This week is the week that all the "lovebirds" come out to express and proclaim their love for one another with cards, flowers, candy and all the other stuff that goes along with it. Valentine's Day. Ugh...for us single people, it's what we call "singles reminder day." Last year, I preached about how much I can't stand the commercialization of love, etc., kind of like the commercialization of Christmas.
This year, I thought I'd take a moment to talk about the exact opposite of love: hate. We live in a world that is so full of hatred and strife, and I don't think anyone can argue that point. Every time you turn on the radio, television, look at the internet, we're bombarded with all the things that hate brings about. Husbands beating wifes, children killing parents, parents killing children, students beating and killing students, and so many other things that I don't want to dwell on. Our world is filled with people who hate one another for numerous reasons. The color of their skin, the religion they choose to follow, their sexual orientation, their gender, their height, their weight....it seems as though we almost look for things to hate and despise other people for.
The Bible tells us that hate is not of God, God is love! Does God hate sin, absolutely without any question, God hates sin. But the great thing about God is that He LOVES US in spite of our sin! That's love. God tells us that we're to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and in this day and age where we live in a world that tells us that the most important person around is good ole number one, if we loved each other the way we loved ourselves, the majority of our problems would be solved.
There are so many people "hating" in the name of the Lord and I want to encourage each of you to not let those people drive you away from God. That's not God speaking, that's some person running their mouth, that's all there is to it. No matter who you are, what you are, where you are, where you think you're going, what you've done, what you've said, GOD LOVES YOU! Many people teach us to hate other people for so many reasons. God tells us to love because love covers a mutlitude of sins.
The more I think about it, I'm afraid that some christians have become nothing more than a self proclaimed religious KKK. I know that statement will not set well with some, and I'm not saying that it is all of christianity, because I know it's not, but there are a lot of people who claim to be christians yet the message they proclaim doesn't line up with God's word. We as people, even christian people, take God's word and we try to manipulate it to suit what we think is right or wrong. I learned some time ago that it's not up to me to try and judge what's right or wrong, it's just up to me to keep on loving. Hate stirs up strife and many people wonder why there are so many problems in their churches, and why people aren't coming to church, maybe it's because they have enough hatred and strife going on in their life that they don't want to add to it by joining a church that has the same thing going on. The KKK did all they could to segregate people based on religion and race and it seems many church going christians are doing the same thing the KKK did. That's not of God and shame on any of us who fall into that category. The apostle Paul said "I become all things to all men that I might win some." He didn't do that by stirring up hatred and strife, he did it by showing the love of God.
This Valentine's Day, I think it'd be good for all of us, whether you claim to be religious or not, to love more than ever before. Love can solve so many indifferences. Love can solve so many disagreements. Love can solve so many hurts and pains. Let's be more like Jesus and love. Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save the world from sin. Nails didn't hold Christ to the cross...yes, nails were used to inflict unimaginable pain on Him, but love is what held Him to that cross.
Instead of spending a bunch of money on temporary things that will be forgotten in a few days this Valentine's season, why not spread the love of God and that will out last any other gift you can give. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life."
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
CLARIFICATION
Hey everyone, I just needed to make a quick note here about my last post that it has/had absolutely nothing to do with the terrible situation surrounding Baby Aria. I blogged about that because, number one, it's something I struggle with a great deal, but number two, I had a situation come up earlier in the week that caused someone to judge me about something they knew nothing about.
I would never ever minimize or try to defend the actions of any person/persons other than myself, if they were defendable. I believe that justice comes to us all, not always in an immediate way, but we all pay consequences for our actions and I believe that that is a part of life. When I make mistakes, I have to pay the consequences for those mistakes and live with the punishments.
It's unfortunate that in some situations, the things that we do effect so many other innocent people. I'm reminded of King David, when he committed adultery with Bathsheeba. He tried to lie his way out of the sin and it ended up costing another man his life, a child its life, and it was all because of David's actions. It's sad that people can do things that harm so many others, but I'm glad that there are laws in place to help protect the innocent and to serve justice to those who are guilty.
Again, I just really felt like I needed to clarify this and I apologize if anyone read something into it that wasn't there. My blog is just that, mine, and 99.9 percent of the things I blog about, such as the past post, are things that I'm going through at the time and hope that I can give an insight for other people who might be facing the same thing.
My thoughts and prayers are with Baby Aria, and I thank God for the miracle He has given her, and all of her family.
