Recipe For A Happy New Year

Yesterday morning, my father preached a sermon based on Philippians 3:13-14 entitled "Recipe for a Happy New Year."

He stressed a Happy New Year should include three main ingredients.

I. Repentance

We must repent of sin (I John 1:9).

Sins of Neglect:

Neglect of reading scripture.

Neglect of church attendance.

II. Resolve

Resolutions are important. You aim at nothing and you'll hit it every time.

Many men of faith made resolutions (or vows).

Daniel resolved not to defile himself.

Jacob vowed to tithe (Gen. 28:20-22).

David resolved to pray when he said, "I will call upon the LORD."

Paul resolved to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

III. Remembrance

We must remember we can never repay Christ for all he has done for us.

We must remember this may be our last year on earth.

If we knew for certain this would be our last year of life, what would we do with the upcoming days, weeks, and months.

Thanks, DAD, for these great reminders.

Recovering from a Busy Saturday.

Yesterday was our anniversary. Terri and I have been married 17 years. I am a blessed man who falls deeper in love with his wife each day.

We had a unique day. We checked out of our hotel around 9 AM and did some shopping in Trussville, AL, a city which seems to be bursting at the seams. We had lunch at a Red Robin Restaurant there. Terri and I ate at a Red Robin several times when we lived in Anchorage, AK. So, that was kind of nostalgic, but more challenging with three kids.

We left Trussville at 12:35 pm and arrived in at my parents' home in Magee, MS at 4:35 PM. That's 266 miles in exactly 4 hours. We never stopped and I did the speed limit.

Later, my parents kept the kids. Terri and I went out to eat at a surprisingly nice restaurant just outside of Magee. Matilda's is a beautiful restaurant decorated like a log cabin, but not too rustic (Read a review here). The place is set on a lake. A fire was burning. The menu was not typical "fish house" fare, while they had that as well. After a long day of driving, just being anywhere with Terri was special. We didn't think there was a place that nice in the Magee/Mt. Olive, MS area. We were pleased.

Today felt different, since I didn't have to preach. We went to church with my father and mother. My dad is Interim Pastor at a small church that suffered major destruction from Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. They are nearing completion of a beautiful sanctuary. My dad has been a big help to them.

I enjoyed hearing my dad preach. His sermon was titled "Recipe for a Happy New Year." I'll share more on that tomorrow.

Holiday Dash

We've had a fun and busy Christmas Break so far. On Monday we were in Bay Minette, AL with my in-laws. We returned home that evening and Santa Clause had failed to read the instructions ahead of time. So, I had to air up a Jump-O-Lene starting at 11:00 AM. It only took me 2 hours using a hand pump my wife uses to blow up balloons for her clown act. Then, I had to set the other toys out. At 3:30 AM I put the Turkey on the smoker. At 8:30 AM the Turkey was removed from the smoker and placed in the oven. The kids weren't up until 9:00 AM. They were excited.

Later Christmas Day, we went to Magee to have Christmas meal at 2:00 PM. I enjoyed being with my Grandmother, Uncle Jim, Brother John and his family. My Dad and Mom continue to enjoy the home they purchased after my dad retired a few years ago. We filled it up Tuesday.

Thursday, we traveled to Trussville, AL, which is on I-59 just out of Birmingham. My sister lives here. We have enjoyed seeing her and her family. She cooked Cheesy Chicken Pasta for us last night.

We going to head back to Mississippi tomorrow, which is our Anniversary.

The traveling has been enjoyable because I have had time to just do nothing for a few moments. With three kids, "down time" is a premium. However, spending a large block of time with the family has been fulfilling and shown me what a blessed man I am.

The Impact of Jesus

Merry Christmas!

Surprisingly, the kids are sleeping later than ever this Christmas morning. The fragrance of the 11.9 pound turkey is wafting through the house. While we didn't have a silent night, we are being blessed with a Silent Morning.

This "lull" has given me time to reflect upon the impact of Jesus. While many do their best to remove "Jesus-References" from His birthday celebration, the impact of Jesus upon the world cannot be denied.

