Holiday Thoughts!

Today marks the eve of Christmas Eve! In the next few days most people will be with family and friends celebrating. With this in mind, here are a few holiday thoughts to consider.   

Remember 'tis the season for giving!

If you receive a present, be grateful! Money is tight for everyone right now.

If you don't receive a present, be grateful. Most of us already have more than we need!

Enjoy the time you have with your family and friends!

Laugh!

If you don't get the gift you really wanted, you probably didn't need it anyway!

Remember, while you are enjoying lots of delicious food, there are people all across the world who have nothing to eat!

Say a prayer for the blessings God has given you! We are all blessed abundantly more than we deserve.

Laugh some more!

Don't lose sight of what is important!

Be safe as you travel!

Have yourself a Merry little Christmas!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Are You Excited About Your Gift?

I have spent the last few posts discussing reasons why I believe this is the most wonderful time of the year. Today I would like to conclude this series of posts with a fourth and final reason and that is the excitement that this time of year generates.

With Christmas only 5 days away, kids and even most adults, are getting excited about all the events that they will be participating in come the next few days. In fact, I’m one of those adults. I am super excited about everything that we have going on. The holiday parties, the family get-togethers and yes, the presents. This is an exciting time of the year.

As I think about the excitement that I have and the excitement that I have observed from those around me during this holiday season, I can’t help but feel somewhat guilty. Why is it that this level of excitement that we see in our culture only comes once a year? Don’t we have a lot to be excited about?

Perhaps, it’s because of the traditions or family get-togethers. Maybe more realistically, it’s because of the presents and gifts that will be exchanged, at least every kid in America probably thinks so. However, as I think about this, I can’t help but realize that we have access to a gift that should generate excitement all year long.

Don’t get me wrong, I love getting Christmas presents. However, they all fail in comparison to the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As I have already discussed, I think this is the most wonderful time of the year because of the focus that is placed upon Christ Jesus. This focus typically is in reference to his birth. However, maybe even more important than His birth was the reason He came to this earth in the first place. Jesus Christ was born in order to die. Yes, you read that correctly! Jesus was sent to this world for one purpose and one purpose only, to die for the sins of the world. Jesus Himself said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Friends, for this we should be excited all year long. God gave us the greatest gift that could ever possibly be given in order for us to have eternal life with Him. If that doesn’t get you excited, then I don’t know what will. In the next few days as the excitement and anticipation builds, think about the gift that God has offered to you, salvation. Are you as excited about this gift as you are your Christmas gifts?  

Now that’s Something to Think About!

We Are Family!

The last two days I have posted reasons why I believe this to be the most wonderful time of the year. Today, I would like for you to consider with me a third reason and that is family.

Over the course of the next few days, many of you will be traveling to the home of some family member to begin your Christmas celebration. You will probably enjoy a meal together; some laughs about an event that happened way back when, and then you will exchange gifts. I know that for me and my family this is always a special time. We always have so much fun when we get together. The stories, the jokes, the memories, they all add up to a wonderful celebration.

When I think about this being the most wonderful time of the year, I think about the opportunity that I have to spend time with my family. I am excited about all of us being together once again. In my opinion, family is so important, both biological and extended. Let me give you a few reasons why I believe this is true.  

First, family is important because our family serves as a support system. They are the ones who generally support us in our decisions. When Miranda and I were considering the work at Karns, both our families were very supportive even though that meant us moving farther away from them. They encouraged us to do what was in our best interest even if that meant us moving to Knoxville. When God created the home (family), God created a build in support system for each of us.

Another reason family is so important is because your family will always be there when you need them. When you are having a difficult time in life, your family is generally there for you. When something happens in your life and all your friends leave you or turn their back on you, your family will still be there. When I think about this I am reminded of the prodigal son who after leaving home with his inheritance lived a life of luxury. I picture this young man as one who partied with friends every night of the week. His life was good. Then one day he ran out of money, his inheritance was gone.  Where were all his friends? It appears they had walked away from him. Here he was out of money and having no friends. What was he to do? He hired himself out to a citizen of the land and became a caretaker to pigs. Now doesn’t that sound like a great life? It wasn’t for a young Jewish boy. Finally, one day he realized he could go back home and be a servant for his father and still have it better than what he currently had. So off he went. Only what happened next caught him by surprise. As he got close to home his father ran out to meet him, hugged and kissed him, and welcomed him home. What a great picture of family. Even when everyone else had walked out on him, his family was there.

