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.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Keepers of the Aquarium
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/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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!
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!
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