A Follower's Thoughts - Going Against the Grain

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." As a Christian, trying to not conform to this world can be a tough challenge. The allure of worldly possessions, money, bigger houses, better vehicles, that new pair of shoes, or jeans is following along with the crowd. Could it be, we follow the world because we want to be accepted, be liked, be successful, have more than our neighbors? It could be, as Christians, we should be going against the grain of worldly thinking? We really should. We should stand out in the crowd. After all, we are disciples of Christ Jesus. We must renew our minds to the will of God. Look at it this way, picture the world as a wooden board. Have you ever rubbed your hand down a wooden board? Often, when you rub your hand down the board in one direction, it feels really smooth, but when you rub your hand in the opposite direction, it feels really rough. That's due to the grain in the wood, with the grain, it's smooth; against the grain, it's rough. It's often so rough that sometimes you may get a splinter in your hand. Believe me, a splinter in your hand is no fun! Basically, when you conform to this world, you are following the grain or the ways of the world. This is easy and smooth—the path of least resistance. Now, on the other hand, when you don't follow the world and its enticements, you go against the grain. That can and will be rough and, at times, painful. Jesus said, if you follow me, you will be persecuted. But you know what, as far as I see it, it's a path worth taking, because at the end of that board is Jesus holding out His nail-pierced hands to take our hands and remove every splinter that the world has given us. God Bless.

Correll Pritchard

Persevering Persistence

I think I once heard someone say, “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins---- not through strength, but persistence.” It is hard to imagine how an object that appears so much more durable can be destroyed by that which seems to be not as strong. However, I will illustrate the truth of this with a geological fact; Niagara Falls was an estimated seven miles downstream of its current location twelve years ago. Over the years, the persistence of the water running over the rock in the riverbed slowly eroded the falls upstream.

As we’ve experienced the restrictions of Covid-19 during the past couple of months and, now, seek to recover in the aftermath of the storm, we are all feeling the stress and anxiety of the “unknowns” of the future: How long will this go on? What will happen to the economy? When will things get back to normal? What will the “New Normal” be? These are all legitimate questions for which there are no easy answers. I do not have any magic answers just a few rambling thoughts:

1. Coach Hamp Lyons once told me, “Stickability is necessary. When the going gets tough, stick to it and do not quit. Stickability will make winners through some storms when losers quit. You’ve got to have stickability.”

2. Take time with family and neighbors and really get to know them (6 feet away of course). The true value of “community” is simple and yet profound to those who discover it,…. no matter how tough, no matter how long the journey, we are not alone. There is no exercise any better for the human heart than reaching out in love to others.

3. Pray: Talk with God openly and honestly. Lay all your concerns bare before God. Do not be afraid to vent your frustrations and ask for help. God hears from the weak and strong, the meek and  humble and is Lord of all. The fundamental reason we pray is to seek “at-one-ment” with God who created us and knows exactly what he created us to become.

The deeper the darkness the brighter the light. Let’s get about the business of shining. 

Blessings, Mike. 

Am I Charismatic?

You may be thinking, I’m not a “holy roller.” Well, let’s explore that notion for a moment. For many followers of Christ, Charismatic denotes normalizing the manifestation of Spirit gifts (listed in I Corinthians 12) in public worship, such as healing, tongues, or modern day miracles (this is not typically the practice of Methodists). The greek word Charisma is interpreted as “gracious gifts from God” (Barry’s way of saying it) and suggests those endued with the power of the Holy Spirit are manifestly gifted by God to edify or “make strong” the whole body of believers and to share the Gospel with the world.

However, if I ask instead, are those who “belong to Christ” filled and led by the Holy Spirit? This question is rather rhetorical and strikes more precisely to the heart of the nature of our salvation. The reality created in Jesus Christ by resurrection is a new existence for all believing, obedient children of God. This reality is characterized by the law of the Spirit or being indwelled by the Holy Spirit. It is a non-negotiable truth. It is the very means of regeneration and being set free from the law of sin and death. The Holy Spirit provides me life in Christ. This is the very implication of resurrection faith and is undeniable if I am “in Christ.” 

My new reality creates a fresh behavior pattern for me. I am now led, not by obligation of written religious laws or pleasing my appetites for human expression, but by the instructive guidance of the Spirit who writes upon the tablet of my heart the will of God. I am now true Israel, an awakened person, led by the Spirit, with the power to live a Christ-pleasing life, and confidently tackle the challenges of a hostile world of temptations, troubles, and hardships. These instructions for living are obviously synonymous with Holy Scriptures’ testimony of righteousness, or we have a huge disconnect. So, if someone ever asks if you are a “holy roller,” just say: “why yes I am, by the mercy of God.”

