The Most Meaningful Sound

Hear what the scripture says: Psalm 89:15-17.

"Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and  in Your favor our horn is exalted."

There are many sounds in our world today that are not so joyful. Sounds of horrific proportions frighten us, upset us, make us angry, separate us, or perhaps move us toward an unreasonable, hasty decision to give up. In these sounds we find no happiness or peace.

In contrast the Bible teaches us that God has put a glorious sound in place, a joyful sound that will provide lasting happiness. We are blessed by this sound. Those who know this sound are exalted, lifted up to a higher level of understanding of the Creator. What is this sound? The best way I know to describe it is by referring to an old hymn that has been sung in our churches for decades, "We have heard the joyful sound, Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves".

This joyful song that has been echoed throughout the ages is the proclamation that Jesus saves all those who will come to Him in spirit and in truth. Yes, the sound that we have heard, and rings loudly in our hearts today is Jesus Saves, Jesus saves. When we know that sound we reside under the protection and peace of His presence. Jesus is our salvation and our strength.

As those offensive sounds of the world's demise pierce our ears we do not have to fear. We do not have to panic or dwell on the weak threats that come against us wasting our time and depleting  our energy. We can mute those sounds and listen only to that beautiful sound in which we have put our faith and trust. Jesus Saves, Jesus Saves. This is the loveliest sound man will ever hear. We who know Jesus are truly blessed.

Buckle Up, Ready or Not

The rude truth about death is that we cannot check our calendar to see when it will be the most convenient. "This Thursday? Let me see. No, that won't work! I have a hair appointment, and after that Mary has piano." Death seems to come at the most inconvenient time. Death interrupts schedules, delays plans, or in many cases erases them completely.

Sudden deaths bring shock and confusion. Everyone is caught off guard. There is not much time to think about everything that has to be done. Long drawn out deaths may be the hardest for the survivors. The departure of that loved one is immanent, but still the death bed vigil may be longer than anyone expected. I have watched many families go through this agonizing process. Most family members wait patiently while others can't handle the waiting. "Mom, Dad, why don't you hurry up and die? I've got things I need to do.. I just can't handle this!" The inconvenience and stress of death brings varied emotions and actions. The uncertainty of the time of our death can be very perplexing. So we had rather not think about it.

Are we ready for the death experience? Buckle up! All of us have a ticket for this ride like it or not. We just don't know the date of departure. We hope the ride is delayed. Since we have no way of knowing the time, it is essential that we have our bags packed for that eternity train. We are always on standby.

I Don't Think Mama Ever Sang Bass

Singing in a large choir is very much akin to participating in athletics. The two are alike in that both require discipline. Both begin by warming up. To be successful the singers and the players must listen carefully to the coach/director, and  follow the game plan the way it has been practiced for weeks. Just like in a team sport, choir members must listen and depend on the other members of the choir, and those playing the instruments. There is no “I” in choir! Well, there is an “I” in choir, but I think you know what I mean. I know what I'm talking about because I coached for several years, played basketball and baseball, and now I am in a wonderful, large choir.

Sherri and I joined our church's choir about six months ago. There are 115 members, plus an orchestra. We practice every Wednesday evening for about an hour and thirty to forty-five minutes. Then we have to be at the church on Sunday morning at 8:45 to go over the piece or pieces we are going to sing during the worship service, and meet back between Sunday School and the worship service to practice another ten minutes.

We do vocal exercises before each practice. We stretch, bend, do sit ups, a few push ups, and run in place. Not really! We don't do that last part.  At every practice we work on pronouncing our vowels correctly. We are told to smile with our eyes, not with our mouths because no one can pronounce vowels correctly if they are smiling with their mouth. Therefore, we sing with British accents.

I think for me the best part of serving in the choir is being one small voice of the many voices as together we lead the congregation to praise our Heavenly Father. Our director leads us, as we practice, to a place of worship, and points us to the spiritual significance of the songs we are singing. He reminds us to look up from our music so that we can follow his directions. I do not read music so I have to watch him, and listen carefully to the voices behind and beside me so that I am on the right notes. Is that not the way it is with life? Watch the One who directs the way, and listen to the right voices that will keep me on track. In this way I will blend in much better to make a more lovely sound not only in the choir, but also in life. Being in the choir is such a blessing.

