We are about to enter a brand new year. This is when many Americans make a list of resolutions only to discover they don't do well at "resolving." It may be losing weight, reading more, or taking a vacation, but usually we find ourselves falling short in our attempt.
Recently, I told our Wednesday night attenders that many years ago I began making a short list of goals for myself. I often pull out the list to see how well I'm doing and I plan to do so again in 2010.
I recently found something that may help you stay focused on what's important in the coming year and thought I would share it with you. Instead of resolutions, how about:
1. Revelation. Read the Bible more this year. It's the true source of information. Glean it.
2. Regeneration. The second birth gives us a new spiritual nature to help us fight of the lustful nature and strengthens us each day.
3. Repentance. Admit when we fail God. He will help guide you in the correct way.
4. Righteousness. Accept God's standard of behavior and not what the world expects of you.
5. Reconciliation. It may be hard to do, but go to those you have problems with and get it resolved.
6. Revival. Get back on track with God. He has a plan and a purpose for you. Do it!
7. Readiness. Be prepared to be a witness for Him wherever you go.
Also, make it a point to be in God's house whenever possible. I encourage to be in our Sunday morning Bible study each week at 10 a.m. You'll learn more about Scripture and I believe you'll be blessed for it.
I pray God's blessing on you in 2010.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Night of Hope
This Sunday morning, the Lawson Baptist Choir will present A Night of Hope, A Christmas Worship Celebration. The choir has been working on this cantata very hard in recent weeks and I encourage everyone to attend at 11 o'clock that morning. In fact, bring family and friends and share in this event.
It still amazes me that Jesus would leave His home in heaven and come to earth only to die on a cross for someone like me. There is a line in one of the cantata's songs that captures this thought...
"He could have called a thousand angels to surround Himself with praise.
He could have chosen not to leave His throne on high.
He could have pointed to His miracles as evidence of grace,
or let His own creation testify.
But that's not the God He is...For God so loved the world that He wanted us to know,
so He came down."
We need to let everyone know about this amazing love.
It still amazes me that Jesus would leave His home in heaven and come to earth only to die on a cross for someone like me. There is a line in one of the cantata's songs that captures this thought...
"He could have called a thousand angels to surround Himself with praise.
He could have chosen not to leave His throne on high.
He could have pointed to His miracles as evidence of grace,
or let His own creation testify.
But that's not the God He is...For God so loved the world that He wanted us to know,
so He came down."
We need to let everyone know about this amazing love.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tis The Season
Thanksgiving has come and gone and Christmas is upon us. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year.
This Sunday morning we will begin a new series I'm calling "Searching for Christmas." There are so many people that look for Christmas in the wrong places. It is not about us. While we become engrossed in shopping for everyone on our list, our thoughts should be on a manger in a barn in a tiny hamlet called Bethlehem.
It was there that a child, the Son of God, left the glories of heaven to come to this filthy planet to be born of humble people in order to die on a cross for us.
This time of the year, just like Easter, offers wonderful opportunities for Christians to share their faith with others. While standing in the checkout line, be bold in your testimony about what Christmas means to you.
In fact, don't be afraid to say "Merry Christmas." If the cashier says "Happy Holidays" just smile and say "Merry Christmas!" That simple statement is witnessing.
Plan to be in God's house every Sunday through the end of the year as we Search for Christmas. Don't forget that the Sunday before Christmas, the Lawson Baptist Choir will present A Night of Hope during the morning service. Invite someone to come with you.
This Sunday morning we will begin a new series I'm calling "Searching for Christmas." There are so many people that look for Christmas in the wrong places. It is not about us. While we become engrossed in shopping for everyone on our list, our thoughts should be on a manger in a barn in a tiny hamlet called Bethlehem.
It was there that a child, the Son of God, left the glories of heaven to come to this filthy planet to be born of humble people in order to die on a cross for us.
This time of the year, just like Easter, offers wonderful opportunities for Christians to share their faith with others. While standing in the checkout line, be bold in your testimony about what Christmas means to you.
In fact, don't be afraid to say "Merry Christmas." If the cashier says "Happy Holidays" just smile and say "Merry Christmas!" That simple statement is witnessing.
Plan to be in God's house every Sunday through the end of the year as we Search for Christmas. Don't forget that the Sunday before Christmas, the Lawson Baptist Choir will present A Night of Hope during the morning service. Invite someone to come with you.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Rock The Block
This Saturday evening Lawson Baptist is hosting it's annual Rock the Block. We began this event a couple of years ago to give young people an alternative to Halloween. We've seen many attend and enjoy the games, the food, the hayride and all that goes with the evening.