Reflections on Romans 8-12

Barry

Searching for Contentment...

Contentment is the word and feeling I am pondering today. It came to me in a dream a few nights ago, and I can not stop thinking about it. There are many ways to define contentment and how to be content with our lives. I have logged several quotes over the years in my journal. Some of them include the word happiness, faith, joy, hope, and love, but each reminds us we should believe that God is working in our lives, and we should believe in ourselves. Why? Because through Him, we are braver than we think, more talented than we know, and more capable than we imagine.

Contentment comes in many different forms for each of us. For me, I am most content when I am around and with my family. Recently, our son and his family visited for the day, and everyone gathered in different areas of our home, porch, kitchen, yard, etc. However, our grandson and I were sitting comfortably together on the couch, him leaned back under my arm watching cartoons, and the world was at peace. What made it even better? Our granddaughter climbed onto my lap and joined us. There was very little conversation; it was mostly their laughter filling the conversation gap as we watched the silliness on the screen. They were safe from harm; they were free to be themselves, comfortable in my arms, and they were happy and laughing and me; well, I was in a state of bliss. In other words, I was content at that moment with everything in my world.

Philippians 4:11-13 begins and ends with two sentences I have printed on a label, taped and attached to a spot I see every day to help me remember who oversees my life. The verses read, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him that strengthens me.” I have read these sentences more days than I can remember to which, I am always reminded, He has got this. He is in control. All I need to do is allow Him to remain in control, not try to do it by myself, and to live a life filled with faith, hope, joy, unconditional love, and contentment.

Maya Angelou wrote, “We need much less than we think we need.” So true, when we look to fill a void in our lives with possessions or money, we only end up wanting more. All those things we fill our lives with are not necessarily bad, but when they become the end goals and reason for our being, we become discontented because those things were never meant to fulfill us.

The only place we can really find fulfillment and true contentment is in Christ. In other words, true contentment is not something we find in things, people, or circumstances. It is only to be discovered in our commitment. Rob Kubin said it best, “We have to choose to rest on God’s good promises despite what may be going on in our lives.” And currently, we have a lot going on in our lives. We are worried about the pandemic and its effect on our lives, our families, our communities, and our organizations. As leaders, we must hold fast to our convictions and values to light the paths for others to follow. As leaders, we must remember to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.

I encourage us as leaders to use our light to make a difference and add value to others. Be significant in their lives. I found a poem written by Roy Bennett that I saved and will conclude with today. It is titled Don’t Just…

Don’t just learn, experience. Don’t just read, absorb. Don’t just change, transform. Don’t just relate, advocate. Don’t just criticize, encourage. Don’t just think, ponder. Don’t just take, give. Don’t just see, feel. Don’t just dream, do. Don’t just hear, listen. Don’t just talk, act. Don’t just tell, show. Don’t just exist, LIVE! Philippians 4:13

Have a wonderful day,

James Dodwell

The Answer (Part Three of Three)

We need God to relationally, “raise us from the dead.” He must restore us to His family (redeem us). We are powerless to make this happen. So, He does it! This is His story, the gospel; the story of God (YHWH) wrapping Himself in flesh and coming to save rebellious human beings. He rescues us from the mud house by covenant means with His own death and resurrection. The violated covenant is replaced with a new covenant and the power to keep it. In Christ, we are relocated in a new home/creation by grace through faith. This new, true life is found in Jesus’ action and teachings. Think of it. He, Himself, first established this new creation/home in an event on earth and has a new body of existence to prove it. Christian existence is not found in a prescribed life of following codes of conduct, but rather in a story based in historic fact with theological implications which endure for all people. Jesus enjoins us to access the power of His real bodily resurrection through faith and worship of Him as Son of God, Messiah, who takes away sin. Now, we are free to live “the good life” in God’s will. Now, we may live in the right love relationship with God who made us for Himself. This new life is determinative of morals and the basis of true holiness before God. It is a gift of grace once and it is grace daily. Why is the Gospel good news? Jesus does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.

I hope you embrace this good news today by the gift of faith and worship and rejoice every time you witness a baptism or receive communion. May you have the beautiful, pleasing, and righteous life which springs from humility, repentance, and an active trust relationship in Christ alone.

