New Year and a New You

Charles Lamb said “New Year’s Day is every man’s birthday.”

We are just hours from a New year. If we believe Lamb, then we all will be having a birthday.

The reason we like to celebrate a New Year is that desire to begin again. Well, I have some GREAT NEWS. No, its not about the economy, politics or sports. But even more important. YOU CAN BEGIN AGAIN.

That's the good news of Jesus. How?

No one can begin again without realizing your need of a new beginning. Nothing every changes until one realizes the need for change.

Only the Holy Spirit using the Word of God can show you who you really are. A desperate, depraved, and destitute person without God. Our sin has separated us from a holy and just God. We are not good...at least not according to God's standards.

In our realization of our situation, we become broken to the place that we no longer blame anyone or anything for our condition and circumstances. We see that we are the problem. And we see the magnitude of our problem so repulsive to God that we even understand and stop arguing the justice of hell and justice. We even see that if God did not save us and sent us straight to hell, that we'd understand.

But in that moment of brokenness, the Holy Spirit will show us that it was for that person that Jesus died. Jesus took our punishment - our hell - on the cross. He died in our place. What love. He did it not because we deserved it (we have already determined that) - but that He loved the Father who wanted to have relationship with us and could not because of our sin. So Jesus died for our sin so we could live and not die.

If you will simply put your faith (trust) in Jesus alone; then you can be saved. You can not trust anything else or anyone else - but everyone is just like you (yes, Billy Graham, the Pope, Mother Teresa, you name them). And you can't trust your own works because they are coming from such a horrible person.

Trust only Jesus. If you are broken, I don't have to tell you what to do. It will flow. You will express your sorrow to this precious Saviour and hate who you are and what you have done that you never want to be that person or do that again. (This is called repentance).

The good news is that Jesus has already forgiven you, and He will respond to your sorrow and repentance with washing you as white as snow - lifting your burden - and making you new.

It will be Jesus and Jesus alone that saves you. Trusting only Him.

Then tell someone. Call someone - write them an email - go to a local church and tell them what you have done. More importantly - what Jesus has done in you!!

I pray that won't experience a new year, but a new you!

Our Thought Life and a New Year

As we approach a new year, it is edifying to remember that "we are new creatures in Christ." A new year is not necessary for us as believers because all that a new year does is give us a fresh 365 days. There is no power or strength provided midnight December 31 to make us better persons.

But with Christ, "His mercies begin afresh each day." (Lamentations 3:23 (NLT). But the most important fact is that in Christ, "we are new creatures." We have been radically changed. Just as the human seed determines our DNA, so the spiritual seed of the Word of God in us activated and fertilized by the Holy Spirit becomes our new DNA.

I am not who I was and will never again be who I once was. I am a new person - I am "not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!!" II Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

The real person is who I am in Christ.

But the number one issue as believers we deal with is our thought life. The vile and disgusting things that can still inhabit our minds are repulsive. Then we say, "How can we be a new person with thoughts like this?"

Paul teaches us that these evil impulses arise not from our new hearts, but from the power of sin that lives in our flesh. Paul writes "so it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me." Romans 7:17 We are not to be defined by the weakness of the flesh but the strength of the spirit.

The issue for the mind is a re-training. It wants to do what is right, but it needs to learn discernment and discipline.

One of the favorite stories of 2008 that I learned was this:

Zig Zigler told the story of a guy who didn't touch a golf club for seven years, and lowered his score by nearly twenty strokes. What was his secret? He had been a prisoner of war who kept himself sane by playing an imaginary round of golf in his mind every day. Each day he played eighteen holes, imaging different weather conditions and different course designs. In meticulous detail he pictured himself hitting each shot flawlessly. After doing this for seven years, he finally got a chance to play a round of golf and lowered his score from the mid-nineties to the mid-seventies without ever practicing. (Toward a Deeper Walk by Marcus Warner, page 24).

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 8:5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.

Philippians 4:8 think about such things

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds

So as we begin a new year, may we renew our minds so we can continually experience more and more of the new life that is already in us. Sounds better than a new year resolution.

Merry Christmas 2009

God grant you the light of Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is love;
the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
the belief of Christmas, which is truth;
the all of Christmas, which is Christ.

Wilda English

Congratulations to Don Graham on 50 years in ministry

Last night (December 14) I had the opportunity to go to Deerfoot Baptist Church, Trussville, AL to celebrate with my dear friend, Bro. Don Graham. Bro. Don was celebrating 50 years in the ministry and what a great night it was.

Bro. Don and Mrs. Jean have meant so much to so many through the years. For 35 years he served five churches (including Bellevue Baptist, Gadsden and FBC Center Point), two years as a foreign missionary and now for over 12 years as an interrant minister.

I don't remember the first time I met Bro. Don but I do remember the first time he took an interest in me. He was pastoring at FBC Center Point (Birmingham area) and I had the privilege to spend some time talking to him about preaching. I was elated. From that, God begin knitting our hearts.

He later would teach at my invitation in the North Alabama Center of New Orleans Seminary tackling Psalms. He did an outline of every Psalm and I still have those in my files today. Several of the students who met him during that class in Boaz also developed a long term relationship with Bro. Don and were present last night to honor him.

I have had Bro. Don on several occasions to preach where God has permitted me to serve as pastor. In the latter years of his ministry, God has found a voice in Bro. Don to preach the message of revival. God is using His servant in a great way in that ministry.

I had the privilege of going with Bro. Don in 2004 to Wales to be a member of a team celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Welsh Revival. What an honor.

Another thing about Bro. Don is his love for basketball. On more than one occasion, Bro. Don and I have shared a basketball game whether its been the Final Four of high school or a college game. We've even sit in the hot sun together at the SEC Baseball Tournament.

I am "his liberal" friend. Even last night he acknowledged me as his "liberal" friend. haha The only reason he says that is on my cell phone is some contemporary Christian music so he jokingly calls me liberal. Oh, yes..there is one more reason. I went to the SEC-Big East Basketball games last December in Birmingham and it happened to be on a Wednesday night. Now the church had given me those tickets for Pastor Appreciation so they knew the game was on Wednesday night. But he now has added that I go to basketball games on Wednesday nights instead of church. But by the way, he was also at that game that night. I got him the tickets and he took them. I am just following the good example of a mentor. haha

I love and honor Bro. Don and say "Congratulations." He will never read this because he does not have email or Internet access (and neither does he have a cell phone). But never-the-less, I take this space to honor him.

