A LOOK BACK

2006 was a year that began with change. 2oo5 closed with three big events. Our second grandchild, Samuel, was born the day after Thanksgiving. Shauna and Ben Pilgreen live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where Ben is College Minister at Calvary Baptist Church. Their oldest Elijah is three.

In December, Natalie returned from Russia where she served the International Mission Board as a Journeyman doing Sports Evangelism. She now lives in Louisville, KY where she is in her first year at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary studying missiology.

Katie, our youngest, married Matthew Srickland on New Years Eve of 2005. They live in Gainesville, GA where she teaches 2nd grade at Lyman Hall Elementary School. Matthew is a computer programmer for a company in Duluth, GA

After 26 years in the pastorate I resigned as Senior Pastor of Central Baptist Church in Americus on January 7. I have accepted the position of Ministry Resource Consultant with the Georgia Baptist Convention. My office is in Albany and we will be moving to the area in the near future.

God is good. He is forever faithful. Praise be to God for His goodness.

Lottie Has a Blog

Can you believe it? Lottie Moon has a blog. Yep, you can log on to "lottielives.blogspot.com." Check it out and learn more about the life and heart of one of Southern Baptists greatest heroes.

Thankful To Be A Southern Baptist

I have always belonged to a Southern Baptist Church. There has never been a time when I have wanted to be anything else. We are not a perfect people by any stretch of the imagination. However, like all believers we are being perfected.

We are at that time of year when we are receiving our mission offering for International Missions. We do the same in the spring for North American Missions and in the fall for State Missions.

The offering we are taking during this season was named after one of our most storied missionaries Charlotte Diggs "Lottie" Moon. Miss Moon served in China for over 39 years. She didn't just serve as a missionary, she identified with the people and gave her life in service to her Lord. She only came home when her health prevented her from staying and died on Christmas Eve on board ship bound for the states.

She has become something of a legend to us. But in her time Lottie was anything but an untouchable hero. In fact, she was like today's missionaries. She was a hard-working, deep-loving Southern Baptist who labored tirelessly so her people group could know Jesus.

Over the next weeks children will give their pennies and adults their dollars. Some churches will reach toward a goal of several hundreds of dollars while larger ones will set goals well into the thousands. Last year almost 138 million dollars was given toward a goal of 150 million.

A long time ago before I was even a thought in my parent's mind God gave Southern Baptist leaders a vision for a vehicle through which we could do missions and evangelism around the world and at home. They were convicted that we could do so much more together than we could do on our own.

In 1925 the Cooperative Program was born. Through this cooperative stewardship vehicle, Southern Baptists pool their monies in order to fund mission and evangelistic causes.

I have never been a part of a church that did not give to the Cooperative program. I never interd to be a part of one either. It is not the only way, it may not be the best way, but it is the best I have seen and until someone comes up with a better plan it's the one for me. Dr. J. Robert White, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Georgia Baptist Convention says, "If there were no Cooperative Program we would have to invent something just like it in order to accomplish our mission."

Notherbeau

Notherbeau is a name that I gave to my grandmother years ago because I could not say "mother." I am told that one day I was calling out "beau" (mother) and my mother responded. I was really trying to get my grandmother's attention so I said "notherbeau" (or my other mother).

In those days daycare was at our grandparents house. Those were cool times. Whether playing catch with my granddaddy or going to Mr. Roper's store or fishing, it was a trip. Those were the days my friend.

Notherbeau went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 13, 2006. She was ready. She had been emotionally ready for about 4 years. She had been spiritually ready ever since she was saved.

Most of the family was there as we watched her slip into glory. The Bible says, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on...that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." (Rev. 14:13)

She never learned to drive. My dad was the only one that would even venture to teach her. He said that she put the car in the ditch one time to many and he said he had had enough. I don't exactly know how we will get around in heaven, but I feel pretty confident that she will have no trouble now.

She was a Sunday School teacher that loved the Lord, loved the Bible and loved her class. She visited, called and served faithfully at Walker Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia as long as her body would allow.

