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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Lessons from a Sand Trap

Trust Quartet sang at a Baptist church not far from my home this past weekend. Since it was close, I chose to drive rather than ride the bus. I met the group at a restaurant to eat before going to the church to set up and rehearse. Arriving at the church on Saturday afternoon, I watched as the bus made a wide turn in the parking lot. Suddenly the bus stopped. Something didn't look quite right. Ahhh ~ it had gotten stuck in the sand.

In case you aren't familiar with living close to the ocean, everything is quite sandy. No, really ~ it's SANDY!! The bus is quite heavy, and the soft sand was no match. Practically down to the axle, the bus was stuck and it wasn't going anywhere!

The pastor of the church called one of the church members who lived nearby and he brought over his back hoe. We watched as the back hoe pulled a little this way then a little more that way. Eventually, the back hoe pulled the bus out of the sandy trap and we were able to unload it and rehearse a bit before bedtime.

I didn't get much sleep Saturday night. I woke up thinking about how the bus got stuck in the sand. David wrote a Psalm similar to that. He wrote (40:1-3) how that God had rescued him from a life mired in the pit of clay. He spoke of how God had set him back on solid footing. God put a new song in his mouth, and as David sang that new song, people would see it and fear, and trust in the LORD.

In our concerts, we sing a song called Sinner Saved By Grace. That is all we are. Although I'm a Christ follower, and desire to imitate Him as closely as I can, I'm human, and I will fail from time to time. I'm not perfect, but thankfully, I am forgiven and seeking to live as close to what Christ desires as I can.

As we sang that song Sunday, I was thanking God for bringing me out of the miry pit of sinfulness. I'm thankful He has set me on solid footing, and following as closely as I can to Him, people can see Him through me. Isn't that what a Christ-follower should desire to do? Lead people by our example and spoken word to the Christ that longs to free them from the pitfalls in their lives?

Do your best today to find some way to communicate Christ's grace, forgiveness, holiness, and purity to someone you know. Then, pray that what you have said to that person will encourage them to seek to be closer to Christ.

Tweeting the Twenty-third Psalm

I follow Sheila Walsh, a Christian music artist on Twitter. Earlier today, she tweeted, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength."

If you are at all familiar with Scripture, you probably recognize this as being at least a paraphrase of the first part of the Twenty-third Psalm. Many times, if there is a Scripture passage heard on television, this is it. Or perhaps if you've attended a funeral or graveside service, you've heard the minister read this passage.

Many times as pastors, we (I probably should say, 'I' rather than lump all into my tendencies) tend to not preach from Psalm 23 or John 3:16. There are some passages of Scripture that we may feel "everyone knows." Or maybe we feel like the truths from those Scriptures have been exhausted. Oh, Father forgive us! Nothing could actually be further from the truth!

We all need to be consistently reminded of the precious precept that our God meets our every need. We all need to remember that He guides us to perfect peace. It is He who restores and renews us as we rest in Him.

Enjoy meditating on the truth today that He offers to meet our needs. He brings perfect peace. He restores and renews our strength as we rest in Him.

Seventeen Years Ago Today


Do you remember what happened 17 years ago today? Most of the time, I don't. But today is different. Seventeen years ago I drove with my wife to Baptist Hospital in Nashville for the birth of our second daughter.

It doesn't seem possible that its been that long. While I remember some things in particular, there are a few details that I'm sure would require a bit of brain-jogging. (Hey, I just made up a new word!) In fact, I was talking to my wife a few days ago about the early childhood days of our kids. I remember some specific activities very well, but it's hard to remember the lifestyle we had then.

By that I mean, its hard to remember what they did on a consistent basis. Sure, there are some things that stick out in my mind, but not as much as I thought it would be at this stage of life.

In any event, the whole reason for this particular blog post is to say happy birthday to my daughter ~~ Abigail. I hope you enjoy your day! And a little inside note to her . . . "Yes, you are going to school today!"

