During the waning years of the depression in a small southeast Idaho community, I used to stop by Brother Miller's roadside stand for farm fresh produce as the season made it available.  Food and money were still extremely scarce and bartering was used extensively.

One of the particular day Brother Miller was bagging some new potatoes for me.  I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.  I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas.  I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Brother Miller and the ragged boy next to me.  "Hello Barry, how are you today?"  "H'lo, Mr. Miller.  Fine, thank ya.  Jus' admirin' them peas... sure look good."  "They are good, Barry.  How's your Ma?"  "Fine.  Gittin' stronger alla' time."  "Good.  Anything I can help you with?"  "No, sir.  Jus' admirin' them peas."  "Would you like to take some home?"  "No, sir.  God nuthin' to pay for 'em with."  "Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?"  "All I got's my prize marble here."  "Is that right?  Let me see it."  "Here 'tis."  "'She's a dandy.  I can see that.  Hmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red.  Do you have a red one like this one at home?"  "Not 'zackley.... but, almost."  "Tell you what.  Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble."  "Sure will."

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.  With a smile she said: "There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances.  Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes or whatever.  When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, perhaps.

I left the stand smiling to myself, impressed with this man.  A short time later I moved to Utah but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys and their bartering.

Several years went by each more rapid than the previous one.  Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there I learned that Brother Miller had died.  They were having his viewing that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them.

Upon our arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.  Ahead of us in line were three young men.  One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts... very professional looking.

They approached Mrs. Miller, standing smiling and composed, by her husband's casket.  Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket.  Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket.  Each left the mortuary, awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller.  I told her who I was and mentioned the story she had told me about the marbles.  Eyes glistening she took my hand and led me to the casket.  "Those three young men that just left were the boys I told you about.  They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them.  Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size... they came to pay their debt.  We've never had a great deal of the wealth in this world," she confided, "but, right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho."

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband.  Resting underneath were three, magnificently shiny, red marbles.

We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.  With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.

"A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore.  The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized."

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister continued with his story, "grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy he would throw the other end of the lifeline.  He only had seconds to make the decision.  The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was not.  The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves."

"As the father yelled out, 'I love you son!' he threw out the life line to his son's friend.  By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night.  His body was never recovered."  By this time, the two teenagers were sitting upstraight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth.

"The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus.... Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend.

How great is the love of God that he should do the same for us.  Our heavenly Father sacrificed his only begotten Son that we could be saved.  I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line he is throwing out to you in this service.

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.  The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end.  However, no one responded to the appeal.  Within minutes after service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side.  "That was a nice story," politely stated one of the boys.  "But I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian."

"Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible.  A big smile broadened his narrow face.  He once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it?  But I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His son for me.  You see... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend."

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.  There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world.  Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.
Three: You will be able to correct mistakes you will make.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.
And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark.  No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand.  And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.
Three: You will be able to correct mistakes you might make or grow through them.
Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.
And Five: On every surface you walk, you must leave your mark.  No matter what the situation, you must continue to serve God in everything.

By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart and a relationship with God.

Years ago a farmer owned a land along the Atlantic seacoast.  He constantly advertised for hired hands.  Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic.  They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals.  Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer.  "Are you a good farmhand?" the farmer asked him.  "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.  Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.

The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore.  Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters.  He shoot the little man and yelled, "Get up!  A storm is coming!  Tie things down before they bow away!"

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir.  I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."  Enraged by the old man's response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot.  Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins.  The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred.  The shutters were tightly secured.  Everything was tied down.  Nothing could blow away.  The farmer then understood what his hired man meant, and he returned to bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

SPIRITUAL TRUTH:  When you're prepared, you have nothing to fear.  Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?  The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.  We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves firmly in the Word of God.

My name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cunning and malicious
and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted, the more I am believed.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try, the more elusive I become.
I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.
I am called Gossip.
I make headlines and headaches.
Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it harmless?
Is it necessary?
If it isn't, don't repeat it.

My weekday schedule involves leaving my house around 5:30am.  I try to arrive at a place where I can grab a cup of coffee, pray, and study near my current clinical site by 6:00 am.  I pulled into the parking lot of a Panera bread in Hendersonville, TN and was greeted by a mother and father with twelve children walking across the parking lot.

Every one of the children were beautiful, and they all looked like they were about the same age!