Two Cofield Weddings in 2009

You know you are getting old when you can now announce that your children are getting married. Well, let me announce OUR SONS ARE GETTING MARRIED!

Roxanne and I are so excited for our sons that they both believe they have found "the one" for them and have announced their intentions to wed.

Keith announced earlier this year. His fiancee is Kim Angleton. Keith met Kim at Jacksonville State while in school. Her parents currently live near Tampa, FL. but did live in Jacksonville for several years where Kim went to high school and college. She graduated last December with her degree and is currently teaching.

Keith and Kim have chosen June 6 for their wedding date for Rainbow City (Gadsden).

Then Kevin over Thanksgiving we begin to know that Kevin was about to do the same and he made it official this weekend. His fiancee is Tammy Larivier of Hokes Bluff. They met at a restaurant in Gadsden where she was serving and they have quickly fallen in love.  She is a 2006 graduate of Hokes Bluff High School and plans to attend  Jacksonville State University to become a sonagraphist.  She is an active member at Ford's Valley Baptist Church.

They have not chosen a definite date but they tell us that it will be in 2009.

As Kevin asked, "Can you guys take two weddings next year?" And my only response is that I'm glad I'm not the "Father of the Bride." haha

We will finally have two daughters in the family and we are thrilled.

We are so blessed and are delighted to share this good news with our friends and family.

II Chronicles 7: 14

In the month of October, God laid on my heart to preach concerning where America finds itself in these days.  I shared how I believe that one of the evidences that America is already under the hand of God's judgement is the two primary choices we had for President.

In the midst of that message, God also reminded me of II Chronicles 7:14.  He began speaking very strongly about what we need to do as believers.  We can not change America, and we can't even change our churches.  But we can change ourselves, with God's power.

God begin working in our fellowship around II Chronicles 7:14 to the point that I preached there for several weeks and testimonies have been given (and still are) of what God is doing through that passage in individual lives.

This past Sunday I shared these concluding thoughts:

I. Humble themselves

1.  God cannot humble us;  He only provides situations where we can handle ourselves.  Calamity is meant to drive us to God in humility and repentance.  However, for most people, calamity does not produce repentance - it produces rage.  The response to calamity separates the righteousness from the wicked.

2.  The opposite of humility is pride.  Pride is self-dependency; humility is God-dependent.

3.  In humility, we become honest and transparent.

4.  Pride covers up; humility confesses.

5.  Humility admits you need others; prides goes it alone.  The humble regularly fellowship with other believers because they recognize they can't make it alone.

6.  Humility is also expressed in servant hood.  (Mark 10:43)

7.  Be humble or stumble.

Proverbs 13:10 "By pride comes nothing but strife."

James 4:6 "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

James 4:10 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

II.  Seek my Face

1.  This means, "to desire something."  What is that you desire?  A revival is needed because Christians have desired something more "than seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness."

2.  Seek is a passionate word.  It carries the same type of passions as Jesus when He said, "He came to seek and save those which were lost."  Have we lost our passion for God?"

3.  His face is to seek His presence.  Not seeking His hand (gifts or provisions) but His face (presence, approval).

Psalm 42:1 "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for you, O God."

Philippians 3:10 "That I might know Him...."

Psalm 27:4 "One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek:  That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His Temple."

III. Turn from their wicked ways

1. To turn is to repent.  A child of God must be a regular repenter.  In the Eastern European countries, they call a believer a "repenter."

2.  A person must turn from "his" wicked ways.  It is easy to see other people's sins, but a person seeking revival sees only his sin.  Matthew 7:3-5

3.  This also speaks of taking personal responsibility for your actions.  Vance Hanver said, "If you demands your rights, you will have a riot on your hands;  if you take responsibility, you will have a revival."

4.  We see our ways as "wicked."  The word for "wicked" is horrible, detestable.  The worse sinner I know is __________.  How do you answer that question honestly?

I John 1:8-10

I Timothy 1: 15 "...came to save sinners, of whom I am chief."

Removing the Mask

Steve May did an excellent article this week "Removing the Mask."  I had to share it with you.

Our heroes usually wear masks so their true identity can't be known. Like Spiderman and Batman and the Green Lantern and Zorro...and, of course, the original masked man:  the Lone Ranger.

We benefit from their kindness -- they frequently save the world from bad guys -- but we don't know who they really are.  They may be our heroes, but our knowledge of them is limited.

There's a sense in which the same could have been said about God.  In the Old Testament we learned about him, we saw how his people benefited from his kindness, but we couldn't really know him personally, intimately.  It was like he was behind a mask.

On Christmas Day, the mask was removed.  He revealed himself to us through his Son so that we may know him as he really is.  This is why, when Philip asked Jesus to reveal the Father, Jesus said, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?  Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."  (John 14:9)

God's plan is not to be our hero.  He wants to be more than the one we call on in times of trouble.  He wants to be our constant companion, our Father, our friend.  He wants us to know him personally.  This is made possible through his Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to us two thousand years ago.  This is why we celebrate his birth.

Some quotes

"Life isn't waiting for the storms to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain."  (Unknown)

"When I really enjoy God, I feel my desires of him the more insatiable and my thirstings about holiness the more unquenchable...Oh, for holiness!  Oh, for more of God in my soul!  Oh, this pleasing pain!  It makes my soul press after God...Oh, that I might not loiter on my heavenly journey!"  (David Brainerd, eighteenth-century pioneer missionary to Native Americans)

"Hope is the present enjoyment of a future blessing.  Faith, on the other hand, is simply understanding God's goodness.  Hope brings the future into the present;  faith takes the present into the future."  (T.W. Hunt)

"...a neglected prayer closet is the beginning of all spiritual decline."  (Charles Spurgeon)

Thanksgiving 2008

Roxanne and I are at Bear Creek Cabins near Ft. Payne, AL this week due to the kindness and generosity of our dear church family.  For Pastor Appreciation, the church gave us some days here and we decided to take them at Thanksgiving.  So for the first time ever we will be away from "home" on Thanksgiving.

But our boys are coming (in between basketball games and airplane flights) to be with us.  Also, Kevin's girlfriend will be with us but Keith's fiancee is having to work all week and can't come.

This is a beautiful place on top of Lookout Mountain.  We are isolated but with the extras of city (thank God for Verizon air card and Dish Network!!).