She was a prayer warrior. Many times we would visit her and as we walked into the room we would catch her praying. Such was the case in mid-October when Phyllis and I took our youngest grandson Samuel to see her. She held him and talked to him.

Good-bye Notherbeau. Our loss is heaven's gain.

The Greatest Need For the Church Today

When you ask people what they think is the greatest need of the church of the 21st century you get a variety of answers. Some will say "relevance." The church needs to be relevant. No doubt that is a need and no doubt we need to be answering the questions that are being ask, but I do not believe that is the GREATEST NEED. Others will say "compassion" and even a great burden for the lost.

The GREATEST need of the church today is REVIVAL. We will never be as relevant as we need to be until real Holy Ghost Revival stirs the church. We will never have the compassion that the world needs until the Spirit of the Holy One moves in our midst convicting us of sin. We will never have the burden for the lost until we are reminded that we were once lost, undone and dead in our trespasses and sin.

Oh, Lord of Glory, please send REVIVAL.

Two-wheel upgrade

I recently purchased a new bike. Not a Harley, but a Schwinn. This is my second Schwinn in 41 years. As a matter of fact I am in the process of rebuilding that 41 year old bike and hope to have it finished by next summer. I doubt I do alot of riding on it, because quite frankly it will be more "relic" than "ride".

I have to credit my brother-in-law Doug for getting me started back to biking. Now I try to ride at least three to four times a week. By next summer I plan to "Do Jekyll on Two Wheels."

Here's the old and the new.

We Will Never Forget!

Stuart Margel writes:
"Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

"No!", he responded.

"Heading out?" I asked?

"No. I'm escorting a soldier home."

"Going to pick him up? "

"No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq. I'm taking him home to his family."

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American.

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

signed: Stuart Margel -- Washington, D.C.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."

-- Ronald Reagan

[There is an external link with this story. Click on the title "Wearing Red". When the link opens scroll to the picture of the marine and click to open and watch the "audio slide show."]

Life Under the Sun

Do you ever feel like you are running in circles? Is life a drag? Does it seem to have no purpose? If you feel that way, you are probably not alone. A very famous king felt the same way.

I was reading in the Book of Ecclesiastes the other day. To read the book of Ecclesiastes at face value can be depressing. Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, was in one of life's biggest funks. "Life Under the Sun" as he described it can be boring, fleeting, repetitive and empty. Look around you. Observe the lives of others. Watch the cycles of life. If you take a quick glance you will probably agree with Solomon.

However life "under the sun" will never have meaning and purpose until we know the ONE who is above the sun. We will never understand life apart from the ONE who gives it. It is really simple when you think about it. God is not only the creator of life; He is the giver, sustainer and hope of life. He is the only one that can make sense out of it.

Life "under the sun" will never mean much until we know and are in the SON of the ONE. God longs for and has provided a way for us to have a relationship with Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The man known for his wisdom writes, "There is an appointed time for everything...He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1,11).

When you know the SON of the ONE, then life "under the sun" will begin to make sense. "He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life" (1 John 5:12 NASB).

This is the only way life will be FULL and not futile.

GOT LIFE? GET (to know)JESUS!

A New Day For Georgia Baptists

Duluth--The Georgia Baptist Convention formally opened its new headquarters in Duluth on Tuesday, September 12. Duluth mayor Shirley Lasseter, Executive Committee members from across the state, other Georgia Baptist leaders, and the Honorable Sonny Purdue, governor of the state of Georgia, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Georgia Baptist Missions and Ministry Center campus features a 55-foot cross rising out of a lake and a stone replica of the Ten Commandments in the building lobby. The center will be the new home for the convention offices.

The convention moved into the new headquarters in May after spending 31 years at its previous location near Mercer University's Atlanta campus.

"We have a great heritage, but our greatest days are ahead and the most efficient facility possible is needed for these future years," said Dr. J. Robert White, the convention's executive director.

The new headquarters is located on a 43-acre tract at 6405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Over 200 convention employees work in the building.

