Love That Will Not Let Go

Recently I have heard about two young mother's who told their husbands, "I don't love you any more. I am leaving." Both of these ladies are involved in affairs. Even more tragic, one of them has four children and the other has three. Two families torn apart because a spouse no longer loves her mate. Two husbands devastated. How can a mom or a dad simply walk away from the love of the one they promised to cherish until death? 

This happens every day. Hearts are broken by the betrayal of another way too often. Humanity can be insensitive and cruel. The love that seemed invincible and secure too often is ripped away like a bandage protecting a wound. Today, as never before, hurting individuals are looking for love that will never leave, a love that will remain steadfast. Where can they find a love like that? 

There is a love that will never leave, no matter what. Our choir's chamber group sang a beautiful song which spoke of the love that all of us need. "Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go," When I heard those words tears filled my eyes. Even when I have bern at my worst this love did not let me go. When Satan was pulling me away to the depths of darkness God's love held on tight, and would not let me go. When we receive God's love nothing in this world can tear it away. 

John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 

"Oh love that will not let me go

I rest my weary soul in thee

I give you back the life I owe

And in your ocean depths it's flow

May richer, fuller be"

Time Is Running Out

Today will be the very last day of life for some people. Many of the people who are leaving for work this morning will never return to their families. People with what they think are very important plans for tomorrow will never have the opportunity to see them through. I felt compelled to write this because of a passage of scripture I just read.

Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Seek Jesus now because you may not be around to seek him this afternoon or tomorrow. It is time for all men and women to let go of their unrighteousness thoughts and actions. I know I'm getting old, but I remember a day when many of the things that are common place today were never done or mentioned in public. Men respected women enough that they would never curse in their presence. Those four letter words were never expressed in public where women and children were present. Today that is not the case. Vile words are spewed out not only by men, but even by women. Facebook has become a cesspool of those offensive four letter words. The worst to me is the "F" word. I cringe when I see it published for everyone to see. I see posts by women who use that word.

Those kinds of things come from unrighteous thoughts. If God is offended by a man's or a woman's unrighteousness thoughts, think how much more he is offended when those thoughts turn into actions which are spoken or published for the world to see. Am I the only one offended by this? I hope not! I know God is. The scripture goes on to say, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.

But God's greatest desire is that the wicked and the unrighteous come to him for forgiveness. This urgent warning, however, is that time is running out. Come to him while he still offers his forgiveness. He will forgive and make all things right with those who ask. Seek Him while He may be found.

Joyful Souls to the End

After visiting older people in their homes, and in nursing homes for many years I found that some survived their lives filled with joy, graciousness, and appreciation for each day God had given them. Here is what I witnessed in some older people.

An elderly couple sit alone as they have most every day for 5 or 6 years. They've been together 60 plus years-active years until poor health halted their busy schedules. With much for which to be thankful they harbor no ill feelings toward those who only drop by occasionally, and certainly cherish every moment of chat time when someone does stop in for a visit. They understand how brief are the minutes in a day for those who vigorously run the race of life as they once did. This gracious pair do what they can for themselves being entertained by reading, taking unplanned naps, looking at old pictures, and reminiscing about the wonderful days of their past.

Their house is like a museum graced by displayed personal memorabilia everywhere. A few awards, certificates, and honors featuring their achievements can be seen, but mostly pictures and objects representing friends, family, and church activities fill their walls and occupy space on their tables. Sometimes their rare conversations trigger a brief moment of sadness when a departed classmate or good friend is mentioned. But mostly, now in their ebbing years, thoughts of old friends and friendly times fill the lonely their moments as they sit together in silence. Less frequently memories of worn out stories told over and over at class reunions and family reunions lie quietly stored away like precious exhibits in a museum case. These days a simple smile surficies representing the boisterous laughter that once filled the rooms when gatherings demanded the retelling of a story. A story having been exaggerated so many times that no one knew exactly what really happened.

He looks at her, “Do you remember when…”! and he stops not having to finish because somehow she knows what he was about to say. She nods, and together they smile. Good friends worth remembering, wonderful moments never forgotten, cherished times retrieved in ancient thoughts, and thankfulness for the smiles they bring. The lovely twosome determined long ago that they would enjoy life together no matter what their final days brought. Their love for each other would be more than enough to sustain them to the end.

Do You See It

I don't remember when I took this photo. At the time I suppose I thought this cloud was simply another pretty scene in the late afternoon sky. That was all. As I was scrolling through some photos last night this one caught my eye. For the first time, I saw it-this beautiful bird gliding across the horizon making its way to its roosting place at the end of the day! I don't know how I missed it two or three months ago, or whenever it was that I captured this shot.

