Each time I heard it, my imagination took me back in time to a cool, dry Palestinian night and the noise of shepherds running through the streets of a little town called Bethlehem.  These unruly men seemed unconcerned about the slumbering residents or the hundreds of pilgrims who had filled the local inns and lodges.  They were talking loudly about angels and mangers, calling to one another as they searched through the town for a stable.  Suddenly, the shouting stopped.  An awe struck silence as they gazed upon the young mother and her newborn Son.  Their celebration turned to worship of the One about Whom the angels had said, "This day, in the city of David, a Savior is born for you . . . "  They knew this night that they were standiong before the Creator of all things.  These men, who were uneducated, considered ceremonially unclean and socially outcast, were among the first to hear the good news.  God had become One of us.  700 years earlier, the prophet Isaiah, at God's instruction, wrote, "And the Lord Himself will give you a sign:  Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a Son, and she will call His name Immanu-El."  According to the Matthew 1:23, Immanu-el literally means 'God with us." 

What if God was One of us?  Well, He was!  In the person of Jesus Christ, God the Son showed us how to live a life that pleases God the Father.  In the person of Jesus Christ, God the Son gave His life as payment for the sins of all who would trust Him.  His death plus our faith would reconcile even the most vile to God.  In the person of Jesus Christ, God the Son was raised from the dead to provide all who trust Him with the guarantee of eternal life.  In the person of Jesus Christ, God the Son entrusted those of us who trust Him to carry on His ministry of reconciliation in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

The answer to the question, "What if God were One of us?" is that He was!  And perhaps the most wonderful thing is that He is still with us, for He promised that He would always be with us, even to the end of the ages.  This Christmas season, if you have not yet surrendered your life to the God Who loved you enough to give Himself for you, trust Him now.  It's not difficult.  Simply admit that you have sinned, failed to be what God wants you to be.  Believe that He will forgive you and receive you as His child.  Confess Him as Lord by living according to His word. And may this Christmas season provide you with abundant opportunities to see Jesus more clearly. 

A high school student is eligible for membership in the National Honor Society.  Membership guidelines not only involve grades, but also character and responsbility.  The student seemed to meet all of the critieria until she failed to turn in the required membership application by the deadline.  She's not the first to fail to meet the deadline and she won't be the last.  But that failure says something about responsibility or lack thereof.  Enter the parents, one of whom is a member of the school board.  More than likely, if it had been any other kid, this issue would not have erupted.  BUT, the school board member brings the issue before the board in a not-so-subtle powerplay to wave the responsibilty portion of the application process and have his kid admitted.  That led to a called meeting of the board which was attended by scores of parents, students, teachers, and administrators.  Many of the students addressed the board and spoke of the need for deadlines and responsibility.  For the majority of the board, the pleas of students and teachers fell on deaf ears.  Even after being told that more than a dozen students were not admitted because they failed to meet the application deadline, the majority of the board chose to override the rules and waive the deadline.

Responsible adults know that deadlines really do matter.  Miss the deadline on your utility payment for a couple of months and you end up in the dark.   Miss the deadline on your rent or mortgage for a couple of months and you end up on the street.   Miss the deadline on your car payment for a couple of months and you end up walking.   Miss the deadline on your college application or financial aid application and you're out of luck.   Miss the deadline on April 15 and your suffer the consequences. 

Now, I know that some might say, "Well, with all those examples, a person might be able to plead for grace and get more time."  True, but the point is that deadlines have purpose.  The origin of the term deadline came from a prison setting.  There was a certain line or boundary around prisons.  Any inmate crossing that line could be shot without question.  the tertiary definition of deadline is the latest time by which something must be done.  We live in a world where deadlines can sometimes be negotiated.  BUT, in the realm of the spirit, there are deadlines that are fast and final. 

The writer of Hebrews tells us that ". . . it is appointed unto men once to die and after this comes judgment."  Hebrew 9:27   The Bible also speaks of two judgments.  The judgment of those without a personal relationship with Christ is referred to as The Great White Throne and is found in Revelation 20:11-15.  Verse 15 says, "Anyone not found in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire."   The judgment for those who follow Christ is referred to by Peter in I Peter 4:17, "For it is time for judgment to begin with God's household; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who disobey the gospel of God."  This is sometimes referred to as the Bema Seat or Judgment Seat of Christ based on Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:10 - "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad." 

