A NEW YEAR

I had watched as my sisters and brother went off to school every day, and I could hardly wait for my turn. On my first day of school, my sisters and I started out to meet the school bus. But suddenly I was afraid. I told my sisters I had decided to stay home. They argued and pled, but I was not going.

Finally, they had to go on or miss the bus, so they sent me back home to Mother, who was totally surprised to see me. Then Daddy came in from the ranch and—after the spanking—drove me to school.

A new era can be exciting and it can be frightening. That’s true today, as we start an uncharted, untried year. What will 2008 bring? We don’t know, but with God, all is well.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

A YEAR ENDS

When I was growing up my family lived far out in the country where my father was a ranch foreman. He always had to get up early, as is typical of farmers and ranchers, so it had never been the practice of our family to stay up late, even to see in a new year.

But when I was thirteen our family moved into town. I was thrilled when a friend invited me to a New Year’s Eve party, but I didn’t think my dad would approve. But my friend lived only a few houses away, and my parents knew his parents. Mother and Daddy talked it over and gave their approval.

I was excited. This was my first experience with seeing an old year out and a new one in. It was a great feeling when the moment finally came when one year ended and another began. I felt I had seen history in the making.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

CHRISTMAS GIVING

When I was a child I remember asking for favorite toys at Christmas, and I could hardly wait to have them. Days passed slowly as Christmas approached. Every day was filled with the joy of anticipation.

But as an adult with children and grandchildren of my own, I have a different perspective. I still love to be given a nice gift. But since becoming a parent, my primary focus has been on my children. What can I give them that will make them happy?

This illustrates the principle of giving Jesus taught when He said it is better to give than to receive. We have the opportunity to do just that through giving to others at Christmas or any time.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35 (KJV)

A CHRISTMAS GIFT

When I was twelve, my greatest desire was to own a bicycle. But times were hard and I felt it was impossible for my parents to provide such a gift for me. But still I hoped.

The days leading up to Christmas were for me, days of desire mingled with days of despair. I thought it couldn’t happen. But on Christmas morning, when I came into the living room, there beside the Christmas tree stood the most beautiful bicycle I had ever seen. I know my parents sacrificed to provide this gift, given in love.

God gives us gifts every day. But He sacrificed to bring His greatest gift of all, His Son Jesus. Jesus was God’s Christmas gift to all who will believe.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11 (KJV)

FEAR OF THE DARK

As a teenager, I worked for a short time as a dishwasher in a small café. It was summer and I was staying with my sister and her family. My shift ended at ten P.M. Usually my sister would drive me home.

Sometimes she was unable to come for me and I would walk home. The darkness did not bother me. But as I neared her home, I would begin to be afraid. The closer I got, the more apprehension I felt, until I would be literally running to the door.

This fear I felt as a teenager reminds me of how we sometimes feel as we face the struggles of life. There are times when our fears overwhelm us. That’s when we must run to safety—the safety of God’s protection.

It’s good to realize He is with us, always.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

A MAN’S LIFE

Tony had just graduated with a University degree and had completed his first week at an architectural firm. For the first time in his life he was financially secure. Now, at last, he knew he should feel successful and fulfilled. But something was lacking.

He rummaged around in his desk until he found the long-unused Bible his parents had given him. He turned through the book, scanning the familiar verses. He smiled as he read Psalm 100. Certain phrases stood out: “Serve the Lord with gladness . . . come before his presence . . . we are His people . . . enter into his gates with thanksgiving . . . be thankful unto him . . . for the Lord is good.”

Could that be the answer? Tony knew it had been too long since he had allowed the presence of God in his life. A new resolve came to him: he would find a church where, once again, he could “enter into His gates” to worship.

“Thank You, God,” he whispered.

THE BREAD WINNER

Stanley looked at his watch, remembering his promise to take his teen-age son, Joey, to the rally at church. He looked at the stack of reports on his desk. With a sigh, he picked up the telephone to call Joey at home.

Late that night, when the reports were finished he thought again about the missed rally. His conscience pricked him. A Christian athlete was scheduled to speak, and would have been a great influence on the boy. But business came first.

Suddenly the telephone rang. “Sir,” a deep voice said, “this is Sergeant Brown at the police station.”

“What can I do for you, Sergeant.”

“It’s your boy,” the sergeant said. “We have him here at the station. Can you come right down?”

The Bible clearly teaches the responsibility of a man to his family. This responsibility includes the area of a relationship with God. And time is short.
Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 (KJV)

WHERE WERE YOU ON 9-11-01?

