Lord, as I sit here tonight my mind drifts to Kermit. I wonder what You are doing there. What are You doing in the local churches? What are You doing in the lives of those seeking You? What are You doing to prepare the way for a revival move?
I wonder what lost men and women are under conviction because You are working in them? I wonder what burdens You are putting on the pastors? What new visions are You revealing? How are You working in the lives of families?
I know You are doing something. You keep placing Kermit so heavily on my heart. I know You are up to something. I want to join You in that work. I want to see You move mightily in that town. I want to see You give those faithful pastors a fresh anointing and fruit for all their labors.
I ask You to send seasons of refreshing to all the churches. I ask You to ignite passion and desire in the people to serve You faithfully. I ask You to win the masses of lost people to You. I ask You to prepare the way for days of revival.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Milk And Memories
Like so many other times with a family of six we ran out of milk today. Unlike in days gone by we could not go out to the barn to the milk cow for more. Like so many other spoiled Americans we go to the grocery store for milk. For us that means close to a twenty mile round trip.
I didn't want to go especially after a leg work out day. I wanted to curl up in my chair for a relaxing evening before bed. I almost got Taylor to do it but I know he was worn out from a grueling work out. So I decided I would do it. Brenda cooked dinner after getting off work while we were still pumping iron. It would not have been fair to ask her to do it. Tanner is in Galveston enjoying a senior trip wit his best buddies from high school. Tucker is hanging out with friends for a few hours.
I recruited Turner to go with me. It turned out to be a special night. We listened to good music, sang together, laughed, got the milk and got out. We were having such a good time we ended up driving an extra ten minutes listening to music and laughing. It turned out to be a rather special night with my youngest boy and me.
I cherish the time we spent together like I do with all my boys. They are growing up way too fast. Now I have two out of high school. Where I now enjoy a table for six in just two and half months we will sit down to four place settings instead of six. Tucker has only two years of high school left. Tuner is starting his last year of junior high. The memories are many and vivid. I am blessed. Yet I know the nest will one day be empty. While I am proud of my boys it saddens me they will all way too soon fly the nest and eventually have families of their own. So I thank God for nights like tonight, or one one one meals Taylor and I have enjoyed since he got home from college. I cannot express my gratitude to God for the trip Tanner and I made out to Wayland back in the spring to visit. I enjoy the trips Tucker and I take together for his rehab the two of us. All blessings I do not want to take for granted.
How many times does God take mundane and unpleasant circumstances and turn them into something unexpectedly sweet. He did that for me tonight. I will never forget this trip go get milk and the memories made along the way.
I didn't want to go especially after a leg work out day. I wanted to curl up in my chair for a relaxing evening before bed. I almost got Taylor to do it but I know he was worn out from a grueling work out. So I decided I would do it. Brenda cooked dinner after getting off work while we were still pumping iron. It would not have been fair to ask her to do it. Tanner is in Galveston enjoying a senior trip wit his best buddies from high school. Tucker is hanging out with friends for a few hours.
I recruited Turner to go with me. It turned out to be a special night. We listened to good music, sang together, laughed, got the milk and got out. We were having such a good time we ended up driving an extra ten minutes listening to music and laughing. It turned out to be a rather special night with my youngest boy and me.
I cherish the time we spent together like I do with all my boys. They are growing up way too fast. Now I have two out of high school. Where I now enjoy a table for six in just two and half months we will sit down to four place settings instead of six. Tucker has only two years of high school left. Tuner is starting his last year of junior high. The memories are many and vivid. I am blessed. Yet I know the nest will one day be empty. While I am proud of my boys it saddens me they will all way too soon fly the nest and eventually have families of their own. So I thank God for nights like tonight, or one one one meals Taylor and I have enjoyed since he got home from college. I cannot express my gratitude to God for the trip Tanner and I made out to Wayland back in the spring to visit. I enjoy the trips Tucker and I take together for his rehab the two of us. All blessings I do not want to take for granted.
How many times does God take mundane and unpleasant circumstances and turn them into something unexpectedly sweet. He did that for me tonight. I will never forget this trip go get milk and the memories made along the way.
Monday, May 30, 2016
The Least Of These
Matthew 25:34-46 (NASB)
34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;
36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
38 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
39 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
40 "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'
44 "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
45 "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
46 "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
It is easy to forget the least of these. Whether it be the elderly who are no longer able to be active and visible in society, those living in poverty, or forgotten people groups who have never heard the name of Jesus.
It is much easier for churches to target the upwardly mobile, the successful, the middle class, atnd the people who are most like us. It is a greater challenge to go after the down and out, the homeless, the unlovely and unwanted.
Saturday afternoon I took a wrong turn outside of downtown Fort Worth and found myself driving through a less than desirable part of town. I saw people passed out on the sidewalks, Others stumbling along seemingly intoxicated. I saw what I can only describe as a tent city where people have made homes. All their belongings kept in garbage bags. Clothes were dirty and tattered. Does Jesus love these?
Only a few doors down I saw a rescue mission. God is using someone to reach out to the least of these.
I shared an email from a friend who has a daughter in Athens, Greece ministering to Iranian refugees. They are the least of these.
God has called me to make trips back to Honduras in the near future to minister to the Chorti Indians who make up some of the least of these. They live in poverty and most have never heard the name of Jesus.
My friend Keith works with a ministry called Church Under The Tree. They minister to unlovely and unsavory students and are making a great impact on the least of these.
The least of these are all around us. Some walked across stages this past Friday night or Saturday graduating from high school. They will slip through the cracks forgotten, ill equipped to find a good job, and unable and uninterested in furthering their education. I wonder what will happen to them. While the crowds applauded the accomplishments of the elite the least of these slipped by unnoticed and uncelebrated.
God knows their name. He created them with purpose and sent Jesus to the cross to redeem them. May I never shrink back from loving the least of these.
34 "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;
36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.'
37 "Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?
38 'And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?
39 'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'
40 "The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'
44 "Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
45 "Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
46 "These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
It is easy to forget the least of these. Whether it be the elderly who are no longer able to be active and visible in society, those living in poverty, or forgotten people groups who have never heard the name of Jesus.
It is much easier for churches to target the upwardly mobile, the successful, the middle class, atnd the people who are most like us. It is a greater challenge to go after the down and out, the homeless, the unlovely and unwanted.
Saturday afternoon I took a wrong turn outside of downtown Fort Worth and found myself driving through a less than desirable part of town. I saw people passed out on the sidewalks, Others stumbling along seemingly intoxicated. I saw what I can only describe as a tent city where people have made homes. All their belongings kept in garbage bags. Clothes were dirty and tattered. Does Jesus love these?
Only a few doors down I saw a rescue mission. God is using someone to reach out to the least of these.
I shared an email from a friend who has a daughter in Athens, Greece ministering to Iranian refugees. They are the least of these.
God has called me to make trips back to Honduras in the near future to minister to the Chorti Indians who make up some of the least of these. They live in poverty and most have never heard the name of Jesus.
My friend Keith works with a ministry called Church Under The Tree. They minister to unlovely and unsavory students and are making a great impact on the least of these.
