Saturday I bought a new shirt for Easter. I wish the story was that simple and direct but, as is usual for me, it was not that simple. The day started well and ended well but in between the beginning and the ending there sure were lots of oh-well's.
The morning began with a fine breakfast made by my wife. I like to give her a plug when I can and the fact that I make points with her for it does not hurt. All I had remaining to do that day was to attend a wedding. I was scheduled to preach the next morning, Easter morning, at a church in Dallas and I was actually already set on what I wanted to say. Whether or not it sounded that way the next morning to the congregants of First Missionary Baptist Church in Cockrell Hill is another matter. In my mind, I was ready.
Since I had such a lightly loaded day AND since I would be preaching Easter Sunday morning, I had the bright idea to buy a new shirt. Not just any old shirt. I needed (the word "wanted" is more appropriate here but to garner your sympathy I will stay with the needs based approach) a gonna-preach-on-Easter-Sunday-morning shirt. My journey began three hours before time for the wedding. Surely, anyone can drive 50 miles and buy a shirt and return in such a time frame. Well, I am not anyone and neither am I Shirley. I returned home at 9 P.M. and I missed the wedding.
My first stop was the Longview Mall. I arrived when I expected to arrive. I had two stores in which to shop, JC Penney and Dillards. After 45 minutes of fretting in Dillards, I hurried to Penney's where I found nothing. It took me 15 minutes to realize that though. My hour of shopping was up and I had nothing to show for it. So, I went back to Dillards. I must not go, and empty handed. After 20 more minutes I decided to leave Longview with no new shirt.
Driving toward Gilmer I knew I had stayed too long in the mall which meant that I would miss the wedding. I called the preacher and left him a message. Minutes later I was speaking to the sister of the prospective groom and making heart-felt apologies. I called my wife and informed her of my fruitless trip and that attending the wedding was lost. She was dutifully sympathetic and I knew she would console me once I got home. Then I had another stroke of genius. Let's go to Tyler. There is another mall there!
So, I called Amy back and informed her of my bright idea. She agreed that since I was already out and had missed the wedding that it made sense to continue my search for the "needed" shirt. Bless her heart, she is a good wife.
I must pause here and explain why finding a new shirt is such an ordeal for me. I am picky. And I am not exactly svelte. Reference my pictures to the right of this blog and you will understand. I needed a cool new long-sleeved shirt that was neither blue nor white and sized in extra-gargantuan. They don't grow on trees. Being the day before Easter made such a shirt even harder to find. This was the toughest Easter egg hunt I had ever been on.
Once at the mall in Tyler, I again tried Dillards and JC Penney. I actually found a couple shirts at each store. In fact, I had two shirts in my lap in JC Penney and was rolling toward a checkout when I suddenly became disgusted with both my choices. One was an orange checked pattern that the more I looked at it the more it made me think of a rodeo clown. Rodeo clowns are fine fellows. I know a few. I am not disparaging rodeo clowns or their attire but that shirt just was not what I wanted. Both shirts would have been okay for attending church. They would have been fine if I was singing on a Sunday evening. But neither shirt would do for preaching Easter Sunday morning.
After much inner debate and consternation, I left yet another mall empty handed and dejected. I had one more possibility. There is a big & tall store near the Tyler mall so I drove over there with little hope of finding my Easter egg, uh, I mean, shirt.
I had not been in the Casual Male for more than 3 minutes when I spotted it. It was not blue neither was it white. It came in extra-gargantuan. And best of all it was a bright Eastery kind of color, PEACH. I found my new gonna-preach-on-Easter-Sunday-morning shirt. I was near tears as I made my purchase. Not really, but I sure was relieved. I had persevered and finally found what I was bound and determined to get.
When I returned to my van to come home I noticed the front tires and the near complete lack of tread on them. We had a two hour drive the next morning and the forecast was for storms. Well, those front tires would not do. As I left Tyler, I called a buddy who works in the tire department at our local Wal-Mart. I asked if he had two tires like the ones he installed a few months ago on my rear wheels. He checked and sure enough he found two. I told him I was just over an hour away. It was 7 P.M.