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Tuesday's Top Tweet ~ another from Dale Murphy

On May 17, I wrote about Dale Murphy, a former player for the Atlanta Braves. Today's Top Tweet of the Day comes from Mr. Murphy. Actually, to be more correct, he retweeted and replied to someone else and the whole thing will be my Top Tweet today.

rj_brown77: "Got the mitt oiled up? Need to back in CF sir, with Heyward and McLouth going down."
DaleMurphy3: "Thx. Saw that. Ouch."

Those not familiar with baseball lingo / Braves news, here's the deal: Two of the Braves starting outfielders (Heyward and McLouth) have been placed on the Disabled List due to injuries. rj_brown77 is remembering Murph's days as the Braves centerfielder and asking if he's got his glove ready for playing.

I sure hope Heyward and McLouth are back soon, but what a treat it would be to see Murph patrolling centerfield again! Incidentally, I watched him play a celebrity softball game last June (see blog entry May 17), and he didn't look too badly!

New Friends in Charlotte Harbor

I made some new friends Sunday. Tyler and Michaela in Charlotte Harbor are a couple of the cutest (and well behaved) kids in town. By the way, if Michaela or her family reads this, I sure hope I'm spelling her name correctly.

Tyler is a big help to Lance, his dad. When we were loading the bus, Tyler was right there, offering his help to us. Michaela is a little doll ~ even if she is a self-proclaimed dare-devil. She has the spunk needed to keep up with an older brother!

Sunday lunch was at Red Lobster, and while there, Tyler and I learned all about the lobsters in the tank waiting to be someone's lunch. Our new friend, Dakota, at the restaurant, took one out and Tyler was brave enough to pet it. Then, we watched said lobster grab a coaster and move it around a bit. Notice, I said Tyler was the one brave enough to pet the lobster. I kept a safe distance, assuring myself the lobster didn't mistake my finger for a coaster.

Thanks, Tyler and Michaela for being my new friends. I sure hope I am able to see you again soon.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today is a day of remembrance for me. For the better part of the first 25 years of my life, May 24 was a day of celebration in our family. My dad would celebrate his birthday today. As I type this, I'm trying to think of some of the specific celebrations, and honestly, I can't remember any to share. Mom made lots of cakes, I'm sure. Most of them, at least in the later years, were probably known as "thin-layer chocolate cake". Those were his favorite.

If he were still living, he'd be 76 years young today. I say it that way, because I remember him as being a young man. After all, he was only 55 when melanoma cancer took over his body. He was still playing softball regularly until fairly late in his life. Dad enjoyed sports ~ he played golf, softball, and enjoyed fishing. He taught me to be a Braves fan long before the team started winning.

More importantly, dad was a man of integrity and godliness. Perfect? Far from it. Did he get on my nerves? Hey, he was my dad ~ of course, he did. But I'd gladly trade a few frayed nerves to be able to pick his brain again. I'd obviously look beyond some of the imperfections to be able to hear him preach again.

Dad taught me to have a love for music. He sang in his high school FFA quartet, sang in his college choir, and ministered through music in many facets of church ministry. Incidentally, I sang a couple years in my high school literary quartet and sang in the same college's choir when I attended there. I followed many of my dad's footsteps, but if I can be half the man of integrity and godliness he was, I'll be a great man.

Ken Faison (1935-1990), I miss you. I love you, and look forward to the day we'll be reunited in Heaven. Oh, and Happy Birthday, dad.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Thanksgiving for Today

This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it! I'm thankful for today. God has made today and there will never be another like it. Yes, we may have a routine, and focusing on it may result in occasional boredom.

The job we have may require regular tasks that drive us to claim insanity, but remembering that God made today can cause us to rejoice ~ even in the routine. So, while today may be similar to yesterday and a preview of the events of tomorrow, take some time to see the fresh variety that God gives us. Then, breathe a prayer of thanksgiving for today and rejoice in it; because God made it!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Give It All You've Got!

