Ok, since my trick on the pastor did not go over so well... here's another. Be sure to turn the music off at the bottom of the page.
HOW DOES A CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN DRUMMER MOW THE LAWN? featuring dwack of david crowder band
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
What a Week!
These past couple of weeks seem to have been riddled with bad news…one of my old Navy buddies died suddenly because of a blood clot in his lungs. My favorite morning anchor was found bludgeoned in her bedroom early last Monday morning and died this past Saturday evening and the perpetrator is still at large. My 401K is now a 4.01K, some of my favorite old customers are experiencing down turns in their businesses, the candidates I am supporting look like they are going to loose their elections, and my team lost the world series last night. To top it all off…I have been suffering from the “change of season” sinus crud…oh the horrible headaches, the sneezing and freezing, the feeling of drowning every time I lay down…and the medicine just makes me want to sleep…UGH!
As I’ve wondered from bed to couch to kitchen and back again clad in wrinkled pajamas, looking like I’ve been to visit Donald Trump’s hairdresser, with a box of Kleenex in hand, I have been trying to focus on things to be thankful for…reasons to praise God.
Naturally my first thought was of my husband, my son’s, and my life in Christ. Then my mind wondered to the career I so recently gave up. I loved those million dollar marketing campaigns, those co-operative marketing partnerships that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and were quite successful. I thought about the many times I had spoken to thousands of people in crowded ballrooms… the successful presentations and one-on-one conversations. I still keep in contact with some of my customers, co-workers, and tourism partners. It was a wonderful time in my life…the impact I made for my city and state…it was grand! However, not long from now…few people will even remember who I am let alone any of those campaigns I was so proud of, will they?
As I lay there trying to blow my red, sore nose one more time I was reminded how not long ago during a shopping trip I heard from a distance, “Ms. Theresa, Ms. Theresa.” I looked up and to my surprise saw one of the girls I used to teach in Sunday school. We spent a few minutes catching up. I was delighted as she talked of her college classes and future plans. As she walked away she casually looked over her shoulder and said, “Oh, one more thing…I teach Sunday school, too. Thanks!”
Just a couple of weeks ago I ran into another past student, a young man. He was one of our favorites…shhhh…I know we’re not supposed to have favorites, but sometimes you just can’t help it. He towered above me! He reached down and gave me a big hug and again we spent time catching up. He talked about a lesson he remembered about jealousy. It really was a play on words…I had told the kids when you are jealous it makes you feel lousy…that’s why it’s spelled like that…and when you are jealous you are the louse… Now, that whole class, along with kids in his school say “Jea-lousy” when jealousy rears its ugly head. I couldn’t help but laugh, thankful that at least one lesson had stuck after all these years. Now that’s an impact that will last!
I realized my greatest success was not in the mother and wife I have become or in the marketing genius I thought I was; it was in those kids and all the others that had passed through our nine and ten year old Sunday school class…and it wasn’t even my success…it was God’s! For that I am eternally thankful!
I am thankful I said yes when asked to teach that class. I was so worried…I had to pray it through…I was kind of afraid to teach kids. I had taught adults. I had gone to different churches and given my testimony to hundreds of teens and young adults…but children? I am thankful that through that fear, I was able to submit and let HIM do the teaching…I was just a vessel. How great is our God?
The Martin's said it so well in a song some time ago...count your blessings when you're feeling blue...it's surprising what a little bit of counting will do...
Ahhh, I feel better already!
Deuteronomy 6:7 “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
1 Timothy 6:19 “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
As I’ve wondered from bed to couch to kitchen and back again clad in wrinkled pajamas, looking like I’ve been to visit Donald Trump’s hairdresser, with a box of Kleenex in hand, I have been trying to focus on things to be thankful for…reasons to praise God.
Naturally my first thought was of my husband, my son’s, and my life in Christ. Then my mind wondered to the career I so recently gave up. I loved those million dollar marketing campaigns, those co-operative marketing partnerships that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and were quite successful. I thought about the many times I had spoken to thousands of people in crowded ballrooms… the successful presentations and one-on-one conversations. I still keep in contact with some of my customers, co-workers, and tourism partners. It was a wonderful time in my life…the impact I made for my city and state…it was grand! However, not long from now…few people will even remember who I am let alone any of those campaigns I was so proud of, will they?
As I lay there trying to blow my red, sore nose one more time I was reminded how not long ago during a shopping trip I heard from a distance, “Ms. Theresa, Ms. Theresa.” I looked up and to my surprise saw one of the girls I used to teach in Sunday school. We spent a few minutes catching up. I was delighted as she talked of her college classes and future plans. As she walked away she casually looked over her shoulder and said, “Oh, one more thing…I teach Sunday school, too. Thanks!”
Just a couple of weeks ago I ran into another past student, a young man. He was one of our favorites…shhhh…I know we’re not supposed to have favorites, but sometimes you just can’t help it. He towered above me! He reached down and gave me a big hug and again we spent time catching up. He talked about a lesson he remembered about jealousy. It really was a play on words…I had told the kids when you are jealous it makes you feel lousy…that’s why it’s spelled like that…and when you are jealous you are the louse… Now, that whole class, along with kids in his school say “Jea-lousy” when jealousy rears its ugly head. I couldn’t help but laugh, thankful that at least one lesson had stuck after all these years. Now that’s an impact that will last!