Just a side note if anyone cares to continue:

As long as I can remember I have loved music. I enjoyed sports, but never as much as singing. I played the piano for a year when I was in the fifth grade. I liked the piano, but because I was teased gave it up to play baseball although I could have done both. I regret that decision so much. I love the hymns. I love classical music. I loved listening to opera, and thought I would have enjoyed singing opera. Of course that never worked out either although I did sing my own arias when my girls were young as well as doing my Julia Child's impersonation when making tuna salad. They seemed to like both. But the point is, as a silly kid, I gave up what I enjoyed most, could be doing now, and can do now for what I haven't been able to do for many years. Oh, if only I could have a do over!

A Nice Memory

In late October 1948 my mama started taking me to church. Just the two of us went because my dad didn't go to church back then. I was only two or three weeks old. For almost 5 years, until my brother was born, it was my mom and me making that trip every Sunday. My mother made sure that Mike and I were in church, and involved in Sunday school. I grew up having instilled in me that attending church was essential.

As I got older there were other things that I had rather be doing than going to church. By then my dad had started going with us, and he was as determined  as my mother that church was the place I would be on Sunday morning. In my college days I went through a period where I didn't go to church every Sunday. Later in my early forties I went through a dark time when I stopped going to church. I'll have to say that was the worst time of my life. I thank God that he got my life redirected, and back on track.

For almost 69 years I have been going to church. Sherri and I have moved several times, and we have been members of many different local churches. That's the life of most pastors. I look forward to attending church on Sunday. There is no way I can explain why church is so important to me because most people would not be able to understand. I think that I enjoy going to church because I am with people who love the same way I love. They love the same person I love-Jesus Christ our Savior. We all have a desire to worship our God, and praise him not just because of what he has given us, but because he is worthy. Yep I'm excited about going to church today.

Cure for Damaged Souls

Raise your hand if you have ever been hurt. My knowledge of human relationships tells me that everyone reading this raised your hand, at least mentally if not physically. If you actually raised your hand then you really have problems. Just kidding. Yes, we have all been hurt by someone. I have learned that the hurt is worse when it is inflicted by someone close to you. The pain is excruciating when a good friend, a parent, a sibling, or a spouse does something to hurt you. A friend may betray, a sibling rivalry may go too far, a parent may abuse or neglect, and a spouse may lie and cheat on you. Of course there are other areas where a person can get hurt badly, such as a work situation, a church setting, or in the leisure and recreational environment. No one likes the pain of a fractured relationship.

A person's emotional, mental, and spiritual recovery depends on how a broken relationship is handled. Very often everything works out, and you are able to move ahead, and live a happy, productive life. However, there are times when a person is so badly hurt and devastated that their souls are damaged. They may go years unable to recover. Someone reading this may be one of those damaged souls. If you are there is hope.

Most of us know that there is a Lover of our souls. We know his name is Jesus. He is also the Restorer of our souls. You may not have thought of that. It is his desire to restore your damaged soul making it as good as new. Jesus knows better than anyone what it's like to be hurt, betrayed, abused, neglected, and even killed. He knows better than anyone how awful we hurt when someone treats us badly. There is a wonderful little book, The Wounded Healer, by Henri Nouwen that I would recommend. It  is the best I've ever read about allowing Jesus to bring healing in times such as I have described. It involves becoming involved in service to others in ministry. Becoming active, knowing that you are needed, and can be useful in God’s service.

You may know someone who needs their damaged soul healed. You could be the one to encourage and guide them to the Healer of all damaged souls.

The Penetrating Power of the Light

The darkness of night slowly disappears as the sun quietly approaches the horizon. Even before its full brilliance comes into view its return is announced by a growing parade of  light. Each morning I watch, and meditate on the wonders of God’s abundant grace. The morning dawn is always on time even on a cloudy day. Although those gray clouds try to hide the sun’s presentation I know that it has arrived because the room is still filled with its filtered light.

