The Branch...

CHECK OUT MY NEW BLOG

2011-08-02T22:47:00.001-05:00

I have started a new blog @ www.lifelinewithtimchilders.blogspot.com

I hope it is a blessing to you!!

Nehemiah 4 -- Spiritual Warfare

2010-02-03T11:24:00.001-06:00

This chapter would be what I consider to be the “spiritual warfare” chapter. Once the word got out that Judah was actually rebuilding the walls, Sanballet was furious. (v.1) He and his buddies mocked the Jews publicly. They constantly played “mind games” with the people who were working.

As usual – Nehemiah responded with prayer.
• Nehemiah’s prayer. (v. 4)
o Turn the plans of the enemy to destruction on their own heads.
o Give them as plunder to a land of captivity – plunder means “wasted destruction.” It was common for the enemy to “plunder” a village. They would come into the village and destroy it for the shear joy of destruction.
o Show everyone their true colors – asked God to keep a record of their sin.

These initial attacks did not stop the people. (v.6) They continued to work. The was was built to half it’s height. They were making progressing. How?

The people had a mind to work. (v.6)
• They were resolute in their actions.
• They believed their leader and followed his leadership.
• They trusted God.
• They did not allow Sanballet and Tobiah to distract them from the task at hand. They were not distracted from re-building….the vision.

When Sanballet and Tobiah heard of their continued success they became “very angry.” (v.7) They did not like hearing that the walls were restored. Most of all they did not like it that “gaps were closing.”

They were beginning to see that their intimidation was not working so their plotting to destroy the work of the Lord increased.
• Their plan
o Attack Jerusalem
o Create confusion
o Destroy the progress

Nehemiah had a plan of his own.
• Nehemiah’s Plan (v. 9)
o Continue in prayer
o Set a watch against the attacks

Even with these plans in place – the people were growing discouraged and weary. They were tired.
• Strength was failing
• Overwhelmed by the amount of destruction and rubbish.
• They were so discouraged that they told Nehemiah that they could not continue.

Because the enemy was so convincing the people began to talk and tell what they were hearing. Again, fear and intimidation was the plan of the day for the Sanballett.
• Surprise attack was imminent. (v. 11)
• Kill everyone so the work would stop.
• Intimidation was intense.
o “No matter where you turn – we will be there.”
o You can’t escape
o They repeated this over and over and kept it before the people so they would not forget, but stay in fear.

God gave Nehemiah a plan:
• Position guards
• Keep families together
• Gather weapons
• Nehemiah was their leader so HE ENCOURAGED THEM!
o Nehemiah’s encouragement
 Do not be afraid.
 Remember the Lord – Great and awesome.
 Get priorities in line.
• Fight for you lives.
• Fight for the brethren.
• Fight for the family.
• Fight for your property.

The Results (v. 15)
• God brought the plan of the enemy to nothing so the people resumed the work on the walls
• Half of the people built the walls and half of them stood as guards.
• The people worked to complete the construction but they were wise. In one hand they held their tools for construction; the other hand held a weapon for defense!

Nehemiah placed a trumpet player near him. The sound of the trumpet was the signal for assembly. There is strength in numbers. Nehemiah saw the danger of the people being spread apart so he said to them, “when you hear the trumpet….rally! Rally means to assemble.
• God will fight for us! (v. 20)

The key to Nehemiah’s success was his faith in God and his determination and unwillingness to waver from the call of God on his life to rebuild the walls!!

