Watching the Fig Tree Hamas supporters celebrating Election Victory
(photo from www.foxnews.com)

As Hamas won victory in the Palestinian elections this past week, our eyes were focused again on Israel and the Holy Lands. What will happen next? In December of 2001 Israel's perspective was that if the Hamas were in control at least we would know who the enemy was. In fact Israel's Finance Minister Silvan Shalom said that if Hamas took over the Palestinian Authority, at least the world would know who Israel's adversary truly is. Now, Hamas is in control of the Palestinian Parliament. Instantly the US demanded that Hamas recognize Israel rising to its new role in governance in a responsible manner. That doesn't look seem very likely, but our eyes are focused again on the "fig tree" to see what will happen next.

In the 24th chapter of Matthew as Jesus was talking to His disciples about the last days, he spoke to them about the fig tree in verses 32-35.

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get
tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.
Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near,
right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will
certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will
never pass away. Matthew 24:32-35 (NIV)

We have come to understand that the fig tree represents Israel, and that Israel is a key to the unfolding of the events of the last days. One of the most significant events was the Israel becoming a nation again in 1948. For decades hundreds of Jewish people had begun returning to their homeland, but in 1948 they received recognition again as a nation. The fig tree began to bud again. Through the years we have continued to watch Israel and the Holy Lands just as we might watch the trees and know from their budding that Spring had arrived and Summer was near.

Jesus was telling his disciples that the signs he was sharing in this chapter were indications, like the budding of the fig tree, that His return was near. He went even further to say, that the generation that saw the budding of the fig tree would not pass away before this promise came to pass!

I believe we are living in that generation right now! Hey for believers this is good news. As Luke records in Luke 21:28,

When these things begin to take place, stand up and
lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Today I want you to be encouraged. Our hope is in Christ who is coming again, and you are a part of that generation that will see it come to pass! Have a blessed day!

Blessed are the Children

Picture from CFA Children's Church

This Sunday we were treated with a presentation from our Children's Church. Now, this is an exciting arm of the church. With the children lined up between them and participating in the presentation, Susette an Ela shared with us their lessons for January. Now these folks had some great excitement going on. This alone could have been considered blessing enough, but on top of all this, I had the special honor doing baby dedications. This Sunday, I was privileged to do three! Jim and Elaine had almost all of their children at church with them. This included two of their grandchildren, Skylar and Conner. We also dedicated Brandi's son, Isaiah as his Grandother Donna looked on. Wow, isn't it grand?

We don't practice infant baptism nor christening in our church, but we do dedications, which properly understood are actually the dedication of parents and grandparents to live godly lives before the child. God established the importance of teaching our children in Deurteronomy 6:1-2

These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD
your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land
that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you,
your children and their children after them may fear the
LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his
decrees and commands that I give you,
and so that you may enjoy long life.

This is followed by a passage in verses 4 and 5, called by the Hebrews, "The Shema."

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength.

He makes His message quite clear in the verses that follow, (6-9).

These commandments that I give you today
are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on
your children. Talk about them when you sit
at home and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and
bind them on your foreheads. Write them on
the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Simply put, God wants us to do more than just talk about serving Him. He is calling us to live daily for Him. Don't just talk the talk and expect that to miraculously affect your children. If you really intend to impact their young lives, you have to remember that they learn what they live with. What we need is both to profess and possess. Just a form of godliness will not do! We need the "power thereof." You can impact your children and grandchildren for Christ. Just live it everyday, one day at a time. Have a blessed day!

Five Generations

Just the other night I was searching through some of my 3.5" floppy disks looking for some files I had stored, when I came across some disks with pictures on them from Christmas 1998! I spent some time just looking at all the pictures and came across the one I included above. Pictured from the bottom left, up, across, and back down are my Grandmother Adams, my Mother, my brother John, his daughter Angel, and Angel's firstborn daughter, Shaina. We had a great time that year. I am glad they took this picture, since another five-generation picture from mother's side of the family will not be possible until my brother John is a great-grandfather. Things change so quickly! James wrote in James 4:13-14,

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to
this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and
make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen
tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears
for a little while and then vanishes.

We need to drink deeply from the cup of life that God has given to us. Regrets spring from neglect and not from time we spend with Mom or Grandma. Solomon wrote in Proverb 27:1,

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

That being the case we need to begin living the abundant life that Jesus said he came to provide for us. In fact, He said that is the reason he came in John 10:10.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

This morning I want to challenge you to live your life just that way, to the fullest! We never know when overwhelming changes may come to us. Make the most of God's promise of abundant life, by living it in Him everyday!

Where is God's Promise?

If you have ever begun to wonder about God's promise to you, then this morning's word is for you. Sometimes we are tempted to join the scoffers of 2 Peter 3:4.

They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised?
Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on
as it has since the beginning of creation."

You were so encouraged by God's promise in the beginning. His word to you has sustained you. Now, even if you haven't verbalized the question, sometimes it quietly attacks your faith. Although we never read that Joseph questioned God, he certainly would have had sufficient opportunity, given his circumstances. God gives him dreams, and just as he speaks to Pharoh, the dreams are one and the same. Joseph will rule one day, and all his brothers will bow down to him.

On the way to his dream's fulfillment, Joseph first endures the pit. While visiting his brothers in the field, Joseph's point of view gets a literal adjustment. His brothers are not bowing to him but towering over him as he looks up from the bottom of the pit. This seems like a good time to remind God of the dream. Things are a little messed up here. This isn't a throne; it's a hole in the ground!

Today if you've been clinging to a promise that God has given you, but things just don't seem to be working out. I've got some good news for you. Often the pit you face today is the gateway to God's promise being fulfilled.

