Christmas Music and Movies

We are less that one week away from Christmas Day.  That means I am in full-Christmas mode.  And that means the Christmas music is playing non-stop and the Christmas movies are being watched.  Although I have watched fewer by this time than in previous years.  Joy comes home tonight, so we'll be catching up on the movies.  Some of my favorites include, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, The Christmas Wish, The Santa Clause (1,2 and 3), Christmas With the Kranks, Polar Express, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone (1 and 2), Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version) . . . well, you get the point.  I'm sure I will think of an obvious one that I left out after I publish this blog.

Watching Christmas movies takes time and focus.  Maybe this is why I am a bit behind this year.  It has been a busy season.  Listening to Christmas music is another thing entirely.  I can listen to music and do almost anything.  Therefore, the music stays on most of the time.  I love the classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and so many others.  I also enjoy the Christmas music of Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, Third Day and MercyMe.  This year I have added some new artists to my Christmas play lists; Straight No Chaser, Dave Barnes, Lady Antebellum, Rosie Thomas, Taylor Swift and Michael Bublé

Could you have Christmas without the music and movies?  Absolutely.  But I surely do enjoy those two aspects of Christmas.  It's Monday of Christmas week.  I am looking forward to HDBC's annual Christmas Eve Service this Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. and the Christmas day worship service at 10:15 a.m.  At the heart of it all is the worship of the Son of God.  What a blessing to join with other believers as we worship the King.

Merry Christmas!

Get Started

Through the years I have used a number of different plans for my personal Bible reading.  Right now I am reading through "Acts and the Epistles," a plan that comes with the YouVersion Bible app on my iPhone.  Yep, I often do my personal Bible reading on my iPhone.  What a great time to be alive.  I have the entire Bible with me everywhere I go through the technology of a smart phone. 

There are several good Bible apps available and a number of them offer Bible reading plans.  Need a plan?  Check your smart phone.  Don't have a smart phone?  You can still pick up the book form of your Bible or go online and follow a plan.  The important thing is not the choose the right plan, but to choose a plan and follow it. 

So, get started.  There is an unlimited supply of blessing to those willing to read God's Word.  Check out www.youversion.com for some ideas.

The Culture

I just took a quick look at the hour's headlines.  Quite frankly it is sickening.   I'm thinking, maybe that was a mistake.  And this day was going so well.

High ranking officials at Penn State University are accused of failing to report alleged sexual abuse by a former football coach at the same university.  There are several layers to this story which cause concern.  First and foremost is the possibility that a man sexually abused as many as eight young boys over a period of fifteen years.  That is horrendous.  If it turns out that others knew what was happening and failed to report it, as the media is reporting, then the level of outrage is multiplied. 

Just below this headline is the story about the allegations of sexual harassment that are being brought against presidential candidate Herman Cain.  Only a few know the real truth about that situation.  However, a close look reveals serious problems either way.   If the allegations are true then we now know that Mr. Cain has some serious character issues.  If they are not true, then the accusers are maliciously impugning the character of an innocent man. 

In other news, Dr. Conrad Murry has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson.  Wealth, popularity, power and prestige certainly played a part in the tragic end of a sad life. 

That is as far as I wanted to read.  This much I know . . . these events and so many others are clear reflections of the universality of sin and of the depths to which sinful people will fall.  Some want to naively believe humanity is on the rise toward moral purity.  Not so!  Left to ourselves we would plunge deeper and deeper into the abyss of depravity.  Praise God that we are not left to ourselves.  One of the great comforting statements in the Bible is this: Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.  Grace is the great antidote to the guilt and condemnation that accompany sin. 

Praise God for His amazing grace.

Clarity

Two weeks ago we (HDBC) were presented with the unexpected opportunity to expand our property.  We quickly gathered information, confirmed the details and prayed for clear direction from the Lord.  Through a series of events over the past few days it appeared that the door of opportunity was going to remain open.  Last night, in a unanimous vote, clarity was confirmed.  I am excited about the addition of this property simply because it will enable us to reach and disciple more people for the kingdom.  We do all this for the sake of the Gospel is not just a slogan, but is the motivation of all that we do. 

