pasteur said “Chance favors the prepared mind.” My words then would be to prepare the best you can, act and do not be afraid less than perfection. You will find that you will be ahead in the end.
I was brought up with the idea that if it needed to be done and you knew it you were the one that was see that it was accomplished. If you went by a fence that was broken you fixed it. If you grabbed a harness that was dry you oiled it. If a light bulb was out when you flipped the switch you replaced it. If you did wrong and it was brought to your attention you corrected it. It was simple life. It was done and you did not need to worry about that item anymore. You did not have to wait around for permission or an order to get it done.
I carried this philosophy with me through my military years and it seems to have worked. When I was promoted to Spec. 4 they pinned Sgt. E-5 stripes on my shoulder. They called it an “Acting Jack”. My squad was always top in our company in everything from room inspections to field performance. Each man knew his job but was always looking to see what else could be done.
I found that when a vehicle is moving it is much easier to steer and direct. Try turning your steering wheel when you car is still! It is the same with people and organizations. The problem with this is that sometimes there will be mistakes made. Things do not get double and triple checked and find that they are late in getting done. But when the day is over more progress has been made.
I will admit there are times when perfection is needed. When the surgeon is cutting on me I want him/her to be absolutely sure that it is the correct hip he is replacing. When our astronauts are being hurtled into space I am sure they are thankful that there are those that figure and refigure the exact speed and trajectory they are being shot into. The examples could go on and on with good reason.
However, in general we do not live our lives with these margins or the need to be so precise. In fact such restriction usually slows progress and frightens people into inactivity.
Louis Pasteur said “Chance favors the prepared mind.” My words then would be to prepare the best you can, act and do not be afraid less than perfection. You will find that you will be ahead in the end.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Survival
My Hibiscus plants, Bear grass and several herbs that Debbie and I brought with us and the Tomato, Pepper and Okra plants that I planted all have one thing in common this year. As much water as we poured to them they just could not take the oppressive heat of this summer. They are all dead. They are not hurting or just dormant; they are dead! However, the Aloe Vera and other cactus that I planted are doing well. Obviously because of years of adaptation to this environment they have developed the necessary survival traits needed to endure the South Texas heat and lack of water.
I have been told by many that this year is one of the hottest they can remember but these plants in my garden are well fit to draw every morsel of water that I can give them and store it for tomorrow because tomorrow they might need it.
We as Christians often find ourselves in “hostile environments” but the Lord has given us the ability to survive those situations. How do we do it? Through study, prayer and preparation we are able to store away valuable resources that will help get us through any situation. Bad work conditions, illness, family problems all come our way and if we are not prepared we can shrivel up and wilt away under the pressure. However, if we are and have stored away those valuable treasures we will be able to survive but endure with praise and thanksgiving. My prayer is that you are preparing for the times of your strengthening and during those stretches of heat and drought you will not only survive but grow and blossom. “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
I have been told by many that this year is one of the hottest they can remember but these plants in my garden are well fit to draw every morsel of water that I can give them and store it for tomorrow because tomorrow they might need it.
We as Christians often find ourselves in “hostile environments” but the Lord has given us the ability to survive those situations. How do we do it? Through study, prayer and preparation we are able to store away valuable resources that will help get us through any situation. Bad work conditions, illness, family problems all come our way and if we are not prepared we can shrivel up and wilt away under the pressure. However, if we are and have stored away those valuable treasures we will be able to survive but endure with praise and thanksgiving. My prayer is that you are preparing for the times of your strengthening and during those stretches of heat and drought you will not only survive but grow and blossom. “They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
B. B. Guns and Rules
BB Guns HURT!
David, my younger brother, Allen the boy on the bicycle (see Horses and Bicycles in previous post) and I would often play “Army” in the caliches pit that was between our two houses. Looking back at the hole in the ground now I laugh at its size. It is not near as big as I remember it but at that age it was an entire country that needed defending again invading forces. If there was no one else visiting we would often play two against one. The defender would have to take on the two invaders. It was not long before our empty BB guns started getting loaded and used.
We had rules. You could not shoot anyone above the waist unless it was in the back (saved the eyes). You could not shoot anyone if you were too close (subjective but usually worked). We all had lever action Daisy B.B. Guns but sometimes a rich kid would come play and would have one of those fancy pump B.B./Pellet guns. We absolutely did not allow pellets and you could only pump your gun three times. We did many experiments to see about how many pumps were equal to our Daisy’s. A shot anywhere was a kill! The last and firm rule was that MOM’S COULD NEVER FIND OUT we were doing this or our guns would be confiscated.
What did we learn some things. Number One, most outsiders didn’t always play by the rules. I know that some of those who brought pump air guns into the play would add an extra pump or two trying to get the distance advantage. Number Two, Guns, even B.B. guns hurt. I think this gave us an appreciation of how dangerous guns could be and to this day I am very conscious of where my guns are pointed. A B. B. gun at 20 yards would sting even through jeans, I can only imagine what a shotgun or rifle would do if through carelessness someone got shot, which does happen everyday.
I know you might criticize our boyish play as dangerous. Looking back I would agree and there is no way I would have allowed my boys to play like that if I caught them. And, if my mom and dad would have found out they would have immediately taken our guns away.
I am a gun advocate but also realize it is a different day. Most of the world no longer lives in rural environments so we have to be sensible in our teaching and training and expectations of those handling guns. I understand that laws enacted for the vast majority of people in the United States living in urban areas are going to effect me living in the “country” and accept that as long as they are reasonable. The problem is that one of the things “I Learned on the Farm” was that not everyone plays by the rules!
David, my younger brother, Allen the boy on the bicycle (see Horses and Bicycles in previous post) and I would often play “Army” in the caliches pit that was between our two houses. Looking back at the hole in the ground now I laugh at its size. It is not near as big as I remember it but at that age it was an entire country that needed defending again invading forces. If there was no one else visiting we would often play two against one. The defender would have to take on the two invaders. It was not long before our empty BB guns started getting loaded and used.
We had rules. You could not shoot anyone above the waist unless it was in the back (saved the eyes). You could not shoot anyone if you were too close (subjective but usually worked). We all had lever action Daisy B.B. Guns but sometimes a rich kid would come play and would have one of those fancy pump B.B./Pellet guns. We absolutely did not allow pellets and you could only pump your gun three times. We did many experiments to see about how many pumps were equal to our Daisy’s. A shot anywhere was a kill! The last and firm rule was that MOM’S COULD NEVER FIND OUT we were doing this or our guns would be confiscated.
What did we learn some things. Number One, most outsiders didn’t always play by the rules. I know that some of those who brought pump air guns into the play would add an extra pump or two trying to get the distance advantage. Number Two, Guns, even B.B. guns hurt. I think this gave us an appreciation of how dangerous guns could be and to this day I am very conscious of where my guns are pointed. A B. B. gun at 20 yards would sting even through jeans, I can only imagine what a shotgun or rifle would do if through carelessness someone got shot, which does happen everyday.
I know you might criticize our boyish play as dangerous. Looking back I would agree and there is no way I would have allowed my boys to play like that if I caught them. And, if my mom and dad would have found out they would have immediately taken our guns away.
I am a gun advocate but also realize it is a different day. Most of the world no longer lives in rural environments so we have to be sensible in our teaching and training and expectations of those handling guns. I understand that laws enacted for the vast majority of people in the United States living in urban areas are going to effect me living in the “country” and accept that as long as they are reasonable. The problem is that one of the things “I Learned on the Farm” was that not everyone plays by the rules!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Horses and Bicycles
In continuing a series on “Everything I needed to Know I Learned on the Farm” I realize that many of these may have no “spiritual” value to speak of but if they make you laugh or bring back a memory of your past the time spent in writing them will have been well spent.
We lived for a while in a tiny house out on Country Club Road. I remember it as being a Cinder Block house with two bedrooms. As most of the farm/ranch homes there was a barn near the house that let out into a small pasture. We had an old mare that had been given to us to play on. She had been a great roping horse in her prime but a leg injury had relegated her future to becoming a “kid” horse. Her name was Blue; we called her “ol’ Blue”.
