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Today's sermon suggested that we let the petty things in life become our major focus. When we do, we take our eyes of God and His plan. I'm reminded that I am called to focus on Him alone. If we focus on Him, we'll be ready and available to serve Him when He calls on us. How rewarding could that be? I want to find out. Do you?
1 Corinthians 3, Paul gets on the church pretty hard. When he was there with them he understood that they were new to the Christian life and he fed them spiritual milk. Time has passed and although he thought they should have graduated to more solid food, the indicators were that they were still spiritual babies. What were they doing? They were fussing and quarreling over who the preacher was when they came to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. For what ever reason, some bragged that Paul was preaching, while others bragged that Apollos or Peter. Can you imagine?
Being in a minister's home all my life, I heard a lot of preachers. I always enjoyed my dad's preaching. In fact, for a year heard him preach every Sunday. He resigned to show Billy Graham films all over Florida. During that year I heard Billy Graham present the Gospel many times. I actually felt I needed to have a personal relationship with Jesus while hearing the pastor who followed my dad in that little mission church.
Who was responsible? Actually none of those pastors. Not one of them could save my soul. It was only the work of the Holy Spirit in my life that brought me to the realization that I needed a personal relationship with Jesus. God used those men whom He had called to proclaim His message to urge me, teach me, and encourage me. But it only be accepting what Jesus did for us on the cross that we can receive the hope of life in Heaven for all eternity.
What could happen if God's people would keep the main thing, the main thing?
What would happen if the church would make an intentional effort to not fuss or quarrel about petty things?
Would the church make a greater impact on the world around us?
Would the world around us hear the Gospel more easily?
Could we be more effective, more efficient as we attempt to share Jesus with the world?
I believe that is exactely what Paul was trying to say. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, put our petty differences aside, and get to work doing what God has called us to.
"Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them all the things I have taught you."
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Mile Stones
I'm contemplating today the passage of time and those mile stones that mark that passage. This morning we sat on the front porch of our home which sits just off the center of our sleepy little town. The traffic was much heavier than it has been over the past ten weeks or so. The faces in those cars and trucks were different than we've been seeing lately as well. Then there's that major change in the vehicles that are going by. Yes, we're seeing lots of cars and pick-up trucks. There is the occasional semi or delivery truck that goes by. But today is different, there are those long yellow and black buses going by that mark the beginning of another school year.
With some excitement, some apprehension, maybe a bit of sadness, I watched my boy head down the sidewalk to the curb. With back-pack on and bag of supplies in tow, Christopher was patiently waiting for his bus to stop and the driver to wave him across the street so that he could board. Funny really, how until today when folks would ask if he was excited to go back he would violently shake his head no. Yet today, when the reality is smacking him in the face, he is up early and waiting in front of the TV for 20 minutes or so before it is time to go out for the bus. Yes, the excitement of the new year was there. The earlier, negative reaction was for show. They learn so early.
All this reminds me though that there is another rite of passage that will be coming soon enough. There will be another morning when things are just a bit different than they were the day before. There will be another morning when he will get up and get ready, maybe even early like today. That day will be the day that he leaves the house on a more permanent basis. That will be a truly sad day for Connie and me. That will be the day when he heads out and begins a relationship that will change where our priority is in his relationship rankings. He will not replace us or turn away from us, but his new bride will certainly become the number one relationship in his life.
That's a good thing, I guess. Kind of makes me sad to think of it. But, isn't that day what we as parents are working toward from the time our wonderful children are born? We get them birthed, raise them, teach them, love them, and train them. Then the day comes when we will once again be free to revive the relationship with our spouse and we can't even get through the wedding without shedding tears of loss. And even with all of that going on we begin to think of the day with our children will bring us news of their having children. Our grandchildren will be coming soon and we have an opportunity to once enjoy the laughs, the hugs, the excitement, and even the tears of those little faces. What a joy to be grandparents.
All this to say that I'm sure God feels much the same way at times. He loves us and cares for us. He made sure that we had a path laid out before us. He is there when we fall off the path, ready to lend a hand, to teach the lesson, to give us the love we need. Yet time and again we step off our path. We even take side roads, going out on our own. Yet He is always there. What saddens Him the most is when we replace Him as our number one relationship. The Bible tells us plainly that God is a jealous God. What I find the most interesting is that God not only wants to hold the number one relationship in our lives, but when we allow God to hold the top position, the rest of our relationships become even better. Our marital relationship, the relationships with our children, our co-workers, our friends and other relatives, all will be better when we place the God of the universe as our number one relationship. As Mr. Ripley would say, "Believe it or not." I choose to believe it because I've lived it and know from experience. I pray you do, or will soon.
