Independence Day 2012

While many will run down to the beach, or over to the lake, or go to Grandma’s to cut a watermelon, others will have no such chances this Independence Day.  No, it is not because of the lack of funds, or desire to stay at home, or even the price of gas (which in some places has dropped below $3.00).  Those who cannot hit the beach, the lake or cut watermelons with families under the shade of a huge oak are the ones who serve in the military stationed around the world.

            The father of three, one of which is the youngest and he has yet to meet, will be on his watch.  A mother of two, married and with a father who is suffering through Alzheimer’s will be on deck in the Pacific Ocean.  A husband will be at a base in Israel, his wife serving as a JAG officer in the Netherlands, and there three children, the oldest girl eight years will be camping with an uncle in the Grand Canyon.

            And the stories go on and on, one after another of families separated because someone has been chosen to fight for the freedoms we as American’s hold so dear, yet take, oh, so for granted.  We live in a country founded on the beliefs of patriotism, free trade and rights for all people; yet we so often forget the ones who have paid the price for such.  As we go along, shooting fireworks and eating home-made ice cream, we forget that someone had to pay a huge price for our freedom.

            Those men who fought valiantly for us to become America paid a large price.  Many lost reputation, businesses and prestige to come to the wilderness of America to forge out a new way, a way of pure freedom.  Those who signed the documents to set in motion the freedoms we have today, were men who sacrificed much for freedom.  I am sure there were some fairly shaking hands and thumping hearts as they signed the document which would severe America from England.

            Yet, over two hundred years later, we enjoy the fruit of the seeds planted those many years ago.  We take full advantage of those things.  As we shop for new cars, buy produce, camp or vacation, attend worship, buy and sell guns we are exercising our freedoms.  A movie, a game, a dinner out, and a stroll through a park are all freedoms given to us by those who served through the years and those who faithfully serve today.

            Wave the flag, enjoy the time with family and friends, but do not take for granted these precious freedoms we have.

            Have a safe and fun holiday!      

Rights and Religion

We are at a crossroads in America today.  It is heard in the streets, in coffee shops, in court rooms, in office complexes and in barber shops and beauty shops.  People are talking and much of what is being said is akin to revolutionary thought.  It borders on being divisive and destructive words.  All of it has to do with rights and religion.

It is because everyone wants their right to be upheld, to be honored, to be heard; but yet if the rights are not upheld, honored or heard, then there is going to be trouble and turmoil.  Additionally, if someone has a varying or alternative view of the rights being discussed, they are denied any leeway within the discussion. 

When the rights are tied to religious understanding and upbringing, then the waters get even more troubled, as waves of dissention and darkened clouds gather.  It seems that many want to have their right to be heard on the issue of religion, but when it comes to someone speaking out contrary of their rights, the result gives way to rude accusations and hate.

Take for instance the issue of homosexuality.  It seems everybody has an opinion, and wishes to voice it in some form or fashion.  The ones who advocate it and uphold it, maybe even practice it, will fight to the death to be heard, and will fight with bitter words and feelings toward those who stand against this form of what they call a “lifestyle.”  On the other hand those who consider it an admonition will also fight to the death anyone who stands for this practiced “lifestyle” using negative and degrading language to do so.  Each wants the right to be heard, but neither is listening while they yell obscenities at each other.

An illustration is the church in Topeka, Kansas that shows up at every funeral of military members, saying that “God hates Americans and fags.”  Westboro Baptist Church has taken it as their personal mission to spread hate and discord, instead of the gospel of grace, becoming known for their extremist stand against the military and homosexuals.  While they do have the right to practice their form of “religion” they cross the border by being dogmatic and degrade the name of Christ in the process.

I read recently where this group (I just cannot call them a church) went to Charlotte and picketed Dr. Billy Graham.  Why?  According to a source, it seems that no one can get things right, according to Westboro, and Graham is no exception.  Their website stated they were picketing Dr. Graham whom is the “lying whore false prophet.”  Continue reading,

“WBC has accused Dr. Graham of not using his platform correctly.  They said he has used the resources at his disposal to keep quiet on issues of importance and to promote the notion that Hell isn’t real.  They feel he should be telling the world, that it’s not okay to be a fag, it’s not okay to divorce and remarry, it’s not okay to fornicate, it’s not okay to kill your babies.

Counter to this claim, last month, Dr. Graham had urged voters in North Carolina publicly to vote against Amendment One because Amendment One would define marriage as the Bible defines marriage.” 

So they have the right to picket, the right to say what they believe; but I do not and will not, nor have to, condone their belief or methods.  They will not like that, for sure.

Just as the proponents of abortion, legalization of marijuana, gambling, or any number of other divisive and destructive beliefs, if someone does not agree with them then the proponents will yell and scream at objectors, as they degrade them and demean them, attempting to break them and destroy them. 

