Ice Cream Wars

fromblake.com
Ice Cream Wars
It’s been a while since I’ve written on this blog, and it’s been for various reasons. Life has been crazy for us in recent months, so time hasn’t been something I’ve had an abundance of. Long story made short, I’ve got to have time to sit and let things soak before I can sit down to write, which hasn’t been something I’ve done. However, I have realized that writing is an outlet for me to share things God is saying to me. So I want to start using this gift more often again, though probably not daily as I used to.
Can I share my heart with you for just a moment?
I know some of you read this and assume I’m writing with an ax to grind of sorts, but I assure you that isn’t the case. As a matter of fact, I’m at peace with the world and with the life that God has called Sarai and I to live for Him! I love this life of ministry – and I love the fact that my Boss is somewhat unpredictable in both His working and His leading! That makes the journey both exciting and terrifying – yet we know that whatever He calls us to He will provide for that calling. And so we simply follow – and enjoy the journey!
It seems as though many of us spend much of our time defending things that we consider sacred – things. There are many reasons I’m sure we do this, and we are all guilty of it to some degree. We get settled into our preferences and they become very important to us. We have favorite shows, favorite restaurants, favorite chairs in our home, even favorite flavors of ice cream. It’s just a little part of who we are – our personal preferences.
It’s when those personal preferences become more like sacred cows that we begin to have a problem.
Just imagine for a moment that I personally think strawberry ice cream is the best flavor. However, you think chocolate is far better. In our discussion of flavor preferences, we develop some tension because neither of us is willing to budge from our strong opinions on the ice cream issue. In the process, you discuss this debate among friends, who also feel that chocolate ice cream is the only way to go. Now we not only have a disagreement among two people, but rather we have a war beginning among the crowds.
Because I don’t really feel that ice cream flavors matter after some consideration, I choose not to rally any troops around my cause. After all, trivial matters don’t seem to disturb me on this particular subject. However, the war continues as the bitterness grows due to the out of context discussion. Before long the story is being told as though I condemned chocolate ice cream lovers, and little by little it becomes a debate of character, instead of simple personal preferences as originally discussed.
Now, I realize this all seems silly – almost elementary. You’re probably wondering why I would waste your time and mine even writing about an ice cream preference war. However, I can assure you it’s issues far more trivial than this about subjects far more elementary than this that have caused churches to split down the middle. Once close friends and loved ones have turned their backs on one another – ending years of co-laboring for Christ and fellowshipping in the family of God – over building colors or seating styles. The definition of phrases or style of clothing has ended friendships and fellowships that were once viewed as strong and unconditional.
Here’s the curve ball – I don’t believe the issues are truly the problem. I believe all these issues do is raise something deeper to the surface – a sickness that is plaguing Christ’s Church today and needs to be fixed.
It’s a love problem, friend. We talk about the unconditional love that Christ has for us and that we have for others, but those words are tested on the grounds of disagreement. And the more we disagree, the more the love pledge we claim to have is brought to the brink of collapse.
Disagreeing isn’t a problem. We all disagree to some degree. Some are ceasationist in reference to gifts of the Spirit and some are not. Some are loyal to hymns and some love choruses. Some feel that suits are required for worshiping together and some feel we should be able to come as we are. Some feel the building is holy ground and others feel that the people gathering in it are. We will always disagree – until glory.
Yet we are CALLED to love, in spite of all the other junk. Whether you agree with me or we both think the other is drastically wrong – we should still love. According to Scripture, “love covers a multitude of sins.” No matter how wrong we are – we still love one another.
Christ even said that’s how the world will know we are His – by our love for one another. Period.
Therefore I submit to you today that without love for each other, all the world sees is a social organization – or club – whose claimed beliefs have little to no bearing on their daily lives. When things are good and easy, they are all agreeing and getting along – love is flowing freely amongst them. Yet when things get a bit harder – that love that once flowed so freely seems to vanish into a cloud of bitter gossip and hatefulness.
I wrote all that to write this – if ever I have wronged you, even if I’m not aware of it, please accept my apology – my sincere apology. I love you – whether we agree or not. I love you if you are my brother or sister in Christ or if you haven’t made it back to Him yet on the journey. I love you – simple as that.
Love is the tie that binds us together. Without it we will destroy ourselves as a society, as a culture, and even as His Church.