Instead of walking, I guess I should say "waddling."  Two mallard ducks with distinctly colored plumage were surrounded by twelve brownish colored ducklings trying their best to keep up with their mama and papa.  I am not sure where they were going, but I am happy we crossed paths.  It made me forgot about reviewing my "to do" list.  I lost all thoughts about making decisions about my future plans.  Any problems I have fashioned.

For a few moments, I got lost in the wonder of God's creation.

I interrupted the duck family's morning stroll.  They turned and scurried back to their nearby pond, and, I assume, their temporary home.  I could not help but to follow them and watch them slide down the hill and into the water.

When you consider what God has done with the smallest creatures, you can see the beauty of family, the intricacies of the creative powers of God, and the balance God designed in nature.

What a blessing and what a joy to see the glory of God in newborn ducklings!  I saw no ugly ducklings.  They, and we, are all beautiful in the eyes of the One who created and providentially cares for us.

I am amazed at the gifts that God provides in the midst of every day--if we open our eyes to behold them.

Stamps Bear the Image of Dignity.  A stamp bears the image of Washington, Lincoln or some other famous person or event.  Man is made in the image of God.

Stamps Are Not All Alike.  Stamps are of various values--some five cents, ten cents, some fifteen cents.  Our talents differ.  We must do what we can.

Stamps Co-Operate--Work Together.  A "five-center" will work with three, four, or a dozen others, the same as if alone.  Christians are to work together, to co-operate, to be united in doing together what one cannot do alone.

A Ragged Edge is No Real Hindrance.  Like stamps, some Christians are a little ragged on the edge.  Some lack good looks, an education, or money, but this will not keep them from doing a good job.

A Stamp Must Be "Licked."  Man, too, must usually get "licked" before he is of much importance.  Hardships are good for us if we endure.

A Stamp is Not Ready to Go Until It Is Cancelled Out.  Our old life of sin must be cancelled out--blotted out.

A Stamp Works Till It Reaches Its Destination.  So must we as we strive for heaven.

Many years ago, Dr. Batsell Barrett Baxter preached a sermon entitled: What Makes a Great Church?

In his lesson, brother Baxter emphasized that characteristics that make a church great include:

Understanding of God's will.
A deep consecration, a giving of ourselves to the Lord.
A willingness to work.
Love of the brethren or fellowship.
Christian unity.

He concluded his lesson by stating: "When you have told the story in these terms then you have spelled out greatness."  Though Central's attendance is not fewer in number than in the past, I am impressed that you exhibit the characteristics that brother Baxter highlighted in his presentation of the word of God.  While I am away this week at Ohio Valley University, I am confident that you will be studying God's word, serving each other, laboring in love, and maintaining the unity of the Spirit.

Faith and I are grateful that you allow us to be a part of the Central church.

Matthew 4 reveals that it is not only Jesus that has to deal with temptation.  Satan is after all of us.  The basic message of Jesus' preaching was: "Repent, for the kingdom of God is near."

When Andrew, Simon, James, and John were called to follow Jesus, they had to deal with temptation.  They had to decide whether to hold on to their nets or to take hold of Christ.  Unless you are firmly convinced in your heart that God is who Jesus revealed Him to be, the difficulty in dealing with temptation will always be greater.

We need to encourage each other as we live in a world that is not our eternal home.  Satan will pursue each of our souls just as he did the souls of Jesus, Andrew, Simon (Peter), James, and John.  When temptation comes, how do you spell relief?

Review the scene in the wilderness temptations of Jesus together.

How did Jesus find relief from temptation?

What types of temptations did the first disciples called by Jesus face in deciding whether or not to follow Jesus?

What can we learn about how we should spell relief when Satan confronts us?

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (I Cor. 10:13)

I was up on Monday morning and shortly on my way to Hendersonville for a day's work in a new clinic site.  My mind was filled with typical concerns at the beginning of the week.

Though our children are grown and married, as parents we are still mindful of their stage in life.  We pray for our children as they serve God, build relationships, and pursue new goals.

We are looking toward another educational experience coming to an end in about four months.  We continue to pray about how God will work through our lives, focused on growing in our marriage, and dreaming about the adventure of serving God.  Like most people, we are focused on specific tasks that need to be accomplished.  Projects always need to be completed at home.  Work assignments or homework clamor for our attention.  We each have activities we enjoy, and we try to fit them into our daily schedule.

Time is limited.  Each day is new and filled with unexpected opportunities.

