Wave the Banner

Maybe it's just me. I notice in all of social media that there is always a "cause" being promoted; a banner being waved if you will. Now, I am not "blanket statement" against any nor all of the causes represented. Recently many people got ice water dumped on themselves and raised money for ALS. Good for ALS! But I wonder how many did it to truly raise money and awareness for ALS research and how many did it for their 15 minutes of fame on FaceBook? Just sayin'! 

The animal rights and activist are always pushing one cause or another (Yes, I am an animal lover. Save the emails.) The LGBT is ALWAYS in your face! This political party or that political party or this product promotion or that product boycott. Jumpin Jeminy! 

Here is my point:

What if we made Christianity a "Cause"? 

• "Cause" He created you. 
• "Cause" He protects you. 
• "Cause" He saves you. 
• "Cause" He delivers you. 
• "Cause" He is with you. 
• "Cause" He lives. 
• "Cause" He is!

If we are willing to get humiliated in front of the World Wide Web to promote research of a disease, what are we willing to do for our Lord and Savior?

Now, I am going to say...I re-posted one particular "share" and I am still broke.  

I am not into re-posting everything I see, but it does make you stop and think about what we are spending our time and energy on. Does it not?

I am not suggesting this to create a Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, Google, LinkedIn fad. I am praying that someone will read this and make a change in their habits and make God and His Son a priority. Wave His banner! Talk about what He has done in your life! 

Tell someone, IN PERSON, about Jesus! 

Onward, Christian Soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

Forward into battle see His banners go! 

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before. 

Help. Don't Hurt

I am not the one who keeps up with NFL news. I don't know who plays for whom. I DON'T have a fantasy team. I like to watch a good football game, but that is about it for the NFL. I do like college football (War Eagle). 

Well, when I watched the news this morning, I see that a player has been suspended for domestic violence. My reaction was and is...GOOD! 

But now I start to think, how many people knew this was going on and did nothing to stop it? Friends? Players? Coaches? Who knew? Somebody knew! 

When I have the opportunity to do pastoral counseling, I always tell them upfront, if you reveal to me that there is abuse or violence going on...I will report it. IT MUST STOP! 

Now. Not knowing that the NFL deal was going on, Sunday evening I preached from Ephesians 5:22-33. It talks about how husbands should treat their wives and how wives should treat their husbands. NO WHERE does it give permission for one to strike the other! It talks about loving each other with the same type of love that God gives us. The Scripture is filled with instruction on how we treat others and it never mentions hurtful actions. 

People are abused and mistreated in many ways. 

• Physical abuse
• Actually hurting the other persons body
• Verbal abuse
• Speaking to someone in a hurtful way
• Emotional abuse
• Damaging a persons coping mechanism
• Spiritual abuse
• Belittling a persons faith

It is reported that 95% of abuse victims are women. That means 5% are men. So, it really can happen to anyone. 

I was raised in home where I never saw my parents argue. My dad never yelled at my mom. He certainly never hit her. They may have disagreed, but the settled it in a calm and civilized manner. I have been married for 30 years and my wife and I have followed the same pattern. Love each other in spite of a disagreement. It can work! It really can! 

It boggles my mind that someone can get so angry that they feel they have the right to hit another person; especially a person that cannot defend themselves. Why would you hit a woman or a child? Is that what you think "real men" do? It is not. 

Men...you do not have the right, under any circumstances, to take your frustration out on another human being (or animal) by striking them or yelling at them or threatening them. Make sense? It should. 

Treat others with respect and dignity even if you disagree with them. 

Abusing others does not make you a man. It makes you a thug. 

When you know of abuse...yours or others... you have options. 

Tell someone. 

Get free. 

Get help. http://www.thehotline.org/ or 1-800-799-7233

Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV)
³⁶"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" ³⁷Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Struggles

Have you ever had a struggle? 

This is where you have permission to laugh. 

Of course you have had a struggle! 