Joseph may have hoped to be delivered from the pit. Perhaps his brothers would be moved with compassion and after this mean trick, they would pull him out and send him home. Who would have believed it? Instead of rescuing Joseph, they sell him into slavery! One pit is traded for another, and the second one is even further from home.

Have you ever felt that those people, who should be the closest to you and the most supportive, have becme the enemies of your dream. David said it this way in Psalm 41:9

Even my close friend, whom I trusted,
he who shared my bread,
has lifted up his heel against me.

If that's where you are this morning, and you have a promise from the Lord, then cling to that promise with all of your heart. God has put you on the road to a place of service in Him. He is going to fulfill all His promises to you.

Joseph went from the pit to slavery to prison before God raised him up and fulfilled the awesome dream that was given to Joseph. When his dream was finally fulfilled, there could be no doubt that God had brought it to pass. Be encouraged today. God is working in your life bringing to pass His awesome plan for you.

All Things Work Together for Good

And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NIV)

She was working in the kitchen, scraping a plate clean over the trash can when she began to cry. The grief was overwhelming. I tried to comfort her, "Honey, what's wrong?" Through her tears she replied, "They threw my baby in the trash!" What was done was done. We had gone to the hospital, concerned about the pregnancy. We saw the baby for the first time on the ultrasound, but it was already dead. They did a DNC and sent us home. It had been two weeks already, and there she was grieving in the kitchen.

Somethings just don't make any sense. How did anything good come out of this? Maybe we would never know. We certainly experienced all the emotions of grief, including anger. Where was God when we needed Him? Why did our baby die? I didn't have any answers.

Time elapsed and we coped, but there was a deep and lasting change. People tried to comfort, "Count your blessings; you already have five children." Still I thought that if we could have another child, perhaps there would be healing. However, the next pregnancy was the same. The nightmare continued. This time we apparently lost twins. The only thing different was that we didn't go to the hospital. There would be no babies in the trash this time. I prepared a small wooden box for their remains, and we had a private family funeral service under an apple tree on here on the farm.

The questions and doubts continued. We just didn't understand! How could anything good come from all of this? I certainly didn't know and felt so powerless to help.

Finally, God did give us the gift of Jeffrey, who had his 9th birthday yesterday. He is such a blessing, and God has brought much healing. The joy of watching him grow has redirected our focus.

Still, after all these years, I can say that one thing has come from our grief. Because of it, we have more compassion for others who suffer. Certainly we tried to be compassionate before, but I must say that I really didn't understand their suffering. That's different today. Having walked through the loss of our children in two miscarriages, and burying my mother almost three years ago, I have come to know how grief feels. Through our grief we have learned to weep with those who weep. Paul wrote in Romans 12:15 (NIV).

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Grandma Cochran, who lived to be 97, once said, "The longer you live, the sadder life is." I am glad for the comfort of God's word in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV).

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those
who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men,
who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died
and rose again and so we believe that God will bring
with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
According to the Lord's own word, we tell you
that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming
of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who
have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down
from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice
of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God,
and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that,
we who are still alive and are left will be caught up
together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord
in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Therefore encourage each other with these words.

If you are struggling today, I want you to know that God is faithful and He will hear your cry. He has seen your tears, and yes, He has felt your grief. He understands. May He fill you with hope. May the God of all comfort bless you today.

Happy Birthday Jeffrey

Jeffrey is our youngest, and today is his 9th birthday! God gave us Jeffrey to heal our hearts. After our youngest Monnie (our youngest daughter) was born, we lost children in two pregnancies. Jeffrey's birth was a blessing indeed! He is a loyal and loving son, and we are proud of him. One of the things he wants to do for his birthday is to celebrate at church tonight with his friends. I believe God has special plans for Jeffrey's life, and we are blessed to watch those plans unfold.

This morning I just wanted to take a few moments to tell Jeffrey what a blessing he is, and how much we love him. By the way, Happy Birthday, Jeffrey! Daddy loves you!

As I meditate this morning I also remember that God is our heavenly father, and if we know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more does He love us? Being a father has helped me to understand God's love for me.

You see, I don't always please my Heavenly Father, even though in my heart, I really believe that I want to please Him. The truth is that sometimes I am a real disappointment. What has been wonderful to me is to discover how constant His love is! When I disappoint Him He is grieved because He loves me and wants me to succeed. Therefore, there are times when He corrects me and disciplines me. One thing I can be sure of is this. He also celebrates my successes and my happiness. Certainly, he is more concerned about my righteousness, but He is always there encouraging me, picking me up, and putting me back on my feet. I so want to reflect that awesome love to my children wherewith my Heavenly Father has loved me.

Today, I believe the Heavenly Father is celebrating Jeffrey's Birthday with us. Why do I believe this? I believe it because of His great love. If I can rejoice in little things with my son, Jeffrey, then I am altogether certain that my Heavenly father cares about all the little things in my life. In Luke 12:6-7 Jesus talks about our value.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?
Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

If we are of more value than many sparrows and the very hairs of our head are numbered, then He is certainly watching over the smallest details of our live. Be encouraged today. He cares for you. In fact He celebrates your life!

The Gate of Heaven

On Jacob's Journey from Beersheba to Haran in Genesis 28 he stopped for the night along the way and as he slept he dreamed. In his dream there was a ladder that reached from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending. Above the ladder stood the Lord, and in Jacob's dream the Lord spoke in Genesis 28:13-15.

"I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham
and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants
the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be
like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to
the west and to the east, to the north and to the south.
All peoples on earth will be blessed through you
and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over
you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land.
I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

Jacob's dream was so overwhelming. Not only did he see heavenly things but he heard God speak to him, renewing the the promises of the covenant that He had with Jacob's father, Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham. Have you ever dreamed a dream so real that you were not sure if it were a dream or if somehow it was real? Maybe you have experienced a dream where you were vividly aware of God's presence in your dream. I can remember waking from such a dream and feeling God's presence abiding after I awoke. In fact, there was such an awareness of the presence of God that there was hardly any difference between the presence of God I felt in the dream and the awesome presence I felt after waking. Jacob's words after waking cause me to believe it was much the same for him. Verses 16 and 17 record his words on waking.

