Blog Archives

ADDING IT ALL UP

2/27/2012

The story is told of a little boy named Zachary who was doing very badly in math. His parents had tried everything: tutors, mentors, flash cards, special learning centers, etc... In short, everything they could think of to help his math.

Finally, in a last ditch effort, they took Zachary down and enrolled him in the local Parochial School because they had a reputation for getting excellent results. After the first day, little Zachary came home with a very serious look on his face. He did not even kiss his mother hello. Instead, he went straight to his room and started studying.

Books and papers were spread out all over the room and little Zachary was hard at work. His mother was amazed. She called him down to dinner. To her shock, the minute he was done, he marched back to his room without a word, and in no time, he was back hitting the books as hard as before.

This went on for some time, day after day, while the mother tried to understand what made all the difference. Finally, little Zachary brought home his report Card. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room, and hit the books once again.

With great trepidation, His mom looked at it, and to her great surprise, discovered that little Zachary had gotten an 'A' in math. She could no longer hold her curiosity. She went to his room and said, 'Son, what was it? Was it the nuns?' Little Zachary looked at her and shook his head, as if to say 'No.' 'Well, then,' she replied, 'Was it the books, the discipline, the structure, the uniforms? WHAT WAS IT?'

Little Zachary looked at her and said, 'Well, on the first day of school, when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around!'

As we move into the month of March, the Easter season is on the horizon. The events of Holy Week this year will once again commemorate the last week of Jesus’ earthly life, which culminated with His crucifixion on Good Friday, before His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday morning.

God was not fooling around when He allowed His Son to be nailed to a cross. He was deadly serious in this whole matter. He did this because He knew that eternity hung in the balance. Heaven and Hell were at stake for all mankind, including you and me.

When you see a picture of Jesus hanging on that cross, what does it say to you? What does it motivate you to do? I hope it drives you to study the significance of something - not math, but grace. And as you do, perhaps it will all add up to just one thing: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

A SHIELD ABOUT US

2/23/2012

Van Morris is a gifted preacher, singer, songwriter, and communicator who pastors Calvary Christian Center in Mt. Washington, Kentucky. A couple of years ago, he told a wonderful story about a trip he had taken with his family.

During a recent visit to the zoo with my daughter and grandchildren, we visited the orangutan exhibit. The only thing separating us from these awesome creatures that possess the strength of at least five men were panes of thick glass, each 20-feet tall. My two-year-old grandson, Trevor, was amused at first by the orangutans' antics.

Then one of the hairy beasts suddenly began to beat on the glass. Trevor leapt into the arms of his mother, crying, "I scared! I scared!” His mother tenderly took him, placed his little hand on the glass, and showed him that the glass shielded him from the animal, so there was nothing to fear. Afterwards, any time Trevor seemed uncertain, his mom would simply say, "Remember the glass."

I read this story and was reminded that we, too, have a shield protecting us. It is the shield of faith referred to by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:16: “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Perhaps when he penned these words, Paul had in mind the words of the Psalmist:

1 O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! 2 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." Selah 3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. 4 To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. 6 I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side. 7 Arise, O LORD! Deliver me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. 8 From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah (Psalm 3)

This much we know. The evil one would certainly like to do us harm. He would like to reign down destruction upon us in the form of fierce and fiery arrows (Ephesians 6:16). He would like to rise up against us (Psalm 3:1). Indeed, Peter reminds us that the Devil, like a crouching lion, would readily pounce on us at any and every opportunity (I Peter 5:8).

But praise God! Our shield is in place! And nothing Satan has available to him, nothing in all of his bag of tricks, can ever penetrate that shield! To his great consternation, the Devil can touch no Christian unless God, for His own unique purposes, allows him to do so (Job 1:1-12). In short, to get to us, Satan would have to go through God. And that just ain’t gonna happen!!!

Note: Rev. Morris regularly contributes to his blog, which can be found online at: http://cccpastorspage.blogspot.com/.

MAKE THIS DAY COUNT!

2/19/2012

Cindy Wilmoth is the Director of the Baptist Health Care Center in Lenoir City, Tennessee, a ministry of Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes, Inc. In the February newsletter for this organization, she wrote a wonderful article related to the opportunities provided by “Leap Year”. As we will experience this relatively rare occurrence in just a few days, I thought I would post her thoughtful newsletter piece here (with her permission, of course).

February isn’t its normal self this year. Yes we will still celebrate the most famous Presidents' birthdays (Washington and Lincoln), and yes we will still celebrate the usual Ground Hog’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. But, only once every four years do we get to add a day to our calendar by experiencing Leap Year.