We all go through tough times and question decisions along our path. Many of you have had life and death struggles with disease. WOW! That will rock your world. Some have had addictions, some have had physical trauma from accidents and some have had a struggle with a force unseen by the outside world. That may  be the toughest struggle. When people can see the scars or know of the accident they are quick to offer sympathy. What about the struggles with emotions and  the psychological issues that are not so visible. Then all of a sudden there must be something wrong with you. 

While I firmly believe that many people use the excuse of psychological issues to benefit their cause, I know their are those who have problems bigger than their ability to cope. 

Here is the point at which I provide the disclaimer, "I am NOT a counselor!" **

I have talked to many people who have psychological issues and have collaborated with mental health professionals during the pastoral counseling process. Which allows me to know just enough to know how little I know. During Seminary, our professors always reminded us to refer early. In other words, don't over step your role in the counseling process. Pastoral counseling has its place but unless you are educated and licensed to do so, leave the mental health issues to the mental health professionals. 

Which brings me to the point  I wanted to make, be supportive and don't try to diagnose.

If you have a friend who is going through a tough  time, be supportive and encouraging. Don't try to tag them with a diagnosis and don't try to "fix" them. If you are concerned; suggest to them to seek professional help. If they suggest harming themselves or others, insist on getting them to a mental health professional. (Even if that means going to the Emergency Room.)

Being different or even weird does not make you crazy. At least that what I keep telling myself. Personalities come in all shapes and sizes. Than God that we are not all just alike. 

Be a friend. Be supportive. Be a listener. Be quiet for a while. Be there. And if you are going to be there; be ALL there. 

As a Christian, there are many thoughts that go through my mind when I think of mental illness. Scripture talks about it on many occasions. So, lets be sure we don't forget that we serve a God that is bigger than mental illness. Pray for your friends who are in the midst of a struggle. Pray that God touch their body, heart and mind. 

I am saddened to hear of those who feel that they have no recourse but to take their own life. 

I would be hurt even more if I thought a friend might hurt themselves and I said nothing.

Don't wait for a disaster to strike and wish you had said something.

For more info click here. 

** A weekend course or a mail order certificate does not make you a counselor. 

    It makes you dangerous. 

Women in Church

I have been preaching a sermon series (She Followed Him) on Sunday  night's where we look at different women involved in the earthly ministry of Jesus. Each week we explore a different woman in the life of our Savior. 

It is interesting to see how active the women were in His daily activities. This was a culture where women had a subservient role in most things. It was a very male dominated culture. To be in the forefront of a ministry as active and controversial as Jesus was unusual to say the least. 

It is interesting to see, also, the way this trend has been maintained. While the role of preaching remains a male dominated position, almost every other position has been held by a woman in my experience. I mean, in the churches that I have been a member of or served on staff, women have held many positions. I attended seminary with some very sharp and dedicated women who serve with passion and commitment. 

I shudder to think where the average church in the United States would be without the involvement of the women in their congregation. There are so many areas where having a woman's touch is vital. Can you imagine the Wednesday night supper if only men were involved? Pizza every week! What about the Children's Ministry? I was a Children's Minister at a wonderful church in Summit, MS, but I could not have done anything without the assistance and support of a LOT of women. Bereavement Ministry? The gentle concern  shown (and needs met) by women to grieving families cannot be matched by most men I know. 

You get the point? 

When I hear others degrading the role of women in the ministry of the church, I wonder...If the women were to go on strike, how long would most churches last? 

For God's sake (literally) ladies, DO NOT go on strike!! 

I encourage you to read your New Testament and notice the role of women. They ministered to Jesus. They ministered with Jesus. They ministered alongside of the Disciples. They ministered with each other. 

If you attend a church that has has women involved in various hands on ministries, take a moment and say thank you. It will mean a lot to them. Pray for the ladies in your church as they serve with a cheerful heart. 

Thank you ladies!!

Take Shelter

Today is April 29, 2014. The past few days have been full of inclement weather across our nation. Many lives have been lost and more than that injured by the storms. This is the day of technology and we are still somewhat at the mercy of the weather. 

