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More than Something Nice to Do.Good relationships are important to God. They should therefore be important to us. It starts with family relationships. Too often we handle things less than ideally. Guys rarely talk about these things, but one guy revealed to his workmate, “My wife and I had a fight last night.” His buddy replied, “How did it end up?” The first guy explained, “She came crawling to me on her hands and knees.” To which his work partner responded, “What did she say?” The truth then came out. “She said, ‘Come out from under that bed, you coward!’”
Family relationships are very important. In our family Anita and I parent two young men who God calls His children to love one another (Matthew 22:37-40, John 13:34-35). He intends for us to get along even if it means a lot of forgiveness and extra mile caring. At times we may scrap,wrestle and argue with each other but we must relate as best friends in Christ. The Bible has much to say about this. If you only read Psalm 133 you would get the impression that unity among God’s people is a nice thing,but if you look at the New Testament you recognize that it is more than a nice thing; it is a necessity!
Consider just two verses (John 17:20-21) as Jesus prays for His people: “MY prayer is not for
1. Unity is necessary to answer the prayer of Jesus. On Thursday, May 6, we have the opportunity to work for unity. At the “Community Transformation Celebration” we will see over 80 church pastors make a public commitment to work together for great good in Christian unity. They refuse to allow the barriers of race, religion and the river divide them. They rally around twin beliefs: Jesus is Lord and the Bible is the Word of God. Please make plans to join us at that vital rally. More important than community unity with other churches is our own church unity. Be very careful NOT to do the work of the “Accuser of the Brethren.”Ifyouseesomethingwrong,pray about it. If you have something against someone else go get it right. If you have been offended, forgive. If I can help, let me know. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bondofpeace.”Thatisnotjustaniceidea;itis a command! LIVING LIKE A WINNERWhile I appreciate the fact that the Lord Jesus rose up early to pray (Mark 1:35) I am usually up early so I can exercise (The pain from the workouts motivate me to pray!). On the way to the health club I often listen to John MacArthur on AM 1230. I was helped by his exposition of Matthew 6 about worry. He reveals that Jesus said we should not worry for three reasons: “I just don’t want to miss it!”
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Collards is green My Dog’s name is blue And I am so lucky To have a sweet thang like you. |
You have som’a yore teeth For which I am proud I hold my head high When we’re in a crowd. |
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Yore hair is like cornsilk A-flapping in the breeze It’s softer than Blue’s But without all them fleas. |
On Special occasions
When you shave under yore arms, Well I’m in hog heaven And awed by yore charms… |
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Yore as satisfy’in as okry
Jist a fryin’ in the pan Yore as fragrant as “snuff” Right out of the can. |
So I got you this gift
Without taste without odor More useful than diamonds IT’S A NEW TROLLIN’ MOTOR!!! |
Love for a sweetheart is touching; love for God is transforming. Romantic love graces life; God’s love gives life. Knowing someone loves you makes your day; knowing God lives you makes your eternity.
I was fascinated by Rick Ezell’s article about Frank Laubach, who “was a missionary to the illiterate, teaching them to read so they could know the beauty of the Scriptures… By the time he died in 1970, Laubach and his techniques of education were known on almost every continent.” Ezell describes a change that happened when Laubach turned 45. Dissatisfied with his spiritual life he “resolved to live in ‘continuous inner conversation with God and in perfect responsiveness to his will.’
Laubach wrote in his diary: ‘Can we have that contact with God all the time?. . . Can I bring the Lord back in my mind-flow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind? I choose to make the rest of my life an experiment in answering this question.’
A journal entry dated June 1, 1930 reads: ‘Last Monday was the most completely successful day of my life to date, so far as giving my day in complete and continuous surrender to God is concerned. . . . I felt then that for a day I saw a little of that marvelous pull that Jesus had as he walked along the road day after day 'God-intoxicated' and radiant with the endless communion of his soul with God.’”
Ezell concludes, “Remember these words were not penned by a monk in a monastery but by a busy, dedicated instructor. The desire of his heart was not recognition, however, but unbroken communion with the Father.”