Our church's men's group (called Master's Men) met Tuesday night. After discussing some projects we in which we want to get involved, I shared with them a principle from Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church. He wrote (15:58) that we should be steadfast, immovable, and that we should always want to be abounding in God's work. He said we should do this, "knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

How many times do we involve ourselves with projects and feel like we are doing no good? Or if we feel like some good is being accomplished, still feel as though it just isn't enough? How often do we not get involved because as we evaluate the good that could be done, we don't see enough value in it?

Be reminded our job is not to determine the value as much as being willing to do what God desires. Our purpose is to do whatever we are able to His honor and glory. When we do that, He will provide the blessing that He sees fit to provide. The little boy who gave his lunch (the five loaves and two small fish) to Jesus simply gave what he had. All of it! Jesus took what was given, blessed it, and proceeded to feed well over 5,000 people with it! And lest we forget, the little boy who gave ALL he had, did not go away hungry. He had plenty to eat himself.

If we will commit to give God ALL we have, He will make sure that our needs are met, and that His purpose will be accomplished, and His Kingdom will continue to be built.

Pray God will give you courage to use whatever you have to honor Him!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Dale Murphy for the Hall

My pick for Tuesday's Tweet of the Day goes to Dickie V tweets "@DaleMurphy3 Hall of Fame is where u belong."

Dale Murphy, of course, was the center fielder for the Atlanta Braves during my teen years. He was one of the few bright spots on a pretty dim Braves team back then. For baseball purists, there are some statistical numbers that the powers-that-be look for to cement enshrinement in Cooperstown. Mr. Murphy is right on the cusp of those numbers. There are some who would say he just didn't have quite good enough statistics to be so honored. Others are able to show he indeed has the statistics to vote him into the Hall.

With all the controversy that surrounds many of the stars of the game today, it should be noted Murph was above reproach on the diamond and off. He had the character that many players of today's generation lack. That should stand for something. (Incidentally, I realize if Mr. Murphy and I were to sit and talk theology, we would vehemently disagree on some of the most basic tenets.) The fact remains his character is head and shoulders above most of those in the game today.

In June 2010, I had the opportunity of attending a couple of Braves games in Atlanta. It happened to be Alumni Weekend and one of the highlights of the trip was being able to interact with some of the Braves Alumni ~ of which Dale Murphy was one. The line to get Dale Murphy's signature on a baseball was long. It was well worth it, though, when I was able to speak to him. I simply said to him, "Thanks for the memories, Mr. Murphy." As sincerely as I've ever seen or heard a man, he looked me in the eye and said, "No, thank YOU."

I admit I was a little taken aback by his response. I hope I never forget it. More than that, I hope I never forget the intent behind it. Here's an athlete who played the game very well (that's an extreme understatement!) and yet recognized his athletic ability wasn't above the game nor the fans who made it possible for him to enjoy such a living.

It would be so nice for the present day athletes, in all sports, would learn and apply such a lesson.

Have A Good Morning Stretch!

I've been privileged to sing with Trust Quartet since November 2010. Buzz, Spence, Gary and I and the rest of the Trust Family enjoy bringing Southern Gospel music to as many people as possible. This past weekend, we put the finishing touches on the vocal portion of our newest CD recording. Titled Classics Made New, this project will feature many favorites from years gone by.

Songs like When He Was On The Cross (I Was On His Mind); It Is No Secret; Just A Closer Walk With Thee; Because He Lives; and seven others will be featured on the CD. The music was recorded at Shelton Sound Studios in Dade City, FL by George Shelton, Jr. The experience and expertise George brings to the table is nothing short of phenomenal. Many thanks to George and his wife Gail who make us feel so welcomed and at home in their home.

