Random Thoughts

Tags

confusion, conservatives, Covid-19, Democrats, God, hatred, Jesus, liberals, perspective, politics, random, Republicans, sin, virus

I’m sorry for such a simple title to my post; however, with so much that is going on in our world today and the many thoughts running through my head, for the sake of brevity, I’ll provide only a few.  Many of those random thoughts could be summarized under the headings of hatred, confusion, and perspective.

Of hatred, I see so much!  It’s everywhere.  Turn on the media to catch one group or another tearing each other down, attacking character, and rendering physical abuse.  One side always seems to conveniently turn a blind eye to their own misgivings to tear down another with a different opinion.  When did we forget how to just agree to disagree?  And lest I forget to say it, I don’t think it is ever okay to hate/dislike/mistreat a person because of the color of their skin, their nationality, size, social status, or political viewpoint.

Confusion seems to reign supreme, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.  To wear a mask or not to wear a mask…to gather or not to gather…to open or stay closed…to obey city or state ordinance or not to obey.  Top officials everywhere seem to be divided over how to proceed and limit the spread of the virus.  They disagree on the scope of the infection rate.  It appears that numbers have even been manipulated to exacerbate that scope.  What should we believe?  Our economy has been damaged, and with all of the political infighting, is it not worth considering that the virus (however deadly it may be) has been used for political gain?  I find this saddening.

Your perspective to all of these things is likely molded by your worldview.  From a political standpoint, liberals, conservatives, progressives, independents, etc.; they all view it differently.  Everything is filtered through agenda.  Conversely for the Christian, our worldview of events should be in light of the Scriptures.  What God says about man’s nature is being fleshed out before our very eyes, thus affirming his need of salvation from his sin.

Thanks for stopping by!

The Blessed Hope of Christmas

Tags

Christmas, Holiday, Hope, Jesus, Lion of Judah, love, salvation

Let me share a few of my thoughts concerning Christmas, if I may.  While today’s post is simple, I find its content to be profound! Christmas time for me is a time to reflect on the reason for the hope that I have.  Being a believer in Jesus Christ, Christmas time ushers in a tremendous sense of wonder at the fact that our Savior chose to clothe himself in humanity, be born to a virgin in a stall reserved for barn animals, grow and teach us about the Father, be tempted by every type of sin and yet not sin, be scorned and persecuted by those he came to save, suffer, die, and be raised from the dead.  Just the mere fact that he (aka King of Kings, Lion of Judah, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords) would take on human flesh and be born into a world that would despise and reject him astounds me.  He, from his high and lofty position in glory, could have provided salvation in any other way; yet, he chose to come and be crucified by the ones that he created!  His perfect life as a sacrifice for my imperfect one.  This, my friend, is love!  Knowing that he loves me that much gives me all the hope I need to survive in a world that has lost its way.  This is why I believe in him, and I trust him as my Lord and Savior!

What Child is This?

 What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise a song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

(William Chatterton Dix – 1865)

Please do not get caught up in the hub bub of what the Christmas holiday season has become, but offer yourself to reflect on the real meaning of Christmas!

“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

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:8-10

Merry Christmas!!

A Lesson From the Kitchen Sink

Tags

Bible, blood, cleansing, coffee, God, Jesus, kitchen, Pharisees, sink, stain, tomb, truth

Today’s post is a reprint of one that I shared on October 20, 2013 at one of my previous blog sites.

Early yesterday morning, as I was rinsing out my coffee pot, I noticed that as I refilled it with water, the water appeared brown. Knowing that from time to time in the past we’ve had issues such as this brown water, I checked the water in a clean glass only to find out that the water clarity was fine. As it turned out, the pot has simply stained over time by the coffee. Needless to say, no matter how many times I rinsed it, the water still appeared stained as it filled the pot…good water, but stained glass. The glass needs a good cleansing.  I was glad it wasn’t the other way around – dirty water and clean glass.  And while I contemplated that thought, a truth from God’s Word came to mind – regardless of how good we think we are, or how good we think our works are, we are all stained by sin. Let’s consider what God thinks about our good works outside of a relationship with Christ. In Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees, He exclaimed “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” (Matt. 23:27). Furthermore, we learn in Isaiah 64:6 that our righteousness is like “filthy rags” or “a polluted garment” (depending on translation). Jesus’ prescription to the Pharisees was that they should, “First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” (Matt 23:26).

The point of knowing the aforementioned verses is to lead us/me to the all-important truth that the only way we can be cleansed is by Jesus…no other way. We need the supernatural cleansing that only Jesus’ blood offers first, then we can produce the good works that we were created to do. Scripture confirms this truth in 1 John 1:5-10 and Ephesians 2: 8-10:

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:5-10 (scripture quoted from biblehub.com) .”