It is all about the relationship. Come THIS Wednesday to “Destiny Discipleship” as our pastor teaches us about our walk with Christ. It is even better than a trolling motor!
GIVING A RIP VAN WINKLE
Pastor John Avant has called us to a “Wide Awakening.” He is calling the church to wake up from its spiritual slumber. This calls to mind the story of "Rip Van Winkle," published by Washington Irving in 1819. This lazy man wanders up to the mountains and falls asleep for 20 years. When he comes back everything has changed. When his wife, friends and country needed him most he slept under a shade tree – comfortable but useless.
Our church must awaken to God and to the needs around us. Business as usual – or “busy-ness as usual” – will not get the job done. Doing things the way we have been doing them is not going to make things better.
I was amazed to hear our president say in his State of the Union Address that our economy was in trouble because we were so far in debt when he came into office, so he authorized our nation going another trillion dollars into debt. How dumb is that! Continuing to do the things that got you in trouble in the first place is NOT a recipe for success for our nation, our church or our individual lives.
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, then what is the smart thing to do? What recipe do we need to wake up?
1. Wake up to the crisis before us. We are in trouble. Our nation is standing at the brink. Economically we are sinking. Morally we are staggering. Spiritually we are stagnant. While I cheer for the Saints and am a football fan, what does it say when that is considered the thing that will unite and enthuse us?!?!
What is the crisis? Consider what we face as a denomination: Many of our churches – perhaps 70% — are plateaued or declining. While some churches have seen modest increases in baptisms, attendance and giving, most have seen a decline, including ours. Pastor John is right to call us to a Wide Awakening.
2. Wake up to the cure before us. Historically God’s people have turned to God in crises; the only real hope we have is God. Spiritual awakenings have occurred when God’s people have sought Him in prayer.
Dr. Johnny Hunt, the President of our Convention, has issued a “Call to Prayer” for today: Sunday, January 31. He is appealing to every Southern Baptist Christ-follower and church to pray for the future of our convention of churches on this day. I am glad that our church is participating. Be sure to carve out time today to seek God in prayer!!
3. Wake up to the commission before us. God is calling us all to serve Him. For awakening to happen widely it will take all of us finding our place and doing God’s will. A healthy church is not one where someone does everything but instead where everyone does something. I think we are on the cusp of a great awakening, but we must be ready. What are YOU supposed to be doing in God’s work here and out from here? I do not know what our area will look like in 20 years but let’s be useful together here for Christ.
SURVIVING THE DISASTERS
Reports out of Haiti and from Tajikistan indicate that the natural disasters that have hit those countries have killed hundreds of people and brought great devastation on the homes and infrastructure. Thankfully relief workers, including Southern Baptists, are bringing hope and help to each place. May God bring them help and hope in Christ.
Closer to home are unseen disasters that can be as devastating. When relationships rupture, families fracture and friendships falter, we can feel as devastated as if we have been hit by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. We need help to survive.
Madeleine Bunting of the guardian.co.uk (1/10/10) describes another disaster hitting our culture. Building on John Cacioppo’s book, Loneliness, which asserts that 20% of American people are dangerously lonely, she claims that a central problem is that the capacity to listen and interact with others is crippled by the relentless technological expansion. She tabs the report by educational psychologist, Jean Gross, that one in six children has difficulty learning to speak and listen and points to the report that children are spending an average of six hours a day in front of screens – computer or television. People are losing the ability to relate healthily to others; with no real people to interact, they are slowly dying relationally in the devastation of loneliness.
One solution is to connect with a healthy community of people. The church is a great place to connect. Each Sunday hundreds of people meet together here for worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. Weekly LIFE Group classes meet to study God’s Word. Many classes also meet monthly for fellowships. Then when someone has a crisis that small group of connected people rally around and care for that person as well as any relief worker ever could. Let us know how we can help YOU find one.
A key to a healthy community is maintaining good relationships. God knew that and has given us a COMMAND in Philippians 2:14-15 that should be memorized and practiced by every LIFE Group member. Through Paul, God tells His people to “DO EVERY-THING WITHOUT COMPLAINING OR ARGUING.” It is easy to nit-pick, belly-ache, and moan and groan. Instead of pointing out or being the problem God calls us to work together to be the solution. May God help us to be that!!
