Evening Service Completed; Waiting for Tropical Storm Winds.

The Ordination Council was a celebration for our church. Everyone was so enthusiastic concerning the opportunity to ordain James Ham. He did an excellent job in answering the questions posed to him. Also, the ordination service went well. Our attendance still surprised me. We had many more folks than I thought would be present. A line of storms moved through the area just before the service began.

We're as ready as we can be for the outer fringe of Hurricane Gustav. I know we will be much more blessed than the folks in Louisiana. They should be in our prayers.

A Brief Rest

This morning our Bible Study attendance was greater than the last three weeks. While I'm not a pessimist, I didn't think we would have most of our members present. However, the morning service attendance was significant. We had a special time of dedication for our teachers and ministry team members.

We completed our Christmas in August Special Offering. We are going to send gift cards to 4 missionary couples around the world.

The funeral service for one of our lifelong members was held this afternoon. The music was beautiful. Mrs. Huff was a dedicated Christian. Her funeral, while sad, was easy to preach. Simply by the dedicated life she lived, she had already "preached" her funeral.

At 4:00 PM, we will have a Deacon Ordination Council. During the Evening Service, we will have the Ordination.

Still keeping an eye on Hurricane Gustav. Mike Smith our Minister of Music works for Singing River Electric. So, he was called in to work. We need to pray for all the folks who are going to start some long hours tonight.

Busy Sunday Planned, Eye on Gustav

Tomorrow, we will have an time of dedication for our volunteers in the Morning Service. At 2:00 PM, I will preach a funeral for one of our longtime members. Also, we scheduled a Deacon Ordination Council for one of the men selected by the church to serve. The Ordination Service is to be observed in the Evening Worship Service.

However, everyone in the area is eyeing Hurricane Gustav. This is the first major storm scare since Hurricane Katrina hit just over 3 years ago. I was told by one of our County Supervisors that he was informed we could experience 50-60 mph winds and 8 to 10 inches of rain. Gustav is expected to begin having an impact upon us Monday.

Today, in Leakesvile, folks were raiding all the stores for supplies. No C or D batteries could be found in town. I bought a gas grill. We stocked up on Pop-Tarts and other essentials. We picked up all the toys in the backyard and stored them in the shed. We are as prepared as we can be.

While I can't help but worry a little, I am reminded that in Matt. 6:27 of what Jesus asked, "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" Worrying is not productive. Worrying does not make us any taller or stronger. Worrying is pointless.

So, I'll control the controllables and trust God to provide strength to weather whatever comes our way.

High School Football

I love football. Any football is better than no football, but I think I enjoy High School Football the most.

Tonight was the opening game for the Greene County Wildcats. I attended the pre-game meal. The team was given a great devotion by Jimmy Holcomb, Area Director of Missions for the George-Greene Association. I helped in the press box. The game was won by the Wildcats 42-27 over the East Central Hornets.

The community really turned out tonight. Next week, Greene Co. plays their biggest rivals, the George Co. Rebels.

Charlee's Home

We arrived at USA Children's Hospital at 6:30 AM for Charlee's eye surgery and muscle biopsy.

We were met by my wife's parents. They are so good to us. Also, Terri's cousin's husband (he's a pastor) came and spent some time with us. My parents stayed in our home with Jared and Abbey.

Charlee did not go into surgery until 9:00 AM. She went with the Doctor of Anesthesia without giving even a whimper. Everything went well with both procedures. We made it home around 2:00 PM. She slept most of the afternoon.

We're enjoying visiting with my parents. Tonight, I helped make Poppy Seed Chicken. Hope it's good.

Pray for Charlee

Tomorrow morning, Charlee, our youngest daughter, will have two medical procedures in Mobile. Under anaesthesia, she will have her third eye surgery and a muscle biopsy taken from one of her legs. She is precious to us. We would appreciate your prayers.

Bike Repair

We experienced a major crisis earlier this evening.

