Deep Impact

We had a pond. Actually some might would call it a lake, and there was not just one, but three.

One of the things that I enjoyed doing most as a young boy was hiking through the woods of southeast Oklahoma. Usually my dogs were in tow, and we would playfully run with each other. We invariably would end up at one of the ponds that were on our property. One of these was indeed a pond, and had been at “The Place” (as most all called our home) for a very long time. This pond was known in the area as a good fishing hole. Of the other two, one was a little over an acre, and one was almost 3. Needless to say, for a small boy, they were not huge bodies of water, but certainly large enough to have plenty of fun.

There are a lot of fun things that a young boy can find to do in and around a body of water. One of the things I enjoyed most, was finding the smoothest, flattest rock around and see how many times it could be skipped across the water. Sometimes I would find a large rock, throw it as high in the air as possible, and watch it as it splashed into the water. If you have been able to enjoy such things, you have then enjoyed the effect that these objects have on their surroundings. The water ripples from the point of impact, to the surface of land beyond, affecting the soil as it splashes against the bank.

Our lives are no different than the effect of an object upon water. Whatever we do, we impact those around us, creating a ripple effect, even to those that we have never, and possibly even would never meet in our lifetime!

I am not a young boy from Oklahoma any more. As of the writing of this article, I am a southern man, from Alabama. It is amazing for me to think of the life that I have lead, and how far I have come the last 20 years. One man had an impact on my life. That impact has not only affected me, but affected many others around me. One man convinced me to move to this part of the country, and in doing so I fell in love with a beautiful Southern Belle. Think of the impact that has had. I am 14 hours away from my nearest relative, but I have a life that is full of joy, because of the blessings that God has given me. I am riding the ripple to the shore.

One man convinced me to move to Alabama, and I now not only have a home and a wife, but three young boys of my own, that enjoy throwing rocks in their pond. The ripple effect of that one decision has effected my wife’s parents, brother, aunts uncles etc. Because of one man I have had an impact on many more people than I probably would have, had I stayed in Oklahoma.

For good or bad, that impact is there!

In Genesis 12, one man’s decision affected not only his extended family, but the whole world as we know it today! “1: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

Abraham could have turned his back on God. Abraham could have told his heavenly Father, that he was happy where he was at. Abraham did not. Now that Abraham did not, the world as indeed been effected by his offspring. We have truly been blessed through Abraham, by the blood of Jesus Christ. We have hope, we have joy, and we have Salvation through the Son of Mary and Joseph conceived by the Holy Spirit, living a life spotless in His Father’s eyes.

In Genesis 13 we see that Abraham’s family has come to an impasse. It is time to split Abraham’s family from that of his brother Lot. “11: Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.” This one decision by Lot had a deep impact on those around him. His family got caught up in the affairs of the city of Sodom, to the extent that his wife could not let them go and it cost her, her life.

In Genesis 37 we can begin to follow the life of a man that had a very deep impact on those around him. Joseph, the son of Jacob, had such an impact on his brothers; they got rid of him because of their resentment of him and his ability to interpret dreams. As we follow this man’s life, we see the impact was so deep that it affected not just his extended family, but it affected every single living thing that lived any where near his geographical location. By the gift that God had given Joseph he was able to warn Egypt of a long drought and famine. This warning led the people of the area to prepare and store supplies.

We all have an impact!

For good or ill, that is a fact. What kind of impact do you want to have on those you come in contact with? In everyone one of these stories there is one prevailing theme. The success or failure of the impact these families had was based upon their willingness to follow God’s will.

We need to be diligent in the conducting of our lives, and extremely aware, that our behavior, and desire to follow our Father’s wishes will have an impact on every soul that we come in contact with. Let us not be like Lot, and make our decisions based upon the lust of the eye, flesh or even the pride of life. Let’s make our decisions through prayer and meditation of God’s word. If we are going to have an impact irregardless, the least we can do is our best to make it a good, Deep Impact!

Ride the ripple to the shore!

Max Gaskins

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A Crown Jewel?