The Georgia Baptist Convention represents 1,401,525 Georgia Baptists and 3,621 churches.
[The Christian Index]

BAMA BOYS

I heard someone say that, "Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your children." Although there were times that our girls had their moments all in all they were fairly obedient and cooperative. They were a blessing and still are. Yet, grandchildren are great. God has blessed us with two precious grandsons and we hope to have more (hint, hint). Elijah and Samuel live in Tuscaloosa, AL with their parents Ben and Shauna Pilgreen. The only problem I have with that is the distance and the Tide influence. As you can see in the picture the shade of red is wrong. But as long as they love their Mimi and Pops I will try to live with it.

The "Crocodile Hunter"

Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter" died this week from a stingray wound. A LIFE-long friend told how the Crocodile Hunter pulled a deadly stingray barb from his own chest before losing consciousness and dying. Irwin, 44, was filming a television program on the Great Barrier Reef off far north Queensland.

Other reports reveal that Irwin was not as careless as some of the things we have seen him do would make you think. He knew the animals that he worked with and their tendencies. He was careful not to put himself in a dangerous position. I know that is hard to believe when you're dealing with "crocs" and snakes.

Irwin was a trained and experienced professional and the liabilities of his work got him. I have been told that stingrays are not aggressive and that this was a freak accident; and that water creatures were not as familiar to him as land creatures. Yet, people all around us are playing with danger. Internet pornography, dating services and chat rooms. The world is full of snakes, crocodiles and other dangerous creatures ready to snatch life from the most experienced people.

Sin is deadly. A crocodile may take your life, but sin will destroy your soul. A stingray may puncture your heart, but sin will rob your joy. God told Cain, "sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it."

The Bible warns, "be on the alert. Your adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

A Blast From the Past

I met my dad in Macon on Labor Day. The purpose was two-fold. Have lunch together and deliver a package. The package consisted of a set of "stone guards" for his 55 Ford Crown Victoria. Just more embellishments for one of his toys. I arrived a few minutes before he did and was sitting in a rocker at Cracker Barrell when I saw him approaching. He was in another one of his toys, a 63 Covair Monza Convertible. It is a great little ride. The Convair was manufactured by Chevrolet from 1961-1969. Like the VW Bug the engine is in the rear and the luggage compartment in the front. Here are a few of pictures that show dad's Corvair.

WHEN WILL WE GET IT?

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise." Proverbs 20:1

The Bible instructs us not to call anyone a fool (Matthew 5:22). However, some people save us the trouble. Case in point those who consume alcohol in excess. Now I for one am totally opposed to ANY consumption of alcohol. I am a "tee-totaler" to use an old expression. Unfortunately the Bible does not say that you will go to hell for taking a drink. It will just make you act like you are from there.

Mama Gump, in the movie Forrest Gump, said, "Stupid is as Stupid Does." I am sick and tired of hearing and learning of wonderful young people with life ahead of them dying and being killed because of stupid choices. Death is a part of this fallen world and people die. I can accept that. Accidents happen and that is a fact. However, when we make dumb and stupid choices that is a different story.

My Lord Jesus came that we might have abundant life. The prophet Jeremiah writes, "'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11 NASB). Those who "party hearty" and "party hard" run the risk of losing that future.

I just conducted the funeral of a young man whose life was cut short by an accident. Another young man faces legal problems as a result of the accident. Although no one has told me that alcohol was involved, I wasn't born yesterday. When are we going to get it? When are parents going to clean our their refrigerators? When are young people going to realize that they are not invincible? When are we going to live life God's way?

We live in a society that condones, markets and encourages drinking. Billboards promote designated drivers and tell us to "drink responsibly." We can't even live responsibly, what makes us think we can drink responsibly." We talk of "safe sex" meaning, don't get caught and don't get pregnant and don't get STD. We just don't get it. Yeah, Mama Gump was right..."Stupid is as Stupid Does."

Jeremiah goes on, "'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 'And I will be found by you,' declares the LORD."(Jer 29:12-13 NASB).

