Discoveries of Aging

Last month I celebrated my 43rd birthday.  Although I am still younger than some I am older than many, and now have some bits of wisdom I would like to pass along to those behind me chronologically.

1. I started out with nothing and still have most of it.
2. I am finally getting my head together; now my body is falling apart.
3. Funny, I don'e remember being absent-minded.
4. Fact - Life is unfair!
5. It is easier to get older than to get wiser.
6. You can't make a comeback when you haven't been anywhere.
7. If God wanted me to touch my toes, He would have put them on my knees.
8. The only difference between a rut and a grave is the length and depth.
9. I spend a lot more time thinking about the hereafter:  I walk in a room and wonder what I am here after.
10. Funny, I don't remember being . . . absent-minded.

What words of wisdom do you have to pass along? 

Scott

Top Ten Reasons I Love Being a Preacher

From my study in Parrish, Alabama comes this morning's top ten.  Top Ten Reasons, I Love Being A Preacher:

10. I get to talk during worship.
9. I am blessed to have extra time to study God's word.
8. I don't sleep through the sermon.
7. I serve the GREATEST PEOPLE on Earth -- God's people!
6. Although the pay hasn't always been great, God's Retirement plan is wonderful.
5. People invite me to be part of their celebrations (weddings, anniversaries, etc.)
4. Fellowship Meals!  Christian ladies (and some of us men) can really cook!
3. The privilege to help people in times of physical, fiscal, and spiritual needs.
2. My family shares in my ministry.
and reason I most love to preach . . . .
1. There is no greater message to proclaim! (Rom 1:16).

Rejoice in the Lord always, I repeat REJOICE!

Scott

Top Ten Signs a Teenage Male is in Your House

This summer our son, Andrew, turns 13. This seems to be a turning point year for him.  He is learning to play guitar, he played Jr High Basketball, and is currently working out for football.  In the past he participated in quiz bowl events in Elementary and earned a 1st Degree Level 3 BlackBelt in TaeKwondo, but this is his first year to venture into major sports.  Amy and I realize we have a budding teenager in the house.  Here are the Top Ten Observations from the Home Front in Oakman, Alabama:

10. There are always piles of clothes to wash.
9. There is never enough food in the house.
8. Football is king.
7. You hear an instrumental cover of "Stairway to Heaven" coming from his room, when the radio is off.
6. You are accustomed to the clanging sound of free weights.
5. Fingerprints appear high above ALL doorways.
4. Two words - Body Spray!
3. The refrigerator is always open.
2. Getting his hair cut (combed) is an ordeal.
1. You learn sarcasm is a way to communicate love.

Those of you who have older sons, let me know: What are some signs I missed?  What can I look forward too?
Scott

Singing Lessons

Last night, David Courington began a month-long series of lessons that our leaders hope will help our congregation to better sing with understanding and with the Spirit.  Here are some important lessons I think every congregation of God's people need to hear.

• 1. Singing can improve with 1) Good Coaching, 2) Good Examples, and 3) the 3 "P's" -- Practice, Practice, and Practice.
• Good singers are taught, not born!
• Ten Suggestions to IMMEDIATELY Improve Congregational Singing:

1. Remember Your Audience - Eph 5:19 - is God.
2. Remember Your Neighbor - Col 3:16.
3. Sit up.
4. Hold your head up.
5. Look up at the leader.
6. Start with the leader.
7. Sing out.
8. Keep up with leader.
9. Speak up - enunciate.  Don't be lazy with your speech.
10. Hold your note and volume - don't trail off at the end of phrases, verses, or songs.

Come join us each Tuesday in February at 6:00 for these lessons. 
Happy singing.  