I could go on and on about why family is so important, but I’m sure you get the point. Families are special! I have been blessed by God with a wonderful family that I love. I can’t wait to spend a few days with them in the coming weeks. I hope that you have an opportunity to be with your family in the coming days and weeks as well. If you don’t, plan an opportunity to be together sometime in the near future. After all, family is so important!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

‘Tis the Season for Giving!

We are only 10 days away from Christmas Day. On that particular day, most of you will gather with your family around a Christmas tree and swap gifts. For kids, this is their favorite part of Christmas, PRESENTS! I remember when I was young my brother, sister and I would get up bright and early on Christmas Day and run into my parents’ room and wake them up. After all, the presents were waiting for us under the tree with our names on them!

As I have gotten older my favorite part of Christmas has changed somewhat. Sure, I still love opening presents, just ask my wife. I’m like a big kid when it comes to Christmas presents. I love to shake them and try and guess what the gift is before I open it. However, even more than opening presents, I enjoy giving presents. I know it’s hard to believe someone would enjoy giving more than receiving, but that’s exactly how I feel. I’m not typically a fan of shopping except during this time of year. I love going and looking for the perfect gift and then giving that gift to the person I picked it out for. When Miranda opens her presents from me, I’m probably more excited about it than she is, well…probably not, but you get the point. I love giving Christmas gifts to others because of the joy it brings.

This is the time of year where giving gifts to others is a common practice. We give those gifts with smiles on our faces. However, outside the Christmas season, how often do we give gifts to others? If we are truly honest with ourselves, thinking about that might cause us to feel bad because sometimes we’re not very giving outside of the Christmas season.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). You may be thinking, “But I am fairly good when it comes to giving.” If that’s you then ask yourself, “What’s my motive for giving?” Our motives really tell the story behind our giving. We may give a gift to someone, but is it because we expect something in return? Jesus said, “If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount” (Luke 6:34). Perhaps, you give not to gain something in return, but in order to be noticed by people. It’s that type of motive Jesus had in mind when He said, “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:2-4).

Friends, this is the most wonderful time of the year because of the giving attitude that most all those around us have. It is this kind of attitude that we should have every season. I hope and pray that the giving attitude you have this holiday season will be one that continues throughout the entire New Year!

 Now that's Something to Think About!

I love this time of year. The Christmas trees, the lights, the decorations, the holiday food, the cool crisp air and people getting into the holiday spirit. This truly is the most wonderful time of year. My next few post are going to center on why I believe this is the most wonderful time of year. I hope this serves as a challenge to you to live these things out all year long.

            I want to begin with what I consider to be one of the main reasons for this being the most wonderful time of the year. In my opinion it’s because people are more focused on Jesus. Drive around and it won’t take you very long before you will see a nativity scene in someone’s yard or a sign that reads, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” While it should happen more often, I am thankful that people spend this time of year focusing on our Savior. Paul tells us, “Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). I wish people lived this way all the time and not just during this time of year!

Unfortunately, there are some people today who have forgotten what this country was founded upon and are trying hard to remove Christianity altogether. Prayer has been taken out of schools, kids can no longer carry their Bibles around and read them during their free time and now some Americans feel as though saying, “Merry Christmas” is politically incorrect. Instead, we live in a society that wants us to say, “Happy Holidays.”

This truly disappoints me. What’s wrong with “Merry Christmas?” What’s wrong with our country believing in a savior? What’s wrong with people placing their focus upon the son of God? Although, I don’t believe Jesus was born on December 25^th, I don’t have a problem with people celebrating His birth. In fact, I wish people would celebrate His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection every day because all are of great importance to our eternal destiny. Without His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection, we would have no hope. Friends, the focus that so many place upon Jesus during this time of year would do even more good if that same focus were seen year around.

            To me, this is the most wonderful time of year because so many people place Christ where He belongs year around: at the center of their lives. This Christmas season celebrate not only the birth of Jesus, but the life, the death and the resurrection of Jesus by placing Him at the center of your heart. Then live this way all day every day all year long.

            Now that’s Something to Think About!  

When God Has Enough!

I love getting mail, in particular, I love getting letters in the mail. There is just something nice about opening a piece of mail and reading what someone has written to you, at least most of the time. However in Jeremiah 29, that’s not the case. The exiles of Judah received a letter from Jeremiah while they were captives in Babylon. Imagine their delight when they realized that this letter was on behalf of the God of Israel. They were probably thinking, “Finally, we are going to get some good news. God is probably going to tells us that everything will be okay and that we will be out of here in no time.”