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. (Psa 122:6 NASB)

What is going on in the Middle East today is a result for the most part of Abraham's sin with Hagar and the resulting birth of Ishmael. Isaac (Jews) and Ishmael (Arabs) have been fighting ever since.

The people of Israel are God's chosen people. He has not "unchosen" them. Even though they have rejected Him time and time again, He still calls them His own. America always honors God when she stands by Israel.

I am not writing to get into the politics of the hour. Neither am I trying to create debate over what is right and what is wrong about the situation presently. What we must do is what the Scriptures say, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem."

How do we do that? Good question.

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem,

Let my right hand forget her cunning.

Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth,

If I remember thee not;

If I set not Jerusalem Above my chiefest joy.

"PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM"

PSALM 122:6

Jesus wept when he heard the news of His friend Lazarus' death. The only other time in recorded Scripture that we find our LORD Jesus Christ weeping is found in The Gospel according to Luke, chapter 19, verse 41, as He beheld the City (Jerusalem),

"AND HE WEPT OVER IT".

Imagine, Our LORD 'WEEPING' over a city, that is, the City of Jerusalem.

Approximately 3,000 years ago GOD Himself chose Jerusalem, Israel as the City to place His Name there. (see: II Chronicles 6:6).

GOD The Father CHOSE Jerusalem (II Chronicles 6:6).
GOD The Son CRIED over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41).
GOD The Holy Spirit CONFIRMED His Word in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4 & Acts 2:1-5).
With these few thoughts from the Word, do you 'wonder' why we find in Psalm 122:6,

"PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM".

WHY SHOULD WE PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM?

What benefit is there in so doing ? That those that love thee shall prosper.

Other links: Dr. Jerry Falwell, Are We Entering WWIII? http://sermons.trbc.org/20060723_6PM.html

VACATION 2006

My brother-in-law calls it the Best Little Island in the World, to most people it is called Jekyll Island and it is our vacation spot. After a 15 year absence we're back and with sons and grandsons, cousins and nieces and of course brothers and sisters. Biking, beaching, sleeping and eating about sums it all up. There was "Driftwood Beach," "Low Country Boil," spoons, mansions and lines at the microwave.

Doug made friends with a local shop owner while costing her a pot of coffee a day. Joe assumed Granny's hobby of reading and word puzzles (only his were numbers). The ladies did the beach thing. Joe and Natalie rode the whole island (I'm not sure Doug is convinced yet.) Phyllis and Lisa counted 160 deer on the golf course. The last I heard the deer were still laughing at how they just kept going in and out of the woods to be counted over and over again. There really were only 15 deer.

Phil and Bai came down for a few days and really enjoyed it. I believe they got bit by the Jekyll bug. They have made plans to come back again next year and bring more with them.

Oh how could I forget this...CAMERAS! Take a look!


Can't wait 'til next year. Mark your calenders for the third week in July at the Shorehouse.

PBPGINFWMY

So you won't blow your mind thinking I don't know how to spell "PBPGINFWMY" stands for "Please Be Patient, God Is Not Finished With Me Yet." Aren't you glad that in many ways there are still improvements to be made and that He hasn't given up on you or cast you aside?

My dad has had a love for classic cars for years. I can remember when I was about 13 he bid on and won a 40 Model Ford Sedan at an auction. I still remember helping him tow it to his shop. Shortly after the renovations began. "Back to the original" was what he had in mind. No suped up retro stuff for Billy Malcom. He would put it back like it was made originally. All Ford parts no matter how long it took.

There were a few Mustangs over the years as well as the 1955 Ford Crown Victoria that he has now. Then there is his latest: a 63 Corvair Monza Convertible. We took a ride in it the other night. The top was down and our hair was blowing in the wind. Okay, so their hair was blowing in the wind.

Jeremiah writes, "For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). God is not finished with any of us. And even though the work of Christ on Calvary is finished and complete, He "is at work in (me) both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

Michaelangelo was standing before a huge rock on day with chisel and hammer in hand. Someone asked him what he was about to do with that rock. He told them he was about to sculpt at horse. They asked him how he would do that and he told them by chiseling away everything that doesn't look like a horse.