When I was a boy these kinds of wonders never got by me. I would spend hours sitting by the pond at the edge of our woods, entertaing myself, just watching, pretending, imagining and contemplating the most wonderful mysteries of this beautiful world. The clouds were my favorites. Those fluffy, white phenomena gave me my own menagerie to enjoy any time I wanted.  All kinds of animals appeared before my eyes, and I wondered where they had been, and where they were going. There were times I wished I could hop on their backs, and go with them to lands I had never been. "Where are you going? I want to go with you" , I would shout. But they just kept moving right along, slowly making their way, guided by the wind, and often changing into something else before they were out of sight.

A child doesn't miss treasures such as this lovely bird. A child takes time to pay attention to things adults take for granted. The sweet spirit of a child is not so sophisticated that it does not receive such wondrous blessings from the hand of God. Yes, adults become too busy, too worried, too caught up living life to receive many of the blessings that God wants them to have. So He stores them away, saving some to give later when there is more time for them. Some, I think, must remain hidden away in some special place in heaven, maybe with the lovely clouds we did not have time to enjoy. Blessings not claimed? I'm sure I've missed a few! What about you? Have you missed receiving some too? Maybe God will give us a peak at what we missed when we get to heaven!

Bucket Religion

With a bucket you can fill it with something, carry it around, and then when you want you dump it. Buckets are good for that sort of thing. But that kind of operation with the bucket may not work well with certain parts of our lives. As with the bucket we are always filling our lives with something. We fill our minds every day with an enormous variety of life experiences and data. We fill our bodies as well. We make choices about what we place in our buckets.

Buckets don't work well with areas of what some call religion. I prefer to call this my faith rather than religion. The Bucket Religion experience plays out like this. John begins his day bucket in hand. Immediately he begins filling his bucket; harsh word to his wife, yells at his children, displays anger toward his co workers, uses his position to take money that's not his, views a nasty video on his computer while in his office, and for most of the day he continues to fill his bucket with sin. As he lays down in his bed that night guilt consumes him and he prays, “Lord please forgive me for the things I've done today.” John empties his bucket by praying a quick little prayer thinking that this makes his life good with God. But the next day John fills his bucket with the same things as the day before.

Mary has a bucket, a big bucket. She begins the day doing everything she can think of to please God. She tries not to sin, and she works hard to do one good thing after another trying to fill her big old bucket so that God will love her more and more. It seems to her that no matter how many good things she places in her bucket she just can't fill it up. She becomes frustrated, and spiritually worn out. Mary is not happy. She is not feeling the joy in her life, nor does she know the love of God like she thinks she should.

John and Mary need to understand what needs to go in their buckets. Faith is what they should carry in their buckets. Faith in Jesus Christ to save them, and FILL them with the Holy Spirit. John's life will be changed, and he will no longer carry the guilt of those terrible sins. His prayer at night will be one of thanksgiving and praise. Mary will understand that God loves her just as she is. His Holy Spirit will show her the things she should do for the glory of God. The neat thing about John's and Mary’s buckets is that they are now receiving from God his power, his strength, his love and his guidance. Too many people, even Christians, are operating under the heavy burden of Bucket Religion. Complete Faith in the work of Jesus'  in us through the filling of his Spirit beats Bucket Religion every time.

Delayed Recall

If you are nearing the age of sixty remember these words, “delayed recall”. The term delayed recall will help you feel better about not being able to remember something that you should easily remember. I’m talking about things like the names of a good friend, your pastor, one of your physicians or maybe a grandchild. I don’t know how many times I have been embarrassed because I could not remember a name of someone, or a  key juncture when I am telling a story, giving directions, or making a point about something I read in a good book.  I really don’t forget, but for that very important moment it is simply lost somewhere in my mind. When I have these lapses I have learned that I am experiencing delayed recall. I will be able to tell you the name, but not right now. Those directions will come to me if you can just give me a little time. The name of that book will be retrieved from my memory bank, but maybe not for another hour or two. I don’t know when but, when it does I will let you know.

There are times when I experience delayed recall when someone asks me a question. “Where did you and Sherri eat last night?” I know exactly where I ate, but when I am asked a question out of the clear  blue without warning, I panic and go blank. There again the curse of not being able to remember strikes me, and I stand there staring into space as though the name of the restaurant will appear somewhere out there on a celestial billboard. When this happens I can easily explain that I know where we ate, but at the moment I am experiencing delayed recall. “The food was very good, and I do recommend the place. As soon as I recall the name I will certainly tell you.”

Years ago when this delayed recall thing began to affect us, Sherri and I were going out to get something to eat one evening. As we drove toward several eating places we were discussing where we wanted to dine.
Sherri said, “Why don’t we eat at Ben Thomas’?”

I drew a blank. “Ben Thomas! I don’t think I have ever heard of Ben Thomas! Are you sure that is the name of the restaurant?” Then, all of a sudden, it came to me. I can’t explain why it came to me, but for some reason I understood which restaurant my wife was trying to remember.

“There is no restaurant named Ben Thomas. Do you mean Bob Evans?”

“That’s it! That’s it! Bob Evans is what I was meaning to say!” She was so excited that I was able to figure out what she had in mind. Luckily, we've been together long enough that we know what the other is thinking.