With some excitement, some apprehension, maybe a bit of sadness, I watched my boy head down the sidewalk to the curb. With back-pack on and bag of supplies in tow, Christopher was patiently waiting for his bus to stop and the driver to wave him across the street so that he could board. Funny really, how until today when folks would ask if he was excited to go back he would violently shake his head no. Yet today, when the reality is smacking him in the face, he is up early and waiting in front of the TV for 20 minutes or so before it is time to go out for the bus. Yes, the excitement of the new year was there. The earlier, negative reaction was for show. They learn so early.
All this reminds me though that there is another rite of passage that will be coming soon enough. There will be another morning when things are just a bit different than they were the day before. There will be another morning when he will get up and get ready, maybe even early like today. That day will be the day that he leaves the house on a more permanent basis. That will be a truly sad day for Connie and me. That will be the day when he heads out and begins a relationship that will change where our priority is in his relationship rankings. He will not replace us or turn away from us, but his new bride will certainly become the number one relationship in his life.
That's a good thing, I guess. Kind of makes me sad to think of it. But, isn't that day what we as parents are working toward from the time our wonderful children are born? We get them birthed, raise them, teach them, love them, and train them. Then the day comes when we will once again be free to revive the relationship with our spouse and we can't even get through the wedding without shedding tears of loss. And even with all of that going on we begin to think of the day with our children will bring us news of their having children. Our grandchildren will be coming soon and we have an opportunity to once enjoy the laughs, the hugs, the excitement, and even the tears of those little faces. What a joy to be grandparents.
All this to say that I'm sure God feels much the same way at times. He loves us and cares for us. He made sure that we had a path laid out before us. He is there when we fall off the path, ready to lend a hand, to teach the lesson, to give us the love we need. Yet time and again we step off our path. We even take side roads, going out on our own. Yet He is always there. What saddens Him the most is when we replace Him as our number one relationship. The Bible tells us plainly that God is a jealous God. What I find the most interesting is that God not only wants to hold the number one relationship in our lives, but when we allow God to hold the top position, the rest of our relationships become even better. Our marital relationship, the relationships with our children, our co-workers, our friends and other relatives, all will be better when we place the God of the universe as our number one relationship. As Mr. Ripley would say, "Believe it or not." I choose to believe it because I've lived it and know from experience. I pray you do, or will soon.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Marry Young vs. Establish Life and Career
In Sixteen days I will celebrate twenty nine years of being married to the most wonderful woman God could have paired me with. There have been a lot of great times. There have been some not so great times. If I get real honest about it, there have been some times that were down right horrible. One thing I can say for sure, in all these twenty nine years I have learned that without going through the bad, we would not have nearly as much good as we've had.
Three issues cause me to talk about this. First is obvious, our anniversary being right on top of us will always cause me to reflect on the love that Connie and I share. There were days and nights that each of us wondered what we were doing with each other. But we are both so glad that we worked through those times to arrive here today. God has even used those times to help other couples who are having trouble, giving them a living, breathing example that couples can indeed work through the issues of life and make it together on the other side.
Secondly, I heard this past week of another young couple who is calling it quits. I don't know all the details. I also don't think they would want their lives posted on the internet either. But I will say that this is a couple who has not been married even two years yet. One of the spouses has decided that they just cannot agree on how much the grandparents will be involved with any future grandchildren. What a shame? Children are not even in the picture yet and this couple will never know the joy that those same children will bring into their lives. They will never experience the love they feel as they hold those children for the very first time. They will never know the feeling of holding those little hands or the hugs those little arms are so free to give.
Finally, an article came across my computer screen today talking about marriage. I read most of it simply because the title said something about the church needing to teach younger marriage. Interesting article, the author makes the point that our society encourages putting off marriage to "find ourselves." Along with later marriage comes later child birth. He makes the point that God created us, particularly women, with a prime child birthing age in our twenties. As it turns out, the medium age of women getting married for the first time is going up and has reached twenty six year of age. Men aren't getting married until they're twenty nine. And then couples are taking a few years of "getting to know one another" and getting their careers established before starting their families. So they are missing the prime years for having children if they have any at all.