Don told me his boss had okay'd the installation and that he and a co-worker would wait on me. What I had not realized was that the tire center closed at 7. I thought they were open until 9. They waited on me for an hour so they could get me the one new thing I really did need that day, tires. Had I not parked the way I did in Tyler I would not have noticed how bad the front tires were. Had Don and his boss not been willing to wait for me to drive back to Mount Pleasant, we would have had to weather the winds and rain on slick tires. Had God not been in control of it all and had He not watched over me and my family there is no knowing what might have happened on the road to Dallas. But He is in control and He does watch over His kids even when their minds are on frivolous things.
While Don and his co-worker waited for me, a couple from Arkansas came into the shop. They were pulling a trailer and trying to get back home when one of their tires threw off its tread. They were in immediate dire need. Those two guys put on a new tire for them. God took care of them, too. He saved them a possible overnight hotel stay or a possible wreck. He used Don and his co-worker to bless more than just me Saturday night.
I do goofy things and I suppose we all do from time to time. It sure is good to know that God watches over all His kids and gives us what we need when we need it even when we have no clue what we were really in need of. He is able to take all my blunders and make them into wonders that accomplish His purposes and give Him glory.
"Thank you, Father, for your abundant grace extended to me even when I have my eyes on the wrong prize."
Because He lives,
Robby
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Apples of Gold
Sunday evening we (South Jefferson Baptist Church) hosted the Hoppers in concert. The concert was great. They sang wonderfully and ministered spiritually. We have enjoyed bringing in the Hoppers annually for the last 5 years or so. They are a top southern gospel group and it is nice having a big name group come sing. They pack the house and several smaller area churches even dismiss their evening services so they can come be a part too. I love the good singing and I love the fellowship between churches. Would to God that churches did more fellowshipping and serving together but that is another post.
After the concert, I quickly made my way to the booth where the Hoppers sold their CD's and DVD's and other things. I was on a mission. Our older son, Riley, has a drum set and wishes to learn how to play them. Since neither Amy or I play drums and since we have declined to pay $65/hr for lessons, I was in line to buy a drum instructional DVD made by Michael Hopper, the family's drummer.
With DVD in hand, I gathered up Riley and we went to the front of the church where Mike was chatting with folks as they drifted by offering words of joy and thanks for a wonderful service. When I could, I asked Mike if he would sign the DVD for Riley. I knew Ry would like that and it afforded us an opportunity to get to know him a bit. He was very gracious and encouraged Riley to learn to play the drums.
We had been blessed by the whole evening. We had made our purchases. We had gathered autographs. We had visited with friends and visitors. I thought we were finally ready to go home. But there was yet someone else with whom I needed to speak. I believe that appointment was set by God.
As much as the singing blessed my heart, there was something else Sunday evening that meant even more to me. Claude Hopper, the group's patriarch and founder, introduced to the congregation his older sister, Virginia Steele. Mrs. Virginia is now 84. This was the second time she has attended their concert held at our church. Both times, Claude has introduced her and asked her to share a few words of testimony. She is a charming lady who loves the Lord deeply. With a captivating, deep-south accent she eloquently expresses her love for Christ.
After getting Mike's autograph for Riley, I turned to roll up the aisle when Mrs. Virginia looked my way and began moving toward me. Naturally, I turned toward her and smiled as I reached out to shake her hand. I thanked her for coming and for her words of testimony. She smiled and said she remembered me from the last time she had come. That was sweet but what she said next moved me deeply.
She said she had often prayed for me and that because of me she was more lovingly mindful of people with disabilities. Glory Hallelujah! That's a God thing. Her facial expression was so sweet. Her eyes were glassy with tears as she talked with me. I immediately teared and swallowed the lump in my throat. I thanked her profusely and told her that I believe God uses me in a more impactful way because of the wheelchair. I believe that. She understood. The moment was precious to me and I will not soon forget it.
