Sunday, November 30, 2008

Morning Prayer Time

This morning we had one of the largest group of men we've seen for the early prayer time. These men will never know how much I appreciate their support, evidenced by their prayers. Also, the ladies gather for prayer.

Morning Service

The choir shared a great Call to Worship this morning. The anthem the choir sang was energetic and really ushered in the Christmas Season. God has blessed FBC with a super choir.

Advent Observance

In the churches I attended as a child and teen, Advent was never celebrated. However, I believe the symbolism helps guide us to focus on the Christmas Story and the many Old Testament Prophecies the birth of Jesus fulfilled.

Prophecy is rooted in preaching, the spoken word of God. From the beginning of the Bible, God used Men to write of the coming of a Savior, a redeemer, the Messiah. While the message of the prophets was foretelling, the consistent truth that runs throughout all prophecy is “God keeps His promises.” As we light the candle of prophecy, we are reminded God has made many promises to His children and he will keep each one of them. This morning, the Bible prophecy read concerning Jesus is found in Isaiah 11:1-5.

Proud of my Alma Mater

I graduated from Calhoun City High School in 1983. So, I am a Wildcat!

Last night, the 'Cats won the North State 1A Football Championship. They will be playing Puckett High for the State Championship at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson. The game will be Friday at 2:30 PM. Go City!!

There is a sign posted at the entrance of Puckett, MS that has always amused me. The placard says, "Home of 300 friendly people and a few ole sore heads." Now, that's a community that has a realistic view of itself. Also, I'm afriad some of those "sore heads" have children and grandchildren on the football team. Puckett destroyed their opponent to win the South State Championship.

My 400th Post: Christmas Tree Tradition

We have always decorated our Christmas Tree the day after Thanksgiving. We have a small Nativity scene that we have had since we were married. It's always the main feature of our Christmas decorations.This year our neighbor Ashton helped us with the tree.

I love driving into the driveway and seeing the lights on the tree through the window. My prayer is that this will be an especially worshipful Christmas for my family.

A Black Friday for Sure

Well, sadly, Black Friday appears to be appropriately named. I am appalled by what happened at a Wal-Mart in New York. A man was killed by a frenzied mob rushing in to buy discounted televisions and other entertainment devices. As he lay dying on the floor, people just stepped over him.

My father-in-law witnessed the same type of chaos at his local Wal-Mart. He was the first in line for a X-Box 360. When they were allowed to go in, a rush of people pinned a young lady to a pallet. My father-in-law was busy trying to help her and keep her from being crushed. Someone literally leaped a shopping cart to grab the last one. He didn't get the video game unit, but he came away so distressed he could barely breathe.

Why can people be so mean and selfish? In the Bible, James write the answer to this question.

Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.--James 4:1-3, NKJV

I made it to a GameStop about 30 miles from my house by 9:15. That was early enough. I bought a used PlayStation 2 for my son. I'm not going to risk my life for an entertainment device.

Evaluating This Year's Turkey

The turkey I smoked was good, but, to me, not as good as last years. I did two things different than last year.

First, in 2007, I brined the turkey, which is soaking the bird in salt for several hours. This created the most moist turkey I've ever tasted. This year I injected the creole butter, instead of brining. The bottle instructs that the injected creole butter takes the place of the brining process. The meat was a lot less moist this year. Brining must make the difference.

Second, in 2007, I smoked the turkey for 5 hours and finished him in the oven on low heat. This year, I put the bird on for 10 hours, as directed by the package 45 minutes per pound. When I went to take Mr. Tom off the smoker at 5:15 AM, he came completely apart. The bones were incredibly soft. When I carved the turkey, I didn't have to cut the wings or the drumsticks away. They just fell off. I think I cooked the bird too much.

Conclusion, this year's turkey had great hickory smoked flavor, but was a little dry. I'll take note for next year.

Happy Thanksgiving

I am grateful to God for all the many obvious and sometimes overlooked blessings in my life. I am a blessed man.

Terri's parents came over today. We had a great lunch. I took my turkey off the smoker at 5:15 AM after 10 hours. The kids had fun playing outside in the perfect temperatures.

The menu: Turkey, Ham, Cornbread Dressing, Chickn 'n Dumplins, Sweet "Taters", Green Beans, Copper Pennies (Carrots), Yeast Rolls, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin, and, "washed down" with Ice Tea.