Dreams Yet to Come.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

            Dreams Yet to Come.  As I sit down to write this morning, my heart is still softened by the remembrance of yesterday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  Regardless of the varying opinions of the day, whether they are right or wrong, if you truly dive into the man that MLK, Jr. was you’ll get lost in the depth of his cause – his heart – his passion – his dream.

            Surely most of us are familiar with the “dream” of MLK, Jr. In a nutshell, he spoke of dreaming of a day when all people would live as equals – when someone could achieve equal success based not upon the color of their skin, but rather upon the desire and ability within them. You see, for King, equality wasn’t just a political stance that he chose to take part in.  Oh, friend, it was so much more.

            For MLK, Jr., equality was personal. If you ever take the time to look up the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, written by King while jailed for taking part in a peaceful protest in Alabama, you’ll find that he wasn’t a part of the movement for equality – it was a part of him.  This cause didn’t just inspire him – it defined him!  Therefore he didn’t have to make himself stand for these things he so deeply believed in – he stood because he was compelled from his deepest inner being.

            Christ gave His Church a commission before He ascended back to the Father.  This solemn duty – this higher calling and responsibility – amounted to His last earthly words to His followers.  I’m sure we can see the importance of someone’s last words in any circumstance, but certainly in this one!  And they were simple words at that: “Go to all the world and make disciples!”  He even outlined how that is to be done – preach, baptize, teach.

            I often wonder, as I look at so many historical figures that have shaped the course of the world, what the Church would look like today if we were as passionate about our calling as so many others are.  I’m certain that most everyone can see the change MLK, Jr. made by standing for the cry of his heart so long ago.  What if the Church did the same?

            I’m not talking about just the leadership of each church – I’m talking about the Church as a whole.  What if every member of Christ’s Body sold out to Him, and became saturated with Holy Spirit?  What if that saturation compelled them to share Christ with everyone they had the opportunity to speak to?  What if suddenly churches weren’t defined by building style or worship genre, but rather by being community changers with the Gospel?  What if instead of being divided within each local church over what type of seating we will have, or what color the walls will be, or what style of music we will have – we were united in the cause of evangelism?  What if church folks no longer got together and talked about other church folk – but instead got together and wept and prayed for the lost around them? 

            Martin Luther King, Jr. was a dreamer, and though his life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, he’s living forever in the Land where his dreams are a reality.  I know that these dreams of mine will someday be a reality, as well, when we get to heaven.  But my heart hurts with the notion that if heaven is when this dream becomes a reality, so many will not be there to celebrate the reality of the dream with me.

            The only way to turn a dream into reality is simple: wake up and get to work! Join me, would ya?

                                     

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

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Fire.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

            Fire.  Fire is a fascinating thing, really. I spent a couple years as a firefighter while living in the Hot Springs, Arkansas area, and during that time I learned things about fire that I never knew.  Did you know that (1) fire makes its own atmosphere/weather?  Or how about this: (2) fire can be used to fight fire?  Better yet: (3) the most common way fire kills isn’t by burning people alive, but rather through smoke inhalation?  Let’s dive into the idea of fire this morning.

            In the book of James (an awesome, VERY practical book of the Bible I highly recommend), James actually refers to the tongue as a fire!  He talks about the power of the tongue, and the fact that the tongue has the ability to set all the rest of the members of the body on the wrong course.  In light of this revelation of God, let’s think about the power of the fire-tongue for a moment.

            Did you know that your tongue makes it own atmosphere/weather?  So often the conditions around us in life are causes or determined by our tongue.  Have you ever noticed that if you are negative all the time, many of those in closest proximity to you will also be negative?  Or if you spend a large portion of your time as a gossip, many of the people around you will do the same?  Or if you run someone down constantly, many times some of those in your immediate circle of influence will begin to do the same?  And have you ever noticed that at the height of your fire-breathing, there is also a sore lack of accountability for your negative or hurtful words? Your fire-tongue is building its own atmosphere and weather.