Then I opened an e-mail and read about a local family whose days are consumed with the health of their little boy.  I cannot imagine their pain, and am overwhelmed by the love and concern they have for their child.

I have mentioned many items that fill our minds each day.  Some reflect that we might call the higher ideals.  Other activities that we might classify as lesser ideals are still part of God's plan for our lives.

I have said all this to express one thought.  I am strongly reminded this morning that "God is God, and I am not."  We are all dependent on our Father.

So my prayer for you and me today is that we will look to God, speak to Him through His Son, and rely on the comfort and guidance that He gives us through His Spirit.  This is our task as we continue on our soul journey.  And, we are most blessed to have a God who loves us and will guide us home and take care of us today.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33-34)

If you were busy being kind,
Before you knew it you would find
You'd soon forget to think 'twas true
That someone was unkind to you.

If you were busy being glad
And cheering people who seem sad,
Although your heart might ache a bit,
You'd soon forget to notice it.

If you were busy being good,
And doing just the best you could,
You'd not have time to blame some man
Who's doing just the best he can.

If you were busy being true
To what you know you ought to do,
You'd be so busy you'd forget
The blunders of the folks you've met.

If you were busy being right,
You'd find yourself too busy quite
To criticize your brother long,
Because he's busy being wrong.

Can you imagine being a mother and being told that it will take your child 24 years to complete the 1st grade?  That's unheard of!  You've got to be kidding!  What wrong with my child?  These would be just some of the phrases that might have come to mind had Faith, in reality, been told that about our child.  But did you know that if a child went through elementary school at the same rate he goes through Bible classes on Sunday morning, it would take a child 24 years to complete the equivalent of time spent in the first grade?  A first grader spend approximately 936 hours in school.  If a Bible class lasts 45 minutes and if you attend a class every Sunday morning, you will only spend 39 hours in Bible class in an entire year.  It would take 24 years for the hours in Bible class to equal the 936 hours spent in the first grade.

But preacher, you might object, I come every Wednesday evening.  Okay then, you might finish the first grade equivalency mark in 12 years.  But if we are going to get picky, let's deduct the time for starting late, making announcements, bad weather days, vacation, etc.  Soon we will agree that we spend very little time in Bible study when we compare the amount of time spent in Bible classes with other "preparation" activities that are part of our lives.

It is difficult to find an appropriate analogy to emphasize the need for personal study of God's word.  A key is making sure that there is a proper balance in what we feed our minds.  We also need to be honest in evaluating how much we desire to know God.

I cannot require that my children spend an amount of time in Bible study each day that equals the amount of time they spend in school.  I hope I can teach and model the importance of reading and studying the word of God.  In the midst of schedules which include school (or work), extracurricular activities, entertainment choices, rest, daily care and hygiene, we all need to take the time to become better acquainted with and to commune with God.

Did you know that if you live 96 years old and never miss a Bible class on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings, you only would complete the equivalency of the eighth grade in Bible study?  I hope you will go for your doctorate and more as you prepare for eternity!

Sunday morning, I walked across a courtyard surrounded by concrete block walls.  To my right was a small fish hatchery filled with tilapia of various sizes.  Beyond the pools of water was a garden.  You walk between the fish hatchery and the garden and you see a small bull tied with a rope with a make-shift shed that is maybe four feet deep and seven feet long for a shade.  Then, immediately in front of me as I scanned the lower right quadrant of the courtyard was a chicken coop with a several hens and a rooster.

In the upper left quadrant of the courtyard was a pavilion with several folded chairs.  The exterior corner of the courtyard wraps around a pavilion, and the walls are topped with barbed-wire to protect the 30 children that live in the home next door.  At the far end of the pavilion is a wooden speaker's stand that comes up to the top of my chest.  Behind it, a small strip of yard separates you from a Haitian kitchen to my left and what looks like an outhouse to my right.

I am privileged to stand underneath spiders that are busily at work nine feet above my head and in front of the place where I will watch the rats run during the evening service in order to proclaim the love of Christ.  People are dressed as nicely or nicer than what I often see in American churches.  They have a blessed opportunity to stop their world for a few moments and to praise their Lord.

