Will You Pray?

Thank you.  Thank you for your prayers; I covet them.  If not for the prayers of the faithful, what could we accomplish.  Prayer does so much for us as Christians.  Paul describes the armor that Christians wear and emphasizes that that armor is incomplete if not for prayer (Eph 6:11-18).  Life has a way of bringing us down.  Satan is a master at pulling us away from what is right and good.  The cares of this world choke at us as weeds do vegetables in a garden.  But God has not left us defenseless.  God gives us the privilege to approach Him in prayer.  "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:14-16- esv).

I ask you to do me a favor: Pray for me.  Pray for me to be effective as a minister, consistent  as  a Christian, responsible as a husband, an example as a father, and compassionate as a friend.  

Praying Always,

Scott

A Simple Prayer

Sticking with Monday's theme of prayer, I pray with each of you the following simple prayer to God.

Dear God,

In Jesus Name, AMEN!

Scott

A Monday Morning Prayer

God our Father,

In our world wars begin and wars end.
In our world economies strengthen and economies weaken.
But You, O Lord are steadfast; unchanging.
Help us to depend on You.

In Jesus' name, Amen!

My Little Corner

Today's thoughts come from the activities in my little corner of the world this week:

Sunday: A busy day of worship and fellowship. People responded well to the messages from God's word this Lord's day. Our lessons were on the Body of Christ (Sun AM) and God's Concept of the Church (Sun PM). One sister responded Sunday saying she felt "stuck in the valley" and could not find her way out. She knew she needed the Lord's help and the help of her fellow members of the Body. Please pray for Winonna. Sunday evening culminated with devotionals for our young people as they studied and spent extra time together.

Monday: A good day with a local Jr. High / High School group. Oakman High School, where my son, Andrew, attends is a small school of approximately 450 students in 7th - 12th grade. Since their football season is over the coaches decided to see who wanted to play next year. Those that signed up to play (80 students from grades 7-11) took a field trip to Bryant Denny Stadium, The Bear Bryant Museum, and the Crimson Tide indoor practice facility in Tuscaloosa. They also heard from the Athletic Academic Director, who encouraged them to work hard off the field and in the books!

Tuesday: Back to a regular work day. Spent time preparing early research for two sermons and two Bible classes.

Now on to two special events that both revolve around volunteer work. I am a volunteer Basketball Coach for the Boys 7th Grade and 8th Grade teams at Oakman High. We had games both Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

Event one concerns Monday's game and loss. One of our teams were way behind the opponent when Coach Mullinax sent in "John." That was when something amazing happened. The other team, who easily outmatched us, saw that John was a special needs student. They gave John the opportunity to shoot every time he got the ball. They would back off, just enough to give him the chance. He missed, but one of our other players rebounded and scored every time John shot. Oakman still lost the game, but John won, and so did every player on both teams.

Event two comes after Tuesday's game against Valley. After the coaches and players shook hands, one of the volunteers with Valley's team called all the players and coaches to mid-court. There he mentioned one of their players who was attending his grandfather's funeral a few states away. Then he asked if someone would lead a prayer. One of Valley's players volunteered and lead a prayer not only for his friend but for the great sportsmanship that both teams displayed on the court that night.

No matter what courts may rule, as long as there are Christians and Christian minded people involved in our schools, people will pray and right will prevail. We will look out for the hurting and lift up those who need our special attention.

Have I said before, that I love small towns and small schools.

Scott

A Turning Point Phrase

In the context of Matthew 26, the Chief priests plot against Jesus as to how they might trap and destroy Him. Meanwhile; Jesus is at Simon the former Leper's house where Simon is hosting a feast in honor of Jesus. Not only is Simon there, but also Lazarus who used to be dead. During the meal a woman anoints Jesus' head with expensive oil. Judas offended by the "wastefulness of this act" seeks to betray Him.

The scene changes and Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples. During the meal, Jesus reveals His betrayal. He also establishes the Lord's Supper and tells Peter “you will deny me three times.”

As the narrative moves along, Jesus goes to garden to pray where Judas arrives, with a mob in tow, and he betrays Jesus with a kiss.