Where were you when you heard the news? Everyone I have talked to has a story. Some were at work, some at home. Others were at school or even on vacation. Wherever you were, you remember the day and time you heard the news of that day’s events. Why?

It is because shocking, tragic events engrave their memory on our minds so deeply we can never forget them. It was the same when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It was the same when Pearl Harbor was bombed. Everyone who was old enough to know remembers.

People who stood at the foot of the cross when Jesus Christ was crucified felt the same way. They must have! It was—for them—a defining moment in history. And it still is, today. Millions are fascinated by the life and death of Jesus Christ. It is because God’s Son gave his life willingly for us. The Bible says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8 (KJV)

Bow before Him. Let Him be your Savior!

PATRIOTISM IS ALIVE AND WELL

Patriotism is alive and well in my hometown. The middle school in my town—grades 6 through 8—has a great program of recognizing veterans. Each year the students interview military veterans who live in our area, and honor them with two special programs.

First, on veteran’s day in November, they sponsor a community-wide celebration on the courthouse lawn. Bands, choirs, and special speakers come together to recognize those who have served our country in the military service.

Also, each spring the students sponsor a special night of recognition in the school auditorium. Veterans and their families are honored guests for dinner and a program. On both occasions, pledges to the flag, speeches and patriotic music abound. These are excellent opportunities for the students and older citizens to interact.

Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s.” But remember, he also said, “And unto God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:2 (KJV)

We must do both.

SEPARATING THE GRAIN FROM THE CHAFF

It was a windy day in west Texas—just the kind of day my parents needed. I was only a small boy, but I remember the smell of grain, and the harsh thrust of hot wind on my face.

I was fascinated to see how my parents separated the grain from the husks. Placing grain and husks in a large canvas sheet, together they tossed the entire contents lightly into the air. As they did so, the unwanted chaff caught in the brisk wind and blew away. The grain, being heavier, fell back again into the sheet to be utilized as something of value.

This boyhood experience brings to mind the analogy in Psalm 1:4: “The ungodly…are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.”

A person without God is subject to destruction by the winds of adversity. But stability of purpose is found only in a true relationship with God.

BUILDING ON SHIFTING SAND

Near Alamogordo, New Mexico is an area of more that two hundred square miles known as White Sands. At White Sands there are huge dunes, many as high as thirty feet. Actually, it is not sand at all, but gypsum.

In the center of this area, visitors find picnic tables and restroom facilities. There are, however, no permanent buildings, because everything must be moveable. Picnic shelters and restrooms are built on concrete slabs with steel handles, so they may be moved lest the shifting dunes cover them.

White Sands is fabulously beautiful, but not a place to live. When we build houses we want a foundation of rock—not shifting sands.

Jesus said, a person who refuses to heed His words, is like a man who built his house upon sand. “…And the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell.” Matthew 7:26 (KJV)

Are you building upon rock or sand?

FLYING TO SAFETY

I just finished re-reading the book, The Flight of the Phoenix by Sherwood Smith and Dave Trowbridge. This is the story of an airplane that crash-landed in a desert hundreds of miles from civilization. The men on the plane waited days for rescuers to come for them, but no one came.

Finally, one of the men, an aircraft designer, had the idea of building an air-worthy craft using parts of the crashed plane. His idea was to actually fly this rigged-up airplane to safety.

The idea of flying out of the vast desert to safety can be compared to the way God stands ready to lift us up above our enemies, whether these enemies be persons or circumstances. Do we let God lift us above them? Remember, He is always ready to lift us up and carry us to safety.

He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Psalm 18:48

FLYING TO SAFETY

I just finished re-reading the book, The Flight of the Phoenix by Sherwood Smith and Dave Trowbridge. This is the story of an airplane that crash-landed in a desert hundreds of miles from civilization. The men on the plane waited days for rescuers to come for them, but no one came.

Finally, one of the men, an aircraft designer, had the idea of building an air-worthy craft using parts of the crashed plane. His idea was to actually fly this rigged-up airplane to safety.

The idea of flying out of the vast desert to safety can be compared to the way God stands ready to lift us up above our enemies, whether these enemies be persons or circumstances. Do we let God lift us above them?

Remember, He is always ready to lift us up and carry us to safety. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Psalm 18:48

PEANUT BUTTER AND CRACKERS

Years ago, I had just started my work as Minister of Music and Education at First Baptist Church, Alamogordo, NM. Almost every Sunday night some of our church members would get together after church for a “spontaneous” fellowship. Someone would bake a cake or some cookies and after the final amen, would call out, “Everyone come over to our house.” Often it was Graham and Jane Earl Hall who welcomed us.