Do you remember the words of Proverbs25:11? "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Mrs. Virginia's words were that to my heart. We only spoke for a couple minutes yet the blessings linger still.
We will each encounter around ten people every day. We will speak on average about 25,000 words every day. How many of those meetings and how many of those words could someone reflect on and say that we were to them apples of gold in pictures of silver?
Our words matter. Just as we love to be encouraged, let us be ones to speak encouragement to others today. You don't have to memorize anything. You don't have to be profound. Be sincere. Be loving. Most of all, be ready to be a blessing to someone you meet along your journey. The blessings will far outlast the effort and will mean so much to both of you.
Because He lives,
Robby
After the concert, I quickly made my way to the booth where the Hoppers sold their CD's and DVD's and other things. I was on a mission. Our older son, Riley, has a drum set and wishes to learn how to play them. Since neither Amy or I play drums and since we have declined to pay $65/hr for lessons, I was in line to buy a drum instructional DVD made by Michael Hopper, the family's drummer.
With DVD in hand, I gathered up Riley and we went to the front of the church where Mike was chatting with folks as they drifted by offering words of joy and thanks for a wonderful service. When I could, I asked Mike if he would sign the DVD for Riley. I knew Ry would like that and it afforded us an opportunity to get to know him a bit. He was very gracious and encouraged Riley to learn to play the drums.
We had been blessed by the whole evening. We had made our purchases. We had gathered autographs. We had visited with friends and visitors. I thought we were finally ready to go home. But there was yet someone else with whom I needed to speak. I believe that appointment was set by God.
As much as the singing blessed my heart, there was something else Sunday evening that meant even more to me. Claude Hopper, the group's patriarch and founder, introduced to the congregation his older sister, Virginia Steele. Mrs. Virginia is now 84. This was the second time she has attended their concert held at our church. Both times, Claude has introduced her and asked her to share a few words of testimony. She is a charming lady who loves the Lord deeply. With a captivating, deep-south accent she eloquently expresses her love for Christ.
After getting Mike's autograph for Riley, I turned to roll up the aisle when Mrs. Virginia looked my way and began moving toward me. Naturally, I turned toward her and smiled as I reached out to shake her hand. I thanked her for coming and for her words of testimony. She smiled and said she remembered me from the last time she had come. That was sweet but what she said next moved me deeply.
She said she had often prayed for me and that because of me she was more lovingly mindful of people with disabilities. Glory Hallelujah! That's a God thing. Her facial expression was so sweet. Her eyes were glassy with tears as she talked with me. I immediately teared and swallowed the lump in my throat. I thanked her profusely and told her that I believe God uses me in a more impactful way because of the wheelchair. I believe that. She understood. The moment was precious to me and I will not soon forget it.
Do you remember the words of Proverbs25:11? "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Mrs. Virginia's words were that to my heart. We only spoke for a couple minutes yet the blessings linger still.
We will each encounter around ten people every day. We will speak on average about 25,000 words every day. How many of those meetings and how many of those words could someone reflect on and say that we were to them apples of gold in pictures of silver?
Our words matter. Just as we love to be encouraged, let us be ones to speak encouragement to others today. You don't have to memorize anything. You don't have to be profound. Be sincere. Be loving. Most of all, be ready to be a blessing to someone you meet along your journey. The blessings will far outlast the effort and will mean so much to both of you.
Because He lives,
Robby
Friday, April 3, 2009
When The Chicken Is No Longer Finger-Licking
We are all feeling the impact of the current economic climate. Effects are felt nationally, locally, and personally. We probably all have varying opinions on government bailouts, employee bonuses, tax rates, and the like. The stock market is like pond ice in Spring, dubious as to whether or not it will support one's weight. I am sure you have noticed that store prices have risen. And gas prices are also inching back north of $2 per gallon.
