I have been incredibly busy as of recent. In fact, it's to the point where people I live with are forgetting what I look like and making appointments to see me. LOL I'm just kidding!
It actually started about 2 weeks ago when Graduation practice really began to heat up. Because of the situation with the Blackburn baby, my mother could not direct the program as she normally does, and so the directing of the program was left to me. Over the last two weeks, I have averaged 2 practices a day, somewhere around 2-3 hours a practice. Aside from the actual practice, I have had to write, proof-read, and type 4 speeches, as well as proof-read 10 graduate speeches, type 6 songs, practice the songs with the boys, get the program to transition smoothly, etc. To say that this program has absorbed my last two weeks is a huge understatement. The program was this last Saturday the 25th. I can't say it went off without a hitch--and the perfectionist in me hates that--but I once heard a man I greatly respect say that he would go to war with an 80% army, cause you'll never get 100%. So, I need to learn to be content with coming a little short of perfection...
I just got to breathe a sigh of relief over this weekend since the graduation is over, and I am now beginning teacher duties starting today. In care of the Blackburns schooling, I have taken four students, or, stoogents I could call them! LOL They are certainly quite a case to have on your hands! In fact, as I write this, the last two are finishing their school here at about 1 p.m. School starts at 9 a.m. and ends at about this time every day. And in case that wasn't a full time job, at 2 p.m., I will head to the boys home to finish the last two classes of school over there, and then finish the shift until 10 p.m. I wish I could say that this type of schedule was temporary, but it looks to be like this for a while in the future, so don't expect lots of posts. I'm glad I'm staying busy; the idle mind is the devil's workshop, and God knows that, so he's keeping me out of trouble! :) Please pray for me. I will sure need it to keep my sanity! It was hard enough doing my own school, but it does not compare to having to teach others.
By the way, yesterday was the one year mark since I graduated from high-school! Man, time sure did fly! I will be starting college in 3 months from now, my older brother turns 20 in a few weeks, etc. I'm half way to turning 19, and I still haven't stopped to enjoy 18 like I told myself I was going to. Does it ever slow down? One day I'll be a lawyer, and I'm going to wonder where my childhood went. I'm going to wonder what took up all that time... as the old Ron Hamilton song says, "Cherish the Moments."
Well, these needy children are dying to have my always-helpful attention once more, so I'll write more soon. I have a post about the prodigal son I would like to post in the next week or so, but it's real looooooooooong!!! Pray I can shorten it a little.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Miracle of Salvation
He's in a fix. This sea of life is tumultuous! He's been here forever it seems...it might as well be forever, cause he knows of no other life outside this raging sea he lives in. There have been good days and bad, but the good days are few.... and it's so lonely.
Living in the troubled sea is no easy task, especially without the boat, sails, anchor, and captain needed to weather such a storm. The rashes from constant waves and torrents of sins consequences rack his body with pain, and the taste of that awful seaweed rises from his tongue every time he takes a laboring breath...but that's just life here on the sea.
The attacks come so sudden, so sudden it takes him by surprise, though he should be accustomed to it by now. Those sea creatures, monsters that they are, seem to toy with him on a constant basis, the sea monster of them all telling him he's got no hope. What if he's right, though? He wonders when they'll just kill him and end this misery most call life... Well, if this is life, I want no part of it. He seems to think no other life exists...
The storm is back. All of the empty promises, broken relationships, and unfulfilled expectations are thundering through the sky, reminding him of times where he trusted that he could make it on his own, trusting his own heart... well, he still does, cause he learned from those mistakes; I'll do better next time.
It's killing him now, this restless sea. He surely cannot make it long in this darkness...it's overtaking him. He chokes hard on the bile mixed with salt water in a half cough, half vomit that hurts him to his very soul! He feels something like a log of some sort with his right hand, and clutching it with all his might, hoping it will save him from sure destruction, it too crumbles upon contact, following the path of all he has clung to in this sea. His head is barely staying above the water, and only for seconds at a time. The will to survive rises within him, but the weights of his past sins and the bleakness of having true hope...well, why try? He will soon die, he knows. He no longer resists...
He hears the voices of men... sailors ....men somewhere ... maybe he's just already losing consciousness from lack of oxygen ... but no, those are the voices of men he hears!! He hears the croaking of wood and metal as the biggest ship he's ever seen comes into view on the horizon. A life boat with a rescue team is on it's way!!!! Finally, help is here; he may just live! But can they get here in time?
Maybe it's one of the delusions those sea monsters like to pull... but he's never had one like this before. In fact, just the view of the ship and crew seemed to bring over him a longing to be one of them. They worked with such strength and confidence, though they also bore the storm that was raging. They worked with such purpose. There seemed to be a calmness... or peace, aboard that ship... even in such a storm. He wonders who their Captain is...
Well, that was years ago. Now he sits aboard the same ship of grace! He had no problem abandoning his old clothes and ways when this ship passed by. Come to find out, the Captain is there for leadership, but he's also the anchor for stability, the sails for direction, and the bow for durability. It should be easy to trust the Captain, shouldn't it? I mean, the storms are still bad, but he's on a ship that just can't be brought down!!! After all, the Captain promised when they get to port, he will share his name, his wealth, his home, and his inheritance with this old hopeless sinner! He wonders sometimes how long it will take to get home, but as long as they're headed there, he's just fine.
But... sad to say, sometimes his weaker nature gets the best of him. He begins to question the Captains directions, deciding to try to guide the ship his own way... My, what mistakes can be made doing that!! He should just let go and let God...
Why would he question the Captain? Was he doing so great out on life's sea alone? Now he has someone to call family, friends and shipmates that would never let him down if they could help it, and the friend that sticketh closer than a brother! What could he possibly do without the Captain? He doesn't want to leave the ship. To whom shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. He, well, he just doubts sometimes. But what a great Captain he is, he is always forgiving, always concerning, and always caring. But, the only thing is, when he steers things away from the Captains plans, he always hurts his Captain. And he hurts himself as well. The more he tries to control things on his own, the farther he gets from the Captains best for him, settling for God's partial blessing.
Isn't is good that God doesn't kick out the doubters? I mean, Thomas doubted, and Jesus didn't kick him out of the group. That's comforting isn't it? Thomas' only problem was that he missed church on Sunday. :D Remember? Everyone was there on Sunday morning for church but Thomas. He slept in and got a bad rap! Jesus didn't even scold him, he just decided to make a second appearance, and told Thomas, "touch me, and see."
But the doubting isn't only with the saved, it's with the lost. Over in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul had to rebuke a bunch of people who weren't teaching the Resurrection. Doubts, doubters, and doubteresses. (I'm not smart; I came up with that word.) LOL
Listen, if you're lost and you're a doubter, and the Holy Spirit can't convince you, I surely can't convince you. All I can say is, it's true. You're wanted; your soul was worth dying for to the creator of the universe, and the old rugged cross was for you!!!
I met a man the other day who just told me, "That's too good to be true. Nobody gets deals like that in the real world. That's just your crutch." I proceeded to tell him that if you're hurt, don't you want a crutch? And by the way, Christ is so much more than a crutch for me... he's wings to fly as eagles!
I wrote a song the other day for doubters because of that man. The song isn't finished yet, because I only included the lost, but when it's done, the third verse will include the saved who doubt as well. I'll post it when I'm done. Hope it helps!
Living in the troubled sea is no easy task, especially without the boat, sails, anchor, and captain needed to weather such a storm. The rashes from constant waves and torrents of sins consequences rack his body with pain, and the taste of that awful seaweed rises from his tongue every time he takes a laboring breath...but that's just life here on the sea.
The attacks come so sudden, so sudden it takes him by surprise, though he should be accustomed to it by now. Those sea creatures, monsters that they are, seem to toy with him on a constant basis, the sea monster of them all telling him he's got no hope. What if he's right, though? He wonders when they'll just kill him and end this misery most call life... Well, if this is life, I want no part of it. He seems to think no other life exists...
The storm is back. All of the empty promises, broken relationships, and unfulfilled expectations are thundering through the sky, reminding him of times where he trusted that he could make it on his own, trusting his own heart... well, he still does, cause he learned from those mistakes; I'll do better next time.