Scott

Top Ten Passages on God's Grace

Here is a list of ten of my favorite passages about grace.  Feel free to add your own passages.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (Joh 1:14-17)

But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will." (Act 15:11)

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Act 20:24)

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. (Rom 3:21-25)

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Rom 5:15-21)

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! (Rom 6:14-15)

For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. (2Co 4:15)

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (2Co 8:9)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:4-10)

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2Ti 2:1-2)

Dear Father, Thank you for the undeserved favor that you offer each of us through the gift of Your Son our Savior, Jesus the Christ. - Amen

Scott

Top Ten Ways to Show Love

(image courtesy of Daniel Howell Photography)

From the home office just off of AL Hwy 269 in Parrish, Alabama is today's Top Ten Ways to Show Love to your husband or wife . . .

10. Speak Kindly to your love, even when you disagree. - Eph 4:29.
9. Put the one you love first, before yourself - Phil 2:3-4.
8. Write notes to them telling of the love you have for them - Phil 1:3-7.
7. Spend time with them, getting to know them even better, and enjoying their company - Song of Solomon (Songs) 8:6.
6. Build them up in public. I cringe when I hear other men putting down their wives and criticizing them in front of others. (I feel the same when women are men-bashing) - Matt 7:12.
5. Chase your spouse. You had to chase them to catch them, keep pursuing - Songs 3:1-4.
4. Give them and show them R-E-S-P-E-C-T - Eph 5:33.
3. Be affectionate with them - Songs 1:2.
2. Be faithful to them for life - 1 Tim 3:2, 12.
And most importantly, share a common faith in God and
1. Pray together - 1 Pet 3:7.

Scott

Top Ten Gifts for Men

After reading Trey Morgans list of Bad Christmas gifts for Men, I felt inspired to write a list of good gift ideas for men. Here is my Top Ten Best Gifts for Real Men:

10. Hand Tools: Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, anything that he can use with his hands. Even if your man is not the handy-man type; simply buying him these gifts will boost his manly ego and may even spark that handy-man gene.

9. A Tool Belt: What good are tools if you do not have a belt to display them in? Make sure it is of high quality material -- preferably leather (brushed or rough). A lightweight canvas apron is NOT a tool belt.

8. A Gift Card to a Hardware / Tool Store: He knows what he needs, let him get some therapy buy walking in a MAN-store make a selection and walk out.

7. Recreational Supplies: These vary from man to man. If he likes to fish, fishing gear is a great gift (a boat is even better). If your man is a hunter, you cannot go wrong with camouflage. If your guy is a spectator, buy clothing for his favorite team (Roll Tide Roll!).

6. A Gift Card to Bass Pro Shop or a similar outlet: This way he can get the gear he really needs that he does not already have.

5. A Year's Supply of Beef Jerky; Nothing says "I'm a Man!" like tearing hard dried beef with your teeth.

4. A Year's Supply of Sunflower Seeds: Manly seeds must be in the shell. Not only are sunflower seeds healthy, they give a man the opportunity to partake in a manly past-time: spitting. There is something reassuring to manhood when we expectorate the shells of sunflower seeds.

3. A Good Bible or Bible Study Guide: Real men need to be like the ultimate real man, Jesus. To be like Him, we must get to know Him through His word.

2. A Loving Home: Show your husband (father, son) that you truly love him. They may not be outwardly affectionate, but men do want to be loved and to show love.

1. Friendship: God looked down on Adam knew that man needed a companion like him. Men are social creatures and need friends. Wive, be your husband's best friend. And Husbands; be your wife's best friend.

My two cents worth,

Scott

A Football Classic and a bonus Top Ten

Hope you enjoy this classic from Andy Griffith; They Call if Football.


Now that you had a mid-week chuckle; here are the top ten reasons I have decided to never attend another football game.

10. The Public address system was too loud at times and not loud enough at others.

9. There were teenage girls dressed inappropriately.

8. The referees made calls I disagreed with.

7. The coaches used the same plays they did the last few games.

6. The High School Principal did not welcome me or shake my hand.

5. The band played songs I did not know or like.

4. There were people there to socialize (gossip) and not watch the game -- those hypocrites.

3. I had to pay to get in, pay to get a snack, pay for a program -- football is all about making money or the school not about guys playing ball anymore.