When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought,
"Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it."
He was afraid and said,
"How awesome is this place!
This is none other than the house of God;
this is the gate of heaven."

I believe that God wants us to experience his presence daily. He is ready and waiting to encourage us with the awareness of His awesome and holy presence if we will only acknowledge Him. He has opened the Gate of Heaven for us and reminds us today that the blessings of His promises and His covenant are ours if we will only receive Him. His blessing is yours today!

In Remembrance of Me

from The Passion of Christ

In Jesus' last celebration of the passover with his disciples, before going to the cross, Luke 22:19 (NIV) records,

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it,
and gave it to them, saying,
"This is my body given for you;
do this in remembrance of me."

There are a lot of ways that Jesus would be remembered. Many would remember his miracles. He had healed the blind, the deaf, the lame, and even raised the dead. He had walked on the water, spoken to the wind, "be still," and it obeyed. He commanded a fig tree and it withered.
It's significant that Jesus told us to remember him in such a simple thing as eating bread. Since bread was daily, I believe it was a daily reminder that His body was broken for us.

Earlier in Luke 9:23-24 (NIV), He emphasized the importance of giving ourselves every day.

Then he said to them all:
"If anyone would came after me,
he must deny himself and take up
his cross daily and follow me.
For whoever wants to save his life
will lose it, but whoever loses his life
for me will save it."

As we remember His sacrifice, we are also called to live a life of sacrifice, giving ourselves for others. We are His body, and Jesus continues to touch lives through us as we live daily in remembrance of Him. Be a blessing today.

End of the Spear

Picture from www.endofthespear.com

Last night my family and I went to the movies together, to see, "The End of the Spear." This riveting movie is a powerful story about passion for the lost and forgiveness. If you are familiar with the Jim Elliot story then you know about the young missionary who went to Ecuador from Wheaton College with a passion to reach the natives in the Amazon Jungle. Shell Oil had abandoned its effort to drill for oil because of the violence of the tribes in the area, but this did not deter the passion of these young missionaries to bring the good news of the Gospel into the jungles of Ecuador.

The beauty of the story is the way it is told through the eyes of Nate Saint's son, Steve. Nate is the missionary pilot who made this project possible. After seeing the film I remembered a quote from Jim Elliot that goes like this.

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep
to gain that which he cannot lose.
From Jim Elliot's Journal, written in his own hand 1949
(image from www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/faq/20.htm)

Certainly, Jim lived this truth in that he did not regard his own life too high a price to pay for the souls of those in the jungles of Ecuador, for whom Christ died.

Jesus put it this way in John 15:13,

Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Daily we are trading our lives for something. What are you trading yours for? It is my hope that we are making them count for eternity. Be a blessing today!

Divine Guidance

Have you ever desperately needed direction from the Lord? Well in the 24th chapter of Genesis Abraham's servant finds himself in a situation where he really needs help. Abraham has sent him to find a wife for his son Isaac. Maybe you're wondering about Isaac a little. I mean his dad has to send his servant on a wife hunting expedition for this boy! However, before we get too judgmental, you've gpt tp to remember that there was no e-harmony in those days, just dad's special servant. Then put yourself in the servant's shoes for a moment. You finally make it to wife hunting territory, but now what do you do? One thing Abraham's servant had observed was how Abraham called upon the Lord. So, in verse 42-44 we read how the servant called upon the God of his master,

When I came to the spring today, I said, 'O LORD, God of my master
Abraham, if you will, please grant success to the journey on which
I have come. See, I am standing beside this spring; if a maiden
comes out to draw waterand I say to her, "Please let me drink a little
water from your jar," and if she says to me, "Drink, and I'll draw
water for your camels too," let her be the one
the LORD has chosen for my master's son.'

We need to learn form Abraham's servant to cry out to God when we need direction. Notice that he was specific in his request to God. He left every opportunity for this project to fail! Perhaps he had witessed enough of God working in the life of his master to know that the there was nothing too difficult for the God of Abraham. Wow what a testimony! Does it make you wonder what people think about the God that you serve. What kind of witness are we to God power?

Notice in verses 45-46 that God heard and answered the servant's prayer down to the last detail!

"Before I finished praying in my heart, Rebekah came out,
with her jar on her shoulder. She went down to the spring
and drew water, and I said to her, 'Please give me a drink.'
"She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said,
'Drink, and I'll water your camels too.'
So I drank, and she watered the camels also.

Perhaps you are needing God's direction today. Let me encourage you to ask God and to be specific. You might be thinking, what if every detail isn't answered. Well, maybe God is just telling you that this is the wrong direction, or the wrong time, or the wrong person. When God wants to make things clear to you, he certainly can. Don't hurry Him. Trust Him. He is working all things together for your good, becasue the steps of a rightesous man are ordered of the Lord. Have a blessed day!

Tested on the Mountain

The Dome of the Rock sits on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem

We often think about being tested in the valleys and low places of life, but in today's reading Abraham is tested on the mountain. God tells him to take his son Isaac to a particular mountain, Mount Moriah, and there to sacrifice his son! This is just so incredible! It seems like such an unbelievable demand. You would think that the very first response would be to doubt the source of this command. Surely this couldn't be the same God who gave Abraham the promise that he and Sarah would have a child who would be the child of promise. There is however no record of Abraham questioning God! Do you wonder why? In this posting I want to share some thoughts about why he didn't question God.