8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2: 8-10 (scripture quoted from biblegateway.com)

In closing, I’m reminded by an old song that we all probably know:

Nothing but the Blood
Robert Lowry

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain:
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

So, how about you?  Do you ever have those kitchen sink moments?  If so, I’d love to hear about some of them.

Introducing Trunkbox Ministry

Tags

God, Homelessness, Jesus, love, Ministry, poor, Poverty, Trunkbox

 

For today’s post, I’d like to introduce a ministry that my wife and I are involved in.  It is called Trunkbox Ministry.  While the name may be unique, the idea certainly is not.  Simply put, it is designed to help you/us be prepared to help meet the daily needs of someone who is homeless.

Consider all of the random moments in which you find a homeless person begging on a sidewalk, at a busy intersection, or living under an overpass in a cardboard box.  There are those times that the Lord convicts you to do something, and many times we just don’t know what to do.  Well, Trunkbox Ministry is designed to help you/us do something.

For a small purchase price (depending on how much you want to put in your box/bag), you can fill a shoebox or storage bag with personal items that will help a homeless person for a few days.  Items such as deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrush, lip balm, nutrition bars, water bottle, band aids, socks, etc. (Please see attached slide show for a full list.)  By keeping multiple boxes/bags in your vehicle, you will have an opportunity to possibly make a difference in someone’s life when the occasion presents itself.

The Trunkbox Ministry is easy to replicate, as well.  Invite your family, friends, social clubs, co-workers, church groups, to be involved.  Take a moment to share the presentation – it speaks for itself, and then answer any questions that they have.  I will also keep a page on this site devoted to Trunkbox Ministry, so if you share the post, let your audience know.  The ministry idea is one that you can personalize to your comfort level, but the important thing to remember is that it is designed to show love to our neighbors.  The homeless are not loved less!

Trunkbox Ministry slide presentation

“I AM FAMISHED”

Tags

Atlanta, Christian, compassion, conviction, Faith, Fox Theater, Giving, God, Homelessness, Jesus, Ministry, People, poor, regret, Scripture, Spiritual Growth, traffic

The beggar, obviously disheveled and cold, sat there on his knees with the sign in his hands.  On the busy sidewalk outside of the Fox Theater in downtown Atlanta, the crowd filed hurriedly past him at the conclusion of the concert – each hoping to get to their vehicle and exit before the traffic conditions deteriorated.  The sign wasn’t typical.  It didn’t ask for anything or exclaim that he was a “homeless Vet needing…”  There wasn’t even the typical statement of “anything will help…God bless.”  No, there were only three words.  Three words that are now forever burning my soul – “I Am Famished”.

Immediately, my heart was moved to compassion and I reached for my wallet.  I knew that I had some money that I could give this fellow, but at the same time I realized that I was being rushed by the throng of people behind me.  I couldn’t hold up traffic for this beggar, could I?  Besides, he was probably part of a scam and has strategically set himself there at the conclusion of all events hosted at the Fox.  My mind quickly weighed the options and I succumbed to the later.  Yes, it was likely just a scam.  He would just take the money and purchase drugs or something destructive.  I will not be an enabler.  I passed him by.

Now I sit here at my keyboard haunted by the person…haunted by those three words.  Try as I might, I just can’t get his image out of my mind.  I hurt and I am ashamed.  I, the one that claims to be a child of God, allowed a fellow human being to continue to suffer when I had the means to help.  Furthermore, I felt that my heart was genuinely moved to compassion to help, and that has always been my measure of using wisdom in these matters.  I felt…no…I KNOW that God moved me to give and I did not obey!  Thus I now find myself forever haunted by those three words “I AM FAMISHED.”

“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.”  Proverbs 28:27

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’  Matthew 25:35-40

Keeping the “Main Thing” the “Main Thing”

Tags

God, Jesus, Life, living, main thing, repentance, restoration, sermon

Years ago, I heard a pastor preach a sermon that has resided in the annals of mind ever since.  And though I wish I could recall the points of every important sermon I’ve heard, the reality is that I feel as though I’m now at an age where I have to forget something to make room for anything new to be remembered.  Can you relate?

The sermon, as the title of this post implies, was about keeping our relationship to Jesus Christ the main thing.  Jesus is to be our central focus.  He should be the one that we are pointing others to, telling them about, and loving them as he would.  He, according to the Scriptures is the way, the truth, and life!  And furthermore, no one gets to the Father except through him.  It is after him that we should pattern our lives.  We should seek to follow him, imitate him, and know him more.  He is to be the MAIN THING in our lives, and we should cherish him more than silver or gold!