Personally, my relationship with Jesus Christ has changed my life in so many ways. Last night, my wife gave me a picture of Jesus with the children (Based on Mark 10:13-14). The large poster-like, color drawing is the type of image I had in my mind when, as a child, I prayed and committed my life to God. I asked God to forgive me of my sins and thanked Jesus for letting kids come to Him. That one decision has colored all of my life. Nothing is more important to me than my relationship with Christ.

For me, no writing or prose captures the impact of Jesus Christ better than this poem, believed to be published originally in 1926.

One Solitary Life

by Dr. James Allen Francis

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a simple peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village, where He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher.

He never had a family. He never owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place He was born, and where he did go he usually walked.

He never wrote a book. He never held political office. He did none of the things we usually associate with greatness.

While He was still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends deserted Him. He was turned over to His enemies, and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had in this world - and that was His robe. His purple robe.

When He was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave provided by compassionate friends.

Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure for much of the human race, the leader in the column of human progress. All the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever sailed, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth so powerfully as this one solitary life.

Silent Night? I Don't Think So

Last night, we closed our Evening Worship Service by singing "Silent Night." This carol brings to mind a serene and tranquil scene. However, I really think silence was at a premium in the Little Town of Bethlehem, which was packed with people reporting for the census. All hotels had "No Vacancy" signs posted. Probably, relatives who had not seen each other in a while were reconnecting. So, just as my family gets loud when they get together for a reunion, that was more than likely the case in Bethlehem that night.

How could the night have been silent? Men were probably venting their frustrations to one another regarding the census. Just imagine how inconvenienced they felt. No doubt they resented having to submit to the order by Quirinius to report to Bethlehem (Luke 2:2-3). They hated the Romans and they must have been verbalizing their disdain for them.

Have you been to a barnyard? Cows, sheep, chickens can be loud. Animal noises-"moo's"and "cockle-doodle-do's"-- were sounded all around the birth of Jesus.

More significantly, the manger could not have been silent. Remember, Mary experienced labor pains like all mothers. No epidurals to ease her agonizing discomfort. Joseph and Mary had not been to a Lamaze Class at Nazareth General Hospital. Her breathing and cries of pain were loud as she gave birth for the first time. The long awaited Messiah was born after tears, sweat, and blood were shed.

While the decibel level was higher then we imagine, the birth of Jesus brought peace, hope, and love in the flesh. In the midst of chaos, cackles, and cries, Jesus came.

John 3:16: More Than a Placard

If you watched any major sporting event in the 1970’s and 80’s, you will remember seeing the work of Rollen “Rainbow Man” Stewart. At almost any major sporting event, including Olympic events, there was a man wearing a rainbow colored Afro and hoisting a sign, which read John. 3:16. That was Rollen Stewart. He was present at football, baseball, and even golf competitions.

Stewart, also known as “Rockin’ Rollen,” first brought attention to himself with outlandish antics at a Portland Trailblazers basketball game in 1977. His rainbow colored hair and fur loin cloths brought him media notoriety. Admittedly, Stewart became discontented with his life. Following the 1980 Super Bowl, Stewart stated he experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity (An excellent article on his life is here.). Then, the Rainbow Man became even more obsessed with gaining media attention in order to spread the “Word of God.”

Signs that he was not “level headed” began to present themselves as early as 1986, when, during the World Series, he physically assaulted his wife at Shea Stadium for not holding her John 3:16 placard in the correct position. Eventually, “Rockin’ Rollen” went to bizarre lengths to gain attention to declare the “end of the world” was drawing near. In September 1992, the Rainbow Man was arrested after holding a maid hostage in the Hyatt Hotel next to Los Angeles International Airport. He posted doomsday messages in the windows and even shot at Jetliners as they passed. He was given three life sentences in fear he was a religious fanatic in the line of David Koresh or Jim Jones.

To have such a sad story associated with the verse John 3:16 is regrettable. However, just knowing the Biblical Address (or scripture reference) does not equate to a heart change. Yet, John 3:16 contains enough gospel to rock your world, but on a deep level.

This morning I will preach on the “Gift of Love” as stated in John 3:16. We will examine it according to this outline.