This year we're amping it up and including a concert and a guest speaker. The Crusaders from Magnolia will be here to bless us in song. When Lawson Baptist began the Fifth Sunday Singings a few months ago, they were our first guests. I can truly say, God moved that evening and I am really looking forward to hearing them again.
In addition, evangelist Jack Daniels will speak. Although I haven't heard him, I have heard of him. What I have heard is that he is truly a man of God with a powerful message.
So bring the kids, bring the family, bring the neighbors and anyone you can find to Rock the Block this Saturday beginning at 6 P.M.
Then, the following morning, the Crusaders and Jack Daniels will be leading our Sunday morning service with a potluck lunch to follow.
Ya'll come. You will be blessed!
This year we're amping it up and including a concert and a guest speaker. The Crusaders from Magnolia will be here to bless us in song. When Lawson Baptist began the Fifth Sunday Singings a few months ago, they were our first guests. I can truly say, God moved that evening and I am really looking forward to hearing them again.
In addition, evangelist Jack Daniels will speak. Although I haven't heard him, I have heard of him. What I have heard is that he is truly a man of God with a powerful message.
So bring the kids, bring the family, bring the neighbors and anyone you can find to Rock the Block this Saturday beginning at 6 P.M.
Then, the following morning, the Crusaders and Jack Daniels will be leading our Sunday morning service with a potluck lunch to follow.
Ya'll come. You will be blessed!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Principles To Live By
I wish this was original, but its not. I found these six principles to live by and they should be incorporated into all our lives.
1) Don't worry when you are doing your best. God accepts no less but He demands no more.
2) Don't hurry when success depends on accuracy. Proverbs says "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
3) Don't form conclusions until you have all the facts. We need to remember to "do unto others as we would like them to do unto you."
4) Don't believe a thing is impossible without trying it. When we are in God's will, our work can be a platform for Him to do amazing things.
5) Don't waste your time on trivial matters. What is it that only you can do best? When you answer that question you will know what you should do.
6) Don't think that good intentions are an acceptable excuse for doing nothing. Examine your life and get specific about what you should do.
In James 2:17 we read, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." We are not saved by our works but God has given us purpose. Let's make a difference!
1) Don't worry when you are doing your best. God accepts no less but He demands no more.
2) Don't hurry when success depends on accuracy. Proverbs says "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
3) Don't form conclusions until you have all the facts. We need to remember to "do unto others as we would like them to do unto you."
4) Don't believe a thing is impossible without trying it. When we are in God's will, our work can be a platform for Him to do amazing things.
5) Don't waste your time on trivial matters. What is it that only you can do best? When you answer that question you will know what you should do.
6) Don't think that good intentions are an acceptable excuse for doing nothing. Examine your life and get specific about what you should do.
In James 2:17 we read, "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." We are not saved by our works but God has given us purpose. Let's make a difference!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pay Caesar
The other day we had to pay, like most folks, our property tax. I understand that this is important. Our county government depends on this tax to maintain our local government. Still, it hurts the pocketbook! I was reminded of of Pauls' letter to the Romans in Chapter 13 as we are told to "Render to all what is due then: tax to whom tax is due."
This brings us several points to ponder.
1) You must pay for your government. Again, it hurts sometimes to pay but I am convinced we live in the greatest country in the world and it must be funded.
2) You must pray for our government. It is very easy to criticize our political leaders but do we take time to lift them up to God?
3) You are to preach to your government. Understand...what is morally wrong is not politically right.
4) You are to participate in your government. Not in parties or policies but in principles. Get involved. Your vote counts. And please be informed.
Pray for America. We deserve judgement from Almighty God but pray for mercy.
This brings us several points to ponder.
1) You must pay for your government. Again, it hurts sometimes to pay but I am convinced we live in the greatest country in the world and it must be funded.
2) You must pray for our government. It is very easy to criticize our political leaders but do we take time to lift them up to God?
3) You are to preach to your government. Understand...what is morally wrong is not politically right.
4) You are to participate in your government. Not in parties or policies but in principles. Get involved. Your vote counts. And please be informed.
Pray for America. We deserve judgement from Almighty God but pray for mercy.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Encouraging Words
I have often said that encouragement is one of the most important gifts a Christian can have. There have been many times when I've felt down, confused, upset or even questioned my calling when a fellow believer came at the right time to lift me up. Proverbs 16:24 says that pleasant words are health to the bones, and that is so true.