            Did you know that your tongue can actually help put out fires that are started by other people’s tongues?  For instance, if someone is gossiping about you, sometimes the best way to put out the hellish fire of gossip is to simply say nothing – to withhold added fuel from the fire. Your ability to control your tongue may be able to extinguish the fiery darts of another.  If you’re surrounded by negative words and attitudes, your tongue – when speaking positive, Godly things – can actually sometimes put out the flames of negativity or critical attitudes. Controlled fire can be used to fight out of control fire.

            Oh, and did you know that words themselves don’t kill people?  No, rather it’s the perceived attitudes/opinions behind those words that do the damage.  If someone says your fake or lousy, those words themselves probably don’t do the damage to how you feel. Rather, it’s that you begin to perceive that the person who spoke those words feels that you’re fake or lousy that really hurts you.  You see, fire CAN kill, and words themselves CAN do damage.  However, the majority of the time it’s the smoke that gets ya.

            We’ve all been hurt by fire, and no doubt we’ve all done our share of burning others.  So today, would you join me in asking God to be our Firefighter of sorts?  Would you ask Him to be the Lord of your mouth, today?  That is, allow Him to be large and in charge of what you TO and ABOUT others.  Who knows – maybe it’s been a while since you allowed Him to be.

                                     

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

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Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com

T-Bone or Bottle?

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

            T-Bone or Bottle?  I am a carnivore by nature. I absolutely love me a good steak, and I eat one every chance I get! Most all of my life I have really liked milk, as well. Maybe it’s because my grandpa drank so much of it that my attempts to be just like him developed a taste for milk, I’m not sure. Nevertheless, I have single handedly kept some dairy and beef operations afloat, I’m quite positive.

            There was a time when I couldn’t choose between one or the other – the lack of teeth in my mouth and ability to properly chew made the choice for me. You see, at one point in all our lives we had no choice but to drink from a bottle. That’s just the way it works when you’re an infant, right?

            However, just imagine an infant growing and never being pulled away from the bottle. Imagine that child celebrating their 12^th birthday, and still not ever leaving the warm bottle of milk for some solid food – especially meat of some sort. No doubt that diet would have caused some development issues in the life of that child, not just physically or mentally but also socially.

            Yet every Sunday we gather with fellow believers, some of whom have been saved for years on end that have never left the bottle for some meat in their spiritual life.

            Let’s be honest – milk from a bottle is much easier, right? Not only is preparation simpler, but consumption is too! You don’t have to chew milk, do you? You don’t have to cut up milk, right? A bottle of milk doesn’t require you to fire up the grill or pre-heat the oven. It’s just easier – but it’s so much less rewarding!

            And so we continue on, finding our satisfaction in the milk of the Word, as Paul said, and never pressing into the MEAT of the Word.

            We hold to our Sunday school memory verses, like John 3:16 or Philippians 4:13 – and we think that’s it. Make no mistake, those verses are incredible, as is all of God’s Word! But we have to press in further than John 3:16 to discover so many of God’s other wonderful attributes! We have to push on past Philippians 4:13 to discover how God will provide for us to do all things! Yet it takes a bit more effort and work on our part.

            And if we never do – and we remain content in our spiritual infancy – all areas of our lives will be touched and affected by that. As a matter of fact, based on what the Word says, much of our personal conflict, family conflict, or even church conflict would be remedied if we were in the meat instead of just the milk all the time. Truth is – we need depth, and that only grows when we grow away from just milk, and press in to some meat of the Word.

            And this journey can only begin for you and me when we personally make the decision to allow it to, and then follow up with the commitment to make it.  Dive into the meat of the Word today!

                                     

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

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RePost: Insult?

Monday, January 14, 2013

            Insult?  First of all, let me just say that it’s nice to be back into the “blogosphere” again. I have missed these daily opportunities to share with you what the Lord is pouring into me in the journey I’m on with Him! Hopefully we’ll be sitting down every day, again, as we once did.

            Have you ever been insulted? I don’t mean some passing negative word, but a true insult. One of those insults that was intended to cut you to the core, even if the person who said it didn’t truly grasp the deep injurious nature of what they said?

            Some of you reading this blog have children, and some of us don’t yet. If you do, you’ve probably no doubt found yourselves in situations much like the one I’m about to describe. If you don’t, I would assume that most of you have nieces or nephews, or some small children in your life to some degree, and can most likely connect with the story nonetheless.