Take the issue of religion.  Everyone has their right to their beliefs and practices.  But, we do not have the right to force those belief and practices on those who disagree.  State your position, that is your right, then go on your way.  There is no sense in fighting and feuding about the issues.

I personally believe that hell is real, Jesus is the only way to heaven, God is the Creator of all things, that only those who believe in Christ for forgiveness of sin will enter heaven, and that the church is comprised of sinners saved by grace.  Oh, there is so much more-such as abortion is murder, homosexuality is a sin, that Jesus and I love the sinner but hate the sin, gambling is wrong, alcoholism is a sin and that alcoholics can be set free from this destructive pattern…well you get the picture.  I have stated several times over the almost thirty years of ministry that “I believe the Bible, all the Bible, the whole Bible, from Genesis to the book of Revelation.”

But my rights and religion are nothing compared to the relationship I have with Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ is more important than my rights, and my religion is nothing but dirty rags, if the relation I have with Jesus is not most important.  Furthermore, the way I treat others and the way I respond to others is in direct correlation to my relationship with the Savior.  That is why WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) is such an important and vital part of my life, my actions, my reactions, my thoughts, my speech, my life.  It is not just something I wear, it is a constant reminder of who I am.

If we would get the relationship right, then all other things will follow.  It would make for a better today and a brighter tomorrow.    

Happy, Happy, Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day takes a back seat to Mother’s Day and for a good reason.  Mother’s are showered with gifts, cards and flowers because they are mothers.  They receive rings for their fingers, necklaces for their neck, bracelets for their wrist, a new dress or a new pair of shoes.  Some may receive a car or expensive vacation, but it is for one reason and one reason alone…they are Mothers!

Mothers work hard, long hours.  They are taxi drivers for the children, the social secretary for the household, and in-house nurse.  Mothers are the cleaners, cookers, and Tudors.  A mother will work from sun up to sun down, never receiving a compliment, but when the complaints come are ready to rectify the situation, as best as humanly possible.  When their day comes, thought and time is placed upon the present they will receive. 

Father’s Day comes along and fathers receive whatever falls in the buggy.  You know, men, things that might mean, “It is the thought that counts.”  It may be a tie, the color of hospital Jell-O; or a wrench, or maybe even a set of new underwear.  I heard of one man who received a new set of tires for his tractor. (Come to think of it, that would be a hard thing to get to “fall into the buggy”)  Normally, though, whatever falls in the buggy at that big store we all cringe at the thought of going to, is what fathers will receive on their special day.  It is only because we are, well, fathers.

Bless my daddy’s heart; the things he received for Father’s Day were some of the most useless things one can ever imagine.  Our motto was always, “What do you get a man who has everything?”  We never knew what to get him.  One year I bought him a microwave; another I purchased him socks and an ugly tie.  For me, I wanted to do something nice for him, but for him a card was all he really wanted.  Sometimes, that was even difficult; but I did the best I could do.  But some father’s do get whatever falls in the buggy, but they deserve a great deal more…  

Father’s are there to assist and aid in the training of riding a bicycle, or teaching a teenager to drive, or standing at the door with car keys and an open wallet as the children go to a concert.  Fathers may be needed when something breaks, or comes apart, or to be put together.  A father is the one who cuts the grass, trims the hedges, and replaces shingles on the house.  Father is called in to consult on punishment for major offenses, or to give advice when asked.  So, when it comes time to give a gift, he gets whatever falls in the buggy.

            Often this is the way we treat our heavenly Father.  We call on Him when we are in need, when something breaks and needs to be put back together, or when we are in a real tight.  Those are the times we reach out to Him, seeking His intervention or advice; the rest of the time we just leave Him alone.  It is more important for many to know that He is there, waiting for them in their time of distress, while they play and romp when all things are working out their way.  I am a guilty as the next person.  Yep, I believe we could honestly say that we give him “whatever falls in the buggy.”

            Our heavenly Father desires to spend time with us, giving us comfort and cheer along the way.  He wants to share in the hard and difficult times of life, as well as in the good and grand times of life.  We are to cast our burdens on Him (Matthew 11:29-30) as His Son instructed us and we are to praise Him in the times of our life when all is well. (Psalm 34)

            Allow me to say with all honesty, my daughter makes everyday Father’s Day for me.  The moment she came into our lives, I knew the love of a wonderful, giving daughter.  The first time she called me “Daddy” melted my heart.  She desires time with her daddy, in the good and in the bad.  When she is happy, she wants to share time with daddy; when she is sad or hurt, daddy is the one she wants.  I am Superman, Batman, and Spiderman all rolled into one and she tells me all the time how much she loves her daddy.  Not only does she tell me; she shows me.  For me everyday is Father’s Day and on the one special day of the year set aside on the calendar, I am happy to get a card from my daughter, and even something special that might have “fallen into the buggy.”  Because it is the “thought that counts.”   

