I have a Facebook Friend named R. Stewart Braswell. But Stewart is more than just a Facebook friend. Stewart is a friend. I was Stewart’s high school guidance counselor. Of course that was a million years and a lifetime ago.

Stewart is a man now. A husband and a father. More importantly, Stewart is a Christian that is trying to change the world by winning one person at a time to Jesus. Stewart is a really neat guy; I wish you each could get to know him. Stewart lives in the United Arab Emirates. That means that he is a Christian (one who is excited to share his Jesus with others) that lives in a Muslim country. He has to be very careful who he speaks to about Jesus. He has to go to a house church on the Sabbath – Saturday there – to worship his Lord and Savior. All that means he cannot be a lackadaisical Christian. When he says he is a Christian, it means something in a heathen world.

I admire Stewart. I pray for Stewart. And most especially, I thank God for Stewart. I see myself as falling far short of the witness that he is. And I pray that God will give me the boldness that He gives Stewart. Now, don’t go thinking that Stewart is this guy with supernatural strength. He’s no superman in his own right. He only has supernatural strength because he follows the directives of God, and it is He that gives Stewart strength. Put that way, we can all have supernatural strength!

Stewart listens to God. He listens to God. I mean he really listens. We tend to listen to God when He says something we agree with. Or when we need a personal answer from God. But Stewart really listens to God – all the time; then he does as he is told. And he does that in a place where that is not a popular or accepted thing to do. Makes me feel ashamed. Here we live in a country established on God’s word; yet we read it only when it is convenient to do so. He listens to God when he could be persecuted for doing so. He listens to God when it is not the common thing to do. We find it difficult to listen to God when we are sitting in our padded pews at church – God help us! We find it difficult to talk to and listen to God when we live in relative freedom.

So why am I thinking about Stewart tonight; because he had made an impression on me in the way he is living his life. Stewart cares about people. In addition to what he is doing in UAE (where he is a college instructor yet always finds time for ministry too) he also cares about children in Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua. Stewart raises money (and contributes a great deal of his own money) for these children. They live in economic devastation, most of whom are in families that cannot afford the couple of dollars a month to attend public school. In conjunction with a Christian day school, Steward is providing funds for these children to attend school, have school uniforms, books, supplies, etc.

I only know of two programs that serve people by the contributions of others where 100% of all the money goes to the project for which it is given. Yes, 100%! One is Nazarene Alabaster and the other is this project of Stewart’s. Not a penny goes to him. Not a dime of that money spent for advertising, literature; nothing! It all goes to the schooling of these children in Nicaragua. For Stewart, it is a labor of love and devotion to his Heavenly Father.
Please visit Stewart’s Stewart’s web-site. There is a lot of information at this site and I challenge you to read it all the way through. You will see that Stewart’s family is dedicated to the physical, educational, and most importantly the spiritual welfare of these children. If you are interested, he answers frequently asked questions on this website: Frequently Asked Questions . He is also in the process of building a “compound” of sorts across the street from the school where children can safely come on Saturdays to be involved in organized activity, a hot meal, Bible study, and learn more about Jesus. If you would consider sponsoring a child, I would be more than happy to share what I know with you, or you can email Stewart directly. But this is not all about child sponsorship. Stewart would greatly appreciate your prayers. Keep in mind that he is in ministry in a part of the world where his stand is a hazard to him and his family. Pray for God’s protection!

There is a lesson for us all, here. Listen to God, be obedient to what He tells you, and you will make a life-changing difference in the lives of others.

God is too good. Every time I begin to wonder-lust and think about how much I would like to return to teaching, God does something to tell me to stay put; He has me right where He wants me. I must share about such a time that happened in my office last week.

A year or so ago she was in and out of our offices. Me, the retention specialist, it seemed like she would talk to anyone who would listen. Her life was in shambles. Really … that is not an exaggeration; if anything, an understatement. To all of us, she seemed to be a lost soul floundering in waves far too deep for her. What happened in the year that she was gone is a miracle of God and truly amazing!