I. Starting Point- For God…
A. Supreme Passion- so loved…
B. Sinful People- the world

II. Sacrificial Present- He Gave
A. Superior Possession– His only begotten
B. Sole Progeny-Son

III. Staggering Promise-That whoever
A. Spiritual Purpose- Believes in Him
B. Saving Power- should not perish

IV. Serene Perpetuity- But have everlasting life.

Max Lucado on John 3:16

Tomorrow, I will be preaching in the morning service a sermon entitled "Gift of Love" based on John 3:16. As I was preparing my sermon, I noticed Max Lucado's book, 3:16: The Numbers of Hope is in many stores. So, I decided to read the book as part of my sermon prep.

Lucado is a simple, but profound writer. You just can't improve on John 3:16, but Max includes some interesting stories and uncompromising exegesis that underscore why this verse is so loved by the faithful and loathed by the faithless.

The main content of the book encompasses only 120 pages. A nice addition to the book is a devotional section at the end with readings for 40 days. I could recommend this book to everyone for its readability and insight.

Lucado summarizes John 3:16 like this:

He loved. He gave. We believe. We Live.

God Doesn't Need a Hearing Aid

Once, two young brothers went to spend the night with their Grandparents during Thanksgiving. Before arriving, their parents admonished them not to barrage their grandmother with a litany of requests for Christmas presents.

One night as the boys were being tucked into bed by their grandmother, she reminded them to say their prayers before going to sleep. After the grandmother had left the room, the boys knelt beside the bed. First, Johnny prayed in a loud voice "I PRAY FOR A NEW BICYCLE. I PRAY FOR A PLAYSTATION 2 Video Game. I PRAY FOR A NEW DVD Player..."

Eventually, his brother nudged him and asked, "Why are you praying so loud? God is not hard of hearing?" Johnny responded, "I Know, but Grandma is."

I am so glad God is not hard of hearing. In Nehemiah, the Levites were praising God for allowing the city of Jerusalem's Wall to be restored. They praised God and said, "You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, And heard their cry by the Red Sea (Neh. 9:9 NKJV)."

God heard the cry of his people for a deliverer, the Messiah. Isaiah prophesied that Jesus would be that Messiah. He wrote,

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV).

God hears us.

The Power of Pondering

Last night, in our Midweek Service, I presented some thoughts based on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

On two different occasions, the Bible reveals Mary's contemplative nature. First, in Luke 2:19, we read that after the shepherds visited Jesus and spread the news about his birth, Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Second, when Jesus was 12 years old, he went with his family to Jerusalem. He amazed all of the Jewish teachers of the Hebrew Law. Inadvertently, the family departed without him. After discovering he was missing, the Mary and others rushed back to Jerusalem to find him. As any mother would, she scolded Jesus for raising their stress level. The Bible records in Luke 2:49-51:

Luke 2:49-51 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. 51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.

Mary challenges us to do 3 things:

1. Contemplate the grace God has displayed in choosing to use regular folks for extraordinary tasks.
2. Contemplate the wonder of the coming of God in flesh.
3. Contemplate what God is teaching you through things that are confusing.

How do you utilize prayer in your daily life?
Do you praise God in your private life?
What “things” do you ponder?
Have you taken time to contemplate the grace of God in your life and in your church?

I pray you have a worshipful Christmas pondering the ways of God.

His Name Shall Be Called...JESUS!!!!!!!

Last night, our children's choir performed their musical "Away in a Manger." They did an incredible job...really. I know pastors are supposed to say that, but I was amazed at the singing, which was especially good for children of that age. I have a degree in music and have served as Minister of Music at six different churches. Our children "nailed" it last night.

One humorous moment was when one of our children was quoting a Bible verse about the birth of Christ. He approached the microphone with great confidence and yelled, as loud as he could, "His name shall be called JESUS!!!!!! He made his point and I'm afraid he short-circuited some hearing aids.

The innocence and freedom children display in worship is so refreshing. I pray that my voice and my life scream the true focus of Christmas.

During the 1992 Presidential Election Campaign, Bill Clinton's strategist, James Carville, posted a sign in the Campaign Headquarters, which read "The Economy, Stupid." This was to keep everyone focused on reminding everyone that people were concerned about the ongoing recession. The sign helped center everyone on a key issue.