I will be gone this Sunday, as well, which is very unusual.  I normally always take the Sunday after Christmas off but this year we were hoping to be moving into our new building that week so I wanted to be home.  So I decided to take Thanksgiving week off.  It feels odd, but good.

Speaking of our building -  parking lot issues are pushing us back from a January opening.  The building itself will most likely be ready by January 1 but at last report, the paving people can't promise us a paved lot by then.  So, we'll wait patiently til February or March.  

Thanksgiving - actually my favorite holiday of the year.  Why?  Its fall - I love the weather and colors.  The meal - it don't get any better than turkey and dressing.  Family - get to spend time with boys and now future daughter-in-laws.  Overall - more laid back and certainly less commercial.  

More writings about President-elect Obama

I began this list on Thursday, Nov. 6.  I am going to continue to add links here of things that I find in the next few days.  Check this section out often for new additions.

Dr. Richard Land has an insightful "open letter to President-elect Obama." Read it here.

Tom Goodman, A Southern Baptist pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Austin, TX also wrote some very good thoughts about the election. Read them here.

Beth Moore shared these comments. Read them here.

Life Action Revival Ministries Director, Byron Paulus, wrote from the view point of revival.  Read here.

My Commitment to the Next President

To the next President of the United States:

1.  I will honor you in the highest office of our country.

2.  I will pray for you and your family to be protected.  

3.  I will pray for wisdom in selection of your cabinet and the transitional team for your upcoming administration.

4.  I will pray for wisdom to deal with our enemies so that we may live in peace.

5.  I will respect the right in a free society to disagree with you in policies and program, but I will do so in a respectful manner with my choice of words and attitude.

6.  I will accept you as one who has been placed in this position by God; thus you will be accountable to God for your leadership and actions.

7.  I will pray for you to live in dependence on God and a life of personal integrity in all your dealings.

8.  I will not seek to judge your motives for why you do what you do.  Only God can do that and He will judge all your seen actions in connection with your unseen motives.

9.  I will pray for you as you are serving in a time of divine judgement on America and with a nation greatly divided.

From New Orleans

I am in New Orleans at the seminary and what a delight to be back on campus where my family and I enjoyed a wonderful time of our life.  The only sad thing is to realize it was 21 years ago when we last lived here - ouch.

I am here with three of our church members who are looking at the seminary and praying through decisions about education.  This is a true delight and a fulfilling of my role as pastor to see these young people seek God's will concerning training for ministry.

We arrived yesterday and after a quick car tour through the seminary, we went downtown.  We walked through the French quarters, had bignets and tried to eat at my favorite restaurant but thanks to Starbucks Convention in town, they had bought out the restaurant for both Monday and Tuesday nights - so Hard Rock Cafe was our second choice.

These guys officially tour the seminary today including meeting with the Dean of Leavell College and sitting in one of his classes (which I plan to do as well).  We will attend chapel later this morning and I definitely will slip into the library for some time - I just may not leave (haha).

New Orleans is definitely rebounding and the evidence is all around.  But there are still many, many places that are boarded up, filled with debris and no signs of recovering.  One thing Katrina did not take away from the city - its unique smell.  But that why there is not another place on this earth like New Orleans.

Odds-N-Ends

The election is just days away.  The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission publishes instructive guides to informed voting.  You may view it here.

One wise pastor once said, "Most people either come out of a life of deep sin or out of a life of deep self-righteousness."

"Someday you will understand that it was all just Jesus, and then you will understand."  Martha Wing Robinson

Some quotes from the Neil Anderson conference back in August:

"Conviction comes with the power of change - the grace to achieve change.  Condemnation leads you further into the depth of sorrow and guilt."

"The moment you can not do what you are doing without violating the fruit of the Spirit - you are working in the flesh."

"People are not in bondage to past issues, but lies about their past issues."

Get Back Up written by Pastor Steve Pochop

(The following is the weekly devotion of 10-9-08 from my friend Pastor Steve Pochop, Pastor, Abundant Grace Church, Sheffield, AL.)

How many times have we as Christians fallen down. I am not talking about literally falling down, but stumbled in our walks as Christians? PROVERBS 24:16, "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity." Why is it that we as Christians rise back up? It is because the Lord is our helper. The wicked have no one to help them up.

That is the difference between the righteous and the unrighteous. We know where our help comes from. Our help comes from the Lord. Far to many folks are trying to accomplish life by their own standards and their own strength. They are trying to reform their lives, instead of transforming them. In prison, the warden or counselors would tell us that they were going to rehabilitate us. The word rehabilitate means to "restore to former capacity", or "its previous condition." A Christian cannot be rehabilitate! They can however, be transformed. This is what Jesus offers. Sure we may fall in the process of being transformed, but Jesus will help us up. The wicked on the other hand, will only get up in the same manner in which they have fallen. In their previous condition or former capacity! That is why I ended up in jail and prison so many, many times. I was following the rehabiltation process. It never works!

This is what is wrong with many who try to quit smoking, drinking or doing drugs. I can name many others, but these are the most obvious ones. They try to reform themselves by quitting in their own power. Your power and my power isn't good enough to combat the forces of evil that deceive us. The power of God is what is needed to transform us so that we can stand in opposition to the lies of the enemy who incessantly attacks us. When we are apart from God's righteousness, we can only rely on the rehabilitating process or the reforming process. This never works! It may for a short period, but it is only by the grace of God that we can overcome these battles and be delivered! PSALMS 37:24, "though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand."

What a thought! When the righteous fall, God is holding our hands to lead us back into the transformation process. When the wicked fall, they fall back into the hands of a task master who doesn't want them to change, but only makes them worse. Only Jesus can bring about constant and consistent change in a person life. We may get knocked down, but we aren't knocked out! Jesus is holding us and encouraging us to get back up. Satan, on the other hand, wants to keep us down. If he can keep us down, we never reach the potential Christ has for us.

I encourage you today, to trust in Jesus. He will transform you into His image. It is a process, but it is well worth the journey. Christ wants us to be conformed into His image. This is only accomplished as we allow Him to take the reigns of our lives. Jesus is for us, not against us! Give your heart to Jesus today. You will never be sorry that you started the transformation process. You won't need any rehabilitating or reforming. Christ will mold you into His image. What a thought! God Bless. Pastor Steven Pochop

Servants Finish Their Tasks

Servants Finish Their Tasks
by Rick Warren

“Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25:23 (NLT)

Real servants are faithful to their ministry. Servants finish their tasks, fulfill their responsibilities, keep their promises, and complete their commitments. They don’t leave a job half undone, and they don’t quit when they get discouraged. They are trustworthy and dependable.