It's killing him now, this restless sea. He surely cannot make it long in this darkness...it's overtaking him. He chokes hard on the bile mixed with salt water in a half cough, half vomit that hurts him to his very soul! He feels something like a log of some sort with his right hand, and clutching it with all his might, hoping it will save him from sure destruction, it too crumbles upon contact, following the path of all he has clung to in this sea. His head is barely staying above the water, and only for seconds at a time. The will to survive rises within him, but the weights of his past sins and the bleakness of having true hope...well, why try? He will soon die, he knows. He no longer resists...
He hears the voices of men... sailors ....men somewhere ... maybe he's just already losing consciousness from lack of oxygen ... but no, those are the voices of men he hears!! He hears the croaking of wood and metal as the biggest ship he's ever seen comes into view on the horizon. A life boat with a rescue team is on it's way!!!! Finally, help is here; he may just live! But can they get here in time?
Maybe it's one of the delusions those sea monsters like to pull... but he's never had one like this before. In fact, just the view of the ship and crew seemed to bring over him a longing to be one of them. They worked with such strength and confidence, though they also bore the storm that was raging. They worked with such purpose. There seemed to be a calmness... or peace, aboard that ship... even in such a storm. He wonders who their Captain is...
Well, that was years ago. Now he sits aboard the same ship of grace! He had no problem abandoning his old clothes and ways when this ship passed by. Come to find out, the Captain is there for leadership, but he's also the anchor for stability, the sails for direction, and the bow for durability. It should be easy to trust the Captain, shouldn't it? I mean, the storms are still bad, but he's on a ship that just can't be brought down!!! After all, the Captain promised when they get to port, he will share his name, his wealth, his home, and his inheritance with this old hopeless sinner! He wonders sometimes how long it will take to get home, but as long as they're headed there, he's just fine.
But... sad to say, sometimes his weaker nature gets the best of him. He begins to question the Captains directions, deciding to try to guide the ship his own way... My, what mistakes can be made doing that!! He should just let go and let God...
Why would he question the Captain? Was he doing so great out on life's sea alone? Now he has someone to call family, friends and shipmates that would never let him down if they could help it, and the friend that sticketh closer than a brother! What could he possibly do without the Captain? He doesn't want to leave the ship. To whom shall I go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. He, well, he just doubts sometimes. But what a great Captain he is, he is always forgiving, always concerning, and always caring. But, the only thing is, when he steers things away from the Captains plans, he always hurts his Captain. And he hurts himself as well. The more he tries to control things on his own, the farther he gets from the Captains best for him, settling for God's partial blessing.
Isn't is good that God doesn't kick out the doubters? I mean, Thomas doubted, and Jesus didn't kick him out of the group. That's comforting isn't it? Thomas' only problem was that he missed church on Sunday. :D Remember? Everyone was there on Sunday morning for church but Thomas. He slept in and got a bad rap! Jesus didn't even scold him, he just decided to make a second appearance, and told Thomas, "touch me, and see."
But the doubting isn't only with the saved, it's with the lost. Over in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul had to rebuke a bunch of people who weren't teaching the Resurrection. Doubts, doubters, and doubteresses. (I'm not smart; I came up with that word.) LOL
Listen, if you're lost and you're a doubter, and the Holy Spirit can't convince you, I surely can't convince you. All I can say is, it's true. You're wanted; your soul was worth dying for to the creator of the universe, and the old rugged cross was for you!!!
I met a man the other day who just told me, "That's too good to be true. Nobody gets deals like that in the real world. That's just your crutch." I proceeded to tell him that if you're hurt, don't you want a crutch? And by the way, Christ is so much more than a crutch for me... he's wings to fly as eagles!
I wrote a song the other day for doubters because of that man. The song isn't finished yet, because I only included the lost, but when it's done, the third verse will include the saved who doubt as well. I'll post it when I'm done. Hope it helps!
Could it Be Real
---
I heard a story; I heard a song
I heard a testimony, the word of God
I felt his touch upon my very soul
This perfect love I simply had to know
---
I heard his voice; it whispered soft but clear
I needed life that gave me rest from fear
Could I let go, and quell my shameful pride
His blood could heal, forgive, and satisfy
---
Could it be real, my sins be washed away?
Could he forgive, and cleanse my deepest stain?
If I believe and turn in Godly sorrow
Could it be real, that he my soul would save?
---
So I believed. By faith I took his word
And now I'm clean, I know my hope's secured
He gave me peace where there was only fear and doubt
And now this love, I know and tell about!
---
I know it's real; my sins are washed away
His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain
When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow
I found it real, cause he my soul did save!
---
You may not see, and doubt that it is so
But you can't doubt this joy this peace I know!
---
I know it's real; my sins are washed away
His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain
When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow
I found it real, cause he my soul did save!
His love forgave, and cleansed my deepest stain
When I believed, and turned in Godly sorrow
I found it real, cause he my soul did save!
By Clay Maynard
Monday, May 18, 2009
Update on Silas Blackburn
Please pray for Silas. The latest developments are as follows:
Bro. Rob Unger and Bro. Mark Gregory, both men of our church, went to the blood bank on Sunday to donate more blood. Unfortunately, they had to leave in the middle of church as soon as we got the news of his blood count. The situation at the present is, his blood count is extremely low, and their blood needs 48 hours to go through processing and hit the supply shelf for Silas. We are hoping his blood platelet level will stay high enough until then. If it doesn't, they will be forced to use some unknown donor blood, which is not our desire. Please pray that it will stay stable until then. I am told that if he gets low tonight, my blood will be used for him until more is available.
My heart has been terribly heavy as of recent for little Silas. Do not cease to pray for him, brethren and sisters. I will keep you updated as I get news.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Bro. Rob Unger and Bro. Mark Gregory, both men of our church, went to the blood bank on Sunday to donate more blood. Unfortunately, they had to leave in the middle of church as soon as we got the news of his blood count. The situation at the present is, his blood count is extremely low, and their blood needs 48 hours to go through processing and hit the supply shelf for Silas. We are hoping his blood platelet level will stay high enough until then. If it doesn't, they will be forced to use some unknown donor blood, which is not our desire. Please pray that it will stay stable until then. I am told that if he gets low tonight, my blood will be used for him until more is available.
My heart has been terribly heavy as of recent for little Silas. Do not cease to pray for him, brethren and sisters. I will keep you updated as I get news.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Friday, May 15, 2009
More Blood Needed
We have learned from down south Florida at Shands that Silas is in need of more blood. His blood counts are dropping rapidly at this point, and they had to put him back on his morphine drip. They are not ready for Silas to leave there yet. Russell and I drove to Dothan, Alabama today to give blood. He will have it in the next couple of days. Please pray for the little guy. He is in alot of pain. 
I shot this picture outside the other day.
Walking across the yard to go to work, something flew past my head as I walked under a tree. Looking to see what it was, it was the poor little bird. He had fallen from his nest. My first instict was to try to get him back to the nest where he belonged, but if you know anything about animals, they will reject their young if human contact is made. My best bet was to leave him on the ground and hope that the parents came to get him.
When I came home from work, he laid there still, dead on the ground. I gave him a proper burial, and went inside with a unique thought. Why couldn't something have been done? I knew he would die without help. His parents must have known that too. But they left him to die alone. Could it be that they were too busy to go get him? Maybe they were so lazy they didn't feel like going to get him?
Regardless, it made me think of Silas. What a loved little boy he is!! I'd take that cancer in his place if I could. In a heartbeat. I'd do it tomorrow if they could possibly pull that off.
But then I think of the cancers around us; worldy music, worldy philosophies, and the influences of sin. These cancers eat up our young today. The young generation of this country is laying in the middle of the yard, subject to being trampled on, freezing to death, and the ravaging of the wild animals. No one would get them some help, or take the necessary means to get them to safety from the snare of the devil. No blood would be donated through prayer and fasting, to get them the transfusion they need from sins diseases.
What a poor little bird. But how much worse to see this generation of kids being ignored the same way.
Please continue to pray for Silas. Every prayer is a petition to the all-powerful King of the universe. We need yours!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Encourage Yourself in the Lord!
I have been reading 1 Samuel as a contrast to my normal Bible reading, which is stuck in the judgement of the major prophets.