So what we have here is the assurance of judgment for every human being.  Those who follow Christ AND those who don't.  That's why the deadline is so important.  For all of us, as long we live we have opportunity.  For my lost friends who might be reading this, it's important for you to know that Jesus loves you and died for you so that your sins might be forgiven and heaven can be your eternal destination.  BUT, you must confess your need for Christ, seek His forgiveness, and submit your life to Him.  Whether you've heard this before or not, as you read this, you have the opportunity to trust Christ as your Lord and Savior.  In 2 Corinthians 6:2,  Paul reminded readers of the urgency of this commitment.  "Look!  Now is the acceptable time.  Look!  Now is the day of salvation."

For my brothers and sisters in Christ who might be reading this, our faith will spare us from the Great White Throne judgment, but we still must stand before the Bema Seat of Christ.  We will be judged based on how we have lived our lives as Christ-followers.  That's why it's sooooo important for us to keep short "sin accounts."  When we say, do, or think something that is wrong and we feel conviction, we should quickly confess and seek the forgiveness and cleansing that God offers.   In  I John 1:9, John wrote that "If we confess our sins, we can depend on Him to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Not only should we keep short "sin accounts," we should constantly and intentionally seek to know and obey God's will, because the BEMA Seat will be a review of how we spend our lives. 

The common denominator for the lost and the Christ-follower is that our opportunities end with death.  That's the big Deadline.  There will be no excuses, no shifting of blame, no do-overs, and no one to waive the rules.  Once our eyes close in death here, "chances" are done. 

So please don't miss the deadline.  God has done everything necessary to give you meaningful, eternal life and He extends it to you as a gift.  BUT, you have a responsibility to accept His gift.  Don't dally with the deadline.  Our lives are like a wisp of smoke in eternity.  Make things right today.  Do your part.  Surrender to Christ before it's too late.

"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and there is nothing I can do to change that.  Please forgive me for all my sins.  I accept your sacrifice on the cross as the only thing that can give me access to God.  Please come into my life as my Savior and Lord.  I submit to your will for my life and ask that You help me by Your Spirit to always seek Your will and purpose for my life."

It's been nearly 25 years since that event and the thoughts that raced through my mind that night still haunt me from time to time.  All the way home that night, I thought about how that experience mirrors the maintenance of our lives.  Most of us run full-speed day after day, rarely thinking to check the fuel guage (or odometer).  Before you know it, we're sputtering along feeling tired, demoralized, discouraged, and distant from God. The spark plug of passion might still have a little fire, but there is no fuel to give us power.  Do you know what I'm talking about?

I'm talking about your devotional life.  Not a legalistic, burdensome ritual, but a regular refueling time with God.  Fuel is to the automobile what prayer, meditation, and Bible reading are to the spirit.  The stresses of life drain that fuel and unless you're refilling your tank on a regular basis, sooner or later you'll run dry.  And unfortunately, just like a car with no fuel, it will stop us in our tracks. 

A busy life might seem productive and "spiritual," but it requires energy and fuel.  That fuel for life is quiet time spent in the presence of God.  In Luke 10, Martha busied herself into distress as she prepared a meal for Jesus.  Her sister, Mary, simply sat at Jesus' feet.  When Martha tried to pressure Jesus into making Mary help her, Jesus simply said, "Martha, you are so upset about all these details.  There is really only one thing worth being concerned about.  Mary has discovered it and I won't take it away from her.  (Luke 10:42 TLB).

When you feel like the passion is gone and you're just too tired to go on;  When you feel like you have nothing left to give to those who need you;  When you feel like you're on the emotional edge and the next crisis could push you over, you  might just need to refuel.  Remember that the best tuned and most powerful engine will not crank without fuel.  Just step back and take a little quiet time at the feet of Jesus and refill your tank.  

The devil knows the chink in my armor is financial and he had thrown a full fledge assault at me during Passion Week.  By the time Easter Sunday rolled around, I was spiritually, emotionally, and physically spent.  For me, Resurrection Day was anti-climactic and I felt even worse for feeling badly. 