First there is such a record of Abraham's relationship with God. Abraham has heard God speak to him on so many other occasions that he recognizes God's voice immediately. If there is a need we have in our relationship with God, it is to become familiar with God's voice and to listen to Him. Jesus said in John 10:27,

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

The more we spend time listening to God speak the sensitive we become to His voice and the more quickly we recognize His voice when He speaks to us.

Then Abraham trusted God's word to him. Because Abraham had already seen God fulfill his word, he knew from experience that God kept His promises. He didn't understand how God was going to fulfill his promise to give him and Sarah a son, but God came through. Therefore, Abraham had no reason to doubt him now.

Lastly Abraham believed that God could and would do the miraculous to fulfill His word. God had given Abraham and Sarah the miraculous birth of Isaac. Why should he not believe that God could raise Isaac from the dead if necessary? Note Abraham's response to Isaac's question,

"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said,
"but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
Abraham answered, "God himself will provide
the lamb for the burnt offering, my son."
And the two of them went on together.

God does provide a lamb, but these words are more than prophetic in the sense that Isaac would be spared from sacrifice. There was a ram provided in place of Isaac, but the Lamb comes much later. It interesting that Jesus Christ is that Lamb which takes away the sin of the world, the Lamb that God provides.

Abraham passed the test on the mountain. He obeyed God even though he didn't understand, because he knew and trusted the voice of God. This morning I want to encourage you to know Christ better. Become so familiar with Him that you will hear and trust Him no matter what. Then you will be ready for your test on the mountain, too. Have a blessed day.

Promise Fulfilled

This morning I want to encourage you to hold on to God's promise. In the reading for today Abraham and Sarah experience God's promise fulfilled in Isaac. Genesis 21 opens with these words in the first verse.

Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said,
and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised.

Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was way past her child bearing years when God's promise was realized. Certainly there were times when it was hard for them to believe it would ever come to pass. There were times when they even tried to help God out. Sarah had suggested that God might fulfill his promise to Abrahma through Hagar Sarah's maid. Hagar gave Abraham a son, Ishamael, but he wasn't the son of God's promise to Abraham. God made this clear to Abraham that he would have a son through his wife Sarah. They waited so long that Sarah laughed at the thought of having a child when she was so far past the years of child bearing.

Perhaps you have been clinging to a promise God has given you . Maybe you've begun to think it will never happen. You may believe that you are past hope of seeing your promise come to pass. If that's where you are then there is good news for you today. Just as Sarah's promise came to pass God will fulfill His good promise to you. You can apply this word in Genesis 21 to your life. God is gracious as He has said, and the Lord will do for you what He has promised. Have a blessed day.

Operation Rescue

We're back in Genesis again, and there is a passage in the 14th chapter that really got my attention. It says,

When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive,
he called out the 318 trained men born in his household
and went in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night Abram
divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing
them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all
the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions,
together with the women and the other people.
Genesis 14:14-16 (NIV)

Abram puts it on the line for his nephew. I think there is something special here for people of faith. Sometime our Christian those we love are taken captive. They are trapped, enslaved by the enemy or our souls. I love the way Abram responds. He rally's all his resources to rescue Lot. I believe there are some people around us who need to be rescued too. This is a time for us to rout the the enemy and take back what he has stolen. It's a time to bring them back! This is a time for rescue! In the words of an old hymn of the church,

Souls are dying. Men are crying.
Won't you lead them to the cross.
Go and find them. Help to win them.
Win the lost at any cost.
Go out and win. Rescue from sin.
Day's almost done. Low sinks the sun.

Let's get operation rescue under way. Have a blessed day.

Unshakeable CommitmentThe city and port of Veracruz, Mexico

It was in the port above that Hernando Cortez sailed in April of 1519. He landed in Veracruz, Mexico with 600 men and supplies. Although greatly outnumbered, in the next two years he defeated Montezuma and conquered Mexico. How did he accomplish such a great feat against such overwhelming odds? After unloading all their supplies and provisions Cortez ordered that his entire fleet of 11 ships be burned. There would be no turning back. They would have to succeed or die! It was unshakeable commitment to his quest, more than anything else, that brought Cortez victory.

Just after he finishes the great "Faith Hall of Fame" in chapter eleven, the writer of Hebrews opens chapter 12 with these words in verses 1-3.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Unshakeable commitment is discovered in adversity. When we face difficulty, the committed persevere! "Let us run with perseverance" or in another translation, "let us run with endurance." We really don't know if we are committed to something or not until we face difficulties or hardships. The committed keep going right on through adversity.

Commitment doesn't depend on our gifts or abilities. Sometimes we might think that it is easier for talented people to make commitments. As frustrating as it can be, it seems to just be harder for talented people to commit. There is truth in this formula,
"Talent - Commitment = Nothing."
The writer of Hebrews gives us a far more important quality than talent. It is "fixing our eyes upon Jesus." You can have all the talents in the world, but if you cannot commit the your talent is nothing!

Commitment comes as a result of a choice and not a condition. It's as thought the writer here was saying, "since we have so great a cloud of witnesses" we have no other reasonable choice but to commit. Some think that condition determines choices. "I could budget more and get out of debt if I just had more income or a higher salary. I could serve God better if I just had more time and money." Why not this instead? "I will budget whatever God provides for me and live within my means. I will make the time to put God first in my life!" Let your choices determine the conditions. When you choose to commit you give yourself a chance to succeed.

Commitment will last when it is based on values. So, "let us lay aside every encumberance and the sin which so easily entangles us. We know about burning bridges, and have learned about burning ships. Don't make provision for failure! If you leave a boat waiting just in case you fail, then you are expecting failure. I know you are thinking, "but what if I don't make it?" Hey, God has promised that He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. You don't have to fail, and you won't fail if you commit whole-heartedly to Him. "For I am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day!" Burn those ships! have a blessed day!