I looked at the people and wondered where they get their clothing, how their shirts or blouses are so bright and white, and how they were able to press their clothes, shine their shoes, and look so neat.  Their eyes with which I made contact while I preached revealed a searching and a yearning for the Lord's blessings.  Their smiles, nods of their heads, their open Bibles, and their beautiful voices expressed a confidence and trust that challenge my faith.  I was speaking, but as they worshipped and studied, they were proclaiming a message that I needed to hear.

If I looked to a 45 degree angle to my left while I was preaching, I could see a newly constructed concrete wall.  Between the wall and the fish hatchery, a slab of cements rests on the ground.  The wall had fallen during the earthquake.  All of the children but one were in their home when the earthquake shook the foundations of the children's lives.  Beneath the slab of concrete that bears etchings of the statements of love from the children in the home lies the body of a four-year old boy that was found beneath the fallen wall.  The children had removed the debris to find their "brother."

The children's home survived the earthquake, but the middle of the courtyard was covered with tent.  For a month, the children were afraid to sleep inside.

I do not know what the people heard when I preached on Sunday morning, but I am still learning lessons from the sermon I saw as I spoke under a mostly sunny sky in Haiti and watched reflections of the Son from some people that know Jesus better than I do.

Thanks for your generosity in donating just under $3000 to the work of Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort on Sunday, February 21, 2010.  Your gifts will help many Christians to respond when a major disaster occurs in the continental United States.  You are helping to send truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims.  You are making a positive impact on communities and individuals as you let your light shine for Christ.

Haiti Medical and Construction Mission Trip

As I reported in Bible Class on Sunday morning, I was invited to participate in a medical mission trip to Haiti from March 3-10.  I appreciate the elders allowing me to participate and for the decision that was made to fund this effort.  I am grateful for the compassion of the elders and you in reaching out to hurting people.

According to UNICEF, the enormity of the destruction and the scale of suffering in Haiti since the January 12 earthquake leaves much more work to be done.  The UNICEF article continues by stating, "The United Nations estimates that more than 3 million people--one in every three Haitians--were severely affected by the earthquake, of whom 2 million need regular food aid.  Over 11 million people are homeless, many of them still living under sheets and cardboard in makeshift camps.  The government of Haiti estimates that at least 300,000 people were injured during the earthquake.  All this in a country considered a priority for humanitarian assistance before the earthquake."

The article also reports that the Haitian police, the UN, US and Canadian forces are maintaining the security which is allowing aid to get to those who need it.

Our team will be working with a children's home, the local church, and with medical outreach.  I covet your prayers.

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.  They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest.  I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems.  I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship.  I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world.  Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest.  People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching.  I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.  When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down.  The tree was happy because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to a shipyard."  The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.  One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one," and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals.  He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay.  This was not at all what he had prayed for.  The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat.  His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.  The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark.  The years went by and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn.  She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree.  The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do.  The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest of treasure of all time.  Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree.  One of them was tired and went to sleep.  While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe.  The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said, "Peace" and the storm stopped.  At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree.  It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it.  When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill.  When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you.  If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts.  Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.  We don't always know what God's plans are for us.  We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Jesus had no servants, yet He was called Master;
He had no university degree, yet they called Him Teacher;
He dispensed no medicine, yet they called Him Healer;
He had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
All believers should fee honored that such a one loves us!

What great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called 'children of God.'  1 John 3:1

When a major disaster occurs in the continental United States, the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims.  Imagine the impact of aid being given to hurting people and the honor and glory being given to God!

Only fifteen employees are paid in the entire organization.  Unpaid volunteers are the secret to success of their organization.  Christians pray, work, travel, serve, and donate resources to keep this good work going.

The elders have set aside February 21 as the day for a special contribution.  All funds donated on Sunday, February 21, will be directed to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort.

Please pray for this work and consider how you would like to participate in the special contribution.  The sacrifices you make are a sweet aroma to God and a blessing to many people.

For Nashville, it was unusual to have two weekends in January that started with schools closed due to snow.  The first weekend, I was a little surprised, but I do not live where some folks live.  This las weekend I could certainly understand the reasoning.  We had a substantial snowfall for this area.

I appreciate the elders' wisdom in asking you not to get out on the roads to try to drive to downtown Nashville.  Faith and I made a hospital visit to St. Thomas on Saturday afternoon, and we were surprised at the condition of the roadways.  The newspaper was reporting several accidents on Monday morning.

Special Contribution Postponed.