There was a boy about our age that lived across the road around a quarter of a mile away. Allen, myself and David (my younger brother) learned a lot about life together in that year or so we lived in that house. I used to put the hack-a-more on ol’ Blue and ride over to Allen’s house to play “cowboys and Indians” or “cops and robbers” or to have world saving battles with our G.I. Joes.
I remember one time while we were going down the road, me on ol’ Blue and Allen on a bicycle, we decided to race. Normally you would not think a boy on a bicycle would have much chance against a former champion roping horse in a short distance but this was going down one of the few hills in that country.
We took off like a flash. Because I was “bare-back” I had a tight hold of the reigns but and even tighter hand full of mane. I got the jump and was out ahead but evidently ol’ Blue was showing her age because soon I noticed that Allen had pulled up beside us. For just a moment I took my attention off ol’ Blue and started worrying about Allen. Evidently it surprised ol’ Blue also because she remembered well how to stop and when she sat down I had nothing but a handful of hair to keep me on her back and that was not enough.
Grabbing for more mane I went over her head and landed flat on my back in front of her with the hacks reigns still in hand. I was dazed and she was puzzled standing there looking at me. Allen got stopped and came back to see if I was OK but was laughing so hard that it only added to my embarrassment.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. Horses can not only start out faster than a boy on a bicycle they can also stop much quicker and that when you are in a race you need to focus on your job and not those around you so much.
I miss ol’ Blue. She taught me several things about life.
We lived for a while in a tiny house out on Country Club Road. I remember it as being a Cinder Block house with two bedrooms. As most of the farm/ranch homes there was a barn near the house that let out into a small pasture. We had an old mare that had been given to us to play on. She had been a great roping horse in her prime but a leg injury had relegated her future to becoming a “kid” horse. Her name was Blue; we called her “ol’ Blue”.
There was a boy about our age that lived across the road around a quarter of a mile away. Allen, myself and David (my younger brother) learned a lot about life together in that year or so we lived in that house. I used to put the hack-a-more on ol’ Blue and ride over to Allen’s house to play “cowboys and Indians” or “cops and robbers” or to have world saving battles with our G.I. Joes.
I remember one time while we were going down the road, me on ol’ Blue and Allen on a bicycle, we decided to race. Normally you would not think a boy on a bicycle would have much chance against a former champion roping horse in a short distance but this was going down one of the few hills in that country.
We took off like a flash. Because I was “bare-back” I had a tight hold of the reigns but and even tighter hand full of mane. I got the jump and was out ahead but evidently ol’ Blue was showing her age because soon I noticed that Allen had pulled up beside us. For just a moment I took my attention off ol’ Blue and started worrying about Allen. Evidently it surprised ol’ Blue also because she remembered well how to stop and when she sat down I had nothing but a handful of hair to keep me on her back and that was not enough.
Grabbing for more mane I went over her head and landed flat on my back in front of her with the hacks reigns still in hand. I was dazed and she was puzzled standing there looking at me. Allen got stopped and came back to see if I was OK but was laughing so hard that it only added to my embarrassment.
I learned a valuable lesson that day. Horses can not only start out faster than a boy on a bicycle they can also stop much quicker and that when you are in a race you need to focus on your job and not those around you so much.
I miss ol’ Blue. She taught me several things about life.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Daddy and Electric Fences
In a series that I could call “Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned on the Farm” I would start with one of my earliest memories. It happened when we were living way, way out of Brownfield on the Tahoka highway. I remember the tiny house and the terrible water, the front porch and several dogs that we played with.
It was during this time that I learned about electric fences and how they could bite you hard. There was a barn with a stable yard on one side of it. For some reason dad had erected a electric fence on the pens that were already there. I can remember it being lower than a single wire that would normally be used for a horse so I assume we might have had some goats or sheep or something smaller. I really don’t remember the animals but I do remember dad kneeling with a “tester” to see if the fence was hot.
Without knowing the consequences I walked up to dad and touched him just enough to get him off balance and he came into contact with the fence. Well, to make the story short dad yelled as he jumped backwards and I not only got knocked down by his movement but got a “double-dose” of the fence current.
After the shock wore off dad was on the ground beside me laughing. I was on the ground crying and everybody else was standing over us starting to understand what had just happened. Since that time, while I have had several run-ins with electric fences I developed a strong respect for that little shiny wire!
It was during this time that I learned about electric fences and how they could bite you hard. There was a barn with a stable yard on one side of it. For some reason dad had erected a electric fence on the pens that were already there. I can remember it being lower than a single wire that would normally be used for a horse so I assume we might have had some goats or sheep or something smaller. I really don’t remember the animals but I do remember dad kneeling with a “tester” to see if the fence was hot.
Without knowing the consequences I walked up to dad and touched him just enough to get him off balance and he came into contact with the fence. Well, to make the story short dad yelled as he jumped backwards and I not only got knocked down by his movement but got a “double-dose” of the fence current.
After the shock wore off dad was on the ground beside me laughing. I was on the ground crying and everybody else was standing over us starting to understand what had just happened. Since that time, while I have had several run-ins with electric fences I developed a strong respect for that little shiny wire!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Living Old Time Today
While driving back from taking some boys to the annual RA camp at the Alto-Frio Baptist encampment I had some wonderful time to “ponder” on some things. Two things happened at the same time that took me by surprise and made me realize something.
As I drove on the wide two lane Texas Highway with “improved shoulders” I caught a glimpse of a car coming on me pretty fast. Without thinking I pulled over to the shoulder giving the chase car plenty of room to get around me easily; he didn’t even have to change lanes. At that same time I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of my drivers side window. I saw my dad, I had acted like my dad.
Take away the MP3 player that was playing, the cell phone that was out of range of any signal, my emails and texts that were waiting for me. Never mind the flat screen television in my living room and the computer in which I get my news from (instead of the newspaper) I do not live that much different than my father and even my grand-father.
When approached by an upcoming car I give them room, when coming up on a slower vehicle I expect the same. If I am unable to get the check for lunch I get the tip. If I catch the ticket first then I expect you should get the tip.
If you need a tool and are close you are welcome to use mine. They are not locked up. All I ask is that you leave me some kind of note so I don’t look for it if I need it. I generally keep my tools pretty neat but can leave them laying somewhere if I get distracted. When you are through with it bring it home then not two or three days later. I might need it. I would do the same for you.
I believe there is a cost to borrowing something. If I break it, I either fix it or get you a new one. Guess what….yep I expect the same.
I believe that when two men meet they greet with eye-to-eye firm hand shakes. I question the person who cannot look me in the eye and shake my hand at the same time. This is not expected when there is some unknown distance between them, but a hand thrown in the air or some gesture of friendship should always take place.
I believe that if I see someone stuck on the side of the road I should do what I can to help. I may need to shovel, pull out a chain and pull them out of a hole or change a tire. Rain, heat, ice, snow or nothing else should play in my decision to help. I believe that helping someone in need may be more important than being on time for a dinner engagement. My dad could not do this but we can; we can pick up our cell phones and call those who might be waiting.
I might live in a time past using the tools of today but all-in-all when I have treated everyone the way in which I would want to be treated my conscience is free.
Hmmmmm….there might be something Biblical in that!
As I drove on the wide two lane Texas Highway with “improved shoulders” I caught a glimpse of a car coming on me pretty fast. Without thinking I pulled over to the shoulder giving the chase car plenty of room to get around me easily; he didn’t even have to change lanes. At that same time I caught a glimpse of myself in the reflection of my drivers side window. I saw my dad, I had acted like my dad.
Take away the MP3 player that was playing, the cell phone that was out of range of any signal, my emails and texts that were waiting for me. Never mind the flat screen television in my living room and the computer in which I get my news from (instead of the newspaper) I do not live that much different than my father and even my grand-father.