As optimistic as that seemed, that was not what the letter was about. The letter began like this: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon” (Jer. 29:4).  Now, wait just one minute. Did that say what I think that said? Is God actually taking credit for them being captives in Babylon? They thought it was Nebuchadnezzar who was responsible for their captivity (2 Kgs. 24-25). They probably had built up hatred toward this evil king because they thought it was him who was responsible for their present situation. However, in this letter they find out that God is responsible for their current misery.

The question that we must ask is, “Why did God allow Nebuchadnezzar to invade the land of His people and take them away into captivity?” The answer can be found in Jeremiah 25. There we are told that God spoke to the people of Judah through the prophet Jeremiah and said, “These twenty-three years the word of the Lord has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. And the Lord has sent to you all His servants and prophets again and again, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear, saying, ‘Turn now everyone from his evil way and from the evil of your deeds, and dwell on the land which the Lord has given to you and your forefathers forever and ever; and do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands and I will do you no harm.’ Yet you have not listened to Me, declares the Lord, in order that you might provoke Me to anger with the work of your hands to your own harm” (Jer. 25:3-7).

We find out the reason for the people being in captivity is because of their own sins and failures to heed the words of the Lord. Jeremiah told them that God sent them prophets, but they still would not listen. God gave them plenty of opportunities to repent and turn from their sins, but they failed to do that. So God did something that would get their attention. He used Nebuchadnezzar as His servant (Jer. 27:6). Nebuchadnezzar was an evil king who didn’t worship the one true and living God. In fact, he and his people were more evil than Judah, but God used him as His servant to make Judah pay for their sins.

 Judah found themselves in some unpleasant circumstances because they failed to do what God expected them to do. They didn’t listen to Him, they didn’t obey Him, they didn’t worship Him, they worshipped idols and they even executed some of the prophets that God had sent to them. Judah had removed God from their way of life so God punished them!

Friends, let us learn from the example of the people of Judah. We may choose to turn our backs on God and ignore His commands and will for our lives. We may choose to live as though He doesn't exist, but remember this…the time is coming when God will have had enough and those who fail to obey His commands will pay the ultimate price, eternal separation from the presence of the Lord.

 The apostle Paul wrote, “For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Blessed With Friends

It has been almost two weeks since my pawpaw passed away. By no means have these two weeks been easy. They have been hard for me and my entire family. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him or reflect on something that he has taught me. He was a very important fixture in my life and now he’s gone.

Since word first got out I cannot begin to count the number of cards, messages, and kind words people have spoken to me. It was in reading and listening to those words that I was reminded how blessed I am to have great friends like that in my life. The wise man wrote, “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). During a dark hour in my life, my friends made their love for me known by their kind words and actions.  

I received hundreds of messages from friends telling me that they were praying for me. Now, I know that there is not a lot you can do when someone you know loses a person of great importance to them. However, one thing we all can do is pray. James wrote, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jam. 5:16). When I read all those messages saying that people were praying for my family and me, I knew that the Lord was going to help us get through our dark hour, because prayer is powerful. Praying is such a wonderful thing to do for those who are suffering from the loss of a loved one.

Sending a card is a nice gesture toward those who are hurting. It has been almost two weeks now since his passing and I am still getting cards in the mail. Every time I open those cards and read them, I remember how loved I am by the person who sent it to me. Each of the cards I received will be kept because they will serve as a reminder to me of how thoughtful people were during my time of loss.

While we were away with my family, some very dear friends of ours checked on our house and got our mail. This probably doesn’t seem like that big of a deal at first, but when you consider that we were away for an entire week, it’s a wonderful gesture. Our friends didn’t have to take time to do this, but they did and it gave us a feeling of peace. I am thankful that I have friends in my life who will do something for me that seems so insignificant to most people.

Perhaps, the gesture I will forever cherish is the fact that so many people came by the funeral home to pay their respects to my pawpaw and our family. Over 500 people took time to stop by and visit with us. I have friends who traveled a good distance just to spend five or ten minutes with me and then got back in their cars and drove home. Those few minutes will add up to a lifetime of memories for me.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Through all the words and acts of kindness I feel as though my friends wept with me. Words cannot express how truly grateful and appreciative I am to everyone for their words, actions and prayers. I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends in my life.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Can You See Him In Your Blessings?