I share this post simply to ask if you are keeping the main thing the main thing in your life?  Is this a moment that will spur you to repent of falling away from a relationship with him?  Have you pursued other things that have led you into a life void of a meaningful relationship with him?  What have you let interfere with your relationship with Christ?  As long as you are breathing, it is never too late to repent and restore the Main Thing to it’s proper place!

 

Thinking Out Loud…

Tags

God, Gospel, Jesus, salvation, The Bible

Why is hate always linked with intolerance?

Why is the word “love” used so flippantly?

If Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”, why don’t many others seek to know him and make him known?

Why do so many view God as wanting to “bless them” and to “make them prosper” in this life?

Why do so many people wish to live a life without suffering or trials, when the Bible clearly states that enduring such makes us stronger and comes with rewards?

Why do so many people reject that God created the world and has a plan for their lives?

Why are we so quick to cry out “Why me, Lord?” and rarely consider “Why not me, Lord?”

Why is so hard for us to consider ourselves to be sinful, when the Bible clearly states that “all have sinned.”

Do people really deny the existence of God simply because they think if they acknowledge his existence that they will be held accountable to him?

If life so often ends tragically, then why should we assume that we’ll have time to turn to God later in life?

The Bible says that “God so loved the world that He gave up His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”  If this is so, then why don’t people believe?

If the Bible is true (I believe it is), and “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”, then why don’t people believe and confess?

The Bible proclaims that over 500 people saw Jesus alive after he was crucified and confirmed dead.  If so, then why can’t we believe that he was indeed raised from the dead?

Since the Bible says that “if we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”, then why wouldn’t one want to do that right away?

**All of these questions are meant for your consideration.  I, myself, am a believer in Jesus Christ, and based on what I’ve read and experienced, I’m as convinced that he is true as much as I believe I’m alive today.  I accept the fact that it is by the grace of God that I am saved, and that it is nothing that I ever deserved or could earn (Ephesians 2:8-9).  I believe that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and life” and that “no one comes to the Father but through Me (Jesus).” (John 14:6)  Furthermore, I believe that “God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).  Based on these things, I cried out to God to forgive me and cleanse me of my sins.  I confessed that Jesus is Lord, and I believe wholeheartedly that God has raised him from the dead and I was saved!  He is both Lord and Savior of my life, and I am convinced without a shadow of doubt that I will be saved from the eternal separation from God when my days are finished, for as the scripture states “whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

 

 

 

A King Rescued Me…And You.

Tags

Angels, birth of Christ, Christmas, Christmas story, heaven, Isaiah, Jesus, King, King of kings, Messiah, Savior

Every year at Christmas time, there are just some things that never change.  There always seems to be the latest and greatest toy or gadget that everyone seems to want.  There is the inevitable stress associated with family travel plans.  Christmas shows fill the airwaves, and decorations light up the neighborhoods.  And within the church, there’s the long-awaited candle-light Christmas Service, which is usually preceded a week or so by the Christmas Musical (Cantata).

Specific to Christianity, Christmas always brings sermons, or Bible readings following the traditional verses of Scripture that point to the prophesy and birth of our Savior.  We often point to verses such as Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Additionally, we also read about the shepherds receiving the announcement from the Angels in Luke 2:8-11:  “8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  This is indeed a time to consider these things.  The birth of Christ is paramount in the life of a believer.  He was (and is) the long-expected Messiah!

While reading Gospel Centered Discipleship (Dodson) recently, I came across an interesting passage that sets a scene that I will not soon forget.  Though the context of the passage wasn’t necessarily meant for a Christmas story type of application, I find it to be extremely relevant, with a different perspective.  Referring to “Jesus’ messianic identity as the anointed servant of the Lord, prophesied by Isaiah, as the one who would rescue and redeem God’s people” the author expounds on Hebrews 13:12 “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify a people through his own blood”  He sums it up this way:  “Jesus rescues and forgives disloyal, undeserving disciples from their sin over and over again through his once-for-all death on the cross.  The King becomes Servant for all who hope in him, when Jesus lays down to atone for our every failure to obey and honor him as Lord.  The King descends from his throne, moves out beyond the courtyard to a place outside the city, where his body is engulfed in sin to sanctify a people for himself.“

Based on the author’s description, I’ll tell you that my mind envisioned a King that had dominion over all territories.  Even so, there were many outside the gate that despised his rule and dominion over them.  In an effort to save them all, even those that rejected him, the King leaves all of his security details behind and ventures outside of the city into the very midst of those who seek to do him harm.  Picture our President venturing out without the Secret Service, or the Queen of England without her security details.  In our world’s current political climate you can understand the dangers associated with such a venture.  Yet here was Jesus, the KING of kings and Lord of lords, leaving all of his glory to venture into such a place.  Motivated by love, he willingly left a security detail of more than 12 Legions of Angels (Matt. 26:53) to move out beyond the gates of Heaven into a people who would reject him.  Jesus came to be born of the virgin, he lived a perfect, sinless life, and was put to death by the very ones he came to save.  Yet in the same power in which he came, he was raised to life again defeating death, hell and the grave!

