A Great Lesson on Stress

(The following, with minor adaptations, is used with permission from the Pleasant Grove OFWB Church Newsletter, January 2014) 

A young lady confidently walked around the room with a raised glass of water while leading a seminar and explaining stress management to her audience. Everyone knew she was going to ask the question, “Half empty or half full?” She fooled them all. “How heavy is this glass of water?” she inquired with a smile. Answers callout ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

She continued, “…and that’s the way it is with stress. If we carry our burden all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on.

As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on with the burden – holding stress at bay a little longer.

So tonight, put all your burdens down and sleep well. If they await you tomorrow, you will be refreshed and able to meet their challenge. Better still, give them to God…His arms never get tired! 

Marvelous Mansion

Recently I had the opportunity to tour  "Christmas at Biltmore" at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. It is considered to be the largest privately-owned residence in the world.  An insufficient description of the visit would have to include the words magnificent and breath-taking.  Of course, decorations for Christmas were everywhere. Fireplaces glowed with flames that warmed the  visitors. Choirs and musicians wafted beautiful music throughout the mansion.  Gorgeous Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes adorned every room with thematic ornaments and colors. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and courteous. The 2-hour tour took in about one-third of this palatial 175,000 square foot estate.

There is coming a time however, when even this sublime abode will take on the appearance of a meager mountain dwelling.  The residents of Biltmore, the Vanderbilt Family, will seem as paupers in comparison to the One who is preparing not one, but multitudes of mansions in a place more lovely than the NC mountains...it's called HEAVEN!  The Master of that place will be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ Himself.  Serving Him will be, not a staff of employees, but a family of brothers and sisters who have chosen Him as Savior.  Our stay with Him will last, not just a couple of hours, but will stretch from millions of years of praise and admiration into an eternity of service and love for our Lord and one another. Vanderbilt's block and mortar home will pale in comparison to heavenly residences aligning crystal golden streets and jasper walls in a city that will be 1,500 miles wide, deep and high.  The entrance will be fitted with the most elaborate gate of solid pearl man has ever seen.

If you ever have the opportunity, visit the Biltmore Estate, and if possible go at Christmas.  It will be a wonderful experience.  The cost is a little expensive, but well worth the price.

And by the way, those lovely sights of Heaven...for you they are FREE! The admission price was paid some 2000+ years ago.  To reserve your ticket, give Jesus a call, from your heart. Invite Him to be your Savior. How?  Like this..."Jesus, I believe you paid the price for my sins and I ask you to come into my life. I now receive you as my Savior and praise you for the gift of eternal life. Amen."

Welcome my friend, to the greatest mansion ever  -  the place called Heaven!

You Did A Good Thing...Today

Imagine a group of church folks returning from delivering meals to a few needy families during the holidays. The conversation might have sounded a lot like this.

"Isn't it a wonderful feeling to know that we have given some family the joy of a great Thanksgiving meal? Did you see the smiles on their faces when we walked in with all that food!  It does my heart good to know that this family will go to bed tonight with stomachs that are full and satisfied...and there'll even be enough left over for tomorrow.  We did a good thing today, didn't we?"

Yes, you did a good thing "today."  Their hunger will be satisfied, and the fact that today someone thought of them will bring some additional comfort.  But when the leftovers are gone and the holiday is done, who will be there to encourage them.  When our lives return to normal, and the caring spirit of the season hides itself in daily routine, who will deliver the life-giving bread to those in need? Every day God gives us the opportunity to share His great love.  More people are starving spiritually than physically, and we, as Christians have the responsibility to deliver to them the Bread of Life through the water of His Word.

Don't ever stop caring for the physical needs of others. Keep bringing the meat and potatoes to the table.  It shows God's love working through you.  And, everyday proclaim to the spiritually hungry how they can be fed with a love that never leaves them empty and nourished with living water that flows from a never-ending Fountain.  Have a blessed holiday season, and don't forget to give thanks.

Another Day

It had been a very rough day.  Ministry had turned to politics, relationships had gone sour, miles and miles of traveling had netted few, if any positive results. Even pulling into the driveway at home, evidence of turmoil surrounded the scene...a water hose spewing its contents on soggy ground, kids screaming at each other, the back door left open providing high-cost heating to the 40 degree day and the open refrigerator doing the opposite in the kitchen, on the floor a solid reminder of our new four-legged family member, and almost every light in the house burning brightly. Not exactly the day I had hope for, but at least it's almost over!  In my mind I declared, "God, I'll give you thanks as soon as I can find something to be thankful for."

