The First Question in the Bible

Who asked the first question recorded in the Bible?
A. Adam
B. Eve
C. The Serpent
D. Polycarp
E. God

For the answer read Genesis 2:25-3:6 here.

The final verse in Chapter 2 of Genesis says that the first humans, Adam and Eve, were naked, but they felt no shame. They were living in the Garden of Eden, which was a place of perfection and innocence. They were in paradice. The only restriction placed on them was to avoid eating from one tree which was in the middle of the garden.

Then, enterd that slick serpent, Satan, who placed doubt in their minds. (Yes, the answer is "C.")

He asked, "Did God really say you shouldn't eat of the fruit of any of the trees in the garden?" Next, after questioning their understanding of God's instructions to them, he painted God as one who was trying to withhold a blessing from them. Basically, he was saying to them, "He knows how wise you will become and he doesn't want you to know what he knows. God is so mean and selfish He wants to hold you back."

Next, you read that Eve took a look at the fruit and saw how delicious and beautiful it looked. Also, it appeared to "make one wise" as the serpent had said. So, she just had to take it and eat. Then, she offered it to Adam and he freely decided to do what God had commanded them not to do.

This first temptation, which is the sinful fall of mankind, was not the last time Satan has used his "God-questioning" approach to cause folks to sin.

Satan is still leading people to ask, "Did God really say that?" He wants us to question God's authority and His love for us. In other words, "If God really loved you, why would he want you to be denied any pleasure?" We are tempted to think "What's the harm in a little sin? How bad could it really be?" Satan wants us to feel abused by seeing God as an over-protective parent, while we can only be free when we obey His commands.

The Bible says, "The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple (Psalm 19:7)."

I once heard Andy Stanley preach a sermon in which he encouraged people to stop asking whether an action is "right or wrong," but to question whether or not an activitiy is "wise or unwise."

Many things in life may be "legal" or in a supposedly "gray area," but once they are evaluated according to the wisdom of God, the actions can only be deemed unwise.

Is there a decision you are trying to make right now? Are you struggling with whether what is right and wrong in a certain area? Well, what do you feel is the wise thing to do?

The Bible says, "A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident (Proverbs 14:16)."

Many years ago, before the invention of the automobile, a wealthy man needed to hire a driver of a horse and buggy to carry his daughter on a journey over a mountain. The concerned father placed an ad in the paper for a driver and two men responded. The father asked the first man, "How close can you drive a buggy to the side of a canyon?"

The man bravely responded, "Sir, I can drive the wheels of any horse drawn carriage within only inches of the side of any mountain without ever falling off the side."

Next, the father asked the second applicant, "How close can you drive a buggy to the side of a canyon?" After a short pause, the wise man responded, "Sir, since I'll be carrying your daughter, my goal will not be to see how close I can get to the edge of the mountain side, but, rather, how far away from the edge I can travel."

Who do you think gained the confidence of the Father.

Let's all stay away from the edge of sin today. Be wise.

The Blessed Casserole and Family Night Supper

Once upon a time, an elementary school teacher asked her students to bring to class a symbol of their religion. The first to "show and tell" was a fine Jewish boy who brought a picture of the "Star of David." Next, a Catholic girl presented her "Rosary Beads." Then, upon his turn, a Baptist boy pulled a brown paper bag from under his desk. The teacher asked, "What do you have to represent Baptists?" The boy, reaching into the sack, somberly answered, "A Casserole Dish!"

Every fifth Wednesday of a month, our church has Family Night Supper. Everyone brings a covered dish. This is always so much fun and last night was no exception. We had a great crowd and quite a selection of good ole Greene County Country Cuisine. Sitting and eathing with your "brothers and sisters in Christ" is a blessed time. Appreciation is expressed to the Kitchen Committee for all of thier hard work.

The Winning Blues

You probably haven't heard, but Sunday the New England Patriots and the New York Giants will battle to determine who is the NFL Champion. To wear a Super Bowl ring is certainly a privildege that only a few men have achieved. The dream of being on the winning Super Bowl team is in the mind of every young boy at some time. Backyards across the country have served as imaginary gridirons on which boys have rehearsed their Super Bowl victory dances and speeches.

Also, boys act out winning the World Series with a mighty swing of the bat. But, after you win the Super Bowl or the World Series, what's next?

In October 1977, I became a teenager. During that month one of the most memorable World Series games in baseball history was held. In Game 6, Reggie Jackson, "Mr. October," hit three home runs helping the Yankees, managed by Billy Martin, defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers for the championship. Reggie Jackson has stated that day was the "most memorable in my career." However, for Billy Martin, who throughout the season was on the "Hot Seat," what should have been a time of great fulfillment did not seem to be satisfying.

Last year, the library in Lucedale was selling several books for a $1.00. One of the books was The Last Yankee: The Turbulent Life of Billy Martin. I bought it and last night I read through it. In the biography, David Falkner described the manner in which Billy celebrated the World Series Victory of 1977.

For Billy, the moment, just as certainly, was not about friendship but about winning. At the very least, he still had his job. But at what should have been the summit of his career, the one World Championship he would claim as a manager, the joy and satisfaction he obviously felt were peculiarly diluted. He went to a victory party in Hasbrouck Heights after the game, and there, in the crush of guests including his wife and son who had come up for the series, the wild force of the season and of his life flying apart caught up with him. He quarreled publicly with Gretchen (his wife), finally taking his drink glass and smashing it to the floor. He fled from the party held to celebrate his greatest triumph, unable to get a handle on the deep and twisting emotions that kept him from fully claiming this moment for which he had been waiting so long.

"I drove to a little bar nearby all by myself," he wrote in his autobiography," and I sat there and rested where no one could bother me."

We all know that accomplishments are not alwyas satisfying. Once one goal is reached, more goals and expectations are looming above our heads.

The Bible says, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul(Matthew 16:26)?" While we should seek to do our best and perform at a high level, we must keep our priorities in line. Whatever we accomplish should be for the glory of God.

Our identity should not be wrapped up in "who" we are, but "whose" we are. In our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can peace in our victories and defeats.

Smoke Signals

Richard Wurmbrand, in his devotional book entitle Reaching Toward the Heights, shared one of my favorite stories.

Once a man was shipwrecked on a deserted Island. As the lone survivor, he endeavored to make it on the Island by building a small hut from lumber salvaged from the wreckage. To stay warm, he built a small fire in the hut.

Every morning he would scan the horizon and pray for someone to come to his rescue. After his morning prayer one day, he walked across the Island searching for food. After he had gathered a small amount of fruit, he returned to find his hut engulfed in flames.

Devastated by this loss, the man fell face-down in the sand and begin to scream, "Why God? Why? Now I have nothing. Why haven't you answered my prayer!"

Dejected, the man stared at the horizon. Suddenly, a small "dot" appeared and seemed to be headed in his direction. After some time, the man realized a ship was drawing ever closer to his island. Then, to his delight, he saw the large ship drop anchor. The captain of the vessel boarded a small boat and came ashore.