When approached by an upcoming car I give them room, when coming up on a slower vehicle I expect the same. If I am unable to get the check for lunch I get the tip. If I catch the ticket first then I expect you should get the tip.
If you need a tool and are close you are welcome to use mine. They are not locked up. All I ask is that you leave me some kind of note so I don’t look for it if I need it. I generally keep my tools pretty neat but can leave them laying somewhere if I get distracted. When you are through with it bring it home then not two or three days later. I might need it. I would do the same for you.
I believe there is a cost to borrowing something. If I break it, I either fix it or get you a new one. Guess what….yep I expect the same.
I believe that when two men meet they greet with eye-to-eye firm hand shakes. I question the person who cannot look me in the eye and shake my hand at the same time. This is not expected when there is some unknown distance between them, but a hand thrown in the air or some gesture of friendship should always take place.
I believe that if I see someone stuck on the side of the road I should do what I can to help. I may need to shovel, pull out a chain and pull them out of a hole or change a tire. Rain, heat, ice, snow or nothing else should play in my decision to help. I believe that helping someone in need may be more important than being on time for a dinner engagement. My dad could not do this but we can; we can pick up our cell phones and call those who might be waiting.
I might live in a time past using the tools of today but all-in-all when I have treated everyone the way in which I would want to be treated my conscience is free.
Hmmmmm….there might be something Biblical in that!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
He Knows
Before I can get a word out Debbie, my wonderful wife for thirty-one years, knows what I am going to say. It seems she knows what I am thinking. That makes it hard to get away with things!
Perhaps the most frightening attribute of God is that He knows everything about us. Everything! "O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me." (Psalm 139:1)
And since God is both omnipresent and omniscient, it obviously follows that nothing escapes His conscious knowledge about us. We cannot hide even the most mundane daily activity or keep a secret thought from Him. We are as clear to His knowledge as well water that has come from deep in the earth. But yet we often try to deceive Him anyway. We think maybe He isn’t looking right now, or that we really do not matter in the large scheme of life. .
Considering this it is strange that God loves us in spite of what we try to do. I think it is because He knows what we could be. The Bible is clear that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV) He knows who we are and still loves us. But, He know what we can be and chooses to help guide us if we will let Him. Realize that HE KNOWS and we can’t hide our lives from Him. He gives us eternal life through His Son so that we will realize, one day, what He knows we shall be.
Perhaps the most frightening attribute of God is that He knows everything about us. Everything! "O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me." (Psalm 139:1)
And since God is both omnipresent and omniscient, it obviously follows that nothing escapes His conscious knowledge about us. We cannot hide even the most mundane daily activity or keep a secret thought from Him. We are as clear to His knowledge as well water that has come from deep in the earth. But yet we often try to deceive Him anyway. We think maybe He isn’t looking right now, or that we really do not matter in the large scheme of life. .
Considering this it is strange that God loves us in spite of what we try to do. I think it is because He knows what we could be. The Bible is clear that “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV) He knows who we are and still loves us. But, He know what we can be and chooses to help guide us if we will let Him. Realize that HE KNOWS and we can’t hide our lives from Him. He gives us eternal life through His Son so that we will realize, one day, what He knows we shall be.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Of Teachers and Things
I have had several great teachers in life. I can remember several “school” teachers who tried to do something with me. I am sure that each of those finally just threw their hands up and said I give up! Later in years their lessons are effective. I had parents and grand-parents who tried to teach me and some of the things they taught stuck and more each day seem to have importance. While in the Army I did not have the same privilege of “ignoring” my teachers. Maybe that is what I needed. Since those days and maybe a little more maturity I have paid close attention to those who are still my teachers. I appreciate each and every one of them.
Jesus reminded us of a very important fact when in Matthew 10:24 He said: “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (NIV) These are wise instruction for our earthly teachers but even more important when we consider whose student and servant we really are.
The word "master" is the same as "teacher." The Lord Jesus is our ultimate teacher, and He teaches us through His Word--the Holy Scriptures and through others He puts in our path. It is our function to learn His teachings and, of course, to believe them.
But the world often laughs at and ridicules the teachings of Christ, and will try to persecute those who seek to follow them. The unbelieving world--even the religious world--responded to His teachings by ridiculing Him, then torturing Him, and finally hanging Him on a tree to die.
Yet we are to go to the same world with the same teachings. "Just as the Father sent me, I send you." (John 20:21 MSG). "In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world." (John 17:18 MSG).
Are you listening to the greatest teacher, the one who will teach the things eternal? If not you could start today. If you are then you understand that with the teaching comes the mission. Jesus has sent you into your world with a wonderful message of compassion and acceptance and always redemption. Go accomplish your mission!
Jesus reminded us of a very important fact when in Matthew 10:24 He said: “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (NIV) These are wise instruction for our earthly teachers but even more important when we consider whose student and servant we really are.
The word "master" is the same as "teacher." The Lord Jesus is our ultimate teacher, and He teaches us through His Word--the Holy Scriptures and through others He puts in our path. It is our function to learn His teachings and, of course, to believe them.
But the world often laughs at and ridicules the teachings of Christ, and will try to persecute those who seek to follow them. The unbelieving world--even the religious world--responded to His teachings by ridiculing Him, then torturing Him, and finally hanging Him on a tree to die.
Yet we are to go to the same world with the same teachings. "Just as the Father sent me, I send you." (John 20:21 MSG). "In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world." (John 17:18 MSG).
Are you listening to the greatest teacher, the one who will teach the things eternal? If not you could start today. If you are then you understand that with the teaching comes the mission. Jesus has sent you into your world with a wonderful message of compassion and acceptance and always redemption. Go accomplish your mission!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
RUSH, RUSH, RUSH
Recently an Air France airliner experienced a tragic ending going down in the Atlantic Ocean and killing all the passengers and crew on board. Some weeks later the search and rescue teams are still looking for any remains and sifting all the wreckage possible from the ocean. Submarines and surface ships are combing the “grid” trying to get a signal from the airliners “Black Box” which will help them determine what caused the fatal accident.
First it should be said that our prayers and sympathies are extended to all the families of the passengers and crew of this flight. This incident so pointedly reminds us that not only are we not assured of life tomorrow, we are also not assured of having those we love with us. Make the most of every mundane moment you can spend with those you love and make sure they know you love them.
However, that is not the point of this message today. The past failed action and now frantic action of the airline industry is astonishing. While they do not know for sure what the problem with the Air France flight was it is suspected that a particular sensor that calculated air speed failed and caused confusion in the control of the plane in what was probably a major storm. If this was a normal incident then we could accept mechanical failure, as hard as it might be to accept, as one of the risk of transportation. However, it is reported that the maker of the sensor for more than two years has warned the industry that the original sensors needed to be replaced.
We can point an accusing finger at Air France for not heeding this warning and replacing the sensors in some planes but not all of them. The excuse of “we just had not got around to that plane yet” will not suffice. But it is not just Air France. Reports this morning is that all airlines are “hustling to replace the old sensors” in their planes now. Air France happened to be the unfortunate carrier that got caught.
This reminds me of a parable that Jesus told in Matthew 25 about ten virgins who were to be the wedding party for a very special wedding. They were warned that the bride groom would be arriving sometime in the very near future. Some of those virgins took the warning seriously and were prepared. Others thought they could get away with not taking the warning seriously. They got caught.
The parable and this incident reminds us that we have been warned about various things that we must take seriously. Number one is that we are not guaranteed tomorrow to accept the gift of God’s love and salvation. We must be prepared by doing that today. If you have not accepted the fact that God takes you as you are then please do so right now. Number two is that while we may have accepted the salvation of Christ we may not have accepted His call to us and are still just doing our own thing. I do not believe that anyone can find the peace in life they truly want until they are in the Will of God. What is that for you? I don’t know, but you do!
I believe there will be a time when like the unprepared virgins and the airline industry many are going to be caught trying to do in this moment what they should have done yesterday. Will you be one of those?
