It Happened One Fall

It was the fall of 1962.  It was the time of the Cuban Missle Crisis.  Marilyn Monroe was found dead.  John Glenn orbited the earth and believe it or not the Beatles were turned down by Decca Records.  I am sure much more took place that year, but one thing is sure a "dead" nine year old boy was made alive in Christ by the grace of God. 

The journey had started that summer.  I was blessed to be born into a family that believed in God, loved His Word and trusted in His Son.  Back in those days the church was the center of social life in the community.  Everything revolved around church it seemed.  I thought everyone went to church. 

As fall rolled around several of my friends had made public their decision to trust Christ.  I had not.  As a matter of fact the reason I had not is because I had not trusted Christ.  Oh, I had been encouraged to "join the church," but (and I don't remember why) I had not. 

I remember this one Sunday when I came to the point of wanting to do something about it.  On the way home from church, sitting in the back seat of a Pontiac I told my parents that I wanted to be saved.  When we got home my mom and dad talked with me, we prayed and then called the preacher.  We arranged to meet him later that afternoon before the evening church activities. 

As I sat in the office with my pastor, he took his Bible and explained to me how to be saved.  Old Bible verses that I had learned as a "Beginner" and "Sunbeam" began to come to life.  We went down that Roman Road right in the middle of Monroe, GA and there that afternoon I trusted Christ as my Savior. 

Preacher...Get Out of The Way

My friend, Ken Jenkins, tells the story of a church where on the wall just behind the pulpit is a picture of Jesus.  One Sunday the preacher was late getting to the pulpit.  Why?  I don't know?  A deacon might have delayed him.  One of his children might have delayed him.  He might have fallen asleep in his office.  That's another blog entry.  He was late, okay!

A little boy was sitting with his mother in church.  The little boy leaned to his mom and asked, "Where is the man that stands in front of Jesus?"  Ouch!  Preacher, do you stand in front of Jesus?  One day we will stand facing Him, but today if we are not careful we can just get in His way.  Preacher...get out of the way.

Over the years that I have pastored I have to wonder how many times did I get in His way.  How many times did I ascend the steps of the pulpit, stand behind the sacred desk and just "flesh it up real good?"  I know I did, because I know me.

"Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?"  But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."  Then he permitted Him.  After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:13-17)

Did you hear that?  Did you listen well enough to see that?  Simply put had John not baptized Jesus he would not have seen God's acknowledgement of the Son nor heard God's announcement of the Son much less allowed those present to see Jesus, "the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world."  And that beloved is our job every time we stand to preach the blessed Word of God.  It is all about Him!

Vance Havner writes, "So, no matter what the theme or text, we are really considering him, for by him all Scripture consists. Satan will go to any lengths to keep you from considering the Lord. If he can put you to riding the hobby of a favorite doctrine; if he can get you to look back at yesterday's failures, or ahead to tomorrow's dreads, or around at the array of circumstances or within at your own weakness and poverty—anywhere but looking unto Jesus—then he is satisfied. And remember that he has many masks and will come so like an angel of light that you are scarcely aware at first that you are not considering Christ."

John the Baptist said, "I must decrease that He might increase."  I must get out of the way so that people can see that He is the Way.  There is nothing about me worth seeing.  There is nothing about me worth hearing.  The only thing that I have worth saying has to do with Him.  It's all about Him. 

South Georgia Blizzard

It doesn't do this often.  Quite frankly in the 22 years we have lived in either Camilla or Americus I would not need the fingers on both hands to count.  SNOW and "inches" of it.  Two inches with drifts to 4/5 started accumulating on Friday (2/12).  It is just before noon on Saturday and it is already melting.  Ten years ago we were in a tornado now a "blizzard."  Yeah, I know anywhere north of the Georgia line you have to be busting gut reading that I would call this a blizzard, but just sayin.  Here are some pics.

Intimidation, Indignation and Insolence

Far too often these days I have had a conversation with a pastor who has been threatened by a church leader, accused of something trivial and even asked to leave.  More times than not it is not over a theological, moral or character issue.  Many times entrenched church patriarchs and/or matriarchs feel their power slipping away and have to do something. At other times weak church leaders have been backed into a corner by those who won't speak up themselves but need someone else to do their ungodly bidding for them. These are days when churches and members focus on preferences rather than convictions and many times they get the two confused. How is that possible? Well, flesh can do that rather easily. Remember too, flesh can only produce more flesh.

I have talked to pastors who have been opposed for such things as "not listening," and "being disrespectful."If this is true in the life of the minister repentance is a must.  However, sometimes that means...we can't find anything really to accuse you of so we'll just make something up because we don't like you.  Your sermons convict us of sin, expose our iniquity and basically you challenge us to change and we like things just the way they are.