I would never ever minimize or try to defend the actions of any person/persons other than myself, if they were defendable. I believe that justice comes to us all, not always in an immediate way, but we all pay consequences for our actions and I believe that that is a part of life. When I make mistakes, I have to pay the consequences for those mistakes and live with the punishments.
It's unfortunate that in some situations, the things that we do effect so many other innocent people. I'm reminded of King David, when he committed adultery with Bathsheeba. He tried to lie his way out of the sin and it ended up costing another man his life, a child its life, and it was all because of David's actions. It's sad that people can do things that harm so many others, but I'm glad that there are laws in place to help protect the innocent and to serve justice to those who are guilty.
Again, I just really felt like I needed to clarify this and I apologize if anyone read something into it that wasn't there. My blog is just that, mine, and 99.9 percent of the things I blog about, such as the past post, are things that I'm going through at the time and hope that I can give an insight for other people who might be facing the same thing.
My thoughts and prayers are with Baby Aria, and I thank God for the miracle He has given her, and all of her family.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Judgement
I wasn't sure what to even title this one, but, I guess that's really pretty immaterial. One of the hardest things about being a human is our desire of wanting to judge others. We're all guilty of it, no matter how hard we've tried not to be judgemental, at some point in life, we've all done it. We judge people based on race, religion, sexual orientation, previous history, rumors and so many other things. It's unfortunate that we do it, because it usually ends up causing damage to everyone involved.
It's hard for me to think that I've been guilty of judging people based on things I've heard, things I've seen, and many other reasons that still do not justify judging. The reason that I find it so hard that I'm guilty of it, is not because I think I'm any better than anyone, not that I think that I'm so sort of "holier than thou" christian, but because I know I've been unjustly judged by people and it hurts. People have judged me based on things that other people have said, things they've overheard, even judged me simply because of a miscommunication or misunderstanding.
That's made me become more sensitive to me trying to judge people. I have a lot of areas in my life that need work, and I know that. If people were to judge me based on the things I need to work on, they'd probably think that I wasn't much of a christian at all, because people judge based only on outward appearance. I've learned that things aren't always as they seem and until I have all the facts about a situation, a person, the best thing for me to do is to keep my mouth closed, which isn't always easy. I have a friend who has a quote on her refrigerator that I keep in the front of my mind every moment, "Lord, put your arm on my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!" That is so true. When we begin to talk about things that we don't know about or we begin to spread rumors and gossip that we've hurt, we're intensifying and multiplying what is probably a bad situation to begin with and that doesn't do anyone any good.
The other thing I've learned about casting judgement on others is that when I'm wrong, wow, it's a hard thing to do to have to go to someone and apologize for your words and/or actions. That's sometimes a tough pill to swallow. That's been something else that has helped me become less judgemental. I've found that one of the best things I can do is to pray for that person and that situation, that helps more than anything.
I understand that sometimes our judgement comes out of anger, disappointment, and many times just total misunderstanding and again, we've all been guilty of that. But I want to challenge all of us to be more like Christ and to remember that even though things seem a certain way, our vision isn't always perfect. He encouraged us to pray one for another, even when a brother or sister is in sin. While we don't condone sin, we pray for that person and ask God to help them, while remembering that if we're judging that person, we're committing sin in that act alone.
Let's be encouragers, workers together, and let's make sure that we don't judge people based on rumors, partial facts, he said she said deals, let's allow all those things to unfold on their own and pray for each other.
It's hard for me to think that I've been guilty of judging people based on things I've heard, things I've seen, and many other reasons that still do not justify judging. The reason that I find it so hard that I'm guilty of it, is not because I think I'm any better than anyone, not that I think that I'm so sort of "holier than thou" christian, but because I know I've been unjustly judged by people and it hurts. People have judged me based on things that other people have said, things they've overheard, even judged me simply because of a miscommunication or misunderstanding.
That's made me become more sensitive to me trying to judge people. I have a lot of areas in my life that need work, and I know that. If people were to judge me based on the things I need to work on, they'd probably think that I wasn't much of a christian at all, because people judge based only on outward appearance. I've learned that things aren't always as they seem and until I have all the facts about a situation, a person, the best thing for me to do is to keep my mouth closed, which isn't always easy. I have a friend who has a quote on her refrigerator that I keep in the front of my mind every moment, "Lord, put your arm on my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!" That is so true. When we begin to talk about things that we don't know about or we begin to spread rumors and gossip that we've hurt, we're intensifying and multiplying what is probably a bad situation to begin with and that doesn't do anyone any good.