Anyway, I read 1 Samuel 26-30 yesterday, and I was touched by the Lord about several things. Today, I picked up a book by Max Lucado called "Facing Your Giants." I picked up reading where I had left off at chapter 8, which happens to be about 1 Samuel 30. This was a great encouragement to me, so I've posted the link below to read it online in Google Book Search. I hope if you're down and out like I get sometimes, you'll take the time to read this.
"Slump Guns"
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Anyway, I read 1 Samuel 26-30 yesterday, and I was touched by the Lord about several things. Today, I picked up a book by Max Lucado called "Facing Your Giants." I picked up reading where I had left off at chapter 8, which happens to be about 1 Samuel 30. This was a great encouragement to me, so I've posted the link below to read it online in Google Book Search. I hope if you're down and out like I get sometimes, you'll take the time to read this.
"Slump Guns"
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Monday, May 11, 2009
Update On Silas Blackburn
Silas Blackburn's first chemotherapy treatment started on Friday night, and it ends tonight at 7 p.m. It is too early to tell as yet how successful if any the treatment has been. He underwent surgery earlier last week to get a biopsy from his under his arm where one of his tumors are located, and they also took a bone marrow sample. As stated earlier, there are other tumor locations in his abdomen (very large), and in his head. The cancer is also present in his adrenal glands. The biopsy confirmed that it was cancer, and the bone marrow was clear, with no cancer found. The bone marrow results are a blessing because these cells can be used later to grow new cells in case Silas needs them later. This will greatly aid his recovery.
Due to surgery, and the cancer, Silas was in need of blood. His blood was low. The doctors preferred that the blood be that of someone not in the immediate family due to similar antibodies, etc. Therefore, my dad drove over to Gainesville and donated two units of his blood, and my younger brother Aaron donated one unit. My blood type matches his as well, and I am prepared for a trip should he need more blood. I am already on the blood donor list along with my older brother. He will be receiving the blood already taken this morning.
My dad had an interesting conversation with a nurse at the Blood Bank there in Gainesville on Saturday morning. She told him how that when these cancer patients need new blood, they will take the contaminated blood (due to the cancer and the chemotherapy) and replace it with the donor's healthy blood. She said that they trade the sick, diseased blood with healthy, pure blood. He put a big smile on his face and told the nurse that he had that done years ago. She responded, "you had a blood transfusion?" He said to her, "yes Ma'am." He continued, "Years ago, I had sick blood that was contaminated by sin. Jesus Christ replaced that 'bad blood' with his, and since then I have been a picture of perfect spiritual health, and I have eternal life!" This black nurse smiled really big and said, "Honey chile, you shore did!" Glory to God!! As a result of this conversation and others, dad preached a great message Sunday morning at church on "the Blood". Praise God for the salvation, sin-cleansing, sonship, sancitification, strength, and security found in the "Blood of Jesus Christ". (Hebrews 10:19-23)
Thank you for your continued prayers for Silas and the Blackburn family. Below is information to send a personal greeting to Silas Blackburn directly to his hospital room. This is a free service offered by Shands Childrens Hospital. We have seen the cards when they are delivered to the room. They are very nice. To send a greeting card free of charge right to Silas hospital room go to: http://www.shands.org/Public/message/default.asp
You will have to enter the following information.
His name : Silas Blackburn
The facility he is in: Shands Childrens Hospital UF (Gainesville)
The room #: 4528.
Due to surgery, and the cancer, Silas was in need of blood. His blood was low. The doctors preferred that the blood be that of someone not in the immediate family due to similar antibodies, etc. Therefore, my dad drove over to Gainesville and donated two units of his blood, and my younger brother Aaron donated one unit. My blood type matches his as well, and I am prepared for a trip should he need more blood. I am already on the blood donor list along with my older brother. He will be receiving the blood already taken this morning.
My dad had an interesting conversation with a nurse at the Blood Bank there in Gainesville on Saturday morning. She told him how that when these cancer patients need new blood, they will take the contaminated blood (due to the cancer and the chemotherapy) and replace it with the donor's healthy blood. She said that they trade the sick, diseased blood with healthy, pure blood. He put a big smile on his face and told the nurse that he had that done years ago. She responded, "you had a blood transfusion?" He said to her, "yes Ma'am." He continued, "Years ago, I had sick blood that was contaminated by sin. Jesus Christ replaced that 'bad blood' with his, and since then I have been a picture of perfect spiritual health, and I have eternal life!" This black nurse smiled really big and said, "Honey chile, you shore did!" Glory to God!! As a result of this conversation and others, dad preached a great message Sunday morning at church on "the Blood". Praise God for the salvation, sin-cleansing, sonship, sancitification, strength, and security found in the "Blood of Jesus Christ". (Hebrews 10:19-23)
Thank you for your continued prayers for Silas and the Blackburn family. Below is information to send a personal greeting to Silas Blackburn directly to his hospital room. This is a free service offered by Shands Childrens Hospital. We have seen the cards when they are delivered to the room. They are very nice. To send a greeting card free of charge right to Silas hospital room go to: http://www.shands.org/Public/message/default.asp
You will have to enter the following information.
His name : Silas Blackburn
The facility he is in: Shands Childrens Hospital UF (Gainesville)
The room #: 4528.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Urgent Prayer Request - Silas Blackburn
I am a little late in posting this, but this is an urgent prayer request.Silas Blackburn is the son of missionary Nick Blackburn to the Congo. At 2 years old, Silas has been diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a cancer that attacks the nervous system. He has a large tumor covering his abdomen, and it is spread through his lymph nodes, brain, and adrenal glands. He is preparing for intense chemotherapy at Shands hospital in Gainesville, Florida, and I'm told will begin chemotherapy treatment today.
My mother is currently residing at the hospital with the Blackburns with my brother, Aaron. My dad just returned home from his first trip down, and plans to commute regularly.
Please, brethren, make this an urgent matter of prayer. They will need much wisdom and grace in the coming weeks while decisions are being made. It is our desire that the Lord's will be done.
If you would like to send a message of encouragement to the Blackburn family, go to http://www.shands.org/ and click on "For Patients and Public." Then click on "Send a Patient a Message," and put in Silas' name and room number, which is 4528.
It is ultimately in God's hands, but your prayers are greatly appreciated. I don't believe the Lord would be upset with any that would push away from the table for a time of fasting over this issue. These folks are one of us, and there's not one of the Truth Baptist Church family that has not been effected by this.
With my dad and Aaron gone, the schedule at the academy has tightened up a little, not leaving me much time, or I would have posted this sooner. The timeline for the situation is indefinite at this point. However, There is no doubt that we need a miracle from God!
On behalf of the Blackburn family, we appreciate your prayers.
Monday, May 4, 2009
My Saturday
I had an action-packed day this last Saturday! It started quiet and serene at about 6 a.m. at the location shown below. This is the pond on our property. I believe that God wants us to be still sometimes and fellowship with him. This is a favorite place of mine to do that. "He leadeth me beside the still waters..."
After a shower and a quick breakfast of strawberry yogurt, butter and jelly toast, and a glass of milk, I was out the door. I had the college SAT to take! After arousing my companions (6 boys in the academy) who were also taking the test, we went down to the local high school where the test is administered. Well, 4 hours later, after a real sanity-killing, hair-brained, mind-wrenching effort (LOL), the test was over. It was one tough test, but I am confident that I did well. I had the Lord with me, and he's a lot smarter than the professor that wrote the book. :D I am also very confident in the homeschool system which has proven to do a much better job than any public, compulsory education. I'll get the results from the test in about a month.
There is something uniquely beautiful about the way life begins that has always made me love gardens, even with all the hard work that is involved.
After a shower and a quick breakfast of strawberry yogurt, butter and jelly toast, and a glass of milk, I was out the door. I had the college SAT to take! After arousing my companions (6 boys in the academy) who were also taking the test, we went down to the local high school where the test is administered. Well, 4 hours later, after a real sanity-killing, hair-brained, mind-wrenching effort (LOL), the test was over. It was one tough test, but I am confident that I did well. I had the Lord with me, and he's a lot smarter than the professor that wrote the book. :D I am also very confident in the homeschool system which has proven to do a much better job than any public, compulsory education. I'll get the results from the test in about a month.Upon getting home, I was delighted to spend the first part of my afternoon with our dear friends in the Netherlands via skype. The Huussens have been dear friends to our family, and it is a fun past time of ours to talk with them occasionally through the amazing modern technology we have today. Not all missionaries have been so priveledged in past times! We communicate with the missionaries out of our church this way as well. I was not much help to the conversation Saturday, but I was there, and the thought is what counts, right? :D
After that, I decided to check up on the gardens. Seeing that this is probably the most exciting time of nature for me(have I already said that?), I took some pictures of them.