So, there is a lot on my mind tonight. I wonder what God has in store for our churches. I wonder what is in store for our families. I wonder what is in store for our country. If marriage ages continue to go up and children are delayed later and later, it only makes sense that the birth rate is probably going to drop. We don't need to over populate, but we also don't need to reduce the lives being born.
There is so much more to say, but I do not want to ramble. I leave with this question to ponder: Is the church teaching "early marriage" or suggesting that marriage be put off? If we're teaching that it should be put off, are we giving the tools needed to remain chaste until marriage? I'm afraid that we've stuck our heads in the sand for too long. Let's be honest and open with our youth and help them to understand that it is important to marry young and to not delay their families. And for those who don't find their mates until a bit later, lets help them with the tools and opportunities they need so that they can remain faithful to their future mates. Sure, kids are going to make mistakes. Hormones are going to drive them, and us, crazy for a bit. But, let's not loose our young to world and to Satan because we've been afraid to talk with them.
I pray this is understandable and provokes some thought in your mind. Please feel free to ask questions or even to comment. I would greatly appreciate it.
Three issues cause me to talk about this. First is obvious, our anniversary being right on top of us will always cause me to reflect on the love that Connie and I share. There were days and nights that each of us wondered what we were doing with each other. But we are both so glad that we worked through those times to arrive here today. God has even used those times to help other couples who are having trouble, giving them a living, breathing example that couples can indeed work through the issues of life and make it together on the other side.
Secondly, I heard this past week of another young couple who is calling it quits. I don't know all the details. I also don't think they would want their lives posted on the internet either. But I will say that this is a couple who has not been married even two years yet. One of the spouses has decided that they just cannot agree on how much the grandparents will be involved with any future grandchildren. What a shame? Children are not even in the picture yet and this couple will never know the joy that those same children will bring into their lives. They will never experience the love they feel as they hold those children for the very first time. They will never know the feeling of holding those little hands or the hugs those little arms are so free to give.
Finally, an article came across my computer screen today talking about marriage. I read most of it simply because the title said something about the church needing to teach younger marriage. Interesting article, the author makes the point that our society encourages putting off marriage to "find ourselves." Along with later marriage comes later child birth. He makes the point that God created us, particularly women, with a prime child birthing age in our twenties. As it turns out, the medium age of women getting married for the first time is going up and has reached twenty six year of age. Men aren't getting married until they're twenty nine. And then couples are taking a few years of "getting to know one another" and getting their careers established before starting their families. So they are missing the prime years for having children if they have any at all.
So, there is a lot on my mind tonight. I wonder what God has in store for our churches. I wonder what is in store for our families. I wonder what is in store for our country. If marriage ages continue to go up and children are delayed later and later, it only makes sense that the birth rate is probably going to drop. We don't need to over populate, but we also don't need to reduce the lives being born.
There is so much more to say, but I do not want to ramble. I leave with this question to ponder: Is the church teaching "early marriage" or suggesting that marriage be put off? If we're teaching that it should be put off, are we giving the tools needed to remain chaste until marriage? I'm afraid that we've stuck our heads in the sand for too long. Let's be honest and open with our youth and help them to understand that it is important to marry young and to not delay their families. And for those who don't find their mates until a bit later, lets help them with the tools and opportunities they need so that they can remain faithful to their future mates. Sure, kids are going to make mistakes. Hormones are going to drive them, and us, crazy for a bit. But, let's not loose our young to world and to Satan because we've been afraid to talk with them.
I pray this is understandable and provokes some thought in your mind. Please feel free to ask questions or even to comment. I would greatly appreciate it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rectangular Platter
This piece is a rectangular plate, 8"x9 1/4" x 1 3/4" tall. The wood is maple that I picked up from the church's by-pass property when we took down some trees. The inspiration for this plate is most assuredly oriental, in fact I had a sushi plate in mind. Lots of stuff going on in this piece, worm holes, ambrosia, fiddleback, etc. All works together to give a lot of interest. Finish is several coats of Seal-A-Cell, hand buffed between with 0000 steal wool, finished off with Beall System, and then Renaissance Wax. I just sent it off to a benefit auction for a young lady who has recently lost both legs to a rare disease. I hope it brings a great price for her and the family.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Rite of Passage
Today our family went through one of those rites that all families must go through from time to time. Our son has been off at summer camp all week and came home today. I'm sure it is true of all kids coming home from camp, HE STUNK. Nearly had to force him to go take a shower once he was home. He is also very tired. Won't admit it at all. We can see it in his eyes. Now that he's out of the shower he smells much better. Looks better too. Still sleepy though. Best thing we could do for him is get him in bed early tonight. Problem is, momma said something to him about going to see Ice Age 3 tonight. Now it is all he can think about. Guess we'll go to the movie. My guess is that he'll either fall asleep during the movie or on the way home. We only live about 3 miles from the cinema. Won't matter though. I'm pretty sure I'll be carrying him from the car to the bed.