Matthew records the events surrounding Jesus' garden prayer in Matt 26:36-46. As you read this passage focus on Matt 26:39:

Jesus' soul is “VERY sorrowful." As a man He needed His friends near Him and praying for Him and with Him, yet they repeatedly fell asleep. Jesus prays, “If it is possible let this cup pass . . .” Could we conclude that Jesus does not want to die such a death? The physical, human part of Jesus does not want to die this way. As Jesus prays, our eternal salvation literally hangs in the balance of His prayer. Although He knows our need for salvation, and desires along with the Father for man to have salvation, Jesus wants to do this differently.

At this point, Jesus utters a word which changes everything for Him. Jesus simply says, “NEVERTHELESS, not my will but Yours be done.” --- "Nevertheless," what a word! What a concept! What love! Jesus would submit not to His own wishes, hopes, or happiness, but to the will of God the Father.

"Nevertheless!" The world needs this attitude toward God. Our Nation needs this attitude toward God. Our State, our community, and churches need this attitude toward God. You and I – we need this attitude toward God. Peter says in 1 Peter 4:1-2, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God" (ESV - emphasis mine: SMc).

How will a "Nevertheless Attitude" affect your worship? How will a "Nevertheless Attitude" affect your daily living?

My challenge -- Live "Nevertheless" for God!

Scott

Do You Love Like Jesus?

Jesus loved the Heavenly Father - Matt 22:36-37. Do you and I love the Lord with ALL of our heart, soul, and strength, or do we love Him just a little more than self?

Jesus loved the Word of God - Matt 24:35. Do you and I spend as much time listening or reading God's word as we do to the emails, blogs, and updates of our online friends and family?

Jesus loved Prayer - He was a man of prayer, there are many instances we read of Him going off to pray. Do you and I take time out of our day to talk with God?

Jesus loved Lost Souls - Luke 19:10. He loved the lost enough to sacrifice himself for them. Do you and I love them enough to tell them about God's offer in Christ?

Jesus loved the Church - Eph 5:25. Jesus gave His life for the Church, His Bride. Do we love the church or do we find excuses not to be around

Cover Your Right Eye and . . .

Just something for your eyes to see and your heart to consider this morning. Pray that God will use you for His glory today!

Scott

Six Step Evangelism

On the back leaf of my Bible there is a six step plan of evangelism. I wrote it down while taking notes on a sermon delivered by one of my mentors and instructors, the late Wendell Winkler. Here is what I wrote:

1. Make a list of five prospects. Prospects can relatives, co-workers, friends, people you contact daily.
2. Pray for them daily. Pray for their health, pray that the door of opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with them will be opened and that you will recognize that open door.
3. Underline the most receptive person on your prospect list.
4. Set aside one evening a week to set-up and conduct studies.
5. Approach the underlined prospect and study with them if they are willing.
6. Add a new name to the list.

Give it a try!

Scott

Up!

The original version of this came to my computer via email. I do not know who sat down to think through this, but I appreciate this observation about our American English language. If you appreciate the nuances of language you will enjoy this post on: How do non-natives ever learn all the nuances of American English?

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is "UP." It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends and we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers, and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning, but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for a while, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so ... Time to hush UP, pull my chair UP to my desk, open UP my Bible and study.

But first, you might want to recall when the disciples witnessed Jesus' ascension into heaven - "And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." (Act 1:9-11 - ESV).

Keep looking UP to God; Send your prayers UP before Him; Keep UP your faithful service; and when He returns you will join UP with Him to be with Him always (1 Thess 4:13-18.)

Removing the Evidence

According to an often forwarded email; here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by US Air Force pilots and the replies from the maintenance crews. Having lived in and worked in an Air Force town and known both pilots and mechanics, I would not be surprised if these statements are true.