The other thing I've learned about casting judgement on others is that when I'm wrong, wow, it's a hard thing to do to have to go to someone and apologize for your words and/or actions. That's sometimes a tough pill to swallow. That's been something else that has helped me become less judgemental. I've found that one of the best things I can do is to pray for that person and that situation, that helps more than anything.
I understand that sometimes our judgement comes out of anger, disappointment, and many times just total misunderstanding and again, we've all been guilty of that. But I want to challenge all of us to be more like Christ and to remember that even though things seem a certain way, our vision isn't always perfect. He encouraged us to pray one for another, even when a brother or sister is in sin. While we don't condone sin, we pray for that person and ask God to help them, while remembering that if we're judging that person, we're committing sin in that act alone.
Let's be encouragers, workers together, and let's make sure that we don't judge people based on rumors, partial facts, he said she said deals, let's allow all those things to unfold on their own and pray for each other.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Depression
This morning I turned on my usual morning show on television, Fox 4 News, and as most people were, was shocked to discover that Don Harman had died yesterday evening. It's odd how you can feel sad about the death of someone that you didn't know personally, but I, along with thousands of others, found myself with that feeling this morning. Don was someone who could bring a smile to your face with his off the wall humor and antics and we're all going to miss that.
I don't know all the circumstances surrounding his death, other than knowing that he did take his own life. One of the leading causes of suicide is depression. For years, I thought, and I preached, that depression was a tool of the devil and you could pray your way out of it. While I still believe that to be true, and honestly believe that God can deliver you from anything and everything, including depression, I also have found that depression is a real thing. It is a scientifically proven medical condition that requires medical treatment as well.
For years I preached that you didn't need Prozac, Xanax, or any other prescription to get rid of your depression and sorrow, you just needed Jesus. Well, I found out the hard way, even people who have Jesus can still suffer from depression. I don't publicize the fact that I went through a severe state of depression a few years ago. I lost a grandmother in March 2003, was extremely busy with preaching, with my job, and numerous other things and somewhere along the way entered into a severe state of depression. I don't know how it happened, I don't know why it happened, I don't know exactly what it was that triggered it, but I do know that I needed medication, as well as the Lord to deal with it. I've been ridiculed by other christians, or people who claim to be christian, that if I want to get rid of the depression, I just need to get right with God. Well, I feel that my relationship with the Lord is strong, and growing stronger everyday, but guess what, I still take Prozac. Why? Because I have a chemical imbalance, a medical condition that requires medication. There's nothing wrong with taking medicine because you're sick. If you have an infection, you take an antibiotic. If you have a toothache, you go to the dentist. Depression is just like either one of those, it's real. Even though you can't see and infection, it has an effect on your body. Even though you can't see a toothache, you have no doubt that you have one because it hurts. Depression is the same way. Even though it can't be seen, it's there. Even though it might not cause something to grow on your body, it's something that effects your entire being. There is help out there.
No one really knew how hard I was struggling with the depression. Dealing with the public, you learn how to put on your happy face and smile and wave and be happy, but on the inside you're breaking into a million pieces. I prayed, I asked God to help me, I took time off work, I took a vacation, I saw a psychologist, I did everything I knew to do and nothing was helping. And, I was getting sicker. I needed medicine becuase I was sick! Once I finally got on the medication, I began to get back to feeling more like myself and I haven't regretted it one single day! God gave someone the knowledge to create this drug, so I don't feel one ounce less christian because I take it! In fact, I thank God for giving someone this knowledge.
We never really know what someone is going through because society has taught us that no one really cares about how we feel or what we're going through. That's not true. First, and foremost, God cares. He understands us better than anyone and He will help us. But, we also have to help ourselves. There is medication out there to help those of us with the disease of depression and we have to realize that when we're sick, we have to take medicine. We also have to realize that we have friends who are there for us and they do care. I remember going to see one of my closest friends, who happened to be in Des Moines at the time, but I knew I could talk to him and he'd do everything he could to help. In fact, he's the one that suggested starting some medication. I had been led to believe that depression was strictly a spiritual disease and that just isn't true. While it is a spiritual battle, as well as most things in our lives, it is an illness that requires treatment. I used to think that being an alcoholic or drug addict was a choice, it's not, it's a disease, an illness and it requires treatment as well. To many times we over spiritualize things and forget the fact that these bodies we have here on earth are not spiritual bodies. They do get sick, they do require medicine, they do require treatment because we live in bodies and in a world that is sin stricken.
