December 14

We are preparing for the "most wonderful time of the year". The birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, is celebrated each year, as it should be.  God sent His Son to earth to provide the ultimate sacrifice so that we might have eternal life through Him, Jesus!

Today, December 14, 2012, we are reminded of the sheer evil that surrounds us each day on this earth. A lone gunman entered a Connecticut Elementary school and killed adults as well as children. At this point, 28 dead. How tragic. How sad. How how horrible! How predictable. Yes, predictable. We are surrounded by evil people who plan to do evil things. Granted, no one knew that this person would do this thing on this day but predictable none the less. In the fallen world that we live in, bad things do happen. 

My heart breaks for the families of those killed. There are no words to provide comfort today. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will surround them as well as place Christian support systems in their paths. Take a moment to pray for those who were effected by this tragedy. I would remind you that the Dispatchers, Police, Fire and EMS personnel are effected as well. Having been the primary responder on some pretty horrific calls, they stay with you for a long time. 

Phillips, Craig and Dean have a song that says: "You are God in heaven. And here am I on earth, So I'll let my words be few. Jesus, I am so in love with You." You don't have to say a lot, just call out to God.

Prayer is a powerful tool that we have access to. Let's use it. Not only can we pray for the ones involved in this shooting, we can pray that the next tragedy be thwarted even now. Our prayers are heard. Our prayers are answered. 

Psalm 6:9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

Role Models?

Have you looked around lately? We live in a world of confusion and divide. People aren't sure what they believe in or if they believe in anything. If they believe in something, there may be a division of believers in that subject. Then they are wishy washy about their belief! Geeeesh!

I have two daughters and love them dearly. One day, they will tell me about this boy who has swept them off their feet. I pray for that boy even today. I pray that someone has invested in his life with the right belief system. That is, the belief thatGod is God and Jesus is His Son who died for them. I am scared to death that our society has dropped the ball with our young men.

I am not a jock! I like sports. I like to compete. I like to win. However, my life does not revolve around sports. I say all of that to say this; why do we not have more role models for our young men that promote a clean, Christian lifestyle? And why are the ones that do promote that lifestyle viewed as second rate by so many, including many Christian men? Sports figures today are sadly, predominately not positive role models for our young men. Most men in the entertainment industry are not what I would want my daughter dating!

So, as fathers and mothers of young men, what are we doing to promote a healthy, Christ-like lifestyle for our young men? Do your sons see you read your Bible? Do they hear you pray? Do they go to church WITH you? Are we encouraging positive relationships with Bible Study leaders, Pastors, Youth Ministers? Do we let athletics dominate the calendar? Does soccer practice on Sunday afternoon get a thumbs up at your house? Do you explain to the coach that Church is important and you want to protect your Sunday and Wednesday's (I'm Baptist. We do Wednesday night services)?

While I'm at it, what if your favorite team had a coach that was a good hearted, Christian man who had the kids best interest at heart and he had an off season? Do you get rid of him and get the next guy to see if he could have a few more in the  "W" column, possibly at the cost of him being a slug to the kids?
Lest I digress...

Our nation is at risk!

Our young men are not being taught how to be honest, upstanding citizens, much less a Christian if they are left to the "role models" of the day. Step up and lead a young man down the right path. Be a positive role model! Make a difference in the life of a young man; in the life of our nation!

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2

Technology

Have you noticed that the age of technology apparently is here to stay?!

Everyone has a "smart phone" and is very attached to it. I mean, I get it. The ability to carry a calendar, calculator, clock, reminders, photo album(s), note pad, countless reference books, a radio / music player, camera and ... oh yeah! a PHONE all in your shirt pocket!!!! Technology has come a long way. I remember not so long ago I purchased a Palm Pilot and was on the cutting edge. I thought then, "If they could just put a phone on one of these babies, we would be set." But how in the world would that be possible? I was talking on my "bag phone" at the time. WOW! Technology has sure come along way! I remember when my Dad bought a four function calculator that would fit ini his pocket (barely) for $100. He was very proud! Not everyone had one. The other day, they gave me a smart phone. (Terms and conditions apply.)