Personally most devastating is job losses. Detroit, MI has an unemployment rate of 22 percent. I hate it but I can live with that since Detroit is 900 miles away and I have no friends or relatives living there. Closer to heart and home though, Pilgrims Pride made another installment on their down-sizing today. Over 100 people lost jobs. That's tough to live with because many of those are friends and some are very dear friends. The fowl has gone foul.
I love what one friend said in response to losing their job. He and his wife both know that God remains in control and that God still has plans for their lives. They have sunshine even on a cloudy day in their life. And its not just their imagination.
The chicken industry is a major player in the local economy. It will continue to be so even after today. Even those who were ousted today will still eat chicken, though I would not blame them for trying out Tyson chicken.
How do we respond to changes in life that are beyond our control? What will we do now? Some will assess blame. Some will slip into depression. Some will grow angry and even bitter. Some will even point a finger at God and demand an answer to the question of why. Those are all responses of the natural man and, honestly, are easy for even Christians to fall victim to if they take their eyes off the Lord.
The answer to what we do now is to keep trusting Christ. That may sound really simple and obvious but it is the truth. We must keep our eyes on the Lord. Daniel in praying for his people confessed to God that they, as a people, had turned their faces away from Him. Nationally, we have done that too. Locally, let us remember things we already know and draw comfort from that knowledge. God is in control. God has both plan and purpose for His children. Keep your face turned toward God.
I am praying for my friends who have been forced to search for a new job. My heart is with them. My whole-hearted belief is that God will provide. Chicken was just a tool God used to bless them. Praise God that He has many many tools to use.
Whatever you face that has become difficult, painful, sour, or even foul, remember that God has not forgotten you nor is He ignoring you. He has plans to bless you and use you. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He's still finger-licking good.
Because He lives,
Robby
Personally most devastating is job losses. Detroit, MI has an unemployment rate of 22 percent. I hate it but I can live with that since Detroit is 900 miles away and I have no friends or relatives living there. Closer to heart and home though, Pilgrims Pride made another installment on their down-sizing today. Over 100 people lost jobs. That's tough to live with because many of those are friends and some are very dear friends. The fowl has gone foul.
I love what one friend said in response to losing their job. He and his wife both know that God remains in control and that God still has plans for their lives. They have sunshine even on a cloudy day in their life. And its not just their imagination.
The chicken industry is a major player in the local economy. It will continue to be so even after today. Even those who were ousted today will still eat chicken, though I would not blame them for trying out Tyson chicken.
How do we respond to changes in life that are beyond our control? What will we do now? Some will assess blame. Some will slip into depression. Some will grow angry and even bitter. Some will even point a finger at God and demand an answer to the question of why. Those are all responses of the natural man and, honestly, are easy for even Christians to fall victim to if they take their eyes off the Lord.
The answer to what we do now is to keep trusting Christ. That may sound really simple and obvious but it is the truth. We must keep our eyes on the Lord. Daniel in praying for his people confessed to God that they, as a people, had turned their faces away from Him. Nationally, we have done that too. Locally, let us remember things we already know and draw comfort from that knowledge. God is in control. God has both plan and purpose for His children. Keep your face turned toward God.
I am praying for my friends who have been forced to search for a new job. My heart is with them. My whole-hearted belief is that God will provide. Chicken was just a tool God used to bless them. Praise God that He has many many tools to use.
Whatever you face that has become difficult, painful, sour, or even foul, remember that God has not forgotten you nor is He ignoring you. He has plans to bless you and use you. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He's still finger-licking good.
Because He lives,
Robby
Friday, February 20, 2009
Sitting with a GIANT
Tuesday morning after breakfast, I (along with my pastor, Tommy Oglesby, and our youth minister, Kevin Welborn) received a special blessing by getting to sit and chat with a fellow who I consider a giant. He has preached and pastored for over 50 years. He has authored several books, produced many Bible study series, conducted seminars and conferences all over the country, served as president of the SBC, and so much more could be said about this person. His name is Jerry Vines. To me, he is a legend, a celebrity, and certainly, a hero of the faith.