First it should be said that our prayers and sympathies are extended to all the families of the passengers and crew of this flight. This incident so pointedly reminds us that not only are we not assured of life tomorrow, we are also not assured of having those we love with us. Make the most of every mundane moment you can spend with those you love and make sure they know you love them.
However, that is not the point of this message today. The past failed action and now frantic action of the airline industry is astonishing. While they do not know for sure what the problem with the Air France flight was it is suspected that a particular sensor that calculated air speed failed and caused confusion in the control of the plane in what was probably a major storm. If this was a normal incident then we could accept mechanical failure, as hard as it might be to accept, as one of the risk of transportation. However, it is reported that the maker of the sensor for more than two years has warned the industry that the original sensors needed to be replaced.
We can point an accusing finger at Air France for not heeding this warning and replacing the sensors in some planes but not all of them. The excuse of “we just had not got around to that plane yet” will not suffice. But it is not just Air France. Reports this morning is that all airlines are “hustling to replace the old sensors” in their planes now. Air France happened to be the unfortunate carrier that got caught.
This reminds me of a parable that Jesus told in Matthew 25 about ten virgins who were to be the wedding party for a very special wedding. They were warned that the bride groom would be arriving sometime in the very near future. Some of those virgins took the warning seriously and were prepared. Others thought they could get away with not taking the warning seriously. They got caught.
The parable and this incident reminds us that we have been warned about various things that we must take seriously. Number one is that we are not guaranteed tomorrow to accept the gift of God’s love and salvation. We must be prepared by doing that today. If you have not accepted the fact that God takes you as you are then please do so right now. Number two is that while we may have accepted the salvation of Christ we may not have accepted His call to us and are still just doing our own thing. I do not believe that anyone can find the peace in life they truly want until they are in the Will of God. What is that for you? I don’t know, but you do!
I believe there will be a time when like the unprepared virgins and the airline industry many are going to be caught trying to do in this moment what they should have done yesterday. Will you be one of those?
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
You Can Count on It!
When my Granddad said something you can bet he would say the same thing tomorrow. Oh, he could change his mind but it just didn’t seem to happen very often. Generally when he said it, you could go down the road knowing he still believed it. I have know other people who might say something and in an hour they are saying something else and before you know it they have changed their mind again. I didn’t always like what my granddad might say, but I felt much more secure and safe in his word that with other people who might be “tossed around by waves”.
How much more then can we feel secure in what God has said. The psalmist wrote “What you say goes, GOD, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.” Psalm 119:89 MSG)
This is the central verse in the longest chapter in the longest book in the Bible, and it is surely one of the greatest verses in the Bible. It conveys the amazing news that the Word of God (which is the theme of the entire 119th Psalm) has existed from eternity past and will continue to exist forever in the future. It was eternally settled in the mind of God before the world was created, then gradually written for mankind to use as a guide for living this life.
Isaiah voices a magnificent claim: "The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren't these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever." (Is. 40:8) Peter agreed and expanded on Isaiah when he said the spoke of the Word as being “living and enduring” (1 Peter 1:23).
To guarantee this great truth beyond any further question, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself made the following tremendous claim: This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out. (Matthew 224:35 MSG) In Matthew 5:18 Jesus affirms that God’s laws or Word will last long after everything else has eroded or been destroyed. The entire physical universe is (literally) "passing away," heading inexorably downhill toward ultimate death--with one exception! The Word and its glorious promises are eternal and immutable; they will not change!
Do you have anything in your life that is that stable and secure? You may not know all the “Words” the Bible talks about but there is one that you need to know. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God love you in the days of John when that was written and He still loves you today. That word will not change but you will need to change your heart and simply accept that Word and His Love. Will you do that today?
How much more then can we feel secure in what God has said. The psalmist wrote “What you say goes, GOD, and stays, as permanent as the heavens.” Psalm 119:89 MSG)
This is the central verse in the longest chapter in the longest book in the Bible, and it is surely one of the greatest verses in the Bible. It conveys the amazing news that the Word of God (which is the theme of the entire 119th Psalm) has existed from eternity past and will continue to exist forever in the future. It was eternally settled in the mind of God before the world was created, then gradually written for mankind to use as a guide for living this life.
Isaiah voices a magnificent claim: "The grass withers, the wildflowers fade, if God so much as puffs on them. Aren't these people just so much grass? True, the grass withers and the wildflowers fade, but our God's Word stands firm and forever." (Is. 40:8) Peter agreed and expanded on Isaiah when he said the spoke of the Word as being “living and enduring” (1 Peter 1:23).
To guarantee this great truth beyond any further question, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself made the following tremendous claim: This age continues until all these things take place. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out. (Matthew 224:35 MSG) In Matthew 5:18 Jesus affirms that God’s laws or Word will last long after everything else has eroded or been destroyed. The entire physical universe is (literally) "passing away," heading inexorably downhill toward ultimate death--with one exception! The Word and its glorious promises are eternal and immutable; they will not change!
Do you have anything in your life that is that stable and secure? You may not know all the “Words” the Bible talks about but there is one that you need to know. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) God love you in the days of John when that was written and He still loves you today. That word will not change but you will need to change your heart and simply accept that Word and His Love. Will you do that today?
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Present and Future Peace
I am one of the lucky ones in this life in that I had wonderful grandparents and a super mother who did their best to teach me the things I needed to know in life. They were not always successful but it was not because of their lack of trying; they were dedicated to that and their love could never be mistaken. Any failure was on my part in that as a young “bull-headed” kid I thought I knew what was best. Through it all though there is one thing I was always sure of; they loved me and I always had a safe place with them.
The blessings we have in Christ are far too many to number. First of all, in Christ "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7). As a result, "being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
Thus, through such promises, we are assured of His love for us and a safe place to find rest. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Further assurance is given by the presence of the Holy Spirit who comes to us when we believe on Christ. "You have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).
There are many other blessings that are ours in Christ. In Him, for example, "we have obtained an inheritance" (Ephesians 1:11), for we are joint-heirs with Him. We can be assured that when we need, which is always, that advocate who will speak on our behalf we are assured that "we have a great high priest" (Hebrews 4:14) ever living to intercede for us at the throne of God.
It was always a comfort to know that after the end of a long hard day, or a weekend off at some rodeo or even coming home on leave while in the Army there was a place for me. A place made safe and tidy by those who loved me. We also have that comfort for after this life when God calls us home, "we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," and then we are "to be present with the Lord" throughout the ages to come (2 Corinthians 5:8). These are a few of the blessings we have in Christ.
Do you know this love? Do you experience His presence everyday in your life? If you do not know or have experienced the peace in knowing that future; Let’s talk!
The blessings we have in Christ are far too many to number. First of all, in Christ "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7). As a result, "being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).
Thus, through such promises, we are assured of His love for us and a safe place to find rest. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Further assurance is given by the presence of the Holy Spirit who comes to us when we believe on Christ. "You have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).
There are many other blessings that are ours in Christ. In Him, for example, "we have obtained an inheritance" (Ephesians 1:11), for we are joint-heirs with Him. We can be assured that when we need, which is always, that advocate who will speak on our behalf we are assured that "we have a great high priest" (Hebrews 4:14) ever living to intercede for us at the throne of God.
It was always a comfort to know that after the end of a long hard day, or a weekend off at some rodeo or even coming home on leave while in the Army there was a place for me. A place made safe and tidy by those who loved me. We also have that comfort for after this life when God calls us home, "we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," and then we are "to be present with the Lord" throughout the ages to come (2 Corinthians 5:8). These are a few of the blessings we have in Christ.
Do you know this love? Do you experience His presence everyday in your life? If you do not know or have experienced the peace in knowing that future; Let’s talk!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Unexpected Damage
This Morning I had the opportunity to visit a Baptist Church in a local near us. They had recently completed a beautiful renovation of both the outside and inside of the church. They had spent thousands of dollars in painting, pews, new roof and other items that made the church building a beautiful thing to look at. But when I got inside the pastor took me on a tour of the recent devastation to all their work.