The tech world will tell you that all the advances in technology has improved our lives. I have no room to talk. I am a self proclaimed techno junkie. I am very interested in the tech world, but has it really improved our lives?Obviously, technology has improved our lives in many ways. Medical procedures are possible now that were only a dream 20 years ago. Medical devices are smaller and smarter. Imaging is faster and more detailed and precise than ever before. Aviation is safer than in the past if the technology is used correctly. GPS, Nav systems, radios and headsets are better than anything from the past.  Offices are more efficient because of technology. Communications and news are readily available and instantaneous with satellite technology. I could keep going, but I would still end up in the same place.

If technology has improved our lives so much, then why do we have more people in counseling and on psychotrpic medications than eveer before? Why do we have more divorces than we do marriages? Why are parents missing their kids soccer games and recitals? And most of all, why do peopple get offended if you take more than 15 minutes to respond  to their text message?

I have taken a vow to "unplug" when I sit down to eat with friends and most certainly with family. When I am studying my Bible or having a quiet time with God...NO PHONE. When someone is in my office talking to me about important aspects of their lives...voicemail.

I urge you to think before you answer.

Use that feature called voicemail.

AND don't have your feelings hurt if someone you calll does not answer immediately.They are not on your schedule. They may be doing something important!

As my friend once said, "Technology is great when it works."

Don't rely on technology as if it was your next breath....unless you are on a ventilator!

Change

A lot of  people are talking about CHANGE. As if it were an option... Change is inevitable in anything we do. God did not create us as stagnant beings. We need to embrace change and move forward. Two of my favorite sayings are "We've never done it that way." and of course "We've always done it this way." Both of which make no sense. At some point, the way you are doing it now was a new way. Yep! Change occured.

There is an old joke that goes:
Question - You know how many Baptist it takes to change a light bulb?
Answer - Who said anything about change?

I say that in jest because I am a Baptist and I have seen change make an uphill climb in some churches. I am sure that many denominations have similar issues. Worship God in all that you do. The package is not as important as the content!

Allow me the opportunity to clarify. I do believe that change is inevitable. I do believe that change can be a great thing. I also believe that some of the old ways are good ways. How our grandparents did some things are much superior to our current practices. There are many a distinguished list that we could decipher, but that is not the point. The point is to evaluate ideas for their merit and worth before you dismiss them as rubish.

What if the Wright Brothers had not persevered. What if Henry Ford had listened to his nay sayers? What if Neil Armstrong had said, "I'll just stay in here." What if the Road Runner had said, "I'm tired. I'll just take a nap right here under this anvil."

Growing Up Boy

This past Saturday, I had the privilege to be a part of an event that took 5th, 6th and 7th grade boys to some uncomfortable places.

Let me explain... Boyz U. is a day that we take these guys and intertwine activities like football and eating hamburgers with conversations about the body of a young man from a biblical persective.

Our world, our society has perverted the process of growing up to the extent that even the word puberty or hormones embarasses a young man to the point of redness. However, the bible teaches us that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), and  For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14). I believe the Christian parent owes it to their boys to be honest about the way the body works and explain the true meaning of being a man; a Christian man.

We talk about girls being exploited and targeted, and they are, but our boys are also targeted in many ways as well. The homosexual community would love to convince your boy that same sex relations are just part of growing up or that it is OK to be whatever you want to be. Older boys in the locker room bully younger boys in ways that would rock your world. (And some of those older boys are at church Sunday morning.) There are also products and ads that lead our young men to believe that casual sex is expected. Alcohol overconsumption is pushed in their faces as normal experiences. Foul language is spewed from every media outlet at all times of the day and night. And do you think the drug world is only in the dark alley? Nope! It is in the hall way of every Middle School and High School and a few Elementary Schools in the country.

So what do we do?