Scenes from Iraq

This week Catherine sent me some pictures that I want to share with you. Some of them were sent under the heading, "Pictures from Iraq that are too shocking and too graphic for the mainstream media," along with some others that say, "Photos that will never make the news."
It doesn't take you very long to see why, but you've got to wonder! What is so wrong with the expressing joy like the boys with the soldier above, or expressing gratitude like the woman below.
Now it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand the problem with this next one. Look at it! The Iraqi boy is kissing the American Flag!
Of course, you are asking, "what's wrong with that?" I'll tell you what's wrong. The media just can't stand to see so much "pro-American" sentiment. Somebody's is liable to find out that we ARE the GOOD GUYS!

Now this is a DANGEROUS picture. It' just isn't politically correct! There's got to be some kind of liberal agenda rule against using any kind of picture making the president look good! He's supposed to be the really BAD GUY!

The Good Guys are heroes to the Iraqi children. Now that's a hard pill for the liberal media to swallow! However, that's not the worst of it! They are not only full of compassion for children but can take time to pet a kitten or miss the scent of his wife back home.




This last picture below gladdens my heart as much as it saddens the those who want us to be painted as the bad guys! I call this one, "Onward Christian Soldiers!" Don't forget to pray daily for our troops and for revival in Iraq. Let's join these brave Christian Soldiers in prayer. They are ours. May God bless you as you join the prayer force giving continued support to our troops.

God Speaks Out of the Storm!

This morning I am thinking that maybe I was a little hard on Elihu, especially since he turns out to be right in what he said about Job speaking words without knowledge. This morning Job 38 opens with God speaking to Job from the whirlwind,

Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:
"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?"

You can be right in what you say and not be right in how you say it, or that you say it at all. My mother used to say, "Danny, sometimes you just need to keep your mouth shut."
Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) reads this way,

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.

The difference between Job 34:35 ('Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight,') and Job 38:2 ("Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?") is just who is speaking. God certainly has vindicated the truth of Elihu's words, but that doesn't mean Elihu was wise to speak them.

Hebrews 4:12 states:
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Anytime we wield a powerful weapon we must handle it responsibly. A weapon can defend or destroy. Although the knife can kill, the surgeon's knife can heal. Unfortunately, none of Job's friends brought comfort nor healing. Like the others, Elihu's words only brought Job more emotional pain. God had no need for Elihu's defense, as He clearly demonstrates in this morning's reading.

One thing is certain, God is listening. He may not answer when you want, or how you want, but He hears, and He knows exactly where you are. Like Job, you may not understand, and you may speak words without knowledge, but be assured that God is listening and He loves you. Trust Him and He will not fail you, not now, not ever! Have a blessed day!

One Day at a Time until He Comes

Pastor Scott Ostendorf
from his website, June of 2005

Last night I couldn’t go to sleep for thinking about Pastor Scott Ostendorf’s family. I went back to his website again, www.myjourneytoamiracle.com, and read the posting for January 12th. Pastor Scott's wife continues to post since his passing on January 3rd. It was such a blessing that I sat up and wrote to Vicky (Scott’s wife) and Candi, since that’s the way the article was signed. This morning I wanted to remind you to continue your prayers for them in the days to come. As God brings this family to your mind, lift them in prayer for strength and comfort. Not only will God’s presence sustain them, but you too will find strength in His presence as you intercede for others. Below is my letter to Vicky and Candi.

Dear Vicky and Candi,

Although you don't know me, I've been to your site several times in the last few days, because Matthew Bee (Robert Bee's son), asked us to remember your family in our prayers. Matthew is our sales rep for Loving Care Mattresses, but we count him much more than that. He and his father have become our friends because of the mutual faith we have in Christ our Lord. We talk about so much more than just business when they visit our furniture store.

Besides working in our family business I pastor a small Assembly of God church in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, and our church is praying for you and your family. The website, myjourneytoamiracle.com is such a blessing. The record of Pastor Scott's journey and his stedfast faith renew our hope in the reality of the resurrection. Your family's courage as you walk through this valley reminds us of Paul's words, "we do not sorrow as others who have no hope!"

After reading your message today, I am encouraged to hear you share the awesome power of God's presence to bring comfort. Words are often so hollow and empty, but His precious presence sustains us. We are joining your church family, and who know how many other friends, in praying that God will continue to sustain you, one day at a time, until He comes.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dan Hocker
Christian Fellowship Assembly

My prayer this morning is that God’s presence will also sustain you, today and everyday, as you put your trust in Him, one day at a time until He comes. Have a blessed day.

Youthful Zeal and Hasty Speech

I certainly would like to have a big dose of youthful zeal and energy this morning. I slept in since this is Thursday and many of you have been advising me to get more rest. After checking with Odell to see if when we are going to finish some work we need to do together outside, I made plans for going to town this morning and meeting with him after lunch. We 've got a big job this afternoon digging some 6o plus feet of ditch a little more than 3 feet wide and installing 10 pieces of filtration system. Yes, a little youthful zeal and energy could go a long way, but I'll haveto settle for just plain old middle-age tenacity.

Our reading this morning introduced us to Elihu, the youngest of Job's "friends." For some time he has shown the wisdom to keep his mouth shut, but youthful zeal can only be restrained for so long. Eventually it erupts as wine bursting from a wineskin, to use his own analogy. Elihu takes an interesting position. He speaks against the other friends of Job, declaring that they have not given a reason for their chastisement and therefore their condemnation is unjust. Then he begins to give a discourse to defend God, claiming that Job's comments about his righteousness and integrity are offensive because God is just and righteous. Therefore he declares that Job is in error to be so bold in his speech and ought to hold his tongue. Then his zealous speech goes so far that he says,

'Job speaks without knowledge;
his words lack insight.'
Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost
for answering like a wicked man!
Job 34:35-36 (NIV)

Unfortunately Elihu's own words condemn himself, because he is the one who is speaking without knowledge. I think that there are two lessons in this reading. The first is that we should be swift to hear but slow to speak as James tells us in James 1:19. Elihu claims to have waited but I believe he should have continued exercise restraint. Secondly we shoul always remember that with the same judgment we judge we will be judged. Elihu didn't know that God Himself had declared the righteousness of Job at the beginning of this book. Unfortunately, youthful zeal is often coupled with ignorance. However, let us be gracious to Elihu. Who knows when we may need some grace for our hasty speech and ignorant words.

