No Chuck Norris here........

Hello everyone! Well, Friday is finally here. I hope this finds you well. I have had some pretty weird and cool thoughts running through my head from last night and still going this morning. I watched a new series on TV last night called "Last Resort". It is a story of a submarine crew that gets attacked by their own people. Basically, another American submarine fires and almost destroys them. But, they get away and come together as a group. Together this group is strong, not to mention they have a nuclear power ballistic missile submarine. I laid in bed last night until wee hours of the morning thinking about this. Not American vs. American but, how many times are we attacked by people we are close to or work with. Maybe not physically, but mentally or emotionally. What do we do? How do we handle it? Let's dig into the good stuff and see what God has to say about the subject......

Bible Verse: Philippians 1:27-28  Just one thing: Live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your deliverance, and this is from God.

Basically, what Paul is saying is that you will be attacked and to not be afraid of your opponents. We must band together. You know the cord of three strand scripture. Have you ever came to the defense of a Christian brother or sister? Or, do you just keep yourself out of it? Do you stand in the gap? Because if you see someone being attacked and you stand by and watch and do nothing. Aren't you a little guilty? Here is the thing, I promise this is going to happen to you also. You will be treated badly for your beliefs if people know what they are!

Now, Paul is writing to some cool friends of his, Christians in the town of Philippi. They were going through some really rough times, being treated awful because they believed in Jesus. Paul could totally relate with them. Heck, he was writing this letter from prison for the same reason. Now, his letter is full of encouragement for not just them but, for all believers. Paul is urging his friends to do better. It matters how we live, he said, because people are watching. They're looking to see if faith in Jesus makes any difference in the lives of those who trust Him. I mean really, what's your salvation worth to you? This is what he is asking. Guy's we must show its worth in how we live. And don't try to be Chuck Norris "The lone wolf" and make it a "personal thing." Stand for what you believe together. Stand firm. Fight for it together, so close that you seem like parts of the same person. That is why the Spartan warriors were so good. They would band together and be unbelievably strong together almost unbeatable. We must be fearless. You would be surprised how people will change how they talk or treat someone if someone else is standing by their side!

I guess the bottom line is. Does standing and fighting and sharing real life with other Christians make us stronger? How can it makes us fearless? I pray and ask God to help unbelievers see Jesus in me and in the people in my church. Let's pray this way and stand strong. Can you stand firm in one spirit with your brother and sisters? Let's do it! Have a great day and God bless!

Don't be under the mattress.........

Good Thursday everyone! Man, I have talked to a lot of people over the last week that are being severely attacked by Satan. Seems like Satan is coming from all directions in some people’s lives. Tearing up families, long time friendships, business, and he is even working hard in the churches. Why do you think he is doing such a good job making a mess of so much? I really think when we take our eyes off of Jesus, Satan seizes the opportunity and strikes. Then we get hit with this avalanche of hardships and feel we can't rise above it all. Let's see what Gods' Word says about it......

Bible Verse: Mark 11:22 "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God."

Have you ever asked someone "How are doing?" and they gave you a standard response "Fine" and you knew that was a lie? I have asked some Christians, "How are you doing?" They say, "Okay, under the circumstances." Really? Under the circumstances??? What is up with that? Hey, I have to admit I have said the same thing. I am serious! But, try this on for size. Circumstances are like a mattress. Stay with me for a second. You're supposed to be on it, not under it. If you are under the circumstances, you will suffocate. If you are on them you rest pretty good. Our problem is we let all the circumstance of the world and life pull us down. Sometimes we must realize that we are dealt a certain deck of cards and must play them out. Good or bad!

Here is something I tell the sports teams when I get the chance to share a little gospel with them. The only way you can run the race is to take your eyes off things or people around you and look straight ahead. Straight ahead to Jesus. He's the author of the race. He is the big cheese. He's the goal to which you run. He is the finish line! Trust me when I tell you this. If you truly look to Jesus to supply your every need for this hard and sometimes tiring race, you'll find faith growing in your heart and in your life. Here is the kicker, it's not great faith in God! It is faith in a great God. Do this and watch what happens.

There is this hymnal That I want to share the word with you to. It is called "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and here are the words.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?
There's a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conquerors 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!

Chorus:
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.

I pray you have a great day today and God bless!

Where are you looking??????