When a person enters into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ that is exactly what He begins to do. The Holy Spirit begins to chisel away everything in our lives that does not reflect or resemble the nature of Christ.

An old children's song goes something like this: "God is still working on me to make me what He wants me to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars and Jupiter and Mars, how loving and patient He must be cause He's still working on me."

PBPGINFWMY

Happy Feet and Holy Hearts

It was my privilege recently to be on the receiving end of a concert by the Ugandan Children's Choir of the Royal Junior School and Orphanage in Kampala, Uganda, Africa. They are in the states during the Summer of 2006 spreading the message of Jesus through their music and ministry. They captured my heart.

One of the many things that they reminded me of is that "joy" is not tied to circumstances and material possessions. It is not the byproduct of birth, ancestry or culture. "Joy inexpressible and full of glory" comes from only one place and that is a vital and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ.

From now on when I hear their music and think of them I cannot do it without thinking about "Happy Feet and Holy Hearts." They had both. They sang with conviction. They danced with joy and their faces were aglow with presence of the Lord.

They gave us an opportunity to give so that a new school can be built to house, teach and disciple Ugandan children that the next generation might have hope. I have no doubt that by the time they return to their native land that God will provide their every need.

Deal or No Deal

There's a game show where contestants try to win a million dollars by selecting numbered brief cases containing $ increments from $1 to $1,000,000. The rules are simple. Choose a briefcase. Then as each round progresses, you must either stay with your original briefcase choice or make a "deal" with the bank to accept its cash offer in exchange for whatever dollar amount is in your chosen case. Once you decide to accept or decline the bank's offer, the decision is final.

Contestants are encouraged to ask friends or family in the audience for advice; however, only the contestant's answer will be considered binding and final. Of course, the brief cases are being held by some of the most beautiful women in the world. I wonder if this is a game show or a guy show.

NBC was not the first to come up with this game. People have been playing it for a long time as they gaze into the uncertainty that the world offers and select what they hope will be the answer to their dreams. As people approach life like a slot machine dropping in tokens and hoping for a win and maybe a jackpot. Sometimes their response is yeah baby and at others it is awww! Then they wait on the banker to call.

God offers us the deal of a lifetime. His Son for our sins. His blood for our bondage. Christ's cross for our crime. His death for our life. What a deal!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16).

"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal" (John 6:27).

Jesus...said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." (John 6:29 NASB)

Life Goes On

I just returned from a funeral. There's nothing like a funeral to put life in perspective. There is no doubt about it, we live and we die. However, there is a way to live and a way to die. Jesus said, "I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10). So it is the plan of God for us to have a certain kind of life and that is a life in relationship with Him.

Back to the funeral. The gravesite was located close to the road. During the graveside service a number of cars passed by. Some passed by seemingly oblivious to what was taking place. Others slowed down and perhaps out of respect passed slowly. But as I looked at the family it was obvious that although they were laying to rest a mother, a sister, a grandmother and a friend, that life goes on.

Funerals remind us of our mortality. They remind us that life is temporary. That is life on this plane. They remind us that one day "our number will be up." To some people the grave is the end. Boy are they in for a surprise. To others it is the door into the afterlife, which perhaps to them is some mystical existence of Nirvana. However, to those of us who have been born again by the Spirit of God it is the door into an eternity in heaven with our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I was at the hospital the other day sitting with a family while a family member was in surgery. There were other families in the waiting area. One particular family was sitting behind us passing the time by catching up on news and family stuff. Their mother was having a hernia repaired. Simple routine surgery...or so they thought. Doctors were coming in and out of the waiting area informing families of the results of the surgery and the condition of their family member.

A patient representative came into the waiting area and called this family out. "The doctor would like to speak with you, come with me," she said. They followed her from the room, but when they returned their contenance was different, their walk was different. Shoulders were slumped, faces showed shock and tears were beginning to well up in their eyes. During this "routine surgery" something else was found. Something that could not be repaired. Once again the mortality of life was realized.