Volume 1 Issue 1

In the tower of London, where they have kept the crown jewels since 1303, there is a diamond called the Cullinan Diamond. (The name Cullinan means mountain of light.) It is a magnificent diamond. When it was found, it weighed in at 3,601 metric carats (186 carats) about 1 and a half pounds, an incredible stone. It was claimed that it was worth all of the daily expenses of the entire world before it was cut.  Though it was found in South Africa, it originally belonged to India.

A young Punjab prince took that diamond and presented it to Queen Victoria as a gift. He was just a child and perhaps didn’t fully understand what he was doing. But as a child and in appreciation for his monarch, he presented her the diamond as a gift. Eventually, it became part of the crown jewels. One part of the diamond is in the Royal Scepter and another was set in the base of the Imperial State Crown.

Later, when that Punjab prince became a man, he visited England. While there he asked to see the crown jewels.  Honored by his request, the Prince was ushered into the Tower of London. As he was entering the vault where the crown jewels were kept, he asked specifically to see the Cullinan diamonds.

The curators were fearful that he would ask for the diamonds return. After all, he was but a child when he bequeathed the diamond to his monarch, the queen. Still, protocol dictated that they acquiesce to his request.  They brought it to him and he said, “Place it in my hand, please.” They were sure that he wanted it back. As he held that gem in his hand he turned to the Queen and said, “When I was a child, I gave you this diamond. At that time, I did not fully realize its worth. I was but a child. I meant for you to have it. I meant it with all of my heart. But, I did not understand what it was worth. Now as a man, I realize the value of this gem.”

Gripping the diamond in his fist, he hefted it to eye level peering at it intently as if to fully fathom its beauty.  Then with a new vigor in his eye, he turned back to the queen and said, “Once again, as a man, I want to give you this diamond.”

As I considered that story, I realized that my Lord considered me worth more than the Cullinan Diamonds. He tells us that a man’s soul is worth more than anything in this world and we each have control over its destiny.

I was but a child of eleven when I gave my self to Jesus.  I “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine”, “being buried with my Lord in baptism”; I “rose to walk a new life”. I wanted him to save me.  I meant it with all my heart.  I gave myself to Jesus as a child would give his heart to him.

I had many set backs along that road until at 20 I understood what it meant to call Jesus my Lord and Savior. It was then I committed myself as a young man would commit his life to a cause.  I was ready to take the fight to the world and bring them to my Master.

Now I am older: I know more about Jesus today than I did at 11 or 20.  My life has taken many twists and turns and Jesus means more to me now than ever before.  As a man, I look at my life and wonder why he has blessed me so.  I see my life pointed out to me in His word, I can see him looking at me to fathom my inner most thoughts and I am ready to dedicated myself and all I have to be with Him.

Jesus sees us not as lump of creation, but as part of His crown jewels that He wants to present to His Father.   He loves us even when we may not love ourselves.  He desires us enough that He paid the ultimate price to purchase us … His Life.  In return, He asks that we come to Him with the only thing of value we have…our self.  Not exactly equal?  Maybe.  We will see.

ShawnMcCorkle

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Words That Destroy

Volume 1 Issue 4

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:…” - Php 2:3-5

I am amazed at the freedom we often feel to say anything we want at the expense of others.  Words that cut deep. Words that hurt. Words that are disparaging. Words meant to cause doubt. Words that pit one against another. And why?

Insecurity? Envy? Power?

What scripture shall we quote?  Do we really need to? We know what the tongue is capable of doing, don’t we?

We are called to be encouragers- people who build one another up. May I suggest to you, the first and primary way you will do this is with your words.  We are to bear one another’s burdens.  We are to pray for one another.  We are to consider others better than ourselves.  These are the Christ-like qualities we should be striving to possess.  That’s exactly what Christ did for us, did He not?  He considered you more valuable than His own life.  Can we do the same thing for others?  Consider Jesus upon the cross. He uttered nothing in retaliation, but gave us an example of how we should walk before others.

On the flip side, we need not jump to conclusions and become easily offended. We must be mature. We must be patient. We must be forgiving.  Again, sometimes things are said that were never intended to hurt.  But because we read something more into a given statement, we assume ill-intent, our feelings get hurt, and we harbor hard-feelings toward the offender.  This, too, is contrary to what Christ would have us to do.