Lessons Learned –
• When God gives vision and call to a person, Satan will have his Sanballet’s and Tobiah’s ready to:
o Humiliate
o Intimidate
o Cause confusion
o Attack
• God is faithful
o He gave Nehemiah a plan
o He brought the plans of the enemy to nothing

Nehemiah 2 --God's Sovereign Hand of Supply

2010-01-06T15:36:00.008-06:00

After Nehemiah prays that God will grant him "compassion from the king" he goes into the presence of the king with the king's wine. The king notices how sad and distressed Nehemiah looks. The king then asks "what's wrong?" This opens the door for Nehemiah to share with the king how and why he feels the way he does. The king asks Nehemiah what he wants to do. WOW!! God worked in such a way that Nehemiah did not even have to bring the subject up first. God opened the door. The king asked! The king also wants to know how long Nehemiah things it will take and how long he will be gone. (v. 6)

Following all of this - the king gives Nehemiah all that he needs to go to Jerusalem. The king evens sends horseman, guards, and captains in the king's army. He sent letters of blessing to all of the governors who were in the territories where Nehemiah was passing. Note: Nehemiah gives GOD all of the glory for HIS supply. (v. 8)

Sanballet and Tobias were the two thorns in the flesh for Nehemiah. They were residents of Jerusalem. They were very disturbed that someone was coming to help God's people. Verses 11-12 reveal that this was not just some "adventure" for Nehemiah but a true calling from the Lord. (verse 11 -- God put it in Nehemiah's heart.)

As Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and began to make inspections. He found total devastation. Some places were not even passable. There was much work to do and one who reads this can almost hear the gears begin to turn in Nehemiah's head.

Now Nehemiah begins to cast the vision in verse 17. He tells the people that they should arise and build so as to no longer be a REPROACH. He then assures the people that the hand of God is on him. He also has the support of the king. (v. 18) Then the people caught the vision and said, "let us rise up and build!" The followed through by beginning this work of God - the vision to rebuild the CITY OF GOD! ZION! Jerusalem!!

When the rose up to work - so did Sanballet and Tobias and their friend, Gesham. They hated the people, laughed at them and even falsely accused them of rebellion against the king. Nehemiah's response was to call on God! (v. 20)

God will prosper us!

We will arise and build!

Nehemiah then reminds Sanballet, Tobias, and Gesham that they have not place in the city, no heritage there in Jerusalem. It's almost as if Nehemiah is saying, "you are aliens who are here illegally. We are God's people doing what God has called us to do. He has empowered us and supplied our every need. You just watch - His hand is on this project -- we will be successful because God want us to be successful.

God caused the king to approach Nehemiah. Nehemiah did not even have to mention the calling of God on his life - THE KING MADE IT POSSIBLE! (v. 2 and v. 4)

Nehemiah prayed before he answered the king. (v. 4)

Nehemiah had a God given plan to accomplish what God had called him to do. The plan even included a time line for how long it would take to accomplish the vision.

When the king granted his requests - Nehemiah gave God the glory. (v.8)

Nehemiah logically presented the vision/project to the people. (v. 17) NOTE: For further study -- v. 17, "no longer a reproach."

The people caught the vision. (v. 18)

Negative forces began to make their presence known! Whenever and wherever God is doing something great - there will always be those who are trying to tear it down.

Nehemiah reminds Sanballet, Tobias and Gesham that they have no heritage. Heritage calls to mind the importance of a blood line! They have no place there because of who they are! They have not rights there.

God will prosper the work of their hands (Nehemiah and the people) because of who they are and because of "whose" they are!!!

Nehemiah 1 -- God's Call to Nehemiah

2010-01-06T15:23:00.007-06:00

Nehemiah learns of the plight of the chldren of God - the REMNANT that escaped captivity and went back to Jerusalem. They found the city in ruins and were in great distress. Nehemiah heard this and went into a time of depression/mourning and he began to cry out to God. I was during this time that Nehemiah began to fast and pray. During the time of fasting he became convicted of his sin and confessed before the Lord. He reminded God of God's promise to Moses -- unfaithfulness will bring distress and separation, but repentance will bring blessings. The blessing of "coming home" is a great blessing. RETURN TO ME - stands out to me. (v. 9)

Nehemiah now prays a key prayer. He asks God to grant the King compassion before Nehemiah. Nehemiah was the curpbearer to the king. Now he was about to ask for some time off -- too be relieved of his duties so he could go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city.

Return to ME! (v. 9) -- it is always a good thing to confess our sins before the Lord. He has already forgiven them but it is for our benefit that we confess because the acts of sin have led us "away" from the blessing of God. God told Nehemiah - if we RETURN to God - we will walk in His blessings!