The man hugged the ship's captain and asked, "How did you ever find me?" The man said, "We saw your smoke signal."

Many times difficulties come our way and we don't understand why. But don't forget, God may be solving a problem in a way you would have never dreamed. So, during times of hardship, seek to find God's wisdom.

Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and sold him as a slave. Thus, he spent many challenging years in Egypt. However, during a famine, the brothers were forced to travel to Egypt in order to find food. Eventually, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers. Obviously, they were terrified, expected to be killed at any moment.

Joseph comforted his brothers by saying, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive (Gen. 50:19)."

Even personal attacks can have positive outcomes. So, remember God is in control.

(You will find the Joseph story in the Bible: Genesis, Chapters 37-50.)

Leaving Early

For Christmas, my brother-in-law, Greg, gave me two tickets to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, which was played yesterday. This was the 59th Annual game and is considered the best showcase for college players who will be selected in the National Football League Draft.

I invited Boo White to go with me. The weather was horrible. The temperature was in the 40's and a drizzling rain fell most of the game. The stadium was filled with fans and the Million Dollar Band from the University of Alabama played. Metal bleaches are a good conduit of cold and the seat became very uncomfortable in short order.

Early in the 4th Quarter, the North Squad scored and ran the tally to 16-7. So, Boo and I decided to leave. We had parked at Hank Aaron Stadium and rode a shuttle bus. By the time we made it back to my car, less than a minute remained in the game. We listened to the radio broadcast as the South Squad won the game 17-16 on the final play. We left too early.

That's just my luck, but I'm not too upset about it. However, I must make sure that I don't give up on more important things.

My sermon this morning was from the passage, II Corinthians 8:1-9.

When Paul wrote the Corinthians, he encouraged them to have the same level of commitment as the churches in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea). The churches faithfully gave to support the impoverished church of Jerusalem. Corinth had agreed to support the Jerusalem Christians, but, for whatever reason, they had failed to fully complete their commitment.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also (II Corinthians 8:7, NKJV)." He challenged them not to give up.

Lately, what good goal or worthy pursuit has God challenged you to complete? Have you abandoned your commitment in that pursuit? How's your New Year's Pledge going?

Don't give up. The finish is going to be fantastic.

Check out the stories from the Senior Bowl here.

Firing Blanks and Talking Biblically

Tuesday night, Joe McKeever spoke at the George-Greene Baptist Men's Rally. He shared a story about Roy Robertson. (I copied the story from his April 19, 2007 Blog Entry on JoeMcKeever.com.)

On Saturday evening, December 6, 1941, Roy was aboard the U.S. battleship West Virginia as it pulled into Pearl Harbor. They had been on maneuvers--practicing warfare--in the Pacific and were taking the weekend off. Sailors were given shore leave, and most went into town to drink or party. Roy Robertson joined a small group that walked to a nearby church for a Bible study.

"We were sitting around in a circle in the church hall," he reported later. "The leader said, 'Let's all share our favorite Bible verse. We'll start with Bill here and go around the circle.' That's when I panicked. I didn't know a single Bible verse. Now, I'd been in church all my life and considered myself a good Christian. But I couldn't think of one verse. Finally, I thought of John 3:16, and while the others were quoting theirs, I was putting the pieces of that verse together. And wouldn't you know it, about the time I had it ready, the guy to my left quoted it. I was humiliated."

Roy said, "I remember thinking to myself, 'Robertson, you are a fake. You've been in church all your life and you don't know one verse of the Bible.'"

The next morning early, battle stations sounded and Roy ran to his assigned spot on the deck. Overhead he saw hundreds of planes from the Japanese Imperial Fleet bombing the harbor. Roy jerked the cover off his machine gun and pointed it at the skies and commenced to firing. That's when he realized he had no live ammunition. He'd been firing blanks on maneuvers and that was all he had. He yelled for someone to bring some live ammo, but for the first 15 minutes of the battle of Pearl Harbor, Roy Robertson was firing blanks at the Japanese planes."

All the while, Roy was thinking, "Robertson, this is how your life has been: firing blanks. You're not doing your side any good and you're not doing the enemy any harm." That day, he made a commitment: if he survived the war, his life would count for God for the rest of his days. When the war ended, Roy joined Dawson Trotman in the early years of the Navigators and spent his life bringing the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus to the world.

For me, that story led me to evaluate everything I am doing. Do I talk Biblically? How much scripture can I quote from memory?

Jim McNiel is a vocational evangelist who does not preach sermons when he speaks in a worship service. He quotes entire books of the Bible from memory. He ministered at Wade Baptist on two different occasions.

While Rev. McNiel certainly has a gift, anyone can memorize "some" scripture. I am reminded of a young man who was in the Home of Grace, a Christian based drug and alcohol treatment program in Van Cleave, MS.

An important aspect of the "program" is the memorization of scripture. However, this young man had used drugs for a long time and he said his brain was "fried." He thought it would be impossible for him to quote even short passages of the Bible. But, he prayed that God would heal his mind and help him recollect scripture. Amazingly, that night he quoted the entire book of James without once looking at a Bible.

I am convicted to memorize more scripture. Why not join me? Why not quote your favorite Bible verse to a friend today (make it a verse other than John 3:16)?

Wrapping My Mind Around the Mystery of God

Whenever I think of creative and nutty names for a band, "Big Daddy Weave" tops the list. The band has been around in Contemporary Christian Music since about 2002. Mike Weaver, the lead singer, was a student at the University of Mobile at one time. Thus, the group is immensely popular in the Mobile, AL, area. In early 2002, the group presented a concert at Wade Baptist Church (only 25 miles West of Mobile). The church was packed. So, it is a blessing for me to follow their ministry.

They have a song entitled "For Who You Are." I listened to the song this morning as I walked. The words were a blessing to me.

You are the Lord, The Father of Lights
You are God the Keeper of my heart
And I praise You, and I praise You
You are the lover of my soul
You are the giver of the second start
And I praise You, for who You are

It seems too high for me to reach
To wrap my mind around the mystery
That who You are so constantly
Is who You're making me to be

To "wrap my mind" around the many mysteries of God is a pursuit that I will never complete, but how I long to know God deeper.

The psalmist wrote, "My heart and flesh cry out for the living God (Ps.84:2)." That is truly a longing that I have this morning. I have heard it said that in every heart is a "God-shaped void" that only He can fill.

I've known folks who have sought to fill that void with many things, but only God fits into that empty spot of our lives.

On this wet, cool morning, my prayer is that I can begin to understand--to wrap my mind around--the greatness of God. He deserves my attention this morning and this afternoon and this evening. I want to be who he is making me to be. What about you?

The Starting Line

Last night, our Baptist Association held the 30th Annual Men's Banquet. The meal was great and close to 250 men attended.