The least of these are all around us. Some walked across stages this past Friday night or Saturday graduating from high school. They will slip through the cracks forgotten, ill equipped to find a good job, and unable and uninterested in furthering their education. I wonder what will happen to them. While the crowds applauded the accomplishments of the elite the least of these slipped by unnoticed and uncelebrated.
God knows their name. He created them with purpose and sent Jesus to the cross to redeem them. May I never shrink back from loving the least of these.
What Color Do I Paint My Nails
I received this email from a friend of mine. The email is from his daughter who lives in Athens, Greece ministering alongside her husband to refugees. As the refugees flee from terrorist nations seeking refuge what they have found is hardship. Extreme poverty. Homelessness. Hunger. Hopelessness. Despair.
In the midst of this Julie and her husband share the love of Jesus. Many have been saved. While their internal souls are secure their external circumstances are difficult and remain challenging. Julie's email to her dad proved convicting to me. Her words have a bite especially for those of us living in the United States. We would do well to heed Paul's advice. Philippians 4:11-12 (NASB)
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
In the midst of this Julie and her husband share the love of Jesus. Many have been saved. While their internal souls are secure their external circumstances are difficult and remain challenging. Julie's email to her dad proved convicting to me. Her words have a bite especially for those of us living in the United States. We would do well to heed Paul's advice. Philippians 4:11-12 (NASB)
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Here is Julie's email.
Beggars, tear stains, hot fresh vanilla cake, and other things that really matter...
Yesterday was really tough on me. I didn't even realize it until I lay down to sleep last night, and sleep just wouldn't come.As I started processing the events of the day, I realized that my day was worth sharing because maybe, just maybe, others can glean something from it as I have.Sometimes I'm met head on with the realities of this country I live in and the severity of the situation faced by not only the natives of this country, but also of those passing through. Sometimes I realize how incredibly blessed I am. And yesterday was one of those days.As I left my apartment building yesterday afternoon, I was met by a beggar. He was mere steps from my from door, squatted down, head bowed, hand holding an empty cup outstretched. Mere steps from my front door. I see people on a weekly basis digging from the dumpster close to my apartment, but this was just a whole new level to attempt to comprehend. Heart wrenching.Later yesterday evening, I went to the Farsi church service. A sweet Arabic woman, and new believer, met me with a smile. My sweet friend and her young family recently escaped their home country. They have very little money, hardly any worldly possessions to speak of, but here she comes, with that beautiful smile and bright eyes, holding a bag in her hands. The bag was for me. A gift, she said. For me. Inside, I find a new, beautiful shirt, chosen special just for me and freshly baked, hot, straight from the oven vanilla cake, wrapped with care, made with true love. And the whole time I'm opening the brown packing tape-wrapped plastic bag, she's apologizing for the poor wrapping. No, my friend. I'm the one who should be apologizing. You showed me love today. Love without borders. Love without conditions. True love.After church last night, another sweet lady comes close to talk to me. She whispers through teary eyes and broken English, "Pray for me. Very difficult for me." I hold her and hug her, and the tears keep coming. Her 7 1/2 month pregnant baby belly is sandwiched by our embrace. And she just lays her head on my shoulder and cries, tears staining my shirt. I find out later that the reason for her tears is not merely hormonal, as one would assume. She and her husband literally had not place to lay their heads to sleep last night. No home. No place to stay.And in the meantime, I cry because I live in a concrete jungle with no grass. I contemplate what color to paint my fingernails. I walk into the grocery store to buy groceries, when I have cabinets full of food at home.I am blessed beyond belief.
And so are you my friend. So are you.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Pleasing My Lord
I want to please my Lord,
To worship the One I adore,
To listen daily and to obey,
To follow You day by day,
To surrender to Your cause,
To wait when You say pause,
To leap in faith when called,
To love with heart enthralled,
To serve till life's last breath,
Faithful till embraced in death,
To worship the One I adore,
To listen daily and to obey,
To follow You day by day,
To surrender to Your cause,
To wait when You say pause,
To leap in faith when called,
To love with heart enthralled,
To serve till life's last breath,
Faithful till embraced in death,
Super Hero
Which is it? Superman or Batman? Captain America or Iron Man? Flash or Aquaman? Spiderman or Hulk? From comics to the big screen these things have been debated and each hero as a loyal following. This was even a topic around my dining table not long ago.
The conversation changed abruptly when I asked why there was no talk among my prodigy of the greatest super hero of all - JESUS CHRIST!
He died to save and forgive. That is the act of a super hero. Transforming lives. Setting the captives free. Transferring people from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God's light. Making people brand new from the inside out. Jesus is my hero.
He is my commander in chief. My superior officer. 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NASB)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The conversation changed abruptly when I asked why there was no talk among my prodigy of the greatest super hero of all - JESUS CHRIST!
He died to save and forgive. That is the act of a super hero. Transforming lives. Setting the captives free. Transferring people from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God's light. Making people brand new from the inside out. Jesus is my hero.
He is my commander in chief. My superior officer. 2 Timothy 2:1-4 (NASB)
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
I have drunk deeply from the cup of grace. I have become intoxicated on the sweet wine of Jesus and forgiveness. I have enlisted in his army and there is no turning back. \
Daily I awake and come before my commanding officer to get my marching orders for the day. In recent days that meant rejoicing with a couple at the birth of a child. I ministered to a family in the emergency room. I prayed with a family beside the bedside of a dying wife, mother, and grandmother. I've met with people concerning the Shake the Campus revivals. I have preached and taught the word of God.
I don't know what all Jesus has in mind for me. It does not matter. He is my hero and I pledge my loyalty to Him. I follow where He leads. I obey what He commands. I go where He sends me. He gives the order and I say yes sir.
I fall in line with scores of other people before me who have enlisted in the army of God. They are a great cloud of witnesses. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding
us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily
entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
My hero does not wear a cape but wore a crown of thorns and a cross. Today He sits at the right hand of God. Soon he will come back on a white horse as a righteous judge. I am proud to be counted in his number. I pledge my life to my hero JESUS. When He appears every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord - the GREATEST SUPERHERO IN HISTORY!
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Lessons From The End Of A Sledge Hammer
I found myself on the end of a sledge hammer one day this week. The boys and I had a project that required some hard labor pounding sledge hammers. Like the old saying goes, "We worked from can to can't." Before we started Taylor said he would work out no matter what. Some eight hours later he changed his mind. We all got a differed work out in the school of hard manual labor.
We worked up a sweat rotating between two twelve pound hammers. Our backs ached. Our hands grew swollen. Our shoulders grew weary. And our resolve weakened with every swing of those hammers. Near the end they felt like twelve thousand pound hammers.
Periodically I looked to see how much work we had left. Disheartened I put my head down and kept pounding. Blow after blow. Blunt force after blunt force. Drop of sweat after drop of sweat. Hour after hour we pounded until by the force of our labor and the resolve of our will the obstacle yielded.