I would never share all that was going on in her very young life; suffice it to say, her life had taken several bad turns. To someone who doesn’t know God – she was a failure and was unfixable. Then she left college, which appeared to be the only stability of her life.

Fast forward about a year and there she was again sitting in my office. I must tell you; it was the BEST hour or so I have had in a long, long time. She came to see me and sat in my office for over an hour telling me how God had turned her life around. She shared how her life continued to get worse — and then she met the Savior.

She shared with me the most beautiful illustration of how God took care of her during the past year. I cannot repeat it exactly as she shared, but I will try. She held out a cupped hand and said, “God never overlooked me. In all that I was doing wrong in my life, I was right there in the palm of His hand. He could have turned His hand and dumped me, but that is not God. As my situation worsened, He continued to hold me. When He knew I had run away as far as I could, He took His other hand and held it over my life (as she cupped both hands together). It wasn’t until I sat in total darkness with nowhere to go that I realized all He was protecting me from. I realized I had nowhere to go but to His light.”

I had to think of all the ‘dark’ times some of our folks are going through and smiled at the image in my mind; God is holding us in that darkness, protecting us from far worse. When times seem dark, we are quick to say that God has deserted us; how wrong we are!

She continued, “He loved me and held me and pulled me to His side so that I could see in the darkness that I had to stop running and start relying. I’m still in the palm of His hand, but now His other hand has been removed and I can see His face.”

I don’t think I have ever seen such a radiant smile. She had God shining all over her. I expect to see great things continue in her life.

We all need to remember that we are in the palm of His hand, too. If it gets dark, He is protecting us from what could be so much worse. Then when the storms clear He will remove His protective hand and the light will shine from His face.

God, please help me remember, when it seems that life is at its darkest, You have not left me. You have just cupped Your hand over me to protect me from what could be worse than I am experiencing. I don’t know about you, but I think that is just about the best thing I have heard in a long, long time.

This past summer when I took my 12 year old grandson to “The Holyland Experience” in Orlando, FL. In the middle of the day they performed a passion play. In the center of the park was a life size replica of the tomb and the area around it. They had transplanted trees from the Holy Land and had a narrator who earlier in the day explained the setting. Anyway, when 2:00 arrived literally hundreds of people gathered along the hill side, along the walkways. We were fortunate to find a place on the side of a small hill to sit and watch.

The actors were absolutely marvelous! And when they brought Jesus down the walk to the hill carrying His cross, I believe we forgot all about it being a re-enactment. Most were not ashamed for others to see tears filled eyes. The crucifixion made all of us flinch with each blow of the hammer.

But, then, the resurrection. It was by far the best production I had ever seen. But that wasn’t really what spoke to my heart. When it was over, everyone scattered to other attractions. About 10 feet from where we sat was the path that took Jesus to the cross.

As we were walking to the path, Alex ran a little ahead of me. And then stopped dead in his tracks. He frantically called for me “Grandmother, Grandmother!” I could see he was not hurt so didn’t understand until I got to him. He was staring down at the ground. There were drops of blood right where the actor portraying Jesus walked. Alex just dropped to his knees; then looked up at me. “Grandmother, he really bled. He bled for you and for me.” As I took his hand and we walked away, he just kept looking back over his shoulder; at the blood. What a moment to share with my grandson. “Yes, Alex He did really bleed and He did really die just for you and just for me.”

Sharing this wonderful memory seems a very fitting thing to do on this beautiful Easter day. He is Risen; just as He said!

 

Coming in to work this morning I was listening to the AFR station on the radio. The DJ was talking about the “old home place” where his wife’s grandparents lived. From the time he started dating his wife, she spoke of the wonderful summers that she spent at her grandparent’s farm and how precious memories of those times were locked in her mind.Â

He said that each time they would drive through any small rural town, she would say, “This is just like it was at my grandparent’s.” She’d talk about how neighbors helped neighbors; about how they shared produce, and the work of gathering and preparing produce to last through the winter months.