I like the English language. It is fun and flexible. Where else can you have a lively discussion over the meaning of “bow?” I like that saying that ‘a lot of food at Baptist churches just goes to waste’ … or is it ‘waist?!?! People pronounce words differently; I like asking people how they pronounce the capital city of Kentucky: “Louie-ville” or “Lewis-ville?” I pronounce it “Frankfort.”
Some words are cheerful: joy, eager, and grandchildren. Some are inspiring: hope, freedom, and forgiven. Some make me smile in my heart: family, Anita and SaintsareSuperBowlchampions. Some words are just fun to say: fresh, pugnacious and bravo. Whatever words we use, let’s make sure that we are “speaking the truth in love.” That is a language we all need to speak. It can help us survive many a disaster.
HONORING AN UNEXPECTED ALL STAR
Andre Dawson has been elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. The eight-time All-Star outfielder, who played from 1976-96, Dawson hit 438 homers with 1,591 RBIs in a career Nicknamed "The Hawk,'' he joined Barry Bonds and Willie Mays as the only players with 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases. Because he never won a World Series, some see him as an obscure Hall of Famer… an unexpected All-Star.
D. L Moody said that the measure of the greatness of a man is not in the number of people serving him but the number of people he serves. I do not know if Southern Baptists would ever have a Hall of Fame, but Dr. Charles T. Carter, the long-time pastor of my home church in Birmingham, Shades Mountain Baptist, would be in it. Some may see him as an unexpected all star because he was never elected to a major office like president of the SBC, yet he served thousands of Southern Baptists as he served his local church and denomination. He still serves today in his retirement as he does interim work and teaches at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University.
I learned to love the Scripture from Dr. Carter. He taught the Bible and emphasized how important it is to understand it correctly and to teach it accurately. He spent countless hours in his study so that he had a word from God for us and it was grounded in the Word of God. Many of his preacher boys have learned well from him.
I learned to love the church from Dr. Carter. He led our church to be one of the largest churches in Alabama and one of the greatest churches in the SBC. He was convinced that the God’s vehicle for wining the world for Christ was the local church.
I learned to love people from Dr. Carter. He is a rather quiet man but his love for others is genuine and deeply felt. He led our church to reach out in unprecedented ways to reach the lost and, yes, to transform the community. In the SBC fight of the 1980s, he was an unashamed biblical conservative but sought to be a peace maker. He showed the love, grace and mercy of God to many people who misbehaved while never compromising biblical truth or morality.
I learned to love missions from Dr. Carter. He led our church and denomination in missions education and action. Long before anyone was doing a GIC, our church did one annually. Our church led the state of Alabama in missions giving and sent and supported many Southern Baptist missionaries. His service as a trustee on the Foreign Mission Board gave him great insight into missions; we learned from him.
I learned to love God from Dr. Carter. I saved the most important until the last. While he loved his family, his church, his hunting and his friends, he loved God most of all. That unswerving priority is one reason why God has blessed and used him so much.
You can help me to honor this unexpected all star by coming to the Golden Years Special. You will hear great biblical preaching and have a hearty lunch on Saturday, January 16, starting at 9:00 AM. Bring a friend. See you there!
Courage to Care
December 21, 2009
Rick Ezell tells the story of courage. “A woman and her husband interrupted their vacation to go to a dentist. ‘I want a tooth pulled, and I don't want Novocain because I'm in a big hurry,’ the woman said. ‘Just extract the tooth as quickly as possible, and we'll be on our way.’
The dentist was quite impressed. ‘You're certainly a courageous woman,’ he said. ‘Which tooth is it?’ The woman turned to her husband and said, ‘Show him your tooth, dear.’
Courage is something we admire in others, don't we? We write about it, acknowledge it, and applaud it. But courage is a virtue, not by choice but of necessity, found in people who defeat the sin of indifference.”