No need to fret when you can’t remember something that is very obvious to most normal people. The loss of memory is only temporary. You are not the only person who cannot remember something as easy as your own name. You are just having a moment of delayed recall. If you are a senior citizen you will feel more at ease and more confident by remembering those two little words – delayed recall. Get used to it. Delayed recall will be your constant companion. I just hope I don’t come to the point where I can’t recall the words delayed recall!

Copied from my book: Preachers, Teachers and Other Sinners

Is Hell a Real Place

Is Hell a real place? Hell is a real place, but you won't find many people who think they will go there. Most people who believe in hell plan to go to heaven. I never preached a person’s funeral whose family thought their loved one was going to hell. People don't want to think about hell, and they don't like it when the subject is brought up, especially from a preacher, at church. “Let us hear about something pleasant”, they will tell the pastor, or at least that's what they think.

Have you heard people tell others to go to hell? If you really believe in hell, how can you wish that destination for anyone? We shouldn't want that for our worst enemy. Have you heard someone who says they are a Christian speak that curse on others? How can a true Christian have so much hate that they would desire hell for anybody? After all, Jesus died so that all of us would avoid that terrible place. Jesus wanted everyone to be with him in heaven, remember John 3:16? Jesus taught that hell is real, and he didn't want anyone to go there. Since our Saviot's desire was that no one perish in hell, what should our desire be for those who are lost and on the path to hell? Charles Haddon Surgeon, the great evangelist/preacher said it best.

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our dead bodies. And if they perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go unwarned and unprayed for.” Charles Spurgeon

There are a few Christians who really care. Do you? 

Thought on Psalm 19

To fear God is to be eternally bathed in everlasting purity. God’s word, His guiding voice, is always unchallenged, steadfast, and true. Wherever he leads us will become a path of righteousness which provides us with wealth of which the world's greatest riches can never compare. There is nothing more pleasant, more satisfying, nor more precious than the guidance of our Father’s hand. He directs us away from danger, and protects us from harm. We are rewarded handsomely when we obey the perfect will of the One who designed the pattern which outlined who each of us will become. The outline created in His mind, and His everlasting love for us, always pointing to holiness, never toward the rule of sin.

The God fearing soul travels the pure path.

Those who remain true to the word of God will humbly say of themselves, “Then I will be blameless; innocent of great transgressions.” The desire of the seeker of righteousness is, “May the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”

Read Psalm 19: 9-14

God's Sovereignty and History

Christ Episcopal Church, founded in 1715, is the oldest church in North Carolina. Large trees surround the present building which was built in 1871 on the same spot where the first church was located. Spanish ivey hangs from the trees giving the church grounds a majestic appearance. King George II gave the church a five piece communion set which is displayed when not in use. All five pieces bear the royal arms and are completely hallmarked for London, in 1752, maker Mordecai Fox. This church has quite a heritag.

                                                                                   
This church and several other long existing churches are within a stone's throw of each other in the historic district of New Bern North Carolina.  New Bern is the second-oldest European-American town in North Carolina. It was settled in 1710 by Swiss/German immigrants. The Swiss named it after the capital of Switzerland. The town is old and the churches are old.

I walked the two or three streets where these old churches continue to welcome members as they have for, in some cases, between 250 and 300 years. I wondered about all that has taken place among the citizens of the historic town; the sermons, the prayers, the songs, the number of souls saved, the ministries, the people that have been served, the arguments, the preachers, priests, bishops, deacons, elders, and other leaders. I wondered about the time devoted by the congregants. How many millions of dollars have been given? I could continue to imagine and probably never get close to all that has been done in this little community over a period of almost three centuries.

These churches are more than memorials to those who sacrificed to keep the doors open. They are living, breathing, on going examples of what God’s Holy Spirit has done in the lives of people just like you and me during the hardest of times, impossible times when there was no way the work could have gone on and no way the doors should have remained open. I stood off in the distance from where the churches were. Looking back over the town in late afternoon there stood above everything else the steeples rising high, many steeples with crosses pointed heavenward indicating from where the power to continue came. Only God could and can provide the breath of life to empower His people to overcome obstacle after obstacle no matter how hopeless the victory may have seemed.

What's all this talk about terrible times? A couple of little storms strike our shores. Fires rage uncontrollably. A crazed county threatens World War III. Riots, looting, Confederate statues taken down? Which of those are too big for God to handle? Would any of those cause God to look down upon us and say, “Oh, how terrible and frightening! Get the horn ready Gabriel. I think it may be time to end it all. Getting too tough for me down there!” I don't think so. We aren't going to do anything to cause God to throw in the towel. He already knows what he's going to do, and when he's going to do it. I think he would say to us, saints, redeemed, “Remain faithful and trust in me.” We must keep strapping on our spiritual armor, and be ready if Gabriel does blow that horn.