Faithfulness has always been a rare quality (Psalm 12:1; Proverbs 20:6; Philippians 2:19–22).

Most people don’t know the meaning of commitment. They make commitments casually, then break them for the slightest reason without any hesitation, remorse, or regret. Every week, churches and other organizations must improvise because volunteers didn’t prepare, didn’t show up, or didn’t even call to say they weren’t coming.

Can you be counted on by others? Are there promises you need to keep, vows you need to fulfill, or commitments you need to honor?

This is a test. God is testing your faithfulness. If you pass the test, you’re in good company: Abraham, Moses, Samuel, David, Daniel, Timothy, and Paul were all called faithful servants of God.

Even better, God has promised to reward your faithfulness in eternity. Imagine what it will feel like one day to have God say to you, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:23 NLT).

By the way, faithful servants never retire. They serve faithfully as long as they’re alive. You can retire from your career, but you will never retire from serving God.

Servants Serve with What They Have
by Rick Warren

If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)

Real servants do their best with what they have. Servants don’t make excuses, procrastinate, or wait for better circumstances. Servants never say, “One of these days” or “When the time is right.” They just do what needs to be done.

The Bible says, “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done” (Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT).

God expects you to do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are. Less-than-perfect service is always better than the best intention.

One reason many people never serve is that they fear they are not good enough to serve. They have believed the lie that serving God is only for superstars. Some churches have fostered this myth by making “excellence” an idol, which makes people of average talent hesitant to get involved.

You may have heard it said, “If it can’t be done with excellence, don’t do it.” Well, Jesus never said that! The truth is, almost everything we do is done poorly when we first start doing it — that’s how we learn.

At Saddleback Church, we practice the “good enough” principle: It doesn’t have to be perfect for God to use and bless it. We would rather involve thousands of regular folks in ministry than have a perfect church run by a few elites.

Real Servants Pay Attention
by Rick Warren

Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. Proverbs 3:28 (TEV)

Real servants pay attention to needs. Servants are always on the lookout for ways to help others. When they see a need, they seize the moment to meet it, just as the Bible commands us: “Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10 GWT).

When God puts someone in need right in front of you, he is giving you the opportunity to grow in servanthood. Notice that God says the needs of your church family are to be given preference, not put at the bottom of your “things to do” list.

We miss many occasions for serving because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity. Great opportunities to serve never last long. They pass quickly, sometimes never to return again. You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.

“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now” (Proverbs 3:28 TEV).

John Wesley was an incredible servant of God. His motto was:“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.”

That is greatness. You can begin by looking for small tasks that no one else wants to do. Do these little things as if they were great things, because God is watching.

Servant Articles to be posted

I shared in a previous post that I had several things I wanted to share with you. One of those things is a series of articles by Rick Warren on servanthood. I will share these four articles in the next four posts.

Servants Make Themselves Available

Servants Make Themselves Available

by Rick Warren

No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4 (NASB)

Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don’t fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on.

Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).

If you only serve when it’s convenient for you, you’re not a real servant. Real servants do what’s needed, even when it’s inconvenient.

Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don’t get to pick and choose when or where you will serve.

Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.

If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God’s servant, interruptions won’t frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.

Columbus Day Update

It has been too long since I've added an entry and for that I apologize. So let me catch up:

* September was a very busy month. To give you an idea, I went three weeks without an off day so may be that tells why I've not be blogging.
* Spent six days in Honduras with Bro. Bobby Gibson doing a Pastor's Conference. Most delightful and it was a great joy to see the ministry there rebounding after some tough days.
* Reagan McBride had her halo removed and was able to be at church for the first time since April. Her mom and dad also spoke giving their testimonies to a tearful church family.
* Reagan is also being weaned off the trek.
* Mrs. Gail Stokes is improving in the Heart Transplant Intensive Care Unit at UAB. They are also beginning to wean her off the trek.
* Our oldest son bought a house in Glencoe this month and moved in last week. We are going to have a wedding next summer and we are excited. And our youngest son did move in with him so they are still living together until at least spring.
* The new church building is looking awesome. It is so exciting to see it coming together. The auditorium is looking better than expected. Items left to be done: minor painting, cabinets installed, kitchen equipment to be delivered, paving, carpet laid, ceiling hung and ac finished installed.
* Roxanne and I celebrated our 28th anniversary with a few days off. Mainly it was spent in Gadsden with our boys trying to get them moved into their new home.
* Our church ordained Lin Liles yesterday as a new Deacon. What a great day for our church. We have ordained four new deacons in the past 13 months and for that I am grateful for the young men in our church who are showing such great Christian maturity.

I have alot of material I want to share with you so hopefully I can get back to blogging on a more regular basis.

Worship and Your Walk

Worship is the primary mission of the church. It is that mission that encompasses all other missions because a high view of God and His worthiness to be worshipped must correspond to our obedience of His commands.

Our church has adopted "The 22 Principle" which simply says that "to love God" and "love others" are the primary two principles by which we are to live.

I notice with interest any article, sermon or mention of "worship." Thus, when the Southern Baptist publication Facts & Trends published an article about a recent conference abut music, I read it. (Southern Baptists announced a new web site www.worshipwebsite.net)

The featured preacher was Wayne Barber, Pastor, Hoffmantown Church, Albuquerque, N.M. (former pastor of Kay Arthur in Chattanooga, too). This is a quote from him that is true and often overlooked when the topic of worship comes up:

"If there is no walk, there is no worship. If there is no obedience, there is no worship. The more you are with the Lord, the more you want to worship."

The Indwelling Life of Christ

I finished yesterday Romans 7 as I am taking the church through the entire book of Romans over a three-year period. The Lord willing, I will begin Romans 8 in January.