One of the most courageous things anyone can do is to care for others. Why? Because “people are messy.” I remember when I first heard someone say that, I was shocked. That person went on to say that people are often like a baby with a dirty diaper. It is not fun to be involved because it is smelly, yucky and distasteful. Yet it is VITALLY important to be involved, because people need what only you can provide!
A GREAT way to help others is through our Homebound Ministry. This reaches out to those people, related to our church, who cannot come to church. After great years of service Kathryn Lee has asked for us to assign new directors; I am thrilled that Pat Dosher and Carolyn Hendricks have agreed to co-lead. They have asked for our help.
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Place. If you know of someone who should be on the Homebound List please let our office know (388-0906). We do not want to miss anyone.
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Participate. If you would like to help let us know as well. You may want to be a Homebound Care Giver who prays regularly, contacts monthly and delivers goodies (poinsettias, birthday treats, etc.) seasonally. Maybe you want to be a Prayer Warrior who will pray for any homebound person who is in crisis.
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Plan. We set January 17 as a deadline for people to sign up for this ministry. We will hold an orientation meeting on January 25 at 6:00 PM. We will then assign people to the homebound and assist them as they care.
I want to thank Vernon Guy and our deacons for being willing to help with some of our homebound. Our Deacons are caring for the widows of deacons – some of which are homebound. They have reached out in love to them during the holidays. Great job, guys!!
Speaking of caring we have designed the Golden Years Event, January 16, 2010, to show how much we care for our Senior Adults. One of the Southern Baptists’ finest Bible teachers, Dr. Charles T. Carter, will lead the morning Bible study. We will then eat lunch together. Be sure to come and to bring someone with you. Use this opportunity to reach out and care for someone else. Be courageous enough to care – even though people are messy –they are WORTH it! It is MUCH painless than pulling a tooth!!
The BEST is Yet to Come
November 8, 2009
Have you ever been surfing? I am told that one of the “grooviest” feelings is to be in the tube of the wake as it crests over you. The bigger the wave, the better the ride - but only if you are ready for it. If not, you can get bruised and battered.
An age wave the church needs to be ready to ride is about to crest. Dr. Amy Hanson, our guest next weekend for the Boomer Summit and the Senior Adult Lunch, has much to teach us. In her paper, “Churches Responding to the Age Wave,” she introduced us to the dynamic: “Americans over 65 now outnumber teenagers by nearly two to one. What used to be referred to as the ‘graying of America’ is now understood to be a social revolution. In the past century, the number of people in the U.S. under the age of 65 has tripled; however, the number of people over 65 has increased by more than a factor of 12. Nearly every industry in society, from health care to entertainment, is scrambling to respond to this age wave that is crashing on our shores. Interestingly, very few churches in North America have targeted ministries for older adults.”
Churches need to adapt their approach to minister effectively to mature adults. She continues, “Adapting is certainly a life task that people of all ages have to confront. Getting married, coping with a job change, or adjusting to a new baby are a few of the ways that adults have to adapt as they travel through life. However, research has shown that as age increases the need to adapt to change becomes more prevalent. Older adults are confronted with major physical problems, forced retirement, death of a spouse and often a move to a retirement home. Sometimes all of these changes occur at the same time... Win and Charles Arn in their book, Catch the Age Wave, make the important point that nearly half of the (stressful) events … typically occur in the lives of persons over age 50. Events such as: death of spouse, death of close family member, retirement, change in health of family member, death of close friend, change in living conditions, change in recreation and change in sleeping habits. They say, ‘The older people become the more frequently they experience life-changing events. These events provide windows of opportunity for the church in that people seem to move from resistance or indifference to the gospel to receptivity to its message of hope and salvation when a caring person offers help.’”
Our church has a unique opportunity to serve Senior Adults and those who will soon be them. She concludes: “An overarching attitude that prevails through all of the mentioned innovations is that older adults are serving others—not looking for people to serve them. This debunks the myth that older adults are purely interested in a life of leisure just wanting to golf, play bridge or sit in a rocking chair. There is a generation of people today who are approaching their later years of life much like Caleb did in Joshua 14… Here is a man that did not let age keep him from fulfilling God’s purpose for his life nor did he expect others to serve him. Instead he embraced his second half and depended on God to help him finish well.”