Not long ago, on a family vacation, he decided that they would go to the small town where his wife’s grandparents had lived, and would find that old country farm that generated all those wonderful stories she’d had shared with him over the years. It took some doing; the small town was no longer so small. And the childhood memories of his wife held little more than landmarks as directions.

When they found that old home place, she was shocked. The house was almost obscured from view by overgrowth. The beautiful pastureland was filled with tall trees. She was extremely disappointed until she saw a large tree in the backyard where the close-line once stood.

Oh, that tree. It was there just as she remembered. She pointed out to her husband and daughter the big tree and, “See the fork in the tree, it was in that fork where my grandmother would put me while she hung out the laundry. My grandmother would sit me up in the fork of that tree and I would eat a bowl of cereal and watch her hang out clothes. We did that every day.”

They slowly drove away and headed for their evening destination. Soon he noticed that his seven year old daughter was sitting (too) quietly in the back seat. He asked her what she was thinking. “Daddy,” she said in a melancholy way,”I just wish I could have gotten out and touched that tree.” Thinking that odd, he asked her why? “Well, sometimes I just like to touch history”

As I listened and thought about the story, I too began to have a melancholy type feeling sweep over me. As I thought, my mind went to the woman in Luke 8. For me to also “touch the hem of His garment” would be touching history. Jesus is seeking to produce in you and me the kind of faith. I thought of Peter stepping out of his boat, eyes intent on Jesus, and as he gazed at the turbulent seas he began to sink, but that hand of the Master reached out to him. I’d like to be able to touch that history. Jesus is seeking to produce in you and me the kind of faith.  I thought of the story in Luke 5, “Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, ‘Friend, I forgive your sins.’” I would love to hold the corner of that mat in my hands and touch a piece of the history of one of my favorite Bible truths. Jesus is seeking to produce in you and me the kind of faith.Â

 

 

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Jesus wants to develop in us a kind of faith that doesn’t require our able to physically touch history in order to make history. No one in those stories doubted that Jesus could and would change their lives. We can have that kind of faith. But it requires that we touch the most important tree in history. We must reach out and touch the cross. That is the only history that really matters. For on that tree, Jesus looked down at all humanity, those there on the hill, but more importantly, those of us who would come generation after generation. He stayed on that tree until His Father finished washing us with His blood. Touch that tree and we touch more than history, we touch eternity.

Today a co-worker sent me one of those “warm fuzzy” stories that we often see on the internet. I’m sharing it with you because of the truth housed in the simple story.Â

 

I remember being 10 years old and teaching my very first Sunday School lesson. I was a Girl Scout and our troop was doing a long weekend camping trip. Appalled that we would not be home on Sunday for Sunday School and Church, my mother helped me prepare a “lesson” to share with those who might want to have “Sunday School.” To my surprise, the whole troop attended. It was a lesson on how God keeps us under His protective wing. I’d not thought about that, my very first Sunday School teaching experience, until I read this today. The lesson is just as true today as it was almost 50 years ago.Â
A little something to put things in perspective…

After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno’s damage.

 

One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother had remained steadfast …because she had been willing to die, so those under the cover of her wings would live.‘He will cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you will find refuge.’ (Psalm 91:4)

Being loved this much should make a difference in your life. Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it.

 

It’s the last of December 2008, a time to look back and reflect.

God’s been so good this past year to me; His goodness next year I’ll expect.

 

It hasn’t been easy, this year of O eight, illness and death crossed our way.

Each a reminder to each of us now, to live in His way day by day.

 

We lost some saints, Brother Pat and Mrs. Jane, Mr. Eldridge and Mrs. Jane Doss.

We miss them so often and wish they were here, but know Heaven’s gain is our loss.

 

We’ve also shared victories, one after another; miracles only God could have done;

Mrs. Sadie, Mrs. Pat, Nihlia, and more, the list could go on and go on.

 

We prayed for employment; Chester, Ricky, and John, knowing that God had a plan.