Sometimes, as I travel by homes decorated with a myriad of lights and inflatable "winter wonderland" characters, I just want to scream "It's Jesus' Birthday!" Now, that's not politically correct, but, Christmas is about Jesus' Birth. The Savior of the world gets lost in the shadow of 7 foot tall Snow Globes and inflatable Santas (Purchase an inflatable Santa riding a motorcycle here).

May, we all lovingly, but forcefully shout with our lives and words that JESUS(!!!!!!) is the reason for the season.

He Is More Than Wonderful

Our Sanctuary Choir presented the musical The Love of God at Christmas Friday Night and in this morning's Worship Service. In our choir, we have a talented bunch of folks who love to sing. Mike Smith, our Minister of Music, is a dedicated and likable leader.

My daughter, Abbey, sings in the choir and she sang a solo in an arrangement of More Than Wonderful today. The song was made popular by Sandi Patti and Larnelle Harris. While the song has been around for a good while, the message is still relevant.

For He’s more wonderful than my mind can conceive
He’s more wonderful than my heart can believe
He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.
He’s everything that my soul ever longed for
Everything He’s promised and so much more
More than amazing, more than marvelous,
More than miraculous could ever be
He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.

The Heroic God

Tonight, I will be preaching in the South Mississippi Correctional Facility. Every third Saturday night, I preach in the chapel there. This has been very fulfilling for me. Before I preach, there is always an impressive time of worship through music. The inmates have formed a band and choir that can really rock the house.

My sermon for this evening will be based on Isaiah 9:6. When prophesying the birth of Jesus, Isaiah gave several names for Jesus. One of the names in Hebrew is El Ghibor, which is commonly translated Mighty God. An alternative translation, which I read in a devotional book penned by Richard Wurmbrand, is Heroic God. For me, the term "Heroic God" really captures the miracle of Christmas.

Contemplate with me this translation of Isaiah 9:6, "And His name will be called…Heroic God."

If you are looking for the ultimate hero, don't go the largest athletic stadiums and coliseums. Kicking, throwing, and catching balls is entertaining, but is it truly heroic?

If you are looking for the ultimate hero, don't go to Washington, D.C. Negotiating treaties, contracts, and compromises is important, but not truly heroic.

If you are looking for the ultimate hero (or heroine), don't go to Wall Street. Buying and selling commodities is an integral cog in the economic machine, but that's not truly heroic.

If you want to find the true hero of the world, go to a barn in Bethlehem. Look into a feed trough lined with hay and you will find the Son of God wrapped in swaddling clothes when he could have requested the finest robe. Look into that manger and see the Son of God who humbled himself to show us love.

If you want to see the true hero, go to Calvary. Look at the Heroic God choosing to suffer on a cross instead of resting on a throne.

Finally, if you want to see the true hero, go to the borrowed tomb in which they laid Jesus. You will find an eternally empty tomb. Jesus is a true hero for you cannot his body buried anywhere. Yet, he is everywhere. He is alive. He is the ultimate Hero. All other so-called heroes fail in comparison to Jesus Christ.

Title: Praise God for Christmas

By Joseph Bayly

Praise Him for the incarnation,
for the word made flesh.
I will not sing of shepherds
watching flocks on frosty nights,
or angel choristers.
I will not sing of a stable bare in Bethlehem,
or lowing oxen,
wise men trailing star with gold,
frankincense, and myrrh.
Tonight I will sing praise to the Father
who stood on heaven's threshold
and said farewell to his Son
as he stepped across the stars
to Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
And I will sing praise to the infinite, eternal Son,
who became most finite, a baby
who would one day be executed for my crime.
Praise him in the heavens,
Praise him in the stable,
Praise him in my heart.

Steroid Use and Practicing What I Blog

Yesterday, the long-awaited Mitchell Report regarding the use of steroids in Major League Baseball was released. Many MVPs and All-Stars were implicated in the report(Click here for the entire report and Click here for the Associated Press story highlighting the prominent names mentioned.)