10 Years Later

On February 14, 2000 two category 3 tornados ripped through Mitchell County, GA with winds of 152 to 208 mph cutting swathes over 10 miles long and 300 yards wide.  I know because along with my wife and our youngest daughter we just made it to our "safe place" before it ripped through the living room of our house breaking windows, removing the roof and scaring us half to death.  "Hunkered down" under a mattress and with the hand of God holding it down we emerged unscathed about two minutes later to be met in the yard by a neighbor in whose home we spent the rest of the night.

At the time I was pastor of Camilla's First Baptist Church having served there since 1987.  Our two oldest daughters were students at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA and our youngest was a sophmore in high school. 

Much has happened since that night.  Most of what we lost has been replaced because it was just "stuff."   There were sleepless nights, long days and much cleanup and recovery to follow.  I saw a community come together because it had to.  I saw racial lines blurred as people worked together like never before.  God did some incredible things in those days, weeks and months that followed.

Thank You Pam Tebow

Today is Super Sunday (...of course for the Christian, every Sunday is Super Sunday).  They play a football game today to determine who is champion for the NFL this season.  I am a football fan.  I prefer college to pro, but I like football.  However, one cannot overlook the fact that the whole thing has gotten out of hand.  The "circus" that is the Super Bowl began over a week ago.  It has been analyzed, broken down, and discussed.  Former champions have been interviewed and given their "take" on the game.  One sports channel has replayed about every previous Super Bowl played.

The big news this year surrounds the Super Bowl Ads, specifically one in particular.  Focus on the Family purchased and produced an ad that tells the incredible story of Tim Tebow, from the University of Florida and his mom.  All kinds of pro-choice groups have come out asking CBS not to air the commercial. To CBS's credit they will play the ad. 

A Colorado Christmas

When our middle daughter, Natalie, suggested that instead of gifts this Christmas we take a family trip I think everyone sort of said, "What?" before agreeing it was a great idea.  So on December 28 we all met in Loveland, CO at Embassy Suites for 4 days of family fun. 

Monday night was a time of unwinding from flights and driving before climbing to 8,000 ft ABSL into the Rocky Mountain National Park for a day of sledding and snow fun.  Most of the kids and grandkids did the sledding thing while Mimi and Pops hung out in the "warming hut" babysitting.  I know...tough job, but someone has to do it.  We did make one run down the hill.

Don't Be Impressed With The Wrapping

The spring before I turned 16 my dad helped me buy my first car, a 1957 Chevrolet 210. It was a steal for the low, low price of $150. It was a project. I had great aspirations of a new paint job, upholstery, mag wheels and wide white letter tires. Dad was even buying into it.

When my birthday rolled around and I went for my drivers test, the car would not start. I think we had to replace a generator. I did drive the 57 during the summer, but I do not remember if I ever drove it to school. If I did it was not for long. As fall rolled around my dad came home one day with another car, a 1964 Chevrolet Impala 2 door coupe. It was awesome. There was one problem. Although it was great to look at, it had internal problems. It leaked oil. I think in the 8-10 months that I owned the car I might have driven it for a total of 6 weeks. It was in and out of the shop.

A Cushman for Christmas?

As a kid Christmas was always an adventure.  My dad is the ultimate Santa Claus.  He had as much fun surprising us as he did being surprised himself.  Dad owned and operated a small engine business in Monroe, GA.  When Christmas rolled around each year bicycles, motor scooters and go carts were the main goods that were targeted for Christmas gifts in his shop. 

I don't know how many of you remember the Cushman motor scooter (not motor cycle), but he sold a boat load of them during my childhood.  If you lived in Monroe, GA in the 60's and you were named Adcock,Brown, Malcom or Peters there is a good chance that you owned a Cushman at some time. The picture in this blog is of one that he has reaquired and refurbished in recent years. He sold this scooter originally and found it years later.  Many of my friends and contemporaries had a Cushman growing up.  I never owned one, I just road what he had at the shop.

The Cushman in the picture is of a Silver Eagle. I look a whole lot better on it now than then. I remember a day when it was hard to hold a Super Eagle up. Most Christmas gifts in those days were outside toys. Today's toys keep kids inside and entertained. Oh for the good ol'days.

7 Days til Christmas

Wonder what Joseph and Mary were doing one week before the first Christmas?  Regardless of when the actual date of the birth of Christ was there was one week until...  The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 80 miles and probably took about a week.  If that's the case they were probably just beginning the trip.  Since everyone was required to return to their birth place they were not alone on the trip, but with Mary's condition it would be safe to assume that they did not keep pace with those they set out with. 

I wonder how Joseph was doing leading up to being a new dad?  For that matter, I wonder how Mary was doing with the situation.  Needless to say, Mary was probably handling it much better than Joseph.  As they walked, they talked (remember they weren't married yet).  I'll probably pay for that. 

Joseph had visions of his son taking over in the furniture business (even without sonograms they knew Jesus would be a boy, because God, who cannot lie told them).  Think about it, Mary was the one of two mothera of her day that knew the sex of her child before birth.  John (born to her cousin Elisabeth) would be the other.  Mary even knew her child's name.  Elisabeth would have had Zacharias not been so stubborn.