Barry

See Romans 1-12

A Follower's Thoughts - The Glue That Holds Us Together

Colossians 1: 15-17 says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

What are Laminins? They are molecules that hold each cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. When seen under a microscope, a laminin molecule is basically shaped like a cross. No joke! Now, I would say that it’s not a perfect cross, but it’s a cross. If you look up Laminin in a scientific or medical book, they are drawn out as cross-shaped. So, I got to thinking. All of us, as human beings, are held together by a cross, connected to a cross, connected to a cross, and so on. That is so amazing!

Don’t we all have days that everything goes wrong? I know I have had my share of those kinds of days. Somedays, I tell myself, why did I ever get out of bed this morning. We are going to have days where everything seems to come unglued. Worries, anxieties, fears, jobs to do, deadlines to make, the lists go on and on. It starts to delaminate us little by little until we feel ourselves coming unglued. We get ill, frustrated, perhaps we say hurtful words to others, and God forbid, let foul language come from our lips! When we have those kinds of days, we need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and remember how we are truly made; in God’s image, connected by a cross! Remembering the cross that our savior Jesus Christ died on for us is all we need to hold us together, together as an individual and as the body of Christ. For in Jesus, ALL things hold together.

God Bless.

Correll

The Human Answer (Part Two of Three)

What does Romans offer us? How shall we be free of the bondage of the mud? We try to fix ourselves or just seek to be “one” with the mud. But human potential, “works-based” ideals are doomed to self-righteousness, hypocrisy, manipulations, self-delusion, and failure. The best moral religions and philosophies deal in human strength or virtuous activities (arete, see Aristotle). They might shame us about right and wrong but do not lead us to the God who is the source of “right and good (dykai-osun-a or righteousness).” These moralisms and “super-therapies of wholeness” often involve denial or good behavior mixed with wrong reasons. They are just too bent and weak to work. Colin Williams, commenting on this “bent,” reminds us that it is not that we cannot do good things but that these good capacities are twisted from their true course and are wrongly purposed. Actions that are often judged good by objective social and moral standards are, in fact, religiously corrupt when they issue from a life separated from God. John Wesley actually saw these “good deeds” as evil that keep us from God (Sermons I, pg. 38), “they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done.” Sobering indeed! So take the example of Jacob, he claims God’s promised blessing by deceiving his father. It was God’s good gained not in God’s way. It was God’s will for him to be the chosen descendant and by definition was “good,” yet his means involved sinful deception. It destroyed his relationship with his brother. This story is repeated. Thus, we need rescuing. Enter the gospel. A new life in Christ which doesn’t proceed from right behavior, but results in righteous or “holy fruit.” A gift from God.

Barry

The True Problem (Part One of Three)

“The world has gone nuts,” you say. “Yes and no,” I would reply, it has always been nuts. I want to discuss sin with you. I am not trying to be a “downer,” in fact, I want to be the champion of good news. The news is good because it answers the bad. Consider this, and the saints are all agreed, sin is our condition, not just our behavior. It is our home, not simply our actions. Our world is telling us that people are good, but institutions are evil. In contrast, the Bible teaches us that both are corrupt. This is why checks and balances of power are important in government. The condition of sin is fundamentally true of us all and provides a critical understanding of ourselves before God as we live in this world. We are depraved. The essence of that depravity is the lost moral image of God. We lost His image because our covenant relationship with Him is broken (see garden of Eden). We are disposed to rebellion against Him and His ways which leads to bondage. We, like the Hebrew children, end up in Egypt as slaves. Our taskmasters are described with words or phrases like: pride, indulgences (addictions), greed, wrath, envy, self-righteousness, unforgiveness, unrestrained sexual impulses, or just simple ole power, just to name a few. And honestly, we willingly embrace them. Or at best, we subconsciously obey them. They drive us and control us; even our good deeds are tainted by them. This creates a world for each of us that I would compare to living in deep mud; at times fun, but largely a picture of drudgery and mess. How shall we ever be free? The answer is not within us, it is with God in the person of Christ. It is called resurrection. 

In my next blog, I will explain the insufficient human answer.

Barry

See Romans 1-7

A Few Well-Timed Funerals

 My Dad was an interesting man, and the older I get, the more interesting he gets. He did not have much formal education but, all my life, I remember him as someone who read a lot and spent even more time thinking about what he had read. We were fishing one day up in Elkahatchee Creek when, out of nowhere, he said, “Son, this ole world would be a much better place with a few well-timed funerals.” In my surprise, I asked him just who he had on the list that needed to die? He quickly replied, “I’m not talking about any 'who' funerals. I’m talking about 'what' funerals. He went on, "Wouldn’t it be great if we could bury hatred and right there beside hatred, we could bury greed? We could dig some more graves and bury selfishness, bigotry, lying, cheating, and stealing. We could go on and bury all the sins of the world, and maybe, then, we could have some peace.” In my amazement, I ask, “Who in the world have you been talking with?” His response was he had just been reading “The Leather Book” and talking to “the Man upstairs.”