There is something uniquely beautiful about the way life begins that has always made me love gardens, even with all the hard work that is involved.Later that afternoon, we had the whole property over into our front yard for a cookout! This was a special time of fellowship, food, and fun. We cooked out hamburgers on the grill, and had a great time. Sometimes, it is easy to take for granted the place of peace and quiet we enjoy in the middle of a wicked world. It is truly a haven from the pressures, the influences, and ideals of the world.
The night ended on a rather sad note. We received news that the Lymans, evangelists out of our church, had been attacked while street preaching. Without many details, we heard that one had been drug to the ground and beaten while others had been assaulted. This is the day in which we live, folks! This is only the beginning of many more persecutions that will come! Just remember, they hated your precious Saviour before they hated you. No servant is greater than his master.
We knelt there on the porch collectively and had a prayer meeting for our brethren and friends at that street preaching event. We committed the situation and our friends into the hands of the Lord, knowing that the arm of flesh can do nothing. It is not flesh and blood that we fight, dear Christian. It is principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places.
So, while being disturbed and fearful for our brethren in the field, we had the peace and calm assurance that God was and is in control.
And that was the end of the day. Packed day, huh? Well, staying busy keeps me out of trouble, so I can't complain. I would tell you about my wild yesterday, including some interesting events last night, but I don't have the time. Remember, keep me in your prayers. I need it!!
Who ever said the ministry was boring?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
All My Needs
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:19
I believe this verse is one of the most doubted verses in the Bible for Christians today. You show what you believe by what you do. Belief inspires action. If you believe God supplies all your needs, you will depend on him; if you do not believe that God supplies all your needs, then you will seek to supply your own needs. Belief inspires action.
I know that until I leave my fathers home, I can depend on being able to eat here. I know that the need of my stomach will be filled with groceries from this house as long as I live here. My action based on that belief is that I will eat here and not worry about it. If I was worried about it constantly, I would be showing my belief that my father was not sufficient in providing groceries by going out of the way to provide for myself.
I see people on a regular basis acting as though God does not see their needs, when the truth is, their "needs" are not what God sees as needs, but wants. Why does our lack of faith take over a situation that is simply God's job? Why do we act as though the need is not going to be supplied by our heavenly father? If my earthly father is faithful in supplying earthly needs to me, how much more is my heavenly father capable of supplying my needs? Not only does he supply my needs, he has an advanced knowledge of my grocery list! I do not even need to tell him what I need for him to know. He already does. Before I even ask for it, he is preparing to provide it.
Are his riches in glory ever going to be insufficient? Will he bounce the check of heaven on my little problems? There is no way, and it would be mad to suggest it! However, modern Christianity lives in an independent lifestyle that seeks a faithless provision to our needs by seeking to meet them through fleshly means. Do you realize that Satan is waiting for your independence from God's way so he can attack you with vices that you alone cannot handle?
Your self-dependent attitude makes you completely vulnerable to situations that only the power of God can help you through! Do not become self-sufficient and self-dependent, thinking that you can somehow manage this Christian life without the help of Christ, who was the ultimate example. Do not think that you can live a supernatural Christian life, following his steps, without Christ' power. That is simply mad!!
So that brings me to the point of this post.
Let God supply your needs. I am in a situation right now that requires ultimate dependence on God. I have no control, and therefore I am naming and claiming Phillipians 4:19. I need him to supply the need. I could make a knee-jerk decision to try to handle it myself, but that will only make matters worse. I need to depend on God!
Do you need money? Does God know that? Of course he does!! What doesn't he know? The answer is not to take matters into your own hands! If you're right with the Lord, pray and ask God to take control, admitting your incapability to handle the situation.
Now, God is not a bell-hop either! God does not watch his children muddle around and mess up a situation, only to run and bail them out when they realize what a mess they've made. If you have not honored God, do not expect him to save you from the consequences of your sin. That is not what is being written about in this post! I am talking about you being in situations that you cannot control and allowing God to do his job as your father.
Do you need a husband or wife? Who would know best when and who you need? Of course, God would!! If God knows best when you need to be married, and he knows best who you need to marry, shouldn't you just claim the promise of Phillipians 4:19 that God will supply that need?
When it's time, God will give you who you need, when you need them. And trust me, he knows best. I believe that. I personally have asked God to pick me out a wife! I'm not smart enough to know how to do that, and so God is in charge of it. He is well able!!
If I believe that promise, why should I try to "help" God out by taking steps outside of his guidance? Why would I flirt with someone, knowing that God has a very special young lady that he has chosen for me? Why would you? Is God not able? If he is able, and he has not given you direction on it, then you should not be meddling; it is obviously not the right time!
The best part is, when God supplies, you know it was God! When my financial situation pans out just fine, I know who to thank! "Thank you, Lord, for your help!"
And when God puts his approval on Miss Wonderful and says, "Psst! She's it!" I'll know it's God's doing. Because, after all, isn't it he that supplies these needs?
It's as simple as this: Let God be God! Let God supply your needs! He's surely worth trusting.
I believe this verse is one of the most doubted verses in the Bible for Christians today. You show what you believe by what you do. Belief inspires action. If you believe God supplies all your needs, you will depend on him; if you do not believe that God supplies all your needs, then you will seek to supply your own needs. Belief inspires action.
I know that until I leave my fathers home, I can depend on being able to eat here. I know that the need of my stomach will be filled with groceries from this house as long as I live here. My action based on that belief is that I will eat here and not worry about it. If I was worried about it constantly, I would be showing my belief that my father was not sufficient in providing groceries by going out of the way to provide for myself.
I see people on a regular basis acting as though God does not see their needs, when the truth is, their "needs" are not what God sees as needs, but wants. Why does our lack of faith take over a situation that is simply God's job? Why do we act as though the need is not going to be supplied by our heavenly father? If my earthly father is faithful in supplying earthly needs to me, how much more is my heavenly father capable of supplying my needs? Not only does he supply my needs, he has an advanced knowledge of my grocery list! I do not even need to tell him what I need for him to know. He already does. Before I even ask for it, he is preparing to provide it.
Are his riches in glory ever going to be insufficient? Will he bounce the check of heaven on my little problems? There is no way, and it would be mad to suggest it! However, modern Christianity lives in an independent lifestyle that seeks a faithless provision to our needs by seeking to meet them through fleshly means. Do you realize that Satan is waiting for your independence from God's way so he can attack you with vices that you alone cannot handle?
Your self-dependent attitude makes you completely vulnerable to situations that only the power of God can help you through! Do not become self-sufficient and self-dependent, thinking that you can somehow manage this Christian life without the help of Christ, who was the ultimate example. Do not think that you can live a supernatural Christian life, following his steps, without Christ' power. That is simply mad!!
So that brings me to the point of this post.
Let God supply your needs. I am in a situation right now that requires ultimate dependence on God. I have no control, and therefore I am naming and claiming Phillipians 4:19. I need him to supply the need. I could make a knee-jerk decision to try to handle it myself, but that will only make matters worse. I need to depend on God!
Do you need money? Does God know that? Of course he does!! What doesn't he know? The answer is not to take matters into your own hands! If you're right with the Lord, pray and ask God to take control, admitting your incapability to handle the situation.
Now, God is not a bell-hop either! God does not watch his children muddle around and mess up a situation, only to run and bail them out when they realize what a mess they've made. If you have not honored God, do not expect him to save you from the consequences of your sin. That is not what is being written about in this post! I am talking about you being in situations that you cannot control and allowing God to do his job as your father.
Do you need a husband or wife? Who would know best when and who you need? Of course, God would!! If God knows best when you need to be married, and he knows best who you need to marry, shouldn't you just claim the promise of Phillipians 4:19 that God will supply that need?