We had not yet hosted the party, since we were still getting settled. But one Sunday night, Graham yelled out, “Hey everyone, we’re going to John and Marion’s house. That was fine, except Marion had not prepared any snacks. “That’s okay,” Graham responded. “Do you have any peanut butter and crackers? We did.

After that, any time there was no prepared snack, we’d jokingly say, “we can have peanut butter and crackers.” It became evident the purpose of getting together was not the food, but the fellowship.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. I John 1:7 (KJV)

STRESSED AND DEPRESSED

Are you stressed? Are you depressed?

It’s so easy to let the world take our minds away from God’s perfect plan for us. Sometimes we just need reassurance of God’s presence in our lives. There’s no better place to find this reassurance this than the Bible itself. So today, let’s just go straight to The Bible and see what God has to say to us:

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (KJV)

God truly cares for us! Our part is to trust Him and let his peace permeate our lives.

NOW IS THE TIME

Sometimes when supper was finished, our family would remain at the table enjoying being together. Finally Mother would begin clearing the table, a reminder to Daddy that there still were farm chores to be done.

If Daddy didn’t respond quickly, Mother would remind him of the coming darkness. Often he would reply with a statement that came to be a family saying. With a twinkle in his eyes, he would lean back in the cane-bottom chair and joke, “Well, I’ll go. But first I want to enjoy dreadin’ it for a while.”

Isn’t this typical in some of the most important areas of our lives? Don’t we sometimes procrastinate as we “enjoy dreading it for a while?” Many even hesitate in the most important decision of life: finding a meaningful relationship with God. But the Bible reminds us: Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)

WHAT KIND OF PICKLES?

Marion and I were given the “grand tour” of our neighbor’s garden. She proudly showed us her cucumbers, saying “These are our pickles, but I can’t remember which kind.” Then she saw her husband coming out to join us. “Joe,” she called, “are these sweet or sour pickles?”

It is easy to speak with false authority on subjects about which we know little. For example, we sometimes encounter persons who have developed their own ideas about God and what it means to know Him.

Some have said it doesn’t matter what one believes, so long as he is sincere in his beliefs. But Jesus declared only one way of salvation when he said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.” John 14:6 (KJV)

When it comes to a relationship with God, our man-made ideas just won’t do. We must turn to the supreme authority: the word of God.

LONELINESS

In Corrie Ten Boom’s book, “Clippings From My Notebook,” she writes of her loneliness in prison. She and her family were placed in concentration camps in World War Two Holland because of their work helping Jews. She tells of being in a dark cell alone for four months.

One day a beam of sunlight entered her cell. She stood so the beam fell on her face. As the beam moved, she moved, to enjoy it as long as possible. She says that moment she realized her loneliness as never before.

But, she says, God spoke to her through a remembered scripture: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

Loneliness sometimes may be almost unbearable. But join Corrie Ten Boom and countless others in the assurance of God’s never ending presence.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

A NEWBORN BABY

When our son was eight, he became excited because he was going to become an uncle. Then one day when he came home from school he was met with the casual greeting, “Hi, Uncle David.” Talk about excited!

Later when we all had our first look at the new arrival, no one thought to tell David it is normal for a new baby to look red and wrinkled, and tiny babies cry often. After David had watched the baby for a while and had listened to his howls, he turned to us with a mischievous grin and asked, “You mean I’m an uncle to that?”

Everyone loves a baby, but no one would want a baby to fail to grow and mature. The Bible compares new Christians to newborn babies, but it also says that the new Christians are to grow and develop through Bible study.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. I Peter 2:2 (KJV)

SNOW

West Texas weather is changeable. So when we were blanketed with six inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day it was not too much of a surprise. But it was unusual. Thanksgiving in west Texas is often balmy. I remember many Thanksgivings when families had no problem with travel. And when together, the children played outside without jackets.

But Thanksgiving Day this year was the kind of day people sometimes wish for at Christmas. The landscape was cleansed by a brilliant white.

The Bible speaks of the darkness of sin. But this is changed when Jesus provides cleansing. Pray with the Psalmist, “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7 (KJV)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)

WHAT’S IN A NAME

People in New Mexico tell funny stories of people in other states who don’t realize New Mexico is one of our fifty states. One Santa Fe resident was denied the use of his credit card in another state because the establishment didn’t accept cards of foreigners.