I found it interesting to learn that C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien, the writer of The Lord of the Rings were professors together at Oxford University. The two men would often meet and discuss their writing projects. Tolkien was the one who inspired Lewis, an athiest, to study Christianity which led to his conversion. Lewis at the same time encouraged Tolkien to not give up his writing and have his works published. Imagine if these two literary giants had not encouraged each other!
Everyone needs to be encouraged. Look around. You'll find someone who needs those pleasant words. What you say to them may encourage a person to do something great. And you will be blessed.
I found it interesting to learn that C.S. Lewis, who wrote The Chronicles of Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien, the writer of The Lord of the Rings were professors together at Oxford University. The two men would often meet and discuss their writing projects. Tolkien was the one who inspired Lewis, an athiest, to study Christianity which led to his conversion. Lewis at the same time encouraged Tolkien to not give up his writing and have his works published. Imagine if these two literary giants had not encouraged each other!
Everyone needs to be encouraged. Look around. You'll find someone who needs those pleasant words. What you say to them may encourage a person to do something great. And you will be blessed.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Coming Attractions
One of America's favorite past times in recent years has been home improvement. I love catching reruns of Tim Allen's show of the same name. I've also gotten hooked on A&E's Saturday morning show Flip This House and almost everything on Home & Garden network.
With that as a background, this Sunday we'll begin a four-part series I'm calling Trading Spaces: Lifestyle Remodeling. We're going to consider such subjects as holiness, personal change, the battle for your mind and self-control.
On Sunday evening we continue our series entitled The 21 Unbreakable Laws of Life as we look at success and what the Bible has to say about it. We're about halfway through this study and we've studied such subjects as the tongue, faithfulness, the mind, worry and stewardship. It's been fun as well as thought-provoking and I look forward to the weeks remaining.
We will also soon conclude our Wednesday evening series on the Baptist Faith and Message. My plan then is to begin a series regarding phrases that are often misquoted from the Bible. I promise, it'll be good.
With that as a background, this Sunday we'll begin a four-part series I'm calling Trading Spaces: Lifestyle Remodeling. We're going to consider such subjects as holiness, personal change, the battle for your mind and self-control.
On Sunday evening we continue our series entitled The 21 Unbreakable Laws of Life as we look at success and what the Bible has to say about it. We're about halfway through this study and we've studied such subjects as the tongue, faithfulness, the mind, worry and stewardship. It's been fun as well as thought-provoking and I look forward to the weeks remaining.
We will also soon conclude our Wednesday evening series on the Baptist Faith and Message. My plan then is to begin a series regarding phrases that are often misquoted from the Bible. I promise, it'll be good.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Small Churches
This evening Robin and I attended a meeting in Smackover for pastors of "small" churches in the Liberty Baptist Association. A representative of the Arkanas Baptist Convention met with us in an effort to find out how they can assist bi-vocational pastors.
The meeting went well and I learned more about what the Convention can offer us and I picked up an idea or two that might be worth considering at Lawson Baptist.
But what struck me the most was hearing of some of the problems many of these pastors are facing. One pastor said that in every church he has pastored, he has had to start from scratch with such things as budgets, committees and various other items. Another said he had difficulty finding people to do various jobs in his church.
This, again, caused me to remember how blessed I am to serve at LBC with people who are willing to do what needs to be done in order to serve the Lord. God bless each of you.
See you Sunday!
The meeting went well and I learned more about what the Convention can offer us and I picked up an idea or two that might be worth considering at Lawson Baptist.
But what struck me the most was hearing of some of the problems many of these pastors are facing. One pastor said that in every church he has pastored, he has had to start from scratch with such things as budgets, committees and various other items. Another said he had difficulty finding people to do various jobs in his church.
This, again, caused me to remember how blessed I am to serve at LBC with people who are willing to do what needs to be done in order to serve the Lord. God bless each of you.
See you Sunday!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Let's Get Excited
As I write this, I am watching the Arkansas-Georgia game on ESPN. It's easy to get excited about the Hogs. The whole state rallies around them and you hope they represent the state well when they are on national television.
I would love to see us rally around our church the same way. In fact our next Sunday night message in the "21 Unbreakable Laws of Life" we will be considering the human mind. We should have as our goal to have the mind of Christ. In computer language there is the GIGO factor. That is, Garbage In, Garbage Out. If we put things of the world in our mind, that's what comes out.
However, if our mind is on the things of Christ, the things that delight Him will come out and I know we will be blessed for it.
Sunday mornings continue with "The Four Streams" series. This week we consider our relationships in the home, on the job and in our church. We close next week with the subject of discipleship.
Let's get excited about the important things, but still, Go Hogs!