Terri and Abbey left to do a Wal-Mart run after "supper." Jared had ridden his bike to our neighbors. At nightfall, he returned and as he rolled into the garage the chain slipped off his bike. The wheel was "frozen." I'm not Mr. Handyman, but this required attention.

Jared turned 6 in May, but he has been riding his bike without training wheels for almost a year. He rides his bike a lot. Everyday, I am asked to watch him do tricks. My favorite is the "side-saddle" in which he rides with both legs on side of the bike. His balance amazes me. I didn't learn to ride a bike until I was in the 4th grade.

The chain was replaced and tightened without a problem. Then, he test drove the bicycle and it passed. Major crisis averted.

Wise Ants

Q: What do you call the largest ant in the world?
A: An eleph-ant.

Please forgive the corny joke, but I have ants on my mind. Yesterday, I discovered that thousands of these diminutive insects had invaded our storage shed. Due to the increased rainfall over the last few days, I suppose the tiny creatures were forced above ground. I couldn’t walk in the building without stepping on one of them. Ant “Superhighways” crisscrossed the concrete floor. I am embarrassed to say (Well,... not really. ) that I had a lot of fun spraying them with "Hot Shot."

While the rain from Tropical Storm Fay caused the postponement of some events and delayed work projects in the last few days, ants remained focused on gathering food. The Bible tells us that we could learn a lot from ants.

The writer of Proverbs declared “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise (Prov. 6:6 NKJV).” Ants are disciplined, dependable and determined. The scriptures praise ants for working and gathering food even though they do not have a “captain, overseer or ruler (v.7).”

O.S. Hawkins, current CEO of Guidestone Financial Resources and former pastor of FBC Dallas, TX, has written a book entitled Antology. From his book written to help prepare ministers for their retirement years, I gained the idea for a sermon I preached last Labor Day. I can’t blame the outline on him. It’s mine. Let's look at ants.

Antology

Proverbs 6:6-11

Examine the Ant (6a)
"Go to the Ant..."

1. The Anatomy of Ants

Like all insects, ants have six legs. Each leg has three joints. The legs of ants allow them to move rapidly. Taking their size into account, ants are much quicker than humans. Also, "they" tell me that an ant's brain has about 250 000 brain cells. (Who counted them?) A human brain has 10,000 million cells. So, a colony of 40,000 ants has collectively the same number of brain cells as a human. So, for their size and brain power, ants are incredibly productive.

2. The Abode of Ants

Ant beds are amazing. Intricate tunnels provide passageways to chambers. They colony centers on a nest, which shelters the queen and the developing young. Ants don't follow a consistent construction plan for their nest like wasps or bees. They tend to create a nest rapidly, taking advantage of whatever materials are available. Most types of ants build a nest without investing a lot of energy. Consequently, they are able to move to a new site with little warning. This assists them in adapting to changing climate conditions.

3. The Abundance of Ants

There are over 10,000 known species of ants. Each ant colony has at least one or more queens. In the rain forests of the Amazon, for instance, ants are so numerous that their total weight is about four times the weight of all the area’s mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians combined. O.S. Hawkins claims that if you take all the ants in the world and weighed them they would outweigh the total of all the humans on the earth.

Evaluate the Ants (6b-7)
"Consider her ways..."

1. Ants are Disciplined.

These tiny insects accomplish their work without a "captain, overseer, or ruler." They take initiative and get the job done without being told to do so.

2. Ants are Dependable.

These diminutive insects faithfully do their work in all types of challenging weather conditions.

3. Ants are Determined.

Ants can lift 20 times their own body weight. Once, I saw a tiny ant carrying a rather large portion of a potato chip. What a picture of determination and dedication!

Emulate the Ants
"and be wise,..."

1. The Ways of Ants

Each ant has a job assignment. They each have a role to play. Consequently, they know their role and they complete the tasks associated with their purpose.