I'm sure some out there will say that I must not be a very good christian if I don't believe that God can heal me from depression, and that's fine. If that's the worst they're saying about me, I'm doing pretty good then:) But, those are probably the same people who would watch their loved one die in agony and pray for God to heal them, but refuse to use the good common sense God gave them to go seek help from a doctor. I have no doubt that God can heal and cure all things, I know He can. But, there are times in our lives when God doesn't give that miraculous healing and we have to bear the cross of a sickness. While we bear that cross, we can seek help from doctors, medicine, technology and find some help from those sources, as well as the Lord, and still be christians.
Until we get to Heaven, these mortal and corruptible bodies that we have, will have diseases, sicknesses, illnesses, addictions, along with so many other trials, but I want to encourage you not to ignore these things. They are real. Just because you can't see depression, I'm here to tell you, it's as real as I am. Just because you can't see someone breaking apart on the inside doesn't mean that it's not happening, it's real. And just as real as these things are, there is help out there and not one thing wrong with seeking it. As you walk with the Lord, I hope and pray that you're relationship with Him allows you to remember that you and I are human and God has given us some human tools that we can use to make it through this life until He heals us all completely in that place where there will be no more sickness!
If you see someone hurting, someone who maybe just needs a hug or a smile, be a blessing and allow the Lord to love them through you!
I don't know all the circumstances surrounding his death, other than knowing that he did take his own life. One of the leading causes of suicide is depression. For years, I thought, and I preached, that depression was a tool of the devil and you could pray your way out of it. While I still believe that to be true, and honestly believe that God can deliver you from anything and everything, including depression, I also have found that depression is a real thing. It is a scientifically proven medical condition that requires medical treatment as well.
For years I preached that you didn't need Prozac, Xanax, or any other prescription to get rid of your depression and sorrow, you just needed Jesus. Well, I found out the hard way, even people who have Jesus can still suffer from depression. I don't publicize the fact that I went through a severe state of depression a few years ago. I lost a grandmother in March 2003, was extremely busy with preaching, with my job, and numerous other things and somewhere along the way entered into a severe state of depression. I don't know how it happened, I don't know why it happened, I don't know exactly what it was that triggered it, but I do know that I needed medication, as well as the Lord to deal with it. I've been ridiculed by other christians, or people who claim to be christian, that if I want to get rid of the depression, I just need to get right with God. Well, I feel that my relationship with the Lord is strong, and growing stronger everyday, but guess what, I still take Prozac. Why? Because I have a chemical imbalance, a medical condition that requires medication. There's nothing wrong with taking medicine because you're sick. If you have an infection, you take an antibiotic. If you have a toothache, you go to the dentist. Depression is just like either one of those, it's real. Even though you can't see and infection, it has an effect on your body. Even though you can't see a toothache, you have no doubt that you have one because it hurts. Depression is the same way. Even though it can't be seen, it's there. Even though it might not cause something to grow on your body, it's something that effects your entire being. There is help out there.
No one really knew how hard I was struggling with the depression. Dealing with the public, you learn how to put on your happy face and smile and wave and be happy, but on the inside you're breaking into a million pieces. I prayed, I asked God to help me, I took time off work, I took a vacation, I saw a psychologist, I did everything I knew to do and nothing was helping. And, I was getting sicker. I needed medicine becuase I was sick! Once I finally got on the medication, I began to get back to feeling more like myself and I haven't regretted it one single day! God gave someone the knowledge to create this drug, so I don't feel one ounce less christian because I take it! In fact, I thank God for giving someone this knowledge.
We never really know what someone is going through because society has taught us that no one really cares about how we feel or what we're going through. That's not true. First, and foremost, God cares. He understands us better than anyone and He will help us. But, we also have to help ourselves. There is medication out there to help those of us with the disease of depression and we have to realize that when we're sick, we have to take medicine. We also have to realize that we have friends who are there for us and they do care. I remember going to see one of my closest friends, who happened to be in Des Moines at the time, but I knew I could talk to him and he'd do everything he could to help. In fact, he's the one that suggested starting some medication. I had been led to believe that depression was strictly a spiritual disease and that just isn't true. While it is a spiritual battle, as well as most things in our lives, it is an illness that requires treatment. I used to think that being an alcoholic or drug addict was a choice, it's not, it's a disease, an illness and it requires treatment as well. To many times we over spiritualize things and forget the fact that these bodies we have here on earth are not spiritual bodies. They do get sick, they do require medicine, they do require treatment because we live in bodies and in a world that is sin stricken.