I praise the Lord for a unified body of believers.
I praise the Lord for a church with a passion for others.
I praise the Lord for a church with a vision for the future.

To God be the glory.

New Opportunities

Sometimes in life we find ourselves suddenly facing new opportunities which seem to come completely by surprise.  A new job opportunity presents itself.  A new relationship is formed.  An invitation to join the board of an organization or ministry of offered.  We may look at these things as random, unexpected opportunities.  However, they are often God's way of leading us down new roads or into new blessings.  This also happens to churches. 

Recently at HDBC we have been presented with some exciting new opportunities.  In the process of exploring the development of a new parking lot, we have discovered the possibility of acquiring additional property which would greatly enhance our options for expansion of our facilities in the future.  Is it a done deal?  While writing this blog I would have to say it certainly is not. But we are exploring the possibility that God may be leading in this direction.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to share this with the HDBC family on Wednesday night, September 7 at 6:30.   I am also trusting the Lord to give clear direction not only to our leaders, but to our entire church family.

Why would we build a new parking lot? 
Why would we consider purchasing additional land?

"We do all this for the sake of the Gospel."  We do these things in order to reach one more person, one more family, one more neighborhood, one more city. 

The Future

It's Monday morning and I am thinking about the future of HDBC.  Two weeks ago we launched The One More Project which involved a change in our Sunday morning schedule which will allow us to expand our small group ministry.  We saw an immediate fifteen percent increase in our small group attendance the first Sunday.  As I am writing this blog, I have not yet received the numbers for the second week.  We learned yesterday that we are now using all of our parking spaces.  It is a good problem to have, but one which we will need to address immediately.  So, I am thinking about the future.

I am thinking about our new Master Planning Team.  They will hold their first meeting this Sunday afternoon.  Their assignment is to develop a master site plan for our facilities and make recommendations on the order in which new buildings and parking should be added.  Much like our recent small group vision team, this team will provide direction for the immediate future.

I am thinking about the possibility of a new children's ministry building.  Our children's ministries are growing at a rapid pace and we need to provide adequate space for these ministries.  I am thinking about an overhaul of our sound system in the worship center.  Our system is old, worn out and failing.  I am excited to know that God will provide to meet this need. 

I am thinking about our new partnership with a Baptist church in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  I am looking forward to meeting the wonderful people of that church and working together with them to reach the people in one of the world's largest cities. 

I am thinking about the people in places where we have ongoing ministries.  Places like Hungary, Malawi, Ivory Coast, France, New Orleans and so many others.

As I am thinking about the future of HDBC, my heart and mind are filled with a sense of anticipation.  God has a plan, and that excites me most of all.

The One More Project

HDBC officially launched The One More Project yesterday.  In spite of some technical problems which were the result of a lightning strike that apparently hit our facilities on Friday night, we had a great day.  Though we had to operate without some of the technical tools that we normally use, we had a fantastic time as we joined voices and hearts in worship, Bible study, fellowship, ministry, connection and spiritual growth.  All three worship celebrations were a blessing.  We rejoice in the three new members during the 9:00 a.m. service.  We praise the Lord for 270 people in small groups.  Now that we have more room and more classes we can continue to reach one more, then one more, then one more . . . until the Lord returns.  And as we have said so many times, we do all this for the sake of the Gospel.

It is such a joy to be a part of this wonderful body of believers.  There is nothing in the world quite like a local church that seeks to love God, connect to others and serve the world.  I will be the first to admit that HDBC is not perfect.  We have our share of flaws.  However, it is thrilling to see so many who are taking seriously the call to discipleship.  May God be glorified through this small band of believers.  May He call us to do great and awesome things in this world for His kingdom and His glory.  May he stretch us, use us, send us, call us, equip us, and mold us into His image.

The local church is the hope of the world.  Thank you Jesus, for this local church.

New Friends

I am multi-tasking.  Yep, I'm surprised as well.  While writing this blog I am chatting with a young man named Adam.  He lives in Hungary.  I met him last week while working in an English language/sports camp in his city.  I'm still a bit amazed at the technology that allows me to chat with someone several thousand miles away, yet it seems like he is in the next room.  Right now we are chatting about the whether in our respective cities, about what kind of truck I have, and about a comment on a Facebook picture.   It was in Hungarian and he was kind enough to translate it for me. It may seem trivial, but it is the kind of converstation that sustains and even builds friendship. 