2. The Workmanship of Ants

Ants store supplies for the future and they harvest when food is available. The ants do what is necessary to adapt to their environment. Their complex nests are designed to be productive. They work around barriers and, at times, include these barriers in their homes. Humans can learn a lot from them about overcoming obstacles.

3. The Wisdom of Ants

I could summarize some of the lessons we can learn from ants in a few statements.

• Be Dependable.
• Take Initiative.
• Be Prepared.
• Work Hard.
• Do Not Procrastinate.

CONCLUSION

As we begin a new church year, many folks are assuming new positions or renewing their commitment to serve the Lord through our church. If you are, join me in committing to be faithful to the Lord. Like an ant, be dependable. Take Initiative. Be Prepared. Work Hard. God deserves our best.

Sunday Wrap-Up

Strength Development Index

This morning, during our Bible Study Time, all of our youth and adult groups combined for a brief (really brief) devotion. Then, all present completed the Strength Development Index, which is a questionnaire designed to evaluate a church's ministry in various areas:
Worship, Evangelism, Fellowship, Discipleship, Prayer, Ministry.

While I believe all the talk about Tropical Storm Fay scared a few folks away, I was pleased with the number who came. We've distributed several more surveys. I pray a significant number of these are returned.

The evaluation is the first step in a church growth emphasis in which we have enrolled through the Sunday School Department of the Mississippi Baptist Convention. This is an 18 month process.

AM Worship

Again, the "storm talk" must have kept some folks at home. Our crowd was down but I thought we had a great service.

As an observance of Christmas in August, we are collecting an offering for 4 missionary couples.
Today, we featured Tony and Karen Gray. The Grays are missionaries in Brazil and they are members of our church. Karen is in the states helping her daughter prepare for a wedding.

The choir sang "I Stand Redeemed." They sang well. That's a great anthem.

I began preaching from James. My sermon this morning was entitled "Patience from Trials." The message was based on James 1:1-11.

This sermon was scheduled to be preached last Sunday, but I guess God wanted me to develop some patience before I delivered the message. I was in between ERs last Sunday. So, I wasn't able to preach.

As I evaluated the message, I realized I failed to mention a quote that I think is great. Johnny Hunt once said, "Just because you've grown old doesn't mean you've grown up."

PM Service

Before the evening service, the choir practiced. They are rehearsing a Patriotic Musical (Veterans Day) and a Christmas Musical. The music from both of the collections is powerful.

Our attendance was better than usual. The new prison chaplain was in the service.

I preached from James 1:12-20. The sermon was entitled "Changeless God."

Football Tonight: The Real GC

The Greene County Wildcats are traveling to Ocean Springs, MS tonight to play a preseason game. I can't wait for the regular season to start, but some football is better than no football. The team will have a devotion at 1:45 PM. I always attend these times to support them.

Finally, while at the High School today for lunch, I purchased a copy of a book I've wanted for a long time.

Y'ALL VS. US: Thrilling Tales of Mississippi's Hottest High School Football Rivalries

Included in Y'all Vs. Us is an indepth look at the rivalry between Greene County H.S. and George County H.S. While the game is credited with first being played in 1927, the High Schools were Leakesville and Lucedale. Since that time, the schools have consolidated and both are GCHS. The title for the chapter devoted to their rivalry is "The Real GC."

The cheerleaders for both the Rebels and Wildcats taunt one another every year with the cheer "GC what?" which begs the questions: Who is the real GC? The answer is: They both are. The George County Rebels and the Greene County Wildcats are both "for real."

God Has Nothing to Prove

Last night in our Mid-Week service we examined Malachi 1:1-14.

This passage amazes me each time I read it, because in these verses God expresses His love, faithfulness, purity, and sovereignty. In response, the people question his basic character and worthiness of the appropriate sacrifices. After all God had done for His people, they still wanted Him to prove His love for them.

The actions of the Israelites reminds me of my own ingratitude, not only to God, but to my parents.