Maneuvering my way to the den, I dive backwards into my recliner, turn-up the gas logs and the TV and immerse myself in the closing moments of a vintage episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger."  Then it hits me. As I watch Walker kung fu his way through 5 or 6 villains and then run to the waiting arms of his sweetheart, I discover two things...I am thankful that I am not on the receiving end of his powerful blows, and, that when the battles of my day are over, I can run to the waiting arms of Him who not only is waiting for me, but has been guiding my footsteps all day.

I have survived another day. Safe in the comfort of my home, I am thankful...very thankful for His presence. Weariness leads to a brief pre-supper nap (after all, I've seen this episode before).  I awake a little refreshed.  I lean my head back, looking skyward and say, "Thank you, Lord for your love and mercy. And thank you, Lord, that tomorrow I get to do it all over again."

Lamentations 3:22-23  (KJV)

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
23 

Keeping Life Simple

To many, the title is a misnomer.  How can life be simple?  The question is sometimes difficult to answer.  Let’s describe a typical day for an average young couple. 

Wake up, shower, prepare breakfast, get the kids ready for school, leave for work, pick up the kids, take them to various rehearsals and athletic practices, stop at the grocery store, cook supper (eat at different times and places in the house), wash dishes, do homework, clean kitchen and house, make the beds, wash clothes, fold the towels, watch the 11:00 news, go to bed!  And each of these daily tasks carries its own set of procedures and protocols.

So how do we simplify our lives?  First of all, understand the importance of all that you do, but find time to include the exercise of quiet.  Down time, alone time, me time, time out…whatever you choose to call it, make sure your day has several periods when the world is locked out, and it is just you, your thoughts, and your God.  Remember, the strength you have to live as you do comes from Him.  His desire is to refresh you often as you seek Him and His guidance.  In these moments, express your thankfulness to Him for strength, health, family and your God-man relationship.  You will return to the daily grind with a relaxed, more simple outlook on life.

Psalm 46:10  "Be still and know that I am God..."

Crossroads

Encouraged by Glinda the Good Witch and the Munchkins, Dorothy's journey from Munchkin Land to Oz had brought her to a yellow-brick crossroad next to a cornfield.  Her effort to reach her goal now faced a dream-changing decision. Which way should she go?  Toto didn't know...the crows didn't know...and the scarecrow had no clue.  But in true Hollywood style, a farm girl from Kansas and a brainless bag of straw skip their way through apple orchards, jungles and a sleep-inducing field of poppies, picking up a couple of unlikely "friends" along the way.

The script called for Dorothy and the Scarecrow to turn left at the crossroads. But suppose they had gone right or straight...would it have affected the outcome of the movie?  After all, they too were yellow brick. Often our choices look to have the same benefits but we cannot know for sure until we have taken steps, often into the unknown.  That's where prayer and faith join us on our yellow brick road.  Sometimes there are scary, unknown stops along the way.  Satan tries everything he knows to stop us from reaching our goals...evil influences, sickness, life-storms, and even dead ends.  But persistence is the key. Don't stop praying and believing that God is guiding you.  Soon your steps of faith will lead you to your Emerald City where the questions of life will all be answered, not by the great wizard, but by the Almighty God.

Don't Be Afraid to Lose

During a recent interview with former golfing great Raymond Floyd, a comparison with other greats of his time such as Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player was made.  When records were placed side by side, Floyd was considerably lower than the rest.  Yet the interviewer remarked that Floyd had always been considered by his peers as a winner.  When asked to explain why he was viewed as such, Raymond Floyd replied with an air of confidence, "What makes me a winner is that I am not afraid to lose!"

The Apostle Paul found himself often engaged in battles of the mind and body that would leave him beaten, battered and left for dead. Acts 13-14 describe his first missionary journey, one filled with danger. He would lose a verbal battle with stubborn Jews...then shake the dust off his feet and move on, only to be beaten to within heartbeats of his life at the next confrontation.  But still he was not afraid to lose. His journey would take him to many cities where the gospel was preached and lives were changed.