I have often wondered how much people notice God in their lives when things are going great. If I am honest with myself, I would say I don’t notice God in my life enough when life is good and my problems seem few. If you are honest with yourself, you probably would admit the same thing. When life is good we tend to notice God less. It’s as if we don’t see God in our blessings.

The sad part of this is that the reason our life appears so good is because of God. It was James who said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). Every blessing that we enjoy in life comes not from our own hand, but from the hand of Almighty God. With Thanksgiving Day only hours away, consider some of the blessings in our lives that we often forget come from God.

Think about your health for a moment. Yes, some people have better health than others, but we all have a great deal of health to enjoy. If you’re still breathing, and you must be because you are reading this, then you have a degree of health that some people will no longer have after today. Have you ever taken time to stop and see God in the blessing of your health? He’s there. In fact, we enjoy the measure of health that we do because God has blessed us. When Hezekiah became sick even to the point of death, he prayed, “O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life of my spirit. Oh restore me to health and make me live!” (Isaiah 38:16). Hezekiah knew that the blessing of health was from God. Every day that you wake up healthy and enjoy all that this life has to offer, remember to thank God for the blessing of health that you enjoy.  

What about your children if you have any? Aren’t they a blessing from God? The Psalmist said, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:3-5). Here the Psalmist tells us that our children are a heritage from the Lord, and we are blessed to have them. The children that we have in our lives are given to us by God. Every day that you look at your children, you should see the blessing of the Lord.

As I think about blessings that I take for granted, I can’t help but think about the job that I have. I am working with the Karns church of Christ, not because I have accomplished so much on my own, but because God has blessed me with certain talents and abilities that I am able to use for His glory. I am where I am today, not because of who I am or what I have done, but because of who HE is and what HE has done. If you have a job or career in which you are doing well, take time to say a prayer of thanks to God for blessing you with that talent or ability.

I could go on and on about all the blessings in my life, everything from my life to my wife and my family to my friends. God has given me so much in my life that I consider a blessing, as He has blessed you. Let us never lose sight of God in our blessings. We are what we are and we have what we have because of Him!

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Someday!

There are just some things that I don’t like to do and want to put off as long as possible.  One of those things is going to the doctor. When I begin to feel sick the first thing I do is go to the nearest market and buy some medicine. If that doesn’t work, I will normally go back to the market a second time and try to find some different medicine that might help to make me feel better. If the second medicine doesn’t work, then I will usually start thinking about going to the doctor. There is nothing pleasant about going to the doctor’s office and waiting for several hours for him to see me and then giving me two or three different kinds of medicine that are going to cost me a lot of money. I want to put that visit off as long as possible.

I am sure that you can think of a few things that you have put off a lot longer than you really needed to as well. Maybe it’s going to the doctor, the dentist, the hospital, the graveyard, apologizing, etc. It can be a host of different things that we put off. However, I’m afraid that a lot of us are guilty of putting off the Lord Jesus Christ. Most people in our society seem to find the time for all the less important things in life and very little if any time for Jesus.

Felix is a great example of putting off the Lord. In the book of Acts, we read, “But when Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, he adjourned the proceedings and said, when Lysias the commander comes down, I will make a decision on your case. So he commanded the centurion to keep Paul and to let him have liberty, and told him not to forbid any of his friends to provide for or visit him. And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.  Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him. But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix; and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul bound”            (Acts 24:22-27).

In this particular passage we see Felix almost make time for the Lord, but in the end he was too busy. Felix, like some sinners, had a “more perfect knowledge” of the truth (Acts 24:22). Felix was the governor of Judea and Samaria. There is very little chance that he could have done this without becoming familiar with the place and activities of the Christians. Paul even came in and reasoned with Felix concerning righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. Felix heard about sin and the consequences. He was told the importance of self-control. Paul even tried to teach him about the judgment that comes to all men (Heb. 9:27). When Felix heard these words from Paul, he became afraid.

At this point it would seem that Felix is going to change his life and make Jesus a part of it. But then we read one of the most disheartening passages in the Bible. Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you” (v. 25).