As I reflect back on that day, I can’t remember whether we caught any fish or not, but today I’m convinced that we need to bury a lot of the things of this world if we are going to build the Kingdom of God in our time and place. Becoming Christian is dying to sin to live for God. Maybe it is time for a few well-timed funerals…. What is first?

Blessings,

Mike

Life With Assurance

A friend came by for a visit, recently. We exchanged pleasantries about how each of our families was doing, asked if anything was new and how was business; you know, the usual small talk between old friends. Then he began talking about the issues plaguing the world, communities, and families with the current situation. One thing he brought up was how everyone, even him, is living in apprehension and fear and it was very concerning. These words surprised me coming from him because this is a man who, years ago, left everything behind to move his family to Africa, without any knowledge of where they would be living or how they would survive in a strange environment to do missionary work for 20 plus years. Although I thought he was taking a big chance, at the time, the thing that most impressed me about him, and his family, was that they were fearless and focused to endeavor to persevere in their mission to build churches, schools, and other infrastructure to aid the people in Africa. With the Church in support of them, many prayers, and their faith in Jesus Christ, they did just what they set out to do, make a difference and add value to others.

During our visit, the conversation began to stir up feelings of apprehension and fear within me, because, as you know, the past few months have been extremely stressful for all of us and our families; then to create more chaos, the issue with the demonstrations in different cities has compounded the uneasiness of the normally calm, cool and collected, guardian, alpha male in my family. I believe what has troubled me the most is knowing how our faith can falter or become unstable if we allow apprehensions to enter our thinking and we forget to take a deep, spiritual breath of God’s assurance. The only way to remove fear (False Evidence Appearing Real) from our lives is to listen to God’s assurance to us. Just saying…

Although I prefer to hold these feelings close, sometimes even a big boy like me becomes fearful and is filled with apprehension during troubled times. When this happens, I refer to our instruction manual, the Bible and in the Book of Hebrews verses 13:5-6, it states, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” In other words, we should not be obsessed with apprehension or fear. This does not mean we will not be tempted to fear or be apprehensive, but we should lean into God’s words of assurance to help us strengthen our resolve and not allow our faith to falter.

When I read this passage, I am reminded of the spiritual leaders and mentors who have blessed my life by sharing their faith, hope, joy, and unconditional love for me. They were always taking time out of their busy schedules to assist me when I failed and when I succeeded. They would politely listen then offer paths to solutions. They did not tell me what to do or how to do it, they simply helped me find my own way and helped me come to my own realization of what needed to be done. They supported my decisions good and bad, and helped me to grow and stretch. Sometimes I got “skin’t up” with some of my lame-brained attempts at growth, but overall, it was not too bad. 

As I ponder the latter, these Spiritual leaders and mentors are placed in our lives to remind us Jesus Christ is always there for us and He is the same yesterday, today and forever. In other words, the wisdom God placed into those spiritual leaders and mentors in years gone by, He can and will do the same for you and me! If we will lean into Him, He will liberate us from fear and apprehension, free us from worry and strife, empower us with knowledge, wisdom and skills that will help us to stretch and grow to reach our potential. Simply stated, they were there to make a difference and add value to us and as we mature, we will be able to do the same for others.

I encourage each of us as leaders in our homes, communities, and organizations to practice the discipline of self. Lean into the Lord who is the ultimate spiritual leader and mentor for our lives. People follow leaders because they see a life, they believe they can trust and one they want to emulate. Be that leaders. Believe, you are that leader. Understand when fear and apprehension begin to creep into our life and our walk, we have a solution, God’s assurance and when we yield to His assurance, we produce a life worth following. It will make a difference and add value. Hebrews 13:5-6