Victor Earl and His Shoe Shine Ministry

On a recent trip to New Bern North Carolina Sherri and I met some interesting people. Talking to the people in these little towns is what makes our little one or two day adventures fun. We met a man who owns an old time hardware store. Sherri, particularly, enjoyed this old store since her dad owned one very similar to it. We went back the next day because I needed one AAA battery. Since I only needed the one battery the man just gave it to me.

We met a woman who worked on her father’s shrimp boat back in the 1950’s. We talked to a couple who had flown down from Michigan to attend a wedding only to find out that the wedding had been called off. They were disappointed, but were enjoying a couple of days in the lovely little town of New Bern. But the most memorable person we met was Victor Earl, the shoe shine man. Victor was one of those characters who cannot be made up. We learned that he was quite the salesman, or maybe Sherri and I are quite the suckers.

We had left the hardware store, and were on our way back to the bed and breakfast where we were staying. Our journey took us back through the main part of town. I had stopped  to take some pictures of the large trees with spanish moss hanging low from the limbs. “Where are you folks from?”, inquired a little man who was sitting on one of the benches near a large water fountain. It was Victor. We told him where we lived, and he started talking about his shoe shine ministry. I felt that we were safe from being talked into getting our shoes shined because both Sherri and I were wearing tennis shoes. Nobody has their tennis shoes shined, I thought.

Victor had already determined that the new running shoes I was wearing were in good shape. He looked at Sherri with that big smile of his, voice dripping with honey, and said, “Ma'am, have a seat, and let me show you something you can take with you back to Raleigh!” Of course, Sherri sat down on the little stool that Victor had already adjusted for her. He said, “I'm going to make your shoe look like new. I'm going to waterproof it, and give it new life. You will be able to wear it for years.” I wanted to see how this little man was going to shine that tennis shoe. This would be worth whatever he was going to try and get from me.

Victor sprayed something on the shoe, took his brush and began brushing lightly. As he continued to work he started talking about how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, and he hinted that Jesus may have washed almost everybody's feet, kind of the same thing he did every day shining shoes. “Jesus washed feet because the people didn't wear shoes back then. He gave lost people new life.” Victor’s premise was that in the same way he gave new life to shoes that people wore these days. Somehow it almost made sense, but I wasn't falling for his theology.

Victor finished Sherri’s shoe. His work was remarkable. That two year old shoe looked brand new, but the other shoe didn't match. Sherri said, “I'll have to get you to do the other one. I can't wear them like this. Victor told her to put the other foot on the rest so that he could begin working on it. Then he says, “I charge $15, and if you want to give me a tip I would appreciate it,” smiling like he could hear the angels rejoicing over the revived souls of a pair of tennis shoes.

As he worked on the second shoe Victor asked me what I did. I told him I was a retired Baptist pastor. He said, “I sing gospel music. You want to hear me sing?” Sherri spoke, “I would love to hear you sing.” Victor began singing about giving his all to Jesus. I had never heard the song. It was nice, and Victor had a very good voice. He gestured with his free hand as he sang.  When he finished he started singing “Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down…” and Sherri joined in, the two of them singing praises to God. People were walking by, but Sherri and Victor just kept on singing…”Here I am to say that you're my God.” They actually sounded pretty good.

Just before Victor finished the second shoe he started again telling about how his shoe shine ministry was like what Jesus did when he washed the disciples feet. I interrupted and said, “Victor, there is one problem with your theology, Jesus didn't charge $15 to wash a pair of feet.” Victor started laughing, “You got me there pastor, you got me there.”

Sherri and I got ready  to leave. I handed Victor a twenty dollar bill and told him to keep the change. “Victor, I've enjoyed talking to you. I'm going to pray that God will use you in your ministry wherever you go. God has blessed you and he can use you.” Victor said, “Pray for me now.” He stretch out his hands, I took them in mine,  and I prayed for him, his family and his ministry.

I really believe that Victor loves Jesus, and that he loves people. He is a very pleasant gentleman. God can use him as he shines shoes. His theology may be a little off, but I believe his heart is right. I'm glad Sherri and I met Victor, even if it did cost me $20 for shining a pair of old tennis shoes. I hope I see Victor the next time we go to New Bern.

Spiritual Awakening

When I led prayer meeting most of the prayer requests in every church I pastored were for the healing of someone close to those attending. We want our loved ones to be well, free of pain, and we don't want them to die. We especially don't want them to die. Other requests were for jobs, safe traveling, rain, stop raining, and just a lot of physical, personal things.

Seldom were requests for things of a spiritual nature. Not many requests for the lost to be saved, spiritual healing, the revival of the many spiritually dead in the church. Never, “Pastor, church,  pray that I will become the most effective, powerful prayer warrior I can be.” Never, ever, “Pray for me that I will have a closer relationship with God.” Never, “I want to know God better, and know his perfect will for my life. Pray this for me, please.” At prayer meetings I didn't  hear many requests for those things that would change the church, make it grow, or that people would witness to the lost, and that the lost would be saved.