When we finished I took a bath. I never take baths preferring the efficient of the shower. I soaked in a tub of warm water and told Brenda not to wait for me for dinner. In that moment I don't own what felt better. The relief from a long hard day of work. Or the dread of having to do more of the same the next day. The last time I felt that way was a weekend of hauling hay.
It has been a long week of physical labor. I am proud of my boys. They worked HARD. They did not complain. Even after early morning workouts, a day at school, they worked from lunch until after dinner that day (two of them got out school early and Taylor is home from college.)
Like so many other things in life there are lessons to be learned at the end of a sledge hammer.
1. There are obstacles in life. Some bigger than others. Something stands in the way from where we are and where God wants us to be. There are no easy ways to get around the obstacles. Praying for mountains to move can feel like pounding a hammer. By faith we believe God to move our obstacles. [Mark 11:23-24]
2. In life you have to keep pounding. Even when you are tired, discouraged, and have lost your resolve to keep going to have to endure and keep pounding. When everything in you screams to quit, give up, walk away, and throw in the towel you have to pound with perseverance. [Gal 6:9] [Ps 27:13-14] Sometimes it may not seem like you are making much progress but with God's help slow and steady wins the race. You must keep plodding through life and pounding your hammer on the anvil God has put before you. I know quitting seems like a better option. It is easier. DON'T GIVE UP. DON'T QUT TRUSTING GOD NOW. You have come to far to turn back now. Take another swing. Then another. Keep slinging your hammer. The breakthrough will come, the harvest will come, the mountain will move, and the circumstances will change.
3. Take the long view. Keep your eyes on the end result. When you are weary and and your resolve wanes keep the goal in mind. Encourage yourself with the truth just as there is a starting point there is also an ending point. One day this life will end for each of us. No matter how hard our journey may be the redeemed will leave this world. Heaven in the presence of the Lord Jesus will be worth all we endured. The suffering will end. The trials will fade. Hard toil will cease. Tears will be wiped away. Sorrows will get soothed. Keep your eyes on that goal. Set your mind on the things above and not on the things of this earth. [Col 3:2]
4. Enjoy the people you journey with in life. The journey may not be pleasant all the time. Pounding your hammer may not be easy. You can still enjoy the journey. You can still enjoy the people you journey through life along side. The people in our life make the journey a little easier. Family and friends in health situations provide unconditional love, encouragement, and support. They spur us on when we feel like quitting. That is why it is important to be connected to a body of believers in the context of a local church. [Heb 10:24-25] We need people. We need the body of Christ. We need their prayers and help along life's pilgrimage. Take time to enjoy the people God puts in your life to journey along side. Don't take people for granted. Take snap shots of the heart. Let the memories you build with family, friends, and church family leave deep imprints on the mind.
5. Finish. Whatever it is God has put before you to do finish. Noah built the ark. Moses delivered Israel from Egypt. Joseph kept finding favor with God in the little things and God promoted him to bigger things. David conquered his enemies and built a strong nation. Paul preached the gospel and wrote most of the New Testament enduring persecution. They all finished. They all completed what God called them to do. Finish the task God has put before you. Finish the work God has assigned to you. Read that book. Earn that degree. Go on that mission trip. Run that marathon. Teach that class. Pastor that flock. Finish. Finishing is a habit just like quitting. Cultivate the habit of finishing. [Heb 12:1]
We worked up a sweat rotating between two twelve pound hammers. Our backs ached. Our hands grew swollen. Our shoulders grew weary. And our resolve weakened with every swing of those hammers. Near the end they felt like twelve thousand pound hammers.
Periodically I looked to see how much work we had left. Disheartened I put my head down and kept pounding. Blow after blow. Blunt force after blunt force. Drop of sweat after drop of sweat. Hour after hour we pounded until by the force of our labor and the resolve of our will the obstacle yielded.
When we finished I took a bath. I never take baths preferring the efficient of the shower. I soaked in a tub of warm water and told Brenda not to wait for me for dinner. In that moment I don't own what felt better. The relief from a long hard day of work. Or the dread of having to do more of the same the next day. The last time I felt that way was a weekend of hauling hay.
It has been a long week of physical labor. I am proud of my boys. They worked HARD. They did not complain. Even after early morning workouts, a day at school, they worked from lunch until after dinner that day (two of them got out school early and Taylor is home from college.)
Like so many other things in life there are lessons to be learned at the end of a sledge hammer.
1. There are obstacles in life. Some bigger than others. Something stands in the way from where we are and where God wants us to be. There are no easy ways to get around the obstacles. Praying for mountains to move can feel like pounding a hammer. By faith we believe God to move our obstacles. [Mark 11:23-24]
2. In life you have to keep pounding. Even when you are tired, discouraged, and have lost your resolve to keep going to have to endure and keep pounding. When everything in you screams to quit, give up, walk away, and throw in the towel you have to pound with perseverance. [Gal 6:9] [Ps 27:13-14] Sometimes it may not seem like you are making much progress but with God's help slow and steady wins the race. You must keep plodding through life and pounding your hammer on the anvil God has put before you. I know quitting seems like a better option. It is easier. DON'T GIVE UP. DON'T QUT TRUSTING GOD NOW. You have come to far to turn back now. Take another swing. Then another. Keep slinging your hammer. The breakthrough will come, the harvest will come, the mountain will move, and the circumstances will change.
3. Take the long view. Keep your eyes on the end result. When you are weary and and your resolve wanes keep the goal in mind. Encourage yourself with the truth just as there is a starting point there is also an ending point. One day this life will end for each of us. No matter how hard our journey may be the redeemed will leave this world. Heaven in the presence of the Lord Jesus will be worth all we endured. The suffering will end. The trials will fade. Hard toil will cease. Tears will be wiped away. Sorrows will get soothed. Keep your eyes on that goal. Set your mind on the things above and not on the things of this earth. [Col 3:2]
4. Enjoy the people you journey with in life. The journey may not be pleasant all the time. Pounding your hammer may not be easy. You can still enjoy the journey. You can still enjoy the people you journey through life along side. The people in our life make the journey a little easier. Family and friends in health situations provide unconditional love, encouragement, and support. They spur us on when we feel like quitting. That is why it is important to be connected to a body of believers in the context of a local church. [Heb 10:24-25] We need people. We need the body of Christ. We need their prayers and help along life's pilgrimage. Take time to enjoy the people God puts in your life to journey along side. Don't take people for granted. Take snap shots of the heart. Let the memories you build with family, friends, and church family leave deep imprints on the mind.
5. Finish. Whatever it is God has put before you to do finish. Noah built the ark. Moses delivered Israel from Egypt. Joseph kept finding favor with God in the little things and God promoted him to bigger things. David conquered his enemies and built a strong nation. Paul preached the gospel and wrote most of the New Testament enduring persecution. They all finished. They all completed what God called them to do. Finish the task God has put before you. Finish the work God has assigned to you. Read that book. Earn that degree. Go on that mission trip. Run that marathon. Teach that class. Pastor that flock. Finish. Finishing is a habit just like quitting. Cultivate the habit of finishing. [Heb 12:1]
Thursday, May 12, 2016
God's Invitation
Several years ago I made a short trip to Honduras. God used that trip to touch my heart deeply with a burden for a largely forgotten people group called the Chorti. They have 99 different communities in the rural mountain areas of Honduras. Out of 99 communities the gospel has only been presented to 20. That means there are still 79 communities that have NEVER HEARD THE NAME OF JESUS. NEVER.