A traveler boarding a plane to return home to Albuquerque was told he must show his passport. Most likely the confusion arises because of name association with the country of Mexico.

We are called Christians. Are people ever confused by our name? Disciples in Antioch were the first to be called Christians because of the lives they lived. (Acts. 11:26) What do people call us? We must live the name through our love and our actions.

A Good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)

A PIT SO DEEP

A few nights ago Marion and I watched the movie, “The Hiding Place.” This is the true story of Corrie Ten Boom, who lived in Holland with her family during the Second World War. As Jews were being deported to concentration camps, Corrie and her family hid a large number of them in their home.

The Ten Booms were found out and suffered much for their actions, even being deported themselves. Corrie and her sister, Betsie, ended up in the same women’s camp and, even through great hardships, became encouragers for others.

As the movie ends, the real Corrie Ten Boom quotes her sister’s words, “There is no pit so deep that the love of Jesus Christ is not deeper still.” This is the movie’s message: God does not forsake us in any situation. In fact, he has plans for us to share His love with others whatever the circumstance.

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Psalm 130:1. I waited patiently for the LORD, and He . . . heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 (KJV)

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SINGING GOD'S PRAISES

Just over a week ago I stood with about thirty-five other men to sing a concert of praise to the Lord. The Singing Men of West Texas is a choir composed of ministers of music in churches from throughout a large area of west Texas.

People who attended the concert told me later they enjoyed the music; but there’s no way they could have enjoyed it more than we, the singers, did. You see there’s something exhilarating about being a participant in a concerted effort to praise the Lord.

We all have that same privilege from week to week as we come together for worship. When you worship, join in and sing praises to God. Be a participant in worship. For this you will be blessed.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95:1-2 (KJV)

To learn more about The Singing Men of West Texas, click here.

WATER

A barren desert lies between two splendid mountain ranges in southern New Mexico. This desolate area is the home of magnificent sunsets, colorful cacti and exotic wild life. Although it is beautiful in its own way, the one dominating factor in this environment is the absence of water.

But in the midst of this desert lies the little city of Tularosa with its green lawns, colorful shrubs and tall trees. The difference: a small river brings water from springs in the nearby mountains. This life-giving water is allowed to spill over to irrigate lush gardens and lawns, creating a veritable desert oasis.

Many of us often find ourselves facing the arid realties of life. Sometimes our spirits just seem to dry up much like a cactus plant in a New Mexico desert.

Remember, God offers his gift of thirst quenching spiritual water. Jesus said to the woman at the well, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14 (KJV)

A TIME TO SHARE LOVE

I remember as a child, gathering at the table on Thanksgiving day, feasting on the food Mother had cooked and hearing Daddy lead a prayer thanking God for His blessings. But try as I might, I don’t remember what food we had at those meals. What I do remember is being together with my parents and my brother and sisters. We were a family—and we loved each other.

Today, Marion and I look forward to the times we can be with our children and grandchildren for Thanksgiving or Christmas. The food is always good; but best of all is the love we share as a family. It’s good being together.

For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. I John 3:11 (KJV)

CRYING STONES

Sometimes we just have to praise the Lord! That is how Jesus’ disciples felt the day He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. As He approached the city, his followers began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice. They shouted, “blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Luke 10:38 (KJV)

Of course there were those who wanted everyone to be silent. They said, “Master, rebuke thy disciples.” Jesus’ answer is classic: “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 10:40 (KJV)

We always have something to be thankful for. As the song says, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” Don’t wait for the stones to cry out. Praise Him yourself.

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LIVING WITHOUT THANKFULNESS

The idea of being thankful makes me think of Bob, who was never thankful. Bob (not his real name) was a member of a choir I directed, and I always dreaded choir practice because of him. Introducing a new song to the choir was a challenge. As soon as we had sung through any song the first time Bob would yell, “I don’t like it!”

Bob’s whole life was negative. He was unhappy and miserable. People avoided him, so he had few friends. How much better if he could have shown gratitude and thankfulness to those around him. His life and the lives of his family and friends would have been much happier.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-8 (KJV)

THANKFULNESS

This week all thoughts are on thanksgiving—not so much the giving of thanks as the holiday called Thanksgiving. Schools are out for the week to the delight of students and teachers, and many families are taking advantage of days off for a fall vacation.

Families are making plans to get together for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. A newer tradition will place millions in front of television sets to root for a favorite football team.

In all our observations of traditions, let’s not forget the oldest Thanksgiving tradition of all. Let’s not forget to thank God for his many blessings.

O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. I Chronicles 16:34. (KJV)