While in the 8th grade, I experienced bilateral knee surgeries. After the procedures, the medical staff required me to stand in order to begin recovery. However, the pain was almost unbearable. So, I was rather hesitant to cooperate with the physical therapists. At one time, my mother said, "Philip, you are going to have to take a step." In response to her words, I looked at her and said through clenched teeth, "I wish you had my legs!"

As soon as I said those words, I saw my mother's countenance fall. Normally, I would have never said something so hateful or disrespectful. Also, usually my mother would have never allowed me to speak to her in that manner.

Since that day, I have apologized to my mother probably 20-30 times. My mother had spent the night with my in the hospital. She had slept in her clothes in a most uncomfortable chair. Mom and Dad had made sacrifices to pay for the surgery. In response to their love and care, I had nothing but words of disdain.

My parents probably felt a little like God, who had faithfully loved His people and they showed no understanding or appreciation.

Sanctimonious Actions

Malachi 1:1-14

I. They Discounted God’s Love (1-5).

“I have loved you,” says the LORD. “ Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’

II. They Despised God’s Name (6)

III. They Defiled God’s Altar (7-8)

IV. They Disregarded God’s Demands (9-10)

V. They Denied God’s Sovereignty (11-14)


CONCLUSION

God has already done enough to prove that he is worthy of our dedication and honor. So, don't adopt a "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately?" attitude. God has nothing to prove. Just look at the cross and the empty tomb.

You Never Know

While returning from the "Glorieta on the Gulf" Conference this past Saturday, I asked Bro. Jimmy Holcomb, Area Missions Director for the George-Greene Baptist Association, if he had a preaching engagement for Sunday Morning. He answered that he was not scheduled to preach anywhere at the moment. Making an attempt at humor, I grabbed by head and stomach and said, "O, I think my sinuses are starting to act up!" We laughed and he said, "Well, you never know."

About an hour after returning home, I began to experience severe pain. By 4:00 PM, I was in the Greene County Hospital Emergency Room. Unfortunately, I experienced a kidney stone attack. This is the 25th Anniversary of my first attack, which has been followed by several episodes through the years.

I was released from the Greene Co. ER around 11:30 PM. I thought I was feeling a lot better, but, when I awakened Sunday, the pain returned. We contacted my Urologist in Mobile and he suggested we come to the ER at Spring Hill Memorial and he intended to admit me to the hospital. The pain subsided as soon as we headed that direction. I waited in the ER lobby for 2 hours and, then, after seeing the doctor, he could not find a reason to admit me, since I was not in pain. Since Sunday morning, I haven't had any problems.

So, Bro. Jimmy did preach for me. Boo White preached Sunday night. Many members have told me that they both presented great sermons. Many folks have called to check on me. I do appreciate all the concern expressed.

Well, You never know.

Glorieta on the Gulf

Last weekend, I attended the Growing Church Conference at FBC Biloxi, MS. While I came on board late in the game, I was on the conference planning committee. Dionne Williams, Church Development Strategist for the Gulf Coast Baptist Association, was the key leader for the conference. Dionne told me around 700 folks attended. The only downside to the event was that there were so many choices. However, I guess that can be a good problem to have. Some folks from our church attended and stated they felt enriched by the sessions they attended.

I commend Dionne and the committee for their hard work.

Be a Giver—Not a Taker

I once read a book entitled What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. The author stated how he intentionally tried to find out a potential client’s and his family's favorite hobby or past time. Then, he would give a significant gift they would appreciate. That’s how he gained many of his clients.

If he discovered the son of a potential client was a Brave’s Fan, he would buy two box seats to a game involving their favorite team. Many times, the author stated a gift of this kind would win over the client.

While I admit the above mentioned plan may be a great business strategy, that’s not charitable giving. That’s giving "with strings attached."

Jesus stated in Matthew 6: 20 "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."

Christian Charity flows from a heart that is surrendered to God. We recognize that everything belongs to God. We recognize we are poor in spirit. We are spiritually bankrupt. Christian Charity is giving with no strings attached. Give…expect nothing in return.