Indulge me for a moment to make a side comment.
Men like Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers, W. A. Criswell, and Jerry Fallwell are rare blessings from God. God uses men like them to shape whole denominations and to stand as beacons in the night giving direction and rallying other men of God to stand with them. Three of those four have already gone home to be with the Lord. Let us treasure the treasures that God has bestowed on us by giving men like Jerry Vines to our generation. Americans honor athletic talent, Hollywood celebrities, and even the infamous. I believe we should reconsider who we call heroes and revere a life given to eternal things.
Ok, back to my story.
Needless to say, spending time with Bro. Jerry thrilled my soul. He told us about what he is doing and the plans he has for his ministry. He asked our opinions on stuff. Did you catch that? Jerry Vines asked for MY opinion. Amazing. For half an hour we all chatted. My week was made in 30 minutes.
We were all in Euless, Texas, for an SBTC Empower Conference. We heard great preachers including Jerry Vines, of course, and also Emir and Ergun Caner, and others. Ricky Skaggs performed as did the Booth Brothers. We had a great time. Breakfast was the icing on the cake.
Later in the day as I reflected on time spent with a man I consider a giant of God, a thought struck me. We are all giants to someone. We may not know who that is but I believe we are heroes to other folks. Dads and Moms should be heroes to their kids. Church leaders are often admired by congregants. A stranger may witness an act of kindness we do and be moved. The possibilities are enormous. The impact can be immeasurable and eternal.
Paul and Peter told us to be sober minded. For me, that means I must daily live in awareness of my influence on those whom I encounter. Let my little story of meeting Jerry Vines be a reminder to you that someone (or maybe many) is watching you. They are encouraged by your example and are thrilled spending time with you. I say that not to swell your ego but to point out that you are a Jerry Vines to someone. Do not dismiss that or take it lightly. Someone's eternity may hang in the balance.
Because He lives,
Robby
Indulge me for a moment to make a side comment.
Men like Jerry Vines, Adrian Rogers, W. A. Criswell, and Jerry Fallwell are rare blessings from God. God uses men like them to shape whole denominations and to stand as beacons in the night giving direction and rallying other men of God to stand with them. Three of those four have already gone home to be with the Lord. Let us treasure the treasures that God has bestowed on us by giving men like Jerry Vines to our generation. Americans honor athletic talent, Hollywood celebrities, and even the infamous. I believe we should reconsider who we call heroes and revere a life given to eternal things.
Ok, back to my story.
Needless to say, spending time with Bro. Jerry thrilled my soul. He told us about what he is doing and the plans he has for his ministry. He asked our opinions on stuff. Did you catch that? Jerry Vines asked for MY opinion. Amazing. For half an hour we all chatted. My week was made in 30 minutes.
We were all in Euless, Texas, for an SBTC Empower Conference. We heard great preachers including Jerry Vines, of course, and also Emir and Ergun Caner, and others. Ricky Skaggs performed as did the Booth Brothers. We had a great time. Breakfast was the icing on the cake.
Later in the day as I reflected on time spent with a man I consider a giant of God, a thought struck me. We are all giants to someone. We may not know who that is but I believe we are heroes to other folks. Dads and Moms should be heroes to their kids. Church leaders are often admired by congregants. A stranger may witness an act of kindness we do and be moved. The possibilities are enormous. The impact can be immeasurable and eternal.
Paul and Peter told us to be sober minded. For me, that means I must daily live in awareness of my influence on those whom I encounter. Let my little story of meeting Jerry Vines be a reminder to you that someone (or maybe many) is watching you. They are encouraged by your example and are thrilled spending time with you. I say that not to swell your ego but to point out that you are a Jerry Vines to someone. Do not dismiss that or take it lightly. Someone's eternity may hang in the balance.