2. The lady beside me screamed too loudly.

and the number one reason I have decided not to attend another football game . . .

1. Large crowds are bad on my nerves and raise my blood pressure too high.

Why do these excuses sound familiar?

Scott

Top 10 Things You Won't Do in Heaven

Today's Top Ten List comes from notes taken during the last lesson in our Revival. Levi Sides asked the question, "Do You Really Want to Go to Heaven?" During the lesson he mentioned about 7 or 8 things we did or will do this week that we will not do in heaven. Thinking about that this morning as I drove to my study, I added a few to make it a Top Ten List.

Top Ten Things You Did This Week That You Will Not Do in Heaven . . .

10. You drove by a cemetery (Rev 21:4). There is no death in heaven.
9. You turned on a light switch (Rev 21:23). God is the light in heaven.
8. You faced temptation (Rev 20:10). Satan is banned from influencing heaven.
7. You visited or called a sick person (Rev 21:4). No sickness there.
6. You locked your door (Rev 21:27). No crime or evil in heaven
5. You aged a little - grew older, found a gray hair (Rev 21:4). All former things like aging will cease.
4. You shed a tear (Rev 21:4). No tears in heaven.
3. You took pain medicine (had a headache, back ache, etc.) (Rev 21:4). No pain in heaven.
2. You worked to earn a living or to serve your neighbor (Rev 14:13). You will rest from your labor.

And one more thing you did this week that you will not do in heaven . . .
1. You said a prayer (Rev 22:4). You will speak with God and Christ face to face.

Have great day!

Top Ten Human Relationship Tips

From the bottom of a pile of papers on my desk comes today's Top Ten Human Relationship Tips (a.k.a Top Ten Ways to Make Friends or Keep Them).

10. Speak to people: There is nothing as nice as a cheerful word of greeting - Phil 1:3

9. Smile at people: Some suggest it takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile - Phil 4:8

8. Call people by name: The sweetest music to any one's ears is the sound of his or her own name - Matt 7:12.

7. Be friendly and helpful: If you would have a friend, be one - Prov 18:24.

6. Be cordial: Speak and act as if everything you do is a genuine pleasure - Eccl 9:10.

5. Be interested in people: You can like everybody if you try - Gen 1:27.

4. Be generous with praise while cautious with criticism: Praise when you have opportunity - Prov 3:27 and season all your speech - Eph 4:29ff.

3. Be considerate of the feelings of others: They will appreciate it - Eph 4:32.

2. Be thoughtful of others opinions: You are not right 100% of the time, so listen to them - Phil 2:3-4.

And the NUMBER ONE Human Relationship Tip. . .

1. Be ready and willing to SERVE - 1 Pet 4:10.

Top Ten Keys to a Great Marriage

photo courtesy of http://www.danielhowellphoto.com

From the Home Office in Parrish, Alabama -- Top Ten Keys to a Great Marriage!

10. Communication - Eph 4:26-29
9. Loyalty to each other - Eph 5:31
8. Ability to Cope - Matt 10:16
7. A Sense of Humor - Prov 17:22
6. Understanding - 1 Pet 3:7
5. Humility - Phil 2:5; Eph 5:21
4. Faithfulness - Heb 13:4
3. Commitment to God - Matt 6:33
2. A Forgiving Heart - Eph 4:32
And the Number One Key to a Great Marriage . . . this is not a shocker . . .
1. LOVE - Jhn 13:15; Rom 12:10

Scott

Top Ten Children's Questions to God

And now today's Top Ten list is from the files in Parrish, Alabama. Top Ten Children's Questions to God.

10. When you got elected, did you get all the votes?
9. Why isn't Mrs. God's name mentioned in the Bible? Were you not married to her when you wrote it?
8. There were no clouds on Saturday and I think I saw your feet. Did I?
7. When you made the first man, did he work as good as we do now?
6. Why did you make people speak foreign languages? It would be easier if everybody spoke English like you and me.
5. Is it O.K. to talk to you even when I don't want anything?
4. Where did yesterday go? Do you have it?
3. I am afraid of things at night more than in the daytime. So, could you keep the sun on longer? That would be a good thing for me.
2. I know there is a God because I go by his house and see all your cars parked there. What is your favorite car?