A Legacy of Giving

We can give today and influence many generations.

I graduated from Calhoun City High School and a personal highlight of going to school was participating in the band. Mr. Plunkett, the band director, took special interest in me and helped me learn to play the Tuba.

While our school was small, we accomplished great things in our band program. We consistently scored "Superiors" at the State Band Competition, In 1981, we marched in Washington, DC for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. In Summer 1982, we were invited to the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. I was the only Tuba player in the band that Summer. Mrs. Pryor, an older lady in town, paid my way, since my family couldn’t afford it. Traveling to Europe was a thrill for this boy from rural Mississippi. I owe a great debt to the Pryors.

In 1994, I was called to serve on staff at Wade Baptist Church. There, I met Andrew Dunn. He was a car dealer in Moss Point for several years—actually, his dealership was in Creole, near the paper plant. As a child he lived around Houston, MS, a short distance from Calhoun City. A tornado hit his family’s home and his father and mother were killed. His sister’s leg was permanently injured. Andrew’s sister spent several weeks in a hospital in Houston, MS. Guess who took care of her expenses? Someone from the same family who donated funds in order for me to go with the band to Austria--The Pryor family. The Pryors were benevolent in 1930s and they were benevolent in the 1980s. Remember, our giving has eternal consequences.

Are you leaving a legacy of giving?

Do your giving while you're living so you're knowing where it's going.--Unknown.

Sunday Caps a Great Weekend (My 300th Post)

Another great day at FBC

Men's Breakfast

We gathered at 8:00 AM for a fantastic breakfast. The men did a great job for the meal. Then, Mike Maloy, Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, gave a great devotion/sermon this morning.

He shared a great idea for prayer meeting. Antioch Baptist is praying through the phone book. Each week they print the names of 5 people from the Leakesville phone book on a bookmark and distribute the cards to their members. They have been doing this since the first of the year. I think that's a super idea.

Morning Service

Christmas in August- We are spotlighting 4 missionaries during this month. We plan to send them a gift card at the end of the month. We are sharing a little about one of the missionaries each Sunday.

Adopt a Student- Boo White, Student Minister, led us in special prayer for our schools. Also, last Wednesday, he and his wife had our students fill out a prayer card that allowed them to record their prayer requests. Then, envelopes were distributed to folks that agreed to pray for them. Forty-two folks agreed to pray for these students. What a blessing!

Gideons- Danny Buckalew was our guest speaker. He shared about the Gideons, which is a Christian Ministry involving the distribution of Bibles. Coach Buckalew, former Head Coach for Richton, MS, was the most interesting Gideon speaker I remember.

Evening Service

Tonight, we completed our preaching journey through Romans. Personally, the process of preaching through this epistle of Paul has been very enriching.

Back-to-School Bash

We enjoyed a great turn-out for our first Back-to-School Bash. Some of the folks who went with us on our Baltimore Mission Trip wanted to do the same type of sports clinics we offered in Maryland here in Leakesville. So, we did.

At 10:00 AM, we started with Wiffle Ball Games scattered throughout the field in front of our church. This was downtown. So, a lot of people saw the kids playing as they drove down Main Street.

After about an hour, the kids came inside for a Martial Arts Demonstration. Some of the children in the performing group were not much older than most of the kids in attendance. It's amazing to see kids only 9 or 10 years old break a board with their hands, feet, or forearms. The kids in attendance were amazed. My son Jared just sat with his mouth open during the entire presentation.

Next, I welcomed the kids and introduced our Student Minister, Boo White. He shared a Bible Story and said a prayer with them. Boo did a super job, as always.

Then, (TWO WORDS) Hot Dogs!!! After the kids ate, they played on a Super Slide from KidsZone, which is owned by Joe Glenn and Allie Sue Errington. We had the inflatable set up in our Activities Building, which was a lot cooler than outdoors. Some of the kids played on our playground.