One of the many resources that I have used is a classic book by Major W. Ian Thomas "The Indwelling Life of Christ: All of Him in All of Me." I want to share some of the quotes from this book:

This means encouraging the risen living Lord who shares His life with us on earth on our way to heaven..so that He may accomplish through us what He began to do in His own physical body two thousand years ago. (pages 8-9)

...only Christ is capable of living the Christian life... (page 9)

The Christian life is nothing less than the life which He lived then....lived now by Him in you. (page 10)

...whatever influence controls our mind and emotions will ultimately control our will. (page 24)

True repentance says, "I cannot," and true faith adds, "But God, You can!" (page 31)

Share the nature of Christ and you share His victory. You do not achieve it; you receive it, ... (Page 40)

The crucified, risen and living Lord Jesus alone can put the noose around the neck of your flesh and keep your flesh where it belongs, and this He does by His Holy Spirit. You cannot carry out the execution, but to you alone belongs the moral responsibility of confirming the sentence of death. (page 41)

Repentance means stepping out of independence back into dependence, and the measure of your repentance will be the measure of your dependence. (page 49)

Since Adam fell, only one person has been normal. (page 50)

Eternal life is neither an inward feeling nor an ultimate destination after you are dead. If you are born again, eternal life is that quality of life that you possess right now, at this very moment...in this world today. (page 56)

The simplest possible explanation and definition of the person of the Holy Spirit is this: Through the Holy Spirit, man can make himself available to God, and through the Holy Spirit, God is prepared to make Himself available to man. (page 76)

God's DNA - Divine Nature from Above (page 81)

Christ gave Himself for us to give Himself to us. His presence puts God back into the man. (page 87)

Christian rest is not inactivity. Christian rest is rest because He carries the load. To "let go and let God" is not inactivity, but Christ-activity - God in action accomplishing divine purposes through human personality. (pages 98-99)

...They are taught in prayer to beg "Please" instead of saying "Thank you" as they relax and rest in Christ. (page 102)

To be crucified with Christ is to be executed judicially with Him, to expire. To those who expire in this way, God has given the very Life that He restored to the Lord Jesus when He raised Him from the dead...That is to inspire. (page 119)

You must act on what you have come to know and believe before it will ever become real in your experience. (page 134)

The resurrection of Christ is at the very heart of the gospel. (page 169)

Fear

Fear is a normal and natural response under certain conditions. However, under other conditions, it is demonic and unnatural.

The very first expression of a sinner in the Bible was fear. Adam told God that "he heard His voice and was afraid." Genesis 3:10

Most all believers (ok, all) will encounter fear that is demonic and unnatural. Someone has said that FEAR is
F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal.

Dr. Neil Anderson said last week, "There is one fear that expels all other fears. The fear of God will dispel all other fears."

Let that sink in for a while.

Jesus sent His disciples into a known storm and went into the mountain to pray for them. While the storm was raging, the disciples got fearful and thought they were going to perish. Jesus leaves His place of prayer to join them in a rescue mission and speaks peace to the sea and to their spirit.

Do you need peace in the midst of a fearful experience? Jesus is the answer. He is praying for you and me; but He has also sent His Spirit to speak peace to our spirit.

Labor Day Update

I apologize for not posting more. I have several things I want to post and may be I can do that in the next few days.

This Labor Day weekend has been spent mainly getting a new home office set up. We have bought some new office furniture. The time spent to move everything and set it all up has taken more time than I thought it would. Should have figured that.

Great news from the McBrides. Reagan's halo is ready to be removed - four weeks early. Hooray! Praise the Lord. Check out her blog here.

Mrs. Gail Stokes is continuing to improve at UAB. They had to install a temporary, external ventricular pumping device but she is responding well. Continue to cry out to the Lord on her behalf.

My friend Aaron Johnson is preparing to preach for the first time this Sunday. He is back in the office for half-days. We are still praying that the catheter can be removed permanently this Wednesday. He has moved his blog to their church's web site and that is reflected on the right. Or click here.

Thursday update on Gail Stokes

Gail Stokes is a member of our fellowship that had a massive heart attack Sunday.  She actually died at Athens Hospital but they shocked her back to life.  She was air lifted to Huntsville where she remained in CCU until Wednesday.  She was transferred to the Heart Transplant ICU at UAB.

She is still in very critical condition but as of this afternoon, she is stable and according to her husband, Buddy, "improved some."  We praise the Lord.

The issue of a heart transplant is very far down the road but they are beginning the preliminary testing for that evaluation process.  

I will attempt to keep you updated on this blog.

Elliott Chambers is home

I am delighted to report to you that Elliott (Eli) Chambers is home from the hospital.  He was discharged yesterday at 6 pounds 5 ounces and according to Lori, "he is getting stronger every day."

Lori wrote in an email to me, "I could never thank everyone enough for the many prayers that have been raised to heaven for him and our family.  It has meant so much to all of us. It will be a long road ahead, but God didn't bring us this far to see us fall now."

We rejoice with this family over the miracle that God has done in this young life.  

Have you ever thought -- miracles are not miracles to God, only to us.

Too Soon to Quit

Steve May writes devotionals on Monday and this was his Monday writing.  I especially was touched but more so because of the message yesterday that I shared with you.  Enjoy it and be encouraged, as I.

Norman Vincent Peale used to say, "It's always too soon to quit."

This reminds me of a quote attributed to Ross Perot:  "Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success.  They quit on the one-yard line.  They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot away from a winning touchdown."

On this subject, Paul encouraged us, "Let us not become weary in doing well, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

The "proper time" sometimes takes a little longer to arrive than we like.  And sometimes it feels like the proper time will never arrive.  This is when we need we need to engage faith.  It's when we need to determine to dig in and stick around a little longer.  It's never a good time to quit.

B.C. Forbes said, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before the triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."

The Christian life -- and more specifically, the ministry -- consists of overcoming one defeat after another.  That's because we're in a spiritual battle and everyday we confront the enemy.  We may lose a little ground from time to time, but we will not lose the war.  We have been promised victory -- a harvest of righteousness -- if we do not give up.  It's always too soon to quit.

Failure is our teacher, not our under-taker.  Failure is delay, not defeat.  It's a temporary detour, not a dead-end street.  -- William Ward

It is never too late to be what you might have been.  -- George Eliot

Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go. -- William Feather

Mistakes are easy, mistakes are inevitable, but there is no mistake so great as the mistake of not going on. -- William Blake

Aaron is home

My friend, Aaron Johnson, was discharged from the hospital today in St. Petersburg. Denise drove him home to Atlanta and they are now home. Praise the Lord!!!

Updates

I have not written much about Reagan and Aaron here because I have directed you to both of their blogs where you can keep up with them.  However, I must say a word about each.

At Reagan's blog, they have published the funny picture of me and Reagan wearing our purple noses while she was in the hospital.  If you haven't seen it, go there.  Reagan is home and according to Allen, doing very well.  They are having family meals together in the living room and a nurse is with them assisting three days a week.  We continually give praise to God for this miracle.