As previously mentioned, I know that this isn’t your traditional Christmas story.  Moreover, my post is likely to be disheveled and prepared in haste.  Even so, I pray that whichever Christmas story, or Scriptures that you read…I pray that Christ will be magnified in your life in such a way that others will want to know more!

Merry Christmas!

 

2018: A Year of Change

Tags

changes, Church, Faith, God, heaven, Jesus, mountains, Moving, North Georgia, relocation, rewards, Trials, turn your eyes upon Jesus

2018 has been a year of tremendous change for my wife and I.  It started early when my youngest son left for Basic Training in the USAF.  Shortly after, we were able to drive out to San Antonio to see him graduate, prior to heading off to his technical training in Wichita Falls, TX.  While he was there, his wife (our daughter in-law) moved in with us briefly in the waning days of her pregnancy.  As you’ve probably guessed, we were there to drive her to the hospital when it came time for her to deliver their beautiful, baby boy – our first grandson!  Soon afterwards, our oldest son graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Social Work.  He moved off shortly afterwards and now resides in Houston, TX.  Subsequently, our USAF son received an assignment to Seymour AFB, NC, where he now lives with his wife and son.

In the month of June, I was presented with an opportunity that my wife and I had dreamed of – to move to North Georgia.  Having lived in the extreme south of the state (Valdosta) for 30 years, we had longed for the day when we’d be able to retire to the North Georgia mountains.  Thankfully, the company that I worked for offered me an opportunity to transfer with a relocation package.  All expenses were paid.  This set off a very quick set of events which included getting our current house ready for market and searching for a new place to live at the top of the state.  And while it appears that things went quickly and smoothly during the transition, there were plenty of moments of frustration.  Ultimately, however, we were able to get the house sold quickly, and move on to our new area of Gainesville, GA.  Even so, we actually had to live in our travel trailer for 30 days while waiting to close on our new home.

Something of note about our move from Valdosta is the fact that my wife left a job in which she’d been employed for over 26 years at First Baptist Church.  She was loved by the staff members and congregation there – and she loved them!  They had a special celebration during the last Sunday we were there in her honor.  It was beautiful.

Since our move, we’ve endured my wife’s search for a new employer (we’re thankful that wasn’t a long, drawn out affair), and we’ve found our new church home.  We’ve also spent plenty of time finding new restaurants, attended all of the Fall festivals, and ventured off into the mountains a time or two.  Just as we had dreamed, we love it here!

Looking back over all that transpired in 2018, I realize that there were many bumps in the road to get us here.  We laughed a lot, shed a tear or two, and fussed a bit.  Though the end result has been wonderful, there were missteps, trials, and plenty of difficulty.  I suppose this is the case with anyone in a situation similar to our.  But even in the face of those trying times, my wife and I often spent time to reflect on what it was all for.  It was that continual looking forward that seemed to make all of the trials worth it.  And it was indeed worth it!  I am further reminded that like my own straight, narrow, and sometimes crooked journey through life, God wants us (me) to keep our eyes on Him.  When we do, don’t be surprised if the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

I hope that your Christmas time is full of comfort and joy!

 

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

(Helen H. Lemmel – 1922)

Consider the Tears.

Tags

Church, dad, Father, God, Gospel, Holiness, humility, Jesus, Justification, Redemption, salvation, son, thankfulness

A very emotional scene occurred at church yesterday.  Picture for a moment a dad accompanying his small son to the altar to confess that he has placed his faith in Jesus Christ, wanting to make his confession of faith public.  “Praise God”, “Hallelujah”, or “Joy” may be the first thoughts that come to your mind.  Now, just for a moment, consider the dad’s face.  It’s what I did, and it has left such a great impact on me.  Quivering lips.  Watery eyes. Brokenness.  Tremendous humility.  Thankfulness.  While these are the only words that I can come up with to describe what I witnessed, I’m sure they fall far short.  Why else would I have been moved to shed tears?  Was the dad recalling the time in his own life, as I was, when he too realized his sinfulness in the sight of a Holy God?!  Were the contortions of his face a recognition of how helpless he was in saving himself apart from the redeeming grace of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Could his expressions be a manifestation of what he felt his son was feeling as the very Creator of the World brought salvation to his child?

Perhaps all of these things could be true.  Or, just maybe, this was a dad that realized how grateful he is to a God that goes to the uttermost ends of the earth redeeming his people, regardless of size, stature, or socio-economic standing.

The Almighty God had just saved his boy!  How could one not be moved?

**As a side note to this post, I’m so grateful to be a part of a church where the Gospel is so clearly preached week after week!