I'm sure some out there will say that I must not be a very good christian if I don't believe that God can heal me from depression, and that's fine. If that's the worst they're saying about me, I'm doing pretty good then:) But, those are probably the same people who would watch their loved one die in agony and pray for God to heal them, but refuse to use the good common sense God gave them to go seek help from a doctor. I have no doubt that God can heal and cure all things, I know He can. But, there are times in our lives when God doesn't give that miraculous healing and we have to bear the cross of a sickness. While we bear that cross, we can seek help from doctors, medicine, technology and find some help from those sources, as well as the Lord, and still be christians.
Until we get to Heaven, these mortal and corruptible bodies that we have, will have diseases, sicknesses, illnesses, addictions, along with so many other trials, but I want to encourage you not to ignore these things. They are real. Just because you can't see depression, I'm here to tell you, it's as real as I am. Just because you can't see someone breaking apart on the inside doesn't mean that it's not happening, it's real. And just as real as these things are, there is help out there and not one thing wrong with seeking it. As you walk with the Lord, I hope and pray that you're relationship with Him allows you to remember that you and I are human and God has given us some human tools that we can use to make it through this life until He heals us all completely in that place where there will be no more sickness!
If you see someone hurting, someone who maybe just needs a hug or a smile, be a blessing and allow the Lord to love them through you!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Veteran's Day
For those of you who have known me for a while, you know that I've always felt comfortable speaking my mind. I'm sure I've said some things that many have liked and I know for a fact I've said things that some haven't liked, but isn't it great that we live in a country where we can do that?
The first letter to the editor I ever wrote in my life was when I was in the 4th grade. Here in Marshall the Chamber of Commerce/City Office building, at that time, was located just to the east of where the post office is now. There was a flagpole at the front entrance of the building, but there was no light on the flag. At night, that poor flag looked so lonely up there flapping in the wind. We were studying proper etiquette for displaying the American flag and when I learned that there was to be a light shining on the flag at night, I was appalled that our own city government was showing such disregard to the great emblem of our country.
I wrote a letter to the editor in our local paper, The Marshall Democrat News, raising my concern over the lack of respect that was being shown to our flag by our city government. I'm sure it was a total oversight and I know that it wasn't an intentional lack of disregard as well, but never the less, there should still be a light on the flag. The evening after my letter was published, there was a light on the flag.
The next letter to the editor that I had published was when I was in the 5th grade. We were all asked to write about a hero and a certain number of those would be published in the paper. I wrote about my grandpa, George Simmons. I didn't write about him being my hero because he was my grandpa, I wrote about him being my hero because he was a veteran. My grandpa joined the military in the early 40's and discharged from the Air Force in the late 60's, after a little over 25 years of service to our country. He was stationed in numerous places during the wars, Germany, Italy, Japan, and so many other places. He was away from his family for long periods of time, leaving my grandma to raise their two kids and make due with what little bit they had. My grandfather received a purple heart, and several other awards, but we never really heard him discuss much about his time in the service.
We are so blessed to live in a place where we can have different opinions, and we can express those opinions, without fear that the government is going to come and arrest us just because we don't agree with them. We are so blessed to live in a place where we can attend our place of worship and serve our Creator, without fear that we're going to be persecuted by the government for what we believe. Even with all of it's problems, discouraging news reports and alarming statistics, The United States of America is the greatest country on Earth; and it's because of our veterans that it is what it is today.
I've never served in the military, and can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be taken away from your family, friends, home, job, everything you know as normal and be sent to some far off land to help defend freedom. I can't understand what it's like to walk out into a battlefield and not now if you'll be coming back in the same way you went out or if you'll be shot, captured, or killed. That's just something that a soldier can only know.
To every single one of our veterans, past and present, the words thank you are so inadequate. You are all making sacrifices that can't be comprehended by people like me who have never had to make that sacrifice and I just don't know how to say thanks. But, just know this much, each time I look at that American flag flying high in the sky with it's stars and stripes whipping in the wind, I remind myself that my opinions, and my right to express those opinions, have cost more than I could ever imagine. Whether we agree or disagree with each other, whether we're republican or democrat, whether we're of the same faith, regardless of our race; the freedom that we have has come at a high price for so many and on this veterans day, November 11, 2011 we salute each and every one of you.