Sadly, bad things happen to good people. And when bad things happen, Good people show up. 

SO, I want to say THANK YOU to some folks and hope you do too. 

• To the meteorologist that spend hours tracking, analyzing and predicting...thank you for giving us the heads up on what to expect so that we can prepare to the best of our ability. 
• To the law enforcement officers that patrol the streets watching the skies, reporting weather observations and reminding the public to take cover, all well past the "safe to be outdoors" limit...thank you!
• To the fire department personnel who train and prepare to run into the danger zone providing rescue of human life and protecting property as well as many words of encouragement to those along the way...thank you. 
• E.M.S. crews...you will always have a special place in my life since I started out in this field waaaaaaaaaaayyy back. Your efforts to minimize pain and suffering, provide excellent patient care and support those around you does not go un-noticed. Thank You!
• Dispatch / Communications staff are the behind the scene heroes of many disasters. Getting the right resources to the right location is no easy task. Thank you for taking to the airwaves and making it happen. 
• Emergency Management / EOC staff...thank you for communicating, brainstorming and providing over-watch to those on the ground. 
• The National Guard may not be called out on every disaster, but they are sitting on ready. Obviously there are times they do deploy and make a huge difference with man power and expertise. Thank you!
• Public Service workers... (Water works, power company, phone company, gas company street department) WOW! What a job you guys do. Thank you so much for restoring our comfort zone ASAP! 
• Of course there are the churches and religious groups that provide so much care and compassion on the scene of a disaster and for weeks following. Thanks to those organizations that make such an impact on the lives of those affected. 

Thank you seems so hollow. It seems so inadequate to tell someone who literally put their safety second to yours in many cases, thank you. But that is a simple expression of our gratitude to you guys and gals who serve others every day. 

Stay safe everyone. 

Have a plan, be prepared and stay informed!

THANK YOU!!!

Poor Puppy!

Recently, there have been an increase in the number of posts on various social media sites that are talking about and displaying cruelty to animals. OK. STOP. Read this next line very carefully. I am NOT in favor of cruelty to animals!

I have a dog and a cat that live in the house with me and my wife. I spend time with them everyday. I bathe them. (well, the dog. the cat takes care of that on her own.) I feed them. I clean up after them. I take them to the vet. We go for walks and play outside. I miss them when we're apart. Do you get it? I am an animal lover. 

The girls at the local McDonald's know that "Buddy" (my dog shown here) loves french fries. I take him on treat rides. I eat the sandwich, he eats the fries. Why do you think he's licking his lips in this photo?

OK. We have established my love for animals. I am also a lover of people. God created us all in HIS image to worship and glorify Him. We are not created to abuse each other, nor slander each other, nor cheat on each other (husbands / wives), nor roll our eyes behind each others back. We are created to love each other as Christ loves us. 

If we are to be so bold in our attempt to stamp out cruelty to animals, then lets be so bold in our plight to stamp out cruelty to humans. Did you ever stop to think that if the church (universal) was really doing it's job, we would need almost no social programs like welfare or medicaid. 

On that note, Christians, love others as Jesus loves you. Unconditionally. 

Some people are heavy, come are skinny, some are hairy, some are bald, some are pretty, some look like me. God loves them all. Jesus died for them all. God guides them to be closer to Himself. He may want to use you as part of His plan. Be usable.

1 John 3:23 (NIV) And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 

Love people!

Where Ya Headed?

Our pastor's message Sunday was about knowing where you are going. It struck a chord with me in a different light than he intended I'm sure. I began to think about where I have been as well as my destination. 

I have been blessed to have worked with and around some amazing people. I have met famous people. I have done amazing things that I could only dream of as a kid. I (think) I have impacted  others lives for the good. I say that not to brag on me, but to brag on God. He has allowed me to do things that I don't deserve to be a part of. 