I am sure that the elders will tell us how that they would like to handle the special contribution that was planned for this past Sunday.  We appreciate the plans that you have made to participate and your prayers.  So many good works that bring glory to God constantly ask for our help.  When we can pitch in and share our blessings to honor God and to serve others, it is an honor and privilege.

Therefore, be listening for an announcement in the near future.  We appreciate your giving hearts!

Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Faith and I walked to an area store on Saturday morning to purchase some grape juice for communion.  On Sunday morning, we were able to make it out of our subdivision to attend worship and Bible study at Woodson Chapel.  We missed seeing you and look forward to our next time of assembling together.

The snow is so beautiful.  Yet, we also missed the beauty of the fellowship we share with you.  Be careful until God allows us to meet together again.

The Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort immediately responds to any major disaster in the continental United States by sending truckloads of emergency food, water, cleaning, and other supplies to disaster victims.

They are a non-profit corporation, tax-exempt - state taxes and federal income tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in section 501(c)(3).

Only fifteen employees are paid in the entire organization.

Unpaid volunteers are the secret to success of their organization.

All funds donated on Sunday, January 31, will be directed to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Effort.

Please pray for this work and consider how you would like to participate in the special contribution.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge fan of animated art.  I would spend hours as a child drawing different cartoon images.  One of my favorite characters to draw was Captain Hook from the Disney movie, Peter Pan.

This morning, I am thinking about Captain Hook's relationship with the infamous crocodile.  The crocodile had swallowed an alarm clock, so Captain Hook could always sense when an enemy he feared was near.  As a child, it was entertaining to watch Captain Hook's reaction to the incessant sound of the alarm clock: "Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock..."

I must admit that as an adult, the clicking of the clock is getting louder in my ears.

Time is not my enemy, but I am more aware that time is passing quickly.  By the time you read this article, almost five percent (5%) of 2010 will be history.  Were we not just enjoying the holidays?

We are all closer to eternity than we have ever been.

So... how will I manage myself with respect to time?  Will I devote my attention to what is most important, or will the urgent rule the day?  Have I taken the time recently to evaluate the values that govern my life?  Does my schedule and daily "To Do" list represent that my values are truly the foundation for my life?  Are godliness and contentment the bases for my values?

As I listen to the clock tick, I have some important questions to answer.  How about you?

Slow to suspect - quick to trust.
Slow to condemn - quick to justify.
Slow to offend - quick to defend.
Slow to expose - quick to shield.
Slow to reprimand - quick to forbear.
Slow to belittle - quick to appreciate.
Slow to demand - quick to give.
Slow to hinder - quick to help.

Quarterback Sneak: Church members quietly leave during the invitation.
Halftime: The period between Bible Class and worship when many choose to leave while others choose to arrive.
Bench Warmer: Those who do nothing but just sit and act bored.
Backfield in Motion: Making a trip to the back (restroom or water fountain) during service.  They forget they are supposed to do this before service begins.
Staying in the Pocket: What happens to a lot of money that should be given to the Lord's work.
Two Minute Warning: The point at which you realize the sermon is almost over and you begin to gather up your children and belongings.
Sudden Death: What happens to the attention span of the congregation if the preacher goes into "overtime."
End Run: Getting out of the church building quick, without speaking to any guest or fellow member...
Flex Defense: The ability to allow absolutely nothing said during the sermon to affect your life in any way.
Halfback Option: The decision of 50% of the congregation not to return for the evening service.
Blitz: The rush for the restaurants following the closing prayers.

PEACE IS...

-gazing at the stars with the knowledge that you know their Creator.

-closing your eyes in sleep without fear of tomorrow.

-the stillness in you heart when trouble swirls around you.

-a quiet mind in a raging world.

Praise the LORD.  Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His love endures forever.

(Psalm 106:1)


Be joyful always; pray continually;
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

(I Thessalonians 5:16-18)

"Thank you, dear God
For all You have given me,
For all You have taken away from me,
For all You have left me."

(author unknown)


Thanksgiving like contentment is a learned attribute.  The person who hasn't learned to be content will not be thankful for he lives with the delusion he deserves more or something better.