By God’s grace our church can catch the wave and serve others well. Make your life count. Join us as we serve others in Jesus’ name.
A Million Dollar Mission Church
November 1, 2009
This title was the focus of our pastor’s church-wide email this week. Today is the annual commitment service for our church’s missions’ ministry. We have the chance to be again a church that gives $1,000,000 to the missions’ effort. I hope that you will prayerfully consider giving generously to this effort. Our family is!
As you know, our church vision is to “give ourselves away for the transformation of our community, the city of Las Vegas, the country of Wales, and the unreached Bongay people of Central Asia.” Each one of us can participate through praying, giving and going.
What does “Community Transformation” looks like? It means God changing people’s lives for the better through personal regeneration, neighborhood restoration and progress in the process of poverty elimination. It is a supernatural work of God using His people.
All of this becomes personal and real when you see it happen before your eyes. When God brings people to Christ using you – whether you pray, give or go - it thrills your soul. Last Sunday pastor John told about how God led Joshua Harvey, his friend, Cameron, and Joshua’s brother, Cory, to Christ in Wales. I was thrilled to be able to share with them and see them connect with our Lord Jesus Christ. Today you will hear about the new church being birthed in Central Asia because people in our church have prayed, gave and gone.
Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God tells us that God is always at work, doing His work in the world. He invites us to participate with Him in His work. Do you hear His call today? He invites us to join Him as He transforms our community, Las Vegas, Wales and the Bongay. How will you respond to Him today?
Boomer Summit - We are also planning a major outreach effort for the Baby Boomers in our community on Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 AM-12:00 Noon. This event is for those born 1946-1964. Dr. Amy Hanson is the keynote speaker (She will also speak at our Senior Adult Luncheon on Sunday, November 15 at 11:00 AM.). Breakout sessions will include the following:
* Second Half Significance through Service with Dr. John Avant (Feazel Chapel)
* Grief Relief /Dealing with Death and Loss with Jon Hanson (C-2001)
* Care-giving: Protecting Assets and Access with Gil Martin (A-102)
* Hospice Helps - Knowledge is Power with Amie Robinson (A-130)
* Estate Planning with Frank Stepp, Bill Norris (Tennison Hall)
* Leaving a Legacy with Dr. Woods Watson (C-2003)
* Navigating the Journey of Aging Parents with Dr. Dale Welch (Weber Center)
I do not know what you will give this year for missions. I DO know the cost of reaching one soul for Christ: Jesus paid it all. How about you?
Community Transformation...In Action
October 18, 2009
Communities can be transformed in many ways. In Lora Peppers’ informative article, “Cottonport, Trenton was the start of W.M.,” she reveals that many things transformed the town of Trent, including a superior boat dock, a sale to New Orleans promoters in 1851, a fire in 1873 and a flood in 1874. When she mentioned the “3 feet of water” that filled the “60-foot wide main thoroughfare,” I thought about the recent torrents of rain and said, “Uh oh.” But then I realized what a blessing the levees have been to protect our community from this type of massive flooding.
THIS Sunday (Today!) we have the opportunity to “flood” our Riverbend community with loving actions that will bless the neighborhood much more than any levee system. We plan to go out (from 3:00-5:00 PM) to pray for people. I anticipate that God will do great things through this church-wide effort. Please join us for it. I know it will mean cutting short your afternoon nap, but it will open your eyes to God’s work in transforming our community as our church meets needs. It will be easy and fun.
Speaking of easy and fun experiences, our Singles get to hear Kris Swiatocho for the “Singles POWER-full Weekend” on October 23-25. When Kris enters a room, you know she is there! Her infectious love for people, zany humor and “creative” outfits put people at ease and alert them that an unusual but enriching experience is about to happen. Kris is the director of TheSinglesNetwork.org Ministries and FromHisHands.com. An accomplished author, humorous speaker and knowledgeable trainer, Kris has a heart to inspire Single Adults to reach their full God-given potential and to make a maximum impact with their lives.