So what will you do with that extra 24 hours this year? Will you take that time to: enjoy your family in a fuller capacity; fellowship with friends; grow or strengthen your spiritual relationship with Christ; selflessly serve others who are not as fortunate as you; show your spouse how much you love them; offer comfort to those who are hurting; council with those who are troubled; mend broken relationships; pray for the needs of our community, state, nation and world; witness to others about salvation; seek God’s direction for your life; ask forgiveness from those you’ve wronged; or offer forgiveness for those who’ve wronged you; be a positive influence in someone else’s life; seek to transfer your positive outlook on life to others by showing them the silver lining in their cloud of darkness; learn to do something that you have never done before; laugh through life, rather than cry about life; love your neighbor; hug your family and friends; stop to smell the roses even though the thorns are a real and present danger; sing out loud; or simply relax and reflect?

Any of these could rejuvenate your existence for that extra 24 hours. Don’t let this extra day of opportunity fall into the routine of the other 365 days this year. Do something special; do something positive; dare to be abnormal; and please God through all your actions. Make February 29th count!

Well said, Cindy!

NOTE: You can read more about the wonderful work being done at Baptist Health Care Center here: http://www.tnbaptisthomes.org/BHCC.html.

CHEESEBURGER IN PARADISE

2/16/2012

My wife recently sent me the following humorous piece. As we have been studying Genesis on Wednesday nights, and as we have just dealt with Adam and Eve specifically, I couldn’t help but see the relevance. So, with apologies to Jimmy Buffett, enjoy…

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Kreme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?” And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles.” And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad.” And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.” And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof. God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good.” Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food."

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said,

"You want fries with that?” And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!” And Satan said, "It is good.” And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

While this little piece is intentionally facetious by design, there is still much truth behind it. Genesis chapter two concludes with the observation that Adam and Eve were naked and had no shame. Why? Because they were innocent. They had done no wrong. Immediately thereafter, though, as chapter three unfolds, that all changes. And why? Because they disobeyed God, specifically by eating that which they were forbidden to eat: the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.

And, in so many ways, this single act took its toll on humankind. All of nature along with humanity has lived under the curse of sin. Thank God, though, that He did not leave us in our predicament. He chose rather to fix what was wrong. And that is our heart. Not our physical heart; but our spiritual heart. And how did He do that? Not by quadruple bypass. But by giving His son Jesus that we might have a whole new heart, that we might have eternal restored to us.

As the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Amen. Praise the Lord.

THE ANCHOR OF FAITH

2/13/2012

Several years ago, in a book titled Fresh Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (Baker Books, 1997), Paul Adams shared a wonderful illustration about the place of faith in the life of a Christian.

As we have been focusing on the Armor of God as listed in Ephesians 6:10-20 during our morning messages, I was reminded of that illustration. I thought I would post it here.

The mighty Niagara River plummets some 180 feet at the American and Horseshoe Falls. Before the falls, there are violent, turbulent rapids. Farther upstream, however, where the river's current flows more gently, boats are able to navigate.

Just before the Welland River empties into the Niagara, a pedestrian walkway spans the river. Posted on this bridge's pylons is a warning sign for all boaters: "Do you have an anchor?" followed by, "Do you know how to use it?"

Faith, like an anchor, is something we need to have and use to avoid spiritual cataclysm.

I trust each of us understands the true power of our faith in God. For my own part, the anchor of faith has delivered me in many a difficult situation. I hope you can say the same.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING UP

2/9/2012

"FIRST THEY CAME” is a famous statement attributed to the German Theologian and Pastor Martin Niemöller. This free verse poem is about the inactivity of the ordinary German people all during the rise to power of the Nazi party within their country throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Those who know history well enough will remember how the Nazis systematically purged their chosen targets, one group after another. Niemöller’s chilling text reflects the regret of a man who spoke up almost too late in protest of the unfolding evil. Here is his poem.

FIRST THEY CAME

First they came for the communists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak out because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak out because I was Protestant.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Perhaps Paul had witnessed something similar in the ruthless rise of the ancient Roman Empire during his own lifetime. In the face of mounting Roman persecution of the church, and while he himself was imprisoned (probably in the infamous Mamertine prison in the capital city of Rome sometime around 64AD), he was moved of God to write these challenging words to the Christians back at Ephesus:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Within four years, Paul would take the ultimate stand. He would be put to death by Caesar for his Christian convictions.
1876 years later, on April 9, 1945, another Christian Pastor followed in Paul’s footsteps. His name was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and it was 67 years ago this week that he was sent to Buchenwald Concentration Camp, where he would learn the true cost of commitment to Christ.

This courageous man chose not to sit by idly and let Nazi atrocities unfold around him unchecked. He chose to speak up. He chose to take a stand. Doing so ultimately cost him his life, as he was arrested, tortured, and put to death by the Gestapo, just one month before the Nazi regime fell to the Allied Armies.