We pray for our boys. I am the father of two girls, but I see the destruction of our society by the way our boys are being raised. IT IS NOT OK TO BE A THUG!! Parents, Children Ministers, Pastors, everyone...Pray for our boys. 

I pray for the future mates of both of my girls. I do not know who they are but God does. I pray that they are protected and are devolping Chistian character and traits even now. I pray that the leaders of county, state and nation see the ways of Christ as a desirable path for their lives. I pray that Jesus Christ be the male role model for young men around the world. 

While at Boyz U. we had great day hanging out with the boys and heard from some wonderful men who encouraged the boys to be  men of God and not  give in to peer pressure.

Thank you Coach Chris Weaver and Malcolm Taylor (retired NFL) for investing in these boys lives with your words of encouragement. Brady Jones, Randy Hutto, Patrick Gibson, Chris Johns, Philip Russell, Tommy May... Your time was well spent being the role model for your small groups. Thank you all!!

Boys are boys, no doubt different from girls. Remember God made us different for a reason. God made us like He did for a reason. We need to embrace the God made way we are and reject the worldly way that seems to be expected.

Pray for a young man by name today!

Get More Mobile

No, this not an ad for an arthrhitis medication!

Recently, a small group from FBC Summit went to Baborigame, Mexico. We went to not only share the Gospel with folks, but to also investigate the needs of the community. Hopefully, we can organize another trip to that community in the future. Just for the record, a dental clinic and medical clinic are deperately needed. If I do not work on that my friend Rosa will track me down!

Travel to other parts of the world always present interesting stories and there are a ton of them on this trip. Cecelia was assigned to the "back of the truck" on one particular trip. The roads are absolutely horrible in this town! Everyone has a truck; no cars, just trucks because the roads are not "carworthy". Anyway, during this trip, Cecelia was in the back with some other women from town that we  were giving a ride. In the back seat with me was Jesus. He also needed a ride. We got where we were going and everyone got out. Linda asked Cecelia how her ride was. "Oh. It was just great. I was sliding all over the bed of the truck with nothing to sit on, nothing to hold on to and Dean was up front rubbing elbows with Jesus!" I will never live that down, but it was funny. The whole trip was fantastic.

On the way down there, we were on American Airlines and they served us our complimentary refreshments. The flight attendant placed a napkin on my tray and it read Get More Mobile. How appropriate, I thought, we are on a mission trip and the napkin says Get More Mobile. Then it hit me. We should always be mobile. God never put an expiration date on how, when or where He can use you. Often times I hear someone say, "I taught Sunday School for years. Now I'm just gonna go to church." Or, "I don't have time to do all that church stuff. I'll just read my Bible and go to preaching." No where does the Scriptures give us a pass on serving. Moses had a speech impediment. David was an adulterer. Samson was weak for the women. There are many more, but you get the picture. God used them in mighty ways in spite of their flaws. No one is perfect (except Jesus), but God can and will use you. If you do not participate in God's work, you will miss out on blessing after blessing! Make no mistake, He does not NEED us to do His work, but He allows us to join in for the ride of a lifetime.

If you have the ability to go to a less priviledged country...great! But you can serve Him by going across the street. I know a lady that is getting up in years and she taught Sunday School until she couldn't do it physically. When she could not do that, she started writing notes of encouragemnet to others. When she could not hold the pen because of her arthrhitis, she started making phone calls to others offering words of encouragement aand praying for them on the phone. DO SOMETHING!

God wants a relationship with you through His Son Jesus. Part of that relationship includes doing stuff together. Hang out with your Heavenly Father.

Get More Mobile.

STORM Warning!

I live in the south. Deep south. More south than that. I can be on the Gulf Coast in about an hour. As the crow flies that's pretty close. (Or should I say as the storm flies!) When The Weather Channel has 24 hour coverage on a storm, it makes people do crazy stuff. "Go buy some bread and milk!" or "You got gas for the generator?" and "Where are y'all going when it gets bad?" All of these phrases were rampant at church yesterday. Then there was, "Are we having church next week?" (Well, lets let the storm actually get in the Gulf before we make that decision.)