Three nights ago a thunderstorm blew in and dropped almost three inches of rain in a very short period. Along with the much needed rain came very strong winds blowing the water sideways.
As beautiful as the building was and with all the money spent on the construction it became obvious that some of the flashing was not installed correctly and the wind lifted it up and allowed a large amount of rain to blow in. This water then ran down the rafters of the roof and poured onto the sanctuary ceiling. The water pooled until it soaked the sheetrock and became heavy enough to break through.
Now the beautiful sanctuary has large holes cut in the ceiling with fans tied all over the attic to blow the moisture out and dry the area so repairs can be made.
I thought how true this is of our own lives. We can often build very impressive bodies through exercise, make-up, surgery and sometimes just a false attitude. But in many cases unless we take care we will allow spots to be exposed that when the storms of life hit us those troubles will be blown in and cause great damage.
David King of the Israelites knew this danger. Often he relied on his own strength and was beaten by his own sin. However there were times when his faith in his God was extraordinary and his realization on his need for God’s strength was clear. In Psalms 91:4 David acknowledges his reliance on God when he says: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Like that local Baptist Church we can trust in our own ability to keep the storms out, but through prayer and study of God’s Word we are much more likely to properly provide the protection need to head off many of the damage life’s storms can bring.
Three nights ago a thunderstorm blew in and dropped almost three inches of rain in a very short period. Along with the much needed rain came very strong winds blowing the water sideways.
As beautiful as the building was and with all the money spent on the construction it became obvious that some of the flashing was not installed correctly and the wind lifted it up and allowed a large amount of rain to blow in. This water then ran down the rafters of the roof and poured onto the sanctuary ceiling. The water pooled until it soaked the sheetrock and became heavy enough to break through.
Now the beautiful sanctuary has large holes cut in the ceiling with fans tied all over the attic to blow the moisture out and dry the area so repairs can be made.
I thought how true this is of our own lives. We can often build very impressive bodies through exercise, make-up, surgery and sometimes just a false attitude. But in many cases unless we take care we will allow spots to be exposed that when the storms of life hit us those troubles will be blown in and cause great damage.
David King of the Israelites knew this danger. Often he relied on his own strength and was beaten by his own sin. However there were times when his faith in his God was extraordinary and his realization on his need for God’s strength was clear. In Psalms 91:4 David acknowledges his reliance on God when he says: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Like that local Baptist Church we can trust in our own ability to keep the storms out, but through prayer and study of God’s Word we are much more likely to properly provide the protection need to head off many of the damage life’s storms can bring.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Give Thanks in Everything
It is easy to be happy and cheerful in times of prosperity, when one has all or some the comforts of an easy lifestyle. Everything seems to be going well. However the testing times come when these material comforts are somehow taken away, and one feels defeated and all alone. We have experienced this in South Texas with a major drought. With the lack of rain it seemed as if everyone’s spirits were drying up along with the grass.
It is a comfort to realize that whatever else may fail, God will never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Since we still have the Lord (assuming we have trusted Him for forgiveness and salvation, through Christ), we can always "rejoice in the Lord, . . .“
Job, for example, lost all his possessions, then his children, finally his health, and even his wife turned against him. Yet he could say: "the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).
Paul has encouraged each of us to give thanks in everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Not for everything, but in everything! This has always been one of the greatest testimonies a Christian can give to an unbeliever--the testimony of a life rejoicing in God's salvation even in the midst of tough times. This was the example of Christ Himself to us as He endured the pain of execution at the hands of those who did not understand and because of our sins. And He endured this pain “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).
Our joy in tough times will largely be determined by our stake that we place in this life with its possessions. If our attention is focused on today then we will fear the current tough times; the drought, the economy, the current conditions of morality. However, if our focus is on our God given call and the belief that all of this like grass will someday just burn away and our hope is in a God given future then we will find the strength to go beyond today and give thanks.
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herds in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
It is a comfort to realize that whatever else may fail, God will never leave us, nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Since we still have the Lord (assuming we have trusted Him for forgiveness and salvation, through Christ), we can always "rejoice in the Lord, . . .“
Job, for example, lost all his possessions, then his children, finally his health, and even his wife turned against him. Yet he could say: "the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21).
Paul has encouraged each of us to give thanks in everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Not for everything, but in everything! This has always been one of the greatest testimonies a Christian can give to an unbeliever--the testimony of a life rejoicing in God's salvation even in the midst of tough times. This was the example of Christ Himself to us as He endured the pain of execution at the hands of those who did not understand and because of our sins. And He endured this pain “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2).
Our joy in tough times will largely be determined by our stake that we place in this life with its possessions. If our attention is focused on today then we will fear the current tough times; the drought, the economy, the current conditions of morality. However, if our focus is on our God given call and the belief that all of this like grass will someday just burn away and our hope is in a God given future then we will find the strength to go beyond today and give thanks.
"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herds in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
God is at Work
There were many times in the history of God's chosen nation of Israel when mighty victories were accomplished. In the events surrounding Nehemiah’s re-building of the walls of Jerusalem, a ragged band of exiles had returned from captivity in Babylon and were attempting to rebuild the broken-down walls in spite of detractors saying it couldn't be done--but this courageous leader knew it had to be done!
Opposition to this work comes through ridicule (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3); threats of invasion (vv. 7-9); discouragement (v. 10); fear of attack (vv. 11-23); internal friction (5:1-5); diplomatic treachery (6:1-8); and lying prophets (6:10-14). But in the face of each threat, Nehemiah was equal to the task. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night" (4:9), and eventually, as we read in our text, "the wall was finished."
Nehemiah's victory was not of his own power but was preceded by his confession of his own sins and that of the people (1:6-11), and the purification and dedication of the people. It was followed by great rejoicing and blessing.
There are times in our lives when God wants to do a mighty work. It may be something as large as building the wall around Jerusalem which was the task Nehemiah had. The great work could be fixing a relationship that went bad or increasing in the ability of a certain ministry. Its completion can only be done when we confess our own sins and believe that God has forgiven us of those sins and dedicate our lives to His purpose. It is then that great rejoicing and blessings will be realized and people will understand that “this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16). May it be so!
Opposition to this work comes through ridicule (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:1-3); threats of invasion (vv. 7-9); discouragement (v. 10); fear of attack (vv. 11-23); internal friction (5:1-5); diplomatic treachery (6:1-8); and lying prophets (6:10-14). But in the face of each threat, Nehemiah was equal to the task. "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night" (4:9), and eventually, as we read in our text, "the wall was finished."
Nehemiah's victory was not of his own power but was preceded by his confession of his own sins and that of the people (1:6-11), and the purification and dedication of the people. It was followed by great rejoicing and blessing.
There are times in our lives when God wants to do a mighty work. It may be something as large as building the wall around Jerusalem which was the task Nehemiah had. The great work could be fixing a relationship that went bad or increasing in the ability of a certain ministry. Its completion can only be done when we confess our own sins and believe that God has forgiven us of those sins and dedicate our lives to His purpose. It is then that great rejoicing and blessings will be realized and people will understand that “this work was wrought of our God” (Nehemiah 6:16). May it be so!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Fast Easy Devotion
We enjoy our conveniences; they speed things up. Imagine how much time you save each morning with your automatic coffee maker, blow dryers and Toaster Studdels. How did the world survive without drive through hamburger joints? Communication is now so much faster with texting taking the place of emails which took the place of typed letters and so on. While I am writing this with “tongue in cheek” I do appreciate those things that do help up save time and make our lives more efficient.
However I do not think some things were meant to be stream lined. There are those things that need to be given attention. Talks with those you love, that lingering look at the sunset just cannot be shortened and still be effective.