            Imagine your child worked really hard on a project. Maybe it was a craft made of popsicle sticks, or maybe it was a work of art composed of crayons on construction paper. Regardless of the material used to create this masterpiece, here they are – as proud of their work as any renowned artist has ever been of theirs. And here they are – holding this project out in front of you – just waiting to hear your reaction. So you decide to give it to them.

            “That’s awful! Good grief – can’t you do better than that?!? So amateur! I mean look, you didn’t even stay in the lines! Ha! This is what you bring me?!? And popsicle sticks – really!?! Goodness. Next time please come ask for some help – this is slightly embarrassing.”

            Can you already imagine the expression on the child’s face after this ridiculous rant? Can’t you see the tears welling up in their eyes, and the disappointment written on their face? After all, this was THEIR creation – THEIR work of art – the product of THEIR hands – the end result of potentially HOURS of work and concentration. And now, with a single hard-hearted rant, you’ve torn it all apart with your words.

            The art wasn’t the true victim of your insult – the artist was.

            Now, imagine that next time you tear down someone – anyone – for something in them you despise – or belittle someone, or attempt to destroy them through gossip or slander – whether you intentionally set out to hurt them, or simply let your tongue flap without considering the real consequences of it – or speak down to or about someone because of the color of their skin, do you understand who is truly being insulted here?

            Imagine the Creator God seeing – hearing – witnessing ALL you say, as you in effect say, “Really?! This is it!? This is what you made!? This is the best YOU can do!?”

            Now, there are some glaring differences in these scenarios, the main being that I don’t believe God wells up with tears of embarrassment or disappointment when we run our mouths about creation. As a matter of fact, in the story of Job we see Him “bowing up” a bit and reminding Job (though in slightly difference circumstances) that HE was, in fact, the Creator and that He, in fact, DIDN’T ask for anyone’s opinion or input when He made all that was.

            So next time I open up my mouth to speak negative words that would tear down instead of build up, or that would hurt someone’s testimony or influence instead of encourage it – I’m praying God will speak to my heart with a simple reminder that I didn’t do the whole creation thing – He did, and the truth is He did a very good job of it. And I really don’t care to insult this Artist with my words. (Check out Ephesians 4:29)

                                     

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

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Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com

What If…

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

What If…

            What if God had called Noah to build the Ark, and instead he just prayed for his family. When the floods began to rise, what would be the result?

            What if God had called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on the altar, but instead he just prayed for Isaac. When the story was written later, would it have still been a story of obedience?

            What if God had called Moses to lead His people of Egyptian slavery, but instead he just prayed for them. When we looked back at the story of the Exodus, would Moses have still been the leader of that great move of God’s people?

            What if God had called Esther to take a stand for the Jews in “such a time as this,” yet she only prayed for God to protect them. Would we read the book of Esther now in the Scripture and see her as the faithful woman of God that He used to deliver His children from certain slaughter?

            What if God had called Paul to carry His message across the known world at the time, but instead he only prayed for the Gospel to go forth. Would so many of the letters that became books of the New Testament ever have been written?

            What if God sent Jesus to be the Redeemer of all mankind, to go to the Cross of Calvary, to bleed and die to forgive and cleanse our sins, and to offer forgiveness by His grace to all who would call upon Him, but the story of the cross ended in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He stopped after He simply prayed for us. What would be our condition today?

            Is prayer important? Of course it is.

            Does prayer matter? Of course it does.

            Does God sometimes do supernatural, unexplainable things when His people pray? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

            But what about when we pray and He’s calling US to be a part of the answer? What happens in those times when we JUST pray, yet don’t take any action?

            Abel Dimatulac has served Christ faithful for most of his 47 years on this planet, striving to reach his fellow Filipinos with the Gospel of Christ. His family has been raised up to love the Lord, and even serve Him faithfully in the mission work as well. This dear, dear family, which I have grown to love as much as my very own, have a need. Their 20+ year old car is dying – literally. I have personally sat on the side of the highway waiting for this very car to cool down before we could continue on to distribute Gospel tracts and do personal evangelism work.

            This car has been repaired so much that the mechanics have told Bro. Abel that they’ve basically done all they can do and still be cost effective.