Last week we spent several hours a day playing ultimate Frizbee, basketball, foosball, ping-pong and softball as we developed new friendships with more than thirty teens and young adults.  We also had one student who was 12 and one who was 59.  In the mornings we taught English and shared about God's amazing love demonstrated in His son, Jesus.  On Friday, three young ladies responded to God's love and became believers in Jesus.  Many others are considering making the same commitment of faith. 

It thrills me to know that the truth about Jesus transcends cultures, ethnic groups and geographic locations.  I'm reminded of the phrase in a great old hymn; Jesus saves, Jesus saved.

Foundations

They are seldom seen, rarely complimented and often ignored, but they are vital to the stability of a building.  I'm thinking about foundations.   The strength and stability of a building is directly related to the integrity of the foundation.  A weak foundation will lead to a weak and dangerous building.

Jesus told a simply story about foundations.  He told of one house built upon a foundation of sand and another built upon a foundation of rock.  All seemed well until the rains fell.  At that point the house built upon the sand came crumbling down.  The house built upon the foundation of rock stood strong, unaffected.  Was there a point?   When Jesus told a story there was always a point. 

These two houses represented two kinds of people.  Some build their lives upon a foundation that is like sand.  It may look good, but when difficulties come their lives crumble.  Others build their lives upon a foundation of rock.  When the difficulties come they are able to stand strong. 

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.  Psalm 18:2

A Strategic Partnership

 

This past week, Jerry and Armentia Adams and myself made a quick trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina to meet with a local pastor named Milton Claussen.  Milton is a bi-vocational pastor of a Baptist church in the heart of a city of 18 million people.  Within a three-mile radious of their church live over 300,000 people, most of whom do not have a personal relationship with Jesus.  This is the only evangelical church in that area.  Their average attendance is fifty.  Reminds me of the words of Jesus . . .

The harvest of plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers.

We are praying about a partnership with Pastor Milton and the Iglesia Christiana Batista  in Buenos Aires to work together in strengthening believers and planting a new church in the region.  HDBC will seek to send three teams (4 members each) per year for three years to work with and alongside this church.  The local church is the hope of the world.  God has called HDBC to take the good news around the world.  This partnership will be one way that we can do so.  I am excited to see how God will direct Pastor Milton and his church, HDBC, and missionaries Mark and Melissa Hobson who are overseeing this partnership. 

Milton and Grace Claussen and their daughter.

The Race

Kids are important to our church.  Earlier this month we hosted over seventy children in our annual sports and more camp.  The kids learned that the real power in life does not come from themselves, but from the one who created them.  They enjoyed sports & craft classes, swimming, music, worship, games, and much more.  It took dozens of volunteers to make it happen.

This week we will host over one hundred children for Vacation Bible School.  Once again, they will enjoy crafts, games, music, worship, Bible study, snacks and much more.  Once again, we have dozens of adults and teens who are volunteering their time to make it happen and to make it happen well.

We have made a significant investment of time, personnel and money in these two activities.  Quality events are costly, in all three areas.  Why do we do it?  Simply put . . .

It's a race to the heart of a child, and the first one there wins.  Our children face a multi-faceted and often confusing array of world views which are competing for their allegiance.  Secularism, humanism, hedonism, along with the major world religions all compete for the hearts of our children.  None can satisfy.  None can fulfill.  None can answer the basic questions of life which all people wrestle with.  Only in Jesus Christ, can a child (or adult) find the real meaning of life, real peace, and real assurance for the future.

That's why we do it!  Kids Matter!  It is, indeed, a race to the heart of a child.  At HDBC, we take that challenge seriously.

The Apocalypse?

I just viewed pictures from last night's tornadoes that ripped through Joplin, MO.  This picture caught my eye more than the others.  The simple word "apocalypse" came to mind.  The word itself refers to "an unveiling, or revealing" as in "The Revelation," referring to the last book of the Bible.  However, the word is often used and understood as referring to "the end of time" or to "some cataclysmic, end of the earth" scenario. 