Of all the names, I was really disappointed to see Andy Pettitte listed. Pettitte is an influential Christian. He has written an excellent book for boys entitled StrikeZone: Targeting a Life of Integrity and Purity.

Last night, I discussed the report with Scott Bray, our former High School Baseball Coach and one of the members of the church I pastor. Scott, like me, expressed surprise that Pettitte's name was mentioned. Then, he said, "...but, my preacher (me) told me Wednesday night that I needed to 'practice grace.'" I appreciated the reminder.

Wednesday night in our Mid-Week Service (and in this blog entry), I shared a devotion on the life of Joseph, Mary's husband, and his reaction to her pregnancy as described in Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph had every right, according to the custom of the day, to have Mary stoned for committing, what he thought, was adultery. However, as he was "considering these things," an angel came and shared with him the marvelous truth concerning the child conceived in Mary.

So, I'm going to wait and see what happens concerning the allegations regarding Andy Pettitte. I have yet to read his response.

God has used Pettitte in the past and I pray he will continue to do so. At the same time, I'll practice what I preach and blog.

UPDATE: Andy Pettitte did admit using human growth hormone to recover from an elbow injury in 2002. Read the Fox Sports story here. I feel he showed great courage in coming clean and not trying to be evasive.

December Picnic

For lunch, my son and I had a picnic in Leakesville's Bear Creek Park. This is December, but around noon the sky was overcast with a temp in the mid 70s. Jared is so much fun. He enjoys showing me his "tricks." Also, we had to go to one of the Baseball Fields and simulate his hitting of a "home run." I love to watch him run the bases. I am a blessed man.

What Would Joseph Do?

Last year, along with my parents, I saw the movie The Nativity Story in a small theatre in Magee, MS. One scene from the movie comes to mind as I read the story of Mary and Joseph from the Gospel of Matthew (2:18-25).

After Mary received the news she would give birth to a child, even though she was a virgin (Luke 1:26-29), the Bible records that Mary went to visit her relative Elizabeth. Possibly, she was seeking comfort from someone she thought would understand the amazing revelation she had been given. Even though she was "well along in years," Elizabeth had conceived John the Baptist (Luke 1:18). During their time together, they celebrated what God was going to do through both of them.

The movie depicts Mary's return to to her hometown in a provocative manner. Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was thrilled she had returned. So, he hurried to greet her and welcome her home. However, as she stepped down from a small cart, he noticed she was, unmistakably, well along in a pregnancy. Understandably, he was shocked and shaken. How could this be? He was so angry and confused.

What would Joseph do? What would you do? He could have had her stoned according to the custom of the day.

Well, tonight in our Mid-Week Prayer Service we will examine his response.

There are three statements that characterize the response of Joseph.


Words of Encouragement from Joseph


1. Practice grace whenever you discover apparent sin in someone’s life.
2. Practice grace when you take an action against a person who appears to have done wrong.
3. Practice grace and seek to restore dignity to a person.


In summary, practice grace, not disgrace.

The outline I'll follow in studying the Godly Example of Joseph is:

4 Aspects of Joseph’s Involvement with the Birth of Christ


Matthew 2:18-25:

I. Joseph’s Disappointment (v.18)

II. Joseph’s Desire (v.19-20a)

III. Joseph’s Dream (vv.20-23)

A. Purity of Mary (v.20)

B. Purpose of Jesus (v.21)

C. Prophecy of Isaiah (v.22-23)

IV. Joseph’s Decision (vv.24-25)

Community Roofing Project

After going to Hattiesburg early this morning, I returned around 10:30 AM and helped some men from our church and community place a roof on the trailer of one of our members. We're not finished, but we made a lot of progress. Work will continue tomorrow. Also, we are going to purchase some concrete steps to replace a dilapidated porch at the front entrance.

The men are a joy to be around. Projects like this are very fulfilling.

Surprisingly, it was hot and the sun was bright. Temps had to be in the low 80's, which is not as hot as it can get in the Summer, but...this is December!

Santa is a Farmer

Should I have told this joke? This is how I opened my sermon yesterday. I try to use humor, but maybe this was not an appropriate introduction to a sermon entitled "The Gift of Peace.

Well, you decide.