Those Chorti have never seen a Bible. They have never heard a gospel song. They have never attended a worship service. They have never seen a Sunday School class or a VBS. And yet the International Mission Board considers Honduras to be a reached country.
How can a country be reached when 79 different communities of a certain people group have not been reached. It does not make sense. Yet a lot of missions strategies do not make sense to me.
I thought after years of not going to back to Honduras that I was done making those trips. A lunch meeting yesterday with two passionate workers to Honduras seemed like an invitation from God to continue my partnership there.
Lord, here am I send me.
Those Chorti have never seen a Bible. They have never heard a gospel song. They have never attended a worship service. They have never seen a Sunday School class or a VBS. And yet the International Mission Board considers Honduras to be a reached country.
How can a country be reached when 79 different communities of a certain people group have not been reached. It does not make sense. Yet a lot of missions strategies do not make sense to me.
I thought after years of not going to back to Honduras that I was done making those trips. A lunch meeting yesterday with two passionate workers to Honduras seemed like an invitation from God to continue my partnership there.
Lord, here am I send me.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
F- Bombs, Sex, Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, And Allah
What is happening to our society? What is happening to our students on high school campuses? We are everyday losing our morale grip Christianity once held. Jut watch the news. I am sick. Simply sick at how far we have turned from God.
On the news gays, lesbians, and so on openly flaunt what once people thought was shameful and dishonorable behavior. The public perception is that 1:4 is homosexual. The trust is less than 4% of the entire population is. Yet homosexuality is openly presented as a normal lifestyle. Or as they like to say an alternative lifestyle.
It is unnatural. It is error. It is degrading. It is indecent. And all of this from [Romans 1:21-27]. I don't care what the Supreme Court rules. Homosexuality is still sin. It can be forgiven through Jesus Christ and people can be delivered. It is not lawful in God's eyes and many homosexual couples are fooling themselves. The day of judgement will reveal the final say on this matter.
While doing research for my study tonight ,I came across a video shot by other students in a classroom of a female student using the F-bomb repeatedly against her teacher and the security officers threatening them she would defend herself if they touched her. Students openly supported her outlandish and disrespectful behavior. They actually clapped for her when she left the classroom.
North Carolina and now Fort Worthy Independent School District are in controversy for Transgendered bathrooms. Professing to be wise we have made ourselves fools. So called authorities make rules and laws through what they consider an enlightened point of view. They claim to be progressive in their philosophy. They are regressive. They have and continue to set our nation back what will take years and decades to undo if it ever can be undone. They make foolish decisions that impact states and the nation.
While all of this is going on Islam grows at a faster rate than Christianity. Even in the education arena preference is given to Allah over Jesus time and time again. In a school in TN one teacher made students recite this, "THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH; MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH. In MASS 6th graders were filmed on their knees praying to ALLAH in a mosque on a field trip. If that had been a Christina church and students bowed and prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ it would have made headlines news all over the nation.
Merciful God, you see the pitiful condition of the United States. No longer in You do we trust. No longer do we stand on the truth of Your word. We deserve what we get. How I plead for mercy and another great spiritual awakening though we in no way deserve it. We have no hope without it. Please turn the tide of evil in this nation. Send in a tidal wave of Your Spirit to convict, humbled, and save sinners. In Jesus name, amen.
On the news gays, lesbians, and so on openly flaunt what once people thought was shameful and dishonorable behavior. The public perception is that 1:4 is homosexual. The trust is less than 4% of the entire population is. Yet homosexuality is openly presented as a normal lifestyle. Or as they like to say an alternative lifestyle.
It is unnatural. It is error. It is degrading. It is indecent. And all of this from [Romans 1:21-27]. I don't care what the Supreme Court rules. Homosexuality is still sin. It can be forgiven through Jesus Christ and people can be delivered. It is not lawful in God's eyes and many homosexual couples are fooling themselves. The day of judgement will reveal the final say on this matter.
While doing research for my study tonight ,I came across a video shot by other students in a classroom of a female student using the F-bomb repeatedly against her teacher and the security officers threatening them she would defend herself if they touched her. Students openly supported her outlandish and disrespectful behavior. They actually clapped for her when she left the classroom.
North Carolina and now Fort Worthy Independent School District are in controversy for Transgendered bathrooms. Professing to be wise we have made ourselves fools. So called authorities make rules and laws through what they consider an enlightened point of view. They claim to be progressive in their philosophy. They are regressive. They have and continue to set our nation back what will take years and decades to undo if it ever can be undone. They make foolish decisions that impact states and the nation.
While all of this is going on Islam grows at a faster rate than Christianity. Even in the education arena preference is given to Allah over Jesus time and time again. In a school in TN one teacher made students recite this, "THERE IS NO GOD BUT ALLAH; MUHAMMAD IS THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH. In MASS 6th graders were filmed on their knees praying to ALLAH in a mosque on a field trip. If that had been a Christina church and students bowed and prayed to the Lord Jesus Christ it would have made headlines news all over the nation.
Merciful God, you see the pitiful condition of the United States. No longer in You do we trust. No longer do we stand on the truth of Your word. We deserve what we get. How I plead for mercy and another great spiritual awakening though we in no way deserve it. We have no hope without it. Please turn the tide of evil in this nation. Send in a tidal wave of Your Spirit to convict, humbled, and save sinners. In Jesus name, amen.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Alone But Not Lonely
How is it that some people can be surrounded by multitudes of people and yet feel alone. This can happen in apartment complexes, in neighborhoods, big cities, on college campuses, and in the work place. On the other hand, some people can live alone and yet rarely ever feel lonely. These are singles, widows, and widowers. Somehow such people have mastered being alone and yet not feeling alone.
Many people hate to be alone. They crave contact with people. Such people are extroverts. Introverts, on the other hand, prefer isolation. They shy away from crowds.
The secret to being alone but not feeling lonely has to be more than just being and extrovert verses and introvert. To be sure widows and widowers will feel lonely at times missing their spouses. Divorced people will feel lonely missing the companionship of former lovers. Empty nesters will miss the sound of kids in the house.
How do you cope being alone but not feeling lonely. I think a few keys are helpful. First, cultivate a close relationship with God. When this is developed a person living alone need not feel lonely. God promised to never leave or forsake us. God never sleeps so He watches over us all the time. His constant presence is reason for comfort and security.
Another key is stay as active as possible at cultivating relationships. Remember there are other lonely people. Phone conversations, emails, letters, greeting cards, and text messages are great ways to stay connected to people. Don't forget personal visits. You know how you feel when you receive one from a thoughtful person. Sharing meals is another great way to stay in contact with people.
A third key is to get involved in a small group in your church. Whether that be a Sunday School class or a home study group get involved. Build deep relationships in those groups. Go in looking how you can minister to others and give your life away as much or more than going in looking for what you can receive. Deep connections can be forged studying God's words in small group settings.