During the last few weeks there has been quite a bit of talk about "end times," primarily stemming from Harold Campings foolish prediction that May 21 would be the day of the return of Christ.  Obviously, he was wrong.  But it has caused people to think about this important future event.  Others are discussing the unusual weather and proliferation of natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) and wonder if these are signs that the end is near.  Speculations are abundant.  But are they valid?  Consider a few things.

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus will come again and that no one knows the day.  Any predictions that Christ will return on a certain day indicate a failure to understand what the Bible says about this important event.  Likewise, those who declare that there will be no return of Christ are foolish and ignorant of what the Bible clearly teaches.

The Bible reveals that in the last days there will be major catastrophic weather-related events.  The New Testament speaks of an increase in earthquakes, of hail storms, lightning flashes, and more.  Do the recent natural events that have impacted the world indicate that we are in the last days?  Are they are fulfillment of prophecy?  I am not ready to suggest that these are a direct fulfillment of specific prophecies.  However I do want to make a few observations.

We are living the last days.  Jesus will come again, as surely as night follows day.  The important thing is to be prepared for his coming.  I'm ready . . . are you?

Natural disasters which kill, injure and destroy are reminders that we live in a fallen, sinful world that needs to be redeemed.  And it will one day be redeemed.  This world in which we live is not Heaven.

In spite of how it must appear to many, God really does love us.  Though His love is often questioned in the wake of devastating disasters, it can clearly be seen in the voluntary death of His son on a cross outside of Jerusalem two millenniums ago.  He died as a demonstration of His great loved for us.

The Apocalypse?  Not yet.  But one day . . . maybe sooner than we think.

Bird Watching

For the  third time in five years a momma Robin has built a nest in my carport.  Like the previous momma birds in previous years this one was not happy about our invading her space.  At least that is how she looks at it.  She has no clue who really owns that space. 

For weeks each time we opened the door to leave the house she would fly away in absolute disgust at having to leave those eggs.  I few minutes after we were out of sight she would make her way back to her spot.  The next time the door opened or a car pulled into the carport off she would fly.

Then a few days ago I began to see little beaks poking above the edge of the nest.  Those three little feathery friends have only one thing to do at this stage of their young lives; open their peaks and wait.  Mom is sure to bring them food.  And she does. 

Now, I admit that this is not the most exciting entertainment that I have experienced.  However, it is sort of fun to watch this little slice of nature working its magic.  How does that Robin know how to build that nest?  How does she know to sit on those eggs day after day until they hatch?  How does she know that they need to be fed?  How does she know what to feed them?  How does she know where to get the food?  How do they know to open their beaks and point them skyward?

Mother nature?  Instinct?  Luck?  Genetics? 

Not me.  When I watch this little, insignificant drama unfold day after day I see a tiny part of an amazing creation, the product of a Master Designer overseeing the smallest details of his world.     

Rob Bell and Love Wins

Rob Bell is a pastor of a megachurch in Michigan.  His book, "Love Wins," has caused a heated debate not only in Christian circles but also in the non-Christian community.  The recent Time Magazine story about his book and beliefs has further fueled the debate.  At the heart of the debate is the question of whether or not Hell exists and whether or not Jesus is truly the only way to get to Heaven.  These are not insignificant issues.  Therefore, I want to share a thought or two.  Let me acknowledge from the start that I have not read the book.  However, I have listened to a number of interviews with Rob Bell and read a number of reviews which include quotes from the book.  Based upon those, I am extremely concerned about his views and the impact they will have.

He questions the historic, Christian understanding of Hell.
He emphasizes the love of God, while minimizing the judgment of God.
He leaves open the possibility of the salvation of all people, regardless of their faith in Christ.
He denies a belief in universalism, while his words seem to indicate just the opposite.
He believes that God's love will eventually win out, seemingly leading all people to Heaven.
He claims that universalism has always been found in some parts of main-stream Christianity.

If I understand correctly what he is saying, I believe Rob Bell is not only wrong, but his beliefs are dangerous.  Universalism demeans the the sacrifice of Jesus, misunderstands the charater of God, makes evangelism irrelevant, and condemns the souls of people through a false sense of security. 

