Year: 2013

If you have ever travelled to Amish country in Pennsylvania, you will not likely forget it. The small fertile farms, the distinctly dressed Amish, their quaint modes of transportation, all seem to transport you to another time. These people seem oblivious to the bug eyed tourists who snap pictures of them and their homes day and night.  You can understand the curiosity seekers. These people are certainly unique. On the one hand, you wonder how folks could live that way in the twenty-first century. On the other hand, you kind of envy their simple lifestyle and their clear identity. Remember back in high school when you could tell what group someone belonged to by their dress? Some tried to dress like their peers. It just seemed to happen to others without trying. We are possessed of a strong desire to be identified for whom we are. It seems as Christians, however, we struggle for identity. Have you had the experience that I have had, when someone who has known you for years suddenly says to you, “I didn’t know you were a Christian.” Wow. What condemnation.  In these days when the government seems interested in  “fundamentalist” or “evangelical” Christians, […]

This time last month Rose and I were in New Orleans. We had gone off to be alone to celebrate our anniversary. Turns out we aren’t very sneaky because several people found us. That was okay. It was basically two groups of people whom we love and who were having real problems. I find that when people are troubled they are usually discouraged and lost. Being the wise man that I am I try to offer encouragement and direction. Encouragement. I find that it’s not very helpful to tell folks in these circumstances things like: “It’s going to be okay.” “It’s always dark before the dawn.” “Things aren’t as bad as you think.” These kinds of statements aren’ve very helpful and really aren’t encouraging. People are discouraged because they lack courage. The absence of courage is fear. I tell folks. Jesus hasn’t gone anywhere. He’s still there. He’s the source of our courage and the one who can chase away our fears. Nothing is more encouraging than to know even though we can’t see or feel Him, that He is still around. Just telling them this isn’t quite enough. You have to be Jesus to them. You have to […]

It’s National Donut Day. I have to admit I haven’t properly prepared. In fact, I didn’t realize that it was National Donut Day until I woke up this morning and saw it on Facebook. And you think that there is no benefit to social media.  In fact, I never celebrated National Donut Day before. But as part of my new whirlwind lifestyle (see yesterday’s blog for details), I think I will celebrate it today. As I look around it seems to me that way too many folks are trying so hard to live a long life that they are missing out on having a good life. I know lots of people that might eat one donut today but they will be so overcome with guilt thinking about the calories involved that they won’t really enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to exercise and watch what we eat and take care of our teeth and get regular checkups and all that. It’s not so great to be so consumed with it all that we never have any fun. If we are honest about it, when we find ourselves acting that way, it’s because we are afraid. We are […]

Paul, an apostle in Ephesus, the faithful

 Paul, an apostle in Ephesus, the faithful

Young kids are great at getting the most out of special times with special people. They seem to enjoy every moment. They squeeze every possible pleasure out of the event. The run and jump and scream. They never seem to tire. When it’s time to separate they beg for extra minutes or weep bitterly at the thought of it all ending. They are seldom satisfied with promises of “‘another time” or “another day.”  They understand the value of each moment with that special person. Isn’t that how we ought to be about prayer? Since the curtain was torn in the temple, the children of God have access to Him. He is available for “play time” anytime. I went to our church’s prayer time last night. I wasn’t particularly excited about the opportunity, but as always it was a great time. It seems I am just beginning to grasp the wonder of time with God. Isn’t it interesting that the disciples didn’t ask Jesus, “Teach us to Teach.” or “Teach us to Preach” or “Teach us to perform miracles.” They asked Him to teach them to pray. There was something about His prayer experience, something about Him after his private […]

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 Don’t make the choice to go back to where you came from. God has a much bigger plan for you! Joyce Meyer My wife has an aunt who lives in Henry, south of Abbeville. When her son is working, she is alone so Rose and I try to visit her. Yesterday we spent several hours in her living room. She was in a nostalgic mood. She told stories of growing up on a farm, slaughtering animals, killing chickens, cooking huge family meals. It was great fun and my wife could relate to at least some of the stories. In these times, it’s tempting to look back and, at times, to even want to go back to when times seemed simpler. Our memories are very kind to history. They filter out the tough and the bad and leave us with the simple and the good. Our walk, however, is meant to be a forward one. In the past we were less than what God intends for us to […]

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2 We hear a lot about counterfeit gospels or “watered down” preaching in the church today. Most of the time, […]