Dr. Joe McKeever was the speaker. He is one of the most interesting people I know. He has pastored several churches, his last pastorate was First Baptist Kenner, LA. He is a cartoonist. He drew a picture of my son Jared that was an amazing likeness. It only took him about 2 minutes to do so.

Dr. McKeever's sermon was on the subject of "Starting Something." No matter what great accomplishments have been achieved, they all have one thing in common--someone started them.

As some wise guy in the past said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

While a large portion of our nation awaits the Super Bowl, which matches the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, many people do not know the name of the first professional football player in the United States.

An article on Wikipedia states that "The origin of professional football can be traced back to 1892, with William "Pudge" Heffelfinger's $500 contract to play in a game for the Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club."

Ole "Pudge" never knew what he was starting. Also, he never dreamed that his $500 agreement to play one game would equal what some current NFL players earn when one second ticks off of the game clock. However, "Pudge" started it.

As I begin this day, I realize that we all have the opportunity to start something new. I took a walk this morning before daylight and I enjoyed watching the world wake up. For me, the question is what can I start that God could use to really make a difference in this "sleepy" community.

I know everything must start with God. The opening words of the Bible are, "In the beginning God.." So, we must start with prayer, which connects us to Him.

As I pray, I remember there are many folks that are starting to battle some real problems. Yesterday, a friend of mine was told his wife has cancer. What a start to a journey.

However, let us remember whenever we start something for God we start it with Him. He is the God who came from nowhere, stood on nothing, and created everything.

Today, start with God.

TONIGHT: Men's Banquet at Rocky Creek Baptist

The George-Greene Baptist Association's 30th Annual Men's Banquet will be held tonight at Rocky Creek Baptist Church. The meal begins at 6:45 PM. Tickets are $5.00 and can still be purchased at the door. Joe McKeever is the speaker.

For those who want to ride the church van, we will be leaving at 6:15 PM from the church parking lot. This will be a great event.

Plaid Pants Are Not Eternal

We are planning a special celebration for my Grandmother's 90th Birthday. So, we have collected several photos from "days gone by" to develop a special presentation at the party. My brother brought me some of the pictures and one of them is above. This picutre was taken on Easter 1973, when we lived in Popular Springs, MS.

You thought you looked good in plaid, but no one in the universe has anything on me in the polyester pants category. (Also, how about that Dodge Dart in the background. Back then you could "fill 'er up" for $5.00.) Fortunately, I retired the plaid pants many years ago, but don't you think they accented the color of my eyes?

Styles change. Plaid pants are out. White patent leather shoes, like I'm sporting in the above photo, are a thing of the past. Ask Pat Boone about changing styles.

The Bible says, "For I am the LORD, I do not change;... (Malachi 3:6)." God is not impacted by fads, climate changes, political wranglings, nuclear threats, or even stock market fluctuations. He does not change.

In a changing world God is an unchanging reality.

S. M. Lockeridge once preached,

Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.

List the many things that have changed in the last decade. Now, list the characteristics of God. So, place your trust in the unchanging God.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, Thank you for never changing. You are still the God who created the universe, led the Israelites in the Wilderness, shut mouth of the Lion for Daniel, and you're the same God who "So loved the world that He Gave His only begotten son." Help me to change into a follower of Jesus who is guided by your eternal truths and not impacted by the fads of the day. In your unchanging name I pray. AMEN

Let Down Your Bucket

Today, I am in Grenada, MS, for the Mississippi Baptist State Evangelism Conference. We are in a break now.

Frank Page, current President of the Southern Baptist Convention, preached this afternoon. He told a great story for the conclusion of his message.

Many years ago a ship was sailing the Atlantic. The ship exhausted its supply of fresh water. Knowing they could not drink salt water, all passengers on the ship were near certain death due to dehydration.

Suddenly, they spotted another ship. They sailed near the ship and sent a message requesting fresh water. The sailors on the other vessel replied, "Let down your buckets!" Thinking the other ship had not translated their request correctly, the needy crew sent a message pleading for fresh water. Again, the message came, "Let down your buckets!"

You see, the ship had sailed near the mouth of the Amazon River, just off the shore of South America. Since the flow of the Amazon River is so powerful, fresh water displaces the salty water of the Atlantic Ocean as far as 100 miles off shore.

The dying individuals had been surrounded by life giving water for an extended amount of time and, if they had not been told that the water was drinkable, they would have lost their lives.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6,NKJV)." Jesus told the woman at the well, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life (John 4:14).”

God is willing to meet our deepest needs. He is available for us wherever we are.

So, as you sail the rough seas of life, just let down your bucket, and he will meet your need.

Snow in South Mississippi

Since I was raised in North Mississippi, I remember only an occasional snowfall. I loved snow days. Once, a blizzard passed through our home county and snow fell for only about fifteen minutes. School was cancelled for an entire day.

Here in South Mississippi, snow is very rare. Yesterday, meteorologists predicted the white stuff would visit Leakesville, but the frozen flakes never came. However, in Laurel, MS, an estimated 2 3/4 inches accumulated. My friend, Glenn, sent me the above pictures. My mom and dad said about 2 inches fell in Magee, MS.

While we lived in Anchorage, Alaska, we saw a lot of snow. We not only had a White Christmas, but we had a white Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

There really is nothing more pristine than a fresh layer of snow. In Anchorage, as Spring approached the ice and snow would begin to thaw. The melted snow turned into a filthy slush. Yet, many mornings we would awaken to a fresh blanket of snow. The scene was so beautiful, freah, and new.

In Psalm 51:7, David pleads with the Lord, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." In John's Vision, he described Jesus by writing His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire (Revelation 1:14, NKJV).

Only through with the forgiveness of God can we be "white as snow."

English as a Second Language

My daughter and I spent last night in the first session of the English as a Second Language Course (ESL). The course is being offered at the George-Greene Baptist Associational building near Lucedale, MS. We will be in class from 8:30 AM-3:30 PM today. Then, on Sunday, we will meet in the afternoon.

English as a Second Language is a great ministry for a church to use to help foreigners who have moved to the United States. While I'm not exactly sure where or when we will be involved in an ESL Class, I was eager to get the training. I am very proud of my daughter. She really enjoyed last night.

Most of the folks in the class are from significant distances away from our area. So, it is great to meet fellow Christians seeking to serve the Lord.

I'll be preaching at the South Mississippi Correctional Center tonight. I always look forward to that opportunity.

Abiding Time

Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you (John 15:4, NASB).”

As a thirteen year old, I went deer hunting in Calhoun County, Mississippi on the property of Mr. Bunyan Denton. This was one of the first times I had ever been hunting. Consequently, there was a measure of excitement about getting into the woods. However, (“Baby”), it was cold outside.”

When I arrived with my dad and brother, Mr. Bunyan carried us into the woods and assigned us our tree stands. We were told not to leave until someone came to us. I took my place--gun in cold hands--and waited… and waited… and waited. Nothing moved. I believe everything was frozen solid, even the deer.