May we, like Paul, surrender our fear of failure to the mighty hand of our unfailing God.  When our battle gets overwhelming, He proves to be not only our shelter and protector, but also our source of renewed strength and determination.  Make yourself a winner...commit your life to Christ...and don't be afraid to lose.

Feed My Sheep

The disciples and other followers must have felt deserted, alone, fearful.  The Crucifixion brought utter terror to their souls; the Resurrection ushered in cautious optimism laced with obvious uncertainty.  They knew what Jesus had said about coming back to life, but could it really be true.  The tomb was now empty and the evening was upon them.  Suddenly, as they hid behind locked doors, Jesus appeared, offering  peace for their troubled hearts in the Person of the Holy Spirit.  Thomas was not present then, but a week later Jesus returned to offer the nail prints and scars as proof of His renewed existence.  Thomas humbly proclaimed his belief in the Son of God.  Then Jesus departed...to where, we're not sure.

Not knowing what to do, the disciples decided to return to doing what they knew best.  Peter said, "I'm going fishing" (John 21).  Others decided to tag along with their new spokesman. Their excursion was fruitless as time after time their nets came up empty.  A shadowy figure called out from shore, "Cast on the other side".  The catch was miraculous.  Soon a marvelous breakfast was being enjoyed as the disciple recognized Jesus.  Peter, humbled and distraught by his own denial of Christ during his trial, now sat face to face with the Risen Savior.  Three times he was asked of his love for Jesus.  Three times he confirmed that love.  And with each confirmation came a command.  Jesus told Peter, probably within earshot of the others, "Feed my sheep."

We, too, have been given that same command, to care for those who choose to follow Christ. We are called to go into the highways, the neighborhoods, the waters...next door, around the block and around the world to carry the message that Jesus not only lives, but He is ready to feed us with His grace.  Read the marvelous story recorded as it happened by the apostle John (21:24).  Then when you wonder, "What do I do now?", you will remember, and hopefully obey the words of our Lord, here personally paraphrased, "Go into all the world and...feed my sheep!"

Keep Climbing

I love this post from Evangelist / Pastor Brian Rogers.  Brian will be speaking at the OFWB Convention on Tuesday night, May 21, 2013.  Service time is 7:30 p.m.  Don't miss it.

Keep Climbing

  

A small girl had been promised the privilege of climbing to a nearby hilltop where her brother enjoyed playing. But when she came within sight of the steep, rough path, she drew back in dismay. "Why, there isn't a smooth spot anywhere. It's all bumpy and stony!" she exclaimed.

"Yes," said her more experienced older brother, "but how else would we ever climb to the top if it wasn't? The stones and bumps are what we step on to get there."

Each day our desire should be to step up higher into God's purpose or plan for our life. Life is not a destination but rather a journey. It is a continual progression of moving toward the destiny that God has for each of us. And along this journey there will be some stones and bumps that can be rather difficult. The rough terrain of life at times may be very discouraging, but God will use those challenging moments to prepare us for the future. The great news is the grace of God is endless. In other words, no matter how difficult the journey God's grace is sufficient to empower us to keep on climbing.

Yes, climbing up a mountain will produce bumps, bruises and sometimes scars, but they are nothing more than reminders of God's amazing grace.

The "L" Word

Candy, flowers, stickers, hearts, cupid with his arrows...how else can we define or describe the essence of Valentine's Day.  Little kids snicker as they open their cards from classmates as mom melts at the sight of a new piece of jewelry from dad. Love is definitely in the air.

A songwriter once penned these words:

* If we with ink the oceans fill, or were the sky of parchment made
Were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade
To write the love of God above would drain the oceans dry
Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky

O Love of God; how rich and pure; how measureless and strong
It shall forevermore endure the saints and angels song.

Describing the love of God is impossible.  Explaining it...well let's allow His own Word to do that.  "God  loved the world so much that he allowed His only son to die for all so that any who would believe in Him would live forever with Him."  John 3:16 (my paraphrase).

When you fill your stomach with candy out of the boxed heart this Valentine's Day, be sure to fill your spiritual heart with the sweetness of God's love.