• Problem: "Left inside main tire almost needs replacement." /Solution: "Almost replaced left inside main tire."
• Problem: "Test flight OK, except autoland very rough." /Solution: "Autoland not installed on this aircraft."
• Problem: "Something loose in cockpit." /Solution: "Something tightened in cockpit."
• Problem: "DME volume unbelievably loud." /Solution: "Volume set to more believable level."
• Problem: "Dead bugs on windshield."/ Solution: "Live bugs on order."
• Problem: "IFF inoperative." /Solution: "IFF inoperative in OFF mode."
• Problem: "Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick." /Solution: "That's what they're there for."
• Problem: "Number three engine missing." /Solution: "Engine found on right wing after brief search."
• Problem: "Evidence of hydraulic leak on right main landing gear." /Solution: "Evidence removed."

That last one got my attention. It describes how many of us try to deal with our spiritual shortcomings. There's evidence of sin in our lives, but instead of trying to correct the problem, we merely try to remove the evidence. But only when we are honest before God is there hope of forgiveness.

David discloses a better attitude in Psalm 51:1-3, "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. "

No more hiding of evidence, as there once had been in David's life. Merely an honesty and a remorse about what he had done, and a desire to once again be right in God's eyes.

May we learn from David, the man after God's own heart. Scott

A Gift from a Child

Yesterday was a great day! As we were welcoming a greeting each other before Bible Classes yesterday morning, Surayah (a sweet little 2nd grader) gave me an envelope, smiled and walked away. The envelope was addressed to a missionary that visited a few weeks ago. In the envelope was some change and a few small bills. She had collected some money for the missionary! My heart sank! What a great heart. No wonder Jesus pulled children aside and said that the kingdom is made of those who are like children.

My prayer this morning is that we all grow to be like this little girl. That we have hearts full of love and compassion for the lost and a willingness to do our part to bring them to Christ.

Scott

What Must I Do - a guest video

A proud uncle (me) shares this video from his nephew. Daniel preaches in Sweetwater, TN -- he has a degree in telecommunications from Austin Peay State University. He also the son and nephew of preachers.

Who Cares?

Depression hurts. Currently in the US pharmaceutical companies are running advertisements for different medications for the treatment of depression. When one suffers from any level of depression they need encouragement. They need to know someone cares. Even if you are simply feeling "down" or "blue" you need reassurance that someone cares. If you have your moments of self-doubt or if you ever feel alone know the following:

1. Your real friends care - Prov 27:9, "Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."

2. Your family cares - Matt 7:9-10, "Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?"

3. The Creator cares - Rom 8:31-32, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

4. The Savior cares - John 15:13, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

BTW -- I care too, even if I do not know you personally. I daily pray for you as a reader of this blog.

Scott

Ten Years and Counting

Ten years ago a young preacher, his wife, and 23 month old son left a good congregation in Niceville, Florida where he had served as Youth Minister and then Preaching Minister and head for a smaller, rural congregation in the Alabama Foothills of the Appalachians. Ten years ago the drove up the the building on the left nervous, but trusting in God that they had made a good decision and that God would bless them in this new work. Five years later that congregation moved into the new building on the right.

Yesterday, Amy, Andrew, and I celebrated ten years with the Church in Parrish, Alabama. God has blessed us in this work and every day we realize the blessings we have from this great group of Christians. Ten years ago 75 - 80 people assembled on that first Sunday in July, this past year an average of 140 assemble each Sunday. The leadership here planned for growth and with God's help we grew and I pray we continue to.

Yesterday, two men asked for prayers of the church. One, a family man, asked for prayers that he might be a better spiritual leader for his family. The second, a single man who fell away from Christ many years ago, stated that he needed to be restored to Christ and His church. What a great way to celebrate 10 years.

Keep praying for our work. We are praying for you. (Phil 1:3)

Scott

Modern Luxuries -- make that needs.

"Little luxury, don't you cry,
You'll be a necessity by and by."

We spent last night in a house without a working Air Conditioner. For those not in the Deep South this may not seem a big deal, but a muggy, breezeless, summer night will really get to you. It was warm, but really not that bad. Our house, even with old widows that no longer open, was built for such weather. The house on the right is mine (well it will be when I finish paying off the mortgage). The original owners built this house in 1911 - '12 long before modern conveniences of running water, telephone, electricity, and definitely before central air-conditioning. Last night I was quite thankful for 12' ceilings and the natural air currents.