My prayer today is that God will set a watch over my mouth that my words will edify and encourage others. May God bless your day.

Job's Godly Example

This morning as I finished reading the 31st chapter of Job, I wondered how many of us could make such defense of our lives were put to the test as Job? He uses a number of "if-then" statements in this morning's passage. If he had done this then he would deserve judgement, or if he had acted that way then he ought to be punished. His list is very specific, and though it Job paints us a verbal self portrait. Where honest is concerned Job sees himself as blameless. He sees himself as stedfast, one who is not led astray by temptation with his eyes. He says early in chapter 31 that hea has made a covenant with his eyes to not look upon a young woman. He never mistreated his neighbor. He was good to his servants. In fact in Job 31:15 he asks this concerning his servants.

Did not he who made me in the womb make them?
Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

Job is a generous man who share his bread with the poor and takes care of the widow. He has taken care of orphans making sure that they have clothing. He is was a weathy man and yet he did not put his confidence in his wealth. He used his wealth to care for others. The more I understand about Job's godly character, the more I see my own shortcomings, and the less reason I find to complain about my life. It is only because of God's grace and mercy that we have not been rewarded as our iniquities deserve.

Although it is our hope that we never have to endure the suffering of Job, it is our prayer that we might attain to the godly example he demonstates in the face of it all. My prayer today is that God will strengthen you and make you victorious in all your trials. Have a blessed day.

Karol Kovac' at the Cochran Farm

Godly Contentment

Many of you were praying with us about Karol's difficulties at the airport. Things didn't turn out the way we hoped, and he was sent back home. However I found an intereting object lesson in the way Karol conducted himself in this ordeal.

First he was detained at the airport in a holding room until around midnight. Then they gave him orange prison clothes to wear and moved him in handcuffs and chains to jail. When they handcuffed him, he commented something like this, "Wow, this is the first time I have ever had these on. I always wondered what it was like!" Then when they took his picture (mug shots), the lady said that the first set wasn't good, so she would have to take some more. Karol asked if he could have the ones they were going to throw away! He said that he knew he was going home and that it wasn't all that bad.

I am remembering Paul's words in Philippians 4:10-13.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Karol demonstrated contentment in his difficult circumstances. Why did he have such contentment? I believe it was because he knew he was going home. As Christians we should know that kind of contentment here. Whatever the circumstances, we know where we are going. We know in Whom we have placed our trust. We know where our strength comes from.
Today whatever you might be facing, I want you to know that you can make it! You can do all things through Christ who give you the strength! Have a blessed day!

Odell on his bulldozer

The Servant/Leader

Yesterday, I felt pretty puny, but after reading again from the book of Job, I don't want to offer any complaint. After church I went home and napped in my recliner. Later Odell came into the house dressed in work clothes where he had been out working on my septic tank and drainage problems. He was finished for the day but told me he wanted to finish this part up on Monday. Throughout the years I have many images in my mind of Odell in his work clothes, working on the farm, working in his garage, digging with his backhoe, or running his dozer as in the picture above. I even remember a time when he went to help this man clean out his chicken houses! He has never shirked from work.

Today, Odell is a Commissioner here in Whitfield County. He is a successful business man and the founding pastor of our congregation. What I want to point out is that he has modeled to others what it is to be a Servant/Leader. There are many who clamor to obtain position, power, and authority, but the pathway to servanthood is not crowded. What a powerful thing it is to lead by example.

Often I hear Odell comment on others who demonstrate a spirt of servanthood, like my friend Rocky, in the article on January 2nd. Why do you think we have so many people like him at Christian Fellowship? I believe it's because they have seen servanthood modeled.

Remember what Jesus did in John 13:3-5?

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Here after the Passover meal, even though "the Father had put all things under his power," Jesus took the role of the lowest of servants and wahsed the disciples' feet. Do you think that's Odell is doing? Is he just reflecting Jesus to us? I certainly believe that he is. That kind of example makes me want to be a servant/leader too.

Elaine shares with Selva

God Has a Plan for You

In our Sunday morning service we shared a testimony from Elaine, who thought she wouldn't even be here this morning. She had called me earlier to share that she was leaving for Alabama because of an emergency with her daughter. Her daughter had surgery last month and had developed some septic poisoning. Her fever was terribly high and it looked like her kidneys were failing. She had been admitted to the hospital again. Things looked awfully serious. Elaine called to ask for prayer before leaving for Alabama.

It's interesting how Elaine ended up in our fellowship. She and Jim moved to Georgia from Virginia after Jim had an accident with the police force that messed up his ankle. He and Elaine moved to Georgia following Jim's cousin's family who was already here. What is really uncanny is that when they found out the name of the pastor, they discovered that my last name and their former pastor's last name was the same! They had been attending my brother's church in Virginia Beach! What were the odds of that? Isn't it ineteresting how God works? God has a plan. He had a plan for Elaine that inluded bringing her to Christian Fellowship. This morning we looked to the book of Jeremiah again were the prophet reminds us that God has a plan. In Jeremiah 29:11 the prophet says,

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Since coming to Georgia we have seen God answer so very many prayers for Elaine and Jim, including the request she called to share this week.