While a substantial amount of time seemed to elapse, my craving for warmth overwhelmed me. So, I made an ill-advised decision. I headed for the truck ahead of schedule.

As I tromped through the woods, wandering in the general direction of the vehicle, a voice came from heaven. Well, actually, a voice boomed from Mr. Bunyan Denton. You see, I had walked only a few yards from his hunting stand. He was not happy and he used some colorful words to express his displeasure.

Since I had left the safety of the tree stand, I had wandered into his hunting territory. When Mr. Denton heard something moving toward him, he had raised his gun and prepared to shoot. Fortunately, I was sporting a hunter’s orange cap. My decision not to remain where I was placed exposed me to danger and raised Mr. Denton's blood pressure.

The Greek word for “Abide” is menō, which, in the basic sense means “to remain, stay, abide.”

In other words, Jesus said, “Remain in me and I will remain in you.” The abiding presence of the Lord is a place of peace and a place of fruitfulness. Jesus continued, “Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.(John 15:4, HSCB).

Strangely, a branch removed from a grape vine can continue to bear foliage for a time, but it will never produce fruit without a root system. Our lives may be colorful at times, but, without Christ, they will never be of any benefit to others or the Kingdom of God. However, when we abide, stay, remain, dwell in Him, our lives make a difference for Him.

"Today"

But encourage one another day after day,

as long as it is still called "Today."--Hebrews 3:13 (NASB)

Lately, I have heard a lot of discouraging news from the local media. It is not that they are trying to depress anyone, but they have had to report several horrific murders in our area. One incident in particular gives me a sick feeling every time I hear it.

Last week, a father--in a drug induced stupor and angry at his wife--drove to the Daulphin Island Bridge near Mobile, AL, and threw his 4 children off the high-rise bridge. (Read the latest here.) I find myself almost numb as I even write about such an evil act.

However, I am thankful that, as I slide toward the "blues," someone comes and encourages me with a kind word or they show me they care by doing something thoughtful for me.

Yesterday, I had one of our senior adult ladies on my mind. She is a widow and has been sick for several days. I last saw her before Christmas. At that time, she was in the hospital. After she was discharged, she went to stay with her son in the northern part of our state. I saw her brother yesterday morning and he told me she was in town for a few days, but would be going back to be with her son today. So, I made a note to visit her.

As the day unfolded, many things demanded my attention. Frequently, the thought popped in my head, "You've got to make that visit." Finally, around 4:00 PM, I stopped what I was doing and said to myself, "Self, you're going." So, I called her. She was home and said, "Come on over." I went. The visit did so much for my spirits. She spoke encouraging words like I haven't been able to hear from the media. I am so glad I went.

In God's Little Devotional Book for Couples, I found this insightful statement:

You cannot show a kindness too soon,

because you never know how soon it will be too late!

The writer of Hebrews challenged us to "encourage...as long as it is still called 'Today.'"

Therefore,...
Write a long overdue note to a friend.
Tell someone you love them.
Sit down and play "cars" with a little boy.
Sit down and play "dolls" with a little girl.
Turn the T.V. off and just talk to your family.
Say "Thank You" to someone who has invested in your life.
Read your Bible.
Pray for your family.

Do it.

As Steve Miller used to sing amid the static from my old record player, "Time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping into the future." Today will not be today, tomorrow.

Encourage one another.

Family Celebration on Saturday, March 8, 2008

The George-Greene Baptist Association, in cooperation with the Mississippi Baptist Convention, is hosting a "Family Celebration" at Antioch Baptist Church, which is on High School Road, about 3 miles past Greene Co. High School.

This event is similar to the Community Bock Party we held in Leakesville back in October of last year (Click here to read about that event).

There will be a rock climbing wall, inflatables, free food, and live music. Put this on your calender. This will be a great family event. Churches are encouraged to set up booths. For more info call Jimmy Holcomb at 1-877-947-4981.

Salty Christians

Many years ago, Roman soldiers were paid in salt. Without salt the soldiers were unable to preserve meat or flavor their food. Eventually, an expression developed for soldiers who were not committed. Have you ever heard this phrase? “He’s not worth his salt.”

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13).” If we are to be the salt of the earth, let us examine some realities concerning sodium chloride.

1. Salt is Common

An abundant supply of salt exists in the world. The oceans are filled with it. So, salt is a common substance. Why did not Jesus declare, “You are the Gold of the world” or “You are the Uranium of the world?” We would have been flattered if Christ said, “You are the Petroleum of the world.” However, he used one of the most common substances in life to illustrate His point. In I Corinthians 1:27, Paul wrote, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise,..." By comparing our lives to salt, he stresses the wonderful truth that anyone and everyone can make a difference.

2. Salt Has Many Uses

Quality salt can be used for specific purposes with certain expected results.

First, salt preserves food. The preserving attributes of salt was of great value during the time of Christ. The Mediterranean region, in which Jesus ministered, was mostly tropical. In this hot climate, food would spoil if not cooled or protected. Since ice was not readily available, and no refrigerators or freezers existed, salt was used to prevent meat from rotting.

Second, salt flavors recipes. If you have ever eaten baby food, you will quickly recognize the absence of salt in the pureed meats and vegetables we feed our unsusptecting infants. We are accustomed to eating food flavored with salt and spices. While we know too much salt can be unhealthy, at least a small amount of salt helps most foods become more palatable.

Third, salt causes thirst. After eating heavily salted snacks, we crave something to drink.

3. Salt Has to be Processed

Salt is obtained from evaporating sea-water or salt-marsh water. The salt is separated from the water. Rock salt is mined.

4. Salt Without Flavor is Useless?

Salt without taste is worthless and becomes nothing more than dirt, fit only to be walked upon.

Are you salty?

Jesus, speaking to his followers, said, “YOU ARE the salt of the earth” No other organization can preserve society. Obviously, our government, the U.N., and other non-Christian Charities have been unable to stop the moral decay of our country and theworld. Only the gospel can preserve and flavor society for the better.

Using the metaphor, some questions naturally arise.

• In relation to the processing of salt, have you been separated?
• Have you been crushed?
• Are you a preserving presence in a morally decaying world?
• Is the Christian life you live a flavorful addition to the world and to the lives of those around you?
• Do you make people thirsty for Jesus?
• Have you lost your flavor? Are you nothing more than dust on the sidewalk?

Today, why not live a salty life and make some folks thirsty for a relationship with Jesus?

Too Small for Big Things

Last Thursday, Fred Luter, Pastor of the Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, spoke at the Greene County High and the Leakesville Junior High School.

Dr. Luter is a well-respected pastor in the Southern Baptist Convention. He became pastor of Franklin Ave. Baptist in 1986. At the time of assuming the pastorate, the church had only "a few dozen members." Just prior to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, the congregation consisted of 7000 members. In 2001, Fred Luter became the first African-American to preach the annual address at the Southern Baptist Convention (Read an article about this historic event here.)