This morning has me thanking God for the blessings of the modern conveniences we take for granted. Along those lines I began to wonder what other things we take for granted. Just thinking about the changes this house has seen in technology. From no electricity to a single wire hung bulb to wires running throughout the house controlled by fuses, and then breakers and a grounded electrical system. This house has seen no running water and no kitchen to running water and a modern kitchen with running water both hot and cold (we could also mention the convenience of having other indoor facilities). This house has seen the installation of a telephone and the advances from party-lines to dial phones to touch-tone cordless phones and answering machines. Now through the phone line we have DSL, and recently a cellular company put a tower in our town so we have cell phones that work in our house. I can barely imagine what this 94 year old house will see next.

It was not that long ago that these necessities like telephones and air-conditioners were luxuries. The A/C repair man just called -- he is on the way! Maybe we'll sleep in A/C tonight :-)

Scott

Top Ten Verses About Fatherhood

From the home office in Oakman, Alabama we have a top ten list of Bible verses concerning fathers, and a comment or two as to how we can learn from them . . .

10. Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers. (Pro 17:6) I know grown children whose fathers were not the best of men, but still love their "Daddy." There may be something to that old cliche'; "Blood is thicker than water."

9. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. (Pro 23:24) As the father of a young man who currently seems to have his head on straight, I will amen this. When we raise young men and women who are responsible adults how can our hearts not swell at their successes.

8. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. (Heb 12:9a). The wise man wrote in Proverbs that sparing discipline (the rod) spoils the child. As fathers we must discipline our children so that they will learn to be righteous, responsible adults.

7. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Eph 6:4) When we discipline, remember that there is a fine line between correction and abuse. Make certain your children understand the purpose of each punishment. One friend calls his discipline plan, "MLE" - Meaningful Learning Experiences.

6. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mk 9:24) To be a good father, we must be faithful to our heavenly Father. Take time to reflect on and maybe even pray the plea of the father in Mark 9.

5. For God commanded, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.' (Mat 15:4). This one is to remind not only children to honor their parents but to remind those of us who are fathers to live in a way to make honoring you easy for your children. Do not teach one thing and live the opposite. Also remember that you are a son of your parents, model the honor you want from your children.

4. 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? (Mat 19:5) There comes a time to leave home. Raise your children to leave, and if you are an adult still living at home, or married and still trying to "cling" to your parents. Let go. You have a family of your own to care for. Do not neglect your parents, but do not neglect your wife and children either.

3. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (Mat 10:37) Now I really start sounding like a preacher. Love your parents, but love God more.

2. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Mat 6:8) You and I as fathers are imperfect. Sometimes there are things that my son wants or needs that I am unaware of. Not God! He knows our needs and longs to bless us in fulfilling them.

1. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Lk 6:36) This is my goal. Make it yours as well. Be the kind of father to your children that God is to you.

Top Ten Times to Pray

Last night for our second lesson in our Summer Series on Building Together with God, Bro. James Wyers from the Winfield congregation spoke to us about how Prayer plays a part in our building with God. During his message he ran through a list of "when to pray" his list had 12 appropriate "whens." I was derelict in taking notes, so I came up with my own Top Ten Times to Pray.

10. In the Morning - Mk 1:35, Jesus did, so should I.
9. In the Evening - Mk 6:46-47.
8. When alone - Lk 5:16.
7. All night - Lk 6:12.
6. When mourning over sin - Jas 5:16.
5. When mourning over death - Jn 11:41-42.
4. When dealing with suffering - Mt 26:36ff
3. When facing temptation - Lk 11:4.
2. When filled with joy - Phlp 1:3-4.
And the number 1 time to pray . . . .

1. All the time without ceasing - 1 Thess 2:13, 5:17.

A Fishing Story

This is not about one that got away, although I have a few of those to tell. This is about a deep sea fishing trip from a few years ago. This story is on my mind because I am planning to go out from Destin, FL next month to bring in a Grouper, Amberjack, or Mahi-Mahi. I'll try to take good pics and have a story to share then as well.