To watch people live life today you would think that this world is all there is. People are living life in the fast track. Eternity is way out there. They have plenty of time. Many of them know that's not true, but it is something they can deal with "tomorrow." Well, tomorrow can be sooner than you think.

Immigration

The "hot topic" these days is immigration; more specifically "illegal immigration." I live in South Georgia where the Hispanic population is growing. I am sure that there are some here legally as well as illegally. I am a part of a denomination that is heavily involved in missions and we even support a Hispanic church. I have seen evidence of hard work among this people.

This can be an even hotter issue if our lawmakers do not respond. Action is needed. However, the last thing we need is more laws. What we do need is to enforce those that we have. There are many who are looking for a better life and they know that they can get it here in America.

President Theodore Roosevelt said in 1907:

"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith, becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man be cause of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American... There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language... and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

I must admit that President Roosevelt says it well. I am all for someone making a better life for themselves. I am all for America opening its arms to those who want to become Americans.

I have no problem with Spanish, French or even Portuguese being taught in our schools. Go to another country and they teach English. I have a daughter who spent two years in Russian and speaks the language very well.

English is the language of America and we do not need to forget that. Regardless of where someone comes from they need to learn our language, be subject to our laws and pay taxes along with the rest of us.

I believe there is room in America for people from other lands who want to be AMERICANS.

We must pray for our President and Congress that they will make the right decision and not the political decision.

It's Not About Me!

Atlanta Braves first baseman, Adam LaRoche, was embarrassed recently when on a routine play he was beaten to the bag because he lost focus and was lackadaisical in his effort. Boos and jeers began to ring out from fans in the stands. He was reprimanded and benched by his coach. At his next at bat he turned to the home plate umpire and said, “It feels like I’m standing our here all alone…naked in front of everybody.” By his own admission it “was a mental mistake and just being lazy, and there’s no place for that in this game.”

I think that we all lose focus from time to time. Focus goes a long way in determining our devotion and our desire. Losing focus can be dangerous. Think about the consequences of losing focus while driving or piloting a plane. How dangerous would it be for a doctor to lose focus in the middle of heart or brain surgery.

Paul admonishes us to set our minds on “things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” Some months ago Richard Owen Roberts was a guest in our church. He challenged us not to pray “cheap prayers”, that is, prayers that cost us nothing. We need to pray with the throne in sight. Praying with the throne in sight changes everything, especially our prayers.

God created us for His pleasure and not for ours. IT REALLY IS NOT ABOUT US! But you know we still make it about us. I was listening to myself pray recently when I was convicted of how selfish my prayer was and that even in my praying it was about me and about what God could and I needed Him to do for me. That wasn't prayer that was a "gimme session." When I pray that way I simply do not focus on God, but I put the focus on me.

The Bible says that I am created for His pleasure and my attitude should be, “Lord, what’s Your pleasure?” He is pleased when we seek His pleasure. That means we are not in it for what we can get out of it or what it does for us, but what does God get out of it. Since we are “His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works” and since we are products of His grace who were at one time lost, hopeless and undone sinners that by His marvelous grace were rescued, redeemed, and reconciled it would be appropriate (and it is way past time) for us to repent, and ask Him to forgive us for our arrogant, selfish and self satisfying attitudes.

I am constantly amazed at how the Christian community approaches church these days. Although the Bible is not specific on how often we meet and at what time we meet it does define that we are to meet and when we meet we have a responsibility to be present.

Excuses abound from being tired, to needing to spend more time with family, to not getting anything out of it or even I just choose not to come. When a Christian deliberately chooses not to assemble when the body has chosen to assemble they are in violation of the Word of God.

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near” (Heb 10:23-25 NASB). What is that verse saying?

• It is saying that we are to show steadfast faithfulness.
• It is saying that we are to be encouragers to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
• It is saying that when the body gathers we have a responsibility to be present (esp. in the days we are living in.)

When we worship He is an audience of ONE who deserves and is worthy of our highest praise. Our focus is to be on Him and Him alone.