Nehemiah's "mercy prayer." (v. 11) -- This verse has proven to be so helpful in my ministry as a pastor. Nehemiah approached the king with caution because any talk of leaving the service of the king could signal disloyalty and could be punished by death. Nehemiah could be sentenced to death just for asking time away to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. However, Nehemiah prayed that the king would be compassionat toward him. Chapter 2 is the account of what hapened afte Nehemiah prayed this prayer. It is amazing to see how God worked in this!!

Nehemiah 3 -- The Plan Comes Together

2010-01-06T15:19:00.005-06:00

Nehemiah 3 is a detailed description of how individuals and groups of people came together and started the repairs and in some places the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem. They filled in the gaps. They repaired and re-hung the gate-doors. Nehemiah even records the repairs of the hardware on the gates. What I find amazing about this portion of scripture is that each group worked and tied each section of the wall together. It reminds me of the meeting of the two railroads across the U.S. When the time came to tie the tracks together – they met perfectly. When it came time to close the gaps and tie the wall together, it came together perfectly and supernaturally. God brought this to pass because the people were being obedient to Him. He blessed the work of their hands and the project was a success.

The scripture 2:18 reminds us that “set their hands to the work.” In other words their focus was to complete the work that God had called them to do. The huge task of rebuilding the wall was comprised of many smaller projects. The smaller projects were part of the larger project and calling of God – the rebuilding and refortifying of the city of Jerusalem.
• Our projects must always point to the larger focus and vision of God. Notice that they were all focused on different projects, but for the purpose completing what God had called them to do.
• None of the projects recorded by Nehemiah were a distraction from the vision given to Nehemiah – they all worked together. They all pointed to the greater vision/project--REBUILD THE WALLS!
• Everyone bought into the vision – the priests, the common laborer, the common citizen and women. Everyone had a place in the work.

Blogging AGAIN!

2010-01-06T15:03:00.003-06:00

I have felt a need to start blogging again. I got away from ith when I discovered FaceBook and now I am feeling the need to blog. I am going to be sharing my thoughts from my early morning Bible studies. Currently I am studying 1 chapter of Nehemiah each morning. Now when I says that I am studying, actually it will be a "light" study with makers for me to go back and dig deeper at a later time. My plan is to read the chapter 5 times - then write it out in my own words, marking through bulleted points what God is showing me. I have been at this for 3 days and I am loving it.

At first I was writing everything in a journal but then I decided to start blogging it so I am taking the time over the next couple of days to re-write the material into the blog.

I hope this study will be a blessing to you - It has already taught me so much!

Fellowship by Chris Chow

2009-04-06T13:27:00.003-05:00

Chris Chow was in my youth group at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the late eighties. He was a strong Christian young man who was a deep thinker. We keep in touch through email. Recently he sent a study he did on "fellowship" in the church. It is a wonderful study. I asked his permission to post on my blog. He graciously agreed. You will be glad he did!

FELLOWSHIP --

As busy person (2 small kids hanging all over me whenever I'm at home trying to accomplish a task, pages all night from the hospital, catching up on tons of paperwork at the office, catching up on and co-laboring with friends and members of the church universal, early morning meetings, evening prayer meetings, earlier morning devotions, self-development projects of reading lists, projects, lawn-care, Sunday School preparation, worship team preparation, listening to new songs, daily readings of secular and Bible readings to the children, trying to carve out time for my patient and understanding wife), I find myself cringing at the request for my presence at yet another "fellowship". At the inspiration of a friend this week, I decided to look into what God says about it. Here's what I found. I welcome your comments.

Fellowship:
More than just a gathering
Chris Chow
April 2, 2009

The word “fellowship” is listed in the Bible 17 times.

Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The word for “fellowship” here is “koinonia” (Strong’s 2842) which means “participation”, “sharing in”, “fellowship with”, “communion”.

God uses this word to call us into fellowship of his Son (1 Cor. 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”).