Many events are planned to enable her to share insights into life and leadership for Single Adults. The schedule looks like this:
* Friday, October 23 at 7:00 PM at the AXIS Building: “Baby Steps” – This is her famous presentation on growing as a person that makes a maximum impact for Christ
* Saturday, October 24, from 9:00-Noon at the AXIS Building: Leadership Breakfast – This will be a training time for our Leadership; other Singles groups will join us for this training time. The $10 fee covers meal and materials. (Tickets available TODAY in the Grand Hallway!)
* Sunday, October 25 at 9:30 AM and 12:15 PM in Tennison Hall: She will speak on “Finding Your Purpose and Passion” [For the lunch Singles will bring side dishes]
The idea of community transformation is catching on nation-wide. Churches across America have begun to take their faith out into their neighborhoods.
The whole concept of Community Transformation may seem overwhelming but it is really simple. Remember Noah. It took him 120 years to build the ark but he did it one tree at a time. Focus on one person who needs to know Christ. Pray and love that person. Transformation is ultimately God’s work and He will use you in the process.
Lora concluded, “Nothing remains of Trenton. All that marks the spot of a once mighty town is a historical marker and two of the original streets.” A new community, West Monroe, stands in its place. We have not yet seen how this community will be transformed. God is calling us to join Him in the process. The BEST is yet to come.
Which World Records Do You Want—Guinness' or God's?
October 11, 2009
According to a msn.com story, “On May 4, 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, then the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, went on a shooting party in North Slob in County Wexford, Ireland. He became involved in an argument over which was the fastest game bird in Europe, then later realized it was impossible to confirm in reference books. He then thought that a book supplying answers to such questions could be popular. The first 197-page edition of the ‘Guinness Book of Records’ was bound on Aug. 27, 1955, and went on to the top of the British best-seller list by Christmas. Over 400 million copies have sold since the first edition.”
The news story showed 52 pictures of world record holders. These included:
* The most people dressed as Smurfs was 1,253 and was achieved by the Muckno Mania Festival in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, Ireland, on July 18, 2008.
* The world’s largest display of LEGO® Star Wars™ clone troopers was composed of 35,310 individual models and was built by LEGO® in Slough, U.K., on June 27, 2008.
* The largest gathering of Santa Clauses was achieved by 13,000 participants in the Guildhall Square in Derry City, Northern Ireland, U.K., on Dec. 9, 2007.
* The fastest speed on an unaltered lawnmower is 98 km/h (61 mph) by Tommy Passemante of the U.S. at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on Nov. 18, 2008, for the MTV show "Nitro Circus."
* The fastest 100-meter hurdles wearing swim fins by a female is 22.35 seconds. It was achieved by Maren Zönker of Germany in Cologne, Germany, on Sept. 13, 2008.
At last Wednesday’s Destiny Service Mark Fenn told about the recent mission trip to Central Asia, where the first woman of the Bongay people was led to Christ by Donna Avant and Joy Regan; she was the fourth convert in the last three years. Before the joint missions venture by our church, xma (Extreme Missionary Adventures) and the Epic Partners, none of the Bongay had ever heard the Gospel. Now four have come to Christ!
I received a note in the mail today telling how a LIFE Group class had surrounded a grieving single in the midst of losing her father. She wrote, “You will never know how much your telephone calls and prayers meant… God has truly blessed with a loving and supportive church family.”
* A wife stands vigil at the bedside of her infirmed, non-responsive husband… for years, living out faithfully her marriage vows.
* A handful of teachers and singers go to our local nursing homes faithfully each week to minister in word and song to the elderly housed there.
* A LIFE Group class cooks each month for the homeless in our community.
* Singles pack food boxes for the hungry each month
* Committed laymen rotate their caring for and helping get established in good jobs and good behavior those ex-offenders who have gotten out of prison but have no place to go.
* Talented teachers overcome students’ misbehavior and rudeness to educate.
* Faithful witnesses live out their faith in a cruel, hostile, rebellious world.
Your record in God’s book lasts. Do significant - not silly - things that last TODAY.