Lastly, all of us whether alone or sharing life with loved ones, need to learn to find our contentment in God. Paul communicated in the book of Philippians that he learned to be content in all circumstances. The word content means to be sufficient and to be satisfied. IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. All circumstances can include being alone.
Don't get me wrong. God created us for communion with Him and other people. All of have to be alone from time to time. Some people have to travel for their jobs. Being alone is sometimes forced on people. Sometimes meals have to be eaten alone. Many times there is no one on the other side of the bed.
In those moments God is there. In those moments contact with other people is critical. Sometimes you have to take the initiative to make contact first. Learning to find satisfaction in God is most important. I believe it is possible to be alone and yet not be lonely.
Many people hate to be alone. They crave contact with people. Such people are extroverts. Introverts, on the other hand, prefer isolation. They shy away from crowds.
The secret to being alone but not feeling lonely has to be more than just being and extrovert verses and introvert. To be sure widows and widowers will feel lonely at times missing their spouses. Divorced people will feel lonely missing the companionship of former lovers. Empty nesters will miss the sound of kids in the house.
How do you cope being alone but not feeling lonely. I think a few keys are helpful. First, cultivate a close relationship with God. When this is developed a person living alone need not feel lonely. God promised to never leave or forsake us. God never sleeps so He watches over us all the time. His constant presence is reason for comfort and security.
Another key is stay as active as possible at cultivating relationships. Remember there are other lonely people. Phone conversations, emails, letters, greeting cards, and text messages are great ways to stay connected to people. Don't forget personal visits. You know how you feel when you receive one from a thoughtful person. Sharing meals is another great way to stay in contact with people.
A third key is to get involved in a small group in your church. Whether that be a Sunday School class or a home study group get involved. Build deep relationships in those groups. Go in looking how you can minister to others and give your life away as much or more than going in looking for what you can receive. Deep connections can be forged studying God's words in small group settings.
Lastly, all of us whether alone or sharing life with loved ones, need to learn to find our contentment in God. Paul communicated in the book of Philippians that he learned to be content in all circumstances. The word content means to be sufficient and to be satisfied. IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. All circumstances can include being alone.
Don't get me wrong. God created us for communion with Him and other people. All of have to be alone from time to time. Some people have to travel for their jobs. Being alone is sometimes forced on people. Sometimes meals have to be eaten alone. Many times there is no one on the other side of the bed.
In those moments God is there. In those moments contact with other people is critical. Sometimes you have to take the initiative to make contact first. Learning to find satisfaction in God is most important. I believe it is possible to be alone and yet not be lonely.
I Will Meet You At The Pearly Gates
She died eighteen years ago this weekend,
Today I relived our last few moments again,
She so sick and in an upright hospital bed,
Me not knowing that soon she would be dead,
I got the call later there was no beat to her heart,
I went to see her lifeless body lying in the E.R.,
Funeral plans had to made and me to preach,
I presented the gospel my family to reach,
Their rejection that day cut deep to the soul,
Wounds so deep to this day I'm not whole,
We buried my Momma after Mother's day,
A grave marker selected but what to say,
A moment of inspiration came to mind,
A special quote for Momma I must find,
A quote all visitors would be able to relate,
"Momma, I will meet you at the Pearly gates."
Today I relived our last few moments again,
She so sick and in an upright hospital bed,
Me not knowing that soon she would be dead,
I got the call later there was no beat to her heart,
I went to see her lifeless body lying in the E.R.,
Funeral plans had to made and me to preach,
I presented the gospel my family to reach,
Their rejection that day cut deep to the soul,
Wounds so deep to this day I'm not whole,
We buried my Momma after Mother's day,
A grave marker selected but what to say,
A moment of inspiration came to mind,
A special quote for Momma I must find,
A quote all visitors would be able to relate,
"Momma, I will meet you at the Pearly gates."
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Unconstrained Conversation
People like to talk. Some like to talk about other people. They are unconstrained in their conversations. They serve as judge and jury. They run a torrent of unconstrained conversations so much so they often forget who they have talked about and what they have said.
Many times they start such conversations with phrases like, "Well I heard...." or "Have you heard..." or "Don't say anything to anyone else but ..." What these people are too naive to believe is that they need to believe when they spread the juicy news or bad mouth someone that conversation gets spread to one, then another, and another. Often the gossiper's name will be attached to what has been said. Secret conversations don't always remain secret. Juicy gossip told behind closed doors typically gets spread in the public arena attached to the source who started it.
What gossipmongers also fail to realize is that people talk about them behind their backs too. They just don't hear it. The gossiper sits in their seat of power not realizing behind their backs others run the gossiper down too. It is vicious cycle.
We all need to learn to constrain our conversations. We all need to extend grace to others and not pass on gossip. Such does not always happen. What is worse is that so called Christian people can be some of the biggest gossipers of all. This should not be. Repentance is in order for all who continually engage in unconstrained conversations.
Many times they start such conversations with phrases like, "Well I heard...." or "Have you heard..." or "Don't say anything to anyone else but ..." What these people are too naive to believe is that they need to believe when they spread the juicy news or bad mouth someone that conversation gets spread to one, then another, and another. Often the gossiper's name will be attached to what has been said. Secret conversations don't always remain secret. Juicy gossip told behind closed doors typically gets spread in the public arena attached to the source who started it.
What gossipmongers also fail to realize is that people talk about them behind their backs too. They just don't hear it. The gossiper sits in their seat of power not realizing behind their backs others run the gossiper down too. It is vicious cycle.
We all need to learn to constrain our conversations. We all need to extend grace to others and not pass on gossip. Such does not always happen. What is worse is that so called Christian people can be some of the biggest gossipers of all. This should not be. Repentance is in order for all who continually engage in unconstrained conversations.
Stuck
Are you stuck? Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels but not gaining any traction? Does feel like your feet are stuck in heavy clay clumping to your feet and making progress difficult?
Many feel stuck. Stuck in broken emotions. Stuck in loveless marriages. Stuck in dead end jobs. Stuck in depression. Stuck in chronic pain. Stuck in sin.
No matter how hard you try, when you are stuck you are stuck. You may need help to get out.
Back in high school I went mudding with my best friend. I owned a 4x4 Jeep and loved playing in the mud. Only this night we played a little too much and one road too long. We ended up getting stuck. We flagged down help from another driver of a Jeep. The driver got only half as far as I got. He got stuck too. We ended up calling another friend who pulled both vehicles out of the mud.
Sometimes you need help to get unstuck. You need a helping hand.
Psalm 40:1-2 (NASB)
1
I waited patiently for the LORD; And He
inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
Like I had to do back in high school we had to wait for help. When you are stuck all you want to do is get out. Sometimes you have to wait. You have to remain patient and persevere. In these times it may seem God is not doing anything. Such is not the case. God hears. He is listening and He is aware. He has a plan and will work the plan.