Good Wednesday everyone. Well, we made it to hump day! I hope this find you well. I had my third Epidural Spinal Injection yesterday. I am really praying that this will speed up recovery of my back. I got to thinking this morning about how I live my life. Well, really how does everyone live their lives. What helps you along the way. This morning I was in line to drop Joslyn off at school. They have a policy that you are not allowed to park across the street and walk your kids through all the traffic for everyone's safety at to keep the flow moving. Well, a mom pulled up and parked and was walking her daughter across the street when the principal caught her. The principal said "You are not allowed to walk your child across the street and through the parking lot due to safety. The mom says "Everybody does it". Ok, my windows were down and Joslyn saw and heard everything. So, we had a great discussion about just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it right! That brings me to today's scripture. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.......

Bible Verse: 1 John 2:5"But whoso keepeth His word, in Him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him."

You might already know that I was in the navy. So, the next part is cool. Did you know the the word "keepeth" in 1 John came from the word that sailors used years ago to refer to their practice of steering their course by "keeping" the stars. Now, mind you that I was on a submarine and we couldn't use the stars but, it is still taught at navigation school 

Now, check this out. This didn't mean, that a sailor or ship would not be blown off course or that he might not over-steer. Or, maybe even nod off at the wheel or somehow even be distracted, or fail to keep a perfect chart. But the goal, the aim, the desire, and the thing that he looked to for guidance in his life were those stars. He knew that using them he could find the direction to his destination.

Now, you might be saying how does this help me? In the same way that the sailors used the stars, John says God's commandments are to be the standard by which we chart our courses in life. I had to sit back and ask myself if lately I have been using God's Word to guide my steps or allowing my will to overpower Gods'. So, what is determining your steps today? God's Word? Or your word or will? Let's do our best to keep our eyes on the prize and allow God to guide our footsteps. Have a great and blessed day!

Resist the Black Hole.........

Good Saturday friends. I am sitting here with the windows open and listening to the birds singing. I can smell fresh cut grass and I have a big ole' cup of coffee. I am not getting all Mary Poppin's on you but, I know it's going to be a good day. I am going to drop the hammer a little and get all youth pastor on ya today. Let's talk about our kids. I am not going to pre-apologize if this hurts. I wish someone would have been straight with my parents when I was growing up. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what God's Word says............

Bible Verse: Psalm 71:17 "O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works."

I have had so many parents tell me that they aren't going to make their kids come to church or youth group. They say they don't want to make them resent church. I have talked to a lot of people that their parents made them go to church. They had a drug problem. They were drug to church. Not one of those people said they resented church. Most were actually happy that their parents or loved one cared enough to stay on them. Listen guys, the world will suck you up real fast. There will always be something that seems more fun to do on Sunday or Wednesday. We must hide this stuff in our hearts. Learn about God and what He wants of us. Because the real deal is Satan is on a killing spree. He wants to kill our memory and set us in a black hole of forgetfulness without any recollection of our Christianity. What will happen three generations from now? If we don't instill the importance of fellowship with other Christians and coming to learn. Why would our children teach their children if we didn't teach them? What will happen?

Ok, I know there is this thing in us that wants to make our children happy. We want to give them what they want. Especially if we didn't have it. So, to what end? It is not always the big decisions that matter later in life. You better believe this. Satan is aiming all his big guns at our children. He is using T.V., music, and society. Now, he is using a place that makes me sick--the public school. Prayer is out. Police are in. Bibles are out. Values clarification is in. The Ten Commandments are out. Social engineering is in. Creation is out. Evolution is in. History is out. Revisionism is in. God says we need to remember the generation to come. What has come of us. Where are we going? Are we to sit back and watch our children be sucked into the black hole of this world? I will make a pledge today. Not I, I will pledge to raise my children up to know God and to one day have the love I do for Him. I already see the effects. My daughter loves church. She goes to two service on Sunday morning and sits on the front row at youth to listen to me preach on Sunday nights. Then on the way home we talk about the sermon. When my son is old enough, they will take turns. It doesn't take much. Stop and turn the T.V. off a few minutes early. Sit in your kids room and read them a Bible story. It doesn't even matter if you don't know the Bible. Go to a Christian store and buy a children’s picture Bible. Maybe you guys can learn together. Heck, make it a family thing! If you don't have the cabbage to buy one. Give me a shout, I have a few extras.

You have an important job! To influence the lives of those who will come after you. Teach them to walk in the ways of the Lord and against pull of the black hole of the world. Have a great day and God bless.

 

I am just here for an oil change.........

Good Thursday everyone. Ok, really is it a good Thursday? I would guess for some, it is not. Why is it that sometimes everything is going great and all of the sudden pit vipers attack or flying monkey's with laser beams on their heads come out of nowhere? does anyone have a problem feeling spirit-filled when these things happen. do you want to break out an anti-aircraft gun and shoot the monkeys out of the sky? Let's dig into some of the good stuff and see what God's Word might say to us......