But in the quiet of my study early that Easter morning, as I sat quietly recounting the rigors of the weeek, God reminded me of a great Easter truth:  How I felt had absolutely no effect on the fact that I belonged to Jesus.  Because of the fact of the death and resurrection of Jesus and because of my personal faith in Him, my feelings were irrelevant.  I was a Christian even when I didn't feel much like one.    I rejoiced in the truth that my hope bloomed on the stem of faith and the root of fact. 

Occasionally, when the needle of reality deflates your spirit, remember this truth:  It's OK if you don't always feel like a Christian as long as you know that "by grace you are saved through your faith.  It is a gift from God, not of works lest anyone should boast."  (Ephesians 2:8-9)  Look at this way.  As a follower of Christ, you travel through life like a train.  The fact of Jesus' death and resurrection is like the locomotive that drives the train.  Your faith is like the coal car, prviding the fuel that powers the locomotive.  Your feelings are like the caboose, useful at times, popular in some cultures, but not really essential to reach your destination. 

Even the most mature of Christians will have bad days.  When we yield to the pressures and the accuser whispers in our ears that "real Christians" wouldn't feel that way, remember the words of Psalm 103:14:  "For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust."  Jesus understands our humanity.   Rejoice in the FACT and keep the FAITH regardless of how you feel and God will help you emerge on the other side of your trials with victory. 

Now I'm no expert on military training, but I'm pretty certain that, in the midst of that crisis, Scott O'Grady relied on the survival skills he had learned during his training.  More than likely, the training was arduous, demoralizing, and even painful at times.  Yet, it was that training that enabled him to survive the crisis. 

Most Christians have been there, though we might not realize it.  As we seek to know and obey God's will, obstacles and enemies will rise up and surround us.  Changing circumstances hack away at our faith.  The devil himself whispers threats to our security while we sit passively, listening intently for the still small voice of God urging us to stand firm and fight. 

Now imagine a military drill instructor spending his time with a special forces trainee while pumping him full of self-esteem building cliches.   Imagine that drill instructor feeds the trainee rich foods, protects him from the harsh elements, and assures him that Special Forces trainees deserve the most comfortable life possible.  IF that happened, the soldier would be at serious risk when the cruel realities of battle came.  If a soldier is to survive, he must be prepared. 

God needs well-trained, experienced warriors for His Kingdom.  He develops those warriors through crisis survival training.  There are plenty of self-serving, ego-inflated, fence-straddling folks who want to be called "Christian."  God needs men and women who are tried, tested, and true to His call.  The more intense the trial and suffering, the greater the work He has for them to do.  God needs men and women who realize that our responsibility involves more than making a living.  It involves making a difference in Jesus' Name. 

Perhaps God has you in training right now.  Don't be intimidated.  God Himself has promised to be with you.  Whatever the crisis, whatever the obstacle, whoever the perceived enemies, Paul's admonition to Timothy (I Timothy 6:11-12) is also for you:  " . . . pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.  Fight the good fight of faith . . ."  And let me assure you that God's plan is not simply for your survival.  It is for Victory!!!

My fascination with birds, spiritual issues, and practical faith and led me to a conclusion.  Sitting on my back porch, I've watched hummingbirds dart from feeder to flowers and back, extracting the sweet nectar that energizes them.  Driving the roads of Colleton County, I've observed plenty of buzzards picking away at some road kill carcass.  They mount themselves on a tree limb or power pole, just waiting for some poor creature to meet an untimely end.  Then they pick over the remains. 

Think about it!  One seeks out the sweet and beautiful while the other waits with anticipation, seeking deterioration and death. 

Ok, Zane!  What are you talking about here?  I'm talking about attitude.  Most of us find what we're looking for in life.  If we're looking for good, we find good.  If we're looking for repulsive, we'll find it.  It's a principle that's true in family life, church life, work life, and social life.  More often than not, we find just what we're looking for.  If we approach a job expecting to find boredom, emptiness, and pressure, they will be there.  If we expect it to be a means of honoring God, that's what it will become.  If we expect the demands of marriage and family to be confining, demeaning, and disenchanting, they will be there.  But if we see those relationships as liberating, encouraging, and fulfilling, that's what they'll become.  If we go to church expecting it to be dull, ordinary, and meaningless, it will be.  But if we go expecting to meet the holy God, experience the joy of salvation, and be strengthened for the stresses of life, that's what we'll find. 