Thankful for My Smoker

The turkey is smoking. I placed the 12.5 pound bird in my Brinkman Electric Smoker at 7:15 PM. One of the deacons at FBC gave me some green hickory sticks I am using. The hickory smoke smells so good.

Based on the weight of the turkey, the total cooking time should be around 10 to 12 hours. There is a water pan in the smoker that, when filled, helps keep the meat moist. I injected Creole Butter Injectable Marinade into the turkey. The outside of the bird is seasoned with lemon pepper. Also, I placed apple and orange quarters inside the turkey's cavity.

I can't wait to taste it. Hopefully, it will equal last year's bird.

Thankful for FBC Leakesville

As we come to the end of November, I am thankful to God for a wonderful month of ministry. I've included some pictures of two significant events in our church.

The Patriotic Musical the choir presented during Veterans Day Weekend was marvelous. We honored 30 veterans during one of the songs. Seeing this large number of men and women standing down front was magnificent.

The Community Block Party on Saturday, November 15 was a great success in terms of receiving great cooperation from local churches and organizations. Read more about it here.

Thankful for Beautiful Voices

Last night, we observed our Mid-Week service. This gives folks an opportunity to spend more time with their families the night before Thanksgiving. Also, the children practiced for their Christmas Musical, which they will present this Sunday Night at 6:00 PM. It would be difficult to get many children to come tonight, since many families are traveling to relatives.

The children rehearsed in the sanctuary and the adults met in the choir room. While we were praying, the children were singing "Gloria, In Excelsis Deo." Their voices were so beautiful and free and innocent. My heart smiled as I heard them.

Selina Smith directs the children. She has a great ministry to our children. I can't wait to hear the musical!

Cold Eggs and Warm Hearts

Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975), The Lord Is My Shepherd, 1926

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20, KJV).”

Many years ago, a farmer’s wife, Nell, prepared breakfast for her husband. Upon completing the eggs, she yelled, “Eb! Breakfast is ready!” Eventually, Eb shuffled into the room and sat at the table. Silently, he admired the breakfast feast his wife had prepared. “Well, don’t just sit there. Let’s eat, I’ve got to be at the beauty parlor in 25 minutes,” Nell barked. She frantically served her plate and began eating. “Aren’t we forgetting something?” Eb asked. “What?” Nell mumbled through a mouthful of food. “The prayer," he exclaimed. Nell rolled her eyes and said, “O.K. Well, make it quick.”

Eb began, “Dear God, I thank you for this wonderful breakfast…” “Amen!!” Nell interrupted and resumed eating. “Nell, I’m not finished,” Eb admonished his wife. “Hang on for just a little while.” Unhappily, Nell stopped.

Eb continued his prayer, “Dear God, I want to thank you for all of this breakfast. “First, I want to thank you for our cow, Elsie, who provided us with the milk in the biscuits and in the butter.”
Nell became increasingly agitated as he continued. “I don’t want to forget to thank you for the chickens that laid these eggs. Also, I want to thank you for the hog we killed that provided us with the fine smelling ham.”

Nell’s blood pressure continued to soar as Eb pressed on, “Lord, I want to thank you for the folks that built our new refrigerator. Thanks for allowing me to have a good crop this year so I could pay for it.” Nell gripped the table, as if she was about to explode.

Finally, Eb closed his prayer by saying, “And, God, thanks for giving me such a wonderful wife. Nell has been so faithful to me.” As Nell heard Eb’s kind words, she became less agitated. “I appreciate all the fine things she does for me. She gave me some of the most wonderful children. She even cooked this breakfast in spite of her bad back. Again, God we are grateful for all of your blessings. In the name of Jesus, AMEN.”

Following the prayer, Nell was speechless. She looked at Eb lovingly as he took a bite of his eggs. Then, Eb said, “I’m sorry Nell. I guess I prayed too long. The eggs are cold.” In a tender voice, Nell said, “Honey, that’s O.K. It’s better to have cold eggs than to have a cold heart.”

Turkey Moved to Fridge

Well, we meant to take the turkey out of the freeze earlier, but we didn't. So, a few minutes ago, I placed it in the refrigerator. I've done some surfing and discovered the turkey should be placed in the fridge 3 to 5 days before cooking. Well, we're behind. However, if it's not completely thawed late Wednesday, I'll put it in the sink and run cold water over it.