Following the floods post-Katrina, Dr. Luter's home and the church's facilities were severely damaged. A majority of his members moved throughout the country--many moved to Houston and Baton Rogue. Several months passed before he was able to move back into his home.

The church anticipated moving into their restored facilities in December, 2007, but a problem with the beams under the choir loft necessitated postponing their return until March 2008. Currently, the congregation continues to meet at FBC New Orleans. Satellite campuses are worshipping in Houston and Baton Rogue.

I admire Dr. Luter for his humble spirit and fiery preaching. His willingness to drive 150 miles to Leakesville to preach to the students here is to be admired. Especially, in light of the stressful and demanding schedule he keeps.

The first Sunday of this year I preached a sermon based on the Parable of the Talents, recorded in Matthew 25:14-29. A master entrusted a sum of money to three servants. The two servants who were given the most money to handle traded wisely and doubled the funds entrusted to them. The servant given the least monetary amount did not invest the money, but buried the funds. Then, the foolish servant waited for the master to return.

Jesus said that after the master returned, "His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ (Matthew 25:23 NKJV)"

Since the servants handled the "few things" wisely, the men were rewarded with greater responsibility.

During the sermon, I shared a story I heard Evangelist Junior Hill share. During the early years of his ministry, Junior Hill became discontented in preaching to predominantly small congregations. So, he made a list of the 10 largest Southern Baptist Churches in America and prayed that God would grant him the opportunity to preach in much larger congregations. However, he began to receive invitations to even smaller churches. Even more discontented, he began to pray with even more fervor.

One morning while reading a devotional book written by Vance Havner, he read this statement:

If you are too big to preach in a small church,

you are too small to preach in a big church.

That statement was used by God to change the life of Junior Hill. He recommitted himself to preach wherever he was invited on a "love offering" basis. Since that time, Bro. Junior has preached in some of the largest churches in America, including the 10 on his original wish list.

Fred Luter humbly accepted an invitation to come to the woods of Greene County to invest in the lives of students. No wonder he is being used by God to preach in some of the largest churches in America.

Insulting God

One Sunday afternoon, after devouring a delicious meal, a tired husband informed his wife he was going to take a nap. She responded dejectedly, “Won’t you stay up and spend time with me.” The weary husband responded, “Honey, I am so sleepy.” Then, the forlorn wife asked, “Well, do you love sleep more than me?” After a long pause, the husband answered, “Let me take a nap and I’ll let you know.”

Yesterday, I preached from the Old Testament Book of Malachi. This last book of the Old Testament provides a bridge into the New Testament. While we know virtually nothing about the writer of “Malachi,” the tone of the letter is bold and, at times, severe. Understandingly, Bro. Malachi was strong in his charges because the people were headstrong in sin.

The people of Israel had become unappreciative of all that God had done for them as His chosen people. While they participated in ritual observances, their practices were not rooted in a desire for holiness. From Malachi 1:1-3:15, the writer recorded the Lord’s charges against Israel, the pompous replies of the people, and His threatened judgments. The charges against Israel can be boiled down to eight major sins.

A. Impudence (1:1-5)- Asking God “When did you ever love us?”
B. Irreverence (1:6-14)-Practicing sacrilege by the priests.
C. Insincerity (2:1-9)- Practicing corruption by the Priests
D. Infidelity (2:10-16)- Observing Divorce and Marriages with Non-Jews.
E. Insolence (2:17)- Insulting God, claiming he was not just.
F. Indifference (3:7)- Backsliding, Turning away from God
G. Ingratitude (3:8-12)- Withholding God’s tithe.
H. Impertinence (3:13-15)- Proclaiming false charges against God.

Amid all the outrageous charges against God, the most shocking question the people asked God is in Malachi 1:2:

“I have loved you,” says the LORD.

“Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’

If I was God (and be glad I’m not), my response would have been to yell back their contention, “In what way have I loved you?!!!!!!!!!!”

The nation of Israel had been led out of Egypt following a series of miraculous plagues. He guided them through the Red Sea by parting the waters. He provided food and water for them. He helped them win astounding victories over their enemies, including causing the walls of Jericho to fall by simply marching around the city. He proved His love for them over and over (and over and over) again, but they still had the toxic “What-have-you-done-for-me-lately” Syndrome.

Have you made a list of the ways God has shown you love in the past? Well, maybe you should?

While enrolled in the Ph.D. program at New Orleans Baptist Seminary, I remember hearing one practice of successful couples that helped strengthen their marriage. Strong couples spend time rehashing their “love story.” Frequently, they talk about the first time they met, their first date, their first kiss, and their other most memorable moments. By reminding themselves of the good times they have shared, strong couples are able to find strength to move through the inevitable rough spots.

Just like the people of Israel seemed to have a short memory in regard to God’s faithfulness and love, we can become disillusioned, if we don’t regularly call to mind the many ways we have been blessed.

I once heard Jimmy Draper say something to the effect that the problem with most Christians is that they have forgotten what their life was like before they were “born again.”

Frequently, I go back to the time as a young boy I felt a great conviction over my sin. After struggling for some time, I prayed and asked for forgiveness. I don’t want to ever forget the love I was shown when the burden of that sin was lifted from me.

A Dose of Encouragement and A Historical Sermon

Be An Encouragement

Today was a great day at First Baptist Leakesville. We began our Be An Encourager: Tithe emphasis. I preached from Malachi 3:8-12.

A major emphasis in my sermon was the way God has worked through the faithful giving of the church in the last few years.

Also, I highlighted several encouraging things, such as an increased number of children attending our church and greater Sunday School attendance across all ages. For example, last year our Sunday School attendance on the first two Sundays was 61 & 66. This year our S.S. attendance for the first two Sundays has been 111 & 112.

The "spirit" of our church seems to have continued to become more and more welcoming. I pray we will always be an encouraging congregation.

Rome During the Time of Paul

In the evening service, Dr. Milton Wheeler, long-time History Professor at William Carey University came and discussed the history of Rome and the early Christians who lived there during the time of Paul. Dr. Wheeler is the most knowledgeable and well-traveled man I know. He has only been to Rome thirty (30) times.

The January Bible Study emphasis promoted by Lifeway is on Paul's Letter to the Romans. So, he gave insight into the "Roman" mind and attributing factors to the power of Rome.

A point Dr. Wheeler raised that motivates me to study and preach from Romans is that the church at Rome was probably the best church during this time. Paul wrote, "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world (Romans 1:8, NKJV)." He never wrote such flattering words to any other church. Also, since their faith was known all over the known world, they must have been special.

God has worked throughout history and he will continue to do so until the end of the age.