Have a wonderful day,

James Dodwell

We Are One in Him and Thus Family

I left for a few days this past weekend only to hear of the unrest in many of our major cities across America. Race and injustice emerge as a flashpoint among us. We are reminded that race for those following Christ is an amalgamation; we are one in Him and thus family. Period! If you ask the Gospel to identify the problems that hinder us as human beings, those same things that manifest themselves in social ills. So, the Gospel reminds us that we are all created in the image of God, but we are rebellious and sinful. It is a fact that when I look into the face of my neighbor, all my neighbors, I am seeing someone who is made for God. Indeed I am beholding someone for whom Jesus came to rescue. The basis of how I treat my neighbor then should be found in how I am treated by God. I should graciously love others because He first loved me. I am quick to forgive because He forgave me. I take the ways of true kindness seriously because of God’s loving-kindness toward me. If God withholds His wrath from me, then I will not give my heart to wrath (or pride, greed, lusts, envy, or other vices for that matter). Kingdom virtue is to be sown into the world from me, filled with the Holy Spirit, like salt to enrich my world and so my world may flourish in the blessings of God. I am called to treat all like I would like to be treated or have been treated by God. This is being reconciled into the one family of God through Christ.

Barry

Living as Christians in a broken world is hard and it begins with living for others.

The past couple of months have been tough; a pandemic has ravaged across the globe and our normal routines have been disrupted and inconvenienced. Concurrently, a senseless killing has incited protests and riots throughout our country. Our behaviors, in both situations, concern me. Are we becoming a society short on self-discipline, disrespectful of rules of law, and lacking wisdom? We resist protocols intended to protect others and blatantly violate the limits of civil disobedience with concern for my perspective and mine only and seldom consider the effects on others.  

Wisdom is a big thing in the Bible and Jesus lived a life that exemplified wisdom in its purest form. Jesus was all about us living in ways that are synergistic with The Holy by loving God and loving others. James put it this way, “Where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.” (James 3:16-18)

Living as Christians in a broken world is hard and it begins with living for others. Let me share some examples from the past:

Jesus: “Love one another as I have loved you.”

St. Francis of Assisi

“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love, where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Charles D. Meigs: 

“Lord, help me live from day to day in such a self-forgetful way that even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for __ OTHERS. Help me in all the work I do to ever be sincere and true and know that all I’d do for you, must needs be done for __ OTHERS. Let “Self” be crucified and slain, and buried deep; and all in vain may efforts be to rise again unless to live for __ OTHERS.

And when my work on earth is done, and my new work in Heaven’s begun, May I forget the crown I’ve won, while thinking still of __ OTHERS. __ Others, Lord, yes, others. Let this my motto be, help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee.”

Christian living is wisdom living. Lord, teach me how…….. Blessings, Mike.  

Return to Worship

In my studies and devotional life, again and again, I return to the Psalms. These are wonderful real testimonies of the people of God at worship and prayer. They capture the depth of their longings as they learn to trust and live in a land with Yahweh. The last five Psalms are called “the great Hallel.” They all begin and end with “Praise Yah.” No matter what our circumstances, we find they are small compared to the greatness of God. I find this to be a great comfort, which leads me to the topic of FUMC returning to public worship.

Mike and I gave our best effort to provide our leaders with a "return to public worship" protocol. These protocols are a plan to lovingly and safely return to public gatherings of worship. Guided by our Bishop and medical professionals, we offered guidelines to our trustees for approval. Respectfully, the trustees voted to re-open Jacob’s Ladder on June 1 in order to serve a critical need in our community. In addition, they voted FUMC may return to public worship on June 14. We will follow these protocols for six weeks with possible extensions. Please note there are varying, valid opinions about our safe return, but we all agree how vital our worship life and communion are to our well being. Please grant us the courtesy of honoring these protocols for everyone’s sake.

The hallmarks of the protocols are these: 1. To practice social distancing upon arriving, being seated, and departing. 2. Wearing masks. 3. Temperature gatherings. 4. Gloves or hand sanitizing. 5. Limiting bathroom use. 6. Updated cleaning practices by our staff.

The June 14 date allows us several advantages. We will better know how the “spread of the virus” is tracking, gain insight in regard to other churches who have returned at earlier dates, and be provided the time to assess the broken AC unit at the Arbor. Lastly, it also allows our staff to acquire the needed supplies to support our return. Be aware this start date is contingent on the Bishop and Cabinet not extending the June 1 “not before date.”

I offer a special thanks to Neal Watts and our trustees, who have faithfully guided us through massive events. The protocols will be communicated to everyone shortly; please allow some time to read and learn them. We have a great team of leaders, and it has been a long nine weeks for everyone.

Barry

A Follower's Thought...

John 19:30 says, "When Jesus had received the wine, he said, 'It is finished.' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." I got to thinking about this verse and especially his last three words, "It is finished." As I was reflecting on these three words, I said to myself, "What powerful words these are!" With these three words, Jesus fulfilled his mission on Earth. Jesus was born to die, to save us from our sins. Do we deserve it? No! None of us do.