            For $3,000 we can remedy this situation, and purchase a newer, more reliable car. We can insure that this faithful missionary family no longer has to miss or postpone preaching appointments due to mechanic failure of their transportation. We are 1/3 of the way there.

            Should you pray? Sure – we appreciate your prayers. But if you can give to this cause and aren’t, don’t even waste your time praying. I know those are strong words, but the Word says a few things about “dead faith” – a faith that isn’t accompanied by works (James 2).

            Let’s step up, believers! Let’s pray together – and let’s take action!

 

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

 

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Cop-Out Prayers…?

Saturday, August 04, 2012

Cop-Out Prayers…?

            As most of you know who read this blog on a regular basis, I try my best to be encouraging as much as possible. We live in a dark world, and I feel that we need as much uplifting as we can get from one another. However, my deepest passion in writing is to simply be a tool of His hand to deliver a message through the medium of a blog. And usually, as you’ve probably also noticed, the blog stems from something I’ve noticed throughout my day that planted a seed of thought in my mind.  Today that thought is about “cop-out prayers.”

            We believe in prayer, right? God’s Word tells us that when we pray, He listens. The only thing that can break our direct line of communication with our Father in Heaven is unconfessed sin. In other words, when we choose to carry our sin with us and not admit it to Him, even after we’re a believer, our relationship with Him is hurt. Otherwise, we have a direct and unimpeded line of communication with God, which is incredible!

            I just wonder – how many times do we pray for someone’s needs, yet God sits in heaven saying, “You’ve already got the answer for their provision – it’s in your wallet!”

            I think it’s easy to say, “Well, I’ll pray for you about that. God will provide!”  Let me take that back a step – I KNOW it’s easy to say that. Yet so often when someone has a need that is brought to our attention, God brings it to our attention so we can actually be part of the ANSWER to that prayer for provision!

            Let me give you a specific example, if you don’t mind. I have a dear, dear friend of many, many years in the Philippines. His family is like family to me – I love them all very, very much. They currently have a family car that is about 23 years old – and is falling apart, literally. On one of my trips over there this year we broke down several times on one day excursion to pass out Gospel tracts. There are numerous times when Bro. Abel has to cancel meetings or Bible studies because his car has died and will not make it.

            My mom, one of the most amazing women of God I’ve ever known, felt a “holy discontentment” about that issue. After hearing the need discussed for some time, she decided it was time to stop just talking. So she took it upon herself to start a fundraising campaign to buy the Dimatulac family a car!

            She posted the information on Facebook, and many have already responded.  And many have already committed to pray, and for that we’re thankful. But can I be honest? I wonder how many are using prayer as a cop out to actually being a part of the solution.  I’ve done that many times in my life – and I’m just guessing you have too.

            So today – pray. Prayer is powerful, and we need to be praying constantly. When we see needs, we need to pray – yes! But go one more step, ok? Pray for that need – and then take a moment and ask yourself how you can possibly be a part of the solution that God uses to answer that prayer.

            As for my friends, you can help us reach our goal of purchasing a dependable, reliable vehicle for them, so the work of spreading the message of the Gospel can continue unimpeded in the Philippines.  Simple write to pastorblakeman@yahoo.com for more info!  Or send your gifts to Blake Martin, Dimatulac Car Campaign, PO BOX 345, Cabot, AR  72023.

            Let’s be people of prayer – and let’s be people of action!

 

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

 

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A Letter to Beverly…

Today’s blog isn’t an original to me. My own mom has written a letter to our dear friend Beverly, who is in heaven today.  Mom gave me permission, so I wanted to share this with you.  What an incredible thought that as believers we have this hope!

Hope this is as much of a blessing to you as it was to me!

-blake

 

Beverly:

 

July 31st, exactly three weeks after you went Home, we would be celebrating your 50^th birthday.

We had started planning it weeks ago and it was going to be quite a celebration. 

With your closest friends, all of us singing and praising our Lord, and of course . . . .

Red, sweet, juicy watermelon! We wanted it to be a special birthday for a very special lady.

 

God had a different plan, however. He wanted you to have the best birthday ever.

As much as we all love you, dear Beverly , our best could never come close to God’s plan.

No matter how much time, effort, and love we could put into your 50^th birthday bash . . .