In His time God brings us out of the pit of destruction. Many are these pits. The word destruction means clamor, noise, and uproar. Many times the pit of destruction is people. Hurtful and harmful people. People who backbite, lie, manipulate, slander, gossip, and do everything possible to keep us in the pit of destruction. Praise be to God who brings His people out. God lifts us up and out in His time. God lifts us out of the miry clay. He also puts our feet on a firm foundation.
If you are stuck heed this counsel. Be patient and keep waiting. Trust Him to lift you out. Trust Him to deliver you. You also can believe God will set your feet on a firm foundation. Or to put it another way you will no longer be stuck.
Many feel stuck. Stuck in broken emotions. Stuck in loveless marriages. Stuck in dead end jobs. Stuck in depression. Stuck in chronic pain. Stuck in sin.
No matter how hard you try, when you are stuck you are stuck. You may need help to get out.
Back in high school I went mudding with my best friend. I owned a 4x4 Jeep and loved playing in the mud. Only this night we played a little too much and one road too long. We ended up getting stuck. We flagged down help from another driver of a Jeep. The driver got only half as far as I got. He got stuck too. We ended up calling another friend who pulled both vehicles out of the mud.
Sometimes you need help to get unstuck. You need a helping hand.
Psalm 40:1-2 (NASB)
1
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
Like I had to do back in high school we had to wait for help. When you are stuck all you want to do is get out. Sometimes you have to wait. You have to remain patient and persevere. In these times it may seem God is not doing anything. Such is not the case. God hears. He is listening and He is aware. He has a plan and will work the plan.
In His time God brings us out of the pit of destruction. Many are these pits. The word destruction means clamor, noise, and uproar. Many times the pit of destruction is people. Hurtful and harmful people. People who backbite, lie, manipulate, slander, gossip, and do everything possible to keep us in the pit of destruction. Praise be to God who brings His people out. God lifts us up and out in His time. God lifts us out of the miry clay. He also puts our feet on a firm foundation.
If you are stuck heed this counsel. Be patient and keep waiting. Trust Him to lift you out. Trust Him to deliver you. You also can believe God will set your feet on a firm foundation. Or to put it another way you will no longer be stuck.
Friday, May 6, 2016
Words That Wound
Zing. The words just came out. Before the consequences were fully considered the words were spoken. Cutting remarks that wound. Words that cannot be taken back. Words that hurt down to the soul.
Parents do this to children. Spouses do it one another. Bosses do it children. Coaches do it athletes. Friends do it to friends. Words that wound can cut deep. They do not heal over night. Look around you. You can see the evidence of broken people carrying deep scars from words that wound. Sadly pastors can preach words that wound.
Words spoken in anger, spoken in impatience, spoken in bitterness, spoken in condemnation, and spoken in frustration do a lot of damage. Grown children still have haunting words floating around in their minds they can't forget from unloving parents. Piercing words spoken by friends cause people to distrust others. Words that wound are often spoken in church among the members. Gossip. Slander. All par for the course in some churches. To this day many people refuse to step foot back in a church because of words that wound.
How different life would be if people spoke words that heal and lift up rather than words that wound.
Proverbs 16:24 (NASB)
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 17:27 (NASB)
27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 15:4 (NASB)
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
Parents do this to children. Spouses do it one another. Bosses do it children. Coaches do it athletes. Friends do it to friends. Words that wound can cut deep. They do not heal over night. Look around you. You can see the evidence of broken people carrying deep scars from words that wound. Sadly pastors can preach words that wound.
Words spoken in anger, spoken in impatience, spoken in bitterness, spoken in condemnation, and spoken in frustration do a lot of damage. Grown children still have haunting words floating around in their minds they can't forget from unloving parents. Piercing words spoken by friends cause people to distrust others. Words that wound are often spoken in church among the members. Gossip. Slander. All par for the course in some churches. To this day many people refuse to step foot back in a church because of words that wound.
How different life would be if people spoke words that heal and lift up rather than words that wound.
Proverbs 16:24 (NASB)
24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 17:27 (NASB)
27 He who restrains his words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 15:4 (NASB)
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
Are your words a tree o life or a perversion that crushes the spirit of others? Do your words bring health or wounds to listeners?Food for thought on this Friday night.
Faith Steps One At A Time
Faith steps have been taken to begin plans for the Kermit Shake The City Revival. Contact information is being gathered. Meetings are getting planned. Vision for the revivals is getting cast. Prayers are now getting lifted. Soon I will begin work on the revision of the devotion book.
The same can be said for the Howard Payne University Shake The Campus Revival.
Each of these things is one more faith step. There is the call of God. It is all a big risk and each step is a step taken in trust. Yet we keep taking the next step and the next step. We trust God is going before us to prepare the way. We do not understand nor see how it will all come together. At this point all we see is the next step and so we take it by faith. As we do we believe God will work in wondrous ways on His part.
Will God call any of you to take these faith steps with us in prayer. To volunteer at the revival meetings. To step with us prayer asking God to prepare the city of Kermit for His move. Will God call some to give financially to help pull this massive undertaking off.
NO COMPROMISE MINISTRIES has always been a faith based ministry from our inception. We were founded in 1998 and have trusted God for other revival meetings when our calendar was empty, for the publication of books and for financial provision each step of the way.
We took faith steps in printing 500 copes of our first book, Only Believe (now out of print.) We took additional faith steps when we printed 1,000 copies of Life On The Altar (Also out of print.) Years later we trusted God again for several thousand dollars to print 5,000 copies of Behold The Faithfulness Of God. I am sad to say I still have several thousand copies of those books sitting in boxes in my garage. In 2014 we once again trusted God forprovision and published Weeping For A Night. This book is available through Tate Publishing and on Amazon. Sales have been slow. Still the book is out there.
Now I need to trust God again to print the third edition of 40 Days To Shake The City. Perhaps God will stir your heart to help. You can do so in two ways. I need much prayer for discipline, inspiration, and anointing to write the additions to the book. When I finish it we will need provision to get it printed before the Spring of 2017. Each another faith step.
God honors faith steps. I trust He will do so again.
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
The same can be said for the Howard Payne University Shake The Campus Revival.
Each of these things is one more faith step. There is the call of God. It is all a big risk and each step is a step taken in trust. Yet we keep taking the next step and the next step. We trust God is going before us to prepare the way. We do not understand nor see how it will all come together. At this point all we see is the next step and so we take it by faith. As we do we believe God will work in wondrous ways on His part.
Will God call any of you to take these faith steps with us in prayer. To volunteer at the revival meetings. To step with us prayer asking God to prepare the city of Kermit for His move. Will God call some to give financially to help pull this massive undertaking off.
NO COMPROMISE MINISTRIES has always been a faith based ministry from our inception. We were founded in 1998 and have trusted God for other revival meetings when our calendar was empty, for the publication of books and for financial provision each step of the way.
We took faith steps in printing 500 copes of our first book, Only Believe (now out of print.) We took additional faith steps when we printed 1,000 copies of Life On The Altar (Also out of print.) Years later we trusted God again for several thousand dollars to print 5,000 copies of Behold The Faithfulness Of God. I am sad to say I still have several thousand copies of those books sitting in boxes in my garage. In 2014 we once again trusted God forprovision and published Weeping For A Night. This book is available through Tate Publishing and on Amazon. Sales have been slow. Still the book is out there.