Bible Verse: Acts 9:6 "...Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"

Ok, here is the real deal, so many Christians want to be Spirit-filled, but do we ever ask "Why God should fill us with His Spirit? I am going to draw you a picture of a story with words. So, stay with me. Let's imagine I am pushing my truck into Jerry Duncan Ford service department. Yes, I said pushing. See, it has no battery in it. My truck has four flat tires, a bullet hole in the gas tank (don't ask), and half the dash is missing! The service manager walks out, looks at my truck that is in dis-repair, and says, "What can I do for you?"

I just look at him and say I am just here for an oil change. Here's what I think that the service manager would say? "What for?" And I think that would be the appropriate response. I really think God sometimes says, "What for?" to us. If you are going to do whatever you want to do and not My will. What for? What we need to do instead, is just sign the contract at the bottom and say, "Lord, You fill it in." You show and tell me what You want of me.

Why is this so hard? Why are we so prideful sometimes? Why do we hold on so tight to our will? Why can't we say, "Lord, It's all You. I am nothing but a empty vessel for You to use. Use me as You will." Let's be clay in the Potter's hands. Have a great and blessed day.

Just a thumb ride away.........

Good Wednesday everyone. Had a great day yesterday with some friends and Misty and I received a surprise visit from a sweet young lady last night. All in all it has been a great week so far. I would like to ask for prayer for my beautiful wife. She has pulled something in her shoulder and it is really bothering her. Thanks in advance for your prayers. Ok, I want you to know that I don't condone doing what I am fixing to tell you that I did but, it has some deep spiritual value to it. Let's dig into the good stuff and then I will share some of my life with you........

Bible Verse: Psalm 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee." Psalm 55:22

I was driving down Gallaher Rd. and fixing to get on I40 west bound when I saw a man standing on the side of the onramp. He looked to be in his 40's and was carrying a large backpack that appeared to be heavy. Before I knew it my truck had pulled over and my window was coming down. The man told me he was heading to Arizona. I told him that I wasn't going that far but, I would get him as far as I could. The man opened the back door and got in the back seat still wearing his backpack. I thought that was kind of weird but, I just looked at him and smiled. He looked and smelled like he hadn't been able to take a shower in weeks. I asked him his name and shared mine. I then told him that he could take his backpack off and relax a bit. Tim looked at me and said "I appreciate the ride and it was one thing that I stopped to pick him up when so many had passed by him but, I didn't need to carry his bag too."

I sat there for a minute while driving not really understanding him. So, I decided to drive him a little further that I had planned. After a few miles, we began some small talk. About family and where we had been. Next, it shifted gears and I brought out the big "G". That's right God! I asked him about his relationship with the Lord. Tim or as he said his grandmother called him Timothy when she was talking about God had been raised in church and by a God fearing family. Hardship had come upon their family and death. He was travelling to Arizona to be with the last part of his family. He said that he felt he had been a burden on so many over the years. He wasn't able to work due to a disability. He said that his aunt in Arizona had opened her doors and wanted him to come live with her. He slumped his shoulders over and started crying and while he cried told me that he had even thought about ending his own life so that he was no longer a burden to anyone. I was totally blown away and thought, God why me? Why are you doing this to me right now? Duh! Because He can and I will. Well, I was crying at this point and pulled the truck over on the interstate. Tim and I had a coming to Jesus right there in my truck. He prayed aloud and his prayers for me and my family made me cry even harder. I sat there and thought was I supposed to help Tim or was he supposed to help me? We got done praying and crying and I realized that I was out of napkins in the glove box. All I had was an ALLOUT for Jesus shirt in the back seat. So, it became a snot rag! We travelled for a few more miles and I pulled off the next exit that had a big gas station that looked like a lot of big trucks came through. I gave him a Bible that I had in my truck and when I looked back while I was pulling into the gas station. The backpack was lying next to him. Yeah, I know right! 

When we pulled in, I got out and shook his hand but, Tim pulled me in for a hug. I must say it was a little weird at first. But, it was one of those kind of brother hugs. Good and meaningful. We said our good bye's and Tim walked away. I got back in the truck for the long drive back to Kingston and I realized that when Tim hugged me, I could no longer smell him. I glanced in the back seat a saw where he had been sitting and old torn and tattered paperback new testament that he left in the seat. He had a new Bible and didn't need it anymore I guess or maybe it was too much weight. I must say that I cried or more like sobbed for a long part of the drive home. I kept thinking about how he wouldn't take his backpack off because he didn't want to burden me with carrying it too. Wow, It got me to thinking. Have I ever done that to the Lord? have I ever said, "Lord, I'll let You save me, but I'll carry my own burdens." How dumb we are to do this with the God who hung the stars! Do you do it? If we can trust God to save us from hell, don't you think we can cast our burdens upon the Lord right now? I have often said "My Jesus has some broad shoulders!" I have even said "My Jesus is buff!" You are the first to hear this story and I do not suggest you pick up hitch hikers. It can be very dangerous. But, I am a ninja and can do it. Smile! I pray this find you well and a little of my life can help just one. God bless.