I realized my greatest success was not in the mother and wife I have become or in the marketing genius I thought I was; it was in those kids and all the others that had passed through our nine and ten year old Sunday school class…and it wasn’t even my success…it was God’s! For that I am eternally thankful!
I am thankful I said yes when asked to teach that class. I was so worried…I had to pray it through…I was kind of afraid to teach kids. I had taught adults. I had gone to different churches and given my testimony to hundreds of teens and young adults…but children? I am thankful that through that fear, I was able to submit and let HIM do the teaching…I was just a vessel. How great is our God?
The Martin's said it so well in a song some time ago...count your blessings when you're feeling blue...it's surprising what a little bit of counting will do...
Ahhh, I feel better already!
Deuteronomy 6:7 “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
1 Timothy 6:19 “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Just Two Weeks...
Our church is hosting the local zone’s camp meeting this week. For you non-Nazarenes, a zone is a smaller group of churches that are part of the larger district and camp meeting is just another word for revival. Our church has not hosted such an event in quite some time and as you can guess, the building has been cleaned and polished and the ladies have been assigned their night for nursery and snacks.
It began yesterday morning and stuck right in the middle of the message was a story about a teen that had been wandering down the “wrong road” and finally accepted the Lord as his Savior. As the teen’s family came up to shake hands and give hugs the pastor asked one of the uncles if was ready to make the same profession of faith. The uncle replied, “Almost. Camp meeting is in two weeks, I’ll do it then.” Two weeks…
Just a couple of days after that Sunday morning conversation, the pastor received a call…he rushed to the hospital…but it was too late. The uncle had a heart attack and died before the pastor arrived. Two weeks, just two more weeks…and they never came.
As the preacher wound down his impassioned, evangelistic message of salvation for the lost, regeneration for the weary, and sanctification for the new believer, the congregation started praying, swaying and singing:
Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Our praying saint, we all know this person…the one you go to with your requests because you know without a doubt that she will intercede on your behalf, the one that prays constantly for the pastor and his wife, for the classes, for the lost….she made her way up and began praying…a few more joined…not many…
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Another impassioned plea from the preacher… “Don’t let another minute pass…your salvation is at hand…today is the day…you may not have two weeks…”
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind, yea, all I need in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
You could hear the sniffles throughout the sanctuary…you could see the women, and some of the men, dabbing their eyes with Kleenex and soft embroidered hankies. And the congregation prayed, swayed, and sang.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Then it happened…a young mother, who attends quite regularly, stepped-out and made her way to the corner of the prayer bench and as our pastor and his wife joined her in prayer she reached out and touched the throne of grace. A new believer, a child of God…snatched from hell’s flames and set on the path of righteousness…and the angels in heaven danced as the congregation prayed, swayed, and sang:
Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Mark 1:15 "The time has come," he said. "The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" ~NIV
It began yesterday morning and stuck right in the middle of the message was a story about a teen that had been wandering down the “wrong road” and finally accepted the Lord as his Savior. As the teen’s family came up to shake hands and give hugs the pastor asked one of the uncles if was ready to make the same profession of faith. The uncle replied, “Almost. Camp meeting is in two weeks, I’ll do it then.” Two weeks…
Just a couple of days after that Sunday morning conversation, the pastor received a call…he rushed to the hospital…but it was too late. The uncle had a heart attack and died before the pastor arrived. Two weeks, just two more weeks…and they never came.
As the preacher wound down his impassioned, evangelistic message of salvation for the lost, regeneration for the weary, and sanctification for the new believer, the congregation started praying, swaying and singing:
Just as I am, without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me, and that thou bidst me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Our praying saint, we all know this person…the one you go to with your requests because you know without a doubt that she will intercede on your behalf, the one that prays constantly for the pastor and his wife, for the classes, for the lost….she made her way up and began praying…a few more joined…not many…
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Another impassioned plea from the preacher… “Don’t let another minute pass…your salvation is at hand…today is the day…you may not have two weeks…”
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind, yea, all I need in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
You could hear the sniffles throughout the sanctuary…you could see the women, and some of the men, dabbing their eyes with Kleenex and soft embroidered hankies. And the congregation prayed, swayed, and sang.
Just as I am, thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Then it happened…a young mother, who attends quite regularly, stepped-out and made her way to the corner of the prayer bench and as our pastor and his wife joined her in prayer she reached out and touched the throne of grace. A new believer, a child of God…snatched from hell’s flames and set on the path of righteousness…and the angels in heaven danced as the congregation prayed, swayed, and sang:
Just as I am, thy love unknown hath broken every barrier down; now, to be thine, yea thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Mark 1:15 "The time has come," he said. "The Kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" ~NIV
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Saturday Shorts
It's so easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life...
I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul!