Now, a few things to consider:

A person can pastor a megachurch and be theologically wrong.
A person can write a book and be theologically wrong.
All books sold in Christian bookstores are not equal.  Some are downright dangerous.
All Scripture is inspired by God, not just isolated verses quoted to prove a desired belief.
Some theological tensions (God's love and His judgment) do not need to be solved. 
Teaching one aspect of God's character while ignoring another is dishonest and leads to confusion.

Finally, let me encourage you to be cautious of any teaching that questions historical, mainstream, evangelical Christianity.  This is especially important when it involves the core, fundamental, truths related to salvation, the nature of God, Heaven and Hell. 

The One More Project

This past Sunday morning the HDBC family heard a report from our Small Group Vision Team.  At the heart of the report is The One More Project.  This is a project designed to help us reach one more person, one more family, one more neighborhood with the great news that God loves people and wants to bring them into His family through Jesus.  As Rick pointed out in his report, we are currently out of room.   Therefore on August 14, 2011, we will launch a new Sunday morning schedule which will instantly give us 70% more space, enabling us to reach 178 more people than we are currently reaching.  For details on the schedule please go to http://www.hdbc.org/ and click the One More Project button. 

We are in the process of finalizing the campaign that we get us from here to there.  We anticipate a 4-phase campaign.  Phase One: Spiritual Preparation.  Phase Two: Recruitment of Workers.  Phase Three: Information and Publicity.  Phase Four:  Launch.

I am so thrilled with the positive responses that I continue to get from the HDBC family.  It will require some changes, some choices and in some cases sacrifices.  But we are up to it . . . because we do it all for the sake of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:23).  May God richly blesses this decision to make room for One More.

It's a Small World After All

This past week I joined eleven other individuals on a road trip to the Crescent City.  We were not motivated by the historic French Quarters, though we did visit that part of the city.  Our goal was not to get a glimpse of the famous Super Dome, though we traveled by it daily.  We were not enamored by the Garden District nor drawn to the fabulous cajun cooking.  Curiosity about how well the city has rebounded after Katrina would not have been enough to lead us that far south.  So, what motivated us to travel to New Orleans?

Simply . . . the world.  We went to New Orleans to find the world, and we did.  The world is coming to the U.S. in more ways that you can imagine.  Cruise and cargo ships routinely dock in New Orleans for hours at a time.  Most of the workers on those ships are from countries other than the United States.  Global Maritime Ministries seeks to share the love of Jesus with those workers.  That is why we went to New Orleans. 

In the course of two days I met people from the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Bulgaria and a host of other nations.  These hard workers typically are away from their families for eight to ten months at a time.  Global Maritime Ministries offers a free ride to its center where they can call home, check with family members through the internet, enjoy some snacks, play pool and ping pong, or just hang our.  Bibles are available in most of their languages. 

We went to New Orleans to find the world.  We found genuine, hard-working individuals who just happened to be from other countries.  We found individuals for whom Christ died.  We found individuals who are looking for the same things that Americans are looking for.  We saw pictures of their children, listened to their stories, laughed at their jokes, and prayed for their needs.

It is indeed a small world.

Rumors, Confusion, Conflict

I've been reading through Joshua the last few weeks.  There are some great principles that are absolutely relevant to us today.  This morning I read chapter 22.  It recounts the relocation of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh to the opposite side of the Jordan River from the other tribes of Israel.  Just to be clear, this was not some banishment or punishment.  This was the land they had requested and which was granted to them by Moses.  However, before possessing the land and settling down, they were required to assist their fellow tribes in the conquest of the land.  In chapter 22 that process is virtually completed.  Therefore these two and a half tribes were sent to their new homes with the blessing of Joshua.  So far so good.

Verse 10 reveals that when they arrived at the Jordan river, they decided to build a massive altar.  That's when the problems began.  Word drifted back to the other tribes, and the Bible tells us that they were immediately motivated to go to war against their brothers.  However, rather than rushing into battle they decided on a more rational approach.  They sent a delegation to ask a few questions and get a few facts.  Upon doing so they discovered that the rumor-mill had totally misrepresented the facts.  The rumor was that the altar was built as a substitute for the true altar of God and as an act of rebellion against the nation and against God.