Yes, Father’s Day is here again, and I long to put my feet up, have my Sunday dinner delivered to me in the easy chair as I watch John Wayne movies all afternoon.  Yep that is what I want to do, but that is not what I will get to do.  But it is the “thought that counts,” right?

Until next time, Happy Father’s Day to all the Father’s out there and enjoy whatever the day may bring.

Matthew 10:38 says, “He that does not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me.” (ASV)  This week we are talking about discipleship; living a life of following Christ.  So far this is the best camp we have had at Rockford.  God is truly moving in the lives of these kids and the adult leaders.  He is pulling all of us together to focus on the cross.  This mornings Bible Study was a an extremely different Bible study, in which we looked at the apostle John.  Here was a man who was so consumed with Christ that he did not even seem worthy enough to identify himself by name, but repeatedly referred to himself as the “beloved.”  Are we so willing to follow Christ that our identity is in Him; we are willing to lay aside our own desires and dreams to make His desires and His dreams ours?  Folks we are aiming toward tomorrow and God has gained our full attention, so we might see the cross and His payment for our sin; and His example of truly taking up the cross and following Him.  Continue to pray as we continue to walk along this path which will lead us toward an awesome conclusion here, but an adventure which will we will return to our home to live out in the real world.  

Picture worth a 1,000 words...

Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

This is an article from 2011, which appeared in our local newspaper, The Coosa News:

Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

I was caught!  Yes, caught in the very act.  Caught by one of the teenagers…and the sad thing is he took the picture.

On Wednesday I have an extremely long day and sometimes I have to take a few moments to rest, relax and, well-sleep, nap, take a Siesta-before finishing the day with any number of important and sometimes stressful events.  There may be a meeting, a conference, or some crisis to handle; but most importantly is the Adult Bible Study and Prayer Meeting.  I want to be my best, so sometimes a little rest is in order in the afternoon.

One particularly quiet Wednesday afternoon, as I sat at my desk, pondering the importance of the Book of Leviticus in the great scheme of life, my eyelids began to droop and my mind turned to mush.  Even fighting the urge which was drawing me into the deep recesses of total darkness and sweet rest, I could not seem to rally from the invitation.  I went to the kitchen for a cup of Java, walked downstairs and up stairs, but nothing was going to break the spell which seemed to be placed upon my body.  Nothing but a moment or two of “shut eye.”

Leaning back in my chair, I closed my eyes, folded my hands upon my chest and decided to rest just a moment.   An hour later, I was awaken by one of the teenagers, we call him “Bear,” sitting across the desk from me, grinning and that mischievous twinkle in his eye.

He said, “You were snoring.”

Wiping my mouth and rubbing my eyes, I replied, “I got sleepy and needed some rest.”

He was holding his mobile phone and said, “You were asleep, and I got your picture.”

I asked him to send it to me, on my mobile phone, and sure enough, there I was a picture of deep, satisfying, spiritual sleep.  We laughed, as he enjoyed his moment of “catching me.”  Then the afternoon turned to evening and everything was forgotten.

Until I was up loading pictures from my mobile phone to my Facebook page.  As I reviewed the pictures, I noticed this picture of the “evidence” got mixed into the album.  I thought, now I know my thinking can be very flawed sometimes, no one would notice and it would just be another picture among countless others.

Over the past few weeks, it seems this picture of the “Pastor at Rest” has become one of the most talked about, examined, and dissected pictures on my Facebook page.  Comments have been made ranging from serious observations-one questioning the coffee in the cup-to outright accusations that this is the normal activity of the pastor.  When I attempted to explain the pose-eyes closed, face turned to heaven, hands folded across the chest, seeking divine guidance from the great I AM-I was labeled a lair that was sound asleep and snoring. (Well, Bear, your right I was asleep and snoring, in the presence of the Father.)

Honestly, I have enjoyed the fun banter and the opportunity to share this picture, for actually there is a beautiful message in all of it.  God said, “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:11 KJV)  This is often one of the most difficult things to do.  We live in such a face paced world; driven to be the first one to obtain whatever we are after.  We go here, run there, and rush to do this or that; always in motion, so we can get ahead of the clock and ready for another onslaught of some other project or deadline.  Never once do we consider slowing down long enough for the Lord and a quiet moment with Him.

God wants us to slow down for Him, spend time with Him, and let Him talk to us.  Sunday is not the only day we need this time; we need to take time everyday for Him.  Whether you take time to spend with Him in a devotional, or a Quiet Time, or daily Bible reading, or just quietly listening to Him; all of these are good, because His call to you and me is, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

If you need some suggestions, I would be happy to share a few.  One reading plan you can use it to take the book of Proverbs, reading each chapter for the corresponding day of the month.  Do this for the entire year, and see what God says to you through the wisdom of Solomon.  Another avenue to take is purchase a copy of “My Utmost for His Highest,” by Oswald Chambers.  Whatever you do, take the Word of God and read it this year and allow it to be a time of refreshing for your life.