I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Difference Love Makes
Yesterday’s was no ordinary Wednesday family dinner. It was Richard’s 30th birthday and the preparations began early. Getting the bread ready to rise, sticking the roast in the crock pot, slicing the yellow squash he loves so much when fried to a crispy, chewy golden brown, putting the last touches on the housework, and making several dozen cup cakes.
Before I knew it the school bus was rolling up to the driveway. The boys were so excited when they saw the sign propped up on the fence. Hunter was fantastic! He asked Gage, “Do you know what it says? Let me read it to you. It says, Oh No, Rick is the big 30!” They knew it was going to be a special day for sure.
Walking up the drive way I laid out the plans and emphasized the need to get everything done as quickly as possible because it was just a few short hours before we had to go to church. I told them that while Daddy was eating Justin was going to write on the back glass of his car, HONK I’M 30! I cautioned them not to say anything, it was a surprise. That’s when the celebration went from being a birthday dinner to a surprise party.
The cupcakes were waiting for the boys to decorate when they came in. We had white frosting and those cans of red and blue frosting and lots of sprinkles. We arranged them into a nice big three and a zero. They were sure proud of “their birthday cake.”
As the boys were working on a poster for Daddy, Cheri came in and the three of them finished the project. Hunter had pulled a tooth during class that morning and scrawled across the bottom of the poster in second-grade handwriting was ‘happy birthday, Daddy, I lost my tooth!’ Gage drew several people (more like happy faces with short stick arms and legs) and some of the letters he knew. He printed as neatly as he could his name and the newest word he learned to write… ‘goody!’
It wasn’t long before Rick pulled in the driveway. Hunter jumped into the stair well and up a few steps yelling, “He’s here, hide, he’s here!” Gage ran into the kitchen wide-eyed, hands extended and excitedly asked, “Where can I hide, Granna, where can I hide?” “Right here with me.” We all jumped out and shouted “Surprise!” Then collapsed in hugs and laughter.
Mom and Dad came in next bearing gifts and food, Justin and Amy and their children were right behind them, and when Jimmy came in we were ready to dig in. The house was full and noisy with general conversation, laughter, and the sound of the kids playing. It was a perfect evening and to make it even better, Jacob called!
A couple of days ago I wrote about a little five-year old boy who twenty-five years ago hid in the closet in fear for his life…and yesterday…I looked at a Godly man, husband, and father; active in his community and church. Safety Training Specialist, volunteer fire-fighter, coach, youth teacher, drummer, singer, former quorum court member, confident in who he is and in the God he serves. That’s the difference love makes; the difference of one man, the difference God makes. I am so thankful, my heart so full, I can’t even express it adequately except by that old Christian adage… God is good, He is sooooo goooood!
1 Corinthians 12:31(b) “And now I will show you the most excellent way,”
1 Corinthians 13 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom ally mysteries and all knowledge, and I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” ~NIV
Before I knew it the school bus was rolling up to the driveway. The boys were so excited when they saw the sign propped up on the fence. Hunter was fantastic! He asked Gage, “Do you know what it says? Let me read it to you. It says, Oh No, Rick is the big 30!” They knew it was going to be a special day for sure.
Walking up the drive way I laid out the plans and emphasized the need to get everything done as quickly as possible because it was just a few short hours before we had to go to church. I told them that while Daddy was eating Justin was going to write on the back glass of his car, HONK I’M 30! I cautioned them not to say anything, it was a surprise. That’s when the celebration went from being a birthday dinner to a surprise party.
The cupcakes were waiting for the boys to decorate when they came in. We had white frosting and those cans of red and blue frosting and lots of sprinkles. We arranged them into a nice big three and a zero. They were sure proud of “their birthday cake.”
As the boys were working on a poster for Daddy, Cheri came in and the three of them finished the project. Hunter had pulled a tooth during class that morning and scrawled across the bottom of the poster in second-grade handwriting was ‘happy birthday, Daddy, I lost my tooth!’ Gage drew several people (more like happy faces with short stick arms and legs) and some of the letters he knew. He printed as neatly as he could his name and the newest word he learned to write… ‘goody!’
It wasn’t long before Rick pulled in the driveway. Hunter jumped into the stair well and up a few steps yelling, “He’s here, hide, he’s here!” Gage ran into the kitchen wide-eyed, hands extended and excitedly asked, “Where can I hide, Granna, where can I hide?” “Right here with me.” We all jumped out and shouted “Surprise!” Then collapsed in hugs and laughter.
Mom and Dad came in next bearing gifts and food, Justin and Amy and their children were right behind them, and when Jimmy came in we were ready to dig in. The house was full and noisy with general conversation, laughter, and the sound of the kids playing. It was a perfect evening and to make it even better, Jacob called!
A couple of days ago I wrote about a little five-year old boy who twenty-five years ago hid in the closet in fear for his life…and yesterday…I looked at a Godly man, husband, and father; active in his community and church. Safety Training Specialist, volunteer fire-fighter, coach, youth teacher, drummer, singer, former quorum court member, confident in who he is and in the God he serves. That’s the difference love makes; the difference of one man, the difference God makes. I am so thankful, my heart so full, I can’t even express it adequately except by that old Christian adage… God is good, He is sooooo goooood!