Now I need to trust God again to print the third edition of 40 Days To Shake The City. Perhaps God will stir your heart to help. You can do so in two ways. I need much prayer for discipline, inspiration, and anointing to write the additions to the book. When I finish it we will need provision to get it printed before the Spring of 2017. Each another faith step.
God honors faith steps. I trust He will do so again.
Hebrews 11:6 (NASB)
6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
A Visit To The Children's Hospital
I made a visit to Cook's Children Hospital today. Praise God the member of our church admitted there is getting better and will be released soon. A children's hospital is not a fun place to visit. I have been there many times. For rare diseases, emergency room visits, tragic accidents, and surgeries.
My heart grieved as I walked past heavy laden parents struggling watching their children suffer. It seemed the weight of the world sat on their shoulders. Their eyes were empty devoid of hope. Though they managed a smile many of them have very little to smile about.
These parents no longer celebrate homers, piano and dance recitals, or touchdowns. They have learned to celebrate small victories like a trip down the hall in the wheelchair, a few steps taken, opening of eyes, and a few words spoken.
There are very sick children there. When I asked the patient I visited how he was doing mentally he responded, "I'm fine. It is not like I have cancer."
I had to wait in the hall way before making my visit. I stood there watching the nurses and various parents walk by. I thought to myself, "If I could pray and truly deliver healing miracles I would want to go to every room to help those hurting broken children and parents. I would want to dispense hope and healing."
Even if I could do that I could not take all ther pain from those families. They would still experience other trials, hurts, and possibly even other sickness down the road. It is part of the curse of planet earth.
The longer I stood in the hallway I thought about my trials and then about the health of my boys. Four wonderful, strong, healthy, athletic boys. Even with Tucker's knee surgery he will recover. I am thankful for the gift of those boys. Each unique. Each special to me in their own way. Each a blessing. Each a true joy. Not perfect boys by any means. Yet, they bless their mother and I. We do not deserve them to have good health. It is a gift from God. They make us proud. They make us laugh. They make us sad and angry at times too. Yet they are a true gift from God.
Taylor is finishing up final exams for his sophomore year in college. Tanner is winding up his last few weeks of high school preparing to graduate. Tucker is working hard to rehabilitate his knee and working toward getting his driver's license. Turner and I played basketball after school today just like I used to play with his older brothers. He is getting pretty good.
I do not want to take my children for granted. How many parents have cried gut wrenching tears watching their children fade and eventually enter eternity. Those parents would do anything to play a basketball game or to sit around the dinner table with their children. Other parents in that hospital desperately cling to hope by their finger tips. They would love to see their child up and active again. My youngest three are in the kitchen washing dinner dishes. How many of those children in the hospital do not have the strength to even do that.
I am fortunate. No, I am blessed. I only visited the children's hospital today. I got to leave. I am writing this from my recliner in the living room. Please say a prayer for those suffering and the caretakers of those in children's hospitals tonight.
My heart grieved as I walked past heavy laden parents struggling watching their children suffer. It seemed the weight of the world sat on their shoulders. Their eyes were empty devoid of hope. Though they managed a smile many of them have very little to smile about.
These parents no longer celebrate homers, piano and dance recitals, or touchdowns. They have learned to celebrate small victories like a trip down the hall in the wheelchair, a few steps taken, opening of eyes, and a few words spoken.
There are very sick children there. When I asked the patient I visited how he was doing mentally he responded, "I'm fine. It is not like I have cancer."
I had to wait in the hall way before making my visit. I stood there watching the nurses and various parents walk by. I thought to myself, "If I could pray and truly deliver healing miracles I would want to go to every room to help those hurting broken children and parents. I would want to dispense hope and healing."
Even if I could do that I could not take all ther pain from those families. They would still experience other trials, hurts, and possibly even other sickness down the road. It is part of the curse of planet earth.
The longer I stood in the hallway I thought about my trials and then about the health of my boys. Four wonderful, strong, healthy, athletic boys. Even with Tucker's knee surgery he will recover. I am thankful for the gift of those boys. Each unique. Each special to me in their own way. Each a blessing. Each a true joy. Not perfect boys by any means. Yet, they bless their mother and I. We do not deserve them to have good health. It is a gift from God. They make us proud. They make us laugh. They make us sad and angry at times too. Yet they are a true gift from God.
Taylor is finishing up final exams for his sophomore year in college. Tanner is winding up his last few weeks of high school preparing to graduate. Tucker is working hard to rehabilitate his knee and working toward getting his driver's license. Turner and I played basketball after school today just like I used to play with his older brothers. He is getting pretty good.
I do not want to take my children for granted. How many parents have cried gut wrenching tears watching their children fade and eventually enter eternity. Those parents would do anything to play a basketball game or to sit around the dinner table with their children. Other parents in that hospital desperately cling to hope by their finger tips. They would love to see their child up and active again. My youngest three are in the kitchen washing dinner dishes. How many of those children in the hospital do not have the strength to even do that.
I am fortunate. No, I am blessed. I only visited the children's hospital today. I got to leave. I am writing this from my recliner in the living room. Please say a prayer for those suffering and the caretakers of those in children's hospitals tonight.
One Day
One day things will change. One day the prayers will be answered. One day he trial will end. One day the burden will lift. One day the tears will dry, the heart will mend, hope will return, and joy will be experienced. One day laughter will replace grieving.
One day the lost will be saved. One day the book will get published. One day the debt will be paid. One day the healing will come. One day the job will be offered and the closed doors will be opened. One day God will breakthrough. One will victory will be gained. One day the finals will end. One day graduation will come. One day wedding bells will ring.
The trouble is so many give up before the one day comes. When the sought after outcome delays many just give up. They give in and give up.
Fix your hope on the one day. Who knows when it will be. You will awaken one day. It will be just like other days. Normal in every way. You will awake at the normal time. Eat the normal breakfast and prepare to go through the normal day. Somewhere in that seemingly normal day God will step in and intervene in an abnormal way. When the time is right God will come through
O, let us press on to the one day. The greatest one day of all will be the day when God calls the saints home. What a glorious day when we get to leave this world behind for eternity in heaven. A day no eye has seen nor ear heard what God has in store for His followers. May we press on to one day.
One day the lost will be saved. One day the book will get published. One day the debt will be paid. One day the healing will come. One day the job will be offered and the closed doors will be opened. One day God will breakthrough. One will victory will be gained. One day the finals will end. One day graduation will come. One day wedding bells will ring.
The trouble is so many give up before the one day comes. When the sought after outcome delays many just give up. They give in and give up.
Fix your hope on the one day. Who knows when it will be. You will awaken one day. It will be just like other days. Normal in every way. You will awake at the normal time. Eat the normal breakfast and prepare to go through the normal day. Somewhere in that seemingly normal day God will step in and intervene in an abnormal way. When the time is right God will come through
O, let us press on to the one day. The greatest one day of all will be the day when God calls the saints home. What a glorious day when we get to leave this world behind for eternity in heaven. A day no eye has seen nor ear heard what God has in store for His followers. May we press on to one day.