Recently I was driving to Fort Worth and a church caught my attention. It wasn’t the architecture which was unusual but a gigantic banner that hung across the front that made me wonder if it was speaking to me. The banner read:
30 MINUTE WORSHIP SESSIONS
If we who call ourselves “people of God”, “followers of Christ”, “devoted Christians” cannot find in our weeks more than thirty-minutes to put all things aside and worship the God who created and loved us enough to give Himself for our eternal salvation then something in our “devotion” must be wrong.
I know how I felt when I saw the banner. I wonder how God felt when it was hung or how he feels each time people enter into His house with just thirty-minutes to give. We can spend two hours driving to and eating at a good restaurant. It is easy to spend three hours or more sitting in a movie theatre or even five hours in a club dancing with those we love but only have thirty minutes to worship the God who gave us the time to enjoy.
I know, nowhere does it say how long worship should be. But, still, it just hits me wrong!
However I do not think some things were meant to be stream lined. There are those things that need to be given attention. Talks with those you love, that lingering look at the sunset just cannot be shortened and still be effective.
Recently I was driving to Fort Worth and a church caught my attention. It wasn’t the architecture which was unusual but a gigantic banner that hung across the front that made me wonder if it was speaking to me. The banner read:
30 MINUTE WORSHIP SESSIONS
If we who call ourselves “people of God”, “followers of Christ”, “devoted Christians” cannot find in our weeks more than thirty-minutes to put all things aside and worship the God who created and loved us enough to give Himself for our eternal salvation then something in our “devotion” must be wrong.
I know how I felt when I saw the banner. I wonder how God felt when it was hung or how he feels each time people enter into His house with just thirty-minutes to give. We can spend two hours driving to and eating at a good restaurant. It is easy to spend three hours or more sitting in a movie theatre or even five hours in a club dancing with those we love but only have thirty minutes to worship the God who gave us the time to enjoy.
I know, nowhere does it say how long worship should be. But, still, it just hits me wrong!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Who is Training You?
Who trained you? Who helped you learn to accomplish certain tasks, tackle various activities? I would guess that you have probably had many trainers. Parents and Grand-parents maybe, aunts and uncles, school teachers, sports coaches and friends all are added to my list of trainers. Some taught me to do good things and others well lets just say not so good. Some of the lessons I learned well and still use their training today. Others I have outgrown or for whatever reason no longer need their guidance.
There is one activity that I continuously have to deal with; a fight that never seems to end. I wake up in the morning and face the battlefield. I often go to bed at night only to take a break in the action. It is not a battle against a person. It is not a competition against another antagonist. It is not financial worry per se. It is a spiritual battle that places me at odds with what God wants for my life.
The odd thing is that the best trainer for this battle is God. The Psalmist said “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” Psalm 144:1 We all know that King David faced many physical adversaries but the most devastating ones were those of a carnal and spiritual nature. David knew that God (Lord my Rock) was the only one who could help in most of his circumstances.
Do you face battles that you just can’t seem to win? Fights that all the training everyone else has given seems to be useless? The trainer you need stands in your corner ready to help and all you have to do is accept it. You say you don’t know how? You don’t believe that God would be willing to jump in on your side! He already has. At the cross He chose you to be on His side and accepted the position of Head Trainer. All you have to do is let Him become what He is.
If you have not done that. . . you’re loosing the battle already!
There is one activity that I continuously have to deal with; a fight that never seems to end. I wake up in the morning and face the battlefield. I often go to bed at night only to take a break in the action. It is not a battle against a person. It is not a competition against another antagonist. It is not financial worry per se. It is a spiritual battle that places me at odds with what God wants for my life.
The odd thing is that the best trainer for this battle is God. The Psalmist said “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” Psalm 144:1 We all know that King David faced many physical adversaries but the most devastating ones were those of a carnal and spiritual nature. David knew that God (Lord my Rock) was the only one who could help in most of his circumstances.
Do you face battles that you just can’t seem to win? Fights that all the training everyone else has given seems to be useless? The trainer you need stands in your corner ready to help and all you have to do is accept it. You say you don’t know how? You don’t believe that God would be willing to jump in on your side! He already has. At the cross He chose you to be on His side and accepted the position of Head Trainer. All you have to do is let Him become what He is.
If you have not done that. . . you’re loosing the battle already!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Something Bigger than Me
She came into my office different than I had ever seen her. Just a few days ago I saw her full of life, seemingly very confident and ready to take on the world. Now her eyes seemed empty, her shoulders slumped and her chin was not held quiet at high. She looked tired.
Those were almost her first words. After the normal greetings and polite handshake she sat down opposite my desk. I looked at her and waited for her to speak. After a big exhale of what seemed to be all of the energy she had left she quietly said “I just seem to be kind of lost”. She explained how she had been successful in high school and college. She had many friends but they all seemed to have moved on in life. They were either married now with other priorities or in other locations. The world she had created no longer existed and for the first time she was actually alone. She had changed jobs several times thinking that was the answer and in public she expended all her energy keeping up pretense that all was still perfect in her world. The truth was this was not the way she pictured the evolution of her life taking place.
It has been a number of years since she came into my office and now I believe I have a better answer for her than I did at that time. It is funny how one’s own experience educates and informs.
I can remember how full my life seemed when I got married, how it became more purposeful when each of my children were born, when I accepted the call to the ministry. Each of these events had one thing in common; they were much bigger than me. Each one took me out of my universe and placed me in something with more meaning. The truth is however, the young girl who walked into my office that day could have been me on several occasions in my life. It is easy for us to loose fact that there are things bigger than we are. That we need to have those “causes” to live for, to fight for and to champion.
What is the purpose of your life? Could it be that you too are just wondering around from one pasture to the next? Out of one gate and through another and never seeming to find your place? You have a purpose, a meaning in this world and there is only one who can show you the way. If you have never met Him or never really given your life to him, lets talk!
Those were almost her first words. After the normal greetings and polite handshake she sat down opposite my desk. I looked at her and waited for her to speak. After a big exhale of what seemed to be all of the energy she had left she quietly said “I just seem to be kind of lost”. She explained how she had been successful in high school and college. She had many friends but they all seemed to have moved on in life. They were either married now with other priorities or in other locations. The world she had created no longer existed and for the first time she was actually alone. She had changed jobs several times thinking that was the answer and in public she expended all her energy keeping up pretense that all was still perfect in her world. The truth was this was not the way she pictured the evolution of her life taking place.
It has been a number of years since she came into my office and now I believe I have a better answer for her than I did at that time. It is funny how one’s own experience educates and informs.
I can remember how full my life seemed when I got married, how it became more purposeful when each of my children were born, when I accepted the call to the ministry. Each of these events had one thing in common; they were much bigger than me. Each one took me out of my universe and placed me in something with more meaning. The truth is however, the young girl who walked into my office that day could have been me on several occasions in my life. It is easy for us to loose fact that there are things bigger than we are. That we need to have those “causes” to live for, to fight for and to champion.
What is the purpose of your life? Could it be that you too are just wondering around from one pasture to the next? Out of one gate and through another and never seeming to find your place? You have a purpose, a meaning in this world and there is only one who can show you the way. If you have never met Him or never really given your life to him, lets talk!
Standing Alone
Between Cotulla and San Antonio there is a pasture and in the middle of that pasture stands one Oak Tree; big, old and alone. I am sure there are other places with other pastures and other Oak Trees but this one is special to me for some reason. It is not a landmark that reminds me I am getting close to my destination. It is not a particularly pretty picture; I have never caught the sun rising or setting behind it. But it has become special and I always notice it.
It reminds me that sometimes in our faith we feel like we are standing all alone. Like the King David who wrote “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7). Where are those who support us? Where are those who can give us comfort?
However, the old Oak tree standing all alone in that pasture is fulfilling a great duty. It has probably served as shade for many animals in the heat of the day. It serves as a sanctuary for birds and a place to rest weary wings. It serves as a source of strength for me as I drive past. It may be reminding me that I am not alone. In working out my duty I may be providing shade and rest for those who are near me. I pray it be so!