When it's time, God will give you who you need, when you need them. And trust me, he knows best. I believe that. I personally have asked God to pick me out a wife! I'm not smart enough to know how to do that, and so God is in charge of it. He is well able!!
If I believe that promise, why should I try to "help" God out by taking steps outside of his guidance? Why would I flirt with someone, knowing that God has a very special young lady that he has chosen for me? Why would you? Is God not able? If he is able, and he has not given you direction on it, then you should not be meddling; it is obviously not the right time!
The best part is, when God supplies, you know it was God! When my financial situation pans out just fine, I know who to thank! "Thank you, Lord, for your help!"
And when God puts his approval on Miss Wonderful and says, "Psst! She's it!" I'll know it's God's doing. Because, after all, isn't it he that supplies these needs?
It's as simple as this: Let God be God! Let God supply your needs! He's surely worth trusting.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Outside Work!!
I am an outdoors guy! Though I spend much of my time at computers, desks, and tables, I would much rather be in the sun, sweating real hard, and wearing myself out. Actually, manual labor is like a stress-reliever for me, and the last two days have been full of it. Here are a few pics.
This is me cutting a tree up for fire wood. Excuse the finger in the camera shot, it was a 7-year old. =D
After Aaron got done, I spent the next 2 hours with 8 boys from the Academy hoeing, planting, and covering 5 rows of butter beans and 14 rows of corn. Tomorrow I will be planting about 10 more rows of corn, 3 or 4 rows of squash, and a couple of cucumber. This adds to what my dad already did yesterday, which was about 6 rows of okra and 12 rows of green beans in a separate garden.
I just love this time of the season. It must be something about life, and the way things grow that intrigues me...I don't know. Whatever the case, we'll be seeing lots of black, cold soil, weeds, young plants, grown plants, harvest, canning, etc., etc. over the next few months. I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow for you when I'm done, and I'll certainly keep you posted as the season progresses.
This is me cutting a tree up for fire wood. Excuse the finger in the camera shot, it was a 7-year old. =D
This is Aaron in one of his favorite places, on the tractor tilling up the garden for crop planting.
After Aaron got done, I spent the next 2 hours with 8 boys from the Academy hoeing, planting, and covering 5 rows of butter beans and 14 rows of corn. Tomorrow I will be planting about 10 more rows of corn, 3 or 4 rows of squash, and a couple of cucumber. This adds to what my dad already did yesterday, which was about 6 rows of okra and 12 rows of green beans in a separate garden.
I just love this time of the season. It must be something about life, and the way things grow that intrigues me...I don't know. Whatever the case, we'll be seeing lots of black, cold soil, weeds, young plants, grown plants, harvest, canning, etc., etc. over the next few months. I'll try to get a few more pics tomorrow for you when I'm done, and I'll certainly keep you posted as the season progresses.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Letter From The Boss
I received this over email, and thought it was very good. It is definitely worth reading as it describes the economic situation of America quite well. Please take the time to read it; you won't regret it.
A letter from the Boss
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY:
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you. My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, someday, I too, would be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 a.m., mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 p.m., I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bailout all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business and employing you is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why: I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes, unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my"stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch. The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child by a different man waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously,government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree, which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy.
Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I'll fire you and your coworkers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
THE BOSS
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of otherpeople's money." Margaret Thatcher
The sad part of this fictional letter is, that is exactly what many business owners have done. There is little to no farm community or agricultural community in America anymore because of the taxes, forcing us to supply the demand through imported goods. It is not our business world anymore, it is the businesses of other countries that gets our money through imports. When they finally get sick of minimum wage laws, and the taxes upon taxes mentioned in the above letter, they leave. Thus, our economy is deflated, and President Obama spending more of someone else's money will not solve it; it will only make it worse. Because one day he will wake up with the rest of the United States government and find a people unwilling to give them another dime to waste on foolish programs such as Social Security, Global warming, etc. or to spend frivolously on useless people that come to America to live off of my job.
America, WAKE UP!
A letter from the Boss
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country. However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You saw my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life. However, what you don't see is the BACK STORY:
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you. My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, someday, I too, would be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9 a.m., mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5 p.m., I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I've made. Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bailout all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business and employing you is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why: I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes, unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my"stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch. The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child by a different man waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously,government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country. The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree, which is why your job is in jeopardy. Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy.
Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep. So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I'll fire you and your coworkers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more. Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
THE BOSS
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of otherpeople's money." Margaret Thatcher
The sad part of this fictional letter is, that is exactly what many business owners have done. There is little to no farm community or agricultural community in America anymore because of the taxes, forcing us to supply the demand through imported goods. It is not our business world anymore, it is the businesses of other countries that gets our money through imports. When they finally get sick of minimum wage laws, and the taxes upon taxes mentioned in the above letter, they leave. Thus, our economy is deflated, and President Obama spending more of someone else's money will not solve it; it will only make it worse. Because one day he will wake up with the rest of the United States government and find a people unwilling to give them another dime to waste on foolish programs such as Social Security, Global warming, etc. or to spend frivolously on useless people that come to America to live off of my job.
America, WAKE UP!
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Fight Is On
Sometimes, I seem to inhale blessings and triumphs, while exhaling spiritual findings and insight. These have often been called "mountain top" moments. It's the time in your Christian life where you are walking with the Lord, the devil is firmly planted between your heel and the floor, and all inside seems still, quiet, and serene. The victories are being won, the flesh is in total subjection, and you are ready to charge all of hell itself with faith that overcomes the world! It is at these times that you wonder if you will ever go back again. Back to where the struggles take place. Back to where the flesh is formidable, the foe advancing, and your spirit is struggling to breathe. Those times of fighting the devil are a distant memory from the mountain top.
But, one day...there I find myself. There in the valley. I'm not alone, it's just so dark sometimes with the smoke of the battle that I can't see. My flesh is raging with desires, appetites, and carnal lusts. The spirit of God advances, its forces even greater than the former. But the victor, in the end, will be who I endorse. The one who gets my nod of approval, the one I allow to take center stage, on the throne, making decisions, he will take the victory. That could be the fleshly man, if I take his side. As powerful as the spirit of Christ is in me, my will alone can repel him and send him into silence. The greater one that is in me has seen that corner of my complete rejections far too many times, watching my flesh take me captive while the plan of Satan since the garden of Eden is accomplished yet again. The serpent has his advantages. My flesh is on his side, and it strives for the destruction that he proposes. The beautiful delicacies of this world, poisoned by the diseases of sinful consequences and bitter aftertaste, allure me in these times of weakness, where, like Eve, I long for the taste that brings what I presume to be greater pleasure...only to be blinded and hurt once again by the sting... I know the tempter is near, I can see the temptation coming, I know the result, and yet I still struggle with the decision.
Paul faced the same thing.
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not...I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me...O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7
It is an inevitable, irresistible fight that you as a Christian will face. When Salvation took place, the devil devised a plan to make you useless for God. He can no longer take you to Hell, but he can put you on a spiritual shelf, rendering you incapable of serving God. To do this, he uses the flesh. He drives you to decisions of impulse so that you are fleshly, without God's power as a Christian, and without the capacity to succeed as a Christian. You will have taken the reigns of your life from Almighty God and begun making decisions on your own. You will never fail at failing when you behave this way.
I have found myself in the battle of my life recently. A battle that will never end until I get to my heavenly home, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortality shall put on immortality.
I thank God that victory is possible, though. Over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen flat on my face multiple times. But God is faithful!! I'm so glad my Salvation is not based on my faithfulness! Aren't you?
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
What a wonderful verse that is!! What a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer. All our anxiety, all our care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there!! Hallelujah!
I have adopted an attitude of victory. I've fallen, granted. But the war is not over. I have a commander that will never give up on me, no matter who else does, and based on the grace of the faithful one, I can go on!! I will not quit!!! He did not quit on me!!
I love second chances. It's not everyday you get a second chance anymore, let alone meet someone who gives you a second chance every day!!!
After reading Romans 7, I was feeling pretty down, but then the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "Read the next chapter..,"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
What a great book I'm reading! That means I don't have to have condemnation because I don't have to walk in the flesh! Through God I can do valiantly!!! Through God I can be different! And through God, I can walk right out of this valley!