Now, this isn't just about the "power of positive thinking."  It's about making a conscious decision to be a "good-finder."  It's about becoming a hummingbird instead of buzzard.  Paul encouraged the Colossian Christians in everything they did " . . . whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."    (Colossians 3:17)  He reminded the Corinthian Christians in    I Corinthians 10:31 that " . . . whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Negativity, pessimism, grumbling, and maliciousness dishonor God and dishearten people.  Optimism, faith, contentment, and kindness attract, strengthen and encourage others.  Think about it.  Which one would you want to hang around?  In your church life, on your job, in your family life . . . are you looking for the right things?

In 1998, we heard the infamous line, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman . . . Miss Lewinsky!"  Well, the truth is that president Clinton DID have a sexual relationship with her, much to the chagrin of his family and faithful defenders.  In 2009, Governor Sanford tells his staff that he'll be hiking the Appalachian Trail for a few days to "clear his head."  What we found out days later was that He had been out of the country visiting a paramour and had lied to his staff. 

 What did all three of these high-profile individuals have in common?  The same thing that changed Moses' life in the second chaper of Exodus.  He went out one day to see the burdensome work that the Hebrew slaves endured.  After all, he was a Hebrew, even though he had been raised as the grandson of the Egyptian king.  At some point during his walk, he came upon an Egytian who was severely beating a Hebrew man.  The Bible tells us that Moses "looked this way and that way and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand."  (Exodus 2:12)   

The next day, Moses tried to stop two Hebrew men who were fighting.  One of them asked, "What are you going to do?  Kill us like you killed the Egyptian?"   Moses' secret had been uncovered and he had to flee from Egypt and spend 40 years in exile. 

Most of us are not high-profile individuals like Moses or polticians or sports figures.  But we all have similar weaknesses.  Temptations come to us all.  Temptations are NOT tests from God.  James 1:13-14 says "When tempted, no one should say 'God is tempting me.'  For God cannot be tempted by evil nor does He tempt anyone;  but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed."    In other words,when Satan tempts us at points where we are weak, we make a choice.   What was it that Hart, Clinton, Sanford and Moses had in common?  They looked this way and that way and seeing no one, they chose to sin. 

We're all susceptible to temptation.  We all must battle the evil desires and baser nature that lie to us and tell us that sin is OK.  We must recognize that temptation does NOT come from the God Who loves us, but from the Evil One who wants to destroy us.  We must realize that though sin might offer some temporal pleasure, there is always a price to pay.    A career, credibility, or family are just some of the things we stand to lose. 

The lesson to learn from Moses and the philandering politicians is simple.   If you're considering doing something and you have to look this and that way to make sure no one is looking, don't do it!  In I Corinthians 10:13, Paul wrote, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to all men.  And God is faithfulo; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up to it."   Temptations WILL come.  Don't look for a way to yield.  Look for the way out.

One final word of grace:  I John 2:1-2    My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense --- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  He is the atoning Sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.

389 years ago, a small band of courageous men and women stepped ashore at Plymouth Rock.  Months of hardship and much loss of life were the sacrifices that had to be made in order to achieve religious freedom in a new, uncharted land.  For 150 years, this "new frontier" flourished, colonized by the British empire and strengthened by the blood, sweat, and tears of noble individuals who believed that freedom was worth risk, hard work, and even sacrifice.  BUT, control by the British crown increased during that first century and began to choke off some the freedoms that these people had risked their lives to attain.  It has always been true that as the size of government increases, the true freedom of the governed decreases.  So small groups of colonial citizens began to rebel with such tactics as the famed 'Boston Tea Party."  Thus was born the American spirit . . . a prevailing attitude that was instrumental in winning our freedom.  This spirit, perhaps the most formidable weapon employed by this rag-tag colonial army, became known as the "Spirit of 76." 

In the spring of 1776, the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.  Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Hancock, and Henry.  They were all there.  The course of action taken that spring literally changed the course of the world.  It was there that Patrick Henry said, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, almighty God!  I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death."   Thomas Jefferson penned these words:  "The God Who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time; the hand of force may destroy but cannot disjoin them." 