1 Corinthians 12:31(b) “And now I will show you the most excellent way,”
1 Corinthians 13 “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom ally mysteries and all knowledge, and I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” ~NIV
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Testimony in Rhyme
He promised to love, honor and cherish me; but oh how he lied!
Broken, bruised, battered, scarred; I crawled into a bottle to hide.
Speed to motivate, weed to dull, vodka so I wouldn’t care,
I was living in a nightmare.
It began after a party; I said something wrong or laughed too much.
Pinned to the wall, yelling; my memory is fuzzy on details and such.
With an apology and breakfast he blamed it on too much to drink.
I should have run, but stayed;I was only 18,what was I to think?
He promised to love, honor and cherish; but oh how he lied.
That night a little piece of me died.
Another pill, a hit on a pipe, a bottle of wine so I would not care,
I was living in a nightmare.
For years as day faded into night,
I prayed, dear God, don’t let there be a fight…
I knew the signs; I’d read the books.
Be careful of words, actions, and looks,
Things that would set the course and tone,
My friends no longer came around…I was all alone.
Black eyes, broken bones, a stab wound, the cutting of my hair…
My God, I had to get out of this nightmare!
By now my son was five and in the closet he would hide and cry,
If I was killed, surely he would be the next to die.
“What will you look back on?” The words of a dieing sister…
Startled, reality dawning…I’d get out…just watch me mister!
She was my strength, my confidant, my hope.
Without her how would I cope?
One hot July afternoon, the cancer won and we laid her to rest,
A spark of resistance glowed within my chest.
She talked of God and getting her heart right.
I wanted to believe; but God never helped me in any fight.
I drank my last drink, took my last pill, and a plan began to form.
I had to get out, to protect my child; this life was not the norm!
Sober and clean with a heart full of care…
I was leaving this hellish nightmare!
It took a year, I think he knew…
Burn my clothes,sell my car; there was nothing he could do.
I called Mom and Dad, rented a truck, took some stuff
I had little cash…but with this kind of life…I’d had enough!
Protection and a fresh start was all I needed.
I won’t go back this time, I pledged, I pleaded.
And so my son and I moved back home,
Free at last and no longer alone.
I joined the Navy Reserves for the education benefit.
I gained weight, confidence, and a body that was fit.
I worked two jobs, went to college and made straight A’s
What? I was smart…wait a minute…hay…
My folks were right, I could do anything if I put my mind to it?
A new me was on the horizon…OK let’s do it!
Years passed, I didn’t have time for dating or men…
At the mere thought fear welled up; what if it turned out like then?
As healing slowly began: I’d double date here, I’d go out there…
But I wouldn’t get close enough for real feelings…I didn’t dare.
Then there was this guy, who really was my little sister’s friend.
He wasn’t my type…I didn’t want to set a trend.
The three of us would go out laugh, dance and have a great time…
“He’s a good man; it’s not like you’re gonna’ marry him!” She’d whine.
I’d stood him up, not once but twice, till my son answered the phone:
“Are you going to the rodeo? Can we go too?” How could I stay home?
It’s been over twenty years since that first date.
It ended with a kiss and sealed my fate.
He had a spirit that came straight from the Father above.
This man taught us of Heavenly love.
He took us to church, answered our questions, and must have prayed.
‘Cause Richard and I gave our hearts to the Lord…and never swayed.
I didn’t think it was possible – God forgave me of so many sins.
He changed my heart and truly healed me from within.
That nightmare that once was my life…
A wisp of a memory; God led me to be a good mother and wife,
That beastly man, alcoholic, druggie, and brute: I forgave him too.
The Bible says forgive as you've been forgiven: it was the least I could do.
Anyone can love a friend, but enemies, that love only God can send.
So as my testimony draws to an end,
I have but one question to ask…which path have you taken?
Are you falling apart, your world torn, heart broken and forsaken?
I know it’s true…Christ died on the cross my sins and yours to forgive.
Seek Him; accept Him and His gift of love, and a new life you will live.
The Holy Spirit will guide you, walk with Him, and never turn back.
He will change your heart; in Him there is nothing you will lack.
If He can change me; the worst sinner, with anger, envy, and such;
Lousy, selfish mother; how much will He change you? How much?
This is the day…your salvation is at hand.
Read these scriptures, give God your heart; with Him forever stand.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all have sin in our hearts. We were born under the control of sin. How many of the Ten Commandments can you name? You can find them in Exodus 20:3-17 How many have you broken? Realizing that we can not keep these commandments on our own- Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23 a. "...The wages of sin is death..." Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain. - Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23 b. "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it. - Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!" When Jesus died on the cross He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us! - Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you…not religion, or church membership. God loves you!
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!" - Call out to God in the name of Jesus! Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." - If you know that God is calling you, ask Him to come into your heart.
Jesus said, Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." - Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door? Believe in Him. Ask Him to come in to your heart by faith, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Open the Bible to the Gospel of John and read what God says about Jesus, about you, and about being born again.