Because He lives,
Robby
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Ho Ho Ho
Are you excited yet about Christmas? Are you looking forward to all the fun and festivities that accompany the holiday season? This is a great time of year. School will soon be dismissed for a couple of weeks so kids are thrilled. Decorations cover houses, stores, and civic buildings. Favorite recipes for all manner of sweets are being prepared. People are thinking of what gifts to buy that loved ones will enjoy. Old friends and family members send cards back and forth, some sweet, some funny, some with the latest family photos, and some that touch hearts deeply. Trips are being planned. Parties are soon to begin. Did I mention the sweet treats? Oh, it is a wonderful time of year.
Or is it so wonderful? The same activities that to some cause great excitement and joy to others cause anxiety, frustration, and WORK. Lots of work! Some will become a bundle of frazzled nerves before the first present is opened. What should I get Aunt Susie? Does Uncle Joe like Old Spice? Why do Christmas tree lights work for everyone else but me? With all the joy of the season, there are also those for whom this time of year is one filled with sadness, despair, and grief over lost loved ones.
Whatever your take on the whole thing, there is something we can all focus on this time of year. This is when we celebrate the birth of Christ. It may be cliched to say but it is true nonetheless, He is the reason for the season. Jesus was not born so that your kids could get a new iPod. He did not come into this world so that Macy's, JC Penney, Wal-Mart, etc. could have a Red Day Blue Light Rollback special from 4 AM until noon the day after Thanksgiving. He came to seek and save that which was lost. He came for you. And for me.
Jesus gave us the best example of gift giving by simply giving Himself. I know you are going to shop for presents. I am too. But let us not forget to give the best gift this Christmas. Give yourself and your time to those around you. This really is a great time of year. I pray that Christmas for you is filled with love and joy rather than anxiety and heartache.
From me and my family to you and to yours, Merry Christmas to all and to all a .......goodnight, where is that wrapping tape? Will someone please get the cat out of the Christmas tree before it chews the light cord again? Brandon will you stop asking when.........
Merry Christmas,
Robby
Or is it so wonderful? The same activities that to some cause great excitement and joy to others cause anxiety, frustration, and WORK. Lots of work! Some will become a bundle of frazzled nerves before the first present is opened. What should I get Aunt Susie? Does Uncle Joe like Old Spice? Why do Christmas tree lights work for everyone else but me? With all the joy of the season, there are also those for whom this time of year is one filled with sadness, despair, and grief over lost loved ones.
Whatever your take on the whole thing, there is something we can all focus on this time of year. This is when we celebrate the birth of Christ. It may be cliched to say but it is true nonetheless, He is the reason for the season. Jesus was not born so that your kids could get a new iPod. He did not come into this world so that Macy's, JC Penney, Wal-Mart, etc. could have a Red Day Blue Light Rollback special from 4 AM until noon the day after Thanksgiving. He came to seek and save that which was lost. He came for you. And for me.
Jesus gave us the best example of gift giving by simply giving Himself. I know you are going to shop for presents. I am too. But let us not forget to give the best gift this Christmas. Give yourself and your time to those around you. This really is a great time of year. I pray that Christmas for you is filled with love and joy rather than anxiety and heartache.
From me and my family to you and to yours, Merry Christmas to all and to all a .......goodnight, where is that wrapping tape? Will someone please get the cat out of the Christmas tree before it chews the light cord again? Brandon will you stop asking when.........
Merry Christmas,
Robby
Friday, November 14, 2008
Gobble Gobble
I'm sorry that so long has passed since my last post. I could list numerous plausible excuses, but suffice it to say that I have simply been lazy. With that said, lets see if we can make a few timely observations.
Well the end of the year is fast approaching and I expect that turkeys everywhere are growing nervous. Their "last supper" as it were is only two weeks away. I am sure turkey growers are happily expecting increased revenue from the coming Thanksgiving season. And we, consumers, will likely make those expectations come true.