Some one has told us that something bad might happen and we go into surviaval mode. (The number of hits on YouTube videos that show how to prepare for & survive a storm have skyrocketed.) Make this preparation. Batten down those hatches. Secure the loose items. Stock up on supplies. WOW!

Makes me stop and think, and I'll be brief...

We have been told that because we are sinners, and we are, that we will die and go to hell without the forgiveness of our Father through Jesus Christ. So what do we do about that? What about the storms in your life? Do you prepare yourself spiritually for the storms that WILL come your way? Do you stock up on Scripture memorization? Do you show others how you got through the last storm? Do you try to predict the future with the latest model or do you depend on your Father to protect you like He has done all your life? Jesus says, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Trust Him to be your Savior in all of life. In the calm and in the storms, He will be there!

Storm Survival Kit:

1. Stock up on Scripture
2. Have plenty of Prayers available
3. Seek shelter in the arms of the LORD
4. Get plenty of rest in His promises

What is ministry?

Have you ever asked yourself, "What is ministry?"

Have you ever wondered, "Am I a minister?"

I here people say, "I was called to the ministry." For that matter, I have said it. "I was a nurse and then I was called to the ministry." Really?! Does that mean that all that time I was working as a nurse that I was not minstering? When I prayed with families and patients at their bedside, was that not ministry? Of course it was. When you assist others in the name of Jesus, that is ministry. When you pray for someone in Jesus' name, that is ministry. So, by the very nature of the English language, if you do ministry, you are a minister.

We sometime get caught up in who can do what. I have read the New Testament and the Old Testament and I cannot find any record of Moses or Paul going to Seminary or being called by a church to be on staff. They did what God called them to do when He called them to do it. (Well, for the most part.) While this is not a soap box stand, do not wait on your pastor to do ministry. Get up and vist the sick; sing in the choir; teach Sunday School; and yes even work in the nursery if that is what God calls you to do. If you are a Christian, then you are called to minster in some way.

I would encourage you to pray for God to guide you as to what He would have you to do. Then do it. It may not be the easy road, but it is the right road.  

Graduation?!

This is not the time of year you see a lot about graduation.

After all, school is about to start not finish.

Well, I have never followed the rules very well.

I have a daughter that is entering her senior year of high school. So I have a lot to look forward to. I have already had one finish high school and go off to college, but it is different this time. You see this is my baby. The last one. WOW!!

Now my mind is reeling. Have I done what I should have done in raising my children? Have I honored God with my parenting? Have I taught my girls the important things in life? Have I modeled what a husband should be?

I must say that in all of those topics above that I have failed miserably at one time or another. I pray that I have been successful at one time or another as well. It is hard being a parent. It has been said that parenting is not for the faint of heart. AMEN! There have been days that my wife and I both have cried for not knowing what to do. Parenting is hard and scary. As your children grow up, they seem to need you less. In a way that is a good thing. But, what if you haven't taught them well? Then what?

I have one answer. Pray.  We should be praying for our children and their future even before they are born, but in a time of crisis or need...Pray.  When you are trying to lead your child in any manner...Pray. God has told us in His Word in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He also tells us in  Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

God wants us to succeed as parents. He wants us to lead our children to Him. The only way I know to begin that process is to pray for His guidance and leadership. Yet I digress.

Children grow up. You have but one chance to do certain things.

1. Be there. (Leave the office early to make that game or recital.)
2. Play with them. (I can still hold my own around a Barbie doll. Get in the floor!)
3. Teach them. (Show them how to tie a shoe, hammer a nail, change a tire, pray, sing in church.)
4. Lead by example. (Do what you say. Open the door for your wife. Hold hands. Smile.)

 I am so proud of my girls! They are wonderful young ladies. Are they perfect? Absolutely not, but I sure do love them.

 

We are almost "empty nesters". 

 

I hope my children take care of me when I'm old!

 

What's in your playlist?