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was presented and proclaimed its foundation in this way:  "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certian unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."   Note that phrase ". . .endowed by their Creator . . ."   With all their faults, with all the shadows that loom over their private lives, with all the allegations concerning their personal characters, these men recognized that the true Source of life and liberty was God.  It was the birth of the greatest nation in human history. 

In the last full paragraph of the Declaration, the framers stated, "We, therefore . . . appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions . . ."   Are you familiar with that word 'rectitude?"   Its definitions are "quality or state of being straight; moral integrity; the quality or state of being correct in judgment."  Throughout the process, these flawed men sought the wisdom of God.   Then, by their signatures, they each pledged their "lives, fortunes, and sacrd honor" to birth a new nation.   50,000 patriot casualties was the cost of freedom. 

Freedom never has been free.  it requires sacrifice and perseverance.  It is tempered with responsibility and respect.  It flows from the hearts of people, not from the seats of governments.  And it is NOT to be taken lightly.  We are privileged to live in a great nation and we still have a responsibility to be the 'salt of the earth" and the "light(s) of the world."  God is waiting for His people to stand in the breach and intercede for a nation that He desires to bless.  (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

So, this Independence Day, amidst the Barbeques and ball games, between the late morning brunch and the late night fireworks, consider renewing these commitments:                                                                      

• PRAY  --  Become a prayer warrior for our nation.  Yes, we have problems, but become the one who stands in the gap interceding for our leaders, our warriors, and our children and grandchildren.    I Timothy 2:1-4
• STRIVE TO BE LIKE CHRIST  --  "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.      Philippians 1:27
• BE INVOLVED  --  Salt is little value if it stays in the shaker.  If we are to be the salt of the earth, we must get out into the world in order to positively affect our environment.          Matthew 5:13-16

iF YOU'D LIKE TO READ THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, GO TO WWW.USHISTORY.ORG/DECLARATION

Have a great 4th! 

Far too often today, children and parents are looking for somewhere else to go.  We go to school for learning, parks for playing, restaurants for eating, movies for entertainment, and church for religious teaching.  It seems the only thing many kids get at home these days is a place to sleep. 

What children need more than anything during those formative years are unconditional love, training for real life, consistent accountability and discipline, and nurture toward faith in Christ.  In Psalm 127:3-5, the psalmist reminds parents that the chief purpose of a home is to accept children as a gift from God and fulfill that most important role as "life builder."  How can parents or a single parent or a custodial grandparent or a stepparent best fulfill that role?  Godly love is the answer.  Sometimes, love can be unwise and spoil children.  Sometimes, it can be selfish and misuse or even abuse children.  Sometimes, it can be too protective in trying to shield children from the realities of life.  Sometimes, it can be too permissive by placing too much responsibility on children at too young an age.  The Bible simply encourages fathers and mothers to love their children with a godly love.  That kind of love will do four things for a child.

First, it will always affirm the child's value.  Every child needs to know within the family unit that he or she has intrinsic value NOT because it has been earned, but because that child is a person made in God's image and a part of the family.  Every child has the right to feel valued and loved

Second, this godly love will always affirms the child's identity.  Girls should not be expected to live out a mother's dreams nor should boys be expected to live out a father's fantasies.  No child is a carbon copy of another.   A godly love will help children discover how God has wired their personalities, preferences, natural abilities, and spiritual gifts together to make them special, unique, and equipped to serve Him. 

 Third, this godly love always loves without condition.  Children should be allowed to make mistakes and even fail without fear of parental rejection.  I remember reading the testimony of a young woman who had been heavily involved in drugs and crime.  After exhausting every possible means of intervention without success, he mother finally said, "I want you to know that there is absolutely NOTHING you can do that will ever make me stop loving you."  That statement maintained an open door for dialogue that ultimately changed the daughter's life.  Her testimony was that her mother's model of God's unconditional love saved her life.