We registered 45 kids, but we know of 10 children that regularly attend our church that did not sign in. At one time, over 90 kids and adults were in our Activities Building. Most of those present, are prospects for our church. After looking at the registration forms, well over half of the children listed no church affiliation. What a great opportunity for us.

This event was so pleasing to me, since volunteers from our church did the work. I had very little to do with the planning or supervision of the event. During the first hour, I left the church to visit with a grieving family at the funeral home, but, I was never concerned about the operation of the event.

What a blessing to work with such a dedicated and talented group of volunteers.

I love First Baptist Leakesville!!!

High School?

Somebody's getting old. My oldest daughter started High School today. It seems just like yesterday that we drove her home from Providence Hospital in Anchorage, AK to our apartment on Timoty Drive.

Abbey has been a blessing to us. I pray that she will continue to do well in school. Well, I have to wait 8 years for Jared to start High School. Then, Charlee will be two years behind him. Somebody's getting old.

Report from the Perry Family

Michael Perry, former pastor of FBC Leakesville, sent an email yesterday reporting on his wife's surgery. He was thrilled by the doctor's initial assessment. From reports, the surgery went as well as could be expected. This is an answer to prayers. Please continue.

How Many Baptists Does it Take...

Question: How many Southern Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer: 117. Seven on the Light Bulb Task Force Subcommittee, who report to the 12 on the Light Bulb Task Force, appointed by the 15 on the Committee on Committees. Their recommendation is reviewed by the Properties Committee of 5, who place it on the agenda of the 18 member Finance Committee. If they approve, they bring a motion to the 27 member Church Council, who appoint another 12 member review committee. If they recommend that the Task Force proceed, a resolution is brought to the Congregational Business Meeting. They appoint another 8 member review committee. If their report to the next Congregational Business Meeting supports the changing of a light bulb, and the Congregation votes in favor, the responsibility to carry out the light bulb change is passed on to the Deacons, who in turn appoint a 7 member committee to find the best price in new light bulbs. Their recommendation of which Hardware Store has the best buy must then be reviewed by the 23 member Constitution and Bylaws Committee to make certain that chosen hardware store has no connection to Disney. They report back to the Properties Committee who, then commissions the Personnel Committee of 8 in charge of the janitor to ask him to make the change. When the janitor is told to change the bulb, he informs the Committee that he has discovered that another light bulb has burned out. After conferring with the Light Bulb Task Force Subcommittee, the janitor was informed to delay the changing of the original light bulb until the next budget year, since it will be more economical and time efficient to consolidate the two requests. However, the request must follow the same process as the original request.

Prayer Walk on Saturday

Last Saturday, we met at the church at 9:00 AM. Then, we divided and went to the local Elementary School, the Middle School and the High School to pray. Boo and Missy White did a great job in organizing this effort. I appreciate them taking the initiative to perform this important ministry.

The George-Greene Association has regular prayer walks in the schools throughout the county. I talked to Nell Gray who coordinates these intercessory events and she said they will begin at the first of September. I know we will want to participate in these efforts.

Sunday at FBC Leakesville

The day started at 8:00 AM with our Deacons' Meeting. Woody Rustin, Chairman of Deacons, has done a wonderful job of leading us.

At 9:00, the Men's Prayer Time. This time of prayer was begun shortly after I became pastor. There is a group of men who faithfully meet to pray with me each Sunday. This has been an incredible blessing to me and I am sure this has greatly benefited our services.

Also, a group of our ladies meet at 9:00 AM to pray for our services.

At the beginning of Morning Worship, we passed out ballots to nominate men to serve as deacon for three years. Eight men were selected. We will select four from the eight nominated on August 17.

We observed the Lord' Supper in our service. My sermon was Remembering the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross.

After AM Worship, the choir had a meal. Wow, what a spread! Then, the choir listened to two musicals that will be presented in November and December. The first is patriotic in nature and will be presented near Veterans Day. The second is a Christmas musical.

Tonight, I thought we had good attendance. I preached from Romans 15:1-13- "One Heart and One Voice."