God bless all of our veterans and service men and women and we continually pray, God Bless the USA.
The first letter to the editor I ever wrote in my life was when I was in the 4th grade. Here in Marshall the Chamber of Commerce/City Office building, at that time, was located just to the east of where the post office is now. There was a flagpole at the front entrance of the building, but there was no light on the flag. At night, that poor flag looked so lonely up there flapping in the wind. We were studying proper etiquette for displaying the American flag and when I learned that there was to be a light shining on the flag at night, I was appalled that our own city government was showing such disregard to the great emblem of our country.
I wrote a letter to the editor in our local paper, The Marshall Democrat News, raising my concern over the lack of respect that was being shown to our flag by our city government. I'm sure it was a total oversight and I know that it wasn't an intentional lack of disregard as well, but never the less, there should still be a light on the flag. The evening after my letter was published, there was a light on the flag.
The next letter to the editor that I had published was when I was in the 5th grade. We were all asked to write about a hero and a certain number of those would be published in the paper. I wrote about my grandpa, George Simmons. I didn't write about him being my hero because he was my grandpa, I wrote about him being my hero because he was a veteran. My grandpa joined the military in the early 40's and discharged from the Air Force in the late 60's, after a little over 25 years of service to our country. He was stationed in numerous places during the wars, Germany, Italy, Japan, and so many other places. He was away from his family for long periods of time, leaving my grandma to raise their two kids and make due with what little bit they had. My grandfather received a purple heart, and several other awards, but we never really heard him discuss much about his time in the service.
We are so blessed to live in a place where we can have different opinions, and we can express those opinions, without fear that the government is going to come and arrest us just because we don't agree with them. We are so blessed to live in a place where we can attend our place of worship and serve our Creator, without fear that we're going to be persecuted by the government for what we believe. Even with all of it's problems, discouraging news reports and alarming statistics, The United States of America is the greatest country on Earth; and it's because of our veterans that it is what it is today.
I've never served in the military, and can't begin to imagine what it must be like to be taken away from your family, friends, home, job, everything you know as normal and be sent to some far off land to help defend freedom. I can't understand what it's like to walk out into a battlefield and not now if you'll be coming back in the same way you went out or if you'll be shot, captured, or killed. That's just something that a soldier can only know.
To every single one of our veterans, past and present, the words thank you are so inadequate. You are all making sacrifices that can't be comprehended by people like me who have never had to make that sacrifice and I just don't know how to say thanks. But, just know this much, each time I look at that American flag flying high in the sky with it's stars and stripes whipping in the wind, I remind myself that my opinions, and my right to express those opinions, have cost more than I could ever imagine. Whether we agree or disagree with each other, whether we're republican or democrat, whether we're of the same faith, regardless of our race; the freedom that we have has come at a high price for so many and on this veterans day, November 11, 2011 we salute each and every one of you.
God bless all of our veterans and service men and women and we continually pray, God Bless the USA.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Faith
You know faith is kind of a relative term. Faith is so easy to talk about and so easy to walk in when things are going the way that you want them to. When we have money in the bank, it's easy to pay our tithes because it really doesn't require any type of sacrifice or even really stepping out in faith for that matter. When our health is good, we really sometimes don't even find time to pray, but we still have faith. But, things change when we get the news that there is an illness, or when we have to decide which bills can be paid this month, this is when faith really kicks in.
The Bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen. This past week, I can honestly say that I saw faith to its fullest meaning. I have some very dear friends of many years who are great ministers for the Lord. My friend, Angelia Pack Carpenter and her husband, Thomas, have been faithful workers for the kingdom of God their entire lives. Angelia is the daughter of ministers, who have preached the word all over the world; Thomas is the son of ministers, parents who have faithfully preached the Gospel.
Last Thursday, I received a call that Thomas and Angelia's son, Buck, had been in a terrible car wreck, along with Thomas' mother. Just a couple hours later, I was called and told that neither one of them, 8 year old Buck, or his grandmother, Sister Nelma Carpenter, survived the accident. I drove to Little Rock late Tuesday to attend their funerals on Wednesday morning. When I took the exit off of the highway to get to the church, I couldn't figure out what the holdup was in getting through, it was people waiting in line to get parked for the funeral for Buck and Nelma. The funeral director told me that they had well over 3,000 people come by Tuesday evening for visitation and I'm sure there were well over 1,200 at the funeral. I was prepared to cry, which I did, because it was so sad to think that these Godly lives were taken so soon. But, when I saw Thomas, Angelia, Rev. Carpenter (Nelma's husband), all of the Carpenter family, Aaron and Jeanette Pack and their families, I was reminded of what faith really is. Faith is still lifting your hands and thanking God for His goodness and mercy, even in the valley's of our lives.