Intensive Care
September 13, 2009
Do you know someone who is sick? Annually people fight various colds and flu; that is not unusual. THIS year seems to be an exceptional year for viruses. Some have called this reporting coincidental since our President is pushing health care reform, yet there seems to be a real concern about one virus: The Swine Flu.
The Swine flu has been defined as “a respiratory infection caused by “influenza A” viruses – a combination of swine, avian and human influenza viruses. It also goes by the initials, H1N1, which must stand for “Help Nicely cause I am sick!”
Based on its wide spread, the World Health Organization has declared the 2009 outbreak of the new H1N1 flu a global pandemic. The best approach you can take is to avoid infection. Symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, fatigue, and stomach issues. These develop three to five days after you're exposed to the virus and continue for about eight days, starting one day before you get sick and continuing until you've recovered. In most cases the person will need no treatment but symptom relief.
How can one prevent getting it? Suggestions include washing hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoiding contact with contagious people.
This presents us with a quandary. As Christians we are called to love - and even sacrifice - for others. One of the greatest acts of healing Jesus did was to touch people that others refused to touch. That goes against our natural tendency to guard ourselves and not reach out to others. God calls us to love and care for others. That means to stay in contact them relationally and even to touch them. He wants us to show “intensive care.” Some may argue that this gives “Contagious Christianity” a whole new meaning.
Too often our behavior is less than exemplary. Consider these quips:
- Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited … Until you try to sit in their pews.
- Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.
- It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
- Many members singing 'Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on the premises.
As a Staff we are re-examining the care network system here at church in order to improve it. How can our LIFE Groups, Deacons, Women’s and Men’s Ministries do better “Intensive Care” of our members? Pray for us as we work on this.
It is great to serve The Great Physician. He is our source of healing and health. We know that He will either heal our sicknesses or give us grace to deal with them as He uses them for His glory.
Hope you stay healthy. Take these two quotes and call me in the morning!
We don't change the message about Jesus Christ; the message changes us.
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
Getting Out 4 LIfe
September 6, 2009
It is amazing to me what it takes to get people’s attention. Leonard realized he might have some weight issues when he took his family to the beach for a vacation. While laying on the sand near the water, three different groups of people thought he was beached and tried to throw him back in the ocean. (Reader's Digest, September 2006)
In recent months an urgent issue has gotten my attention. The statistics are overwhelming. In the United States 2.2 million people are in the prison system; one out of every 32 adult Americans are either behind bars or on parole. Taxpayers spend approximately $60 billion a year on corrections. Annually 650,000 people are released from prison. Within three years over 50% are re-incarcerated – often being arrested on their third crime.
Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate in the nation. More of the state’s citizens per capita are incarcerated than any other state in the country. Among the 35,000 men and women who are incarcerated in Louisiana, nearly 10,000 are released back into Louisiana communities from city and parish jails each year. Of those 10,000, more than 70% are released into only six parishes; Ouachita is one of those parishes. These ex-offenders are coming back to communities unprepared and unaware that they are coming.
Louisiana releases about 15,000 inmates annually to be accountable to Probation and Parole. Upon release the average inmate receives $10.00 and a bus ticket from the state. The inmate also must pay various fees and past bills. Typically he will owe between $100 to $200 dollars per month for a parole officer and past legal expenses. Past due child support and restitution may also need to be paid before living expenses.
The average inmate has a 4th grade education, has been incarcerated for 6 years and no family support. No longer does he have a valid driver’s license much less a car. His darkest cloud is the realization that he has no job and no prospects! What do most inmates do? Most of them go back to prison to receive “three hots and a cot” at a cost of another $24,000 a year.
The recidivism rate (going back to jail) in Louisiana is 51%. In Northeast Louisiana it has been 85%; 8 out of 10 are going to do something that sends them back to prison. Because 80% of crimes are committed by ex-offenders if we can help remove the reason for the crimes then we are promoting both public safety and public welfare.
Pray for the Northeast Louisiana “Out 4 Life Coalition” as it addresses this challenge. On September 10 our church is hosting a Strategic Planning Conference to develop a comprehensive strategic plan to help. I hope I have your attention. Pray that we will have God’s. We NEED His help!!
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