I plan to smoke the bird in my Brinkman Electric Smoker. Last year's turkey turned out great. Hopefully, it will be the same this year.

Terri's parents are coming to our house on Thanksgiving Day. I'm looking forward to being home with the family.

Thankful for the Rain

Currently, it is raining cats and dogs and catfish. We have really needed the rain. We are under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.

I signed up for weather alerts on Weather.com several weeks ago. I receive emails and text messages whenever severe weather is approaching. That's a nice service.

Thankful for My Children

Jared spent the night with his friend Garrett last night. I really missed him.

I am thankful for my kids. They are a blessing. They make me smile. They are a reminder that God is gracious.

Thankful for the Lord's Day

The morning started with an increased attendance to our Men's Prayer Time at 9:00 AM. It is so encouraging to have a group of faithful men gathering to pray for the services.

Bible Study and Worship attendance was down slightly. However, there was still a larger number of folks than a year ago. We had several guests in the morning service. We had someone join the fellowship of our church.

The choir sang a meaningful medley of songs related to thankfulness. Selina's Children's Sermon was classic. She did a great job interacting with the children and getting their responses to her "I Am Thankful for..." List. However, some of the kids were "answer" happy today. I love children!

Tonight, Dennis Cochran preached an incredible message on the "The Greatest Thanksgiving Ever" based on Revelation 5. The "Greatest Thanksgiving Ever" has not yet occurred, but, when we all gather in heaven and worship the Lamb of God, that will be the real Thanksgiving Day.

Several students from First United Methodist Church in Lucedale came and worshipped with us tonight. One of their youth workers, Lee Jones, has been a friend of mine for a long time. It was good to see him.

Having the students with us added to the atmosphere for a great time of worship.

Several Children were present for Children's Choir and Bible Drill. The children will practice Tuesday night at 7:00 PM. They will present their musical next Sunday Night. I can't wait.

Mid-Week Service

Tonight, the children were in the sanctuary practicing for their Christmas Musical on Nov. 30 at 6:00 PM. The adults met for prayer meeting in the choir room. As we were praying, the children were singing "Gloria In Excelsis Deo." It was beautiful. I can't believe Thanksgiving and Christmas are almost here.

The youth had chili for their Wednesday Night Supper. I was given some of the leftovers. One of the fringe benefits/detriments of being a pastor. It was delicious.

Family Dedication

This morning 5 families dedicated children to the Lord. Several guests were in the worship service to support the families. Praise God for children. They are a blessing.

Community Block Party

While it was a cool and windy day, we had a great day demonstrating to the community that we care for them.

The wind did not inhibit the children from having a great time on the inflatable. Bro. Jimmy Holcomb had a brisk business serving FREE Hot Dogs. Covenant's Hot Chocolate was a welcomed warm gift.

Many folks registered at our booth and many of them are prospects for our church. We painted faces and styled "crazy hair" for many of the kids.

The churches and organizations that helped with the event were:

Antioch Baptist
Cedar Grove Baptist
Covenant Baptist
First Baptist Leakesville
First United Methodist Leakesville
Heritage Baptist
Baptist Student Union, Jone County Junior College
New Covenant Ministires
Kids Zone
Greene County Sheriff Department
Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
United Blood Services

The City of Leakesville provided generators. The Alternative School allowed us to use electricity. Bruce Duiett allowed us to park the Stage/Trailer on his property. Jack Brewer allowed the Blood Mobile to park on his property.

Boo White, FBC Student Minister, was a great help. Susanne Rustin, Ministry Assistant, helped prepare the materials we distributed.

Cedar Grove Baptist and Heritage Baptist were represented by a Student Praise Band. They did an awesome job. This was their first outdoor "gig." Jamie and Kandie Hamm sang several songs. Also, New Covenant Ministries provided music for us.

Also, thanks to those who donated blood. United Blood Services was pleased with the number of donors who participated.

The Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife set up an interactive hunting video game in the Activities Building. This was a popular activity.

We distributed several CD's that includes a gospel presentation by Rick Warren.

The George-Greene Baptist Association provided excellent support for the event. Bro. Jimmy Holcomb first planned Community Block Parties in this area many years ago. We draw from his success.

As pastor, I am so thankful for the FBC members who volunteered to help with this event. I pray that we will become known as a Church for the Community.