Finally, this godly love shows children how to live a purposeful, Christ-honoring life.  That's what Jesus did for us.  Proverbs 22:6 reminds parents of the importance of training children properly.  David Elkind, child psychologist and author of The Hurried Child  writes that teens and children have lost many of their "rites of passage' over the last two generations.  Parents have gone to extremes in permissiveness and pushiness.  We want our children to achieve, accomplish, and accumulate, so we push them through childhood and adolescence into adulthood as quickly as we can.  We use tools like make-up, clothing, cars, jobs, and responsibilities that used to be reserved for adulthood.  Sometimes we even give implicit approval to formerly adult activities like sex, alcohol us, tobacco use, drug use, and excessive unsupervised freedom at a time when they are too emotionally immature to handle them.  In order to navigate the dangerous waters of adolescence, kids need the oars of consistent, loving discipline and modeled, Christ-honoring lifestyles. 

Children are a gift from God.  That truth doesn't change when they're 12 or 22 or 40.  Commit yourself as a parent to provide them with unconditional love, daily affirmation, consistent loving discipline, and a godly example.  There will be plenty of time for all the things you think you need to do right now.  But today is always the best chance to make a positive impact on the lives of your kids.  Don't let even one precious moment slip away.  Your kids and grandkids are counting on you. 

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.                                                                                                          Proverbs 22:6

It was almost 10:00pm as the van rolled along the winding West Virginia road.  Most nights had been noisy as we delivered chiildren to their homes.  Songs, crafts, and Bible School refreshments helped pump up the volume.  But on this particular night, there was only the hum of the engine and the passionate voice of my young friend as he reassured a teenaged girl about the gracious love of God.  She was a gangly teen with glasses and a ruddy complexion.  During Bible School week, she had been quiet and withdrawn.  On this particular night, my friend had encouraged her to talk.  She spoke to him about her awkwardness and the rejection she had experienced from other teens at school and in the mobile home park where she lived.  Her pain was real and intense and my friend could relate. 

There is no professional counselor or pastor who could have had a greater effect on her that night.  My friend simply focused compassionately on her pain.  He understood her and listened quietly as she vented.  He had been there.  He had endured the same type of treatment.  With a Christ-like gentleness, he talked about family and church as support systems.  But perhaps his most comforting words were about the unconditional, life-changing, attitude-adjusting love of God. 

She disappeared with a wave and a smile into the shadows around her front door.  At that moment, I understood why God had so strongly urged my friend to go to West Virginia.  There was a fifteen year old girl there who needed exactly what my friend could offer.  Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church that it is ". . . the God of all comfort Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort that we ourselves received from God."  That's exactly what my friend did.  God used him to do for this young girl what I, a trained pastor, could not do.  In fact, there was no one else on our team who could have had as dramatic an effect on her life.  Out of his own suffering, he offered empathy, comfort, support, and Christ. 

If there is one good thing that can result from our suffering, it is that suffering can equip us to be channels of God's comfort and love to others.  When pain and pressure invade your life, look to Christ for comfort and hope.  And remember that suffering offers prepartion for opportunities to share that comfort and hope with others.                        

Don't become too busy or bitter to let Christ work through you to help someone who is hurting.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

At "going on" 55, I'm peering into an unknown future with a confidence that the best days of my life are still to come.  Chuck Swindoll has suggested that the year ahead is "an ocean of possibilities, including both sun-drenched days and a few storms with howling winds and giant waves."  We must not fear the storms so much that we stay in the dock and miss the adventures that God has in store for us.  We can navigate the seas of life with confidence each by following a few simple guidelines.

First, welcome each day as a God-given opportunity.  Remember that Janes 4:14 says that our lives are like a vapor that is visible for a moment and then disappears.  None of us is promised tomorrow, so it's extremely important that we see each day as a gift from God and use it appropriately.  Work as if this was your last day on earth.  Worship as if this were your last day on earth.  Witness as if this were your last day on earth.  Walk (live your life) as if this were your last day on earth.  Forgive those who have harmed you.  Forsake those things that inhibit your spiritual growth.  Laugh a lot.  Dance like no one is watching.  Give cheerfully.  Be the person God created you to be.  And remember the axiom:  Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift from God.  That's why it's called the present.