After a few questions and a non-emotional, level-headed discussion, the truth was revealed.  It was not intended as a sign of division and separation, but actually as a sign of unity.  Their actions and more importantly the reason for their actions had been totally misunderstood.  Wow . . . the actual truth was the opposite of what had been rumored.  If you want the entire story, read Joshua 22:10-34.

Now, what is the takeaway?  Simply this . . . rumors lead to confusion which leads to misunderstanding which leads to conflict.  Never a good thing!  Level-headed, non-emotional dialogue leads to the truth, which leads to understanding which defuses conflict even before it can start.  That may be the most important point of the story.  They were motivated to fight.  They were planning to fight.  They felt justified to fight.  But then the light of truth was revealed and no blood was shed, no limbs were maimed, no grief was felt.  All because they were willing to dialogue, listen, trust and understand.

Sounds like a good plan.

Lost Keys and a Free Lunch

Late Wednesday morning Shay and I decided to have lunch together.  However, when I went back into the office to grab my keys they were not on the desk where I normally leave them.  So, I looked in the next probably location, the top draw of my desk.  No keys.  I casually checked around the office thinking I would soon spot them.  No luck.  So, I retraced my steps throughout the church that morning and still did not find them.  Then it dawned on me.  I had spent an hour of so with two couples in my office.  I thought maybe one of them had picked them up by mistake.  So, I called and asked them, but they checked and did not have them.  At that point I was becoming a little concerned.  Most keys can be easily replaced at a minimum cost, but I had two vehicle remote controls on the ring that are fairly expensive to replace. 

Finally, after searching for half and hour I gave up so Shay and I could go to lunch.  We decided on Subway.  We had planned to go early and beat the crowd, but the search for the missing keys changed those plans.  We arrived right at noon and there was a line already formed.  When we walked into the store I saw that the last person in line was a friend.  So, we chatted while going through the line, ordering our sandwiches and picking our chips.  When he got to the check out he asked what we were eating and said he wanted to buy our lunch.  After some half-hearted attempts to resist, we said ok. 

As we sat down to eat, I mentioned the fact that I was still wondering where those keys were and even shared that I had prayed about them.  Here is the content of that prayer.  "Lord, you know where those keys are, and it would please me greatly if you would let me in on it."  When I shared that with Shay, he simply smiled and said, "we got a free lunch."  What a guy.  Always looking at the situation through the eyes of God's sovereignty.  But I had to admit that he was right.  Had we not searched for the keys we would have arrived much earlier and would not have been in line behind that generous friend.  God truly is a marvelous God.  We praised Him for His goodness . . . but I still wanted to find my keys.  Within five minutes of getting back to the office I thought of a place in the building that I had gone early that morning . . . and sure enough, there were the keys. 

So, praise the Lord for lost keys that lead to free lunches.

The Look

I am really enjoying my grandson, Jackson at this stage in his life.  He is eleven months old, crawling everywhere and always seems delighted to see me. In fact, each time he sees me you would think he is looking at the Grand Canyon for the first time, a dozen presents under a Christmas Tree, or a shopping cart full of candy.  When he sees me he opens his mouth as wide as he can, stiffens his entire body and begins to make all kinds of noises.  Of course I interpret all of this as him being so excited that he just cannot contain himself.  It's really cool to feel this important.  Right now, he really thinks that I am a big deal.  He will outgrow that as he matures and comes to realize that, though we have a pretty special relationship and a bond that can never be broken, I am still human, just like him.  There will come a time when that mouth will not drop open at the site of his Papa J.  There will come a time when he will see me

in a more realistic light.  I know that will happen, but for now, I'm basking in the pure joy of watching him light up when I come into his presence.

I wonder if that is anything like what God feels when we come into His presence and respond in awe of Him?  I want to be like Jackson, when I enter the presence of God.  I want my entire mind, body and soul to respond in awe of Him. 