"Please pray for my daughter," she said. "I'm leaving for Alabama and probably won't be back for church on Sunday!"

We prayed right then, and I told her we would spread the word to others in the church, asking them to join us in prayer. Well, about two hours later Elaine saw her daughter. They reported that her fever broke within about fifteen minutes of our prayer together, and that it continued to come down steadily afterwards! On top of that, Elaine was in church this morning to share the news with all of us.

Hey, I don't know what you may be facing today or tomorrow, but I know this. You can trust God. He has a plan for your life, and it's a good plan too. His plan is to prosper you and not to harm you, but to give you hope and a future! God has a wonderful plan for you!

Is It Well With Your Soul?

I'm still reading the book of Job. In the eleventh chapter Zophar the Naamathite addresses Job condemning Job's boldness to speak to God. Then in the next two chapters Job responds. There is a question he asks in Job 13:9 (NIV),

Would it turn out well if he examined you?
Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?

If I could do a personal paraphrase, it might read like this,
"Hey, Zophar, since you seem to have all the answers, how would you like it if God put you to the test? How do you think it would turn out for you? Do you think you could lie to God as you do to men?"

As I read these words I thought about how easy it is for us to judge others. What we really need to do is to examine ourselves. Jesus put it this way in Matthew 7:1-5, (The Message)

Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults--unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, "Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

You probably remember the King James Version a little better, which reads like this in verses 3-5,
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Job's question to Zophar rings as a message to us all. How would we fare if God were to put us to the test. I remember at the very beginning of the book of Job, that God declares His confidence in Job's faithfulness. It is one thing for us to declare the faithfulness of God, but what a marvelous thing to think that God could declare His confidence in anyone. How then does your faithfulness measure up? Does God have confidence in you? How would it go with you if God put you to the test?

The other lesson here is simply to be careful about hasty judgment of others. With the same judgment you judge you will be judged.

I am also remembering the old hymn of the church which I hope we can sing from our hearts today, "It is Well with My Soul." Have a blessed day.

Trusting God

Actually trusting God is what faith is all about. This morning I in my reading from Job I listend to some of his friends and then heard those awesome words from him again in Job 13:15,

Though He slay me yet will I trust Him.

Had Job uttered these words before tragedy struck, they would not have been filled with such power. The words are enriched by Job's miserable condition. He declares his faith in God while his body is in horrible pain. Remember that he is covered in boils and has been using a broken piece of pottery to scrape the sores for relief! Remember too, that he has lost all his children in the tragic collapse of his oldest son's house. His possessions are gone. Job comes to the point where death would be a welcomed relief, but it does not come. Out of this horrible agony Job speaks about faith! He declares that he will trust God, no matter what!

This is a powerful word for us. We are so prone to whine and complain when things to not go well. We wonder where is God in the midst of my problems. Compared to Job, we have suffered so little. In fact, all too often our suffering is just as one of Job's friends said, "less than our iniquities deserve." This morning I hope we learn this lesson from Job. Our God can be trusted. Whatever you are facing this morning, put your trust wholeheartedly in God. He is your hope! Trust Him no matter what! Have a blessed day!

Strengthen Me According to Your Word

Besides the calling I have on my life to preach the Word, God also has a called me to strengthen you. One of the best ways that I can do this is by encouraging you to meet with God through prayer and Bible reading. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119. This Psalm is full of references to God's Word. In verse 28 the Psalmist says,

"Strengthen me according to your word."

It is my hope to encourage you to find the kind of spiritual strength that can only come through God's Word. Toward this goal I have already encouraged you to consider practicing a Day of Grace on the first of each month, so that you won't quit but keep on going. Today, I want to offer three other suggestions that may strenthen you in this project. There is an interesting proverb in Ecclesiastes 4:12,

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

If three strands make a strong cord, then I believe the following four can make your 2006 Bible Reading Project a success.

First, this year we are reading the Bible in chronological order. I am hoping that this will help you to make more sense of your reading as the passages flow into the whole of the Bible. You can see the various books of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural context.

Second, we will find a verse or truth each week that penetrates our hearts. Even though we will be reading several chapters each week we will try to focus one verse or short phrase. This emphasis is not so much on reading through the Bible but on having the Bible read through you. Hebrews 4:12 reads:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

It is my hope that the Word will transform our hearts and draw us nearer to God.

The third strand we have already discussed. It is the Day of Grace. I believe this can really combat the temptation to just give up if you fall behind. Rather than give up, on the first day of the new month just start all over wherever we are on our reading schedule, and press on.

Fourth, let's encourage others to join us. When do things together with others, it is not only more fun, but it also provides that special element of accountablility. You don't want to disappoint your friends that you have encouraged to start this project, so you press on.

Together we can do it. Let God strengthen you through His Word. Have a blessed day.

Governor of West Virginia comorting a family member
photo from www.foxnews.com

Dealing with Tragedy

The nation prayerfully watched as families waited for news of the thirteen trapped miners in Tallmansville, West Virginia. Then to make matters worse the families received erroneous news that twelve of the thirteen were alive. The celebration was short and only added to the intense grief that followed when the whole truth was revealed that only one had survived and he was critical with one lung collapsed. The past year year was filled with tragedies. It seems that this year has begun already with people having to face tragic disappointment. How can they find hope and faith in the face of all this grief and pain?

Today's reading from the Bible brought me to the book of Job. If anyone had ever faced tragedy, Job certainly did. In the very first chapter of Job horrible tragedy strikes. In verses fourteen and fifteen Job hears the report that Sabeans attacked while his servants were plowing with his oxen and other livestock were feeding beside them. The Sabeans stole Job's livestock and killed all his servants except for the one who escaped to bring him this terrible news. Right behind this bearer of bad news came another. In verse sixteen the next messenger reports that fire fell from heaven destroyed his sheep and the servants who were tending them. Immediately following this messenger was a third with news in verse seventeen that the Chaldeans had fallen upon his camels and killed other servants who were tending them. Then came a messenger bearing the most horrible news of all in verses eighteen and nineteen that a great wind had blown down the house of his eldest son with all his children inside, and all were dead. What could be more tragic than that?