We as humans, as I see it, have two problems that we have a hard time overcoming, and frankly can do nothing about. Those two problems are sin and death. No matter what we do or how hard we try, we can’t fix these problems by ourselves or with anyone’s help, except one, Jesus Christ! We are all born sinners. Romans 5:12 says, "Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned." Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord."

What I am saying is this, we will never get out of this world alive with sin and death looming over us. Only one can save us. Jesus! He conquered our sin by dying on a cross, and he conquered our death by rising on the third day. You want to conquer sin and death? Say yes to Jesus. I’m just saying, in my opinion, there is no other way out of this world alive. With those last three words, "It is finished", Jesus bowed to the world and ushered in the chance of eternal life. I pray we all bow our heads to Jesus and welcome his free gift of eternal life.

God bless,

Correll Pritchard

Memorial Day

This weekend has always been a special time for me. When I was a young boy, we would always go to some cemeteries in Winston, Cullman, and Walker counties for Decoration Day. I remember walking among the graves, reading the headstones, listening to stories, and imagining those departed saints as heroes and leaders. We added dirt to sunken areas of graves, accented them with river pebbles, and placed flowers in awe and respect for their lives. Then, we would all share “dinner on the ground” and sing a bunch of gospel songs before going home. This was always a special day and until this day, precious memories remain.

After a few years, I noticed a few rows of special headstones on the edge of the cemetery As I spent  time there, I learned they were casualties from the Civil War, both union and confederate soldiers. I asked my grandfather (“Pop”) about them. He explained Decoration Day was also known as Memorial Day and it was intended to honor all veterans who had died in service for our country. He said that no one really knew, exactly, how or where it started. There were several stories from over a dozen places from during the Civil War. When people had gone out on Decoration Day, they were inspired to place flowers on the graves of soldiers from both armies. Ever since, the practice had grown to honoring all soldiers who died while defending our freedoms and liberty as Americans. I am not sure my “Pop” knew  a few years earlier, our government had made the last Monday in May official as Memorial Day.

I would ask each of us to remember this weekend is rooted in recognition of those who gave their life defending the rights and liberties we enjoy today in a time of pronounced internal conflict as a nation and, since that time, hundreds of thousands of others have sacrificed their lives to protect our lives and our “rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

As we remember, may we resolve that it is our time to learn to sacrifice and face some inconveniences for the sake of others.

God’s Blessings & be safe, Mike. 

It's Mother's Day...

It is Mother’s Day week.  We tend to at least acknowledge all the TLC that our mothers gave us.  Granted, many people have unfortunate experiences or memories around the subject of motherhood.  I have been personally touched by friends unable to have children. Others have had bad memories of a mom who wasn’t life-giving to them. If this is you, you are loved and thank you for your kind understanding as I write today. You have my deepest hopes for healing and wholeness.

It is true that generally, motherhood is a design from heaven. Why not celebrate this through our wives? A part of kingdom living is to bring new creation, beauty, hope, and wholeness to everyone in the sphere of our influence.  So, join me in adding value to the quality of the life of the mom at your house.  So husband/dad, for this week, cherish your wife/mom in a special way.  Write her a love/thank you note beyond the usual, “roses are red, violets are…”  Or, cook a meal without having to ask for instructions while providing a stay-at-home spa for her, alone, without you or the kids. Or, be more creative than me, just Google something neat. The point is that to “love and cherish” are vows of two different kinds. Focus on Cherish.  Mom’s tend to get pulled on, rubbed out, and just run down from giving. Cherish that fact in them. Pour back into them through appreciating and noticing.  Now, this should not be only once a year, but Mother’s Day is an opportunity to give it a try.

Gary Thomas writes and speaks on the subject of cherishing, and he has a great article published in Focus on the Family. The link is below. I truly hope you will read it. In the article, he refers to a gentleman he met who had been married twice due to the death of his first wife and became a case study on cherishing. Sadly, he noted that he had taken the blessing of his first wife for granted. He said that they both were wonderful, beautiful people, but he was different.  He confessed that his deliberate cherishing of his second wife had led to his own joy and added true happiness into their marriage. Take Gary’s advice, “instead of trying to change your wife (mom at home), change your attitude.”  This is a great gift.

Barry

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/what-cherishing-your-spouse-really-means/

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

During a crisis, any type you care to define, leadership is key to successful resolution. The resolution could be similar to the three answers to prayer – “yes,” “no,” or “wait.” We are currently in the wait mode, which implies we must be patient and carry on as best we can.