I am convinced until there is a personal desire within the heart of each follower of Jesus to let God have the relationship that he wants to have with them we will not see this spiritual awakening that so many are praying for. I am afraid that when people pray for a spiritual awakening they imagine some kind of magical, mystical event that all of a sudden comes upon America like a hurricane or great storm. People are praying and waiting for it to happen somewhere out there when in actuality it has to begin for each of us personally in our own hearts, our own lives. An awakening will happen as one by one, in a home, in a church, in a community, on and on until is does sweep across the country with the power of the Holy Spirit convicting and empowering individuals to allow God to “do greater things than these” as Jesus told the disciples that they would do after the Holy Spirit came upon them.

Prayer is the one essential act that is necessary for a close, power enabling relationship with God. We must spend a significant amount of time asking for the right things, and listening as God speaks to us. Only then will we receive forgiveness, and cleansing, and personal revival. That is where this awakening will begin.

Forget about political wrongs, and statues, and wars and threats of wars, and economic issues, and racial problems. Concentrate on your own relationship with God, know him, seek him, love him, and be burdened for those who are perishing. Pray, “Lord, how can I become the most effective follower of Jesus that I can be? Use me God.” Dr. Gregory Frizzell prayed a similar prayer and his message from God was, “If you will spend much time with me in close relationship and prayer, you  will  never lack for my mighty presence and miraculous power.” God has kept his promise to this man as he has remained faithful to God.

Feeling Like Job?

Do you remember the riches to rags story of Job? He was a very wealthy, blessed man, and then he lost everything, even his health. Life for Job was so bad that he sat on an ash heap scraping the painful boils from his skin. He had even lost touch with God. He lamented, “But if I go to the east He is not there, if I go to the west, I do not find Him. When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him, when He runs to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him.”

Sometimes this becomes our reality. Suddenly nothing seems to be working. When we think life can’t get any worse, it does. When a glimmer of hope appears on the horizon a dark cloud moves in bringing another storm. Troubles like an avalanche cover us until we barely can breathe, and we cry out, “Lord help me!” We wait, but it is as though our pleas for mercy have fallen on deaf ears. Like others who have experienced this same fate we are ready to give up. With tears streaming down our faces we cry out again, “God, where are you!”  Right there with old Job, aren't we?.

One good thing about Job is he didn’t give up. In fact, right after his desperate lament he said, “But I know the way that I take; when He has tested me I will come forth as gold.” Job did recover and God blessed him for his faithfulness to remain steadfast despite all of the suffering he experienced. God does test us and most of the time it hurts. Even when we don’t recognize God's  protective hand we can be sure that He is with us and he does take care of us.

If you are going through a tough time I am sorry. Hang in there and don’t give up. Good days are ahead.
After the test you will come forth as gold.

Our Sins Revealed

When I was in seminary I had a class that met on Monday nights. I sat next to a fellow student who had one big problem. He stunk! It wasn't body odor; the unpleasant smell was from something he ate. Apparently, he ate the same thing every Monday night. I'm sure his culture had a lot to do with the flavors and odors represented in food he had eaten. I don't know what it was, but it was terribly strong, and for an old meat and potatoes boy like myself the smell was sickening. He was very friendly, and wanted to talk, which made the problem worse for me. I liked him, but I hated the way he smelled.

Maybe you have had to be near someone who smelled not so good-- bad breath, body odor, or some other unpleasant odor. I had a student once who smelled so bad it was almost unbearable to be near her. The other teachers, and I noticed that she wore the same sweater every day. The counselor investigated, and found out that the sweater was being dropped on the floor every day just inside the front door when she came home from school. Apparently, the cat had been using the sweater as its bathroom. She was so accustomed to the smell that she had gotten used to it. Such a sad story, but more typical than you might imagine. Why can't people notice these offensive odors that are so obvious to everyone else?

The thing about bad odors is that they speak loudly. They shout,  “Notice me!” They do not hide. They cannot be covered up! There is nothing sweet or pleasant about an offensive odor. The stinker causes a very unpleasant work or social situation, and is not even aware of the problem. Some people must be nose blind.

I was thinking, what if our sins emitted an offensive odor? What if each sin had its own unique smell that identified what the sin was. “Well George, my nose tells me you have been watching porn again.” “Sally, Sally, Sally, you are wearing that gossip fragrance, aren't you?” Imagine what our church services would be like if we could not keep our sins from being identified by how we smelled. Having no way to keep our sins hidden from others would create some serious difficulties for us.

Our sins are offensive to others. But more than anything our sins are very offensive to God. I think God can smell our sins. If we can send up pleasing aromas to God through our obedience and praise, can we not offer up some very offensive odors to Him as well? We cannot hide our sins from God. God is not nose blind. How we smell before our Holy Father is more important than how we present ourselves to others. We were not created to be stinkers.

Holy Ground

Moses climbed high up a mountain one lonely afternoon..
He saw a bush flaming bright, but it was not to be consumed.
Then Moses heard the voice of God call to him so clear.
And in that moment greatly trembling, he hid his face in fear.
"Take off your shoes and worship me for in this place you've found.
You are in the presence of your Lord, standing on holy ground."
Holy ground, Holy ground, that is where I long to be.
In his presence every hour, his face I want to see.