(Robert Flatt)

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise;
be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

(Psalm 100:4)

What if God couldn't take the time to bless us today because we couldn't take the time to thank Him yesterday?
What if God decided to stop leading us tomorrow because we didn't follow Him today?
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we grumbled when God sent the rain?
What if God didn't walk with us today because we failed to recognize it as His day?
What if God took away His message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
What if God didn't send His only begotten Son because He wanted us to be prepared to pay the price for sin?
What if the door of the church was closed because we did not open the door of our heart?
What if God stopped loving and caring for us because we failed to love and care for others?
What if God would not hear us today because we would not listen to Him yesterday?
What if God answered our prayers the way we answer His call to service?
What if God met our needs the way we give Him our lives?

I cannot say OUR if my religion has no room for others and their needs.
I cannot say FATHER if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.
I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
I cannot say HALLOWED BY THY NAME if I, who am called by his name am not holy.
I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.
I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN unless I am truly ready to give myself to his service here and now.
I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellow men.
I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESSPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.
I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.
I cannot say THINE IS THE POWER if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say or do.
I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY if I am seeking my own glory first.
I cannot say FOREVER if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
I cannot say AMEN unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

Take time to think; it is the source of power.
Take time to read; it is the foundation of wisdom.
Take time to play; it is the secret of staying young.
Take time to be quiet; it is the opportunity to seek God.
Take time to be aware; it is the opportunity to help others.
Take time to love and be loved; it is God's greatest gift.
Take time to laugh; it is the music of the soul.
Take time to be friendly; it is the road to happiness.
Take time to dream; it is what the future is made of.
Take time to pray; it is the greatest power on earth.

took the time to go see someone who lives alone?
wrote a letter to someone you haven't seen in years?
read the Bible to someone too ill to read it for themselves?
encouraged someone who was having a hard time living the Christian life?
prayed earnestly for someone who was faltering?
told a teen that you were proud of their efforts to live for Christ?
spent more time on your knees praying than on the telephone talking?
informed your family of your love and appreciation of them?

Every Christian can do something to encourage someone else!

Ken Burns has produced a new documentary on the National Parks.  The title of the film series is The National Parks: America's Best Idea.  Burns reports on the work of John Muir in relation to Yosemite National Park.  While in Yosemite, Muir made the following journal entry:

How little is taken of the deeds of Nature!  What paper publishes her reports?  If one pine were placed in a town square, what admiration it would excite!  Yet who is conscious of the pine-tree multitudes in the free woods, though open to everybody?  Who publishes the sheet-music of winds, or the written music of water written in river lines?

Muir's musing swept me away to times past when I sat by such streams and was enthralled by their symphonies.  Though captivated by nature, I have not reported much as I should have on her beauty or her message.  But the psalmist was aware of the good news that creation proclaims, and the psalmist does report on the deeds of nature:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. (Psalm 19:1-3)

My football coach in junior high school took Labor Day literally.  It was not a holiday from football practice.  As a matter of fact, his annual goal was that practice on this day would be the hardest practice of each football season.

I believe what the Bible says about grace--For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast (Eph. 2:8-9).  I know that by my works, I cannot save myself.

I also believe what the Bible says about work--For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Eph. 2:10).  I know that if I truly appreciate what God has done for me in Christ Jesus, that I will be busy doing good works.

Once Jesus was questioned about what caused a blind man's inability to see.  Jesus explained to his disciples that the man was not blind due to his sin or his parent's sin.  He also used this occasion to glorify his Father by healing the man born blind of his blindness.  Part of Jesus' teaching was: As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.  Night is coming, when no one can work (Jn. 9:4).

Knowing that you are created to do good works and that the night is coming when no one can work, what will you offer as a labor of love today to glorify God?

(September 6, 2009)

This past winter and spring I became frustrated with some underwriters at my mortgage company.  When you combine all the new government regulations for the housing industry with the low rates that have been available, you sort of create the "perfect storm."  Many mortgage companies appear to be swamped with people wanting to refinance their homes.  My frustration was with newly hired underwriters that I am sure were striving to do their best, but they kept making mathematical errors or incorrectly entering income figures.

My experience has made me all the more grateful for the debt I owe, but that Jesus paid on my behalf.  People should be swamping heaven with requests for salvation, but Jesus said the numbers who would desire to walk through the narrow gate will be few.  I am grateful that I do not have to attempt to walk through the narrow gate on my own merits.  Jesus has fully underwritten and approved my application for salvation with the payment that only He could make on my behalf.  I appreciate the fact that He has paid my debt in full.