When I was young, my mother often told me to “always assume the good in people”.  I know… a little cliche’-ish, nevertheless, it’s true.  When our intent is to interpret what we hear through the ears of envy and self-righteousness, it will always assume doubt and ill-will.  It will never build up.

Jesus has called us to peace. Make every effort to guard your tongue. Make every effort to bless others, not curse. Be an encourager, not a discourager.

It boils down to this… If humility is exhibited on both sides of an issue, peace will always prevail.  Be humble. Be your brother’s servant. If everyone does this, then nothing will stop the influence and work of the Lord.  All glory to God!

LelandFleming

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The Bike Jump

Volume 1 Issue 7

When I was about nine years old, my family went on a camping trip.  I loved camping.  I especially enjoyed riding my bike.  Biking off road in a state park was much better than riding on the city sidewalks.  On this particular trip, we had just arrived and Dad was setting up the pop-up trailer.  I had to find something productive to do or else I might have had to help set-up camp.  I decided that I would take my bike out and scout the campground.  After riding around I came across a little path not too far from our campsite.  It was a straight path, and about halfway across it was a nice little bump.  It was not the Grand Canyon (that is another story for another time), but if you hit it just right you could get a little air.  I had made several passes when Dad walked up to solicit my time.  I don’t remember if it was to work, eat or bathe, but whatever it was, it would just have to wait until I showed him the big finish.  I started from what seemed like a mile away and accelerated to maximum biking speed.  The trees whipped by, and the parked cars were nothing but a blur of colors.  I can only assume I broke some world records, but since no one was there filming it, you will just have to take me at my word that I was going extraordinarily fast.  As I approached the jump, I took a quick glance to make sure my dad was watching.  He was.  I turned my full attention back to the menacing hurdle up ahead…

I hit the bump, and it all went black…

I woke up in my dad’s arms.  It went black again…

I woke up again, this time with a water hose in my mouth.  (Dad claimed he was trying to wash rocks out of my checks, but I still believe he was practicing his “water boarding” technique on me.)

I recovered from the crash and the “water boarding” incident over the next few weeks.  Later, Dad described his version of the events leading up to and the few moments after that wreck.  The thing that stuck out to me was that he said that every fiber of his body told him to stop me from making that jump.  He knew I was going too fast and just wanted to reach out and grab me before I could hurt myself.  You know, our Heavenly Father is the same way with us.  If he stepped in every time we had hardships, we would not develop into the person He wants us to be.  In Jas. 1:2 we read “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” Many people in this world blame God for their pain.  They say if God were real, he would keep them from suffering.  However, what we need to admit to ourselves is that most of our hardships and pains come from our own mistakes.  In Jas. 1:13 we find “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” Even in the darkest room, God provides us light.  He may allow us to experience temptations and trials, but we should not have a “poor me” attitude.  Paul says in 1 Co. 10:13  “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” We need to understand that God will not allow anything harder than what He had to allow His own son to bear.  In Heb. 2:18 we read, “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” He will help us through any trail or pain that we suffer in this life.  Jas. 1:12 says “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” And once this life is over we have a promise that in Heaven we will not have to suffer any more pain, Rev 21:4 “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

My Dad was able to pick me up and take care of me when I was my most vulnerable.  We are blessed to have a Heavenly Father who will do the same for us.  Paul said in 2 Co. 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” Our Father will be there to lift us up when we need him the most!  Be strong in the Lord!  He will help your through the trials of this life!

Your challenge this week is to reflect on a time in your life where you were vulnerable.  Do you see the hand of God lifting you through that hardship?  If not, could it be that you ignored His support and choose to get through it on your own?

God Bless,

Wayne Lowry

WayneLowry

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Worry, A Weapon of Satan

Volume 1 Issue 1

It’s not uncommon for us to worry about the many issues of life that confront us every day. Many times we wonder if we will have a job tomorrow, or how we will pay our bills when the month has outlasted the money. Sometimes the actions of others, which we have no control over, can cause us hardships that affect our families and loved ones. Relationships come and go in our lives like a revolving door in front of a department store leaving us feeling let down or empty. We begin to feel trapped and unable to see a resolve to the problems we face. Frustrated we are filled with anxiety and fall victim to one of the weapons of Satan, which causes us to become spiritually weak, allowing him to control the minds of God’s People.