The Middle East

Riots, protests and problems in the middle east are dominating the headlines of major news outlets.  Dictatorial and oppressive regimes throughout the region are coming under fire from grassroots protesters who are seeking freedom.  Those seeking freedom in nations like Iran, Libya, Egypt and others in the middle east should have the unwavering support of the United States.  Freedom-fighters who are struggling against incredible odds should know that those of us who already enjoy freedom are pulling for them.  Individuals should be free from oppressive regimes, whether they are led by individual dictators, royal families, or radical religious ideologues.  Oppression is wrong, regardless of the form of the oppressor.

Even as our national leaders are seeking wise responses to the chaos in many of the Arab nations of the middle east, they must never forget that in the midst of that chaos, there is an island of freedom that must be defended, supported and protected.  Israel is one of our most important allies and is certainly our best friend in the region. This tiny nation is under constant threat from enemies on all sides and deserves the clear and bold support of the United States.  We must be steadfast in our support of the people of Israel even as we seek to help others in the area who are striving for freedom. 

May God give wisdom to our leaders as they work for freedom and peace in the middle east.

Projects

The past few weeks I have been involved in some home improvement projects.  New tile in the kitchen and breakfast areas.  New tile in the sun room.  New paint in one bedroom.  I've checked those off of my list.  Things still to do include . . .  new carpet on the way, old carpet to be pulled up and installed in two other houses, new tile in the bathrooms.  And then, somewhere down the line there is a wall-paper project in the kitchen that I am really dreading.  Come, Lord Jesus, come!

What have I learned through this?
I appreciate good friends who do not mind working.
I appreciate having a home to live in.
I appreciate having hands to work with and the ability to attempt new things.
I appreciate my wife who is so encouraging when things are not perfect.
I appreciate Advil, Aleve and Tylenol.

It's a Wonderful Life

This Valentine's Day I want to write a few words about my sweet wife. I am so blessed and humbled that God brought Jan Nichols into my life in 1973.  We first met when my family moved from Alabama to Louisiana and our families attended the same church.  Jan's family had moved there from Arkansas.  God had to move two entire families across state lines in order to get us together.  At least that is way I see it.  I'm so glad He did.

A year after first meeting, Jan and I began to date.  Several weeks into our dating relationship I decided to break it off.  I guess I was getting nervous about how serious we were getting.  It only took a couple of days for me to realize that I had made a major mistake.  I asked if we could resume our relationship and she graciously agreed.  Three years later, after a short engagement, we were married.  December 17, 1977 was certainly a life-changing day for us.  In an act of solemn worship we pledged to love, cherish and honor one another in a lifetime of marriage.  The two became one and we began a most amazing journey together. 

During the first seven years of our marriage we lived in nine different houses/apartments in five different cities.   During those years I finished college and seminary.  We served as missionaries in upstate New York, and worked in four different churches.  We also became parents of a precious little girl.  In the coming years we would serve for over seven years in a great church in Mississippi and would see the birth of our other two daughters.  Ultimately, God moved us to the wonderful Highland Drive Baptist Church family.

After my commitment to Christ and His Kingdom, nothing takes higher priority in my life than my wife.  She is my soul-mate, partner, friend and confidante.   Her words of encouragement, actions of support, and incredible love have not only sustained me, but have propelled me through life. 

We live in a modest house.  We wear modest clothing.  We have more debt than money.  We have our share of struggles.  But mine is, indeed, a wonderful life.  This is true primarily because of my sweet wife.  I cannot imagine life without her.  She is the constant in my life. 

As I think about how far we have come, I remember the early days, as two starry-eyed youngsters fell in love.  I pulled up an old photograph from those days and at the risk of a few chuckles, I thought I would share it.  To most, it will simply look like a funny picture taken at a high school prom in 1975.  But to me . . . it is a part of a very special and Wonderful Life.

Keepers of the Aquarium

Several years ago Jan and I purchased a small aquarium and some fish.  It was our futile attempt to keep from buying a more high-maintenance pet, like a dog!  We've also tried turtles and a rabbit.  Neither worked and we finally bought the dog.  But that is another story. 