As Jesus hung upon the cross the ground began to shake.
Darkness covered all the world when His last breath he did take.
And in that very holy place where only the priest could go
The veil of separation was torn, now His presence all men may know
"Kneel down my child and worship me because in  this place you've found
You are in the presence of your Lord, kneeling on holy ground."
Holy ground, Holy ground, that is where I long to be.
In your presence every hour, your face I want to see.

You are my loving Father, redeeming Savior, Lord and friend.
You have always been by my side, and you'll be there 'till the end.
Precious Holy Spirit, sweet Divine presence of God are you.
Please come and fill my heart right now, each day fill it anew.
I cannot help but worship you for in this place I've found
I am in the presence of my Lord, I stand on holy ground.
Holy ground, holy ground, that is where I long to be.
And when I reach my heavenly home, His face I will always see.

Everyone Needs the Rock

My grandfather, Henry Alderson Brady, collected rocks.  He spent hours on his farm searching for all sorts of rocks–arrow heads, rocks with fossils embedded in them and unusual, funny shaped rocks that resembled animals or other objects  In the late 1930's or early 40's he dug a pond on the back of his farm, and found a very large rock that looked like a dinosaur or a horse.  I thought it looked more like a rhinoceros.  My grandfather hooked it up to a team of mules and drug it from the holler to his house where he displayed it in his front yard.  The  rock sits in that spot to this day.  

My grandfather died when I was 5 years old.   My dad was able to secure the house from his siblings.  In that transaction we not only got a house and a farm, but we also got a big rock. The rock has been quite an attraction from the time it was placed in the yard..  Passerby's were always stopping to pose for pictures in front of the rock which stands almost 6 feet tall.  Family and friends enjoyed taking pictures in front of that old rock during the years that my family owned the home place. The rock was more than a backdrop for photo ops.  It was a dinosaur, a rhinoceros or a horse on which my friends, and I played. My brother and his friends and  many grandchildren, nieces and nephews also spent hours playing on it.  I guess hundreds of children had fun on the rock over the years.  

The rock was many things.  It would be whatever our imaginations willed it to be.  Very often it would be our home base when we played tag.  If one of us was being chased, we would be safe if we made it to the rock without being tagged– safe, secure, out of danger from being “it”.  The rock, a place of refuge for anyone  being pursued.

It was really neat growing up in a place where we owned such a wonderful rock.  Not every kid had a big rock in his front yard. My mother sold the place after she got to where she could not maintain her home. So I no longer have access to  that rock.   But you know, I do have a Rock.  My Rock is Jesus.   David talked about him in Psalms 18:2.  “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge… LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer…”   

Jesus, our Redeemer, is indeed our Rock.  We need the Rock because we are being pursued daily.  There is one who is trying to destroy us, who is chasing us like a vicious lion after his prey.  Our only hope of escaping this cunning pursuer is to find safety in the Rock.   If we don’t come to the Rock the evil one will overtake us, and pull us down into the depths of despair and hopelessness.  Run to the Rock, and he will lift you up. He will give you a safe place to stand.  Come to the Rock where you will always be safe and secure.  Jesus, the Rock, is our only refuge.

Who's Really Number One

The journey to be the best begins early. Children are on the clock daily to compete with other children to accomplish, whatever the task, at a higher level than all the other children. Win the most,  make the highest grades, hit the ball the furthest, score the most points, be the prettiest, do and always be better than anybody else, be number one. This is what children are told by society. Pretty good advice, huh?

Children should always be taught to work hard and do the best they can do. But placing them in situations day after day to be compared to other children, and measure their success according to waving the “I’m number One finger” is probably not good. Children soon see that they are not going to be number one within their social group. Failure comes too often.

The better advice is, “Always do the best you can.” That is what God wants from each of us. He just wants us to be the best we can be according to what he has created us to be. He wants us to give Him the best of what he has given to us. He wants us to give Him the glory for what we do each day. We are to honor Him by giving Him the credit for all we accomplish. The Bible says, “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God.” I don't think I've read anywhere in the Bible that God has told us to wave the number One finger when we have won a race in life.

Today, on this Sunday, we all have a chance to give God our best by meeting with other followers of Jesus to worship Him. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Let's go out and wave the number One finger for God, everyday!

Finish Well

Those born in America from 1946 through 1964 are known as Baby Boomers. I was born in 1948 so I'm one of the older of the Boomer generation, and we Boomers are all getting old. There are about 75 million of us left. We are no longer in the majority, but there are still enough of us that we can make a difference. There is a problem with our way of thinking as we plan for whatever days we have left.