We can learn alot from Mr. LaRoche. He admitted his mistake. He felt remorse for his actions or lack of them. He said that he deserved what he got. I don't know much of anything about Mr. LaRoche's spiritual condition, but I do know that in his words with the press he seemed to be showing one of the things that God is always looking for...HUMILITY.

"He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 NASB)

Here's To You Mom

One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem at his house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the back yard.

Proceeding into the kitchen, he found an even bigger mess. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing.

He quickly headed down the hall, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel.

He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?"

She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and ask me what in the world I did today?"

"Yes" was his incredulous reply. She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it."

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

American Idols

Much of America is caught up once again in the TV show American Idol. Several months ago 80,000 hopefuls began the journey. By their own admission they want to be the next “American Idol.”

Beloved, there is something or someone in and around you that is vying for the place of “idol” in your life. It can be a person or an interest. It might be a hobby or a sport. It can happen quickly. It can occur subtly. Most of the time it happens gradually. And often it slips in unnoticed. Regardless, an idol is still and idol and idolatry is sin. An idol is anything (and I mean anything) that rivals with Holy God for our affection. God will have no rivals. He is a jealous God.

God says, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…” (Ex. 20:4-5).

Idols will fail you. According to the Bible “they have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. They cannot make a sound with their throats. Those who make them are just like them, as are all who trust in them” (Psa. 115:5-8).

Determining who your idol is may have a lot to do with who the judges are. There are three possibilities: ourselves, others or God. Remember, if your judge is anyone other than God, you're performing life for the wrong person.

The Bible says, "Now therefore, put away the foreign gods which are in your midst, and incline your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel" (Joshua 24:23). “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…” (1 Pet 3:15) Jesus never fails. He is “the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8).

Katie's Big Day

Congratulations Katie ...

Our youngest daughter, Katie, graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University on May 6, 2006 with a Batchelor of Science in Education. She will begin her teaching career in the fall. College has been quite a journey for Katie. She began her experience at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA as did her older sisters. When she began we all thought that would be where we would be attending commencement excercises. That was not the case. The Lord had other plans that we could not see then, but are clearer now.

After one year at Liberty, she came back to Georgia to enroll in Truett-McConnell College in Cleveland. Ironically this is where her mom and I met. Katie would graduate from TMC. She would also live in Gainesville with her aunt and eventually meet Matthew Strickland. They were married on New Year's Eve of 2005.

May 6 brought to a completion an interesting but successful journey. Now it's time to go to work. Welcome to the real world honey.

National Day of Prayer, May 4, 2006
America, Honor God

The National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. The observance of the National Day of Prayer is founded on the constitutional rights of freedom of speech and freedom of religion and can be celebrated by all Americans. President Ronald Reagan amended the law in 1988, designating the first Thursday of May each year as the NDP.

2006 National Day of Prayer
Perhaps never before has there been a greater need for prayer in our nation than right now! And our prayer must be of greater fervency than ever before. While we have been “praying” in recent years, the spiritual condition of our nation, our churches, and our families has been in decline. Great uncertainties seem to be crying out for real answers. Therefore, let us pray ardently until God responds and sends a mighty revival to us and our land.

On May 4th, 2006 we will be called to a National Day of Prayer (NDP) that offers us a crucial opportunity for such prayer. Much preparation must precede this corporate calling to prayer. The entire people of God must participate together in sincerity and passion. And we must not be content with anything less than a great revival! This is what God desires, and it is up to us to respond to His heart for our day.

Begin now to pray throughout the year, and encourage others to do the same. With your help we can experience together the great and mighty wonders of God again in our nation.

His servant and your friend,
Dr. Henry T. Blackaby

Crossbearing

And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. (Luke 9:23-24 NASB)

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. (Luke 14:26-27, 33 NASB)

Cross bearing is a choice and it is a daily choice. In the early days of the church many gave their lives for the sake of the gospel. Picture a man with a cross beam across his back, both hands and arms lashed to the beam. He is on a one-way trip to the gallows. He is not coming back. He cannot scratch his nose. He cannot reach his wallet. He cannot grasp anything in his hands. He can do nothing for himself. He is being led to death.