I know that I am anxious to see ol' Tom Turkey roasting in the oven or being smoked by my brother-in-law, Matt. I love Thanksgiving. I love the food. Oh, the joy of seeing a table spread with turkey and dressing, candied yams, broccoli and rice casserole, green bean casserole, apricot congealed salad, corn on the cob, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, and freshly buttered home-made rolls. Oh, and then there is dessert. I spy with my hungry eye, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, coconut cream pie, Italian cream cake, and peach cobbler. I had better stop there. Thinking of all that stuff is about to make me cry plus I am really hungry.
I love the people of Thanksgiving. Our church family will gather on the Monday before Thanksgiving for a church-wide dinner. I love my church family. So many are dear friends. Among them are many stories of God's goodness extended to Man. They encourage me and brighten my life. I love my immediate and extended family too. Some we do not get to see very often, so spending time with them is especially precious. Even for those family members we see every week, the time spent together is sweet.
I love the God of Thanksgiving. He has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. He is bigger than my mind can begin to fathom and He takes time to know me, love me, and make a way for me to be related to Him so I can in return know Him. That alone is a great deal for which to be thankful. But He goes and adds the other things I mentioned above plus so much more. If we were to start naming all the blessings God bestows on us then we would never finish.
Your list of Thanksgiving treats will be different than mine. Your family situation will not be the same either, though I hope your family is filled with love one for another too. But the Lord is the same for us all. As He looks down on us in love and compassion, we should look up to Him with love and thanksgiving.
So before November 27 arrives and before we gobble gobble on all the good goodies, remember to remember that everything we enjoy was given to us by our Heavenly Father. Delight in Him and His greatness and be thankful. He has already given us so many desires of our hearts and more are on the way.
Because He lives,
Robby
Well the end of the year is fast approaching and I expect that turkeys everywhere are growing nervous. Their "last supper" as it were is only two weeks away. I am sure turkey growers are happily expecting increased revenue from the coming Thanksgiving season. And we, consumers, will likely make those expectations come true.
I know that I am anxious to see ol' Tom Turkey roasting in the oven or being smoked by my brother-in-law, Matt. I love Thanksgiving. I love the food. Oh, the joy of seeing a table spread with turkey and dressing, candied yams, broccoli and rice casserole, green bean casserole, apricot congealed salad, corn on the cob, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, and freshly buttered home-made rolls. Oh, and then there is dessert. I spy with my hungry eye, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, coconut cream pie, Italian cream cake, and peach cobbler. I had better stop there. Thinking of all that stuff is about to make me cry plus I am really hungry.
I love the people of Thanksgiving. Our church family will gather on the Monday before Thanksgiving for a church-wide dinner. I love my church family. So many are dear friends. Among them are many stories of God's goodness extended to Man. They encourage me and brighten my life. I love my immediate and extended family too. Some we do not get to see very often, so spending time with them is especially precious. Even for those family members we see every week, the time spent together is sweet.
I love the God of Thanksgiving. He has blessed us beyond our wildest dreams. He is bigger than my mind can begin to fathom and He takes time to know me, love me, and make a way for me to be related to Him so I can in return know Him. That alone is a great deal for which to be thankful. But He goes and adds the other things I mentioned above plus so much more. If we were to start naming all the blessings God bestows on us then we would never finish.
Your list of Thanksgiving treats will be different than mine. Your family situation will not be the same either, though I hope your family is filled with love one for another too. But the Lord is the same for us all. As He looks down on us in love and compassion, we should look up to Him with love and thanksgiving.
So before November 27 arrives and before we gobble gobble on all the good goodies, remember to remember that everything we enjoy was given to us by our Heavenly Father. Delight in Him and His greatness and be thankful. He has already given us so many desires of our hearts and more are on the way.