After hearing Paul preach a sermon on sin and the judgment to come, Felix decided to ask Paul to leave until another time. He wanted to wait for a more convenient season. His whole thinking was centered around, “Someday.” Someday, I will obey the Gospel. Someday, I will live my life for the Lord. The sad thing about this whole passage is that we never read about Felix finding that more convenient season, “Someday.” He left office and left Paul bound behind in prison (Acts 24:27).                                                                                                                   Edward Young said, “Procrastination is the thief of time.” I have often heard it said, “Why put off tomorrow what you can do today?” Folks, a lot of us are just like Felix. We spend way too much time procrastinating, especially when it comes to God and our relationship with Him. We need to forget about “Someday” and get our life right “TODAY.” We need to stop and realize that life is short and the worst thing we can do is put off God until tomorrow because there might not be a tomorrow for us.

           A preacher once commented that, “Someday is not on the calendar.” The longer we put something off the better chance there is that we will never get around to doing it. The wise man said, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Pro. 27:1). Friends, take time today to make your life right with God and don’t put Him off any longer.

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Can You See Him?

I love youth retreats. Each time I have the opportunity to go off with a group of kids and adult volunteers for a weekend of worship, praise and study, I always come back spiritually uplifted. This past weekend we had the opportunity to take our middle school and high school students away for such a weekend. What an awesome event it was. We spent the weekend studying the theme, “Can You See Him?”

We talked about seeing the Lord in several different aspects of our lives.

First, we discussed seeing Him in our blessings. Many of us are guilty of failing to see the Lord in our lives when everything is going great. It’s almost as if things are so good we have no need for God. James said, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). Our lives are as good as they are, because God is as good as He is. Every blessing we enjoy is because of Him.

The second aspect of seeing Him in our lives that we discussed was seeing Him in our struggles. When life is good we generally forget about God. When life is bad we generally ask the question, “Where is God?” Friends, God never leaves us. The Hebrew writer reminded us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6). When our lives are filled with sorrow, pain, struggles and burdens, God is there. He is waiting for us to turn to Him. Peter wrote, “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”     (I Peter 5:7).

Not only is the Lord in our blessings and struggles, but He should also be found in our friends. Some people spend more time with their friends than they do with their own families. If we are going to spend a large amount of time around a certain person, that person needs to be someone who exemplifies Christ. Paul said, “Do not be deceived: bad company ruins good morals” (I Corinthians 15:33). The people we are friends with influence us. That’s why it is important that we spend time with friends who help us see Jesus.  Their positive influence will have an impact on our spiritual life.

Of all the places for people to see the Lord, perhaps the greatest place of all would be in our own lives. When people see us they need to see Jesus living in us. Our behavior and actions need to be like those of Jesus. In fact, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). When people watch our conduct or hear us speak, they need to see actions and hear words that bring our Father in heaven glory. Your life may be the only sermon some people ever hear or read. Make sure it’s a sermon that will glorify God and make Him proud.

This past weekend was very special. It was the first of what I hope is many more youth retreats with the Karns congregation.  We had a great retreat. The kids and adults who attended made it better than I even imagined. We even had one of our girls respond to the invitation on Sunday night when we returned home. My hope and prayer is that all the students were as blessed by the retreat as I was. I hope all those who attended look for opportunities every day to see Him.  

Now that’s Something to Think About!

Honor To Whom Honor Is Owed

Today is Veterans Day; a day in which we pay tribute to the many men and women who have put their lives on the line for this great country that we live in. Like you, I know many men and women who have served in some capacity. Both of my grandfathers are veterans. Many men in the congregation I work with are veterans. Each of these individuals were willing to leave their families and friends behind in order to serve and protect the people of this country. For some who have served, they eventually returned home and tried to readjust to life as a civilian. Others however, paid the ultimate price by sacrificing their lives in battle. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Words cannot express my sincere gratitude to all the men and women who have and still do serve in the United States Armed Forces. What they have done for us and continue to do for us is nothing short of heroic. They have experienced things that most of us will never experience. They have found themselves in places that most of us will never be in. They have had to make decisions that most of us will never have to make. They have done what most people would never be willing to do. They have served the United States of America proudly.

As I think about all that these men and women have done for this country and everyone who calls themselves Americans, I am reminded of the words of the apostle Paul. He wrote, “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed” (Romans 13:7).

Today, we honor all these men and women. We pay tribute to all those who have fought for our continued freedom. Today, we simply say thank you! Thank you for your willingness to defend and protect our country. Thank you for your willingness to leave the comforts of this country behind in order to fight for us and other countries as well. Thank you for your willingness to leave those you love for such long periods of time in order to serve. Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice, even if that meant giving your life. Those who have and do serve in the United States Armed Forces are the real heroes and heroines of this nation. You don’t hear it enough, but, “Thank you!” Thank you for your contributions to this blessed country that we live in. May God continue to bless America!