Jesus says that if we are going to follow Him we must first of all deny ourselves. That means we must come to the end of ourselves. Our entire life revolves around His life. Beloved, if we are not careful we can come to the place that we think that everything should revolve around us. My life, my church, my way and my satisfaction rather than His life, His church, His way and His satisfaction. Then we take up our cross DAILY and follow Him. And by the way we don't choose where He leads, we follow even to death.

Beloved, crossbearing may just lead to that in the coming days. Real discipleship calls for sacrifice for HIs name's sake. Crossbearing is a daily choice.

Is there something (or someone) that is keeping you from undying commitment to Jesus Christ? Jesus says if that is the case you can't be My disciple, because if something or someone means more to you than I do you can't be my disciple.

Here is the question. Do I love my life more than I love Jesus?

Passover Seder

Sunday, April 9, 2006
Led by Rev. Doug Merck

It Is Well With My Soul

My sin - oh the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!"

That is a glorious thought for me. Yet it is more than a thought...it is a glorious reality that my sin has been forgiven and removed as far as the east is from the west. The Psalmist writes, "How blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered!" (Psalm 32:1).

Have you come into the glorious reality of having your sins forgiven? When God forgives sin, He also removes guilt which can be as devastating to the conscious as sin can be to the soul.

Jesus died on Calvary so that you and I could live for eternity. He gave His life so that we could live. This Easter would you consider giving your life to Him?

To understand how log on to cbcamericus.org and click on the link "How To Be Saved."

Have a blessed Easter.

Easter 2006

What is going through your mind and heart as a believer as we approach Easter? Are you thinking about the cross and His suffering? Are you giving thanks for your salvation? Is your mind looking ahead to the celebration of Easter morning when we celebrate the fact that HE LIVES and BECAUSE HE LIVES you can LIVE also? To many this week means different things. Eggs and bunnies overshadow life and victory. New clothes are more important than NEW LIFE. Religion overrules relationship. Speaking of salvation, when were you saved? What were the circumstances? How old were you? Who did God use to bring you to Christ? If you had to grade your progress since salvation on a scale of 1 to 10 how far have you come? If God were to grade you what would He say? Some people come to Christ because they come to an understanding that they are lost, they need to be saved and they make a decision to accept Christ, because it is the right thing to do. However, beyond that decision not much more has happened except to exist and call themselves a Christian. This person seems to be always looking for what God can do for them. Does this describe you? Others experience a crisis in life and seek the Savior. The motivation here is not altogether out of love for Christ as it is to be rescued from a bad set of circumstances. It is a cry for help and many times they continue to cry for help. Do you fit here? Then there are those who have come to the end of themselves, conviction has gripped their heart and confession of sin has poured from their lips. They have a deep love for the Savior, because they understand that only because of His grace and mercy are they saved "and that not of themselves." Many of these have the attitude, "though He slay me, I will hope in HIm." "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives."

Family

Ours is a blessed family. Our daughters are grown and away from home. Shauna and Katie are married. Natalie recently returned home from Russia. Phyllis and I continue to serve Central Baptist Church in Americus, GA.

Shauna and Ben (Pilgreen) live in Tuscaloosa, AL where Ben is Minster to College Students at Calvary Baptist Church. Shauna is a free lance writer doing most of her work with LifeWay Christian Resources. Elijah and Samuel are our grandsons. Except for the fact that they are under the influence of Crimson Tide fans, they have everything going for them. Elijah knows who Hairy DAWG is and can say Go DAWGS. So there is hope.

Natalie lives in Gainesville and is seeking God's will on a job. She hopes to teach next year somewhere in North Georgia. She spent the last two years doing Sports Evangelism in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Katie is married to Matthew Strickland and they live in Gainesville, GA. Matthew is a systems engineer for a computer company. Katie will be teaching in the fall.

My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psa 73:26 NASB)