Paul uses this word to identify and share in Christ’s sufferings (Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”)

It’s used in Philemon 1:6 “that the koinonia of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”

Even John uses this word in 1 John 1:3-7 “that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ…If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But is we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Paul uses this word to describe the plea of the churches of Macedonia to receive the support to the poor saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:4 “imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”)

Later, to end the same book, he uses this word to describe the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the koinonia of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.”)(See also Phil 2:1)

He also uses this word to describe our fellowship with the blood and the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16 “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the koinonia of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the koinonia of the body of Christ?”).

[So, already, God describes the fellowship of Christ, of His sufferings, of our faith, with other believers, sharing in their ministry/gifts, of the Spirit, of the blood and body of Christ—it’s more than an identification, it’s a partaking/embracing/and perhaps incarnation of those things and what it means]

But in the same chapter, the Bible warns us not to fellowship with demons (1 Cor. 10:20 “Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.”) The word for fellowship here is “koinonos” (2844, sound familiar?), which means “partners”.

That word “partner” is the same word used in Luke 5:10 to describe Peter, James and John’s work relationship (Luke 9-10 “For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.’”) The Greek word here is koinonos (Similar to koinonia) that describes a business relationship, with mutual responsibilities and accountability, working together to bring in the net, taking turns during the night watch waiting for fish, rowing out into the water together, investing their resources to continue the business, sharing the load and the return, improving the trade. “Titus my partner/koinonos” (2 Cor. 8:23). “Koinonos with them in the blood of the prophets” (Matt. 23:30)

In Galatians 2:9 Paul uses koinonia to describe his and Barnabas’ partnership Peter, James, and John (“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”)

In Philippians 1:3-5, Paul and Timothy addresses the saints serving in the church there: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,”

So you see, Paul uses the word almost interchangeably! Because of this, we need to see the idea of fellowship in our church body as more than just hanging out and exchanging jokes and superficial pleasantries, having a good time over fried chicken and potato salad (dumplings and rice in our Chinese church), or sipping coffee while discussing the latest sports news. That may be the start of things, but I believe God wants us to see the idea of fellowship as a partnership, a working relationship with each other (especially as leaders of the church) where we meet to always improve one another, sharpen each other in our walk and glorification of God, speaking (rhema) the Word (logos), teaching each other, raising the worship in our hearts together, so that we start AND finish strong, and working hard together for Him strategically like Peter, James, and John fishing, this time to gather souls, that the reign of heaven may be at hand in many more of our lives!

Evangelism

2008-12-18T10:06:00.002-06:00

This video is really amazing and an eye opener for people who are afraid to evangelize. REAL caring goes a long way......

Psalm 91 - Devotions -- Day 20

2008-11-16T08:38:00.000-06:00

The last devotional was about the defeat of evil. No evil is going to overtake you because you have eternal life in Jesus – who is our secret place. Today we are promised that plagues will not come near our dwelling place.

In the 19th century the bubonic plague wiped our thousands of people. In an effort to stop the plague from spreading, residents were required to post a plague notice on their doorposts. People knew to stay away from that home because the plague had come near.

Do you want to hear some good news? There is NO DEATH in the dwelling place of the Most High! Death was defeated at the tomb when Jesus rose from the dead. I love how the Psalmist reminds us that death will not even come near us!

There is not need for warning signs on the doorpost of your spiritual dwelling place. God provided a cure for the plague! The blood of Jesus is the perfect cure for the plague of death. Through Him we have eternal life. Death does not stand a chance! I am alive forevermore in the secret place of the Most High! No plagues for me!

Which Way Will America Go?

2008-11-05T23:43:00.002-06:00

The video below is a message I preached on Sunday, October 27, 2008.

If you will go about 24 minutes into the video, you can pick up where I started preaching. The message of this video is timeless, although,I do mention the election and the candidates for the presidential election.

Our country is at a crossroads -- which way will we go. Our new president has been elected - now what will happen? Which way will we go?

Christians -- Arise!