The question is asked more and more now days. A few years ago, most people didn't know what a playlist was, much less have one. So, if you have a player of sorts, what is most likely to be on your playlist? What types of music would we find if we pulled back the curtain and peered into your musical world? Are you a closet "head banger"? Do you wave your arms while ghost conducting the classics?

There are several test available that supposedly can tell what type of person you are based on your favorite types of music. Maybe. Maybe not.

Let's face it. Your mood, your location, your company, your level of concentration will all factor into what music you choose at any given time. I had a co-worker tell me onday as he entered my office, "That's what I like about coming to your office. You never know what you'll find in the air."

You may find The Eagle's (1970's Rock). You may find Third Day (Contemporary Chritian). You may find Bach or Bethoven (Surely you know them). You may find Jazz ringing out the sounds of New Orleans. I have actually found an iTunes station that plays old Hymns. The point is, you never know what you'll find. I like music of all types, all genre's, all era's...I like it all!

Are you wondering where I'm going with this? The point is I'm not going anywhere with it. I just want to encourage you to listen to more than one type of music. Find a new type of music for you and go for a drive and turn it up! See if you like it. If not, try something different.

Don't listen to the reviews. Listen to the music!

Here, Not Here

Wow! It has been a while since I sat here to blog.
My dad has been sick, VBS has been coming and is here, and a host of other reasons to keep my schedule unimagineable. Anyway, I am here now and here is what I have to say.

My Daddy passed away on June 8, 2012. I saw him decline fairly rapidly. He was unable to stand on his own the last few days and that made me sad. Fortunately, we had talked about this very scenario as a family. He did not want to be a burden on his family even though we would do whatever needed to be done for him. So, what did we do? We took him to the very best doctors (Dr. Larry Wade) at the very best hospital (St. Vincent's in Birmingham) and assisted in his care to the very end. He had the best.

However, God was gracious and carried him home that Friday morning to prevent further suffering. I am completely at peace with my father's passing from this world. I am at peace because I know he is not suffering or hurting and never will again.

Revelation 21:4 (NIV) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

My Daddy made sure his kids were in church and knew their need for a Savior. I can honestly say, "I have been in church since 9 months before I was born." I am glad my parents loved us enough to make church a priority. I see so many families let other things control their lives. Where do I want my kid? Ballfield or church? Hmmm!

I will miss my Daddy, no doubt. But I am fine knowing that he is in God's hands. I look forwared to joining him there one day.

Number 1 - Tell your family about Jesus and make sure they know the importance of His Salvation.

Number 2 - Talk about your wishes while you are well for the times that you are not.

Number 3 - Tell people that you love that you love them. They may not be here tomorrow.

What are you looking at?

It never ceases to amaze me how many people are caught in adulterous affairs, cheating at work, lying to friends, falsifying records...I'll stop there. I could go on you know.

Ok. Let me stop and clarify. I am not perfect. In fact, when I get to heaven, I want to challenge Paul on the "chief sinner" thing. I know I'm flawed, but I think if I mess up and get caught, I say, "I messed up!"

It astounds me to watch the news and see how many people are trying to avoid the punishment for something they did.

As Christians we are taught in Scripture to watch out for the temptations. Avoid the temptations at all cost, but know that there are consequences for your actions. Being forgiven by God does not always take away the consequences.

Proverbs 4:23-27 (NIV) ²³ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
²⁴ Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
²⁵ Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
²⁶ Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
²⁷ Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

So here is a marvelous idea. In fact you should have thought of it by now. If you are doing something wrong, STOP! Ask God to forgive you. Then, here is the hardest part, ask the person you have wronged to forgive you. Accept the consequences and move on working diligently to not continue in the sinful behavior.

We are all sinners. We all mess up, but we also all have the ability to ask for forgiveness.

So what are going to do about that thing in your life that you know is wrong?

Just wondering.