SO, if he HAS allowed me to be a  part of amazing things, it makes sense that He WILL allow me to be a part of amazing things. The catch, if you will, is that I must  be willing to follow Him. I need to recognize that He is the leader and I am not. When I try to be in charge, things flop. When I follow His leadership, things fall into place. Don't get me wrong. Some people do amazing things on their own, but they have limited, earthly rewards. I want to impact those around me with heavenly, eternal rewards. 

Where I have been and what I have done is of little consequence outside the times I was acting on His behalf. 

So here is my goal...Follow Him. 

Sounds so simple. I invite you to try it with me. 

Gather your travel tools. You'll need a Bible to read. You will probably want to invest in some good knee pads since you will be on your knees in prayer a lot more. You also will want to ask someone to act as your travel partner to enjoy the journey with you as well as be an accountability instrument. While you enjoy the journey, jot down some of your prayer request and review it periodically to see just how many of those prayers are answered. (I believe all prayers are answered, but sometimes His answer is no.) Trust me. You'll enjoy the ride. 

So, where are you headed?

I want to head out to exactly where God wants me. 

See ya there!

Isaiah 6:8 (MSG) And then I heard the voice of the Master: "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" I spoke up, "I'll go. Send me!" 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (MSG) ¹If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. ²If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. ³If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

OH NO! What do I do?

The past few days, January 28-30, 2014, have demonstrated that the weather patterns are not required to follow predictions of meteorologists. Anniston and Birmingham were to have a "dusting" not 2 inches of snow and frozen, icy roads. But we did! People were stranded in vehicles for more than 24 hours in many cases on the side of the road. It was too far to safely walk for help in the below zero windchill and in some cases, no one knew where they were. Scary right! 

So, for those of you who have made fun of me for keeping a blanket, big coat, crackers and bottled water in my trunk...PFHTHFSST! There I said it. I can't spell it, but I said it. Being prepared for unexpected events is not easy because well, they're unexpected. Think about worst case scenarios and try to be comfortable in them. Cold, wet, hot...you get the picture. 

Here are some ideas to keep  in your car. (A storage tub make a great case for your gear)

• A basic First Aid Kit - Commercially available
• Water - several bottles of water. You need to stay hydrated in cold and hot environments
• Snacks - Granola bars, dried fruit, crackers, almonds, jelly cups (grab an extra at the restaurant), canned sandwich spread meat, V-8, sports drinks
• Hygiene Items - Tissues, Toilet tissue, hand sanitizer, tooth brush / tooth paste (if you feel better you respond better), Zip-lock bags to dispose of questionable items in, trash bags (make excellent covers for many situations), feminine items, baby wipes (after a while you need a bath!)
• Survival - (Don't roll your eyes at me!) Flash light, Chem glow sticks, extra batteries, Duct tape (Google / You Tube how many things you can do with duct tape), Fleece blankets (can be rolled for a pillow, fashioned into a splint, pad hard spots to sleep on & yes can be used to cover up with if you get cold), multi-tool, large knife (box cutter works), hand / foot warmers, gloves, head cover, coat, para cord (see (  ) for duct tape), Reflective survival blanket, Extra cash / coins (ATM may not work), Phone numbers written down on a piece of paper (we used this in the olden days!)
• Sanity - Bible, book, pad pf paper, pen / pencil, disposable camera, ear plugs, lip balm, cards, phone charger
• Auto - Jumper cable, fix-a-flat, small tool kit, zip-ties

With a little trial and error, these items can be packed into a very small space in your trunk or back of your SUV. If you get stuck on the side of the road, you will be much better off having these items. Of course, the best plan is to not be stranded at all, but what if you get stuck at work? Go to your car and break out your gear. Then everyone will be jealous of how prepared you are! 

I have to say, I have used items out of my stash at ball games, family reunions, roadside breakdowns and many situations that were in no way an emergency. It is nice to know you have resources. 

Just to clear up the question..."Yes. Yes I was in the Boy Scouts."

"Be Prepared" is the motto of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Thanks Mr. Hagood!