I would love to see us rally around our church the same way. In fact our next Sunday night message in the "21 Unbreakable Laws of Life" we will be considering the human mind. We should have as our goal to have the mind of Christ. In computer language there is the GIGO factor. That is, Garbage In, Garbage Out. If we put things of the world in our mind, that's what comes out.
However, if our mind is on the things of Christ, the things that delight Him will come out and I know we will be blessed for it.
Sunday mornings continue with "The Four Streams" series. This week we consider our relationships in the home, on the job and in our church. We close next week with the subject of discipleship.
Let's get excited about the important things, but still, Go Hogs!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
I Believe...
As I write this, I am reading the little quotation at the top of my daily planner. The saying has no known author but states, "Blessed are they who believe in something, even if it is nothing."
With that thought in mind I decided to list some of the things I believe.
I believe ketchup should not be put on a hot dog.
I believe Ted Williams was the greatest baseball player to ever lace up a pair of spikes.
I believe Secretariat was the greatest athlete in the history of sports.
I believe that if Barry Bonds comes back into baseball and hits 900 home runs he will never hold a special place in America's heart.
I believe Al Sharpton is wasting everyone's time.
I believe we who are Chicago Cubs fans have a special place awaiting in heaven.
I believe Elvis is dead no matter how I wish I was wrong.
I believe rap music is an oxymoron.
I believe True Grit is both the best novel ever written and the best movie ever made.
I believe Paul the Apostle had it nailed when he said "Every good and perfect gift comes from above."
I believe my wife and daughters are both good and perfect.
I believe if you've never seen Last of the Summer Wine on PBS you're the poorer for it.
I believe that while Amazing Grace is the greatest song ever written, Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World is the greatest song ever recorded.
I believe trains are disappearing from the American landscape all too rapidly, but never fast enough while waiting for one on East Main.
I believe the Razorbacks will surprise a lot of people outside of Arkansas.
I believe if you can't name your state or federal representatives, you should question your ability to vote intelligently.
I believe I'll have to continue this line of thought at another time.
With that thought in mind I decided to list some of the things I believe.
I believe ketchup should not be put on a hot dog.
I believe Ted Williams was the greatest baseball player to ever lace up a pair of spikes.
I believe Secretariat was the greatest athlete in the history of sports.
I believe that if Barry Bonds comes back into baseball and hits 900 home runs he will never hold a special place in America's heart.
I believe Al Sharpton is wasting everyone's time.
I believe we who are Chicago Cubs fans have a special place awaiting in heaven.
I believe Elvis is dead no matter how I wish I was wrong.
I believe rap music is an oxymoron.
I believe True Grit is both the best novel ever written and the best movie ever made.
I believe Paul the Apostle had it nailed when he said "Every good and perfect gift comes from above."
I believe my wife and daughters are both good and perfect.
I believe if you've never seen Last of the Summer Wine on PBS you're the poorer for it.
I believe that while Amazing Grace is the greatest song ever written, Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World is the greatest song ever recorded.
I believe trains are disappearing from the American landscape all too rapidly, but never fast enough while waiting for one on East Main.
I believe the Razorbacks will surprise a lot of people outside of Arkansas.
I believe if you can't name your state or federal representatives, you should question your ability to vote intelligently.
I believe I'll have to continue this line of thought at another time.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Spiritual Warfare
On Wednesday night, I shared with those at our mid week Bible Study how Satan is still very much alive and well on this planet. We read Revelation 12:9 which tell us that Satan "...was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." That means he and countless thousands of his cohorts are active among us, trying to wreck our lives and cause us to stumble in our walk with the Lord.
Looking down to verse 17 the Scripture says, "Then the dragon was enraged...and went off to make war against...those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus." That means Satan is mad and he is taking aim at you every waking moment.
It's amazing that we, and I'm just as guilty, often get up each morning, get dressed, go to work or school, try to get some work done, come home and feed the cat, eat supper, watch television, try to connect with our families, go to bed and get up the next morning and go through the routine again without giving thought to Satan constantly attacking us.
And we've just read that we have an enemy that is trying to wreck our lives and then wonder why we aren't enjoying the abundant life that we should have in Christ!
Satan is the father of lies and he is telling you that you don't have time for prayer or you're not good enough for God to bless you or God is too busy to listen to you. We don't even see this as Satan at work.
Folks, we've got to recognize this liar for who he is. We are children of the Almighty. We've got to everyday ask God to battle for us. Quit accepting defeat as normal, as just the way things are. Satan takes every victory he can get. They add up and after a while we feel the weight of the world upon us.