--Gary

 

Eastern European Missions (EEM) is providing Bibles to people who do not possess a copy of God's Word.  EEM Bibles in the schools, provides them to youth camps, orphanages, churches, and prisons in response to the thousands of requests to the weekly television show, and to families and individuals.

Now, EEM need many more Bibles than they thought because of the new requests from many teachers.  EEM is attempting to meet this request.

The elders are asking us to help EEM by providing funds necessary to quickly give the teachers the additional Bibles for which they are asking.  It costs $10.00 per Bible to print, ship and deliver them to the teachers.  You can give the Bible to a teacher who has asked for it.  It is that direct.  Requests are still coming in.  How many would you like to reach with God's Word?

Thank you in advance for considering how you will respond quickly and generously in prayer and, if you choose, financially.  You are great partners in the Word.

Ten Little Christians came to church all the time;
One fell out with the preacher, then there were nine.
Nine Little Christians stayed up late;
One overslept on Sunday, then there were eight.
Eight Little Christians on their way to Heaven;
one took the low road, then there were seven.
Seven Little Christians, chirping like chicks;
One didn't like the singing, then there were six.
Six Little Christians seemed very much alive;
One took a vacation, then there were five.
Five Little Christians pulling for Heaven's shore;
One stopped to take a rest, then there were four.
Four Little Christians each as busy as a bee;
One had his feelings hurt, then there were three.
Three Little Christians couldn't decide what to do;
One couldn't have his way, then there were two.
Two Little Christians each won one more;
Now don't you see, two plus two equals four.
Four Little Christians worked early and late;
Each brought one, now there were eight.
Eight Little Christians if they double as before;
In just seven Sundays, we have one thousand twenty four.
In this jingle there is a lesson true;
You belong either to the building, or to the wrecking crew.

Be careful of your thoughts
for your thoughts become your word.

Be careful of your words
for your words become your actions.

Be careful of your actions
for your actions become your habits.

Be careful of your habits
for your habits become your character.

Be careful of your character
for your character becomes your destiny.

It was a cold winter's day that Sunday.  The parking lot was filling up quickly.  I noticed as I got out of my car fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked in the church.

As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church.  He was almost laying down as if he was asleep.  He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face.  He wore shoes that looked 30 years old, too small for his feet, with holes all over them, his toes stuck out.

I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church.  We all fellowshipped for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside.  People snickered and gossipped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me.

A few moments later church began.  We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors were opened.  In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down.

People gasped and whispered and made faces.  He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit where he took off his hat and coat.  My heart sank.  There stood our preacher... he was the "homeless man."  No one said a word.  The preacher took his Bible and laid it on his stand.  "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I'm preaching about today.  If you judge people, you have no time to love them."

I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."
And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.
I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."
But as I prayed, into my ear
there came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?
God's sweetest blessing always go
by hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
and I will live the way I pray."

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.  For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.  Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study.  His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.  He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.  Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embrossed in gold.  Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business.  He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him.  He had not seen him since the Graduation Day.  Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son.  He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, a sudden feeling of sadness and regret filled his heart.  He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still gift-wrapped Bible, just as he had left it years ago.  With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages.  His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matthew 7:11, "And if you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father who is in heaven, give to those who ask Him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible.  It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired.  On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?