Aaron is progressing well except for a couple set backs.  Mainly pray for his bladder to fully awake and work.  He has had to have the catheter put back three times now.  He may be discharged this week.

I had the privilege last night of preaching for Frank Whitaker at Barton's First Baptist Church for their Awesome August Sunday Nights.  Frank and I have been friends since the 80s and I highly respect him and the ministry God is doing through him at Barton.

Yesterday was the lowest attendance we've had certainly this summer and possibly this year. But with the beginning of school this week and with the church taking a week of "R & R" - I have no complaints.

We've had a great summer at CrossRoads and with the finishing of the building this fall, the fall looks even better.

Our Identity in Christ

Thankfully our Lord has saved us from our past and has given us new identity in Him.  As we have been going through Romans 6-7 as a church, we have discovered this new identity.  

Our identity is more important to us than many recognize.  Jesus did not just forgive us our past, but instead He gave us a new identity with new relationships.

Let me illustrate.  Suppose a prostitute had been caught by the ruling authority and punished for the err.  But before the prostitute can begin serving a sentence, the authority rules her forgiven and gives her papers to assure she is no longer to be considered a prostitute.  But would that really change her?  Would she still be looking for love in all the wrong places?

But what if that ruling authority fell in love with that lady and chose her to be his wife?  How would that affect you?  Would you fell forgiven?  Would you have found that which you were looking for?  How would you view your future in such a relationship?

We have not just been forgiven of our past, we have been accepted by the judge and been chosen as His wife.  That makes all the difference.

A Blessed Day in Atlanta

I am in Atlanta with my friend, Barry Clingan, where we have spoken today at a surprise 25th ministry anniversary for our mutual friend, Bobby Atkins.  What a great day it has been done. Barry and I arrived here yesterday afternoon and spent most of the night talking about what we were going to say today and recounting stories.  Then the anticipation of surprising our friend was great.  When we arrived at the church this morning, he had his mike on and was passing out his sermon outline for the day.  He had no idea that he had the day off.

The service was great - honoring to our Heavenly Father but also to Bobby.  The servcie lasted two-hours-and-forty-five minutes.  No, we didn't take that long but it was just a great outpouring of love for Jesus and Bobby.  What a day!!

Pictures of "Finishing Crew"

This is the exterior of the building. It is almost complete except for landscaping and parking.













This is the "Finishing Crew" that God sent us. 95% of these are from the same church - First Baptist Church, Waynesville, Ohio. What a blessing we have received this summer from three crews of "Builders for Christ." We thank God and each one who has given of themselves to their Lord and us.

Thursday, July 17

I just have returned from St. Petersburg, FL to be with Aaron and Denise. You can read the complete story and updates at his blog. We know that pain is a part of life and healing; but we are praying for God to grant Aaron mercy in these days.

We are excited at CrossRoads for "The Finishing Crew" of Builders for Christ begin coming in tomorrow. The entire church will not be ready but portions are. Those parts will begin to be painted and floor covering laid. Other parts of the crew will be hanging sheetrock and finishing. We are expecting about 45 this week.

We could not be where we are today with the help of these dear brothers and sisters from all over the eastern U.S. We are indebted to them.

Pray for Aaron Johnson

Someone has said that if you have one-or-two lifelong friends, you are indeed blessed.  Well, I am blessed for the friendship of Aaron Johnson.  Aaron and I were raised in Boaz, graduated high school together and have even grown closer through the years since we are both pastors. Aaron currently serves as Pastor of Summit Baptist Church, Acworth, GA.

Aaron is the one God used to get me to Northwest Alabama where I have served now for almost four years.  Aaron is responsible for me being involved with the North Alabama Center of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, even since the mid-90's when it started in Boaz.

The best news (haha) is I get to kid him every year because he is a month-and-a-day older than me, so he is "the old man."

Well, Aaron is a colon cancer survivor and received his five-year clear report this past winter. But in April, his doctor told him that his remaining colon had to be removed.  After much inquiry and prayer, he has chosen a procedure done only in about four places in the U.S. and one of those is in St. Petersburg, FL.

I am flying down tomorrow to be with him, Denise, Denea and Jordan for the surgery on Wednesday.  Please, pray for Aaron and his family plus the doctors and all involved in the surgical procedure.

If you would like to keep up with his progress (he will be in the hospital there for at least 21 days), then a blog has been created where you can get the latest update.  The blog is located in my Blog listing.  The address is http://pastoraaronjohnson.blogspot.com.  

Thanks for your prayers and support.

Reagan comes home tomorrow

For all the readers of this blog for at least three months knows the name of Reagan McBride.  She is the daughter of Allen and JeriAnn McBride and sister of Brennan.  Allen serves as a deacon in our fellowship.

Reagan has been in the hospital in Salt Lake City and Birmingham since late April.  She is coming home tomorrow.  We greatly rejoice and give God praise for His healing touch that is evident in her life and for the strength and grace God has given her parents and family.

Welcome home Reagan.

Happy Birthday to my wife

This past Sunday I reminded our church of that which we have adopted as our marching orders called "The 22 Principle." Based out of Matthew 22, we believe the Christian life is mainly two commands ("Love God" and "Love others") carried out in two venues (individually and in the body of Christ). It could be said, the Christian life is all about relationships.

Today is my wife's birthday and we are away celebrating this weekend. As I was eating last night with my wife, I was refreshed again with this thought - the most important thing about life is relationships. It doesn't matter what type of house you live in, what cars you drive, or even your health or wealth. It is all about relationships.

So, happy birthday to my precious wife, Roxanne. I am delighted God has graced you with another birthday and I am grateful God has graced me with you.

Update on our building

I forget to update the blog and then I'm reminded friends away from CrossRoads keeps up with our progress through this blog.

The work is going well. I will post a picture soon because the front of the building is just about finished. The dryvit is about finished and the glass will go in later. The plumbing is 95% finished; the electrical is about the same; and the HVAC is ready for sheet rock. When I give those figures, I mean that we are that close to being able to sheetrock totally. Of course it doesn't mean there is no more electrical, plumbing, etc to do.

There is sheetrock going in upstairs and finishing of that has started. It will be at least the end of the week before sheet rock can begin downstairs.

On Saturday of this week, the overhead will be painted. The entire ceiling of the auditorium, youth room and AWANA room will be open to the roof and painted black.

Update on Reagan and Eli

Let me give an update on two precious children for those who read this blog.