Journey from the Threshing Floor

Last month, during the Mississippi Baptist Convention, Mickey Dalrymple, current MBC President, preached during the opening session. He shared a touching story about his family background. Bro. Mickey is from Northern Alabama. A distant cousin of his committed a violent crime that rocked the community. As a consequence of the horrific event, the family name was defiled. As a child, many times he could hear people whisper as he passed, “He’s one of those Dalrymples."

Even though he came from a humble and challenging background, Mickey Dalrymple has been used by God to pastor Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS. The church is thriving under his leadership.

Last Sunday, I preached a message based on Judges 6:11-24. When I read Gideon's excuse for not serving as delivery for Israel, I think of how God has used many men from non-ideal backgrounds. Gideon said to the Angel of the Lord, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” God has a habit of using the "least" to accomplish great things.

As you read Judges 6:11-24, observe the change in Gideon's commitment.

I. The Appearance of the Angel of the LORD (11-14)

1. A Surprising Commendation (11-12)

And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!”

2. A Stinging Complaint (13)

Gideon said to Him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us?

3. Shocking Command (14)

Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”

II. The Apprehension of Gideon (15-16)

1. A Shriveling Confidence (15)

I am the least in my father's house.

2. A Stabilizing Comfort (16)

And the LORD said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.”

III. Affirmation of God (17-24)

1. A Startling Confirmation (17-21)

Then the Angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in His hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire rose out of the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. And the Angel of the LORD departed out of his sight.

2. A Stirring Comprehension (22-24)

Now Gideon perceived that He was the Angel of the LORD. So Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For I have seen the Angel of the LORD face to face.”

Conclusion

In the Bible, God used elderly Abraham, stuttering Moses, enslaved Joseph, adulterous David, lying Peter, and former Anti-Christian Terrorist Paul. If he can use these folks, what's you're excuse for not allowing God to use you.

Thank You Veterans

While serving as a chaplain in Daphne, AL at Mercy Medical, I met a man who had served in World War II. As I try to do as often as possible, I said, "Thank you for your service to our country." He began to cry. Then, he said, "That's the first time anyone has ever said that to me."

After that experience, I have become even more intentional in saying thank you to those who have served our nation. Americans owe a great debt to all men and women who have served in the branches of the United States Military.

Many Veterans do not discuss their combat experiences because they believe the true heroes are those who were killed in the line of duty. However, I say they are all heroes.

If the Lord Wills,…

13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” --James 4:13-15, NKJV

The language we use indicates what we love.

The Hit

Only two football numbers have been retired at Ole Miss. This means that, as a tribute to these players’ accomplishments, no player is allowed to wear their numbers. The two men that have received this reward are Archie Manning (#18) and Chucky Mullins (#38).

On October 28, 1989, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss were playing on the Rebels’ Homecoming. Brad Gaines, fullback for Vanderbilt, caught a short pass. Chucky Mullins lowered his head for the tackle and hit the Vandy player in the back. Chucky Mullins fell to the ground and never moved. Unfortunately, Chucky Mullins would never move most of his lower body again. The hit caused severe damage to his spine and he was paralyzed instantly.

Mullins was in the hospital in Memphis for several weeks. President. George H. Bush visited him once. A fund was set up and over a Million Dollars was raised in his honor. A house was built for him in Oxford. Confined to a wheelchair, he returned as a student to Ole Miss in June 1990. He was able to attend football games in the Fall of 1990. He died in May 1991.

As a player, Chucky was known as guy who was smaller than most, but he played with a lot of heart. He dreamed of playing in the SEC and he worked hard to accomplish that goal.
In 2006, Chucky Mullins’ number was retired. A special bust of him was placed at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium with just two words in large letters on the base of the pedestal: “Never Quit.”

“If the Lord wills,…”

The verse stated earlier instructs us to remember nothing is done unless it is God’s will. James mentioned men who bragged about what they were going to do, without recognizing life is fragile. There’s no guarantee anyone will live tomorrow. These business men James addressed said arrogantly, “I’m going to set up business in a local town and I’m going to get rich.” Well, James says, you need to add, “If it’s the Lord’s will” to any proposed plans. Life is illusive and unpredictable.

So, today, remember whatever you plan to accomplish will only be done "if the Lord wills."