2008-11-05T23:37:00.001-06:00

fbc 102608 from kathy bozeman on Vimeo.

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 19

2008-09-16T23:15:00.000-05:00

Day Nineteen
Psalm 91:10
No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
NKJV
Have you ever noticed that part of verse 10? I do not think we can fully understand the protection that God is offering us. That word “befall” has an interesting meaning.

Befall means to be taken over. In other words the Lord is promising us that evil will never overtake us. Honestly, we did not have that promise before Jesus came to “dwell” with us through His Spirit. Evil is never going to take over as long as Jesus is in the house! His blood has defeated the evil one. Ultimately, since Jesus rose from the dead, evil does not stand a chance of destroying our eternal life. I know what you are thinking – “but what about the evil in the world that affects me?” Evil can still affect our circumstances, but it will never win over the blood of Jesus for our souls!!!

No evil shall befall you! Count on it!

Psalm 91 -- Devotions -- Day 18

2008-09-06T23:07:00.001-05:00

Day Eighteen
Psalm 91:9
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
NKJV

Yesterday we discovered more about the refuge we have in God. Today, I want you to consider what it means to have the “Most High” as your “dwelling place.”

I love the Old Testament use of the word dwelling. It means to “settle down” to “tabernacle,” “to make a home.” If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and life then you have made God your place to settle down, to camp out (tabernacle), your home. As I have said before, those of us who are Christians are “in Christ.” Jesus is our dwelling place. I know what you are thinking. What does that mean? How do I get there? How do I know that I am there? These questions and more can be answered by an understanding of FAITH. “For by grace you have been saved through faith….” (Ephesians 2:8-9) “Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

It is by faith that we make Jesus our dwelling place! He is our refuge. When we realize that we are in Christ, our dwelling place, we can truly begin to realize the benefits of dwelling in the safe place – the refuge we call Jesus. His provision, His protection, His promises! Salvation, safety, solutions! Abundant life, walking in the Spirit, freedom from the power of sin! All of these are the benefits given to us “in Christ” as we make the Most High our “dwelling place.”

Where Have I Been?

2008-09-06T23:00:00.003-05:00

Hey folks,
I am so sorry that I stopped posting. I have gotten a few emails from you asking what happened. I was right in the middle of completing the series on Psalm 91 and then..................I got hooked...............................on............................................Facebook! I am almost embarrassed tot ell you that, but it's true! I joined FB and before I knew it I was looking at all of my friends pictures, chatting with old friends and catching up with people from my former churches. It has been fun, but I am growing weary! So...I plan to come back to the blog so keep checking back!

Psalm 91 starte again on Sunday evening -- September 7!

Main Thing Moments 2

2008-08-07T22:19:00.002-05:00

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 17

2008-08-06T10:19:00.002-05:00

Day Seventeen
Psalm 91:9
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
NKJV

Years ago I knew a woman who was terrified of storms. She had transformed her basement into a storm shelter. Her husband had built a bed from railroad cross ties. The top of the bed was reinforced with several sheets of plywood. She had designed the bed to have doors. When a storm would come she would get inside her bed, close the doors and wait out the storm. She told me that she felt safe in her basement “refuge.” I have been in her house during a storm. She was right!

We all long for security. We want to feel safe and secure. The psalmist reminds us today that God has provided that safety and security. He knows first hand what it means to live in that refuge.

God is our refuge. God is our safe place. The Bible tells us that we are “in Him.” We will explore what it means to be “in Him” in tomorrow’s study.

My friend with the storm shelter in her basement made the decision to get into that safe place. Each time a storm came she made the conscious choice to go there. As a result of that choice she was rewarded by having peace of mind. She felt secure there. Just as my friend felt safe in her basement, we can find that same security and peace of mind in our Lord.

The psalmist knew the importance of the refuge. Notice that he says, “because you have made the Lord.” Because you have made the Lord your refuge there are going to be some benefits. In the days ahead we will explore some of the blessings of the refuge.