God will help you. He loves you. You need to look for a local church where God's word is preached. The Bible says that we are to desire God's Word like a newborn baby desires mother's milk. Aren't you hungry to know the Truth?
Water baptism is one of the ways you first show that you have been joined to Jesus. This is an action, and actions will not save you. However, it is an act of obedience and a symbol of commitment. The symbolism is this: When you go down in the water you show that you have been crucified and buried with Him. And when you come up out of the water you show that you have been raised to walk with Him in newness of life. (See Romans chapter 6)
You have been born again. (See John chapter 3) Your body has become God's temple. Your heart is where He lives. Forgiveness is yours in Jesus. And you belong to Him. You were sin's slave. But now...you are a child of GOD!
John 1:12"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name!"
Broken, bruised, battered, scarred; I crawled into a bottle to hide.
Speed to motivate, weed to dull, vodka so I wouldn’t care,
I was living in a nightmare.
It began after a party; I said something wrong or laughed too much.
Pinned to the wall, yelling; my memory is fuzzy on details and such.
With an apology and breakfast he blamed it on too much to drink.
I should have run, but stayed;I was only 18,what was I to think?
He promised to love, honor and cherish; but oh how he lied.
That night a little piece of me died.
Another pill, a hit on a pipe, a bottle of wine so I would not care,
I was living in a nightmare.
For years as day faded into night,
I prayed, dear God, don’t let there be a fight…
I knew the signs; I’d read the books.
Be careful of words, actions, and looks,
Things that would set the course and tone,
My friends no longer came around…I was all alone.
Black eyes, broken bones, a stab wound, the cutting of my hair…
My God, I had to get out of this nightmare!
By now my son was five and in the closet he would hide and cry,
If I was killed, surely he would be the next to die.
“What will you look back on?” The words of a dieing sister…
Startled, reality dawning…I’d get out…just watch me mister!
She was my strength, my confidant, my hope.
Without her how would I cope?
One hot July afternoon, the cancer won and we laid her to rest,
A spark of resistance glowed within my chest.
She talked of God and getting her heart right.
I wanted to believe; but God never helped me in any fight.
I drank my last drink, took my last pill, and a plan began to form.
I had to get out, to protect my child; this life was not the norm!
Sober and clean with a heart full of care…
I was leaving this hellish nightmare!
It took a year, I think he knew…
Burn my clothes,sell my car; there was nothing he could do.
I called Mom and Dad, rented a truck, took some stuff
I had little cash…but with this kind of life…I’d had enough!
Protection and a fresh start was all I needed.
I won’t go back this time, I pledged, I pleaded.
And so my son and I moved back home,
Free at last and no longer alone.
I joined the Navy Reserves for the education benefit.
I gained weight, confidence, and a body that was fit.
I worked two jobs, went to college and made straight A’s
What? I was smart…wait a minute…hay…
My folks were right, I could do anything if I put my mind to it?
A new me was on the horizon…OK let’s do it!
Years passed, I didn’t have time for dating or men…
At the mere thought fear welled up; what if it turned out like then?
As healing slowly began: I’d double date here, I’d go out there…
But I wouldn’t get close enough for real feelings…I didn’t dare.
Then there was this guy, who really was my little sister’s friend.
He wasn’t my type…I didn’t want to set a trend.
The three of us would go out laugh, dance and have a great time…
“He’s a good man; it’s not like you’re gonna’ marry him!” She’d whine.
I’d stood him up, not once but twice, till my son answered the phone:
“Are you going to the rodeo? Can we go too?” How could I stay home?
It’s been over twenty years since that first date.
It ended with a kiss and sealed my fate.
He had a spirit that came straight from the Father above.
This man taught us of Heavenly love.
He took us to church, answered our questions, and must have prayed.
‘Cause Richard and I gave our hearts to the Lord…and never swayed.
I didn’t think it was possible – God forgave me of so many sins.
He changed my heart and truly healed me from within.
That nightmare that once was my life…
A wisp of a memory; God led me to be a good mother and wife,
That beastly man, alcoholic, druggie, and brute: I forgave him too.
The Bible says forgive as you've been forgiven: it was the least I could do.
Anyone can love a friend, but enemies, that love only God can send.
So as my testimony draws to an end,
I have but one question to ask…which path have you taken?
Are you falling apart, your world torn, heart broken and forsaken?
I know it’s true…Christ died on the cross my sins and yours to forgive.
Seek Him; accept Him and His gift of love, and a new life you will live.
The Holy Spirit will guide you, walk with Him, and never turn back.
He will change your heart; in Him there is nothing you will lack.
If He can change me; the worst sinner, with anger, envy, and such;
Lousy, selfish mother; how much will He change you? How much?
This is the day…your salvation is at hand.
Read these scriptures, give God your heart; with Him forever stand.
Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We all have sin in our hearts. We were born under the control of sin. How many of the Ten Commandments can you name? You can find them in Exodus 20:3-17 How many have you broken? Realizing that we can not keep these commandments on our own- Admit that you are a sinner.