It reminds me of another tree. A tree that my savior died on; that tree at Calvary. It reminds me of the words of Jesus on that tree as He felt alone and deserted: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Matthew 27:46) It is because of that Tree when I start feeling alone, like a bird alone on the roof that I realize I am not alone. Truth is that I find shade, rest and peace because of that lone tree and you can too. You ask how? You don’t know that rest and peace? Then we need to talk!
It reminds me that sometimes in our faith we feel like we are standing all alone. Like the King David who wrote “I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7). Where are those who support us? Where are those who can give us comfort?
However, the old Oak tree standing all alone in that pasture is fulfilling a great duty. It has probably served as shade for many animals in the heat of the day. It serves as a sanctuary for birds and a place to rest weary wings. It serves as a source of strength for me as I drive past. It may be reminding me that I am not alone. In working out my duty I may be providing shade and rest for those who are near me. I pray it be so!
It reminds me of another tree. A tree that my savior died on; that tree at Calvary. It reminds me of the words of Jesus on that tree as He felt alone and deserted: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” (Matthew 27:46) It is because of that Tree when I start feeling alone, like a bird alone on the roof that I realize I am not alone. Truth is that I find shade, rest and peace because of that lone tree and you can too. You ask how? You don’t know that rest and peace? Then we need to talk!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Riding the Rapids Backwards
This is actually a blog that I submitted when we left Virginia. I thought it sort of fit where we are now. Life does not always “flow” the way we want it to. Sometimes we have trouble navigating our trails the way we want to. Like that horse that wants to buck on cold mornings, or that cow that never wants to drive, you just have to take life as it comes sometimes and “let go and let God. . .”.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The last place Debbie and I lived was a small town called Brookneal, Virginia. The Staunton River flowed through it. For many who may look on a map yours may say the Roanoke River but actually there is a small stretch that is properly named the Staunton. It was named after a protection force that covered a stretch of the river protecting the settlers from Indians. It is a beautiful scenic part of the river where the water flows at a fast clip. People will usually put their canoes or kayaks in at Long Island, Virginia and float down to Brookneal. There is one day a year when the whole area seems to come out and have one big “Fun Float Day.”
I had the opportunity several times to take a kayak down the river with people who were experts and kept me out of trouble in the rapids and shoots. I found that it wasn’t too difficult most of the time if you simply paid attention and used a little common sense. However, Debbie and I wanted to join in on the fun and decided to borrow a canoe and go with another family down the beautiful stretch of God’s creation. We didn’t seem to be having any problem until we got to the first major rapid. I stayed back and let David and Cindy show us the line to take. I found that “driving” a canoe with two people was different than maneuvering a solo kayak and we found ourselves sideways against a rock with all the force of the rive trying to move us and the rock. Everything I tried seem to tip us over just a bit farther. If it had been just me I would not have been worried but Debbie is a survival swimmer (just good enough to save herself if she is in trouble) and I was afraid that if she went into the fast running water she would panic.
Realizing that everything I tried was getting us into more trouble I decided that we needed to let the water carry us around the rock, even though it was be backwards, and try to save the situation later. We both pulled up oars and I gave a little push to move the center of the canoe off the rock and the water took over. Needless to say there was no opportunity to “right” ourselves and we somehow shot the whole rapid backwards. Luckily there are no fronts and backs on most canoes so it did not know the difference.
We arrived at the end of the rapid dry and upright. I was laughing, Debbie was big eyed and David and Cindy were amazed. To make a wonderful long story bearable and short we ended up doing this in every rapid but one which says a lot about my ability to drive a canoe.
Sometimes you just have to let go and flow with the river. I have found this to be the case in my spiritual life as well. Sometimes God works so powerful and out of the ordinary that my own attempt to maneuver the rapid is futile. I find myself against rocks and doing everything I can just to stay upright. It is in those times that I just lift my paddle and “let go and let God.”
Most of the time I do not like loosing control of my life, but there are those times that God reminds me that ultimately I am not in control, and it is in those times that I ride the river backwards and feel most free.
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow. The last place Debbie and I lived was a small town called Brookneal, Virginia. The Staunton River flowed through it. For many who may look on a map yours may say the Roanoke River but actually there is a small stretch that is properly named the Staunton. It was named after a protection force that covered a stretch of the river protecting the settlers from Indians. It is a beautiful scenic part of the river where the water flows at a fast clip. People will usually put their canoes or kayaks in at Long Island, Virginia and float down to Brookneal. There is one day a year when the whole area seems to come out and have one big “Fun Float Day.”
I had the opportunity several times to take a kayak down the river with people who were experts and kept me out of trouble in the rapids and shoots. I found that it wasn’t too difficult most of the time if you simply paid attention and used a little common sense. However, Debbie and I wanted to join in on the fun and decided to borrow a canoe and go with another family down the beautiful stretch of God’s creation. We didn’t seem to be having any problem until we got to the first major rapid. I stayed back and let David and Cindy show us the line to take. I found that “driving” a canoe with two people was different than maneuvering a solo kayak and we found ourselves sideways against a rock with all the force of the rive trying to move us and the rock. Everything I tried seem to tip us over just a bit farther. If it had been just me I would not have been worried but Debbie is a survival swimmer (just good enough to save herself if she is in trouble) and I was afraid that if she went into the fast running water she would panic.
Realizing that everything I tried was getting us into more trouble I decided that we needed to let the water carry us around the rock, even though it was be backwards, and try to save the situation later. We both pulled up oars and I gave a little push to move the center of the canoe off the rock and the water took over. Needless to say there was no opportunity to “right” ourselves and we somehow shot the whole rapid backwards. Luckily there are no fronts and backs on most canoes so it did not know the difference.
We arrived at the end of the rapid dry and upright. I was laughing, Debbie was big eyed and David and Cindy were amazed. To make a wonderful long story bearable and short we ended up doing this in every rapid but one which says a lot about my ability to drive a canoe.
Sometimes you just have to let go and flow with the river. I have found this to be the case in my spiritual life as well. Sometimes God works so powerful and out of the ordinary that my own attempt to maneuver the rapid is futile. I find myself against rocks and doing everything I can just to stay upright. It is in those times that I just lift my paddle and “let go and let God.”
Most of the time I do not like loosing control of my life, but there are those times that God reminds me that ultimately I am not in control, and it is in those times that I ride the river backwards and feel most free.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Born to Do Something!
”I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live” Ecclesiastes 3:12
Three years ago I inherited a Smooth Border Collie from my oldest son. He named her Dallas and while at the time I did not want a dog I would not take anything for her now. It wasn’t that I did not like dogs. I have almost always had one. But I did not have the time to take care of one. The training and care of a dog takes time. Well I got her anyway and in three days she was mine and there was no question. You seldom see me now without her.
While at the time we did not have any stock Debbie and I did several things with her to help her burn off her young energy. We took long walks and played ball and Frisbee on the football field. I started training her to be obedient and calm. She learned to trust me and her lessons came easy. She is a smart dog.
However, she was not born to fetch balls, nor run 70 – 80 yards full out to catch a Frisbee. Her blood does not run through her body to walk on rails. She is a herder and herd she must. To this day she cannot be comfortable unless she knows where everyone is. She will pace back and forth in the house from room to room checking and making sure her herd is safe. The only time she can relax is when Debbie and I are in the same room and still. That is what she was born to do. That is when she is happy because she is doing good!
We all have our “gifts”; those things it seems we were born to do. What is yours? Do you hear the word of the “preacher” in Ecclesiastes; “there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live”. For those of us who have experienced the new birth are re-born to do good works. Paul says: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10. If you are a follower of Christ and are not happy it may be because your focus is on something other than what you were born for. Only you can change that, do it today.
If you have not followed Christ as your Lord and Savior and you are tired of chasing Frisbees and fetching balls and seem to be lost and unhappy give me a call (respond) and let me tell you how you can find what you were created to do. For there is ‘nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”
Three years ago I inherited a Smooth Border Collie from my oldest son. He named her Dallas and while at the time I did not want a dog I would not take anything for her now. It wasn’t that I did not like dogs. I have almost always had one. But I did not have the time to take care of one. The training and care of a dog takes time. Well I got her anyway and in three days she was mine and there was no question. You seldom see me now without her.