 

Let the wrecking ball swing.......

Good Sunday everyone. Have you ever tossed and turned all night? I had dreams and thoughts running through my head all night. I finally decided at about 6am that I might as well get up. I guess God was putting so much on me or in me that it was pouring out. I want to talk about something that is personal to me but, I think, wait I know others deal with. My thoughts last night and into the wee hours of this morning were on forgiveness. Let's dig into the good stuff and see how God's Word can touch and possibly change our point of view..........

Bible Verse: Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Ok, let's just get this out of the way. I have been hurt by people. Some from inside the church and some from outside the church (not just talking about my current church). I have said that when God called me into the ministry that I would do my best to be transparent. Boy, that sure is hard sometimes. One of our biggest problems is a lack of accountability. Sometimes for our words or our actions. Maybe even lack of actions. Another problem is the person or people that have hurt us may not even realize that they hurt us. Then, what do we do? We build up these walls around our hearts. Sometimes even begin to have our hearts harden towards that person or just in general. But, maybe I am talking about just me this morning.

I can tell you from what I have been living for the past three years that sometimes someone wrongs you so bad and hurts you so bad that you don't know how to forgive. You want to. You know you need to. You just don't know how. Sometimes I think we need to forgive but, not forget. Well, I know that is true for me in one instance. Hurt in our lives is like bricks. Bricks that have mortar attached to them. Every time we are hurt another brick gets laid on a wall around our hearts. After a while, that wall gets built up pretty big. Sometimes so big that we can't see past it. Sometimes so big that nothing gets past it. Do you know anyone like that? Are you like that?

When all the thoughts were sprinting through my head last night and this morning one thought kept coming back over and over again. Wrecking ball......Wrecking ball......Wrecking ball! I was like, why am I thinking about a wrecking ball? Well, I know why. God wants to let His wrecking ball of forgiveness and love come swinging in toward our wall. Let's be real with each other this morning. We probably all have some type of wall built up around our hearts. Ok, let's break this down barney style for some this morning. If you have been hurt by a brother or sister in Christ. This is what the Bible, God's Word say's you are supposed to do in Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. Those are not my words, those are God's Words. Hard to do? It sure is and will be!

How can we or do we ever expect people to change if there is never accountability? Most won't if left unchecked. Now, I am not counting God out. He can do anything. He can mend broken friendships, relationships, really anything. But, I think He has given His Word to help guide us and teach us. Do me another favor. Look up Proverbs 27:17. I pray you have a great day of worship today. God bless.

 

Under Moe and Joe.........

Good evening everyone. I am taking some time during halftime of the Tennessee vs. Florida football game to send out a devotion. Just had some stuff on my mind and thought I would share it. I guess seeing and hearing so much going on around us. In our county, city, state, country, and across the globe. It burdens my heart to see so much despair and hardship going on. There is something I want to share with you. Just a verse from God's Word. Let's dig in and check it out.........

 

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:27"For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him."

 

I am not sure what is going on in your life or where you are spiritually but, maybe you need to read these words again. See, here's the thing. God has given us kingdom authority. Let me break it down for you a little more. In Luke 10:19 Jesus said, "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you". When problems get over your head, and you feel like you can't handle anything else. Remember they are under His feet.

 

The bottom line is, you need not be discouraged when troubles strike. I have had a hard time with that lately. This is really probably for just me tonight. I sit here and think of the path my Savior has walked before me and for me. Dude, He has already won! He has won the victory for me and for you! Do me a favor. I read this once and thought it was cool and the real deal. Write down the hardest thing you have to deal with today or this week. Now, put that paper on the floor. Look down on it. Now you have a small glimpse of what God's sees from His point view. Concerning the problems in our lives. Let them be under our feet. Just a thought tonight during halftime. I hope this finds you well. God bless and go Vols!

 

 

Let's do "The Flying V" formation........