Well, there’s just no comparison to what you’re experiencing in Heaven right now.

 

I’ve tried to imagine, but it’s impossible for any of us to fathom how spectacular it is in that place.

To sit down and have a face-to-face conversation with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

To sing praises to Him and watch Him as He listens,

To be wrapped in the Savior’s arms and feel peace like you’ve never known before.

 

You mentioned several times, even the day before God called you home, that you sure would like a juicy, sweet watermelon –

You giggled and said, “Maybe God will have one waiting on me when I get to Heaven”.

I have a feeling you have all the watermelon you could ever want, the best and the sweetest.

 

I’m trying to adjust to a new “normal”, not even being able to call you or take you a Tropical Smoothie.

I miss our long talks.

I miss your contagious smile and your sincere hugs.

I miss you looking deep into my eyes when you ask me if everything is okay.

I miss your encouragement, your prayers, your unbelievably positive attitude.

 

Since Tuesday, July 10, I’ve been waking up every morning and calling your cell phone.

I loved hearing your recorded message, “God bless your day!”. It was comforting to me.

I called a couple of mornings ago and instead of hearing your kind voice, the message was that this number is no longer in service.

It hit me hard. You are not here anymore. You are really not here.

 

As very sad as I am and as much as I miss you, I’m so happy for you!

It’s odd that my heart can be so heavy and so joyful all at the same time.

Even though your family and arsenal of friends won’t get a ” Beverly hug” today,

We know the friends and family who were already in Heaven when you arrived are getting lots of your hugs.

Even more awesome – you’re in the arms of Jesus, The Love of Your Life. I can only imagine . . .

 

I remember both of us trying to wrap our minds around what Heaven is like . . .

Well, Beverly , now you know! I’m so looking forward to meeting you there one day.

Maybe Jesus will have you give me a tour when I get there. Maybe you can introduce me to Paul and Mary Magdalene and your favorite Bible lady, Queen Esther!!!

Until the day He returns or calls me home, I’ll hold onto His hand and hold memories of you in my heart.

 

Happy birthday, Beverly Jo McGuire. I love you and miss you.

 

Susan

 

“He will cover you with His feathers,

and under His wings you will find refuge;

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalms 91:4

 

(***You’ve probably already met Gracen by now and I’m sure you’ve given her my message. I’m looking forward to seeing her beautiful face some day. I’ll see you both later.)

 

 

Theft.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Theft.

            I’m sure most of us have felt that sinking feeling that comes with having something stolen from you at one time or another.  I have felt it before, but I guess you tend to forget just how it feels until you get a refresher course.

            This past Saturday I went to check on a few things in my storage unit. I currently have most all of my earthly possessions in storage, as I am in between houses at the moment. This is only a temporary station in life, as I’ll be buying a home in just a few months. So you can understand that simply storing all my things in a paid storage unit seemed like a simple and safe option for me in the meantime.

            When I arrived at my unit I discovered that the lock had been tampered with. When I got the door open I realized that about a third of my things had been taken – stolen.  My initial reaction was a sickness deep inside. Then came anger.

            I felt angry that someone would take MY possessions – the things I had worked to earn and acquire.  I had thoughts going through my mind that weren’t kind, to be honest. “How dare some ignorant person come and take what’s rightfully mine! How dare them!”  This was my train of thought for a few hours, to be honest.

            The police came, a report was filed. Insurance was contacted, and my stuff was moved to an “undisclosed location.”  But in the process of all of that, God started to speak to me.

            “Your’s? Really?  All that stuff was your’s?”  And then it hit me: I don’t own anything. All the stuff in the storage unit was just that – stuff. It’s all replaceable.  Sure there were a few things with some serious sentimental value that I miss, but it’s just stuff.  All that I have is His!

            And then I began to wonder: how many times have I felt such strong emotions over the spiritual condition of students in Cabot? How many times have I said, “How dare the devil steal the eternal destinies of the students of this town that GOD has created for His glory? How dare him!”  How many times have I thought to myself, “How dare ME steal from the God who created me by NOT using my talents for His glory as He’s instructed me to! How dare me!”

            God’s Word is clear in the book of Malachi that when we don’t give God the worship He so clearly deserves that we are “robbing” Him!  That’s serious business, folks!