Now, if you will excuse me, I hear Him calling my name and I think maybe it would be a good time for me to lean back and spend a little quiet time with God.  You know, folded hands and face turned to heaven with my eyes closed…but wait, I think I will lock the office door this time.

I may post the picture here when I find it...

Cheering at Graduation?

Alright, I thought I had seen it all…but…

Al.com reports a South Carolina mother was arrested for cheering at her daughter’s graduation.  While I realize graduation is a formal affair, a place of honor for those attending and with all the frills and proceedings which make it such, this is beyond my imagination.  There must be more to the story.  Please tell me there is more to the story.  Please!

I understand there is always the need to request no hand clapping, cheering, or other celebratory outburst during graduation as names are being called to receive the coveted diploma.  Yes, I see that these types of things may hinder and prolong a graduation with a 100 plus graduates.  Of course I see that such things may make others uncomfortable, especially those on stage, as they must wait for quiet before they call the next name.  But having the dear woman arrested?  There must be more to the story.  Sure there is, right?

This lady did what was natural and common for a momma who is witnessing the great event of receiving a diploma.  The emotions have been pent up, stored up, shored up, and pressed down awaiting this day, this moment.  We do not know what may have hindered, if anything, this daughter from walking across that stage.  As far as we know, she may have been the first in her family to graduate from high school and may have earned a full-ride scholarship to Harvard, with the hopes of becoming the individual destined to find a cure for the common cold.  But arrest her mother for “praising, woohooing and cheering it up for [her] baby?” Give me a break.

I can see this would be out of line at a funeral.  The service is being conducted; the preacher is talking about the deceased man.  Thus far the service has been tame and punctuated only with a few sniffles.  As the preacher prepares to close the chapel service, he says, “Now, we will leave here to travel to the cemetery, where we will lay our friend in his grave.”  Someone jumps up, does a twirl in the aisle of the chapel, clapping their hands over their head and starts shouting, “Alright, about time, let’s get this done! Yeeeeeep! Git ‘er done!”  Now, there is one who needs to be arrested.

There are times in church where I have longed for some excitement, some sudden outburst, someone to encourage me on as I proclaim God’s Word.  There are some who do not like it when others say, “Amen!”  Or, “Right on, preacher!”  Or the best one ever, “YeeHaw!”  These individuals believe in quiet, reverence as they worship and they do not want anyone to disturb their sleep; excuse me, I meant reverence.

While preaching one Sunday, a young boy, around the age of four or five was having the time of his life.  He was playing with his fire truck, talking to his mommy and daddy, crawling under the pew; in general being a boy.  His mother and daddy were trying to control him, corral him, and contain him; to no avail.  Finally, daddy picked the little one up, threw him over his shoulder and headed for the door.

As they were hurrying down the aisle, the little boy called out to me, “Preacher, pray for me!”

I personally like a lively service over a quiet one any day.  Saying “Amen” during the service is akin to telling a bull dog to attack.  It gives me energy, encouragement, excitement.  I have been on a few churches where it was so cold, I was afraid to give the invitation, for fear someone might fall on the ice and break their neck, before they made it to the altar.

One church reported that a man became sick during a morning service and passed out.  A deacon called for emergency services, and once the medics arrived, they entered the quiet sanctuary.  After taking out five different individuals who appeared to be sick or on the verge of dying, they found the right man.  I have been there’ can testify to that!

God’s word says, “And he answered and said, I tell you that, if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40 ASV)

We are told that if we do not praise Him the rocks and stones will be used to praise Him; that would be an incredible sight.  His praise is to be always on our lips, in our life, and demonstrated by what we do.  Everything about our life should be centered around praising Him.  Oh, He has been so good to me; I cannot count my blessings!  Excuse me while I shout for a minute.

When we examine the scriptures and see the progression of God’s people, we can not help but lift up the name of the Lord.  When we look closely at the life of Christ, while He walked this sod, we must praise the name of an Almighty, Marvelous Creator who came in human clothes for sinful man.  As we study the cross of Calvary, and see a dying Savior, it should not repeal us, but draw us into His warm embrace and leave us breathless from the praise coming up from our lungs.  Looking at our life-my life and your life-seeing where we were and where we are now-causes us to say, “Glory, Glory, Glory; Praise be the name of the Lord!”

Yes, let us show forth the praise of the Lord, today and everyday!

The mother in South Carolina may have disturbed the quiet, tranquil proceedings of a graduation, and as they said, “If you do so, you will be escorted out.”  Yet, in the church house, and in the house of our life, everyday should be “praising, woohooing, and cheering it up” for Jesus in everything we do-in word and deed-so others might know our Jesus!

Do you know Him today?