Good morning friends! Well, the epidural went good yesterday. Was hurting real bad afterwards but, the doctor said I should see some relief in 2-3 days. I am totally excited about that. Today's topic is something I have been dealing with for some time. Why is it that most of us feel we have to do everything on our own? Probably because that's what the world tells us is a strong person. Like we are Jason Bourne or Rambo. Wait maybe even James Bond for the one's that think they are a little more distinguished. Why do we try to do everything on our own. Here is the thing. This is not the way God has planned it for us. This is not what He wants us to do. Let's dig into the good stuff and see what God can show us.........

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:9 "For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

If we are doing good when we are working by ourselves. How powerful it is when we work together in unity! Here is something for you to put in your pipe and smoke. Did you know that Canadian geese always fly in a "V" formation. Have you seen this? Have you ever wondered why? Because the lead goose is moving the wind resistance for the rest of them. So while he is flapping real hard, the rest of them are cruising. After a while, the lead goose gets wore out and he falls back and the next goose moves up. I remember when I was younger, I thought that was the boss goose. Geese are not the only migrating birds that do this. Wait did you ever see the movie “The Mighty Ducks”? Their “Flying V” formation was unstoppable.  

Do you know what scientists have discovered in the wind tunnel experiments? That geese flying in a "V" formation can fly 72% farther than one goose could fly by himself. Is that not crazy? I wonder how they figured that out? I wonder who taught them to do that? Here's your sign for some that want to say they just figured it out on their own. God did!

What are we trying to do by ourselves that could be more efficiently accomplished when the task is shared? It is time that we have unity and not just talk about having unity. Imagine if all the Christians at your workplace would bind up together and work on one accord. Be a pretty powerful group, wouldn't it? Let's meditate on this today. I pray you have a great and blessed day!

White-hot cannon ball!!!!!!

Good morning everyone. I pray you have a good weekend. I would like to ask for your prayers today. I am going to get the first of three Epidural Steroid Injections today. My back needs a jump start in the healing process. I have a bulging disc and it is being stubborn about sliding back where it belongs. I was talking to my brother-in-law about a story in the Bible. A story about a man named Job. I must say that I was kind of downplaying how relevant or maybe that I know the story, but.....That brings me to today’s scripture. What is the Bible to us? Let's dig into the good stuff and see what it shows us.......

Bible Verse: Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword."

Have you heard someone apologize for the Bible? Have you even done that before? We shouldn't apologize for the Bible but accept and teach the Bible. When we do this, it goes through the devil's lies like a white-hot cannonball through a crate of eggs.

I have to tell you this and I pray you believe me. There is power in the Word of God, and Satan does not want you to understand it or the authority of the Word of God. He doesn't want you to get the power that will block his fiery attacks away from your heart. Because your heart is his prime target. When the Word of the Lord and the Lord of the Word become your authority, then Satan and all of his demon's will flee, and you are going to have authority for your life.

 

I mean let's be real with each other. How much do you really read your Bible? How much do you study Gods' Word? How is the Word of God penetrating your heart? Are you even allowing it to do so? Let's take a few minutes right now and ask God to begin a mighty work in us through the power of His Word. If we ask, He will do it. So, be ready! I pray you have a blessed day today.

Do you have a fine pig??????

Good morning everyone! Well, It was a good start to watching football for this season. I think Tennessee has improved a lot since last year. I think the coolest part last night was my daughter coming in the TV room after everyone else was in bed. She came in and said "Dad, Would it be ok if I stayed up and watched football with you tonight?" I said "Sure, That would be cool!" Then the questions came, not during the commercials. She asked me every possible question you could think of about football and some that I was floored by her asking. Thank the good Lord for DVR. There was no way I was not going to take the time to teach this cool little girl all I know about football. That brings me to today's topic. Patience! Mine was tested last night. Let's see what the good stuff say's about the subject..........

Bible Verse: James 1:2-4 "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Have you ever thought, what does God want out of me? He really wants you to experience the fullness of Christ. I know that might seem like a churchy answer but, I am being for real with you. The only way to really get this is through trials and tribulations. My problem is I am not a very patient person most of the time. So, can you be patient during this time? If we are honest. Like most people, we probably cant. We become like little kids who don't know the difference between "No" and "Not yet." If you say, "Wait a minute," to them that is, "No." They want it now. But God is interested in shaping, molding, and maturing you. Here is a quote for you, "Give to a pig when it grunts and give to a child when it cries, and you will have a fine pig and a bad child." Trials and tribulation brings patience, and patience makes us mature. I know, that is not what you wanted to hear this morning. So, what are you waiting for? What are you struggling with? Give it to the Lord. Trust in His timing and see what happens. I would dare say you will be happier for waiting. At least that what I have found. Have a great first day of September and God bless!