When the service started, the congregation stood as the family entered. Once the family was in and seated, the music minister invited everyone to remain standing as the sang the opening hymn. They began singing the old song "Oh, I Want To See Him", and you could definitley feel the presence of the Lord in that place. The family lifted their hands in faith and began praising God for the lives of their loved ones, and not only for their lives here, but for the faith they have of seeing them again in Heaven. The ministers began to talk about Sister Carpenter and Buck and told many stories of how they had influenced so many people. More songs were sang and their lives were truly celebrated as this was not a funeral, but a celebration for their homegoing and a celebration that we're going to see them again.
I don't know how I would handle the same situation if I were in their shoes, and I don't think you can even begin to think of how you would handle it unless you've faced that same thing. To lose your mother and son in an accident and still be able to stand and proclaim to the world and those watching that Jesus is still in control and He is still the master of the wind, folks, that is faith in action.
How do you handle the trials that come your way? Do you allow your faith to grow in the Lord and allow God to give you the strength that you need? Do you stand and still say "thank you Lord for all you've given us and blessed us with" when your world is crashing around you? I think if we all strive harder to truly live by faith and not by sight, I know that God will begin doing the unimaginable in each one of our lives!!
Just some thoughts......WH
The Bible says that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen. This past week, I can honestly say that I saw faith to its fullest meaning. I have some very dear friends of many years who are great ministers for the Lord. My friend, Angelia Pack Carpenter and her husband, Thomas, have been faithful workers for the kingdom of God their entire lives. Angelia is the daughter of ministers, who have preached the word all over the world; Thomas is the son of ministers, parents who have faithfully preached the Gospel.
Last Thursday, I received a call that Thomas and Angelia's son, Buck, had been in a terrible car wreck, along with Thomas' mother. Just a couple hours later, I was called and told that neither one of them, 8 year old Buck, or his grandmother, Sister Nelma Carpenter, survived the accident. I drove to Little Rock late Tuesday to attend their funerals on Wednesday morning. When I took the exit off of the highway to get to the church, I couldn't figure out what the holdup was in getting through, it was people waiting in line to get parked for the funeral for Buck and Nelma. The funeral director told me that they had well over 3,000 people come by Tuesday evening for visitation and I'm sure there were well over 1,200 at the funeral. I was prepared to cry, which I did, because it was so sad to think that these Godly lives were taken so soon. But, when I saw Thomas, Angelia, Rev. Carpenter (Nelma's husband), all of the Carpenter family, Aaron and Jeanette Pack and their families, I was reminded of what faith really is. Faith is still lifting your hands and thanking God for His goodness and mercy, even in the valley's of our lives.
When the service started, the congregation stood as the family entered. Once the family was in and seated, the music minister invited everyone to remain standing as the sang the opening hymn. They began singing the old song "Oh, I Want To See Him", and you could definitley feel the presence of the Lord in that place. The family lifted their hands in faith and began praising God for the lives of their loved ones, and not only for their lives here, but for the faith they have of seeing them again in Heaven. The ministers began to talk about Sister Carpenter and Buck and told many stories of how they had influenced so many people. More songs were sang and their lives were truly celebrated as this was not a funeral, but a celebration for their homegoing and a celebration that we're going to see them again.
I don't know how I would handle the same situation if I were in their shoes, and I don't think you can even begin to think of how you would handle it unless you've faced that same thing. To lose your mother and son in an accident and still be able to stand and proclaim to the world and those watching that Jesus is still in control and He is still the master of the wind, folks, that is faith in action.
How do you handle the trials that come your way? Do you allow your faith to grow in the Lord and allow God to give you the strength that you need? Do you stand and still say "thank you Lord for all you've given us and blessed us with" when your world is crashing around you? I think if we all strive harder to truly live by faith and not by sight, I know that God will begin doing the unimaginable in each one of our lives!!
Just some thoughts......WH
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Trials and struggles
One thing is for certain; no matter who you are, what your religious views might be, what political party you belong to, what race you are, what sex you are, there are going to be times of struggle and heartache in your life. In the last week I have seen so many of my friends going through these very trials. From people who have been in full time ministry for well over 50 years to people who didn't necessarily attend church regularly, yet this one thing they all have in common this week...they have experienced tragedy in their lives.