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 16

2008-07-30T21:54:00.002-05:00

Day Sixteen
Psalm 91:8
Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
NKJV

I would not have used the word “reward” to describe what the wicked will receive as a result of their depraved lifestyle. Reward conjures up visions of winning a prize. Would we want to “reward the wicked” for their wickedness? Punishment seems like a better word.

In order to understand why the word was translated as “reward,” one must understand the Hebrew word “peri.”

Peri has three meanings.
The tangible fruit produced by a plant
The offspring of the womb
The consequences or the result of a particular action

The “reward” of the wicked is actually the fruit produced by living an ungodly life. The reward will be the consequences of a wicked lifestyle. A closer look at the writings of the Apostle Paul will help us understand this “reward.”

Read Galatians 5:17-21. It is interesting to note in these verses that there is a particular lifestyle that will bring destruction into a person’s life. Paul speaks of this lifestyle in verses 19-21 when he describes the characteristics of the “flesh life.” In the second part of verse 21 he states that those who practice this kind of lifestyle will not inherit the kingdom of God. These are very strong words. Christians can sin and still inherit the Kingdom of God. This verse must be speaking to the unbeliever. Although a Christian may commit some of the sins Paul lists, it is highly unlikely that a believer would actually want to continue in the lifestyle that Paul describes.

The reward is the offspring of the curse of sin. The reward of the wicked in Psalm 91 is the “tangible fruit” produced by living an ungodly lifestyle. . The reward is the consequences or the result of a particularly fleshly action in the life of a person.

The Christian has two choices:
Walk according to the flesh (vs. 19-21) where one will reap the consequences of living an ungodly life. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Satan will use these sins in our lives to kill, steal and destroy the abundant blessings in which Jesus wants us to live.
Walk according to the Spirit (vs. 22-23) where one is filled with the fruit (reward) of the Holy Spirit. By faith we make the choice to appropriate the abundant life of Christ in us each day so that the Spirit is giving us the reward of “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 15

2008-07-29T21:16:00.001-05:00

Day Fifteen
Psalm 91:8
Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked. NKJV

We have learned that small words in the Scriptures are sometimes the most powerful. Yesterday we celebrated the little word “but.” Today there is another small and seemingly insignificant word that packs a huge punch of power in our study: ONLY

To speak the word “only” without using it in a sentence is somewhat comical. Say it a few times. Only..only...only! This word may sound comical but praise God, it is powerful!
The dictionary defines ONLY as an adverb with many uses. It means: without others or anything further; alone; solely; exclusively. Today’s verse is very clear. We will ONLY see the reward of the wicked. Only seeing it with our eyes! We will not receive the reward of the wicked. Praise God! Tomorrow you will understand more fully the reward of the wicked.

This powerful little word ushers God’s grace into our lives. Read James 4:4-6. In these verses James says that whoever wants to be a friend of “the world” will make himself an enemy of God. The “wicked” in our verse for today are those who have made friends with the world. They are the ones who have turned their backs on the grace of God.

Those of us who have submitted to the Lordship of Christ have been given “more grace.”(v. 6.) We will not receive our just reward (which should be punishment) for our rebellion against God. Instead, we have been graced by God! We have been given a measure of protection. We will “solely, exclusively without others or anything further” see what is coming to the “friends of the world – the wicked” but their punishment will not touch us!! Because of God’s grace we have been justified, sanctified and glorified!

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
(NKJV)

I am so thankful that God has provided not ONLY salvation, but protection and the promise of our verse for today!

Back from Vacation

2008-07-28T22:19:00.001-05:00

We are back from vacation. I will post from Psalm 91 tomorrow. I just don't have it in me to write it tonight! Keep checking back.

Vacation!

2008-07-20T23:31:00.002-05:00

I am on vacation beginning right now! I will not be posting again until next Monday, July 28th! Debbie and I are going to the beach! Check back next week!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 14

2008-07-16T21:58:00.000-05:00

Day Fourteen
Psalm 91:7
A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. NKJV

In today’s emphasis we have one of the most powerful and wonderful words in all of scripture. The word is small however without it scripture would paint a grim existence for us. If the word of God is “sharper than an two-edged sword” then the point of that sword is “BUT.” I am so thankful for “but” in the scripture for today. Read it again. Read it one more time! Oh yes, my friends, thousands may be falling all around you BUT...BUT...BUT... the destruction does not come near us! How can it be?