And the number one question children have for God . . . .

1. How come you only have ten rules, but our school has millions?

* for those that are curious -- that is me on the right and my childhood friend Tom on the left.

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.

Top Ten Realities of 2009

From the Home Office in Oakman, Alabama . . .

10. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

9. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

8. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.

7. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.

6. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.

5. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

4. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.

3. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

2. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee (tea, juice, milk).

And the number on reality of 2009 . . .

1. You have more friends on twitter and Facebook than you do in your office.

That last one hurts, and admittedly, I considered number 5 on a few occasions. I find it interesting how technology affects humanity. Things that come about to be conveniences soon become necessities or even worse begin to control us.

Today our ability to communicate via text-messaging, Twitter, FB, IM's, and the like may connect us to more people, but are they disconnecting us from the society around us? How are you interacting with real people? You and I may have a good influence for God and Truth in the cyber-world and neglect to have an impact where we are! We cannot allow the prince of this world to keep us from turning people toward Christ, by keeping us busy in a cyber-only society. We must stay connected with the people in our neighborhood. Take time today to have a positive impact on someone you come across.

Have a great day!
Scott

Top Ten Church Puns

What a great morning to walk. Temp in the upper 40's lower 50's with the sun breaking through the morning clouds. Every one seemed in a good mood as they drove past, waving good morning, the birds were very happy and delighted me with song. Thank you God for a great day!

Now on to this morning's Top Ten!

Top Ten Collected Christian Puns:

10. Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

9. Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

8. Quit griping about your church;if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

7. Some minds are like concrete thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

6. Why change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

5. God loves everyone, but probably prefers 'fruit of the spirit' over a 'religious nut!'

4. He who angers you, controls you!

3. The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

2. We don't change the message,the message changes us.

1. Gospel Mathematics: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4given.

Take a look at number 2 again. How many times have you heard, or said, I know that the Bible says that but I think God will understand? I read an article nearly 20 years ago that had a very catchy title; "When the Text Demands Changing." The author's point was simple, many want to change what the Bible says to fit their preconceived ideas or their chosen lifestyle,
but we are not to change the text, but the text DEMANDS that we are the ones who change. Remember that the apostle Paul lists a number of sins including sexual sins and chemical dependence in 1 Cor 6:9-10 then in 1 Cor 6:11, "Such were some of you." Those Christians in Corinth had overcome some major obstacles. They could sympathize with number 9 on our top ten list - Temptation
bangs on the door.

What was power did the Corinthians have that made their change possible. Simple - the good news of being washed and sanctified in Christ -- 1 cross + 3 nails = 4given.

Scott

Top Ten Imitatable Characteristics of Satan

From the home office in Parrish, Alabama: here are the top ten reasons to imitate Satan:


10. Satan does not quit. No matter how many times you turn down his offer, he is not giving up.

9. Satan believes in God, heaven, and hell (Jas 2:19).

8. Satan tirelessly works both night and day.

7. Satan knows the Bible (Matt 4:6).

6. Satan is always looking for a prospect, he may well be the worlds best soul winner, just to the wrong side.

5. Satan accepts people quickly, it does not matter to him how good you have been, if you decide to do what is wrong, he will accept you.

4. Satan is positive; he always sees the good in the bad (Is 5:20).

3. Satan is not easily discouraged (Job 1 & 2); he sticks with his plan.

2. Satan is patient, he will give you opportunity to serve him and leave the offer open for as long as it takes (Lk 4:13).

. . . . And the number one reason to imitate Satan is:

1. Satan uses all available methods at his disposal to reach out to you and to win you over to his way of thinking (Eph 6:11 - wiles/schemes).