Naturally we have worked, and have planned for retirement. There's nothing wrong with that if we can afford to retire. There is problem, however, when we just quit doing anything productive. If all we do is live for our own enjoyment and pleasure we are missing out on opportunities to be a positive force in the lives of others. If traveling, fishing, hobbies, watching TV, and other self centered activities is all we do with our time we have missed the whole point of aging gracefully. Baby Boomers should want to finish well. There are enough of us that we can make a big difference in the communities where we live.

We Baby Boomers have been given very much. We lived through the beginning of the modern era,  and witnessed the biggest changes in the history of the world. We went from outhouses to indoor toilets, to bathrooms with running water, fancy appliances, TV’s, private phone lines, nice automobiles, airplanes that fly us anywhere we want to go; you name it we have had it served to us. The Bible says that for those who have been given much, much will be expected. Boomers, we ain't done yet! There are people who need us. There are things we must get done before we leave this world. What will future generations say about us? I hope they say, “Those Boomers finished well!”

The Gentle Heart

“Let your gentleness be evident to all…” Philippians 4: 5

No matter where you live or where you are from you know him. He may be seen today in the big city, in a small town, or on a farm far from any urban area. He may be on a mission field, in a mosque, a church, a temple or in thousands of different places. He may be anywhere in the world. He speaks many languages. He is a huge man, strong with a rough appearance. He is small in stature, meek, and unassuming. He speaks with a booming voice. He is quiet, and doesn't have much to say. He has many names, and he is making a positive difference in our world.

This man is found in every occupation, and in every culture. He is rich, and he is poor. He is educated, and uneducated, but most importantly he is a gentle man with a tender heart. The same things can be said of the gentle women of the world. A gentle person brings calm to almost any explosive relationship, to any person that is hurting, or being ripped to pieces within the depths of their being. These gentle souls can lighten the heavy load. They can bring a hush over the most volatile situation.  The influence of a gentle presence is very much needed in our world today.

What is this humanity which wars on every front--within the heart and soul, toward its fellow man, and at the tremendous price of violating the right of nations to live in peace? What is this humanity that is on the verge of destroying itself? No matter who you are, or what you believe--Christian, Jew, Muslim, atheist or agnostic you have to agree our world needs more men and women who bring a gentle influence to the hearts of people in every religion, culture, and nation. May that need be met in each of us. Let your gentle, loving, spirit touch the world wherever you go.

                            

In the Father's Lap

I was a first child and received a lot of attention. I loved it when my mother held me in her lap, and read stories to me. I remember sitting in her lap listening to the radio. She would rock me in an old rocking chair which my brother has now. There were many long nights when my mom cuddled me in her lap when I was sick or had an earache. Looking back I understand that the special place in her lap those first five years of my life was a place of bonding that assured me of my mother's love.

Not long before I turned five years old my little brother was born. I didn't know anything about getting a brother until he had already arrived. I wasn't very excited at first, but when my parents brought him home I decided having a little brother might not be too bad. They let me hold him. In fact the first time I held him was in the rocking chair where my mother held me. What I didn't know was that my little brother, Michael Lee, would also be getting lap time. This meant my lap minutes would be cut way back. A fellow can't be too happy when his lap time is reduced. I became very jealous.  I’m sure I was not able to express vebally what I was feeling, but I imagine I concluded that the new kid was honing in on my mother's love for me.

Of course my mother loved me as much as she ever had, but this new arrangement was something that was difficult for a little kid four and a half years old to understand. I eventually worked through the trauma of getting a little brother, and accepted Mike about 10 years ago. Just kidding!

My mother's lap was not big enough to hold both Mike and me at the same time, but her heart was. A mother's lap represents her love for all of her children. As wonderful as the lap of a mother is, there is One whose lap is much greater.  Our Heavenly Father’s lap is indescribably large. He is able to hold us in his lap, and love us unconditionally--all of us at the same time.  Oh if we could only understand the enormity of God’s love for us.

How do I know that he loves me? Because he created me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He gave me Jesus so that I would not perish, but have eternal life. His Holy Spirit reminds me of my Father's love every day. I talk to him any time I want. Some day he will send Jesus to get me, and take me to heaven where I'll be with him forever.

There wasn't enough room in my little mother's lap for both my brother and me at the same time, but because she spent her life in the Father's lap there was plenty of room in her heart to love us and to love others. That's another reason I know God loves me. He loves you too. Crawl up in the Heavenly Father's lap, and allow him to fill your heart with his wonderful love.

Days of Innocents

Come back with me to September 1953, a month before I turned 6 years old. Let's go to a place where a small building stood not far from a much larger building. To a kid still five years old who had spent most of his life on a farm with his mom and dad this new journey I was about to begin was overwhelming. The small building had no signage with the name of some person to whom it was dedicated. I was soon to learn that they simply called it The Little Building, I guess not to be confused with the larger building which sat across the gravel parking lot. Wasn't that clever? The Little Building, my school home for the next three years.

They called it a little building, but to a 5 year old it looked pretty big. Several concrete steps with no railings led up to the front door, and into a large open area which separated four rooms, two for the first graders and two for the second graders. The boy’s  and girl’s restrooms were located at the opposite end with a flight of steps descending on the right side to access the two third grade rooms below.