Today's story is about a trip some men from the church I was with took about 12 years ago. It was a nice day in May, or at least it started out that way. We headed out for the gulf getting ready for a great day of fishing. Much to our surprise, and I am guessing the captain and deckhands surprise as well, we ran into a squall-line out in the gulf. Somehow we had all missed the small craft advisory. On board we had the experienced deckhands, a few retired Naval seaman, a couple of Air Force pilots and navigators, and an avid sailor and boat owner. Then there were the rest of us; a handful of experienced land-lubbers. When we hit the squall line the wind and waves began to rock the boat. Waves crashed over the sides, deckhands began running around with a panicked look. Experienced sailors and seasoned deckhands were leaning over the rails. I decided to take matters into my own hands . . . I went down below into the galley to pray and to look for Jesus so I could wake Him up so he would still the stormed seas!

Needless to say, he was not there physically, but He was there to talk too. As I prayed for safety, I thought about the disciples in the boat on Galilee. I immediately understood their fears, I understood their desire for help.

This event made me think. Do I pray regularly, or only when there is an emergency? How often do you pray?

Monday, Monday!

We had a long busy weekend and a great week beginning. Friday and Saturday were all about a niece's wedding shower. She is marrying a great Christian young man, whom she met at Freed-Hardeman. My wife and my mother-in-law hosted Saturday's bridal shower which meant I was busy helping set up a fellowship hall, transporting all sorts of items in my truck, and then helping clean-up after the shower -- I just thought I wanted to work in catering! Truth be known, I am privileged be a part of such a wonder family (I am speaking of my in-laws), and glad to help with all the events. Honestly, I really do like all the food prep, set-up, clean-up, and eating whatever cake is left.

Sunday was a good day. I did not preach this weekend; we had a visiting missionary at Parrish. Royce Frederick from India Missions and International Gospel Teacher was with us. He presented a great report on his work for Bible class, presented a video of the work Sunday evening, and preached a lesson on "Why I Believe That Jesus is the Christ" during our worship Sunday morning. The work he and others are doing in India is commendable, I am glad our congregation has a small part in their work. Since I was not speaking, I led the congregation in singing, they always sing so well with such great heart. I wish each of you could be here.

We also had a fellowship meal -- the ladies (and men) who prepare food always go all out to make our dinners special. After evening services the elders, myself, and a couple of other church leaders had an intimate meal and fellowship with the Fredericks and the Crossleys who were also with them, at one of our elder's homes. Great hospitality.

I guess this Monday, I am looking back at a good week and looking ahead to another one.

Giving Blood Saves Lives

I received a letter in the mail today, thanking me for my recent donation of blood to the American Red Cross. The letter commends me for doing something amazing, in that my blood has the ability to save up to three lives. The Red Cross has a need for donated blood -- they are currently only 2 days away from running out if people do not give. Blood demand requires 39,000 donations a day. That averages out to about a mind boggling statistic; every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood.

Blood saves life and the life of every person is in his/her blood (Lev 17;11, 14). God, the Creator, understands this and in His design, blood became very important in the Hebrew religious system. God required the blood of animals as sacrifice for the sins of His people. The Hebrew writer records, " . . . not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood . . . Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Heb 9:18, 22 - ESV).

The Hebrew writer, and this blogger, have the same goal. He talks about animal sacrifice, shedding of blood, and forgiveness of sin; I mention that donating blood to organizations like the American Red Cross can save lives, but we both have something greater and far better in mind.

My blood and your blood may save or prolong a physical life, but there is more to mankind than this physical existence - we are spiritual beings created in God's image. There is an eternal part of us that will spend eternity in one of two dwellings. The blood of bulls and goats served a purpose to purify God's old covenant people, but that blood was insufficient. God had a greater sacrifice in mind: Himself in the person of His Son. "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (Heb 9:14). Paul says the same thing in Eph 1:7 (cf.Col 1:14), "in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."

What a wonderful God! What a wonderful Savior! Oh, what precious blood that was shed for me!

Take a moment to offer a prayer of appreciation for what God accomplished for us in Christ. Become covered by that blood by putting on Christ (Gal 3:26-27) as you obey the good news of His death, burial, and resurrection (Rom 6:3-6) receiving salvation the eternal gift of grace (Rom 6:23).

In Christ,
Scott