* "The Love of God"  written in 1917 by Fredrick Lehman

A Memorable Memorial

For several weeks our church has been visited by squirrels.  Whether one or several we don't know but they have come into the building through the attic and have made themselves at home.  The Christmas tree seemed to be their most beloved home.  Once that came down, they took to eating candy we share with the kids on Sunday.  One got hung up in the organ.  One was seen running across the choir rail.  Another swung from a chandelier!  One's tail  even got caught in my office desk drawer, thanks to the help of two of our more colorful church members!!  Many a laugh has been shared by the men of the church as they chased the critters down the aisle, through the pews, up the flags, across the choir chairs, up the heating system, into and out of the chapel.  A well-placed video camera would have preserved countless moments of fun for the church archives.  Fortunately all of this activity has taken place during the week.  However...

Ray Steven's song about the Mississippi squirrel came to life recently as one of these furry creatures broke free at the beginning of a Sunday morning worship service.  He quickly scampered from a high nesting place down to the organ, across the piano, and back up the wall.  Suddenly he jumped from his perch and landed some fifteen feet away, next to the first row of seats.

Now we have fun and enjoy our worship, but this gave "in the spirit" a whole new meaning.  Needless to say, feet were off the floor, screams were heard, bodies were quickly moving from one side of the sanctuary to the other, one or two stood in their pews, musicians left their instruments.  In the midst of all of this, one of our more senior, quiet-type members came running to me and said, "Pastor, this is the most excitement we've had in years."  Wow!  That's a precious moment I will never forget.

It was Communion Sunday - and what a memorable memorial service it turned out to be!  The deacons walked cautiously down the aisles as they served the bread and cup.  Our lives are filled with unexpected events that bring fun, fear, excitement, confusion, laughter and tears.  As we live through the scampering days of our lives, lets always remember who is in control of every precious moment. Enjoy life and let the memories linger.  Jesus commanded that we should; "...this do in remembrance of Me."

God's Message System

Our church recently installed a phone messaging system.  Through this wonderful little bit of modern technology, every member can receive identical messages from the church within just a few minutes of each other.  Now I know this system has been around for a while, but we are just beginning to enjoy some of its features.  No longer do we have to hear, "He said she told him what they told her;" or "Was the meeting at 6:00 or 7:00;" or "Is the supper this week or next?"  Instead, everybody hears the same thing.  The biggest problem we have encountered is the fact that not everyone answers their phone, and by the time they check their messages the event may have passed.

Life is like that...everyone is given the same 24 hours of each day.  The messages we receive are often the same, i.e. the weather, traffic, news reports.  We can choose to assimilate this information and make choices based on knowledge or we can just not pay attention and often miss the joys of one of God's days.  Heaven speaks to us in many ways, but the message is always the same..."God loves you, with no strings attached."  Does He want us to love Him?  Certainly!  But our loving Him is not a prerequisite for Him loving us.  He gives a very clear, distinct message to everyone.  This message is delivered daily to all who will pick up His Word and listen.  It says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son (to die for all mankind), that all who will believe in His Son will not spiritually die, but will receive never-ending life."  (John 3:16 - my version).

The message is clear; it never changes; the voice on the other end is the heart of God calling you.  The information is dependable and the invitation is open.  Invite Jesus into your heart today.

Rejoice...Be Glad!

Well, the Mayans were wrong.  The world still brazenly defies extinction, narrowly dodging the political cannons that daily threaten her existence. Another year is in the history files and the new year is born amid the discouraging call for increases in taxes and government bureaucracy, and decreases in wages and optimism.  If this year is like many others, politicians, pundits and governmental giants will do their best to keep the common man buried deep in questions, debt and discouragement.  Happy (Ha! Ha!) New Year.

Sounds like the opening lines of a talk show monologue, huh?

BUT WAIT!  We who put our trust in Someone other than a capitol hill politician should listen to and abide by one of the most encouraging statements in all of the Word of God.   Psalm 118:24 proclaims, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." No more yesterday's...tomorrow is not a guarantee...so let's enjoy the magnificence of this day.  Prepare and plan for the "yet to come" days but put your heart into enjoying the breath of fresh air that is today.  When you lay down tonight, thank God for the pleasure of living, then close your eyes knowing two things:  1.  If I wake up in the morning, I will rejoice in another day God has given.  2.  If I don't, Heaven here I am!

The greatest struggle in life is how we react to the greatest struggles of life.  So much happens that we cannot change, but nothing happens that surprises God.  So prepare for your day by saying to Him,  "Lord, all that happens today is known to You.  I pray that all I do today is within Your will for me.  So for safety, guidance, wisdom...and fun, I hold your hand and will rejoice in the day that You have made for me."