Did you know that Santa is a farmer? Well, of course he is. Everywhere he goes he yells "Hoe, Hoe, Hoe!"

Laughter erupted. Now that I hear it...that's way too corny. I try.

The Gift of Peace

We had a great service this morning. The choir sang a selection from the Christmas Musical they will present next Weekend. Mike and Selena Smith sang a beautiful song about peace. The sanctuary is decorated beautifully.

My sermon was based on John 14:27. Four Words That Describe Peace

1. Supernatural
2. Personal
3. Internal
4 Eternal

Festive Weekend

Well, we've had a "Christmassy" weekend so far. One of our Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School classes had their Christmas Party at the Leakesville Library on Friday Night. Tony Gray, a missionary to Brazil, led us in singing several Christmas Carols. I gave a devotion.

The meal was incredible. One of the ladies baked a cake and she substituted Hickory Nuts for Pecans. That was unique.

Yesterday, our family went to my wife hometown of Bay Minette for their Christmas Parade. Terri's Mom, Dad, and a nephew met us there. (Don't tell anyone, but I was much more impressed with Lucedale's Parade last weekend.)

I look forward to our services today. My sermon is entitled "The Gift of Peace" based on John 14:27. More on that later.

The Family Tree of Jesus

One of the most amusing memories and lasting images of my maternal grandparents’ home is a souvenir one of my uncles bought on a trip to the mountains. This odd “conversation piece” was placed in a prominent spot in the home. The figure was a small tree placed in a wooden pot. The branches of the tree were covered with various nuts and on each of the shells plastic eyes were glued. The caption for this fine work of art was affixed to the base and it read: Our Family Tree: A Bunch of Nuts.

So, at an early age I was conditioned to accept the truth my genealogy was filled with a bunch of nuts. In many ways this is true. We have a good time when I get together with my mom’s family. My Uncle Aubrey is a joker. Unfortunately, I can’t write all of his jokes here. My Aunt Dorothy is a nut. One Christmas the “Harris Family” gathered and she was tasked with passing out the presents. She came dressed as a clown. You have to be a nut to dress like a clown at Christmas. However, the reason she dressed like a clown was she was too cheap to buy an appropriate costume.

All of us have The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly in our family tree.

We all must recognize we have to trace our family roots all the way to the Garden of Eden. There the first sins were committed by Great, Great, Great, Great, Great (etc.) Grandmother and Grandfather Adam and Eve. Once the first sin was committed, God put a plan into motion.

God had a plan to redeem the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So, as you examine the genealogy of Jesus listed in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, you can notice some truths about the redemptive plan of God.

Four Words that describe God’s plan.

1. Purposeful Plan (Matt. 1:17)

Matthew grouped the genealogy into three groups of fourteen. Seven or any multiple of seven — like 14 — symbolized perfection. Three was also a divine number of perfection and fullness. The genealogy is perfectly planned. The genealogy is a demonstration of God's order and movement toward Christ.

Matthew's point: God is in control.

2. Prophesied Plan

Hundreds of years before Christ was born, Isaiah prophesied his birth (See Isaiah 53).

3. Passionate Plan

"For God so loved the world...(John 3:16)

4. Personal Plan

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish."

Four Summary Truths to Remember

I. God moves history forward in an orderly and purposeful way.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

To expand a point we made earlier, Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. wrote: “Matthew 1:8 omits three names between King Joram and Ozias (Uzziah), Ahaziah (2 Kings 8:25), Joash (2 Kings 12:10)and Amaziah (2 Kings 14:1). In Matthew 1:11 Matthew omits Jehoiakin (2 Kings 23:34). Matthew’s goal is to reduce the genealogies to a memorable three sets of fourteen individuals, for fourteen is the number of ‘David,’ D = 4, V or Hebrew waw = 6 and the last D = 4, for a total of 14.” Matthew wanted to underscore God perfect design.

II. God uses flawed humans as he carries history forward.

The family tree of Jesus includes some folks that used bad judgement at times.

· Abraham "more than once lied like Pinocchio."
· Jacob, whose name means "cheater," was "slicker than a Vegas card shark."
· Judah committed incest; he was a hypocrite and adulterer.
· David was an adulterer and a murderer.
· Rahab was a prostitute
· Manasseh was a wicked king who sacrificed his own son to Baal.