Second, begin each day with prayer.  This is not a call for a pre-dawn 60 inute prayer vigil.  It's an encouragement to spend a few minutes each morning, perhaps even before you get out of bed, acknowledging God's goodness and His sovereignty over all your acitivities that day.  Just as exercise physiologists have discovered that brief intervals of exercise can be as beneficial as extended workouts, you might discover that a few minutes of quiet, contemplative prayer time several times during the day might keep you more attuned to God's will for your life.  In Psalm 5:3, the psalmist wrote, "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the moring, I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Third, spend some time in the Bible each day.  Again, it is not necessary to read eight or ten chapters a day.  What IS important is that you spend some time in God's word EACH day.  Use a good devotional guide, a read-through-the Bible plan, or simply a chapter a day.  I once heard Billy Graham say that he read through the Psalms and Proverbs monthly.  That's 5 Psalms and 1 chapter of Proverbs.  Be creative with your method BUT get into God's word every day.  In Deuteronomy 8:3, God was speaking to the Israelites, reminding them of His provision of manna when they were dying of hunger in the wilderness.  He made that provision to them to "teach (them) that man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."   You will find it becomes easier to hide God's word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) when you're consuming it in smaller bites and your motivation is simply a desire to have God speak to you.

Finally, seize opportunities to invite others to experience the joy of Christ with you.  People will probably take more notice of your faith when you weather the storms that will inevitably invade your life.  When you emerge from those storms battered but intact, you've earned the right to tell others about the Source of your strength and hope.   

As I set course into the twilight of my life, simple habits like these can help strengthen my resolve and help me toward a strong finish.  They can do the same for you.  Try them for a week and see for yourself how God will change your perspective and your life. 

"This is the day the Lord has made.  Let's rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

I don't remember a single lesson he taught.  I remember no powerful principles for life that he imparted to us.  What I do remember is that he was there every Sunday.  Consistently, faithfully, patiently, he attempted to teach a class of boys with very brief attention spans and a variety of interests that seemed much more exciting that a Sunday School lesson. 

My next memory of Buddy is 12 years later, standing in the waiting area of the Intensive Care Unit.  In a matter of days, my father's heart had failed and he was snatched from our lives at the age of 59.  Once again, I cannot remember anything Buddy said; but I will always remember that he was there when we needed a friend. 

I've thought of Buddy often, wondering if he ever knew the effect that his faithfulness, patience, and love had on that class of boisterous boys.  I have not kept up with my classmates, but I know one whose life was eternally affected by the quiet, consistent, caring presence of that simple man. It wasn't what he said that influenced my life.  It's what he was. 

Buddy is a beautiful example for Sunday School teachers, pastors, youth workers, coaches, and mentors who might feel like giving up.  If that's you, take a page from Buddy's playbook.  Don't worry so much about what to say.  Just be there!  Be patient, consistent, and loving.  Stay the course!.  Don't get weary and discouraged.  The positive effects might not be evident yet, but you are having an effect.  God will use you to change some lives, just like he used Buddy to change mine. 

I never told Buddy how much he meant to me, but I'm sure he knows now.  One day, when God calls me to my eternal home, Buddy will be one of those to whom I'll say, "Thank you for giving to the Lord; for I am a life that was changed.  Thank you for giving to the Lord.  I am so glad you gave." (Ray Boltz)  

In writing to the Galatian church, Paul said, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."    Galatians 6:9    Nothing you do for others in Jesus' Name is ever wasted.  Nothing.  So keep up the good work!!

The next few moments captivated me.  In this drizzling rain, the passenger side of that vehicle opened and out popped a young man.  What I discovered later was that Edward was born with Cerebral Palsy.  It had left him unable to walk.  But there he was, on his knees, dragging himself toward the door in the rain to get to Bible Study.  I was stunned!   Could a hunger for Christian fellowship and a thirst for God's word be that strong in a human heart?  Over 32 years of professional ministry, I've known far too many professing Christians who seized every opportunity to be "in absentia" when time came for Bible study or worship.  Here was a young man whose "handicap" might actually excuse him from attending Bible study on this cool, rainy night.  Yet there he was . . . dragging himself across the wet ground to study God's word and fellowship with Christian friends.  Yes, I was stunned, and convicted, and challenged by Edward's faith and faithfulness. 

How about you?  Do you have a hunger for Christian fellowship and a thirst for God's word?  OR do you find convenient excuses to forego church attendance and studying God's word?  In Matthew 6:21, Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Guess what?  I don't think he was just talking about money there.  We give priority to what we love.  Jesus also said, "Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well."  That's Matthew 6:33 and it is Jesus' promise that when His will, His purpose, His Kingdom is our first priority, He will make sure that our needs are met.  Edward, by his perseverance and attitude, is an example of one whose treasure is to seek God's will and purpose first.  We should all strive to be as faithful.  See you in church (somewhere) Sunday!