They steadied their paths, trusted in God and their needs were met by God’s hand.

 

We’ve heard sermons and lessons, the best, yes, bar none, each one coming straight from the Lord.

If we listen and follow and keep trusting in God, we’ll be fit for a Heavenly  reward.

 

So what made the difference in church and at home, God’s love focused on each of us?

Brothers and sisters each week on their knees, searching, praying, and learning to trust.

 

Folks who touch Heaven, there can be no doubt, for God knows their voices and proclaims,

Ask and believe, be sincere in your trust, and my promises you then can claim.

 

God called us together to pray for our Pastor, but the reward has been greater, we’ve seen,

The great hand of God moving in a great way, we know nothing with God is routine.

 

Looking ahead now in two thousand nine the walk though unknown will be great,

Delve deep in His word, depend on His grace, stay on the path – narrow and straight.

 

And finally this ends, my family and friends with a thank you to each one and all,

Let’s stand steadfast together, uplifting each other as we diligently answer God’s call.

 

Wishing you each a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Heresy!!  How could I even suggest that?!

It’s that time of the year when I begin to hear the assorted ways of wishing someone a “Merry Christmas.”  People have become afraid to say “Merry Christmas” and settle for Happy Holidays; there is nothing wrong with that, except we have been conditioned that saying Merry Christmas is politically incorrect.  So, now we hear the frequent addendum, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”   

Well, folks, Jesus is not the reason for the Christmas season!  He is the reason for every season.

In January, we start a new year.  The whole year ahead of us is a blank canvas on which we will paint the story of the year.  Jesus is the reason for that season.  With Him we begin anew.  The canvas is whiter than snow and we begin to allow Him to paint the picture of our lives.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In February, we celebrate love.  Valentines, flowers, and candy acknowledge the love we have for each other.  Jesus is the reason for that season.  He loves us with an unconditional love.   He loved us so unselfishly that He was willing to suffer and give His life to save ours.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In March, the snow begins to melt.  Through the hard, cold ground we see beautiful flowers break the surface of the ground to bring us joy and beauty.  Jesus is the reason for that season.   Through Him, a stone hard heart can be melted and transformed to blossom and grow.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In April, we experience those spring showers that water the wildflowers and clean up the residue of winter.  Jesus is the reason for that season.   His love overwhelms us and the tears wash away all the ugly and the dirty in our hearts so that we may be an example to those around us of His amazing love.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In May, those April showers now produce May flowers.  And the world is more beautiful as a result.  Jesus is the reason for that season.  Through a process of God’s unconditional love for us, transforming and renewing our lives, we grow and produce “good fruit” that glorify Him.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In June, we see the hand of love again as lovers marry and begin a life together.  Jesus is the reason for that season.  As He prepares us to be His bride, we grow more in love with Him and that love spills over to all those around us.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In July, we celebrate our great country’s independence.  Jesus is the reason for that season.   For there is no greater freedom than that we are freed from the grips of sin and hell.  Jesus provides glorious freedom, wonderful freedom!  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In August and September, children return to school.  Adults often begin post secondary educations.  Jesus is the reason for that season.   Through personal Bible study and the fellowship of the church and the lessons taught in Sunday School classes – worldwide, we grow in wisdom and in knowledge.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In October, the leaves change.  That which is no longer needed fall away to the ground.   Jesus is the reason for that season.   As we grow in grace, He prunes away the parts of our lives that we no longer need – in order to remove that which hinders us, and to make us grow stronger.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

In November, we celebrate a time of giving thanks.  We recognize that bountiful harvest and share with each other with thanks to our Heavenly Father.  Jesus is the reason for that season.   Every day is a thanksgiving day for the Christian.  It is He who provides all that we need and much more that we want. Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

And in December, we rejoice at the birth of the Christ child.  God — made flesh.  We exchange presents to celebrate His birth.   Jesus is the reason for that season.    For without His birth and His death, we would not have access to the greatest gift ever given — Salvation.  Yes, Jesus is the reason for that season. 