Community Support

Yesterday, the wife and daughter of Paul Walters, a local bi-vocational pastor, were in a horrible wreck. In the afternoon, Hannah Walters and her mother were riding in a Nissan Sentra. After stopping in preparation to turn, unexpectedly, they were hit from behind by a young man driving a Jeep. The impact of the crash pushed the rear seat into the front of the vehicle. The Jeep the young man was driving landed upside down.

Paul said that when he arrived on the scene he could not imagine that anyone survived. Miraculously, the young man was able to free himself from the seat belt and was attempting the help the others. Shannon and Hannah were taken by ambulance to the Greene County Hospital. Shannon survived a broken hip and other broken bones. She was airlifted to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. Later, Hannah, who received a nasty cut on the face and broken fingers, was transported by ambulance to the hospital in Hattiesburg.

Many folks from the community were present at both hospitals to support the family. Many local ministers were present. I picked up the Youth Minister at our church, Boo White, and we stayed at the hospital until Shannon was placed in the Helicopter. Then, Bro. Jimmy Holcomb and I went to Hattiesburg.

It is a blessing to be in a community that supports one another. The scripture tells us to "bear one another's burdens." How refreshing to see Christians doing just that.

Today, Shannon is to undergo surgery on her hip. Please pray for her.

Baltimore Church to Host Univ. of Southern Miss. BSU

Last Summer, a Mission Team from the George-Greene Area Missions program traveled to Baltimore to offer Christian Baseball Camps (Click here to read an article about the trip.) The church that hosted us was The Church on Warren Avenue.

In their most recent newsletter, the church reported on a recent Baptist Student Union Fellowship held for the students of Army and Navy, following their traditional football game in Baltimore. About 100 persons gathered for to eat and worship. Pastor Lyn O'Berry has a passion to reach his community for Christ. He has made many great personal sacrifices to lead the Church on Warren Avenue (Lee Street Memorial Baptist) to make a difference in the Historic Federal Hill area of Baltimore, which is near the Inner Harbour.

Also, the newsletter printed the following announcement:

Campus Minister Kris Walters will be leading University of Southern Mississippi's Baptist Student Ministry team to Warren Avenue during Spring Break, 2008. The team will be with us beginning Saturday, March 8th-March 12th. The team will engage our community on several fronts, from student to seniors ministries. They will engage in campus ministries and our new work, "the Vine." Please pray for Pastor Kris and the USM team as they pray and prepare to be with us in March.

Our Association (GGBA) is planning to return to Baltimore to conduct Sprots Camps and Backyard Bible Clubs. The trip will be the week of July 6, 2008. Please pray for these trips to help this church.

In the newsletter, the Pastor, Lyn O'Berry, challenged his congregation with these words:

Our motto for 2008 is Engage Tomorrow Today. As we initiate our strategy for the new year, get involved, and see God work in through and around us. If He can bring water from a rock, part the Red Sea, raise the dead to life, what can he not do at Warren Avenue if we are willling? Let us bathe every work in prayer. Let us perform every act in prayer. Let us proclaim His gospel in the way we live and in the way we reach out.

Pastor O'Berry is an inspiration to me. Please pray for him and the Church on Warren Avenue.

Road Wins

Last night, the Mississippi State Bulldogs did something very rare for a Southeastern Conference Basketball Team. They won "on the road," defeating LSU (61-39) in Baton Rouge.

Visiting hoopsters are always at a disadvantage. Visitors must travel, sometimes great distances, on a cramp bus to play their rival in inhospitable environs. The Home Team is accustomed to their court. The host combatants are able to keep their normal routine by sleeping in their beds and eating in familiar surroundings. The "Homers" practice everyday shooting at the same basketball goal in their gym, while the visiting jocks have only a few minutes to get acquainted with the nuisances of the unfamiliar rim.

In the Fall of 1987, as a proud tuba playing member of the Famous Maroon Marching Band of Mississippi State, I traveled with my fellow musicians to Baton Rouge, LA for a football game. Did you know they take football seriously in Louisiana? Well, have no doubts about it.

As the band marched into Tiger Stadium (affectionately called "Death Valley"), a gauntlet of LSU fans lined our path. The frenzied Tiger Fans yelled at us all along the route. Shockingly, I was "cussed" by a 7 year old boy and a 70 year old woman. During the game, since my tuba made an easy target, I was pelted with debris. Before I boarded the bus to return home, I emptied my burdensome horn of enough trash to fill a small garbage can. LSU, this year's Football National Champs, has a definite home field advantage.

(O.K. How is this preacher going to relate this to a spiritual truth? Don't rush me.)

In John 15:19, Jesus said, "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."

We should not be surprised that there is hostility against the gospel. However, Jesus scheduled our lives as Christians as away games. In Matthew 28:19-20, he gave what we call the Great Commission, which begins with the word "Go." Whether it is to the Australian Outback or to the folks in Greene County, Mississippi who live out in the woods, we are to go to them. Around the world or across the street we must be on the road sharing the gospel in word, as well as deed.

Furthermore, remember that Jesus does not force us to travel alone. He is right beside us. He said at the end of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, "I will be with you always." Through the victory Christ won over the grave, we can have the confidence to serve him in any environment--any time, any place.

Clean

Don Hussong shares this story:

After church, where she had been taught about the Second Coming, a little girl was quizzing her mother. "Mommy, do you believe Jesus will come back?"
"Yes."
"Today?"
"Yes."
"In a few minutes?"
"Yes, dear."
The little girl thought for a moment. Then she asked, "Mommy, would you comb my hair?"

We all want to be prepared when Jesus returns, but, obviously, whether or not we are having a "bad hair day" does not matter. What does matter is the condition of our soul. Are we cleansed from sin?

In John 15:1-2, Jesus explained that God—the supreme gardener—removes every branch that is not productive. Also, he prunes or trims the dead branches that are attached to the vine. Dead, broken, and excess twigs are cut away. This process of pruning is not performed to punish, but to enable the branches, and the vine, to be more productive—more fruitful.

Jesus told his disciples in John 15:3 that they were "clean." He stated, they were clean because of the word he had spoken to them.

The Greek word for "clean" is kathoros, which also means "pure." In the physical sense, the word was used in reference to vines that were prepared, by pruning, to bring forth fruit. Actually, the Greek word for pruning is kathairō, which means to remove useless "shoots" from a vine or branch. Also, this word conveys the idea of removing filth. So, a clean branch or vine had been pruned and was ready for the growing season. Consequently, in context, Jesus connected the physical practice of pruning to the spiritual cleansing that occurs when we are obedient to Him--who is the Word (John 1:1).

A clean branch can produce more fruit and is not burdened with wasting nutrients on shoots that are not beneficial. Since the disciples had responded to His teaching--His "word"--they were spiritually cleansed from the contamination of sin. This meant they were ready to be beneficial to the Kingdom of God.

Unfortunately, not all of the disciples were clean. We know that Judas, who conspired with the religious leaders to have Jesus arrested, was a branch that was removed. Obviously, he refused to be pruned, to be cleansed. His dirty deal caused great suffering for Jesus and produced so much turmoil in his own life that he committed suicide.