For the first time visitor, a humid and overcast Charleston, SC can be quite shocking.  The air is thick with an unpleasant, but oh so important, stench.  The source is the local paper mill that employs hundreds and pumps millions into the local economy.  I've known that "aroma" for over 50 years.  I remember the first time ---- we came to Charleston to visit my grandmother.  I used a more common word to ask my father if he was flatulent.  After the laughter stopped, my mother explained that the odor came from the paper mill.  Thirty five years later, I was pastoring a church in the heart of North Charleston.  I remember a conversation with a 30 year WestVaco Employee.  "It smells like dirty diapers," I said.  "Well it smells like money to me," was his response.  The difference was perspective.

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, "For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.  To one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life . . ."    Taken in context, Paul is writing here about those whose witness and testimony are motivated by a sense of calling.  Those who speak before God with sincerity, spreading the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ as we go.  BUT . . .

It's all a matter of perspective.   When a follower of Christ stands firmly on the principles of God's word, some will appreciate it and some will not.  When a follower of Christ speaks out, some will respond positively and some will not.  When a follower of Christ votes values over politics, some will understand and some will not.  To some, we will be fragrance of life and to others, the smell of death. 

When you choose to live out your faith, it will affect every part of your life.  But not everyone will like YOU and that's OK.  In John 16, Jesus told His disciples, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.  As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  That's why the world hates you."  In His High Priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed, "I have given them Your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world."

So be bold with your testimony, stand firm in your faith, vote your values, and do not be ashamed or afraid.  To God, you will be the aroma of Christ.  To some, you will be the fragrance of life and to others, you will be the smell of death.  If there are those who hate you for it, you're in very good company.  And He has prayed for you. 

I can imagine the seraphim surrounding the throne of God asking "What's that smell?"  And the Father replies, "That's the sweetest aroma in all of eternity.  It's the fragrance of obedience and sacrifice.  It's the fragrance of life.  It's my child!"    Remember, God's perspective is the only one that counts!

www.zanebrown.wordpress.com

Our Port Authority Police work crew waited patiently while the cranes and bulldozers moved loads of debris.  Then came the call that a "bucket line" was needed.  That was when the various agencies (hundreds from across the nation) came together to form 2 lines a hundred yards long and they passed 5 gallon buckets of debris from around air pockets to the debris pile on the perimeter.   This was also when hopes for finding survivors or human remains would peak.   On that night, over 4,000 people still remained unaccounted for and 10% of those were firefighters and law enforcement.   For the brave men and women on the bucket lines, this wasn't just a job, it was a mission!

As I stood at the staging area for the Port Authority PD, I was approached by the Reverend Everett Wabst, chaplain for the Fire Department of New York.  He was checking credentials for on-site chaplains.  In the course of our conversation, I asked about Father Mychal Judge, a senior chaplain for FDNY.  Everett had known Father Mychal well and told me that the Father had bee killed by falling debris as he knelt beside another victim while administering last rites.  He then offered me a laminated card and said it was Father Mychal's favorite prayer:

Lord, take me where You want me to go.  Let me meet who You want me to meet.  Tell me what You want me to say, and keep me out of Your way.

Father Mychal had great insight and I believe it was based on Galatians 2:20  -  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself for me.  The very best way to be used by God is to empty ourselves of ourselves so that Christ can speak and act through us.  Sometimes, He might want to use us in our church or community where others know us.  Sometimes, He might want to use us outside our comfort zones where danger lurks and sacrifice is a very real possibility.  The real issue is obedience, a daily submission of the self (ego) to the will of God. 

Now that you've been introduced to this prayer, perhaps Father Mychal's influence will grow as more of us begin to pray,  "Lord, take me where You want me to go.  Let me meet who You want me to meet.  Tell me what You want me to say, and keep me out of Your way."    After all, it is God Who changes lives.  We are merely His instruments.

April 23, 8pm at a church near you.   Viewing sites currently registered in Walterboro include:

Walterboro First Baptist Church      843-549-1180      Scott Davis, Contact Person