Leaders are the focal point for information to make decisions on the path to resolution. While waiting for answers;  “like flattening the curve,” a positive, realistic outlook is required. This is called “taking the High Road.”

The High Road is paved with characteristics like courage, commitment, and integrity - which is my favorite. In defining the word integrity to youngsters, a good response is “doing the right thing when nobody’s around.” By extension, “doing the right thing when everybody’s around” is a trait of leaders with integrity. 

We can debate any leader’s decision; but a good leader makes the best decision with the given information at that time.  Do you want the 80% solution now OR the 100% solution whenever?

HOPE for the future is what keeps people pressing on. The Lord did not suggest, imply, or even hint at His plan for us; He DECLARED it!

Read again the words from Jeremiah. Now let us - call on Him and come and pray to Him and wait. Take the High Road in all that we do and say. Be a leader and a beacon of HOPE!

For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”  Jeremiah 29: 11-13

Anonymous Contributor seeking to keep God First.

A Follower's Thoughts

I woke up this past Sunday, thinking about all the changes our country and the world are going through due to the Corona Virus outbreak. It has definitely changed the way we think about ourselves, the way we conduct ourselves, and the way we have had to adjust our routines in life.

Then I got to thinking, you know maybe, just maybe, God is trying to get our attention. God said to me, “Hey instead of looking at the bad side of this situation, why don’t you look at the good side. I’m slowing you down. You were living too much of a fast-paced life. Your to-do lists were getting too long, taking up too much of your time. You need to spend more time with me. Build a better relationship with my son, Jesus. Spend more time with your wife and children. Build a healthier relationship with them. I’m giving you the time now to do that.”

Then God told me. “I understand what you are going through. I understand what your country and the world is going through. I made my children to be social people. I know you want to get out and interact with others…to go and see and talk to family, and friends, to worship with your church family, spread the Gospel and show the love of my son to all who will hear. But, right now, I’m not allowing it. Why? Because you need to be still and know that I am your God and I am with you. Trust me, I’ve got this. You need to bond with me, read my words, and yes once again, build a relationship with my son. You see, there were times in my son’s life, that I had to pull him away from the crowds. He had to come to me for strength and renewal of his mind, body, and soul. Now my child, I am giving you this opportunity to do that very same thing that I gave my son. Time with me. I have a purpose for everything. Even though you may not see it now, you will someday. Out of the ashes, good will rise, just as I rose my son up to conquer death.”

So, I wrote these words down from God, to give us all encouragement in times of uncertainty. I searched scripture in Mathew 14:22-23. This was right after Jesus had fed the five thousand. It says, “Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was alone.”

Everyone. Find your mountain, in these troubled times, to be alone with God. Hey, if Jesus did it, it must be good stuff! We will all get through this pandemic. Look at it this way, we may not be there with our family, friends, loved ones, or church family, but rest assured, God is with them and God is with us.

Besides, God has given us the technology through our smart phones and computers to communicate with family and friends, and most of all, to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others. Let us all be thankful of that! Let us all build a relationship with Christ Jesus in this time we have been given, so that when this pandemic is over, we can rise up and come down the mountain, renewed in body, mind, and soul, to go among the crowds again to bring the Gospel of Jesus to those who most desperately need it. God Bless!

Correll Pritchard

Cancelled

When you have school-aged children, each year rolls by at an ever-increasing rate.  Our lives are dictated by our busy calendars and the school year.  We have multiple calendars, using a variety of colors to signify which child goes where and with whom.  We have carpools and group chats to help us get our children to the right field in the right uniforms.  In addition to our own jobs, there is school work, sports, clubs, presentations, music lessons, dance, and church.  On top of that, our families usually want dinner!  We get used to early mornings and late nights and daydream about the end of May. 

It’s funny how all of the hectic, controlled chaos shapes our lives over time.  We plan months and even years in advance.  School, sports, and church are staples in our lives and in our community.  I can honestly say that I had never even considered that EVERYTHING we do on a daily basis could just stop.  Every bit of our lives has been affected by a virus that we did not know the name of 6 weeks ago.  Everything that had consumed our world was suddenly…cancelled.  Abruptly, we had nowhere to go and “nothing” to do. My all-important planner is essentially insignificant.   

Even as our calendars have been cleared, we can have hope that the Lord will provide for our needs in this time.  This epidemic is a reminder that, as much as we might try, we do not control all aspects of our lives. When our worldly plans fizzle out, we are comforted in knowing that God’s love and presence is the constant in our lives.  