In the time of turmoil, Paul admonished the church at Philippi to “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phi 4:6 -9)

Paul teaches us of the Masters will, “Be careful for nothing,” Don’t be anxious!

I know what you’re thinking, easier said than done, right? How can I just stop worrying?

First, when anxiety hangs like a cloud over our lives, PRAY! “but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Watch a small child as they are confronted with a problem too difficult to solve; they will appear confused, begin to look around for relief, and in their confusion, they cry out. When we cry out to our Father, He provides comfort and a way to solve the problem.

Secondly, Fix your THINKING! “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” Catch your breath and take a moment to dwell on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtuous and praise worthy. He doesn’t say to sugar coat the problem, but find the positives of the situation? What are the true, honest, pure facts of the situation? To think on these things means to dwell on them, to focus on them. These shouldn’t be just passing thoughts. Remember we are battling Satan! Bring those thoughts into captivity!

Third, take ACTION! “those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard , and seen in me, do:” Now it’s time to do something. Think about what you have learned, what you have received or heard from Christ’s teachings. How did he act in the face of hardship? How did Jesus treat others? Was he honest in his dealings with them? Did his speech build up or tear down? Is there a particular teaching that applies to your situation? Put it into action! God didn’t say it would be fun or that it wouldn’t be hard. He did say that He would be with you. “The God of peace shall be with you.”

By Craig Keel

CraigKeel

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Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Volume 1 Issue 3

Amazing, isn’t it? As soon as you point out (even to a friend) an error in their conduct, this verse is thrown right back at you. Even those who are anything but followers of Christ seem to know this verse well. It is their primary defense when they feel threatened by moral discernment.

However, Jesus did say it, didn’t He? What did He mean? Did he mean for His followers to never reveal the Truth, but to take on an “each to his own” mentality? Are we to sit idly by knowing that a brother or sister in Christ is making mistakes (and even sinning) and not say a word? Really?

Let me illustrate. Two friends were traveling together and came upon a herd of cattle in the road. They successfully made it past them and rounded a sharp curve in the road. They noticed a car coming in the distance. One friend said to the other, “What do you think would be the Christian thing to do?” The friend replied, “Build a hospital.” You see, we see the wreck coming in people’s lives, but instead of warning them before the wreck, we are willing to take our chances and just try to repair it later. In doing so, sometimes the damage is done and seemingly beyond repair all because we were afraid we would be accused of “judging.” This is simply a distortion of the Word of God. You are your Brother’s keeper.

Within the church, accountability to others actually encourages us to be concerned about one another. Paul said in Php 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” You see, our concern for others is based on their well being. We should be catering to each other; and that means… we are willing to encourage, be honest, and even gently correct them, if necessary. Gal 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” We are not called to correct in pridefullness, but in humility; because we really do care for them. Deep down inside, you know you are also a sinner, and are subject to failing in your walk, as well.

Unless we are in the frame of mind to want correction, we will never allow someone else to correct us. Therefore, I ask, are you genuinely concerned about doing the right thing (in the eyes of God)? Are you concerned enough that you will hear the Word of God no matter who God sends to tell you? Let me encourage you, if you are approached, don’t immediately assume they are condemning you; assume they are trying to help you and would want the same in return. Agree or disagree, be graceful and appreciate their concern for your well-being.

If you see an error in a brother’s or sister’s life, how do you approach them? Do you go to them with appropriate humility, or do you find some warped sense of satisfact

LelandFleming

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Walking the Talk

Volume 1 Issue 2

“I…beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…” Eph 4:1

Have you ever found yourself searching for answers to life’s questions, such as, “Why am I here?” or “What does God have for me in life?” or “What is my purpose?” Do you go to church every Sunday, yet you know there is more to Christianity than simply going through the routine and rites of worship? Why is it that, as a Christian, you still feel empty inside? Why is it that you try to live the life you should, yet you still fall short of what God would want for you to be? Do you want a more dedicated life for your children than perhaps you have had?