I post these thoughts here as a reminder of the world in which we now live. For far too long, believers have had it rather easy here in America. We have been able to go about our lives relatively unconcerned with the unfolding events around us.

But perhaps we should now wake up and realize what is happening to our once great Christian nation. Every single day, the news carries headline after headline about one form or another of the ongoing assault on the traditional Christian values in America.

(Examples of such abound in the news. Here are some recent examples:

1. The U. S. Air force has removed now God from its logo.

2. Religious entities have now been required to provide certain benefits for employees even if providing those specific benefits violate their religious convictions.

3. School teachers were warned to hide from students if they choose to pray during a nationally organized prayer event.

4. Middle school football coaches were reprimanded for bowing their heads during a post-game prayer.

5. Christian prayers at Military funerals have been banned.

Perhaps the time has come for Christians to speak up when they sense that what they know in their heart to be true, right, and/or good is under attack. If not, then no one should be surprised when those things which are known in his or her heart to be false, wrong, and/or evil will have been allowed to grow unchecked until they will have reached the point that they are no longer preventable.

NOTE: You can read more about Bonhoeffer and his experience here on Chrsitian history's website:
http://www.christianity.com/ChurchHistory/11630780/?utm_source=This%20Week%20in%20Christian%20History%20-%20Christianity.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=02/10/2012/.

REDNECK VALENTINE’S DAY POEM

2/6/2012

This past Sunday evening, after church, we had our annual Senior Adult Valentine’s Day Banquet. Our theme this year was “A Redneck Valentine’s Day”. As part of the program, the following humorous piece of poetry was read aloud. I share it here to brighten your day.

REDNECK VALENTINE’S DAY POEM

Collards is green,
my dog's name is Blue
and I'm so lucky
to have a sweet thang like you.

Yore hair is like cornsilk
a-flapping in the breeze.
Softer than Blue's
and without all them fleas.

You move like the bass,
which excite me in May.
You ain't got no scales
but I luv you anyway.

Yo're as satisfy'n as okry
jist a-fry'n in the pan.
Yo're as fragrant as "snuff"
right out of the can.

You have some'a yore teeth,
for which I am proud;
I hold my head high
when we're in a crowd.

On special occasions,
when you shave under yore arms,
well, I'm in hawg heaven,
and awed by yore charms.

Still them fellers at work,
they all want to know,
what I did to deserve
such a purdy, young doe.

Like a good roll of duct tape
yo're there fer yore man,
to patch up life's troubles
and fix what you can.

Yo're as cute as a junebug
a-buzzin' overhead.
You ain't mean like those far ants
I found in my bed.

Cut from the best cloth
like a plaid flannel shirt,
you spark up my life
more than a fresh load of dirt.

When you hold me real tight
like a padded gunrack,
my life is complete;
Ain't nuttin' I lack.

Yore complexion, it's perfection,
like the best vinyl sidin'.
despite all the years,
yore age, it keeps hidin'.

Me 'n' you's like a Moon Pie
with a RC cold drank,
we go together
like a skunk goes with stank.

Some men, they buy chocolate
for Valentine's Day;
They git it at Wal-Mart,
it's romantic that way.

Some men git roses
on that special day
from the cooler at Kroger.
"That's impressive," I say.

Some men buy fine diamonds
from a flea market booth.
"Diamonds are forever,"
they explain, suave and couth.

But for this man, honey,
these won't do.
Cause yor'e too special,
you sweet thang you.

I got you a gift,
without taste nor odor,
more useful than diamonds...
IT'S A NEW TROLL'N MOTOR!!

Source: http://www.catsprn.com/redneck_valentine_poem.htm

THANKS A LOT, MR. JOBS!

2/2/2012

In my last post, I talked about all the technological changes we are experiencing in the modern age. I thought I would follow it up with little piece that I recently encountered. Enjoy.

It all began with an iPhone.

March was when my son celebrated his birthday; and I got him an iPhone.

He just loved it. Who wouldn't?

I celebrated my own birthday in July; and my wife made me very happy when she bought me an iPad.

My daughter's birthday was in September; so I got her an iPod Touch.

Thus, when December came around, and it was my wife’s birthday, I decided to do the next logical thing. So, I bought her an iRon.

It was around then that the fight started.

For some reason, my wife failed to appreciate my perspective on this sensible gift. She did not seem to recognize how practically the iRon could be integrated into the home network, right along with the iWash, the iCook, and the iClean.

Unfortunately, iFailed to appreciate her perspective as well. Regrettably, the whole process activated the iRate button.

This, of course, sent me off to the iHospital. And by the way, iHope that iGet out on Saturday!

NOTE: iAssure you that iHave more sense than to do something like this in real life. Down through the years, iHave learned from experience!