We quickly learned some things about aquariums.  They are cool, especially if you get cool fish.  We did.  It was fun to glance into that little ocean and watch those contented creatures swimming around for our pleasure.  We also learned that aquariums require maintenance.  Those little fish have to be fed, the water has to be changed and the tank has to be cleaned . . . regularly.  In short, we became keepers of the aquarium.  Our goal was not to increase the number of fish, but to maintain the status quo.  This is wonderful for aquariums, but not for churches.  I read a challenging blog this morning that I want to pass along to you.  I hope you will read it and let it challenge you as well. 

Here is the link. 
http://www.stevenfurtick.com/leadership/keepers-of-the-aquarium/

Egypt and the Middle East

In light of the unrest in Egypt and the world's eyes again focused on the middle east, I thought I would share a few simple statements that I believe.

Israel is still precious to God.
Israel will play an key role in His future plans.
Israel is an important ally to the United States.
The United States must defend and support Israel.
Arab people are not the enemy.
They are simply blinded by false religion.
Arabs, like all people, are set free only by the Truth.
The Truth can be found only in Jesus Christ.
Political unrest is a symptom of deeper spiritual issues.
Our leaders need wisdom and courage during this crisis.
Our leaders must to be clear, bold and decisive.
We must pray for our leaders.
I am not worried!  God is sovereign and will never be moved.
He has the whole world in His hands!

The Greatest Gift - Life

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth.  Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written; the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:13-16

Snow Day

Snow days are Magical!  I've spent most of my life in the south, where snow days are treasured like precious gems.  The anticipation usually begins a few days out with the mention of possible snow on the 6:00 p.m. news.  That starts the buzz.  Will it really snow?  How many inches?  Do you think we will get out of school?  Kids (and teachers) begin to imagine the thrill of seeing their school's name on the ticker of school closings.  As each school name scrolls by in alphabetic order all eyes are watching . . . and waiting.  Finally, there it is!  We get a snow day.  And the rejoicing starts.

Snow days are also bothersome!  Daycares close, so parents have to miss work or scamble around and find suitable care for their children.  Tests get postponed and lesson plans get scrapped.  Church services, ball games, and civic activities get canceled.  Parking lots have to be cleared.  Vehicles get dirty.  Back yards get soggy.  Roofs leak.  Well . . . you get my point.  Did I mention that . . .

 . . . Snow days are Magical!  Even with all the inconveniences, they really are special..  Even at 53 (yep I am on the other side of the half century mark) I still love snow days.  To me, they are still magical.  Last Monday was the first (and maybe the only) snow day of the year.  Since Hutch's daycare was closed, Jan kept him.  At lunch I want home, picked him up and we drove through the country looking for deer, bears and alligators.  You should know that it was his idea to look for the gators.  We then made our way to Burger King for some lunch.  Finally, we came home and played in the snow.  Mostly, he played and I watched.  I did need to get back to work.  It was a great day.

Snow days are Magical!  So . . . bring on the snow.  We need at least one more snow day this year.

Violence against Christians

The middle east remains one of the most volatile regions in the world. And it is arguably the most important, especially from a spiritual, prophetic perspective. If you would like to stay up-to-date on important developments in that area I want to commend to you Joel Rosenberg's blog. Here is a short portion of his most recent post.

It is not receiving nearly enough attention in the mainstream media, but a disturbing development is underway in the Middle East: followers of Jesus Christ in the epicenter have endured a dramatic surge of violence and persecution at the hands of religious and political extremists in recent weeks and months.

In Iraq, Christians have been attacked and killed in their homes and in public, forcing nearly a thousand families to flee from Baghdad and Mosul to the safer Kurdistan region in the north. A separate siege on a Baghdad church on October 31 killed 58 followers of the Lord Jesus and wounded 67 others.

In Israel, extremists firebombed an Arab Christian church in Jerusalem in November. In December, Kristine Luken, an American evangelical Christian was stabbed to death not far from Jerusalem in what many believe to have been an act of terror. Her friend, Kay Wilson—an Israeli believer in Jesus—was also severely wounded in the attack.

None of this is surprising. Jesus made it clear that his followers would be persecuted and would receive the same kind of treatment by the world that He received. However, most believers in America are so insulated from these types of threats that we forget that they are real for many believers around the world.

To read his entire blog go to http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/.

Please join me in praying for fellow believers who are suffering in difficult places.