These questions have burned within Kathie and I since the birth of our firstborn. We were certain of our salvation, yet uncertain of God’s calling on our lives. For years we were left wondering about our purpose in life. We knew we should do more for Christ; but we didn’t know where to start. We had knowledge of truth, but to practically implement it into a fulfilled life that was pleasing before God was something entirely different. The real question is… How do you turn the knowledge of Christ in your life into a practical and genuine Christian walk?

Some Christians will admit they live with one or more sin which constantly haunts their lives. Why must they (seemingly) have to live with this struggle day after day? When publicly asked, I am often the first to admit I go to church; yet when faced with a personal challenge, I know assuredly that (many times) I fail to be everything I need to be. Does this make me a hypocrite? Is it even possible to shake this sin and live without the haunting guilt that plagues me? How do I rise above the norm into a life of godliness blessed by God: a life my children will observe, appreciate and emulate?

We must develop and equip ourselves to live and walk in Biblical faith. This does not mean we live a totally sin-free life. What it does mean is this: Our heart should always show itself to be pure in motivation and in action. Our speech and our actions should also show the same. It is a life which shows full repentance and a genuine effort to forsake that sin. You, individually, are the key to breaking this cycle of “lukewarm” Christianity. We all need an internal motivation that enables us to fulfill Jesus’ proclamation, “Ye are the light of the world.”

Many of us today, sadly, are living lives that leave us empty and unfulfilled. Very few of us understand how to fully live our lives pleasing to God, and in a way that will be personally and eternally rewarding. Instead, we are caught up in worldly goods, entertainment, leisure, and self-gratifying lifestyles. Most of us have no real plan to develop our discipleship in fruiful and lasting ways in the Lord. Therefore, this leaves us void of the hope and confidence God desires us to have.

In a nutshell; We’ve got to get back to a full appreciation of what was done for us at the cross; and in response to fully devote our lives in a meaningful relationship with the Lord. Unless we possess this kind of relationship with the Lord, we will likely never know the true joy and peace that God provides; nor will our walk with the Lord be everything it should be.

LelandFleming

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Issues of the Heart

Volume 1 Issue 1

“for his mouth speaks out of the abundance of his heart.”- Luke 6:45b

Why is it when you think you’ve got it all together, the Lord humbles you in an astounding manner? We had a discussion last night (over dinner) with the children about telling the truth; specifically, never telling a lie. Of course, we presented different scenarios to them illustrating how hard it can be to always tell the truth.

Well, as you might have figured by now, I was presented with an opportunity to lie today; not a big, obvious one – but a little one. Therein lies (pun not intended) the problem. It is so easy to tell a “little” lie (mistruth, or just simply, not the whole truth) that I’m afraid we don’t take them very seriously today.

If we believe what God has said (through His inspired writers of the Holy Bible), and I do; then we must believe that lying is not only wrong, but is really a revelation of where our heart truly is. Luk 6:45 �The good man brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart. And the evil man brings forth evil out of the evil treasure of his heart, for his mouth speaks out of the abundance of his heart.�

Take inventory right now. What have you been saving up inside your thoughts (heart)? Jesus said what we have in our hearts is a treasure. A treasure is something you have collected and saved. It is valuable to you. It is close to your heart! It reveals the true YOU!

What is the point of all of this? It is your heart in which the Lord desires to take up residence. It is your heart that He witnesses through the Holy Spirit that you are God’s child. It is the heart where you meet Truth. Lying is not an option when the Lord looks into your heart. It always tells the truth! Do you?

LelandFleming

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Run, Wayne, Run!

Volume 1 Issue 6

When I was younger I was a gifted runner.  Stop laughing. Okay, so maybe “gifted” is not the right word. Maybe I should use the word “willing.” I was a willing runner. I could not chase down a moving train (or even a model train for that matter), but I enjoyed running. I did not exactly steal many bases when I was in little league, and I didn’t lead the basketball team in fast break points, but it was not like I was the slowest person on the team either.

One summer Mom enrolled me in a two-week track and field camp. I was less than excited. Don’t get me wrong. I liked running, but I liked running from first to second base or from a ravenous dog. The idea of running just for the fun was beyond my comprehension. After a few days of constant complaining, I started to enjoy the competition.