God created human beings to interact, to gather, and to worship.  How uplifting it has been to realize that we don’t have to GO to church, to BE the church.  I have witnessed my church family love one another intentionally (and well) during this crisis.  I have seen an appreciation for our medical staff, transportation and sanitation workers, our teachers, and our food suppliers.  God is good and when we put our faith and trust in Him, we have the ability to serve Him regardless of our circumstances.  Perhaps when we stop long enough to look around, we will see His good works in every situation and we will remember where our priorities will bear the most fruit.  

Leanne Calhoun

“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.  The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23 

Ms. Willie Mae

 Ms. Willie Mae

I met Ms. Willie Mae the first afternoon of my first day in my first appointment. All four feet and ten inches of her showed up at the front door of the parsonage with a smile on her face and a plate full of fried apple pies with the steam still rising from them. As I took the pies from her, she pointed to her home, directly across the street, and said, “I live right there. I’m sure we’ll get to know each other real well.”

     Over the next few months, we did get to know each other well. I would go over to her house and we would sit out on the porch and swing in her swing. She was a snuff dipper and was proud of the way she could swing back and spit her tobacco juice into the shrubbery and never get a drop on her porch. I would learn that she had come to live in her little shotgun house when she was fourteen years old as the wife of a man over three times her age and that she had seldom been more than two miles from her house and the five acres of land it sat on. Quickly, I became amazed by the depth of her faith and the intimacy of her relationship with God. Early on, she informed me if I ever came over and heard her talking to someone I should not think it strange because she spent a lot of time talking to Jesus. I asked her if Jesus ever talked back to her to which she retorted, “Of course he does. You don’t think I’m crazy enough to keep talking to somebody who doesn’t talk to me do you.”

     I eventually learned that Ms. Willie Mae had lived a life full of challenges and tragedies. After giving birth to four children at a very early age, her husband died leaving her with nothing but a little 800 square foot house and five acres of land. She went to work washing, ironing, cooking, and cleaning house for other people in the mill village. In addition, she raised vegetables, chickens, pigs, and a cow for milk. Somehow, she was able to take care of her children and see that they were educated and had a good start in life. She was proud of her three sons and her “baby” girl.

     Her second tragedy came shortly after her oldest son had graduated from high school and joined the army. He had returned home on leave, gone out with some friends one night, and, on the way home, been killed in a car wreck. Ms. Willie Mae would often show his picture to me, talk about how much she missed him, and what a blessing he had been from God.

     About a year after we moved into the parsonage, the quietness of a Saturday night was shattered by someone knocking at the door. As I opened the door, Ms. Willie Mae’s next oldest son stepped into the room and asked, “Can you go over to Momma’s with me? Sally is dead.”

I was shocked. This was Ms. Willie Mae’s only daughter. Her husband had just come home from Viet Nam and they had gone to the lake to picnic and ski and, in a tragic accident, she had drowned.

 We went over to the house and knocked on the door. After a few minutes, Ms. Willie Mae came to the door, opened it, began crying, and immediately cried out, “Don’t tell me my Sally’s dead. Don’t tell me that.” Needless to say, it was a long dark night. The next few days were sad as we grieved together and had the funeral. Everyone was concerned as to whether or not Ms. Willie Mae would ever recover and if she would ever come back to church.

I went over to the house a couple of times and, each time, she was sitting in her rocker, holding her Bible, and just moaning. I began to wonder if she would ever return from the darkness of her grief. I wondered if we would ever sit on the porch again and laugh as she spat back into the bushes. I wondered if my sermons would ever again be interrupted by her uplifting, “Praise the Lord,” response to a point that resonated with her spirit in worship.

     However, my worries were short-lived. The first Sunday after the funeral, Ms. Willie Mae was back in church to the shock and surprise of us all. She walked in, just as the service was beginning, with a smile on her face and a little nod to everyone. She opened her hymnal and began to sing as if things were normal. Two times that morning, she even interrupted the sermon with a clear and strong, “Praise the Lord.” We were all amazed.

     Later that afternoon, I saw her in the swing on her front porch and went over to join her. We sat quietly for a while and she broke the silence. “Preacher, you know my life has not been easy. I’ve had to work hard. I never got an education and never had any money. There’s a lot I don’t understand. Two of my children are dead and I’m still here. It’s times like these that I’ve come to understand that, sometimes, you’ve just got to trust God. You just can’t get by no other way.”

     I know, without a doubt, that God nodded and smiled as the swing went back and she spit back into the bushes.

Brother Mike