While at the time we did not have any stock Debbie and I did several things with her to help her burn off her young energy. We took long walks and played ball and Frisbee on the football field. I started training her to be obedient and calm. She learned to trust me and her lessons came easy. She is a smart dog.
However, she was not born to fetch balls, nor run 70 – 80 yards full out to catch a Frisbee. Her blood does not run through her body to walk on rails. She is a herder and herd she must. To this day she cannot be comfortable unless she knows where everyone is. She will pace back and forth in the house from room to room checking and making sure her herd is safe. The only time she can relax is when Debbie and I are in the same room and still. That is what she was born to do. That is when she is happy because she is doing good!
We all have our “gifts”; those things it seems we were born to do. What is yours? Do you hear the word of the “preacher” in Ecclesiastes; “there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live”. For those of us who have experienced the new birth are re-born to do good works. Paul says: “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10. If you are a follower of Christ and are not happy it may be because your focus is on something other than what you were born for. Only you can change that, do it today.
If you have not followed Christ as your Lord and Savior and you are tired of chasing Frisbees and fetching balls and seem to be lost and unhappy give me a call (respond) and let me tell you how you can find what you were created to do. For there is ‘nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.”
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Follow My Leader
The good thing about pushing your cattle is that you usually have an idea which ones you would like in front and who you want in front leading them along. It doesn’t always work out like that but when it does it is much easier. When you have someone riding point that knows the way and some good cows in front of the bunch then you usually get where you are going with much less headaches.
Our spiritual lives are much like that. We have the best point man ever. Jesus said that if we wanted to be His disciples we should deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. That means we have to keep our eyes out ahead and know which way He is leading us. We need to have faith that in following Him we will go the right way. We deny our own desire to go this way or that way in favor of following him.
But there are others that help in that guide. Hebrews says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Those who have gone on before us and can help show us the way. Sometime the trail may get a little dusty and we may not be able to make out our lead but if we have the right people in front of us then we can stay on track.
Many people think those are only the ones spoken of in Hebrews 11; those “fathers of the faith” who accomplished mighty acts of faith. But I believe it can even be closer to us. That father or grandfather, or mentor of some sort could be that witness to us. It might be someone in your church or maybe your pastor but I believe that God will give us that help as we need it.
Yep, thinking about that drive, you will agree that we have the best point man guiding us, and those who we can trust to follow, but that means there may be someone behind you. Someone whose view at this point in time may not be a good as yours. The only fly swishing tail they may be able to see is yours. Which way are you leading them?
Our spiritual lives are much like that. We have the best point man ever. Jesus said that if we wanted to be His disciples we should deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. That means we have to keep our eyes out ahead and know which way He is leading us. We need to have faith that in following Him we will go the right way. We deny our own desire to go this way or that way in favor of following him.
But there are others that help in that guide. Hebrews says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Those who have gone on before us and can help show us the way. Sometime the trail may get a little dusty and we may not be able to make out our lead but if we have the right people in front of us then we can stay on track.
Many people think those are only the ones spoken of in Hebrews 11; those “fathers of the faith” who accomplished mighty acts of faith. But I believe it can even be closer to us. That father or grandfather, or mentor of some sort could be that witness to us. It might be someone in your church or maybe your pastor but I believe that God will give us that help as we need it.
Yep, thinking about that drive, you will agree that we have the best point man guiding us, and those who we can trust to follow, but that means there may be someone behind you. Someone whose view at this point in time may not be a good as yours. The only fly swishing tail they may be able to see is yours. Which way are you leading them?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Piles of Rocks, Piles of Stories
I remember going to the Terry County Cotton Gin with my father and grand-father when I was a boy. Most of the time it consisted of me sitting just outside a small square table with a green slate top and four chairs filled with “old” men playing dominoes. I was to be quiet, watch and listen. I learned a lot about dominoes but learned more about R. B.’s new ropin’ horse, or how Ed’s cow-dog turned a bull in drive years back. I learned that stories, while often stretched, were important and there was always a kernel of truth in them. I remember my grand-dad saying, after a particularly fascinating story, “first liar never stands a chance,” and everyone laughing. I still love those stories!
Those stories were important. They gave geographical landmarks like “the place where that filly paint threw ol’ Jim”. Or, that salt flat that the calf got stuck in “clean up to her neck” just south of Brownfield. They also gave moral landmarks like the times good and bad deals made on napkins over coffee and a handshake at the local café. But those stories were important!
The Bible is filled with examples of the importance of stories. In Exodus God tells Moses that they are to remember the times they spent in the desert and tell their children so they would never forget. Sometimes there would be physical landmarks made that would be a starting point to tell the stories. In Joshua the third chapter God is going to lead the Hebrew mass across a raging, flooded Jordan river. When this is completed He tells Joshua to get men from each tribe and get stones from the middle of the river and place them on the bank. Why? We verse six tells us “…to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Every time a family would make the journey they would see the pile of rocks and the father would tell the story. They were to never forget. The stories were important!
There is another story the Bible tells. It tells of God loving me so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to live the life I cannot not and to die the death I deserve so that I might have the life He wishes for me. Every time I see a cross I remember that story. I told it to my children and now tell it to others. The story is important!
Do you know that story? If you don’t email me or comment and lets talk. I would love to tell you my story because it is yours too. THE STORY IS IMPORTANT!
Those stories were important. They gave geographical landmarks like “the place where that filly paint threw ol’ Jim”. Or, that salt flat that the calf got stuck in “clean up to her neck” just south of Brownfield. They also gave moral landmarks like the times good and bad deals made on napkins over coffee and a handshake at the local café. But those stories were important!
The Bible is filled with examples of the importance of stories. In Exodus God tells Moses that they are to remember the times they spent in the desert and tell their children so they would never forget. Sometimes there would be physical landmarks made that would be a starting point to tell the stories. In Joshua the third chapter God is going to lead the Hebrew mass across a raging, flooded Jordan river. When this is completed He tells Joshua to get men from each tribe and get stones from the middle of the river and place them on the bank. Why? We verse six tells us “…to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Every time a family would make the journey they would see the pile of rocks and the father would tell the story. They were to never forget. The stories were important!
There is another story the Bible tells. It tells of God loving me so much that He sent Jesus, His Son, to live the life I cannot not and to die the death I deserve so that I might have the life He wishes for me. Every time I see a cross I remember that story. I told it to my children and now tell it to others. The story is important!
Do you know that story? If you don’t email me or comment and lets talk. I would love to tell you my story because it is yours too. THE STORY IS IMPORTANT!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Squeeze Chute
You have seen it. You push that yearling or old mama cow down the alley and into the squeeze chute, her head gets pinched off from the rest of her body, she blows hard and her eyes are a little wild with fear, or at least a lack of understanding. She does not realize that what is taking place is not bad for her but because of this crisis she finds herself in now she will be a better cow. She will be vaccinated, palpated, blood will be drawn to be tested and a myriad of other things. But when she is released and returned to her herd she will be better able to be what she is supposed to be.
James said that we should “count it pure joy. . .whenever you face trial of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4 NIV) Another way to say this may be that when we find ourselves in the “squeeze-chute” of life we should not panic but understand that when all the “doctorin’” is done we will be in better shape to face our futures and be the person we were created to be.
That does not necessarily mean that the “squeeze-chute” of life is fun, or even comfortable but if we are looking for it we will find the meaning of our “testing” and when we are in God’s will we will even be able to find a peace.
I pray today that you are able to find the peace that Jesus has to offer in this life. If you do not have that peace because of a situation you are in then give it to Jesus. Let him teach you how to handle it…then you will find that when your faith develops perseverance the outcome will be that you will be a step closer to being mature and complete!
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