Prayer: Father, today I pause in remembrance of all the men and women who have fought for my freedom. I thank you for their willingness to do what very few of us are willing to do, serve. I ask you to bless them and their families on this special day. Father, I also pause in remembrance of the ones who lost their lives in battle. I thank you for the bravery that each of these displayed by the sacrifices they were willing to make. I pray that you bless their families as they continue to feel the effects of such a loss. Please continue to be with our service men and women and protect them and bring them back home safely. Dear Lord, as I close this prayer, please continue to bless this great country in the future as you have in the past. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen!

God Is All Around

I love this time of year: the warm days and cool nights, the leaves changing colors, and the early morning fog rising from the mountains around us. Fall is a beautiful time of year.

During this time of year  I am reminded of the fact that God is all around. David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psa. 19:1; see also Psa. 8:1-4). When we open our eyes and look around, we are able to see God in the beauty that surrounds us during this time of year. Friends, God is all around!

The apostle Paul tells us that no one has an excuse when it comes to believing in God because His existence is seen all around. He wrote, “Because that which is known about God is evident within them, for God made it evident to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:19-20).

No one, not even those who have never heard of Jesus or the Bible, has an excuse for not honoring God, because all of creation reveals Him. The next time you go outside, take time to stop and look around. You will see God in the beauty of His creation. Friends, God is all around!

Get Out of the Boat

Often times we are afraid to do so many things because we are afraid to get outside our comfort zones. For instance, I debated for months whether or not to start a blog. My main hesitation was, “Who am I to start blogging? What do I really have to say? Why would anyone read what I wrote?”

 The other night I was reading, and the author made a point that I was able to relate to. He said, “Sometimes I feel inadequate.” My first thought was, “What? You feel inadequate? Why?” He went on to explain several reasons for feeling this way. The more I read what he was saying, the more I found myself feeling just like him. There are so many times that I feel inadequate. This is the main reason I hesitated to start blogging. I felt inadequate, and blogging would be way outside my comfort zone.

There is an occasion in the Bible where one of the apostles got out of his comfort zone. In Matthew 14:22-33, we have the account of Jesus walking on the water. As He is walking, His disciples are in a boat.  Not realizing it was Him, the Bible says, “When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear” (v. 26).  The disciples didn’t know what to think. After all, no human can actually walk on water, right? “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus” (vs. 27-29).

If the story ended there it would be a feel good story. Peter had enough faith and trust in Jesus to get out of the boat and walk on the water to where Jesus was. However, the story doesn’t end there. The next two verses tell us what happened next, “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ “(vs. 30-31).

This is the part of the story that we all remember. Peter walking on the water, then taking his eyes off Jesus and noticing the winds and the waves around him, thus, beginning to sink. For this we often criticize Peter. How could you doubt? You were actually walking on water. Although Peter does deserve our criticism to some degree, think about this for a moment. Where were the other disciples while Peter was walking on the water? They were in the boat. Peter was walking on water and the other disciples were sitting in the boat. My question is, “Why didn’t the others get out of the boat too?” Once they saw Peter walking on the water, why not join him? After all, that would be a really cool thing to do, right?

We may often want to criticize Peter for beginning to doubt while walking on the water, but at least Peter was willing to get out of the boat. None of the other disciples were willing. Perhaps they were scared. Maybe they had their doubts. Whatever their reasons, they trusted in the boat more than in Jesus. Peter step out of the boat, most likely way out of his comfort zone, and did something none of the others were willing to do. What a great lesson that is for us.  We would accomplish so much more if we were more willing to get out of the boat.

I never would have started this blog if I was not willing to step out of the boat and take a chance. I never would have ended up working with such a great congregation as Karns had I not been willing to get out of the boat and leave a place I was so comfortable. Some of the sweetest and most caring people in the world I know would not be Christians today had someone not been willing to get out of the boat and teach them the Gospel of Jesus. Sadly, some people may end up spending eternity away from the presence of God, because so many of us are afraid to get out of the boat. Maybe it’s time for us to learn from Peter. Perhaps it’s time for you to get out of the boat, even if everyone else stays in it.

Now that’s Something to Think About! Justin 

Learning from the Election!