Our spiritual life is compared to a race. Paul says in 1 Cor. 9:24-27, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.“ Paul encourages us to run the race as if there is only one prize. There is no second place trophy, no fifth place ribbon. In Php. 3:14 Paul says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“  There is a mark that we have to achieve to receive the prize. Jesus said in Rev. 2:10b, “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” The reward, or prize, is awaiting those who faithfully serve God with their life.  We can take great courage from the fact we are promised the heavenly reward.  Paul tells us in Php. 2:16, “Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Our spiritual race is not an endless circle!  There is a finish line!  Paul had his sights on that finish line when he wrote in 2 Tim. 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith…”

My favorite event while running track was the relay. The concept of the relay is that each member of the four person team must not only run fast, but have an ability to pass the baton to each other without slowing down so that there will be a seamless transition. The most likely time for a runner to drop the baton is on the handoff.

Our spiritual race is not run alone. We have brothers and sisters who have run before us, alongside us, and will follow after us. In Heb. 12:1 we read, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.“ When we look to our past, we see godly men and women who have run the race with great diligence. What legacy will we leave to future generations? Will we pass on the baton or let it drop when we take our last step? Paul knew when he died there would be others to build upon his work. In 1 Cor. 3:10 we read, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.“  Paul knew others would continue the work because he was preparing them for the work ahead.  Paul tells Timothy in 2Tim. 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Are you prepared to take the baton from our older generation?  Are you willing to dedicate your time and energy to the service of the Lord?

Your challenge this week is to take the baton.  Seek counsel from our older generation and see how you can help carry some of their responsibilities.  Let them teach you, and learn from their wisdom!

God Bless,

Wayne Lowry

Inspired and in Memory of Brother Herschel Williams. Brother Herschel finished his race and passed his baton to the next generation. You will be missed, but your work will continue.

WayneLowry

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Two Frogs , One Log, No Donuts

Volume 1 Issue 5

When I was a young boy, our family would clean my grandfather’s law office building. It was located next door to a donut shop. Every week while we were cleaning the building, Brittany and I would smell that sweet aroma of freshly baked donuts. Every week we would ask Dad to stop and get us donuts, and every week he said “No.” until, finally, after months (maybe even years) of asking, he said, “If you can answer this question, I will stop and get you donuts.” Brittany and I got excited; we knew our loving father would surely ask us an easy question. He then went on to ask: “Two frogs sat on a log. One decided to jump. How many frogs are left on the log?…”
(Before I go any further with this story, I would like to point out that my dad is a great person, a wonderful role model, and an upstanding citizen.)  …“That’s easy!” I shouted, “The answer is one because two minus one is one!” Victory was mine! I had answered the challenging riddle, and Brittany was now looking at me with awe and respect. My mind began thinking about what donut I was about to get when out of nowhere a voice popped my thought bubble. “EEHHH!!!…Wrong answer, but thanks for playing. The answer is two. I just said the frog decided to jump, not that he had actually done it.” (For those keeping score at home: Dad 1, Wayne 0.) I did not get a donut that day, but I learned a valuable lesson that will last me a lot longer. Many people in this world have decided to follow Christ, but are still sitting on that log. They sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus…,” but have not changed their life in the least when it comes to following through with what they say. In Josh. 24:15, Joshua asks the children of Israel to make a choice when he said, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua pleads with them to decide to follow God, but he does not leave it there. Picking up in Josh. 24:21: “And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses. 23. Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel. 24. And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey.” Joshua told them that action must follow the decision. They had to put away their sinful practice of idolatry. Jesus says in Luk. 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Christianity is more than a mental decision; it is a life of action! In Mar 8:34b Jesus says, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” We must commit our life in service to our Maker! God does not just want your mind; he wants your body as well. Paul says in 1Co. 6:19-20, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” God wants your body, soul, and mind. He wants your all! Are you still sitting on that log? Why are you not fully committing yourself to God? Take that leap of faith and follow Him! The water’s great, jump on in!

This week’s challenge is to commit fully to God and His Kingdom. Talk to your Church leadership and find out how you can best serve your local congregation of the Lord’s Body!

God Bless Wayne Lowry

WayneLowry

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