Reagan McBride is improving at Children's Hospital, Birmingham. The tests showed she was 100% paralyzed from her neck down but she is moving her feet, arms and talking. God is good. They are hoping to bring her home July 14. Check out her blog here - http://reaganfaithmcbride.blogspot.com.

Eli Chambers is improving at Children's Hospital, Huntsville. He is off the ventilator and C-PAP with only a few times of complications. He is still in ICU there but improving daily. Praise the Lord!!

Reviving some thoughts from Russia

I was going through some "old" piles of paperwork today and found my journal from my Russian Mission Trip in November, 2003. As I was re-reading my notes, I came across some thoughts that I would like to resurrect here for they spoke afresh to me.

While there, I had the privilege of visiting a house pastor who was about 65 years old but had been pastoring a house church for over 25 years. He was almost arrested by the KGB on one occasion but had a unique escape that I won't go into here.

These are some of my notes that he told me that night:
* "Always keep your heart open to the Lord. We can all learn from others because we don't know the truth of God fully. We need not boast since we are incomplete - we need each other."

* "There is a wall between Baptists and Pentecostals." I asked what could heal the breach, he said, "To reach the level of true love. True love does not boast nor magnify oneself."

* He said he was ashamed to be so old and know so little. But he said, "I am understanding more and more of Jesus the older and older I get." He said he was 60 when God revealed to him about His love. He stated further, "In my last years God teaches more and more."

* Concerning the persecution, I asked him if freedom now for them or persecution was better for pure Christianity. He responded, "God will decide what is best. But persecution increases the grace of God."

The house was very common but I can still remember with vividness that small living room and me kneeling down before him for him to lay hands on me and pray for me. I truly believe that everytime God permits me to go overseas there is always one unique experience that He wants me to encounter during the trip. Meeting this dear brother was mine. I actually visited there twice just to talk and learn more.

Some Good Words from Dan Yeary

“I tell our new members: you don’t join a preacher, you join the church. And you join the church for one reason—because you believe that God told you to plant your life there. If you join because of a style of preaching, that can change. If you join for the facilities or the programs, that can change. You’ve got to ask, ‘Where does God want me to invest my life?’ We don’t welcome spectators.”—Dan Yeary, pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church, attended by presidential candidate John McCain. The quotation comes from an interview with The Christian Century magazine. [religionblog.dallasnews.com, 6/9/08]

The rest of the sermon....June 22

This morning I didn't feel to finish what I had prepared, so I wanted to share it here.

The text of the morning was Romans 6:14 "You are no longer under the law, but under grace." We showed how that grace frees us from the law. But Paul clearly teaches that a misunderstanding of grace will lead to more sin, not less.

There are four things that will happen to cause more sin:

1. When we don’t deal with the issue of our motivations.
If we are not clear that what we are doing is for God's glory and not ours, then wrong motivation will lead to more sin. Sin is all about our feelings anyway.

2. When we don’t deal with the issues of the mind.
When we permit ourselves to think, “I can think that, it doesn’t hurt anyone,” then wrong thinking will lead to more sin.

3. When we don’t deal with the issues of the masses.
When we permit us to excuse our sin by saying, "Everybody is doing it, everybody talks that way, everybody deals with people that way," then this will lead to more sin.

4. When we don’t deal with the issues of missed service.
When we commit the sin of omission ("a chance to do good, an opportunity to forgive, a chance to serve, to witness,) and we don't correct it next time by actually doing the thing prompted, then it will lead to more sin.

Grace does not lead to more sin, but instead gives us the power to overcome sin.

Last Day of Week Two of BFC

We have just finished week two of Builders for Christ with us. The Mechanical Team has done a super job and what a joy it has been to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ. Our heart is filled with much thanksgiving for their willingness to come and help us.

Each meal there is a devotion. On Friday, we had a special visitor - Moses - on his way to CrossRoads for VBS next week.


On Friday night, we had our second "Community Celebration." We had a good crowd and enjoyed "The Kellys" as they sang.




We were very excited that Bro. Joe Eady got to attend, as well. Shaking hands with Bro. Joe is one of the BFC from Atlanta, Bro. Jeff and in the middle standing is another of the BFC from Atlanta, Bro. Tom. Also pictured is David and Dixie Setzer.

Late Father's Day post

This past Sunday (Father's Day) I gave my congregation part of a writing from Byron Paulus, Executive Director, Life Action Ministries on "Praying for Your Children." This is an excellent prayer guide for parents to use in praying for your children. I promised the church that this would also appear here (and it is, just late). Paulus posted this over six blogs so I am giving you the link to the first blog and then you can navigate to the other five blogs from the left column of his blog. The site is here.

It is worth your time to find all five of these blogs. If you wish to just read what was I printed Sunday, you may do that here.

Mechanical Team from Builders for Christ here this week

We are experiencing our second week of "Builders for Christ" here. This team is the Mechanical Team and they are doing a great job with plumbing, electrical and HVAC. A team of approxiametely 45 have come to serve our Lord and us and we are grateful.

Friday Night Celebration Service

On Friday night, we had a Community Celebration under the tent with free food, testimonies from "Builders for Christ," opportunity to see the progress on the new building and music by Praise 24 from Athens, AL. It was a great ending to a great week. Our next Community Celebration will be June 20.

Finals pictures from Framing Week

The platform and baptisery taken from an upstairs class room.

The front of the building. The three openings will be glass.

The youth room

The AWANA room.

More pictures

Prayer Requests Updates

Bro. Joe Eady had successful surgery today to remove the "stub" of his left arm. He hopefully will be discharged to return home tomorrow (Wednesday). We are also praying that his pain will be gone.

I saw Reagan today. She has a virus. You can read about her at their blog here: http://reaganfaithmcbride.blogspot.com/

I have an update from Lori Tinker on her grandson, Eli. After a very tough week last week, he is doing better this week. They moved his oxygen level down to 63% and for the very first time in his young life, his mother got to hold him. He is still in the ICU at Huntsville's Children's Hospital. Lori wanted me to thank everyone for their prayers and that "the prayers have meant the world to us."

More pictures of Day One

Pictures of "Builders for Christ" Framing Team and Day One

This is how our "Phrase One" building looked Saturday, May 31 as the "Builders for Christ" Framing Team arrived to our new property at 10932 Highway 72, Elgin.




The "work" trailers for BFC have arrived and are unpacking for the week.