Romans 6:23 a. "...The wages of sin is death..." Sin has an ending. It results in death. We all face physical death, which is a result of sin. But a worse death is spiritual death that alienates us from God, and will last for all eternity. The Bible teaches that there is a place called the Lake of Fire where lost people will be in torment forever. It is the place where people who are spiritually dead will remain. - Understand that you deserve death for your sin.
Romans 6:23 b. "...But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Salvation is a free gift from God to you! You can't earn this gift, but you must reach out and receive it. - Ask God to forgive you and save you.
Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!" When Jesus died on the cross He paid the price for all sin, and when He took all the sins of the world on Himself on the cross, He bought us out of slavery to sin and death! The only condition is that we believe in Him and what He has done for us, He did all this because He loved us and gave Himself for us! - Give your life to God... His love poured out in Jesus on the cross is your only hope to have forgiveness and change. His love bought you out of being a slave to sin. His love is what saves you…not religion, or church membership. God loves you!
Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!" - Call out to God in the name of Jesus! Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." - If you know that God is calling you, ask Him to come into your heart.
Jesus said, Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..." - Is Jesus knocking on your heart's door? Believe in Him. Ask Him to come in to your heart by faith, and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Open the Bible to the Gospel of John and read what God says about Jesus, about you, and about being born again.
God will help you. He loves you. You need to look for a local church where God's word is preached. The Bible says that we are to desire God's Word like a newborn baby desires mother's milk. Aren't you hungry to know the Truth?
Water baptism is one of the ways you first show that you have been joined to Jesus. This is an action, and actions will not save you. However, it is an act of obedience and a symbol of commitment. The symbolism is this: When you go down in the water you show that you have been crucified and buried with Him. And when you come up out of the water you show that you have been raised to walk with Him in newness of life. (See Romans chapter 6)
You have been born again. (See John chapter 3) Your body has become God's temple. Your heart is where He lives. Forgiveness is yours in Jesus. And you belong to Him. You were sin's slave. But now...you are a child of GOD!
John 1:12"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name!"
Monday, October 20, 2008
Beyond Sunday
Typical of rural America, especially in the south, as I was growing up all activities revolved around school sports programs, mainly football. During my high school years we had one year where our team were the champions and one year when they didn’t win one single game. Yet we still attended and supported the “Rabs.” The games were where we met up with friends and afterward cruised through town, circled the dairy bar, back down to the swimming pool, and back up to the dairy bar where money would be pooled and the eating of French fries and the sipping of cokes commenced. Hearts were won and heartaches drowned in root beer floats in that parking lot.My oldest son, Richard, turns thirty this week, my how time flies! He and his wife recently moved to town and not much has really changed except there is a Wal-Mart (not even the super store variety) and a McDonalds at the end of the “main drag.” Life still revolves around the sports programs at school and church activities. They love that small town charm and both are very involved in the community. Richard coaches little league baseball and football. It no longer surprises me to attend a game on Saturday where the stands are packed with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and people from town at large - all decked out in their purple and white, kids with faces painted, waving pom-poms and shaking noise makers.
Lined up in neat little rows in front of the bleachers are about 30 or 40 first and second grade cheerleaders in all shapes, sizes, and colors cheering the Fighting Jackrabbits to victory. They clap their hands and chant “We’ve got spirit – yes we do! We’ve got spirit – how ‘bout you?” then point to the crowd who responds in kind. Spectators jump to their feet shouting and clapping when a good play is made and groan when a tackle happens. After the game people mingle and congratulate the boys whether they win or loose. Pats on the back continue as all head to that same dairy bar for cokes and lunch where the game is rehashed and talk of the next game begins.
What if we took that fan mentality to church? The service begins as the associate pastor leads with 2 – 4 – 6 – 8 the Lord our God is really Great…2 – 4 – 6 – 8 the Lord our God is really GREAT, 2 – 4 – 6 – 8 THE LORD OUR GOD IS REALLY GREAT! YEEEAAAAAA GOD! Hands clap…break…let’s praise the Lord and the worship team takes over.
Might not be too reverent, but follow me just a minute…the pastor lays out the scripture, the story unfolds… “David winds up his slingshot and the one pebble hits Goliath right in the middle of his forehead and down he topples. Not his might but the power of the Lord slew that giant.” The entire congregation is now on its feet shouting and clapping.
Imagine the person who attends your church that you have been praying for finally goes to the altar and accepts Jesus as their savior…a praise wave breaks out as row by row, people spontaneously stand, raise their hands, shout hallelujah and sit down again.
I guess what I am getting at is that so many times our Christianity seems just a bit passive. We serve; teach classes, pray for others, support each other quietly. Why not go big? I am not talking about bragging about being a Christian or bragging about what you do to serve…I’m talking about getting excited about being a Christian, getting excited about serving, getting excited when we see Him working, groaning when someone on our team makes a fumble or gets tackled. I am talking about cheering that person on…when victory is on the way.
After the football game people go off and head back to their lives as accountants, lawyers, doctors, the cashier at the local store or gas station, mechanics, secretaries, politicians just the same as after church service. The difference is co-workers might never know they are a Jackrabbit fan and attended a game bedecked in purple and white, with face painted, etc.