I find out now looking back just how close he was to me in that valley. I just didn't see him. I didn't realize all of the help that was there, just waiting to be called upon. When the smoke cleared I saw. God doesn't always show you everything. He just wants you to remember in the dark times what you saw in the light, and keep walking... It's called faith. Faith that God is true.
Christian, defeat is not something we can afford in this latter day. The fight is on, and I'm here to stay. I'm not quitting, and I'm not backing out. I'm in this fight until the end...until God calls me home. Maybe you're struggling now with the flesh, and you can sympathize with what I wrote here. Just stick in there...when the battle is the hottest, victory is just around the corner! Hold on! And furthermore, God knows exactly what you're going through. He's been where you're at. I'll save that for another post I'm working on.
It's worth it at the end of the battle, friend! Stay in the fight!
But, one day...there I find myself. There in the valley. I'm not alone, it's just so dark sometimes with the smoke of the battle that I can't see. My flesh is raging with desires, appetites, and carnal lusts. The spirit of God advances, its forces even greater than the former. But the victor, in the end, will be who I endorse. The one who gets my nod of approval, the one I allow to take center stage, on the throne, making decisions, he will take the victory. That could be the fleshly man, if I take his side. As powerful as the spirit of Christ is in me, my will alone can repel him and send him into silence. The greater one that is in me has seen that corner of my complete rejections far too many times, watching my flesh take me captive while the plan of Satan since the garden of Eden is accomplished yet again. The serpent has his advantages. My flesh is on his side, and it strives for the destruction that he proposes. The beautiful delicacies of this world, poisoned by the diseases of sinful consequences and bitter aftertaste, allure me in these times of weakness, where, like Eve, I long for the taste that brings what I presume to be greater pleasure...only to be blinded and hurt once again by the sting... I know the tempter is near, I can see the temptation coming, I know the result, and yet I still struggle with the decision.
Paul faced the same thing.
"For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I...Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me...For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not...I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me...O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" Romans 7
It is an inevitable, irresistible fight that you as a Christian will face. When Salvation took place, the devil devised a plan to make you useless for God. He can no longer take you to Hell, but he can put you on a spiritual shelf, rendering you incapable of serving God. To do this, he uses the flesh. He drives you to decisions of impulse so that you are fleshly, without God's power as a Christian, and without the capacity to succeed as a Christian. You will have taken the reigns of your life from Almighty God and begun making decisions on your own. You will never fail at failing when you behave this way.
I have found myself in the battle of my life recently. A battle that will never end until I get to my heavenly home, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and this mortality shall put on immortality.
I thank God that victory is possible, though. Over the past couple of weeks, I have fallen flat on my face multiple times. But God is faithful!! I'm so glad my Salvation is not based on my faithfulness! Aren't you?
Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
What a wonderful verse that is!! What a privilege to carry everything to the Lord in prayer. All our anxiety, all our care, bring to the mercy seat, leave it there!! Hallelujah!
I have adopted an attitude of victory. I've fallen, granted. But the war is not over. I have a commander that will never give up on me, no matter who else does, and based on the grace of the faithful one, I can go on!! I will not quit!!! He did not quit on me!!
I love second chances. It's not everyday you get a second chance anymore, let alone meet someone who gives you a second chance every day!!!
After reading Romans 7, I was feeling pretty down, but then the Holy Ghost spoke to me and said, "Read the next chapter..,"
Romans 8:1
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
What a great book I'm reading! That means I don't have to have condemnation because I don't have to walk in the flesh! Through God I can do valiantly!!! Through God I can be different! And through God, I can walk right out of this valley!
I find out now looking back just how close he was to me in that valley. I just didn't see him. I didn't realize all of the help that was there, just waiting to be called upon. When the smoke cleared I saw. God doesn't always show you everything. He just wants you to remember in the dark times what you saw in the light, and keep walking... It's called faith. Faith that God is true.
Christian, defeat is not something we can afford in this latter day. The fight is on, and I'm here to stay. I'm not quitting, and I'm not backing out. I'm in this fight until the end...until God calls me home. Maybe you're struggling now with the flesh, and you can sympathize with what I wrote here. Just stick in there...when the battle is the hottest, victory is just around the corner! Hold on! And furthermore, God knows exactly what you're going through. He's been where you're at. I'll save that for another post I'm working on.
It's worth it at the end of the battle, friend! Stay in the fight!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Wedding!
Hello! I am as tired as a guy could possibly be, but hey, I'm used to it. I've slept about 6 hours since I woke up Thursday morning, and today is the big day. A dear couple in our church is getting married today! It is always an exciting time, and coupled with the preparation involved, it is just down right tiring. I've been helping cook alot, mostly.
My mom is the wedding manager, the wedding caterer, and the decorator. Mrs. Cindy Noles, a lady in our church, is the photographer, Russell and Bro. Bob May are the ushers, My dad is the officiating minister, Mrs. Kelli Unger is the seamstress for all of the dresses, and I am the pianist. So, all that to say Truth Baptist Church is a fine place to want to get married from!!
In light of playing the piano, I am nervous. But, I'm always nervous, so that's nothing new. I had to learn more new songs for this one than I have previously. I'll be singing a song as well with my brothers. I am excited and priveledged to be a part of this wedding! This is my 3rd wedding, but it's still very neat!
The service is today at 1 p.m. If you find yourself thinking about it, please pray that I won't lose focus amongst all of the music going on; I'm playing for every music event listed.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
My mom is the wedding manager, the wedding caterer, and the decorator. Mrs. Cindy Noles, a lady in our church, is the photographer, Russell and Bro. Bob May are the ushers, My dad is the officiating minister, Mrs. Kelli Unger is the seamstress for all of the dresses, and I am the pianist. So, all that to say Truth Baptist Church is a fine place to want to get married from!!
In light of playing the piano, I am nervous. But, I'm always nervous, so that's nothing new. I had to learn more new songs for this one than I have previously. I'll be singing a song as well with my brothers. I am excited and priveledged to be a part of this wedding! This is my 3rd wedding, but it's still very neat!
The service is today at 1 p.m. If you find yourself thinking about it, please pray that I won't lose focus amongst all of the music going on; I'm playing for every music event listed.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Correction
I have reviewed the results from Master Clubs competition, and decided that I covered it plenty in the previous 2 articles on the event. I will not bore you with more on this subject. So....I said I would post those stats, but I've changed my mind. :)
In Christ Alone,
Clay
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Master Club Rewind, Pt. 2
Here is the truth team stopping for a hearty lunch of hogie sandwhiches and chips.
Us doing so well in the Bible relay events does not mean there was not close competition. It provided some very intense moments on several of the relays. Some of the relays were very close!
This is the 1st place quiz team. They each received a trophy for taking 1st. Mark, left, also received an additional trophy for being quizzer of the day.
Directly after lunch, we had what is called team Bible quizzing. The kid memorized 30 verses and were quizzed by the content and references. This was probably the most intense competition of the day. It was neat to coach our team and be a part of this aspect of the day.
The team got off to a quick start and never looked back. We have won this event the last 6 years. It is no doubt one of our favorite parts of the day.
Mark Unger, of Truth Baptist, won the Quizzer of the Day Award with a quiz-out.
Mark Unger, of Truth Baptist, won the Quizzer of the Day Award with a quiz-out.
Then began the gym events. Shown below are team relay events that are just the same as the individual card events, but the kids have to work as a team, laying only one card down, then racing down the floor to "tag off" with the other kids. This is always a competitive part of the day with lots of cheering, screaming, and noise going on. This year was no exception. Still, Truth won most of the events. Out of 6 Bible relays, we took 1st place in 5 of them. The Lord is good!
Bro. Unger and I managed the table that our team ran to. The yellow baton signals to the judges that our lane has completed their relay. As you can see, we don't mind cheering for the team!
Us doing so well in the Bible relay events does not mean there was not close competition. It provided some very intense moments on several of the relays. Some of the relays were very close! Whew! We did it!
Here is a youtube link where you can see the relays in action. You can tell by watching the kids that we had a speed advantage with our kids. These Bible events are more important to us than the athletic events, so we really focus on winning them.
This is the awards ceremony. The kids received ribbons and trophies respectively for the categories they placed in.
At the end of the day, the Lord was glorified, the kids were tired, and we had some good fun in the Lord! These kids are receiving very beneficial training in minstry aspects. I can testify to that!