III. Irregardless of their past, God works through individuals who seek Him.

Take a look at Josiah (v.10)—One of the best kings in Jewish History. He became king at age 8 and, at age 16, “began to seek the God of his ancestor David (II Chronicles 34:3)."

We may be from a family of Godless "nuts," but God can still use us, if we let Him.

IV. While many in Israel were unfaithful, Jesus still came.

(1:17) Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ.

Why did God use these people?

· He knew we'd be worriers, and he wants us to know he's in total control.
· The proof is in the last name on the genealogy list: Jesus, the Christ.

Consequently, this Christmas don't forget that God can work through an individual who comes through a family of Wavering, Wounded, Wrestling, Worshipping, Warring, Wealthy, Wise, Wanton, and/or Wild "Nuts."

FBC in Blogosphere

We have a blog now. Susanne, our secretary, posted several pictures of activities at our church. Check it out at fbcleakesville.blogspot.com.

Ministers Christmas Party

Last night, ministers who serve churches affiliated with the George-Greene Baptist Association gathered for the annual Christmas Party. I really enjoyed it. Ronnie Cottingham sang some Christmas favorites. Lowry Anderson, pastor of Bel-Aire Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS, spoke and shared some humorous and inspirational thoughts.

The number of pastors and wives who gathered was encouraging. I love getting to know other ministers.

Tommy Mitchell (read his blog), pastor of Agricola Baptist in George County planned the event. He did a great job.

Random Post of the Year: Barbeque Pecans

Christmas is the only time I ever cook, except for "smoking" something on a grill.

While I'm no Emeril Lagasse, I have a great recipe for roasting pecans. This year, the pecan crop in the area has been exceptional. My Uncle Aubrey Harris lives near Glennallen, MS in the Mississippi Delta. He gave us several pounds of pecans a few weeks ago. So, I had to find a recipe. This recipe was one I found on the web, but I tweaked it a little by adding seasoned salt. Also, some people put a few dashes of Tobasco Hot Sauce in the mix.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
4 cups pecan halves
Seasoned Salt

PREPARATION:

Melt butter in large saucepan or skillet. Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup. Add pecan halves, stirring to coat well. Spoon into a lightly greased glass or nonstick baking dish; spread out in an even layer.

Toast at 400° about 20 minutes, stirring frequently. Turn out on paper towels and sprinkle with seasoned salt.

Finding the Perfect Gift

Question: What Christmas present do you buy for the person who has everything?

Answer: A Garbage Can.

Have you ever received or purchased the “perfect” gift? Each Christmas season, Americans spend countless hours, burn several gallons of gas, and pay millions of dollars to buy the perfect gifts for friends and relatives. Then, after these perfect gifts are opened, countless hours and several gallons of gas are used to return what turn out to be imperfect presents. The shirt doesn’t fit. The color isn’t right. The item doesn’t work. So, the perfect gift is returned.

What would be the perfect gift for Jesus? Even though several days had passed, the Bible records that the wise men gave Jesus the first Christmas gifts. Gold is a valuable gift fitting for a king. Frankincense is a glittering, pleasant smelling incense, which is a gift appropriate for deity. Myrrh is an embalming agent, a proper gift for a person who was going to die. Jesus is King, God, and the Perfect Sacrifice for the sins of the world.

While the gifts were symbolic of the identity of Jesus, they were practical.

The editors of the Archaeological Bible state the gifts were the “most valuable, transportable, and marketable items of the day, ideal for sustaining Mary and Joseph in another country.” Shortly, after the Wise Men visited Jesus, Joseph and Mary fled their homeland and went to Egypt, due to the order of King Herod to kill all the boys in Bethlehem under the age of 2. So, the gifts from the Magi were perfect in their symbolism and in their usefulness.

Ultimately, God knew the perfect gift for humanity. He knew our greatest need was for forgiveness. So, in Luke 2:11, we read the words the angels gave to the shepherds. For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! God knew our greatest need. So, he sent us a savior. As Paul wrote, Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).