Job tore his clothes and shaved his head as a sign of his great grief, but then he did something that really gets our attention. In verse twenty, it is recorded that Job fell to the ground and worshipped God! In the next verse his words are recorded, "Blessed be the name of the Lord!"
There is no time when we need God more than in the midst of tragedy. There is no time when we need to worship more than when we feel the least like doing it.

We certainly don't understand tragedy. We are asking, "why?" Still, when we understand the least, we know that God knows and that He understands. We feel weak and helpless, but His grace is sufficient. There is no one who can comfort us. We need His awesome and holy presence to heal our deep hurt in the midst of tragedy, and His presence is there when we worship Him.

Let's join in prayer for these hurting families in West Virginia, that they may find the healing presence of God and the help that only He can give.

Give Honor to Whom Honor is Due

Judy sent me an email this week that really touched my heart. It redirected me to a site that you might want to check out. It was http://www.managedmusic.com/beforeyougo.html
where Dr. Sam and his blues band have done a great job with a song honoring our WWII veterans. I found it interesting how the song came about. It was just a chance meeting with an old soldier who was working as a parking lot attendant. He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly. What Sam did next took the old soldier by surprise. rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you." Then the old soldier began to cry.

Realizing that most of our WWII veterans are now in their 70's and 80's and that we don't have a lot of time to say thank you, they did this song entitled, "Before You Go." The goal of this song was to honor these men before it's too late.

In Paul's letter to the Romans in Romans 13:7 , he reminds us to give honor unto whom honor is due. Certainly, we need to recognize these who have given so much to protect our way of life. We enjoy freedom here more than any other country in the world because of their sacrifice. So today I want to join Dr. Sam and his blues band in honoring these veterans of WWII. Even more, I want to be sure that we are expressing our gratitude sufficiently, so that those who are fighting for freedom today never have to come to such a place in their lives as the old soldier in the parking lot. A "thank you" seems like so little compared to all that they have given, but when it is given from the heart, it means so much. Join me today in giving thanks.

Revival through the Word!
There is a great excitement stirring among the young people at our church. It began on Sunday as they started a project to read through the Bible in 2006. Instead of using any other material this year for their Sunday School class, the teens will simply use their new Chronological Bibles for their class. The greatest thing is that as they pursue their project they will read through the entire Bible this year.

In 2 Kings chapters 22 and 23 there was a great revival under the young King Josiah. During his reign a copy of the Book of the Law (God's Word) was discovered in the temple. In chapter 23 he read it in the hearing of all the elders from the least to the greatest, and a great revival took place. Revival is simply a new beginning of obedience to God.

I believe that we are going to see great revival among our young people this year as they read the Word of God together. However, I don't want the rest of us to just sit on the sidelined and watch. I want to challenge you to read the Bible too. If you would like to follow the plan they are using you might want to get a Chronological Bible. If you would like to begin right away, then you can start with the following schedule for the first week of January.

Date Book & Chapters

01 Genesis 1-3

02 Genesis 4-7

03 Genesis 8-11

04 Job 1-5

05 Job 6-9

06 Job 10-13

07 Job 14-16

On the first day of each month, I want you to consider pracitcing a Day of Grace. If you have fallen behind, simply move forward to wherever you should be in the schedule and keep going. The enemy of our souls does not want you to read God's Word, and he definitely does not want us to experience the personal and corporate revival that can come through this simple act of obedience. Let's jump in on this great opportunity and read God's Word together. Have a blessed year!

Happy New Year!
Well, How did you celebrate the New Year? Like many people across America we sat up late until just past midnight, to officially usher in the new year. The family gathered in the living room where we shared together. I said, "If there is anything else you wanted to do this year, before it ends, you had better do it quick." Promptly my son, Graham, jumped up and went to kiss his mother. Immediately our youngest, Jeffrey, followed his example. This was followed with kisses and hugs for other family members. Then just before midnight we gathered in a circle to pray. As 2005 ended and 2006 began, we were praying, dedicating ourselves to God for the new year. Then with a kiss my wife and I wished each other a Happy New Year.

This year our New Year's celebration had a special challenge. Beginning Friday morning there were problems with our sewage system. Water began to back up in the shower down stairs. All the drains were sluggish and slow. With the help of my oldest son, Daniel, I tried to unstop the drains. All to no avail. Odell used his backhoe and began digging outside. Finally on Saturday evening he discovered the problem. Roots had grown into our system where the large drain pipes enter the tank, creating an ever growing blockage. Nothing to do but finish diggin it up on New Year's Day after church. What a job! What a way to spend New Year's Day!

Still there was something very special that happened. My wife and I were delayed getting home because of counseling at the church. When we arrived home, we had company. Rocky and Ruthina had come because Rocky wanted to help. What a blessing. Think about it. How many times have you given up your holiday to go help someone with their stinky poblem? There he was with his gloves on and his boots muddy with shovel in hand, helping Odell work on my my sewage system. This morning Rocky reminds me of a verse from Galatians:

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

This mess wasn't his burden, but Rocky had faced this kind of poblem before, and he wanted to help me carry my burden.

John wrote about the kind of relationship we ought to have as Christian brothers in the first of his letters.

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16-18

This morning I want to thank God for an example like Rocky. Wow, what a wonderful way to begin the New Year, seeing God's love manifest not just in words but in action. May God fill your year with evidence of His amazing love. Happy New Year!