            Fortunately, there’s grace. But along with God’s grace comes responsibility. We have a high calling, believers.

            As for the folks who stole my stuff – I’m praying for them. I can honestly say they’re forgiven, and my most sincere prayer is that they come to meet Jesus as Savior and Lord.  He loves them in spite of their theft, just as He loves me in spite of mine.  Truth is, the recovery of the stuff from my storage unit isn’t nearly as dear to His heart as the recovery of the eternal souls of those who stole it.  And I just have to be totally transparent with you today – I want a heart like His.

 

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

 

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Drought.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Drought.

            Things are dry, folks. If you live in Arkansas, or in any of the multitude of states facing drought conditions right now, you are probably getting an idea of just how dry it is. It seems like it hasn’t rained in forever! It’s so dry that every time there’s as much as a sprinkle on a windshield Facebook comes alive with pictures! We are in desperate need of a steady, drenching rain.

            The first thing to go when a drought hits are the crops. I know farmers that are really hurting right now due to the lack of rainfall. I’ve even seen some ranchers feeding hay already – and it’s only July (usually that doesn’t begin until the grazing fields die due to colder weather). People who have gardens are already seeing the last of their fresh vegetables that they’ve enjoyed so much.

            And then comes the suffering of those who can’t care for themselves. Animals that depend on the weather to survive begin to feel the crunch. Ponds that contain fish are drying up. Cattle that depend on those ponds, or those grazing fields, are beginning to feel the punch of drought. And as drought continues, the suffering only increases.

            We need rain – and we need a lot of it! A short sprinkle might seem refreshing for a moment, but we’ve been so dry for so long that it would only stir up dust. In order for this drought to end, we need a long, steady, soaking rain. When we get it, however, there will no doubt be those who will complain (we humans are fickle like that).

            As dry as conditions are physically in our world, the spiritual conditions are much more critical. Week after week, month after month, churches fill up with church people who go through the motions, but are spiritually dry as a bone. Whether they’ve sanctioned Holy Spirit out of their services altogether for fear of what His presence might bring, or they’ve tried to live on both sides of the fence morally throughout the week for far too long, the result is a spiritual drought in their lives. And the result is a spiritual drought in their churches – and across this nation.

            When we are spiritually dry the first thing to vanish are our works – our fruit. We begin to stop serving in ministry, or maybe little by little we begin to slowly withdraw from church altogether. What were once priorities to us, like Sunday nights or Wednesday nights for example, have now become optional. The joy we once felt from serving Christ has now diminished and we simply go through the motions because we feel that’s what’s expected of us.

            And then those who need those works and fruit so badly begin to suffer. The kids we once ministered to no longer have the example or guidance they once had in us. The students that need mentoring now have a void in their lives because that mentor doesn’t have their heart in it anymore. The elderly nursing home residents feel the loneliness that comes from no one coming to see them because their once faithful visitors have found “better things to do.” The poor and hungry remain poor and hungry because those who once gave to help them are now with-holding their gifts. The lost and dying in our very own communities remain lost and dying because those who are called to reach them (that’s us) are too caught up in living their dry lives.

            The answer is simple: we need rain! We feel the occasional short sprinkle from time to time, don’t we? We have an amazing service where Holy Spirit shows up in a mighty way and we talk about it like it’s a great revival!  Or maybe it’s church camp or a conference – and we walk away on a mountaintop!  The problem is that since we’ve been dry for so long, all that short sprinkle does is stir up dust. In order for true, life bringing, soaking spiritual revival to come we need a long, steady, soaking rain. We need to allow Holy Spirit to soak us DAILY with His presence!

            But be prepared – there will be complainers. Just like when the ground needs rain so desperately and the rain finally comes, yet there are those whose plans are ruined by it (a day at the lake or a yard sale, for example).  When Holy Spirit drenches your life daily and you begin to live it out, there will be those whose plans will change and you’ll hear about it. Paul once told the Galatian Christians, “Am I now seeking the favor or men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”

            So today, join me in praying for rain – both physical & spiritual. After all, time and time again, God has a proven track record of answer that prayer in ways we can only dream about!

 

That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.

Until next time,

blake

 

 

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