Let It Go!

The following is by T. D. Jakes...and it is good advice. Read it all.

Let it go for 2009

By T. D. Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

Merry Christmas (and I ain't fraid to say it!!!)

Liberal groups are in full press mode once again this year when it comes to CHRISTmas.  Scriptures truth comes to light when it says "in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4).  Some of these are smart people, some of these people have PhD's, others are successful in this world and others are just deceived as the rest are. 

I was listening to CHRISTIAN radio this morning and John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute was being interviewed and he cited a number of cases involving school districts, public and private business, municipalities and other entities where people are being falsely informed as to their rights regarding speaking the phrase "Merry Christmas" or displaying CHRISTMAS trees or wearing clothing that celebrates our LORD JESUS' birth. 

Visit their website at http://www.rutherford.org/resources/legal-12rules.asp to view "Twelve Rules of Christmas" compiled by their attorney's.

It is important for us to know our rights as citizens of this great nation. People use fear and ignorance to keep us quiet.

Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for the grace and mercy of God shown to me in the full atonement of Jesus Christ.  To think that Holy God sent His only Son into this world to pay the penalty for my sin by becoming sin for me/us that He might declare me righteous.  I rejoice with the songwriter who wrote, "What wondrous love is this o my soul...?"

I am thankful for my family.  Parents who stayed together, loved each other, loved my brother and I and loved the Lord.  For grandparents and great-grandparents that lived long lives that enabled my brother and I to have them around for a long time.  For three godly girls that love the Lord God with all their hearts, souls and minds.  For two sons-in-law who love two of my daughters and grandchildren.  For the blessing of 4 grandchildren that bring so much joy into our lives. For friends and a bunch of them that add so much to my life. For three churches that have allowed me the privilege of serving as their pastor. 

Then last, but not in any part the least there is the love of my life, my sweetheart, my sugarbabe and life partner...my precious wife of 36 years, Phyllis.  She loves me for who I am, like I am and as I am.  She encourages me, completes me, prays for me, challenges me and blesses me. 

"Thank you Lord for saving my soul, thank you Lord for making me whole, thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free."  When I count my blessings and name them one by one I am suprised at what the Lord has done.

Skype Brings Back Memory of the Jetsons

Remember the Jetsons...George, Jane, Judy, Elroy, Rosey the Robot, Astro the dog and Mr. Spacely? They flew around in their spaceship, cooked in their advanced kitchen and oh yeah, talked on their video phones. I used to think, yeah right a phone you talk on while you see the person you are talking to. How other worldly is that?

Welcome to the world of Skype. Welcome to George Jetson's world. We are here...imagine that. Wild isn't it?

I was "skyping" with my grandchildren the other night. What a trip. Our youngest grandson, Asher, is intriqued. His grandad is still pretty stoked about it too. Not only do we have cell phones where Hawaii is local, but now we can video phone, Jetsons style.  Our family will be scattered Thanksgiving, but we will not only talk but see each other.

Communication in our world is changing everyday.  I have a Blackberry. My office is wherever I am.  My secretary can reach me anywhere, anytime and anyplace.  I may not can answer because of being in a meeting, but I really never miss a message intended to get to me.

Yet with all of the advancements in communication in our world, God's method of communication has not changed.  His Word and Prayer remain as the way that God speaks to us and we speak to Him.  Be it a "still small voice," "a word behind us," circumstances, or another believer God communicates His will to those who "can hear Him now."

His invitation to "call on" Him so that He can show us great and mighty things is still on the table.  His promise to answer those who ask, seek and knock still stands.  Therefore, let's go boldly before the throne of grace.  Let's call on Him regularly and often. He has so much to show us and most of it is about Himself.

Sunbelt Ag Expo 2009

The 2009 edition of Georgia Baptist Ministries at the Sunbelt Ag Expo is in the books. This was the 10th year that we have had a presence at this Premeir Farm Show. Although some of our friends were not there due to extenuating circumstances, God showed up and changed some lives for eternities sake.
Volunteers from Bethel, Colquitt, Grady, and Mercer Baptist Associations came to help. Kyle and Alana Woodfin along with their children represented Legacy Outdoor Ministries; Barbara Waldron face painting; Marcus Flanagan (my right hand man); Andy Hall (Cousin Arthur); Mary Bradley with Disaster Relief and our friends from Campers on Mission helped us as well. Connie Blosch, Dalton and Loretta Gahman, Stephan Massey, The Toombs Family and Crossing 47 provided music. Six new converts were added to the kingdom for which we praise God. 2000 copies of the Invitation CD were distributed, countless bags of popcorn were served and our friends form Campers on Mission gave out cups of cold water in Jesus name.

Face Painting was once again a big draw (thanks Barbara and Alana). Legacy Outdoor Ministries archery exhibit had them lined up taking shots at targets. Funny thing...they had a deer with a gator head that had people with "G" on their hats lined up.

Plans are already being made for next year. We learned alot which is always good and plan on the 2010 event to be the best yet.