If we want the life Christ has promised us remember Galations 5:1. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." We are in a war against the prince of darkness. Onward Christian Soldiers! Look to our Commander and call on Him to defeat the one who would deny us to live a life of victory.
Looking down to verse 17 the Scripture says, "Then the dragon was enraged...and went off to make war against...those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus." That means Satan is mad and he is taking aim at you every waking moment.
It's amazing that we, and I'm just as guilty, often get up each morning, get dressed, go to work or school, try to get some work done, come home and feed the cat, eat supper, watch television, try to connect with our families, go to bed and get up the next morning and go through the routine again without giving thought to Satan constantly attacking us.
And we've just read that we have an enemy that is trying to wreck our lives and then wonder why we aren't enjoying the abundant life that we should have in Christ!
Satan is the father of lies and he is telling you that you don't have time for prayer or you're not good enough for God to bless you or God is too busy to listen to you. We don't even see this as Satan at work.
Folks, we've got to recognize this liar for who he is. We are children of the Almighty. We've got to everyday ask God to battle for us. Quit accepting defeat as normal, as just the way things are. Satan takes every victory he can get. They add up and after a while we feel the weight of the world upon us.
If we want the life Christ has promised us remember Galations 5:1. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." We are in a war against the prince of darkness. Onward Christian Soldiers! Look to our Commander and call on Him to defeat the one who would deny us to live a life of victory.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Lessons from Hezekiah
I spent much of the morning sitting on my front porch today studying sermon notes, Sunday School lesson, Sunday evening notes and regular Bible study. While enjoying a fall-like day, I was reading about King Hezekiah in II Chronicles and I noted a few things about his life we should all consider.
First, when confronted with a problem take all possible steps to remedy the situation, but also submit the situation to God in prayer. The Assyrian army was headed toward Judah in great numbers. Hezekiah saw through the eyes of faith. He knew that the overwhelming numbers of the Assyrians did not matter as long as God was on his side. How often do we surrender when a situation seems insurmountable without even taking the matter to God?
I also note that Hezekiah was human. When God tested him, Hezekiah caved in to human pride. After all the Lord had done for him and Judah, Hezekiah took credit, pointing out his accomplhishments rather than God's. I believe He wants us to have confidence in ourselves, but also understand what God has done as well and give Him proper credit.
Finally, after ruling the nation for 29 years, Hezekiah dies and his son, Manasseh took the throne. After watching his father rule for so many years following the Lord and enjoying the blessing that came to Judah, Manassah destroyed all that had been done, turning the nation into a Godless kingdom. I have no idea exactly why he did this but it brings to mind what I have often said, "If you are not praying for your children, who is?" But I also notice that eventually, after all the detestable things Manasseh did, God forgave him.
Praise God that when we follow Him, He blesses and nobody has sinned so much that he cannot be forgiven by our loving Lord!
First, when confronted with a problem take all possible steps to remedy the situation, but also submit the situation to God in prayer. The Assyrian army was headed toward Judah in great numbers. Hezekiah saw through the eyes of faith. He knew that the overwhelming numbers of the Assyrians did not matter as long as God was on his side. How often do we surrender when a situation seems insurmountable without even taking the matter to God?
I also note that Hezekiah was human. When God tested him, Hezekiah caved in to human pride. After all the Lord had done for him and Judah, Hezekiah took credit, pointing out his accomplhishments rather than God's. I believe He wants us to have confidence in ourselves, but also understand what God has done as well and give Him proper credit.
Finally, after ruling the nation for 29 years, Hezekiah dies and his son, Manasseh took the throne. After watching his father rule for so many years following the Lord and enjoying the blessing that came to Judah, Manassah destroyed all that had been done, turning the nation into a Godless kingdom. I have no idea exactly why he did this but it brings to mind what I have often said, "If you are not praying for your children, who is?" But I also notice that eventually, after all the detestable things Manasseh did, God forgave him.
Praise God that when we follow Him, He blesses and nobody has sinned so much that he cannot be forgiven by our loving Lord!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Welcome
This is new territory for me. While I'm still trying to figure out how to program my cell phone, here I am taking on new technology. Well, at least it's new to me. This world is evolving rapidly with technology-based gadgets. In an effort to get on board somewhere, I noticed more pastors are using the web with their own blogs to communicate Monday through Saturday. That is my intention here. I often have thoughts that never make it to the pulpit on Sunday, usually because by then I've forgotten what I was going to say. Join me here periodically as I offer opinion, encouragement and other ideas on a regular basis. And by the way, I hope to see you in church Sunday, and in the meantime I'll be here the other six days of the week.
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