How amazing it is on the cloudless days the light comes in making itself at home easing down the hallway, around the corner, and down the staircase providing light in places where it does not directly shine. It seems to visit every room with the message that a new day has begun, and it is time to rejoice. The warmth and beauty of its daily visits is not to be taken for granted. A gift from God for all of His creation!.

And so it is with His Son who is the light of our souls. Unlike the sun the light of Jesus never leaves, and never diminishes. He is the Light of the world that destroys the darkness of sin. He comes into a life filling every dark place. A new life of brilliant light is created shining through the cracks and scars of sins destruction. One by one by one throughout the world those dying in sin come to the light because the Son’s light is powerfully evident through those God has called.

Old Folks Prayer

Thank you Lord for reminding me of the state of my affliction and the reality of my limitations, for in my weakness you make me strong. I bow humbly in you presence recognizing your power and your supreme existence. I have no reason to boast in anything except Jesus and his saving grace. When I come into your presence I most graciously accept my place of servitude, and devote my life to you and to the welfare of others. As the beneficiary of your complete forgiveness I harbor no regrets, and I praise you that I am clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. I am free from the bondage of sin because of the blood of my Savior. Above all I thank you for your redemptive plan. Because I am your child I remain useful to you regardless of age, health, or any unfortunate circumstance that might define my life as I move closer to my final day on earth. I am yours Lord and you are mine. May I be encouraging and positive, not becoming distracted by the life changes that I may not understand. Lord I pray that I can stay mentally alert, and that I might maintain a countenance that reflects the love of Christ. I want to be kind, and be surrounded by people who are kind to me and those I love. Thank you for the wonderful life you have given me. Father before long you will take me to heaven where a new life I will begin. If this happens tomorrow that will be fine with me. Your plan is perfect, so may your will be done not only in my life, but in all the earth just as your will is done in heaven, now and forever. Amen

We Are Reflectors

One day Adam and Eve decided to eat the forbidden fruit. Bad decision! Because of their misguided act their appearance was changed. Immediately when they looked at each other they were embarrassed, and were ashamed because they realized they were naked. They had been together every day from the time God created them until they ate the fruit. Never had they felt shame because of the way they looked. What happened?

Before they sinned they had walked in perfect harmony with God. The glory of God had been upon them just as it had been upon Moses when he had been in God’s presence. Moses’ face was so bright that he had to wear a veil to protect the people when they looked at him. But Adam and Eve had been without sin. They had been perfectly made in the image of God. The light of his glory completely covered them. It covered their nakedness, and all they saw when they looked at each other was a reflection of God’s brilliant glory. Their sin had taken the covering of God’s glory away the moment they decided to eat the forbidden fruit.

When Jesus came to be with us he said, “I am the light of the world.” Later he said to his disciples, “You are light.” And He said, “Let your light shine.” The message here is that if Jesus who is the Light of the world lives in us, we become light, his light, his glory. We must reflect his light, and his glory in the darkness of a sinful, fallen world. The darkness that keeps others from knowing Jesus can only be overcome when Christians reflect the true image of Jesus..

We are reflectors. There is something we must do if we are to reflect the true image of God’s glory. We must stay clean and pure. A mirror reflects the image of our faces when we look into it. What happens to our image if the mirror is covered with dirt, or is smeared with something that has been spilled on it? What happens to our image if the mirror is cracked? We don’t see our true image. We are reflectors, and if sin is in our lives we have covered our reflector with filth, and dirt. The reflection of Jesus’ glory will be so marred that the world will not see His true image. His light will not be bright and glorious. It will be distorted. That is why it is so important for us to stay close th Jesus, and avoid yielding to the temptations of Satan.

A Generous Gift: Cow Butter

A Generous Gift: Cow Butter

Down at the bottom of Kedron hill, less than a half mile from our place, there was a very small house sitting on a few acres of land. An older couple, Mr. John and Mrs. Sukey Sears, lived there. Ms. Sukey’s brother, Fred, lived with them. My experience with those three dates back to around 1952, a time of the earliest of my memories. I would have been two or three years old going on four. Ms. Sukey and Mr. John never had any children, and as far as I know Mr. Fred had never been married. I didn't know at the time, but they were very poor.