So you see, Jesus is NOT the reason for THE season.  JESUS IS THE REASON FOR ALL SEASONS – no matter what the season.  Thank you Jesus!

May you have a Merry, Blessed Christmas!

Because Jesus is the Reason 

To some, she was Mrs. Jane, to others, Grandma Jane, to all,  —  friend.  Mrs. Jane died Tuesday morning. 

Sunday she was at church just 2 days ago.  A tiny, frail body in a wheelchair with a huge infectious smile.  It was difficult for us.   None of us wanted to admit that she was not going to be with us much longer.  God had granted her more time then the physicians did.   I want to believe that God wanted her to be an object lesson for His love and His grace for just a little while longer.

She asked that the choir sing, “The God of the Mountain.”  We really struggled.  Seeing her, singing that song, knowing that He in deed was the God of her mountains as well as her valleys, somehow made us face the reality that she was soon going to go through that valley.  As we choked back tears, her face glowed.  With arms stretched to Heaven she wanted us to know that He had been her God of the cancer too.

Pastor Mike obeyed the Holy Spirit and scrapped his morning sermon; instead gave us an opportunity to share with Mrs. Jane what she meant to us.  To one she was a “welcome” to an unfamiliar church, to another she was a dependable friend.  She was “Mrs. Hospitality” to the entire congregation.  To every widow, she was a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend who understood loss and loneliness.    She was a neighbor with a bowl of chicken soup, or sweet potatoes, or candied graham crackers.  She was a joker and loved to tell funny stories.  She was at times a bit of a prankster.  She was patriotic (how fitting that her last Sunday at church we would be celebrating Veterans Day).  But above all, she was God’s daughter.

God blessed us just one more time in allowing her to come to church Sunday.  All too often it is at the funeral when friends and family share the good things.  It seems at viewing time and after internment, one hears laughter as someone shares “a time when ….”  You feel the loss of someone wonderful.  I’ve often wondered why we don’t tell loved ones those things while they are living.  I guess it helps to take some of the sting away … memories …. by then, it’s is all we have to cling to, our loved one is gone.  But Sunday we had the opportunity to let Mrs. Jane know how we felt and most importantly, how very, very much we love her.  She made a difference in our lives.  Wasn’t God gracious to us!!

Mrs. Jane showed us how someone lives with cancer – not how one dies with cancer.   She showed us God healing power and never for a minute would voice regret or the feeling that God had forsaken her.  For her, a Heavenly home was healing enough.  It seemed that once she got sicker, when she was able to come to church, right after the special in song, she’d pop-up (yeah, she kind of had a way for leaving her seat that was different than just standing) and say, “Pastor Mike, I just have to give a word of testimony.”  We take so much for granted.  She wanted everyone to know it was God who gave her the strength to come to worship. 

She will be greatly missed.  Others will pick up where she left off.  They may do some things as she did; or not.  Those little feet left big shoes to fill.  No one will replace Mrs. Jane; but many will carry on what she did so lovingly.  

The next time Pastor Mike asks for prayer requests in a worship service, we will feel the void.  So Lord, please help us to remember to pray for “unsaved loved one” because Mrs. Jane won’t be here to remind us to.

Today Heaven has radded a wonderful jewel to the ranks.  God bless you, Mrs. Jane, for the legacy you have left behind.

 

Hold them in highest regard in love because of their work.  I Thessalonians 5:13
 

October is Pastor’s Appreciation month.  Each year we reflect and recognize what a gift from God the Pastor and parsonage family are to the church.   I have been a member of several different church congregations in my life-time.  I do not recall all that was done for Pastor’s appreciation, but I do remember that each time I felt so fortunate that the Pastor honored was mine. Church boards most often are in charge of this special recognition and what takes  place.  But we need to remember that the Pastor is not just the board’s Pastor.  He ministers to each and every congregation member.   While I have always thought it nice that something more or less monumental is done by the board in the name of the congregation, I was also left asking, “What have I done to let the Pastor and his family know how much I love and appreciate them.”  If you attend Moultrie First, or attend another church, take time  and think of all the times your Pastor has “been there” for you.  Find a way to let him know how thankful you are. Here are a few suggestions:

• On September 28th (or any day, for that matter) give him a box with 31 notes of appreciation and tell him to read them each day in October.
• Have your kids draw a picture of their favorite Bible story for the Pastor.
• Give a gift certificate for a local restaurant.
• Make “Scripture Cookies” wrap cookies individually in colorful plastic wrap with a verse on a piece of paper enclosed
• Bring hot cocoa/coffee and a box of donuts to the pastor’s office.
• Give a gift certificate to a local bookstore or the Nazarene Publishing House.
• Send an encouraging email.
• Share with your Pastor how you are growing spiritually through his ministry.
• Give a gift certificate for a vehicle lube/oil change.
• Bring Pizza for lunch with “Thank You” spelled out in pepperoni.
• Write “Thank You” in sidewalk chalk on the pavement of his parking spot at church.
• Pray daily for your pastor.

 I am certain that you can think of many, many more ideas.  Have fun with it.  But most importantly, find a way to let him know that you recognize all that he does (though none of us fully recognize all that any pastor does for his congregation), you appreciate it, and he has made a difference in your life.  Our Pastor has invested countless hours in prayer and study in order to be prepared to meet the challenges of life and ministry.  Pastor Farmer has been a blessing at the major moments of spiritual development within the fabric of the Christian life.  He has performed marriages, baby dedications, and baptisms.  He has prayed for the sick, celebrated new birth, comforted those in crisis, and has brought messages of hope in times of death. 

This is a time to honor Pastor Farmer and to say, “Thank you!”

 

If you ain’t from around here, as my friend would say, you may have no idea the amount of rain we have experienced as a result of Tropical Storm Fay. I knew that we had about 18 inches at our house; Tallahassee 24 inches. That is a lot of rain in 3 days!

The rains started with great intensity on Friday. Our area schools closed down at 1:30, and I sort of felt like the college where I work would follow suit (so did everyone else). NOT. Since we had to stay all day, I noticed a dramatic “work slow-down after lunch. It was almost like “I may have to be here, but that doesn’t mean I have to work.

A similar thing happened Monday, the K-12 schools again were closed; the report was that more than 100 roads in Tallahassee had been closed; Highway 84, a main road access to the beautiful city of Thomasville was closed between Cairo and Thomasville (5 people tried to drive through anyway, lost their cars, and almost their lives – they had to be air lifted out); many county roads in Thomas County were closed.  But like the US Postman, we were expected to weather the conditions and it was “business as usual.”

Needless to say, there was a cold and gloomy atmosphere that hung over the college that day too.

I was reminded of a song that we often sing at church:

Holy Spirit, reign down, reign down
Oh, comforter and friend
Come we need your touch again.

Holy Spirit reign down, reign down
Let your power fall, let your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts, as we stand on your word
Holy Spirit, reign down.
Holy Spirit reign down, reign down
Oh comforter and (my) friend
How we need your touch again.

Holy Spirit reign down, reign down
Let your power fall, let your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts, as we stand on your word
Holy Spirit, reign down.

When the Holy Spirit reigns (rains) down on us, how do we respond?  Do we get cozy in our little corner and enjoy the shower of blessings? Desire to just cuddle up and avoid “work” of the Kingdom if at all possible? Do we look to see all that is around us and question the idea of facing challenges (or challenging people)? Do we dare step outside our comfort zone? When the Holy Spirit reigns, we are empowered to ask, “What does the Lord want from me? What is He powering me up to do?”

I pray that I am not apathetic in my response and in my actions. After all the reason the Holy Spirit reigns down on us is to empower us for His calling and to give us strength, purpose, and vision to share (not to hoard) the wonderful grace of God. We need to walk out of that kind of Holy presence thoroughly soaked and energized to share Him with others.

So, let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!