I Was Sick…And You Took Care Of Me

It’s that time of year. You know, the time of year when most people have to take time off from work because they are not feeling very well. For the past four days, I have been dealing with what I first thought was the common cold, but now believe to be something different. I have had a fever, intense cough, a sore throat and headaches. I have been very tired and weak no matter how much rest I tried to get. For the past three days I have felt miserable.  

While I have been dealing with this illness, my wife has gone out of her way to take care of me. She has fixed me food, gotten me medicine and even gone to the store and bought me fudge sticks, yes… fudge sticks can sometimes serve as the best medicine. She has done everything that a good hearted, loving wife could do. As she was taking care of me I couldn’t help but think of the words of Jesus where He said, “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me’” (Matthew 25:34-36).

When you think about all the things that Jesus said in this particular passage, notice how simple each of the things really is. It’s as simple as giving someone food or drink, taking someone in and clothing them and even as simple as a little visit. What my wife has done for me the past few days while I’ve been sick is pretty simple (although she might suggest otherwise). She has taken good care of me and that has made a difference. Through her actions I have been reminded of her love for me.

Friends, let us all make a point to look for the little opportunities we have to help someone who may have a need. It does not always have to be something big and fancy. It can simply be sending a card, making a visit or even taking someone food that has been sick or having a difficult time. Doing little things like this shows others how much we love and care for them and demonstrates our love and respect for our Lord.

“The king will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me’” (Matthew 25:40).

Dear Father, thank you so much for my loving and caring wife who so patiently and graciously took time to care for me while I was sick. Her love and kindness to me was a reminder of the way I should treat others around me. Her actions have reminded me that I should look for ways to be of service to others when they are sick and in need. Please help me to look for opportunities to serve others in every way, but especially when they have needs that I can meet. In the name of Jesus I pray, AMEN!

God Was With Us!

The other night, I watched with great anticipation as the Oregon Ducks took on the Auburn Tigers for the BCS National Championship. Many predicted the game to be a high scoring offensive field day. Instead, the game was won because one defense was able to make more plays than the other. In the end, the Auburn Tigers won only their second National Championship in school history and their first in over five decades.

As I watch the post game celebration, I was surprised by a comment made by Gene Chizik, the head coach of Auburn. When answering questions after the biggest win of his career, he said, “Tonight, God was with us.” My first thought was, “WOW, really? I didn’t know God was an Auburn fan?” However, the more I thought about his statement, the more I agreed with him. Not that God cares so much about Auburn football (or any other football team for that matter), but that God is always with us.

The writer of Hebrews said, “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). When Joshua was given charge of the Israelites, God said, “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).

God never leaves His children. He is always watching over us. He is with us during all the moments of our lives, both big and small. When I go to the doctor for a major surgery, God is with me. When I am in an unfamiliar place on a mission trip, God is with me. When I’m working in my office, God is with me. When I am participating in something that is a big deal to me but not really a big deal to others, God is with me. And He is not just with me, He’s with all His children.

You see, Gene Chizik was right. God was with the Auburn Tigers. Not because God wanted Auburn to win or Oregon to lose, but because God is always present when it comes to His creation. He was watching over each and every one of the players and fans that were involved in the game just like He always has, because He is a loving and present God! Friends, no matter what you may think, God never leaves you or forsakes you.

Now that’s Something to Think About! 

Dear Father,

Thank you for your omnipresence and the loving way in which you are always watching over us. Father, I know that a lot of times I am guilty of forgetting that you are here with me. Please forgive me of this and help me to be ever mindful that you are always there for me, both in the big things as well as in the small things. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior I pray, AMEN!

A New Year Means A Fresh Start!

Can you believe that 2010 is now passed and 2011 is here? Most of us are excited about what this New Year holds. It’s as if we have a fresh lease on life. Every bad thing that happened in 2010 is gone, and we have done our best to forget about it.  Today marks the beginning of a fresh start.

            I’m not sure what goals or resolutions you have made for this New Year, but let me suggest to you a few that I think are worth your time and attention in 2011.

            First, make this the year where Bible class and worship are priorities in your life (Heb. 10:25). I never have understood why people like to skip out on something so vital to their spiritual development. Bible class and worship provide an opportunity to grow in our walks with God. Make it a point to begin your week with Bible study and worship. You won’t regret it!

            Second, make this the year where you look for ways to minister to others. There are so many ways to minister to others: listening to them, providing for them, praying for them, etc. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest difference in the lives of others. Make this the year that you look for ways to minister to those around you.

            Third, make this the year where you give God all of your heart. So many times we are guilty of half-hearted Christianity. Let this be the year where God gets your whole heart and not just what is left over after you have devoted it to all the other things in your life. When we give God our hearts, everything else falls into place (Mt. 6:33). 

            Last year is gone, and we need to make the most of this year. Let’s all make 2011 the best year possible by attending worship and Bible class, looking for ways to minister to others and giving our whole hearts to God. If we do this, 2011 will be a great year!                                                     

            Now that’s Something to Think About!

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!