Tragedy is a pretty broad term. It can mean the loss of the loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a friendship, so many things are encompassed by tragedy. In the last two weeks, I know people who have suffered all of these losses, and some have even experienced multiple losses at the same time. It's extremely hard to understand why. I'm sure some wonder why God has allowed all this tragedy to come about, why God has allowed their hearts to be broken into a million pieces, and as much as I wish I could say I'm about to give you the answer in this little ramble, I can't. I truly believe there are many things that we will never understand this side of Heaven.
The Bible assures us that God works in mysterious ways, and I believe that more and more as I go through life. But something else the Bible assures us, is that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) We have to keep in mind that even in the darkest times and hardest trials of our lives, God is working His purpose and plan in our lives. God won't always change our situations and trials, but God is always changing us. As He changes us, we begin to see a little more clearly His divine plan in our lives.
But, regardless of knowing all that, when we go through these types of terrible and difficult tragedies, our faith is shaken to the very core. It's easy for me to sit and type about how all of these things are working to make us stronger and that God is working in our lives, because I'm not the one directly facing all these situations. But, to my dear friends who are, just know that God is still with you. He is still going to be with you, He is going to strengthen you, He will be your peace if you'll just leave things in His hands. Tell God how you feel. If you're angry at God, tell Him that you're angry. If you're upset with your situation, tell God that you're upset with your situation and trials. He may not change the trial, but He will change you. God is a big God. He can take our anger, our hurt, our pains, our broken hearts, and He can bring about a peace that passes all understanding, if we'll let him.
For all of my friends going through struggle, know that there are many people praying for you. Know that we're lifting you and your families up in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to give you His perfect peace and to speak peace be still to your storms.
Like the song says:
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain,
And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known;
But then things change and you’re down in the valley:
Don’t lose faith for you’re never alone.
You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain,
But the talk comes easy when life’s at it’s best.
But it is down in the valley of trials and temptation,
That’s when faith is really put to the test.
For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley:
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right;
And the God of the good time is still God in the bad times,
The God of the day is still God in the night.
Tragedy is a pretty broad term. It can mean the loss of the loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a friendship, so many things are encompassed by tragedy. In the last two weeks, I know people who have suffered all of these losses, and some have even experienced multiple losses at the same time. It's extremely hard to understand why. I'm sure some wonder why God has allowed all this tragedy to come about, why God has allowed their hearts to be broken into a million pieces, and as much as I wish I could say I'm about to give you the answer in this little ramble, I can't. I truly believe there are many things that we will never understand this side of Heaven.
The Bible assures us that God works in mysterious ways, and I believe that more and more as I go through life. But something else the Bible assures us, is that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28) We have to keep in mind that even in the darkest times and hardest trials of our lives, God is working His purpose and plan in our lives. God won't always change our situations and trials, but God is always changing us. As He changes us, we begin to see a little more clearly His divine plan in our lives.
But, regardless of knowing all that, when we go through these types of terrible and difficult tragedies, our faith is shaken to the very core. It's easy for me to sit and type about how all of these things are working to make us stronger and that God is working in our lives, because I'm not the one directly facing all these situations. But, to my dear friends who are, just know that God is still with you. He is still going to be with you, He is going to strengthen you, He will be your peace if you'll just leave things in His hands. Tell God how you feel. If you're angry at God, tell Him that you're angry. If you're upset with your situation, tell God that you're upset with your situation and trials. He may not change the trial, but He will change you. God is a big God. He can take our anger, our hurt, our pains, our broken hearts, and He can bring about a peace that passes all understanding, if we'll let him.
For all of my friends going through struggle, know that there are many people praying for you. Know that we're lifting you and your families up in our thoughts and prayers, asking God to give you His perfect peace and to speak peace be still to your storms.
Like the song says:
Life is easy when you're up on the mountain,
And you’ve got peace of mind like you’ve never known;
But then things change and you’re down in the valley:
Don’t lose faith for you’re never alone.
You talk of faith when you’re up on the mountain,
But the talk comes easy when life’s at it’s best.
But it is down in the valley of trials and temptation,
That’s when faith is really put to the test.
For the God of the mountain is still God in the valley:
When things go wrong, He’ll make them right;
And the God of the good time is still God in the bad times,
The God of the day is still God in the night.
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