Special Lord's Day

Sunday, July 27, 2008, was a special day for my family because my oldest granddaughter Taylor was baptized by her father, my son Stephen. I am excited for Taylor and her journey with Christ. I was reminded Sunday of how blessed I am as a parent to have two godly adult children who love the Lord Jesus and have hearts that seek after Him. I am very proud of both of my adult children - Stephen and Misty. Like most parents, there were days during their teenage years when you found yourself wondering if they would ever "get it," and by the grace of God, I can proudly boast that they have become responsible adults. The truth is that they both are much more mature at their age than I ever was at their age. It is fun seeing my children as adults and now parents. God has blessed each of them with godly spouses and two precious children each. It is my prayer that my other three remaining grandkids will respond to God's call through the Gospel and surrender their lives to Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior - that was my prayer long before they were conceived and it is my continued prayer today.

My Friend Billy

Monday, July 14, 2008, was a day of celebration. Pictured above is my friend Billy and his wife Marian. While pastoring a small country Church near Mineral Wells, Texas, I had the privilege to serve with Billy who was the worship leader. Billy died on Thursday, July 10th, and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Billy was a gentle giant who had an amazing gift to lead a worship service. I already miss my friend. We spend hours together in Starbucks drinking coffee while conducting staff meetings. Billy and Marian were an amazing team who faithfully served the Lord together for years. I have conducted numerous graveside services over the years but officiating Billy's was special. The temperature Monday morning was nearly ninety degrees by 11:00 a.m., but a slight breeze and the shade of a big oak tree next to Billy's grave helped to create a mild setting. During the graveside service several Mockingbirds were singing throughout the entire service, and their songs created a peaceful mood. If Billy would have been there I think he would have liked it. I thank God for the opportunity to have Billy for a friend, and one day I will see him again.

What's your favorite memory?

Do you have a favorite memory with a grandparent? I remember the summer of 1962. I was fifteen years old. I got to spend the whole summer at my grandmother's home in Gold Hill, Oregon. She lived out in the country in the middle of "no where." Across the road from her house was the Rogue River. I went fly fishing almost every day that summer. I had a blast wading in the mountain chiled waters of the Rogue River casting a fly line across the surface of the fast moving water with one of my uncle home made fly hooks. I've never had the opportunity to go fly fishing since that summer at grandma Bessie's house. I'm sixty-one now, but the memories of that summer seem like yesterday. The other day my grandson Zachary spend the night at Bops' house. His favorite activity right now is helping Bops make pancakes. You ought to watch him crack the egg one handed -- I usually hold my breath as he does it. I have to help with the measurements but he does the rest. He loves to whip up the pancake mix after adding the egg, milk and oil. I wish I knew what he was thinking as Nanny took the above picture. He was busy making breakfast and Nanny interrupted his pancake making to take pictures -- not just one picture but a bunch of pictures. I don't know if making pancakes will be one of those special memory of Zachary's when he grows up but I certaining hope so.

If you have a favorite memory with a grandparent, please share your memory by posting it on this blog --- if that grandparent is still alive today, take a moment to share your special memory with them.

Happy Independence Day

We, as Americans, are truly blessed to live in this country. I hope that as you and your families celebrate this holiday you will remember that the price of freedom has not been cheap. Many brave men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice to insure the freedom we enjoy. As a Christian, I thank God for the opportunity to be an American. God has blessed my country, but I'm am fearful that as a Nation we have turned our backs on HIM far too often. The consequences of such an actions have been disastrous. When ancient Israel turned their backs on the LORD, HIS response was to bring judgment on HIS people for their disobedience. HIS solution for their sinful behavior was simple. The LORD said, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14). I believe the same solution is available to us today. The tragedy today is that far too many professing Christians are trying to live their lives with one foot in the Church and one foot in the "world." The end result is disasterous. What our Country needs most today is to have a personal encounter with the LORD JESUS CHRIST. When professing believers in Jesus Christ live their daily lives as if HIS presence does not matter, the watching skeptical world takes notice and comes to the wrong conclusion that believing in Jesus is no different than believing in one of the false "gods" created by man.

As a believer, Jesus called HIS followers to be HIS witnesses to the nations of the whole world. HE said of them, "you are the salt of the earth" and "you are the light of the world." HE instructed them to begin where they were located and expand outwards form there to the ends of the earth.

I wonder what kind of impact my life would have if the people around me could see Jesus working daily in me?
I wonder what kind of influence collectively all believers could have if our lives truly demonstrated the power and presence of Christ in every things we did or said?