Our Heavenly Father is a lot like that too. He will let us burn the candle at both ends and wear our selves out. He'll even let us have our own way and do what we want. Then, when we've worn ourselves out and are not able to go any further, He picks us up and carries us to a place of refuge, where we are safe and can get rest. He wants us to have life that is full, a life abundant with all the good things He created. That life of abundance is only available when we believe in His Son, Jesus. That belief pays the price we owe for the sin in our life. Jesus had no sin in His life, yet He died so that we could have the life that God wants for us. We simply need to accept that gift.
Tonight I will most likely struggle to get my son into his bed. God never has any trouble carrying us to a place of rest and safety. I'll place my trust in Him. Won't you?
Our Heavenly Father is a lot like that too. He will let us burn the candle at both ends and wear our selves out. He'll even let us have our own way and do what we want. Then, when we've worn ourselves out and are not able to go any further, He picks us up and carries us to a place of refuge, where we are safe and can get rest. He wants us to have life that is full, a life abundant with all the good things He created. That life of abundance is only available when we believe in His Son, Jesus. That belief pays the price we owe for the sin in our life. Jesus had no sin in His life, yet He died so that we could have the life that God wants for us. We simply need to accept that gift.
Tonight I will most likely struggle to get my son into his bed. God never has any trouble carrying us to a place of rest and safety. I'll place my trust in Him. Won't you?
Friday, July 10, 2009
I got this piece of wood from Clay at Choice Woods. He was having a sale on some wood that wasn't first rate before he moved to his new location. Wonderful wood, just didn't have the grain that some does. It is now the property of our nephew and his new wife. LOML gave it to them as a wedding present. Anyway, it is right at 12" wide and about 1 3/4" tall. Sanded to 400 dry and then wet sanded between coats of Seal-A-Cell and Arm-R-Seal. One of the few pieces that I had no problems with. It went smoothly from start to finish.Questions and comments are always welcome. I only get better when I hear what folks think.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Christopher Goes To Camp
It finally happened. The summer of his seventh year he wants to go to summer camp. The flyer had come in on the fax machine. Salvation Army camp and there aren't very many kids wanting to go for some reason. We called hoping that he doesn't qualify. They really don't care as long as there is room. So, it's off to camp we go. Seems like just yesterday he was laying on my arm, sleeping, or cooing. Now he's about to heavy to pick up when he falls asleep in the car.
We've not gotten any calls saying that he is disparate to come home so I guess he's fine. Should have known. He wasn't at the camp more than two minutes when he has made a couple of friends with his cabin mates. They were waiting for the councilor to come and escort them to their cabin. These folks had things under control. There was a large screen with something about alligators being shown on it. All the kids were glued.
Connie goes to pick him up on Saturday. I'm sure we'll hear all about it. Should take weeks. There's one thing that I'm sure about even before he gets home to tell me about it, he'll have had a ton of fun. Christopher doesn't do anything without having fun at it. If momma can just make it to Saturday.
We pray for him daily. We pray for ourselves. Sure makes it easier knowing that God is watching over him. Enjoy yourself my son. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
We've not gotten any calls saying that he is disparate to come home so I guess he's fine. Should have known. He wasn't at the camp more than two minutes when he has made a couple of friends with his cabin mates. They were waiting for the councilor to come and escort them to their cabin. These folks had things under control. There was a large screen with something about alligators being shown on it. All the kids were glued.
Connie goes to pick him up on Saturday. I'm sure we'll hear all about it. Should take weeks. There's one thing that I'm sure about even before he gets home to tell me about it, he'll have had a ton of fun. Christopher doesn't do anything without having fun at it. If momma can just make it to Saturday.
We pray for him daily. We pray for ourselves. Sure makes it easier knowing that God is watching over him. Enjoy yourself my son. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
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