The Little Building was plain and simple, but to me it will always be a symbol of innocence even though it was destroyed many years ago. The building is gone, but not the lessons I learned there. I learned my one, two, three’s, and my A, B, C’s. I was taught to read, and was led through the threshold of academia. I had a good start, but I think I learned many more important lessons.

My fellow students and I learned why pledging allegiance to our country’s flag was important. Some of our dads were not many years removed from fighting in a horrible war across the seas. I learned about fair play, waiting my turn, and that hard work has its rewards. I learned that I must earn what I receive. I learned that not everyone deserves a trophy. I learned to respect authority. I learned that school, God and prayer go hand in hand in a nation built on and sustained by biblical principles. My friends and I soon found comfort and solace, I think in part, because our teachers weren't ashamed to read us a Bible story every morning. They loved us and cared for us in a way that made us feel safe. How blessed I was to begin my formal education in an environment like that!

If I could go back to the first days of The Little Building I think I would make a big sign and hang it above the front doors. The sign would read, The Little Building: Home of Innocence. I think our nation needs more Little Buildings because innocence is a rare commodity today.

The Contortion of Love

Richard Selzer, surgeon and author, wrote  this touching story about how true love works. He stood in the post op room where a young man waited beside the bed of his wife. The doctor had removed a cancerous tumor from her face. In doing this he had to cut a crucial nerve that had left her face distorted. One side of her face drooped, and her mouth was twisted. She asked her surgeon, “Will my face always be like this?” He replied, “I’m afraid so.” She nodded and turned her face slightly away from her husband. In the dim lamp light of the room her dear husband leaned down, took his hand, and turned her face toward his. “I kind of like it. I think it's cute.” Then he leans forward a little more to kiss her twisted lips. He twists his own mouth to accommodate hers showing her that their kiss still works.

1 John 4:10-11 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Some people are very hard to love, impossible to love, yet, God loves them still. God's love is a mystery that the multitudes can't seem to understand. All we need to know is that Jesus gave his all, loving us all no mater who we are or what we've done. His love was demonstrated  on the cross. We see Him there twisting his mouth to accommodate man's real need so that His kiss works perfectly. Unlike the surgeon Jesus takes away the cancer of sin that has distorted our souls. No one understands that, but by faith God's love accomplishes its purpose. God's kiss always works.

God Got It Right

God Got It Right

There had to be a plan, a plan orchestrated and carried out to perfection. Otherwise what exists today could not possibly be as it is. There could only be disorder and chaos if not for God’s perfect plan. Before there was time there was God who decided to bring about order by bringing into existence all that is or has ever been.

God said, “Let there be light and there was light.” He separated light from darkness. He made the heavens, the stars, the sun, the moon and all the planets. He made the sky and everything in the sky, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets and all the glorious sights beyond. God said, “It is good!"

God made the seas and the dry land which he called earth. The earth brought forth all kinds of vegetation. There were beautiful trees with delicious fruit. Every kind of tree was created. God said, “It is Good!"

God made the great whales, fish and all kinds of sea creatures to live and swim to the depths of the mighty seas. He created winged fowls of every kind to soar through the sky above the earth. God made living creatures, cattle, the beasts of the fields, both small and large, and all the wonderful animals that creep upon the earth. And God said, “It is good!"

God said, “Let us make man in our image.” So out of the dust of the earth God made man and breathed into him the breath of life. God made a beautiful garden just for the man he had made, and it was there in Eden that he placed him. God looked at all he had created and he said, “This is very good!"

God watched man for a while and then he said, “It is not good.” Something was wrong. He said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Adam, this man, needed someone to complete him. He needed someone like him, yet a bit different to love. He needed a helper, a companion. He needed a woman. Together they would have children. A man with a woman. A woman with a man. The first family model. God’s perfect plan, a plan he ordained from the beginning of time.

So God put Adam to sleep and removed one of his ribs. From that rib woman was created. When Adam awoke he had the surprise of his life.  Adam was standing on the threshold of the model representing God's plan to bring sinful man into a right relationship with Him, a beautiful bride for His Son, Jesus Christ. For Adam it was love at first sight? Before they spoke a word  Adam loved Eve. It must have been like  a magnetic attraction when his eyes first met hers, the first touch, a warm embrace and holding her hand, a nervous smile,  the first kiss, a whisper mouthed in silence, “I love you.” Adam was excited.

And Adam said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh!”

Allow me the liberty to express what I think Adam was really saying. “WOW! Look at this babe! She is fantastic! Thank you God for my woman."

Think about it men. God has given you a babe. She is fantastic. She is in the WOW zone. She is your helper, your companion, the one who loves you and the one you love. Thank God for her every day. And let your precious wife know how much you love her and appreciate her. God definitely got it right when he gave me my babe. And I didn't even lose a rib to get her! Wow!