God's Great Earth

As I was flying into Omaha, Nebraska today I could not but help to see the beauty of all the farmland and how wonderful the earth looks from the sky. God wants us as his people to take care of the earth. He tells us all the time in His word to respect our land, air and sea. We fail to listen and I think we may be headed for some real problems one day. I am always in awe of our world, the universe and my little part in this time of history. In 500 hundred years, will anyone remember me or you? Not likely, but we can protect this earth for them and fulfill the commandments of our God by doing our part to protect this beautiful land, air and sea. Pray for me as I spend 4 days in meetings and seminars. I will be pumped up when I return to my beloved wife, home and business in Valdosta, Georgia. Thank God today for our earth and His majesty in designing and creating it for us so we can worship and praise Him.
You do great and wonderful things, Lord God Almighty. Everything the Lord does is right and true, King of nations. Everyone will respect you Lord and will honor you. Only you are holy. All the nations will come to and worship you because the right things you have done and now are made known. Psalm 111:2, Amos 3:13, Psalm 145:17, Jerimiah 10:7, Psalm 86:9-10, Deuteronomy 32:4

(This can be found in Revelation 15:2-5)

Integrity

Do you know what integrity is? What is your definition of integrity?  Merriam-Webster defines integrity to "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." Wow, where are the moral values of today? Integrity can vacillate in a man or woman but God's character never changes. The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow--always true and trustworthy.

For I am the LORD, I do not change.  Malachi 3:6

T.H.I.N.K.

I am involved in a Men's Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. Presently, we are studying "Winning With People (Christian Leader Series) by John C Maxwell. This acronym T.H.I.N.K. is something I learned today. How should I react to others when I am trying to restore resolution after a problem with a friend, co-worker, family etc.

• T. Is it true?
• H. Is it helpful?
• I. Is it inspiring?
• N. Is it necessary?
• K. Is it Kind?

If I can answer yes to all these questions, then it is appropriate for me to proceed with trying to resolve the problem.

Paul knew the importance of teamwork, so he encouraged two women who were quarreling to make peace. He doesn't ask these women just to merely act kindly, but rather to actually be of the same mind.

Philippians 4:2-3; 8-9 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.  8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We Are Not Insulated

Followers of Jesus are not insulated from the tragedies of this world, just as He was not. God has never promised that tornados will skip our houses on the way to our unbelieving neighbors. Viruses do not flee from our Christian bodies. Peter actually said to us, "This suffering is all part of the work God has given you. Christ who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21 TLB).

The Lord defends those who suffer, he defends them in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

Amazing Grace

Think of the worst thing you have ever done in your life. Who could forgive such a thing? What if I told you that you would not be judged or have to pay a penalty for that unforgivable thing? I believe in the Grace of God. His grace is unfathomable and we are called to live a life of gratitude for His grace. Issac Watts, author of Amazing Grace wrote,"Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all."
Do you want the burden of guilt lifted from your shoulders today? Listen to these words:
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

When Tragedy Strikes-Who Do You Trust

I was in the 5th grade and my mother and I were going to my Little League Game. I was a Pirate and the uniform was too big for my small frame, but I didn't care, I was on the team. We lived 5 miles from town and mama was in a hurry to get me to the game. She decided to take a short cut. All of a sudden a little black boy ran out from the ditch and into our car. I jumped out and ran back to see a 3 or 4 year old black boy on the road with a bloody spot on his head. Time seemed to stop and everything slowed down. Mama was crying uncontrollably and there was no adult nearby. A black man ran out and grabbed the little boy and jumped into his truck and raced to the hospital. It was too late. The boy was dead and my mother was responsible. It took years of court and many testimonies to finally settled the death. Mama was not at fault, but try telling her that. A child was dead and it was her driving the car. Life in a car with my mama was never the same. She had nightmares about the accident for years. Being a child, I did not fully understand what had happened, but I knew a child of 3 or 4 would never grow up to be a man. Today as a Christian, I can lean on my faith and trust in my Lord to heal that terrible memory. I know that the child is in heaven with our Lord and one day he, my mother and I will meet. I look forward to seeing him in heaven and telling him how many times I have wondered, What if? What would he have been? Only my faith in my Lord today allows me to forgive myself, even though I was only a passenger in the death car. What do you have on your heart today that you need to give to God? Hopefully you will allow His healing to take place in your heart as I have.
I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. Isaiah 26:3

Living and Learning

Will Rogers said: " Experience may be the best teacher, but sometimes it's better to let the other guy get bit by the snake."  We all need a trusted mentor in our life. We will not have one until we are humble enough to learn from someone else. We don't know much about Timothy from his own words but from Paul's letters to him, we can see that he deeply appreciated his godly heritage (1 Tim 1:5), he carefully followed the teaching of Paul (1 Tim 1:19), and as a result he was wise beyond his years as a minister and leader (1 Tim 4:12).

If you want to start your own business, find someone who has started one. If you want to grow spiritually, look to someone of spiritual grace and joy. If you want to be a better husband/wife, watch a mature, loving husband/wife and their little courtesies and affections.

If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him.  1 Corinthians 13:7 TLB

Crying Is Healthy

Men aren't supposed to cry, right?  Sometimes when I see a beautiful thing, I cry. Maybe not outside but inside. I cry because it makes me feel good. I cry because it releases tension. I cry because it gives me peace. For women, crying is natural. For men, crying is seen as weakness but in reality a man that can cry is very strong and secure. Women please forgive us when we don't cry. We have been taught that crying is weakness and we do not want you to see us weak. Love us more. Encourage us to find that level of peace that is so yours. Men, cry a little every now and then. It will make you a better person, father, husband and man.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revaltion 21:14 ESV