The Judge Is Standing Right At The Door
James 5:8-9 (NASB)
8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
Jesus is right at the door getting ready to open it, step through and return to claim His bride. This is a sobering truth. If, and I think I would be more correct to say since, He is standing right at the door what sort of people ought we to be? What priorities should dominate our lives? What doubtful habits should we put away? What questionable behavior should we cease engaging in? With what new devotion should we seek and serve the Lord?
Sine He is right at the door that means at anytime He will step through eternity to come back and this time to judge and pronounce sentence on those who do not love Him nor serve Him. One day the door knob will turn, the door will be opened and Jesus will come back from the east.
For believers that will be a welcomed day. For the lost it will be a dreadful day. A day of doom. A devastating day. A horrific day. A terrible day. A frightening day. A most unwelcome day.
There is no ignoring this truth. Jesus, the Righteous Judge is standing at the door. All will be judged. Only those who have trusted Christ for salvation and staked all their hope on His grace will be spared. I know which number I want to be counted in. It will not be long
8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
Jesus is right at the door getting ready to open it, step through and return to claim His bride. This is a sobering truth. If, and I think I would be more correct to say since, He is standing right at the door what sort of people ought we to be? What priorities should dominate our lives? What doubtful habits should we put away? What questionable behavior should we cease engaging in? With what new devotion should we seek and serve the Lord?
Sine He is right at the door that means at anytime He will step through eternity to come back and this time to judge and pronounce sentence on those who do not love Him nor serve Him. One day the door knob will turn, the door will be opened and Jesus will come back from the east.
For believers that will be a welcomed day. For the lost it will be a dreadful day. A day of doom. A devastating day. A horrific day. A terrible day. A frightening day. A most unwelcome day.
There is no ignoring this truth. Jesus, the Righteous Judge is standing at the door. All will be judged. Only those who have trusted Christ for salvation and staked all their hope on His grace will be spared. I know which number I want to be counted in. It will not be long
World Turned Upside Down
How quickly things can change. We think we are secure. We live in our little bubbles going about life oblivious to how quickly things can change. Our whole worlds can be turned upside down with a visit to the doctor, a storm, a car accident, a violent gunman at the movie theater or school.
Everything can change in a moment. A flooding rain sending a wave of water drowned a great grandmother and four of her great grandchildren as she tried to save them. Another man drowned while driving over a bridge to get back to his home to his family in a pounding storm. A young student did not feel well and a visit to the doctor ended up in him in ICU revealing serious health issues. People go to the doctor for what they think or minor symptoms but learn they are facing a major disease. A family plans for financial security to watch it wash away in unexpected expenses and tragedies like tornados and earthquakes.
Our sense of security can often be put in the wrong places. There is only one real secure place and that is trusting God no matter what happens. As much as we like to think we are in control we can be fooled like a batter being thrown a curve ball when they were expecting a fastball. People have lost their life savings in bad investments and in times when the stock market tumbles. People can plan for retirement and unexpectedly get cancer changing everything.
Life can be cruel. It can hit like a rug being jerked out underneath your feet causing you to lose your balance and to fall. The waves of trials can pound relentlessly. The winds of adversity can blow mightily, weakening resolve and perseverance to trust God. The sting of sorrow can cripple a person emotionally when a spouse decides to walk away from a marriage.
God never promised life would always be easy. So where is our hope? When our world gets turned upside down is there any hope?
Matthew 7:24-27 (NASB)
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
26 "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."
Build your life on the foundation of God and His world. Even when your world gets turned upside down.
Everything can change in a moment. A flooding rain sending a wave of water drowned a great grandmother and four of her great grandchildren as she tried to save them. Another man drowned while driving over a bridge to get back to his home to his family in a pounding storm. A young student did not feel well and a visit to the doctor ended up in him in ICU revealing serious health issues. People go to the doctor for what they think or minor symptoms but learn they are facing a major disease. A family plans for financial security to watch it wash away in unexpected expenses and tragedies like tornados and earthquakes.
Our sense of security can often be put in the wrong places. There is only one real secure place and that is trusting God no matter what happens. As much as we like to think we are in control we can be fooled like a batter being thrown a curve ball when they were expecting a fastball. People have lost their life savings in bad investments and in times when the stock market tumbles. People can plan for retirement and unexpectedly get cancer changing everything.
Life can be cruel. It can hit like a rug being jerked out underneath your feet causing you to lose your balance and to fall. The waves of trials can pound relentlessly. The winds of adversity can blow mightily, weakening resolve and perseverance to trust God. The sting of sorrow can cripple a person emotionally when a spouse decides to walk away from a marriage.
God never promised life would always be easy. So where is our hope? When our world gets turned upside down is there any hope?
Matthew 7:24-27 (NASB)
24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25 "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
26 "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27 "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."
Build your life on the foundation of God and His world. Even when your world gets turned upside down.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Do You Delight In God's Law
Do you delight in God's law? Is it valuable to you? Do you treasure your Bible? One of the ways to be happy and blessed is to delight in scripture. What does it mean to delight in it? It means to desire it. It means to consider it precious.
It is sad how few people who attend worship services actually desire to hear scripture in public worship nor desire them in their private lives. While Bible reading and study flounder people certainly have ample time for social media.
Every person I know who walks deep with God also loves scripture and devotes themselves to private reading and devotions. People talk about what is important to them and what they are passionate about. Do you talk about scripture? Does it come up naturally in conversations? If it is important to you time will be carved out in your daily schedule to read it and study it.
Psalm 1:2 (NASB)
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
The word meditate mens to "muse, to ponder, to think deeply." It is not enough to simply read the Bible. The Bible must be swallowed in small chunks and digested. Truth must be internalized. The Bible must be thought about. Deep truths must be wrestled with and grappled with to understand at a deeper level. It changes a person. It changes priorities and passions. It changes families, churches, and communities.
Do you delight in God's law? Do you read it? Do you meditate on it? Do you desire more if it? May that always be the heart beat of all followers of Jesus.
It is sad how few people who attend worship services actually desire to hear scripture in public worship nor desire them in their private lives. While Bible reading and study flounder people certainly have ample time for social media.
Every person I know who walks deep with God also loves scripture and devotes themselves to private reading and devotions. People talk about what is important to them and what they are passionate about. Do you talk about scripture? Does it come up naturally in conversations? If it is important to you time will be carved out in your daily schedule to read it and study it.
Psalm 1:2 (NASB)
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
The word meditate mens to "muse, to ponder, to think deeply." It is not enough to simply read the Bible. The Bible must be swallowed in small chunks and digested. Truth must be internalized. The Bible must be thought about. Deep truths must be wrestled with and grappled with to understand at a deeper level. It changes a person. It changes priorities and passions. It changes families, churches, and communities.
Do you delight in God's law? Do you read it? Do you meditate on it? Do you desire more if it? May that always be the heart beat of all followers of Jesus.
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