I mention them and the fact that they were poor because they were generous people. They were generous with their love. Mr. John and Mr. Fred would walk up to our store just to see if they could take me home with them. I went to their house many times. They were like grandparents to me. I called Ms. Sukey, Aunt Sukey, although she was not related to us. Aunt Sukey was always tickled to death when I came to visit. She was missing several teeth, and most of the time she was nursing a dip of snuff. Believe it or not her smile lit up the room. Aunt Sukey radiated with an aura of love.She called me honey, but I think she called everybody honey. She said it in a way that you believed you were her honey!

I loved going to see Aunt Sukey. She cooked on a big wood stove. They had a Jersey cow named Old Bess. I loved watching Aunt Sukey tenderly milk old Bess. I remember the gentle way she spoke to Bess while milking her. Aunt Sukey used that milk to make the most delicious butter. She sat on the front porch, and made her butter in a butter churn. Of course I would want to help churn the butter, and Aunt Sukey would let me place my tiny hands on hers, and all the while i was thinking that I was doing all the work. Every time I went to her house I would say, “Aunt Sukey, cow butter and crackers!” At two or three years old none of those words came out very clearly. I think crackers was sounded with k’s and and no initial r's. There was nothing I liked better than those white kakkers and cow butter.

She would take me to the hen house and gather eggs. Mr. John and Mr. Fred would take me to look at the pigs, and sometimes we would walk out to the garden to check out all the vegetables they raised. That was about all they had; no car, truck, or tractor, no television, telephone, and I'm not even sure if they had electricity. Mr. Fred and Mr. John walked to our store to buy Aunt Sukey's snuff, and their tobacco. They would buy flour and cornmeal, some sugar, and I guess the few other commodities they were not able to raise themselves. They lived the simple life, and as far as I could tell, they were the happiest, most content people I ever knew.

One thing I'm sure of is they made a little boy feel extremely special and very loved. They provided me with these sweet memories, three dear people who were who they were, living life one day at a time, willing to give whatever they had to make others feel loved. I sure wish I had some of that cow butter on white crackers. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that was all it would take to satisfy us today -- the simple life with cow butter and white kakkers! It doesn't get any butter,...er better than that.

Something About Heaven

Call me a Pollyanna if you want. I don't care! I believe that a heaven awaits me, and that I will live there in eternal bliss. I'll tell you this, once I'm there I'm staying. I'm going to shed these filthy rags, and leave them behind in this defiled, sinful world. Every horrible thought will be deleted from my mind, and every evil, tragic, violent image that I had wished I could unsee will disappear. There will be no words in my vocabulary such as anger, hate, bitterness, and greed. No stress, and nothing to cause me frustration at the place where I'm going.

I am going to be 100% pure. My eyes are going to be perfect and  open wide to see vivid colors I've never seen before, and breathtaking views of a new earth resurrected to become again what God intended before sin destroyed the old earth. I will see perfect mountains, and pristine rivers, and lush forests, smog free skies, and animals of every kind, and much more that my imagination can not even begin to consider. I am going to taste fruit so pure and sweet, unlike anything I've ever tasted before. I  will partake of a feast at the table of the Lord. I will see Him, talk to Him, praise Him, and worship Him.

There is going to be so much for us to do in heaven. Leave your harp down here, you won't need it. There will be no cloud surfing in heaven. Don't count on  getting any wings, unless they are fried chicken wings. You nor any other human will turn into an angel. You will be you with a new, perfect body. Nothing will ever go wrong with any part of the person you are in heaven.

We won't get bored. God will have plenty for us to do. All of us will have responsibilities. One more thing, we won't need our watches in heaven. We are not going to be on the clock. The only time in heaven will be FET, Forever Eternal Time. There will be no time restrictions. Everything we do will be for Jesus. All we take part in will honor the One who made it possible to be at home with our Heavenly Father.