This is the 1st place quiz team. They each received a trophy for taking 1st. Mark, left, also received an additional trophy for being quizzer of the day.Here are the kids with the Master Clubs leaders.
I will post the raw statistics tomorrow.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Master Clubs Rewind
Here are the results from the Master Club Florida Regional competition. The day started with individual events. This separates into two categories: memorization and performance. Memorization includes card matchings that are timed. These include Bible sequence, Story-chapter-truth, Sword drills, Words from the WORD, etc. Performance includes preaching, Bible storytelling, missionary biography, Bible object lessons, and Bible quizzing. I will deal with the first part in this post.
We had several of our church folks present volunteer to judge some of the events.
There were some less-important, non-ministry events the kids could compete in, and it helped their active brains stay focused over the long day. This is called cup-stacking, a timed event.
We arrived at 9 a.m. and set up our little corner of the gym. From this spot we could prepare for the individual events, and watch the team events in the gym.
This is me holding a little girl who sure likes attention from the Maynard boys!
We had several of our church folks present volunteer to judge some of the events.There were some less-important, non-ministry events the kids could compete in, and it helped their active brains stay focused over the long day. This is called cup-stacking, a timed event.This event is called 20 minute essay. The kids are given a topic and 20 minutes to write an essay on it. We had 2 kids compete in this category.
This is Bible storytelling.
This is a Bible object lesson. On the table is a bearded dragon, a type of lizard, to demonstrate the devil and his ability to devour.
This is Bible sequence card drill. This is a timed event where you are judged by your time and accuracy. The goal is to put the Bible events given to you in order on a timeline.
This is a sword drill that is timed.
This is called Story, Chapter, Truth card drill. It is where you match the story with the chapter where it is found, then match the truth with the story.
This is called Missionary Biography. In this event, they can present the ministry of a missionary living or in past. They act as a representative of that missionary.
This is our ensemble.
This is a Bible object lesson. On the table is a bearded dragon, a type of lizard, to demonstrate the devil and his ability to devour.
This is Bible sequence card drill. This is a timed event where you are judged by your time and accuracy. The goal is to put the Bible events given to you in order on a timeline. This is a sword drill that is timed.This is called Story, Chapter, Truth card drill. It is where you match the story with the chapter where it is found, then match the truth with the story. This is called Missionary Biography. In this event, they can present the ministry of a missionary living or in past. They act as a representative of that missionary.This is our ensemble.This is my piano student in the piano solo competition. She took first place.
I will post our lunch and the events following as soon as possible. After, I will include exactly what was won by either an individual or our team.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Master Clubs Event!
Hello, all. I am at a regional competition for Master Clubs, a ministry of our church. This is a competition that teaches children how to prepare, persevere, and perform in areas such as preaching, bible storytelling, missionary presentation, Bible memory, and many other areas that contribute to future ministry. I cannot go into detail right now due to time, but tomorrow I will have pictures, video, and results, along with commentary. Please pray that the kids do well for the glory of God today. I am blogging this from the hotel, and breakfast is waiting....so, tata!
In Christ Alone,
Clay
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Trucks and Other Topics
Hello, all! I figured it was about time for a journal post. Especially with what has gone on as of late.
Previous to Bro. Wells departure, he had to sell his truck to help get settled there in the Congo. The Lord allowed me the privilege of buying it! It is a 2003 Chevy S10, VR5. It is pictured to the left. It is yellow with black leather interior. It has a 6 cd changer in it as well as heated seats!
The truck has not yet been made Clay-style yet, but that will be taken care of shortly. "Clay-style" meaning I'll put my cd's in the console, my new floor rugs, a good washing and vacuuming, and obviously my "cool" sunglasses. (Right Russell?) =D
Last weekend, Russell left with Bro. Unger to do what we call an "extraction." They traveled 9 hours each way to pick up a new kid that was coming to the academy. Anyway, you know what that means for me...LONG days at the academy! =D I worked a double shift Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Then I worked again Sunday morning at 6 a.m. So, I was pretty tired. However, I could not resist going street preaching Sunday afternoon with the group from the church. I had not been the last 3 times. (Don't crucify me!) =D I go regularly, but when the Lymans are here, I usually go with them more often than I have this time. I guess I'm busier than I used to be.
When I haven't been in a while, there's sort of an urge in me to go. I can't explain it. Anyway, we were out there about an hour and a half. I had a great time! There were scoffers and hecklers as always, but it's those that hear the word of God and listen that encourages me. Understand though, if no one hears or listens, we are commanded to go just the same. The hardness is greater now than ever before, but that is more reason to go. I cannot sit idly by while false Salvation, false religion, and complete immorality prevail. The cause is too great!
Well, that was Sunday. Yesterday, I drove Bro. Frank Wells to the airport close to Fort Walton, Fl, to see him off to the Congo. Our church took up a love offering of $3,000 for him! That was from the audience, not the church account! PRAISE GOD!!
Our church is looking forward to what the Lord is going to do in the Congo in the future. With the going of the Blackburns, our church has become completely involved in this great work. It is also a great privilege to have the Wells sent out of our church. They are one of us.
Previous to Bro. Wells departure, he had to sell his truck to help get settled there in the Congo. The Lord allowed me the privilege of buying it! It is a 2003 Chevy S10, VR5. It is pictured to the left. It is yellow with black leather interior. It has a 6 cd changer in it as well as heated seats!I knew I would need a vehicle for college this fall, and the Lord was gracious enough to land one in my lap, while also allowing me to help Bro. Wells get things squared away stateside.
The truck has not yet been made Clay-style yet, but that will be taken care of shortly. "Clay-style" meaning I'll put my cd's in the console, my new floor rugs, a good washing and vacuuming, and obviously my "cool" sunglasses. (Right Russell?) =DWhat a privilege it is to serve Jesus Christ in the ministry. I would do nothing else!
If you receive the ministry prayer letter, you will see that I was asked to write the "Truth for Troubled Youth" page. That was fun, as I had never written in the prayer letter before. So, look for my "exclusive" article! =D Just kidding.
Well, that's it until next time.
Well, that's it until next time.
In Christ Alone,
Clay
Sunday, March 15, 2009
If It's Right, Then What Else Is There To Know? Pt 2
"Why?" He asked politely. He wasn't being rude; he sincerely wanted to know. "Why do you wear long pants to play basketball in? I'm telling you--and it ain't just me--shorts are way more comfortable!" I nodded. "You're right it ain't just you, it's just about everyone in this gym." I replied with a grin. "In fact, it's me too!"
I've known Vince almost since I started going to this gym to work out and play basketball. He's not saved, but he is very respectful of our beliefs. I've tried with no success to get him to come to church. Actually, there are several guys down there that I've tried to get to come to church. People just have no time for God, it seems.
"You're kidding! Why don't you wear them, then?"
"Cause it's not right, Vince."
"So, this is a religious thing!"
"NO, this is about pleasing God and having a good testimony."
"Whatever."
Honestly, I like Vince, but he will never understand me or why I do things.
"It's right" doesn't seem to satisfy those that are lost. However, it never ceases to amaze me that many claiming Christians are the same way. They claim the name of Christ, but they do not represent God's children. They say they are saved, yet, personally, I would mistake them for the devil's kids! Church folks will criticize you as much as the lost nowadays.
I would love to wear shorts....if it wasn't nakedness, sin, displeasing to God, etc. My flesh thinks, "It's easier to move around in, more comfortable, so why not?" But like I said in part one, it's not about those factors. It's about what's right.
What about the things you watch? Do they please God or your flesh? What about your music? Is it uplifting to the Lord, or does it cater to the carnal man? You cannot share qualities! An action or deed cannot and will not please God and your flesh at the same time. Impossible! God will not be honored while the flesh is being gratified. Never!
Jesus asked the question of the Pharisees in reference to John's baptism, "Is it of heaven, or of men?" You know from the Bible account that they would not answer Jesus.
Do you know that every action can be judged by that same question? Music, movies, hobbies, clothing: "Is it of heaven or of men?"
It is one or the other. Does your music please God? Then take it to church and pass it on to other believers for encouragement. Your movies? Let's watch it at church! Wear those clothes that you struggle to justify unscripturally to a church activity, and see if you feel comfortable. Any man that has the spirit of God dwelling in him will know that something is wrong.