A Good Base

My maternal grandfather spent time on a road crew in his younger days. He did a lot in his life; most of it hard physical labor. Blacksmith, road work, construction... you get the picture. He used to talk about the road was only as good as its base. If you have ever watched a road being built, you know that more time is spent in the steps leading up to asphalt. The asphalt is the icing. The cake takes time to make. The icing (asphalt) won't last as long on a weak or poor base as it will on a strong base.

We  can translate that to our spiritual walk. If you have a weak faith base; your worship, your prayers, your total spirituality will be weakened.  

How do we create a strong faith base?

1. Ask God to give you strength in ALL that you do.
2. Pray. Pray often. Pray regularly (create a routine).
3. Read the Bible.
4. Study the Bible. Yes, there is a difference.
5. Worship! Privately & Corporately.
6. Be involved in a local church.
7. Inventory your lifestyle. If it is not honoring God...Change!

When do we create a strong faith base?

Many studies have been done over the years and all come to the conclusion that the older you are the less likely you are to become a follower of Christ. So, it is no surprise that most adult Christians became Christians as a child or teenager. As a  Children's Minister, I put effort into making sure that children understand their need for a Savior. Bible Study Leaders are encouraged to present the Gospel on a regular basis. Vacation Bible School always has an evangelistic component. Kids Camps are sure to present the Gospel boldly. As a parent, we should make our life example to our children to include those items listed above. We need to look our youngsters in the eye and tell them about Jesus!!

Where do we create a strong faith base?

That is a wonderful question. Scripture tells us to be in the world, not of the world. Meaning be a Christian that influences the world for Christ; do not live in the world and be influenced by the corruptness of the lost souls around you. Many will tell you that you cannot pray in pray in public schools. I would argue that you can pray anywhere you like. They may not acknowledge your wishes to organize a prayer service every morning, but can they really stop an individual from taking a quiet moment to pray? Pray. Read your Bible. Talk about how God has impacted your life. I would encourage you to do those things wherever you go.

God has paid a huge and wonderful price for you.

What price are willing to pay to acknowledge His price?

Build your faith on a strong and firm base!

The Bible

Bible:

Webster has several definitions listed. One is a preeminent publication that is viewed as authoritative on a particular subject. Another is simply a book. But the number one definition listed in this dictionary is the sacred Scriptures of Christianity containing the Old and New Testaments.

If you grew up in most Evangelical Denominations within the United States then you have heard that the Holy Bible is the infallible, inerrant Word of God; meaning that it is without error and incapable of error. I am unashamed to hold this view. I grew up believing this, I still believe this and I will always believe this.

 I have heard people say that the Holy Bible is nothing more than an old book of good thoughts but nothing more. Really?! How can a simple book contain "stories" that had pertinence 3,000 years ago and maintain pertinence everyday since? The only answer that can be considered plausible is that a "higher power" was involved. That is true. God, the very Creator of the universe, is that higher power. From Genesis to Revelation, story after story, truth after truth, God has placed them in just a way that for those who read this book and believes the truths displayed; their life can and will be changed.

Think of this - of all the prophets in the Old Testament, their prophecies have came true. All of them; documented in the New Testament. "There will be a Savior born in Bethlehem." Hey guess what; there was a Savior born in Bethlehem! Hundreds of prophetic stories are recounted as they came to pass. When you study the Sciptures, it becomes apparent that the writers are connected. Some of the Scriptures contained in this Holy Bible that we are talking about are written over 1,000 years apart but fit together as if the were written in one setting. God has His hand on the writers of every word in the Bible. Contrast this with other "books" who proclaim, "well, some of our prophetic suggestions have came true and others may some day."

I urge you to read the Bible frome begininning to end. Try to read a book at a time. At the very least, read a chapter at a time. The book is not written to be dissected by your brain to make it fit your lifestyle or belief system. So many people tatke what they believe and try to make the God's Word fit that. God's Word is written to form and shape your belief system. One of my Seminary Professors stated that one of the worst things we ever did was to put chapter and verse to the Scripture. His point was that we take one sentence out of context to make it sound like one thing when if you read the whole paragraph or book you see a whole different meaning.