It never ceases to amaze me how passionate some people are about politics. These people go to great lengths to promote their party, views or the candidate they are backing. For the last six months, I have seen and heard more about politics and this election than I ever could have imagined. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with politics and voicing your opinions and concerns. In fact, although another election has come and gone, there are a couple of lasting lessons that we can learn from this election that we can use in our Christian walks.

First, if we Christians were as vocal and passionate about Jesus Christ as we are about our party or candidate, we would be sharing the message of Jesus with our friends and neighbors whether they wanted to hear about it or not. I love the passion that some people have for politics. All they want to do is talk politics. They want to tell you why you should vote for their candidate whether you want to hear it or not. They are passionate about politics and elections. I just wish they had the same passion about sharing the love of their Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). In order to do this, the disciples had to share or vocalize their feelings and the message of Jesus to others. They literally had to be witnesses for Jesus. Jesus did say, “You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As Christians (followers of Christ), we should be going around sharing the love and message of Jesus with others. We should have a great amount of passion and be very vocal about the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. If some Christians had the same passion about Jesus as they do about politics, they would be sharing the message of the Savior even if people did not want to listen.

Second, if we Christians paid as much attention to the people we hang around as we do to the candidates we endorse, we would have more positive, encouraging influences in our lives. When election time rolls around, a lot of Christians (at least I would hope) research their candidate so they know his or her views and what he or she stands for. This way they are able to make an informed opinion as to whether or not this person deserves their vote.

When it comes to the people we hang around we should be doing the same thing. We should get to know (research) them. We should learn about their views, what they stand for, etc. We should want to know how they live their lives. In the process if we find out they are not people who are going to help build us up, then maybe we should walk away. Paul said, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals” (I Cor. 15:33).

In politics, an informed voter will walk away from voting for a candidate when they realize this candidate is not the best choice for our country because of his views. Why don’t we do the same thing with the people we hang around? If a person is not positive, encouraging, and exemplary of Christian values, perhaps we should turn and walk away. If this person isn’t going to help me be a better child of God, stop endorsing them by hanging around with them. After all, their bad influence can corrupt our good morals and values.

Even though another election has come and gone, the lasting lessons we can learn from it can carry over into our Christian walk. Just as people who are passionate about politics are willing to talk about their candidate and research his views and values, we Christians should be willing to do the same when it comes to our friends and their relationship to Jesus Christ. After all, it just might affect not only their eternal destiny, but our eternal destiny as well.  

Now that’s Something to Think About! Justin

Is Your Christianity A Costume?

This past weekend many children went out and trick or treated around their neighborhood. Most all those who did this dressed up in a costume or put on a mask and pretended to be something they are not. Some of the costumes were cute, some were funny, some were scary, while others were flat out hideous.  Yet, it does not matter how different each costume may have appeared, they all had one thing in common; they all were used so people could pretend to be someone they are not.

            Many times I’m afraid people do the same thing with their Christianity that children do during Halloween. They dress up in a costume and pretend to be something they are not. Each Sunday they put on their best clothes, grab their Bibles (if they can remember them), put a smile on their faces and attend worship service. They try to trick people into believing they are devoted followers of Christ although the kind of life that they live during the week is anything, but one that is devoted to following Christ. They say things they shouldn’t say, do things they shouldn’t do and neglect things they should be doing. Then they come to church on Sunday and pretend to be someone different than they really are the rest of the week, someone who is holy, hoping no one will notice that their Christianity is nothing more than a costume that they put on that morning.  

When God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons as king, Samuel was sure God was going to anoint Eliab as king. However, God told Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Sam. 16:7).

God passed on Eliab and chose David, the youngest son of Jesse to be the next king because God saw in David what Samuel could not see, his heart. When we come to church on Sunday we must remember, we may be able to trick most of the people that we see, but we can never trick or fool God. For He does not see as man sees, because God can see our hearts!

Friends, God knows whether our Christianity is genuine or simply a costume. Let’s make sure the kind of lives that we are living during the week match the kind of lives we live on Sundays.  

Now that's Something to Think About! Justin

             

Giving It A Try!

I have gone back and forth now for several months as to whether or not I should start blogging. After all, who would really want to read what I write? After much consideration, I decided that I would be blogging mostly for myself anyways so I decided to give it a try. The purpose of this blog will be for me to have a means to express my thoughts in writing. It is my hope and prayer that in the process of this, the things which I write will be helpful in some way to someone else. So...I'm giving it a try!