As a child, I didn't like to bathe. On one occasion, after being ordered to take a bath, I went into the bathroom and filled the tub with H2O. Next, I dropped a clean bath cloth and a bar of soap into the water. I splashed a little water on my face and wet my hair on the ends. Then, I walked out in a towel, appearing to have completed appropriate physical hygiene. Unfortunately, my mother took a glance at the tub. She knew how dirty I was before entering the bathroom. The water was too clear, the washcloth too fresh. So, after some strong persuasive words and actions by my mom, I returned to the site of the attempted deception to get a complete washing.

Consequently, just as being near a bath tub filled with fresh water does not clean us, being near Jesus--the Vine, the Word--does not cleanse us from sin. We must submit ourselves to Him and receive forgiveness. Then, we can be productive and fruitful for Him.

In order for you to be clean, what needs to be trimmed from your life today?

Avoiding Discomfort Not Possible

As I was surfing the web, I found an interesting story on Yahoo!. A Mexican boy hated the idea of returning to school after the holiday break so much that he used some industrial glue to adhere his hand to his bed (Read the story here.)

He said that the Holiday Break had been so much fun that he didn't want to go back to school. So, he slathered his hand in glue and stuck himself to his bed. I wonder if he was glad to be at school after the paramedics were called and they freed his hand. What was his punishment? If I had done something like that when I was a kid, I am sure I would not have lived to go to school ever again.

Many people go to great lengths and risks to avoid things which are beneficial, but uncomfortable. Whether it be the dentist, the doctor, the mechanic, or that crotchety teacher, at times we are forced to trade fun for growth and/or healing.

By walking through times of discomfort, outside our comfort zone, we are able to experience the peace and comfort of God. Faith begins where our abilities end. So, we must be glad that everyday is not a Holiday. If all days were easy, we would never understand or value the blessing of God's comfort.

In II Corinthians 1:3-5 (Read the verses in context here.), Paul underscores the fact that God comforts us in our struggles through the power demonstrated in the victory Jesus won after his struggles. Then, we can comfort others with the same comfort we experienced from God.

Last year, I heard a pastor of a large congregation share that he would only hire Church Staff Members who had been through some pain or difficulty in life. He felt that these individuals would be able to relate to the many hurting people in the congregation. This is the truth in Henri Nouwen's book The Wounded Healer: Ministry in Contemporary Society.

In 1998-1999, I enrolled in a year of Clinical Pastoral Eduction (CPE) with the MacFarland Institute in New Orleans. I was an Oncology Chaplaincy Resident at the former Baptist Hospital in New Orleans. We engaged in group discussions and confrontations designed to force us to deal with our problems. Again, the premise being that in order for a chaplain to help others he/she must understand why uncomfortable emotions arise in certain situations. These emotions may hinder a minister from being totally present for a distressed individual.

Also, in CPE, I encountered chaplains of other faiths, which really helped me confirm my own spiritual beliefs. As a conservative baptist, I was challenged, and even ridiculed, at times for my doctrinal stands. However, the challenges help me grow as a minister.

For me, at times, I have avoided addressing certain disappointments and losses of the past, which only grew more difficult to handle as time passed. As the mechanic said in a commercial of the past, "Pay me now or pay me later." Regular car maintenance is more economical in the long run than neglecting routine maintenance. Putting off the inevitable "life maintenance issues" does not stop the unavoidable moments of truth we all encounter.

Gluing your hand to the bed, or stuffing your emotions, does not keep you from facing tough decisions and growth opportunities. Eventually, you will be forced to make a decision. So, go ahead and roll out of bed and head to the "School of Hard Knocks." The Class Bell of this school rings everyday. So, don't be tardy.

The "Church Field" and the Gardener

The first Sunday at First Baptist Leakesville was encouraging. It seems some people resolved to be more involved in church and some of them kept their commitments. Our attendance was up. In Sunday School, we almost doubled our attendance over the previous week.

One Ladies Sunday School Class Teacher shared, with excitement, that a lady she had been inviting to her class for several weeks came for the first time. Our Deacons Meeting, which was held at 8:00 AM, was well-attended with only 2 out and they had to work. A family--who my wife and I have been inviting for several months--came for the first time.

We started a special program for children on Sunday Night, DiscipleKID, and we had several workers help us. They are using the material Jesus: The One and Only, which is a study written by Beth Moore for children. Seventeen children came and we know of many more who were sick and out of town who usually attend. When I first came to FBC in Dec. 2005, there were very few children attending. So, this is thrilling.

So, I was encouraged on many different levels. I extend invitations to church on a regular basis and it is so exciting to see a family attend in response to my invitations and prayers. While I work the "church field," I know it is God who draws and grows people. I don't.

Jesus said, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser (John 15;1)."

Jesus is the “true vine” because His Father, God, is the "vinedresser." In other words, Father God is the supreme gardener.

A vineyard does not produce on its own. Wild vines are not productive. A successful vineyard needs a knowledgeable and attentive grower who is responsible to cultivate the soil, water the vines, remove the weeds, repel insects, trim branches, and harvest the grapes. God is the irreplaceable vinedresser. He gets all the credit for any fruit produced. Paul acknowledged this truth when he wrote His letter to the Corinthians. He declared, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (I Cor. 3:6, NKJV).”

As I serve the Lord, I am reminded I don't "grow" the faith of anyone. I simply introduce them to the gardener.

The True Vine

Jesus said, “I am the true vine (John 15:1)."

For centuries, grapes have been and continue to be the most commonly produced fruit in the world. During the time of Christ, grapes were essential to Israel’s economy. Since everyone was familiar with the operation of a vineyard, Jesus decided to refer to Himself as “the true vine” to give a word picture his audience would understand.

Aren’t you glad Jesus was committed to communicating to his hearers on a level they could easily understand? Jesus did not use opaque lexis (unclear words). Cellular phone companies could learn from Him.

Jesus wants you to know Him. He never plays hard to get. He is not a grouchy college professor that prides himself on a 50% failure rate. Jesus has no annual quota to reach of folks he wants to fail spiritually. He adores you. He wants you to “get it.” My friend Glenn Padgett once said, "God would much rather celebrate your victories, than forgive your sin. But, he is willing and able to do both."

The commitment to communicating his love for the world is a sign of his authenticity. He said, “I am the true vine.” Since he is the real deal, the true Savior who was sent because God “so loved the world, Jesus was completely transparent. He put up no false front and he wore no mask. He has no secrets, no baggage, no excuses. He wants you to know he is true and will be true to you.

Down through the years many religious leaders and self-righteous Messiah-Wanna-Be’s proved to be artificial plants. Jesus is the true vine.

Where's George?