In the 1960's, the most quoted Scriture in America was John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Clearly this passage speaks of the love of God for all people.

In 2000, the most quoted Scripture was Matthew 7:1. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Now, a mere 40 years later, we are trying to say don't judge me. Be tolerant of me and my behavior. However, in a deeper look at this passage we find that Jesus is actually saying "If you judge others inappropriately then you also will be judged by God by those same standards.  God is much more adept at being a judge than we are.

The best way to approach the Bible is to study it, not just read it. Allow one passage interpret others.  Live with it and live by it. Allow God Himself to speak to you through the reading and study of His Word. Be fed the Scripture by hearing good preaching. (By the way, if you are not regularly a little offended or burdened by the preachers message, it is likely that you are not hearing GOOD preaching.) Pray for God to reveal Himself to you through His Word and through those in your life.

The Bible is God's instruction book for us. There is not a substitute for being a student of the Holy Bible. Read it. Study it. Live it. Be blessed by it!

Praise God for allowing His Word to be passed down through the years to us.

Like a child!

¹ How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3

I love that word; "lavish". Webster Dictionary defines it as expending or bestowing profusely.

God, the creator of the Universe, has poured out an overly abundant amount of love to us and on us and for us. He knows that we are messed up (sinners). He knows that we have, do and will mess up. Yet He has provided SO much love through His Son, Jesus.

As a father of two wonderful girls and the husband of a loving and caring wife, I understand immense love, but I cannot imagine the type of love that God the Father has lavished on us. Just think, He let His Son  Jesus die a horrible death so you could live forever with Him in Heaven! The death sentence that you and I deserve was placed on the Son Jesus.

I think about the word lavish and try to quantify, "how much love does it take to be lavish"? When I realize how much I have messed up, it must be a lot!

Then this passage talks about being children of God. Have you ever been in the grocery store or the big box store and see kids acting horrible? You know; the ones that are being disrespectful to their parents, upsetting the whole apple cart. (Pun intended!) And you say to yourself, "I'm glad I don't have to put up with that."

God says, about you and me, "I know how bad you are and I want to call you mine anyway." All you have to do is claim the love of Jesus as your own and live as He instructs (love others as yourself) and He will call you "His".

So, you just pray the prayer and everything is good? Not exactly. God's Word (the Bible) never tells us that saying the right words will save us from Hell. What it does say is that giving your heart and life to Him will bring a change in your life like nothing else. He will make Himself very real in your life, but you should want to live for Him and like Him to the best of your ability.

Living for Jesus is not a boring monk like existence. He will show up in amazing ways. He certainly has in my life. Even in tough times, and there will be tough times, I have felt His presence in such fantastic ways. Sometimes He shows up as I listen to music. Sometime when I am reading His Word. Sometime in a conversation with a friend (or stranger). It is hard to explain if you have never experienced it, but it is real!

He has lavished His love on me when I didn't deserve it.

He is Wonderful!

New This; New That

I know by now you have made, attempted and failed at some of your "New Year Resolutions". I know I have! Happens every year.

This made me stop and think. How often do I promise God something and not follow through with it? Some people refer to these events as "foxhole prayers".

Everytime I fail Him, His Holy Spirit convicts me; makes me feel sorry. Not sorry that I failed; sorry that I failed Him. He has told us in His Word, the Bible, that he forgives us. I understand that part. I am grateful to Him for His grace, mercy and forgiveness.

The hard part for me is, after all He has done for me...how little I have done for Him.

I believe. I trust. I AM SAVED by His blood. I am not doubting my Salvation. I am simply saying..."I am sorry Lord for when I fail you."

This blog episode is simply a way for me to express my sorrow for failing my Jesus. But it is also a way for me to restate the fact that we are all sinners (failures), but He sees us through the eyes of forgiveness and love.

Praise Him for all He has done  in your life. Take time to think about how you can do better at serving Him. Read and study His Word. Pray. Serve Him by serving others.

I know I am!
No, really I am.