It should not be the same with being a Christian. We are who we are outside the doors of our churches…not inside. Are you as excited about being a Christian as you are about your favorite sports team? If not, then why? I agree your relationship with God is personal but you should be so excited about it that others know without a doubt whose team is your favorite. YEEEAAAAAAAAA GOD!
Galations 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ~NKJV
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
for such a time as this...
Whoever says the Bible is boring has certainly not read the thing very much. It's better than the novels on the New York Times Best Seller’s List. I mean…the stories are filled with intrigue, deception, and adventure; stories of illicit affairs, murder, conspiracy, back-stabbing, drama, and love. There are spies, thieves, murderers, villains, heroes, warriors, champions, and stories where the underdog comes out on top. Seriously, if you have not spent much time between the pages of this great book, grab a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and settle in by the fire and take a journey that will change your life forever.
Not too long ago I watched (again) “One Night with the King” by FoxFaith movies. It had been a while since I read the book of Esther and decided to see exactly what kind of liberties had been taken for the sake of political correctness. However, it was not long before I was sucked into the pages and totally forgot about the movie!
It is a story of profound interplay of God’s sovereignty and human will. God prepared the place and the opportunity…Esther and Mordecai chose to act. Because of Queen Esther’s courageous act, a whole nation was saved.
The scene opens with a huge lavish feast lasting many days when the king calls for the queen, she doesn’t come, and his advisers are worried that because of her example all the other women will do what they want instead of obeying their husbands so he “sets her aside.” Sometime after that he “remembers Queen Vashti” so his advisers tell him to gather up all the young, beautiful virgins and pick a new queen.
Hadassah, a young Jewish girl, being raised by her elder cousin, Mordecai happens to be picked. He had urged her that should she be chosen to use another name and she becomes known simply as Esther. After a year of beauty treatments with oils and perfumes, the king “sets the crown upon her head.” Mordecai was always hanging around the "gates" so he could communicate with Esther because he loved her as his own.
Enter the wicked Hamen…(imagine evil music here) he has worked his way up the ranks through intrigue and malicious maneuvers however, when Mordecai would not bow down to him he was furious and devised a plot to not only kill Mordecai but to exterminate all the Jews.
But God had other plans! Mordecai sent word to Esther that she had to go to the king to save her people. She was worried because it was unlawful to do so with out the king first summoning a person and he had not called for her in a long time. If she approached him and he did not lower his scepter toward her she would be killed. What to do, what to do? When Mordecai heard of this he sent word back to her:
“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: ‘Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai ‘Go gather all the Jews present in Shusan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!’” Esther 4:13-16 ~NIV
So…walking by faith….she puts on her royal robes and goes before the king who inclines his scepter toward her and tells her she can have anything she wants up to one half the kingdom. What a relief! She simply invites the king and Hamen to a banquet that day but at the “banquet of wine” she asks them to come back the next night for another banquet and she will tell the king what's on her mind then.
Now by this point in the story, Hamen thinks he is all that… he is in a position of high authority and living a lavish lifestyle, has convinced the king to get rid of the Jews, and now is attending “banquet” with the queen in which he is the only other guest of honor besides the king. But as he walks out of the gate who does he see? Mordecai standing tall and Hamen is madder than ever before. He complains to his wife and friends that all he has accomplished is for nothing as long as Mordecai sits at the gate and disrespects him in front of everyone. Hamen’s wife tells him…build a gallows, hang Mordecai and get it over with so that he can go to the banquet and enjoy himself.
But again, God had other plans! The king could not sleep that night and like us, he wanted something to read. As he was reading the book of records he came across the entry where Mordecai had sent word and an assassination attempt on the king was thwarted. When the King asked what had been done to reward this guy, his servants informed him nothing. Talk about God’s timing!
Since Hamen was the only advisor lurking around the palace at the time, the king asks him what should be done…thinking it could only be Hamen, himself, the king wanted to reward (Man he is so full of himself!) he comes up with a lavish reward.
Not only did Mordecai get rewarded…Hamen was further humiliated by being the one to parade Mordecai, his nemesis, through the streets as he sat upon one of the kings horses, wearing a robe that the king had worn. After all, in Hamen's opinion it should be him on that horse and in those clothes. I can see his face as he shouts to all who can hear, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!” over and over again.
That evening Hamen attended Queen Esther’s banquet with the King. When the King asked her this time what was her petition and again promising her what ever she wanted up to half the kingdom, she asked that her life be spared and that of her people. I can see the kings face now…what? Who has done this to you? When she told him it was Hamen he was livid and Hamen, rightly so, was terrified.
And so the story ends with Hamen being hung on the gallows built for Mordecai and Esther receives the house of Hamen as compensation. The king sends out a decree to all the land that the Jews were to rise up in resistance to any who attempted to kill, steal, and destroy their people upon the date that had been allotted.
During these battles Hamen’s sons and wife were also killed. Some Jews died but all-in-all the Jewish people were successful. Mordecai petitioned the king (for he had grown in prominence) that “these days should become a time of feasting, gift giving, and giving gifts to the poor: for their sorrow was turned to joy, their days of mourning into a holiday and that they be remembered for all time." We know it today as the Jewish holiday Purim.