Because He lives,
Robby
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Titanic
The story of the Titanic is certainly a tragedy. Many lives were lost, the so-touted "unsinkable" ship sunk, and reputations were tarnished. I recently read an article that said the reason the Titanic sank so fast was that the rivets on the forward hull were inferior. Imagine that. A 900 foot long ship sinks in two hours because of faulty rivets. Care was evidently not taken to make sure those rivets were made of the right material in the right way. Sometimes the smallest pieces cause the biggest troubles. Assumption and arrogance are the real culprits to the tragedy of the Titanic. The captain and the owners assumed that nothing could harm their ship. Warnings were ignored that could have saved lives or even completely avoided the collision. Pride goes before a fall says Proverbs.
I wonder how many times we live as though we are the Titanic, unsinkable. We feel invincible. We are Christians and have everything under control. Ha! We too have inferior little rivets. It is called our flesh, the old sin nature. We hit a temptation and a rivet snaps as we spiral downward into an ocean of sin. Someone cuts us off in traffic and a rivet snaps sinking us into a fit of rage. Someone at church hurts our feelings and we plunge headlong into self-pity which might even keep us home from church.
How can we keep those rivets from popping so easily? Paul asked a similar question in Romans chapter 7 where he asks who would deliver him from the body of this death. He realized that even though he was born again, he still had an old sin nature that wanted to sin. His flesh was weak as is ours. That is why Paul said in Galatians 6:14 that he would not glory in anything except the cross of Christ. How much more then should we rely on the Holy Spirit and take no pride in ourselves?
God gifts each of us. His Spirit indwells us. We have all spiritual blessings available to us and yet we sometimes let pride well up and a rivet pops. We forget that the power to live successful Christian lives does not come from us. Philippians 2:13 teaches us that both the desire and the ability to please God comes from God. As long as life is going well we often rely less on God. We figure we can handle things for a while. Then when trouble comes, as it will for us all, we race back to God pleading for His help. God loves hearing from us and helping us but we ought not treat Him like a genie in a bottle, hoping He will rescue us from the consequences of our wanderings.
We can be strong in the Lord and the power of His might but we must always remember that the power is His. Left to our own devices we will steam straight into an iceberg of sin and worldliness that so easily pops our rivets causing us to rapidly sink. Like Peter on the water, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing we are weak without Him. Our rivets are faulty too. We must heed the warnings and steer away from temptation so we do not sink into the chilly depths of sin.
Because He lives,
Robby
I wonder how many times we live as though we are the Titanic, unsinkable. We feel invincible. We are Christians and have everything under control. Ha! We too have inferior little rivets. It is called our flesh, the old sin nature. We hit a temptation and a rivet snaps as we spiral downward into an ocean of sin. Someone cuts us off in traffic and a rivet snaps sinking us into a fit of rage. Someone at church hurts our feelings and we plunge headlong into self-pity which might even keep us home from church.
How can we keep those rivets from popping so easily? Paul asked a similar question in Romans chapter 7 where he asks who would deliver him from the body of this death. He realized that even though he was born again, he still had an old sin nature that wanted to sin. His flesh was weak as is ours. That is why Paul said in Galatians 6:14 that he would not glory in anything except the cross of Christ. How much more then should we rely on the Holy Spirit and take no pride in ourselves?
God gifts each of us. His Spirit indwells us. We have all spiritual blessings available to us and yet we sometimes let pride well up and a rivet pops. We forget that the power to live successful Christian lives does not come from us. Philippians 2:13 teaches us that both the desire and the ability to please God comes from God. As long as life is going well we often rely less on God. We figure we can handle things for a while. Then when trouble comes, as it will for us all, we race back to God pleading for His help. God loves hearing from us and helping us but we ought not treat Him like a genie in a bottle, hoping He will rescue us from the consequences of our wanderings.
We can be strong in the Lord and the power of His might but we must always remember that the power is His. Left to our own devices we will steam straight into an iceberg of sin and worldliness that so easily pops our rivets causing us to rapidly sink. Like Peter on the water, let us keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing we are weak without Him. Our rivets are faulty too. We must heed the warnings and steer away from temptation so we do not sink into the chilly depths of sin.
Because He lives,
Robby
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