Dear GOD, Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't you just keep the ones you have? -Jane
Dear GOD, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms.  It works with my brother. -Larry
Dear GOD, If You watch me in church on Sunday, I'll show you my new shoes. -Mickey
Dear GOD, I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world.  There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it. -Nan
Dear GOD, In school they told us what you do.  Who does it when you are on vacation? -Jane
Dear GOD, I read the Bible.  What does "beget" mean?  Nobody will tell me. -Love, Alison
Dear GOD, Are you really invisible or is it just a trick? -Lucy
Dear GOD, Is it true my father won't get in heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house? -Anita
Dear GOD, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? -Norma
Dear GOD, Who draws the lines around the countries? -Nan
Dear GOD, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church.  Is that okay? -Neil
Dear GOD, What does it mean you are a jealous God?  I thought you had everything. -Jane
Dear GOD, Did you really mean "do unto others as they do unto you?"  Because if you did, then I'm going to fix my brother. -Darla
Dear GOD, Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. -Joyce
Dear GOD, It rained for our whole vacation and is my father mad!  He said some things about you that people are not supposed to say, but I hope you will not hurt him anyway.  Your friend, (But I am not going to tell you who I am).
Dear GOD, Why is Sunday school on Sunday?  I thought it was supposed to be our day of rest. -Tom L.
Dear GOD, Please send me a pony.  I never asked for anything before.  You can look it up. -Bruce
Dear GOD, If we come back as something, please don't let me be Mary Horton because I hate her. -Denise
Dear GOD, If you give me a genie like Aladdin, I will give you anything you want, except my money or my chess set. -Raphael
Dear GOD, You don't have to worry about me.  I always look both ways. -Dean
Dear GOD, I think the stapler is one of your greatest inventions. -Ruth M.
Dear GOD, I think about you sometimes even when I'm not praying. -Elliott
Dear GOD, Of all the people who work for you I like Noah and David the best. -Rob
Dear GOD, My brother told me about being born but it doesn't sound right.  They're just kidding, aren't they? -Marsha
Dear GOD, I would like to live 900 years like the guy in the Bible. -Love, Chris
Dear GOD, We read Thomas Edison made light.  But in Sunday school they said you did it.  So I bet he stole your idea. -Sincerely, Donna
Dear GOD, The bad people laughed at Noah - "You made an ark on dry land you fool."  But he was smart, he stuck with you.  That's what I would do. -Eddie
Dear GOD, I do not think anybody could be a better GOD.  Well, I just want you to know but I am not just saying that because you are GOD already. -Charles
Dear GOD, I didn't think orange went with purple until I saw the sunset you made on Tuesday.  That was cool. -Eugene

The boy walked along the ocean shore... trying not to stray.
He looked up to his Father saying, "Dad, I want to play."
His Father looked upon him, with love showing in his eyes.
"Do what you want to, my son... but do not leave my side."
"I would never leave you daddy, I love you way too much."
But the boy took a step away, out of his Father's range of touch.
He walked through the surf, the waves tickling one toe.
"If I take one more step in..." he thought, "Father will never know."
His Father called out to him, "Son, to me remain true."
The boy thought with glee... "At the moment, I don't need you."
His Father felt a sadness, but he held his tongue.
Sometimes lessons need to be learned... even when so young.
The boy stepped out a little further... the water covering his waist.
His Father spoke with urgency... his Father spoke with haste.
"My Son, come back to me, " he said, "The day is almost done."
"Not yet, Dad," the boy yelled, "I'm having too much fun!"
But the boy did not have his Father's sight... so he coult not tell...
The tide was coming in fast... there would be no time to yell.
"Father!" he tried to scream as the water covered his head.
"I need you now, daddy!" was what the boy had said.
And in a single instant his Father was by his side.
"I thought you left me daddy... I thought you went to hide."
The Father looked upon his son... a tear streaming down his cheek.
The boy looked upon his Father, and cried the sobs of the meek.
"I wold never leave you son... for I love you just the same."
"I was only waiting... for you to call upon my name."

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird behind it.  By flying in a V-formation, the whole flock adds 71 percent more flying range than if each bird flew alone.
Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down.  They stay with the goose to help and protect it until it is able to fly again or dies.  Then they launch out with another formation to catch up with the flock.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other.

Whenever a goose falls out of the formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.
Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point of position.
Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership.

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.
Lesson: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging--not something less than helpful.

Once upon a time, Satan was having a garage sale.  There, standing in little groups were all of his bright, shiny trinkets.  Here were tools that make it easy to tear others down for use as stepping stones.  And over there were some lenses for magnifying ones own importance, which, if you looked through them the other way, you could also use to belittle others, or even one's self.  Against the wall was the usual assortment of gardening implements guaranteed to help your pride grow by leaps and bounds: the rake of scorn, the shovel of jealousy for digging pit for your neighbor, the tools of gossip and backbiting, of selfishness and apathy.  All of these were pleasing to the eye and came complete with fabulous promises and guarantees of prosperity.  Prices, of course, were steep; but not to worry!  Free credit was extended to one and all.  "Take it home, use it, and you won't have to pay until later!" old Satan cried, as he hawked his wares.

The visitor, as he browsed, noticed two well worn, non descript tools standing in one corner.  Not being nearly as tempting as the other items, he found it curious that these two tools had price tags higher than any other.  When he asked why, Satan just laughed and said, "Well, that's because I use them so much.  If they weren't so plain looking, people might see them for what they were."  Satan pointed to the two tools, saing, "You see, that one's Doubt and that one's Discouragement--and those will work when nothing else will."