This is the crew that has assembled as of Monday morning, June 2 at 6:30 a.m. ready to go to work. They come from Georgia, Ohio, West Virginia and Alabama. About 75 were present at this picture at breakfast. At lunch, the number had grown to about 95.

"Builders for Christ" arriving

WOW! It is Saturday, May 31 and "Builders for Christ" started arriving yesterday at our new property. The metal building is up and ready for them to begin framing. At this point, 111 are coming this week to help us to frame the building. Under the direction of Bro. Bobby Lunceford, this group is in their 11th year of building churches and this year they are for the first time ever, doing two churches. I am glad we are one of them.

How exciting!!

Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately?

David Wilkerson Have You Felt Like Giving Up Lately writes about “God has provided some better thing for us….” (Hebrews 11:40). But how shall we define that better thing? Better health benefits? Better goatskins? Better financial arrangements? Better times of ease and prosperity? Bigger barns?

No! I say God has provided for us something better in His only begotten Son. We should be spending more time getting into Jesus than trying to get something out of Him. We should not be praying that God make things happen for us, but to us.

Faith is a gift, not a diploma. Faith should not be a burden or a puzzle. The more childlike it is, the better it works. You need no seminar or textbook; you need no guide. The Holy Spirit will lead you close to Jesus – who is the Word – by whom cometh faith.”

Monday, May 26

We had a wonderful day of worship yesterday with Bro. Darrin English leading music and preaching. We honored our graduates and it was Bro. Jeremy Clemmons' official first day with us as Student Pastor.

I have good news from Reagan. Allen is reporting that she has had a good weekend and had a "GREAT day today (Monday)." They took her for a "walk" around the floor in a special wheelchair and her AWANA Commanders (Lin and Sandy Lilies) were there to be with her for the ride. Also, she is eating good so that is encouraging.

Pray for Mike and Brenda Trousdale's daughter, Carrie Tracey. Carrie has a one-month old baby and today they have discovered a mass on her liver. The doctors believe it is not cancerous. They live in the greater Nashville area.

Also we are so excited for Bobby and Beth Clemmons as they were called yesterday to serve as Student Pastor at Muscle Shoals Baptist Church. We will miss this family but are so excited for them. We send them with our very best of God's blessings. They have served the Lord well at CrossRoads and I know they will continue to do the same there.

Memorial Day Weekend Thoughts

This is Memorial Day weekend when we seek to remember those who have died and gone before us.

We wish to pray for families of more than 4,000 Americans who have lost their lives in the Iraq/Afghanistan war. What we cannot quantify is the pain these families are enduring because of their losses.

I am told that on this day years ago people would gather at cemeteries to remember the dead. I like that. How did Southerners ever move it to Sunday? I digress.

But when we remember those who have gone before us, it is like the “Great cloud of witnesses” that Hebrews 12 refers to. These are pastors, great stalwarts of the church, Sunday School teachers, music leaders, grannies, and family members who have “fought the fight and finished the course.” They are now cheering us on to do likewise.

Dottie Rambo died May 11, as most of you know. When I heard of her death on that Mother’s Day afternoon, I immediately thought of her great song, “I’ve Never Been This Homesick Before.” The words go like this: “See the bright lights shine, its just about home time. I can see My Father standing at the door. This world has been a wilderness, but I’m ready for deliverance. Oh, I’ve never been this homesick before. I can see the family gather. Sweet faces, there all familiar. But no one’s old or feeble anymore. Oh, this lonesome heart is cryin’ Think I’ll spread my wings for flying’. Lord, I’ve never felt this homesick before.”

I grew up on the Rambos, Goodmans, Speers and the like. I still like that music. It speaks to the heart.

Now, Dottie has joined that “cloud” and we are still pressing on. But we are walking this path under the cloud of great soldiers of the faith. And as we think of them, it makes the heat of the day more bearable.

Friday, May 23

As you know I use this avenue to communicate personal items from my life and family, to post "thoughts" that I receive as I read and devotional thoughts (there have not been many of these postings here for awhile - we go in seasons, don't we?) and church related items.

Let me continue to post concerning church related items today.

I saw Reagan and Allen yesterday in Birmingham. Reagan has had two "uneventful" days which is good news for them. They have received the official word that she is totally paralyzed from her neck down and our heart grieves with them. Pray for their strength and for continual wisdom. They are still anticipating her being there 4-6 (possibly 8) weeks.

Darrin English is leading music for us Sunday and I have asked him to preach, as well. I knew him as an effective communicator of the Word before I knew of his music leadership abilities. But when I was told he was free to lead our music, I secured him but with the understanding that it was just music. Well, God has not let me get away from this impression the last two days that he needs to preach Sunday. So, I'm glad to announce Bro. Darrin will be leading music and preaching for us Sunday. I look forward to it!!

It is Graduate Honor Service Sunday for us as well. Bro. Dan will be honoring our graduates. We have six: Jessica Butler, Florence Christian Academy; Seth Chambers, Brooks High School; Amanda Davis, Clements High School; Mitch Farris, Brooks High School; Brittany Harvey, Lexington High School and Caleb Roden, Brooks High School. We are proud of you all and wish you God's very best!!

Days of Change for our Student Ministry

Our church officially welcomes Bro. Jeremy Clemmons to our church staff as our Student Pastor. We are delighted God has led this family to CrossRoads. His is married to DeNita and they have three children: Alivia, 6; Chalea, 3; and Kade, 9 months.

As we begin this new season of student ministry, let us be reminded that our Sovereign Leader of the church moves His leaders and in so doing, brings new leadership to lead in new directions. One of the toughest assignments a minister can receive is to follow someone who had long tenure in the same place. There is a tendency for the people not to let the “old” go so God can do the “new.” This is only natural. But we are called to be supernatural and spiritual and to become followers of Jesus; not a human being. These are great times of our lives to discern who and why are we doing what we are doing.

One thing that can help is a good interim and we have had that. The last nine months has been a good bridge for us. Bro. Dan Arant has done a fablous job of ministering with our students and I have spoken of his effort in other writings.

But we must let God use Bro. Jeremy with his abilities and visions and not require him to be and do like someone else in order to be a success in our eyes. Let him be himself and go with the vision that God has given him. There will be changes. Some we will like immediately; others will be more difficult.

I know this is hard, but it is Biblical. There had to be an announcement in Joshua 1 that “Moses is dead, Joshua is now your leader.”

I hope one day someone will say these words to CrossRoads when I leave because it will need to be said.