The recording experience with Shelton Sound Studios has taught me that I can do more with the talent God has given me. There are times when it seems our abilities are maxed out. They can probably be stretched just a bit more. Have you allowed God to stretch you further? Are you willing to be stretched just a little bit more than you thought possible? It might take you out of your comfort zone. It might mean that you rely more completely on God, rather than self.

I hope you will consider visiting our quartet's website. I'd love for you to purchase this CD and enjoy the music. It would be great if you would let us come to your church / venue and sing for you. It would be incredible if you would commit to allow God to stretch you to new heights for His honor and glory!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

God's Great Things

"Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

Have there been times in your life when you had no idea which way to turn? Perhaps you had serious questions or concerns about a decision that needed to be made. Maybe you found yourself troubled and afraid of what was about to happen.

The prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament was known for his somber state of mind. His nickname was The Weeping Prophet. He was a melancholy, if not a depressed man. Yet God wanted to use him to speak to His people. Jeremiah had found himself imprisoned, and God was speaking to him. It was Jeremiah to whom God was speaking when He said, "While you were in your mother's womb, I knew you." What an encouragement to a troubled spirit to remember that the Creator of the Universe knows you ~ individually!

But in 33:3 of Jeremiah, God encourages His prophet to call on Him. Have faith in Him and He would show Jeremiah things he could not even imagine. God has not changed. God is still able to show us things that would simply blow us away!

Be encouraged to trust God to show you His best. He longs to encourage and empower you through His Spirit. Enjoy your relationship with God today and allow Him to simply blow you away!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Tweet of the Day

Today's Tweet of the Day comes to my twitter account from D_Gibson who says, "Don't hate me for who I am. Love me for who I can be."

What truth! In spite of my inconsistencies, immaturity, and instabilities, God doesn't hate me at all. God chooses to love me for the man I can become. He desires that I grow and continue allowing Him to mold and shape me into the vessel He can use best to build His kingdom.

I'm still continuing to wrap my mind around this good news. My desire should be to continually be more like Christ. In light of that, I'm setting a new goal for myself. Lord, let me not focus on the frailties of those around me but to strive to see them as God sees them ~ loaded with potential! Let me encourage you first, to commit yourself to the Christ who loves you. Then, if you are a Christ-follower, desire to see others as Christ sees them; loaded with potential for greatness!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Honest ~ It Was A Great Rehearsal

While singing in Clewiston, FL this weekend, I was reminded of an important lesson. It is foolish to rely on self to get a job done that requires God's involvement.

Arriving at the church on Saturday night for a sound check and rehearsal, things went smoothly. So smoothly, in fact, it was scary. There were two concerts on Sunday morning. The church had worship services at 8:30 and 11:00. Since it was an earlier than normal service time, it was admittedly more difficult to crawl out of the bunk and get ready. After all, the sound check and rehearsal had been so good! Entering the church auditorium about 15-20 minutes before service time, attendees were greeted and pleasantries were exchanged. The folks were so kind and received us well. Some special friends showed up for the concert, and we could sense it was going to be a good day. After all, the sound check and rehearsal had been so good!

As the service began, the host who was presiding at the service used our sound system rather than using the church's. I noticed the sound had a bit of a 'pinched' sound to it, but didn't get overly alarmed, because after all, the sound check and rehearsal had been so good! The host introduced us to sing, and as we took our places, it seemed as though everything went wrong. The monitors were not working properly. As we tried to make that adjustment, pulling one cable from our system caused one of the loudest, most ungodly screeches I have ever heard in sound system lore.

Trying several options, none of them working, one of the guys had a novel idea. Why don't we pray about this thing. Following prayer, almost instantaneouly, the problem was discovered and repaired. The rest of the concert went on as planned. The second service went without a glitch, too. It was actually a great day of service through song. Perhaps the two verses from Proverbs 3:5-6 that our quartet uses so often would be appropriate here. "TRUST in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." We have no need to lean on our own abilities. Those abilities will most likely fail. Learn to trust and lean on God's unfailing abilities!