Esther's life made a difference. Seeing her God-given opportunity, she seized it! I encourage you to get out your Bible and as you read the book Esther, watch for God at work in your life…has He prepared you to act in such a time is this?
Not too long ago I watched (again) “One Night with the King” by FoxFaith movies. It had been a while since I read the book of Esther and decided to see exactly what kind of liberties had been taken for the sake of political correctness. However, it was not long before I was sucked into the pages and totally forgot about the movie!
It is a story of profound interplay of God’s sovereignty and human will. God prepared the place and the opportunity…Esther and Mordecai chose to act. Because of Queen Esther’s courageous act, a whole nation was saved.
The scene opens with a huge lavish feast lasting many days when the king calls for the queen, she doesn’t come, and his advisers are worried that because of her example all the other women will do what they want instead of obeying their husbands so he “sets her aside.” Sometime after that he “remembers Queen Vashti” so his advisers tell him to gather up all the young, beautiful virgins and pick a new queen.
Hadassah, a young Jewish girl, being raised by her elder cousin, Mordecai happens to be picked. He had urged her that should she be chosen to use another name and she becomes known simply as Esther. After a year of beauty treatments with oils and perfumes, the king “sets the crown upon her head.” Mordecai was always hanging around the "gates" so he could communicate with Esther because he loved her as his own.
Enter the wicked Hamen…(imagine evil music here) he has worked his way up the ranks through intrigue and malicious maneuvers however, when Mordecai would not bow down to him he was furious and devised a plot to not only kill Mordecai but to exterminate all the Jews.
But God had other plans! Mordecai sent word to Esther that she had to go to the king to save her people. She was worried because it was unlawful to do so with out the king first summoning a person and he had not called for her in a long time. If she approached him and he did not lower his scepter toward her she would be killed. What to do, what to do? When Mordecai heard of this he sent word back to her:
“And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: ‘Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?’ Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai ‘Go gather all the Jews present in Shusan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!’” Esther 4:13-16 ~NIV
So…walking by faith….she puts on her royal robes and goes before the king who inclines his scepter toward her and tells her she can have anything she wants up to one half the kingdom. What a relief! She simply invites the king and Hamen to a banquet that day but at the “banquet of wine” she asks them to come back the next night for another banquet and she will tell the king what's on her mind then.
Now by this point in the story, Hamen thinks he is all that… he is in a position of high authority and living a lavish lifestyle, has convinced the king to get rid of the Jews, and now is attending “banquet” with the queen in which he is the only other guest of honor besides the king. But as he walks out of the gate who does he see? Mordecai standing tall and Hamen is madder than ever before. He complains to his wife and friends that all he has accomplished is for nothing as long as Mordecai sits at the gate and disrespects him in front of everyone. Hamen’s wife tells him…build a gallows, hang Mordecai and get it over with so that he can go to the banquet and enjoy himself.
But again, God had other plans! The king could not sleep that night and like us, he wanted something to read. As he was reading the book of records he came across the entry where Mordecai had sent word and an assassination attempt on the king was thwarted. When the King asked what had been done to reward this guy, his servants informed him nothing. Talk about God’s timing!
Since Hamen was the only advisor lurking around the palace at the time, the king asks him what should be done…thinking it could only be Hamen, himself, the king wanted to reward (Man he is so full of himself!) he comes up with a lavish reward.
Not only did Mordecai get rewarded…Hamen was further humiliated by being the one to parade Mordecai, his nemesis, through the streets as he sat upon one of the kings horses, wearing a robe that the king had worn. After all, in Hamen's opinion it should be him on that horse and in those clothes. I can see his face as he shouts to all who can hear, “Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!” over and over again.
That evening Hamen attended Queen Esther’s banquet with the King. When the King asked her this time what was her petition and again promising her what ever she wanted up to half the kingdom, she asked that her life be spared and that of her people. I can see the kings face now…what? Who has done this to you? When she told him it was Hamen he was livid and Hamen, rightly so, was terrified.
And so the story ends with Hamen being hung on the gallows built for Mordecai and Esther receives the house of Hamen as compensation. The king sends out a decree to all the land that the Jews were to rise up in resistance to any who attempted to kill, steal, and destroy their people upon the date that had been allotted.
During these battles Hamen’s sons and wife were also killed. Some Jews died but all-in-all the Jewish people were successful. Mordecai petitioned the king (for he had grown in prominence) that “these days should become a time of feasting, gift giving, and giving gifts to the poor: for their sorrow was turned to joy, their days of mourning into a holiday and that they be remembered for all time." We know it today as the Jewish holiday Purim.
Esther's life made a difference. Seeing her God-given opportunity, she seized it! I encourage you to get out your Bible and as you read the book Esther, watch for God at work in your life…has He prepared you to act in such a time is this?
Spell Checked
I was working on a story the other day and had a typo in the word "crucifixion." When I spell checked the document these three words were listed as possibilities…
How amazing is that?
- ramification
- reunification
- gratification
How amazing is that?
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