"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Tim. 2:19
Anyone that loves God and desires to please him will consider their actions in light of God's thoughts.
I know those who are called to preach. They are not right with God unless they're preaching or preparing for it. It's what's right. Some are called to the mission field. They're not right with God unless they're obeying their call. What has God told you? Do the right thing, Christian.
I've known Vince almost since I started going to this gym to work out and play basketball. He's not saved, but he is very respectful of our beliefs. I've tried with no success to get him to come to church. Actually, there are several guys down there that I've tried to get to come to church. People just have no time for God, it seems.
"You're kidding! Why don't you wear them, then?"
"Cause it's not right, Vince."
"So, this is a religious thing!"
"NO, this is about pleasing God and having a good testimony."
"Whatever."
Honestly, I like Vince, but he will never understand me or why I do things.
"It's right" doesn't seem to satisfy those that are lost. However, it never ceases to amaze me that many claiming Christians are the same way. They claim the name of Christ, but they do not represent God's children. They say they are saved, yet, personally, I would mistake them for the devil's kids! Church folks will criticize you as much as the lost nowadays.
I would love to wear shorts....if it wasn't nakedness, sin, displeasing to God, etc. My flesh thinks, "It's easier to move around in, more comfortable, so why not?" But like I said in part one, it's not about those factors. It's about what's right.
What about the things you watch? Do they please God or your flesh? What about your music? Is it uplifting to the Lord, or does it cater to the carnal man? You cannot share qualities! An action or deed cannot and will not please God and your flesh at the same time. Impossible! God will not be honored while the flesh is being gratified. Never!
Jesus asked the question of the Pharisees in reference to John's baptism, "Is it of heaven, or of men?" You know from the Bible account that they would not answer Jesus.
Do you know that every action can be judged by that same question? Music, movies, hobbies, clothing: "Is it of heaven or of men?"
It is one or the other. Does your music please God? Then take it to church and pass it on to other believers for encouragement. Your movies? Let's watch it at church! Wear those clothes that you struggle to justify unscripturally to a church activity, and see if you feel comfortable. Any man that has the spirit of God dwelling in him will know that something is wrong.
"Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Tim. 2:19
Anyone that loves God and desires to please him will consider their actions in light of God's thoughts.
I know those who are called to preach. They are not right with God unless they're preaching or preparing for it. It's what's right. Some are called to the mission field. They're not right with God unless they're obeying their call. What has God told you? Do the right thing, Christian.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
"A servant of God."
I read this in my Bible today. Paul says in Romans 1:1, "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ..." Throughout the Bible, Paul's epistles especially, you see this theme of being a servant and the value that God puts on it, as well as the honor God grants to servants who are faithful. I am a servant of God as well! If you're saved, you should be too. If you are a servant of God, it will make you a servant of others as well. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19, "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more."
I will not take the time to go through all the references about servanthood and slavery in the Bible. But you all know people that you have come across or worked with that you could say, "they're a servant!" First of all, this is not popular. Servanthood is frowned upon by society today. If you are a servant, you are almost the opposite of success in the worlds eyes. They look down on folks who live for others. But, as a child of God, doesn't this lifestyle mirror the life of Christ? He said, "I am not come to be ministered unto, but to minister."
It's easy to talk about it, and it's easy to show others how to be a servant. Much harder, though, is showing yourself how to be a servant. When you really show your servanthood, you will do something that you really don't want to do. Don't you hate it when there is almost an uproar in your flesh over something it does not want to do? A lot of people go out of their way to do a job that needs to be done, but it seems like it is always something that they enjoy doing. It takes a lot of character to do something you hate.
Character in servanthood is not shown on the plateau's and pulpits of verbal professions. It is shown behind the sink of personal character, or at the tub of self control in an unwanted job, or at the feet of Christ, simply washing feet. Oh, it will not appear as Christ! It will appear as one of the staff at the academy where I work needing me to take their shift. It will appear as vacuuming a car because someone else was careless and made a mess. It will appear as a run to the grocery store to help someone with a vehicle problem that broke down in a parking lot, thus ruining my whole afternoon. By the way, those three things happened to me in the same day!
Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Aha! It will not always appear as if you are doing it for Jesus, but he says that you are! We better remember that when we are inconvenienced and want to throw our mental tantrums about how bad we have it! The Lord is watching you. How do you react in those situations?
David Gibbs said this: "Servanthood is not the stepping stone to greatness; servanthood is greatness!
It is when you become a servant that you realize what happiness is all about: doing for others. When you get busy making yourself available to serve, you will forget about your petty problems and aggravations. You won't have time. I think of people in the Bible that were a servant when it was inconvenient. Remember the Shunemite woman found in 2 Kings 4? That is the only place in the Bible a woman is called great! Why? Because she sacrificed of herself for the man of God.
Well, I just got done doing the dishes before I sat to write this post. I didn't want to. I had washed dishes twice today already, and I happen to wash about 80 percent of the time. I was sick of it tonight. I tried to get one of my brothers to do it to no avail. =D That's ok. Now that it's done, I'm glad I did it. It builds character. =D Besides, no one wanted to do it, and it had to get done. I'm glad that my two busy brothers were not inconvenienced by washing dishes tonight. In fact, they're in bed right now trying to rest for the day tomorrow. It's a packed schedule this weekend, so they'll need it. Just maybe a little extra service wasn't so bad after all.
Phillipians 2:5-8
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Ask the Lord to help you be a better servant. Just a little from my devotions this morning...hope it helped you.
I will not take the time to go through all the references about servanthood and slavery in the Bible. But you all know people that you have come across or worked with that you could say, "they're a servant!" First of all, this is not popular. Servanthood is frowned upon by society today. If you are a servant, you are almost the opposite of success in the worlds eyes. They look down on folks who live for others. But, as a child of God, doesn't this lifestyle mirror the life of Christ? He said, "I am not come to be ministered unto, but to minister."
It's easy to talk about it, and it's easy to show others how to be a servant. Much harder, though, is showing yourself how to be a servant. When you really show your servanthood, you will do something that you really don't want to do. Don't you hate it when there is almost an uproar in your flesh over something it does not want to do? A lot of people go out of their way to do a job that needs to be done, but it seems like it is always something that they enjoy doing. It takes a lot of character to do something you hate.
Character in servanthood is not shown on the plateau's and pulpits of verbal professions. It is shown behind the sink of personal character, or at the tub of self control in an unwanted job, or at the feet of Christ, simply washing feet. Oh, it will not appear as Christ! It will appear as one of the staff at the academy where I work needing me to take their shift. It will appear as vacuuming a car because someone else was careless and made a mess. It will appear as a run to the grocery store to help someone with a vehicle problem that broke down in a parking lot, thus ruining my whole afternoon. By the way, those three things happened to me in the same day!
Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Aha! It will not always appear as if you are doing it for Jesus, but he says that you are! We better remember that when we are inconvenienced and want to throw our mental tantrums about how bad we have it! The Lord is watching you. How do you react in those situations?
David Gibbs said this: "Servanthood is not the stepping stone to greatness; servanthood is greatness!
It is when you become a servant that you realize what happiness is all about: doing for others. When you get busy making yourself available to serve, you will forget about your petty problems and aggravations. You won't have time. I think of people in the Bible that were a servant when it was inconvenient. Remember the Shunemite woman found in 2 Kings 4? That is the only place in the Bible a woman is called great! Why? Because she sacrificed of herself for the man of God.
Well, I just got done doing the dishes before I sat to write this post. I didn't want to. I had washed dishes twice today already, and I happen to wash about 80 percent of the time. I was sick of it tonight. I tried to get one of my brothers to do it to no avail. =D That's ok. Now that it's done, I'm glad I did it. It builds character. =D Besides, no one wanted to do it, and it had to get done. I'm glad that my two busy brothers were not inconvenienced by washing dishes tonight. In fact, they're in bed right now trying to rest for the day tomorrow. It's a packed schedule this weekend, so they'll need it. Just maybe a little extra service wasn't so bad after all.
Phillipians 2:5-8
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
Ask the Lord to help you be a better servant. Just a little from my devotions this morning...hope it helped you.
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