In the trenches of Christmas Shopping Combat, I received a One Dollar Bill from Target in Hattiesburg, MS. The next day, as I was surveying the damage to the cash in my wallet, I discovered a $1 bill with this message stamped on it: "Track this bill at Where's George.com." Since I have seen this message on bills in the past, I decided to give it a try.

After inputting the serial number into their database, the website reported "Ole George" was initially entered into their tracking system on April 19, 2007 in Holt, Michigan. Since I brought the bill to Leakesville, MS on December 21, 2007, the website calculated the greenback had traveled 824 miles in 246 days, covering, on average, 3.3 miles per day.

What society profits from such detailed information is not clear to me at the moment, but I was semi-entertained by discovering the distance the currency had traversed.

Furthermore, I was reminded of a joke I heard about the life of a $1 Bill. A version of the joke is on Comedy-Zone.net .

A one dollar bill met a twenty dollar bill and said, "Hey, where have you been? I haven't seen you around here much." The twenty answered, "I've been hanging out at the casinos, went on a cruise and did the rounds of the ship, back to the United States for awhile, went to a couple of baseball games, to the mall, that kind of stuff. How about you?" The one dollar bill said, "You know, same old stuff... church, church, church."

Where will your money go this year?

The Speed of Preparations

This morning the temperature is 20 Degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill of 12 Degrees. For fun I checked the temperature in Anchorage, AK, where we lived for 3 1/2 years, and the weather channel reports the temp. there is 22 Deg., with no wind chill. So, this is very unusual weather for us here in South Mississippi.

With the prospect of colder weather, I had to "wrap" one of the faucets on the north side of the parsonage with insulation to insure the pipes would not freeze. The cold, cutting wind motivated me to complete the task quickly. Usually, tasks such as wrapping a pipe would take me a little longer, but, under the conditions, I performed at a higher speed.

Zig Ziglar, in a speech I have on audio tape entitled Goals, challenged everyone present to notice how much quicker they accomplished tasks before leaving work for vacation. Have you been there? You will be away for a week or several days. As your departure approaches, you make note of things that must be done before you leave. You gain momentum as the "deadline" races toward you. At times, I have accomplished more administratively in one hour than I have in an entire day.

It's all about urgency. Not for everyone, but sometimes we just don't feel the urgency to accomplish certain tasks until we must.

On Sunday Dec. 23, in the evening service, I preached on the Parable of the Wise and Unwise Bridesmaids recorded in Matthew 25:1-13 (Read the passage here.) Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a traditional wedding of the day. The bridesmaids (virgins) would await the coming of the groom to the home of the bride. Then, the groom would escort the bride to his home for a celebration. Since the groom would arrive at night, the bridesmaids were responsible to bring lamps, which were used to light the path for wedding party to make their joyous journey.

In the parable, five of the bridesmaids failed to bring additional oil for their lamp (it was really a torch). So, when the time came for them to do their duty, they were unable to provide light. They begged the prepared bridesmaids for oil, but they could not share. They would not have enough, if they gave up some of their oil. The unwise bridesmaids went to buy additional oil, but, when they returned to the home of the groom, the door was shut. They were excluded from the wedding celebrations because of their negligence.

Jesus concluded the parable with these words "Be on the alert then." Jesus was referring to his Second Coming. He underscored the "urgency" we should feel as we live our lives.

We want to finish strong. Bro. Barton, the Senior Pastor of Wade Baptist Church near Moss Point, MS, once said something to the effect of "If we compared life to a football game, a man in his 40s would be at Halftime. So, the last half of his life is vitally important, because no one ever remembers a Halftime Score."

My prayer is that I will "play ball" until the last second ticks off the clock.

Preaching Engagements Make Me Daydream

I consider myself a sort-of-kind-0f-semi-normal guy, but there is one thing I do that may be--O.K., it is--strange.

In order to be transparent, I feel compelled to tell you a secret. Please don't tell anyone, but...well,...I sometimes sit at my desk and, frequently, preach to an invisible congregation. O.K., now I feel better. Furthermore, I zone out while shaving before a mirror and preach to myself. At these times I am oblivious to the world.

Candidly, I do catch myself preaching, even whispering my major points out loud and gesturing wildly for emphasis in empty rooms and even while driving.

My wife and oldest daughter have "caught" me in this "checked-out" preacher mode at times. It's kind of embarrassing, but I do feel it's a good thing in one aspect. For me, this confirms I enjoy what I feel called by God to do.

When you love someone, you will daydream about them. When you long to do something, you envision the activity. You "check out" and daydream. I love God and I daydream about telling everyone about my commitment to Jesus Christ. While I must not just practice telling others about my faith, the excitement of having a special opportunity to preach is exhilarating.

For example, tonight I am going to preach for a local congregation, Pine Level Baptist Church. The pastor of the church, Jeff Byrd, called me on Sunday and asked me to pick a Wednesday Night in January to preach as part of a special Wednesday Night Series of Revival Services. Since I had already asked someone to lead a devotion here at First Baptist on this Wednesday night, I asked him if I could preach tonight. While he was planning to preach himself, He was surprised that I would commit on such a short notice. However, I was thrilled by the opportunity. (This turns out to be good for Jeff, because I talked to him today and he has a terrible cold.)

Since the invitation to preach at Pine Level, I have been excited to no end. I can already see myself preaching to the congregation. As I rehearse my sermon, I pray that God will be pleased with every facet of my delivery. It is a blessing to enjoy what you do--to wake up thrilled to be in the ministry.

While I'll continue to try to keep my unique sermon preparation exercises concealed, I'm not ready to give them up yet.

Now, remember, this is a secret. So, don't tell anyone.

Your Time Bank

For a child, time is difficult to quantify. For example, when our daughter, Abbey, was 4 years old, we would use a purple dinosaur named “Barney” to explain how much time needed to elapse before a desired event would occur. You see, this purple character appeared regularly on our TV via video tapes. The programs lasted exactly 30 minutes. So, while traveling, whenever Abbey would ask, “Are we there yet?” If we would arrive in about an hour, we would answer “In about two ‘Barney’s.”

Our five year old son has to be answered in a similar manner whenever an anticipated event is several days away. His favorite unit of measurement is “sleeps.” So, as Christmas approached, we would have to inform him of the number of sleeps before he would awake on Christmas morning. Two days until Christmas equals two “sleeps.”

As we enter a new year, let me remind you that you will have the same number of “sleeps” and “awakes” as everyone else. Well-known Christian writers, Max Lucado and David Jeremiah, who seem to publish a book every 2 weeks, have the same amount of time as I do. You have the same amount of time in this year as the most successful folks in the world.

There are 8760 hours in each person’s annual calendar “bank.” How will they be used? My prayer is the hours I spend this year will be an encouragement to others and will bring glory to God. In Ps. 90:10, the Bible says that our days are “soon cut off, and we fly away.” Our “sleeps” and “awakes” pass faster than a truck with a Hemi. So, use your days, and “sleeps,” in ways that please God.