Remember to always keep these verses in context. (Day 13) We must always interpret Old Testament (old covenant) scripture though New Testament (new covenant) understanding. Remember all of the Old Testament was written BEFORE the cross of Christ.

New Covenant Interpretation: Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV) Do you see the similarity between Psalm 91 and Romans 6:23?

A thousand may fall at your side....for the wages of sin is death
BUT it shall not come near you.....BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus

Do you see why I am so excited about that little word “but?” “BUT” ushers in the grace of God. Without the BUT of these verses, you and I would be in big trouble! Consider what Romans 6:23 would mean for you without the BUT!

“For the wages of sin is death.”

Have you sinned? Of course you have sinned! Without the BUT you are dead! BUT, with the BUT Psalm 91 and Romans 6:23 promises us protection, deliverance and eternal life! Praise God for BUT!!!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 13

2008-07-15T22:29:00.000-05:00

Day Thirteen
Psalm 91:7
A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. NKJV

Have you ever felt unprotected? Vulnerable? Have you ever suffered from SDS? (Sitting Duck Syndrome) Many people all around you are sitting ducks, and are in the direct line of fire from Satan’s “fiery darts.” We have been learning that we have protection from those flaming arrows of deceit as we rest in the proctection and provision of the Almighty!

Protection is a wonderful commodity in the life of the believer. God has given us many promises in His Word concerning His protection. Verse 7 is just one of those precious promises.

As we study through Psalm 91 we must always keep these verses in context. We must always interpret Old Testament (old covenant) scripture though New Testament (new covenant) understanding. Remember all of the Old Testament was written BEFORE the cross of Christ.

Context: Verse 7 promises protection for those who are in the “secret place of the Most High.” Verse 1 frames the context for the rest of the Psalm. The provision, protection and promises are only for those who have found themselves in that secret place. As we have already learned, that secret place is in Christ.

Thousands of people around you may be falling prey to Satan’s schemes and will literally die and go to hell. “Ten thousand” is better translated in the Hebrew as “myriads.” In other words large numbers of people very close to you (at your side and your right hand) are affected by the destruction brought on by sin.

The good news is that we are protected from the wages of sin which is death. (Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden -- READ Genesis 3) Because of what Jesus did on the cross, the curse of sin is canceled! Thousands around us may be perishing in their sin, but death will not take us! We live forever! (John 3:16) Christians do not suffer from SDS! We are NOT sitting ducks! Praise God!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 12

2008-07-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

~Day Twelve~
Psalm 91:6
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
NKJV

Today is day twelve. We are almost to the half way mark in our daily devotional study of Psalm 91. Today brings us to the last of the situations in this powerful Psalm in which we are compelled to use the “shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Terror by night
Arrows that fly by day
Pestilence that walks in darkness
The destruction that lays waste at noonday

The word “destruction” in Hebrew is an interesting word. It is used most often when describing the devastating effects of a horrific storm. It is the kind of destruction that destroys and then carries away the debris.

When I was doing the study on this word I was reminded of a horrible storm that occurred on Palm Sunday, 1994 in my home town of Piedmont, Alabama. The storm completely destroyed the Goshen United Methodist Church buildings. Ninety people were injured and twenty people lost their lives that day. As television footage began to stream into our homes, we sat in awe of the physical destruction of the properties in that community. Debris had been carried for miles. A childhood friend of mine lost everything that day. His house was completely destroyed. The mailbox post was sucked out of the ground never to be seen again!
Because of the destruction and loss of life the state of Alabama has spent millions of dollars on tornado warning systems.

Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” (John 10:10 – emphasis mine -- NKJV) According to Jesus, Satan has made it his purpose to steal, kill and destroy the abundant life of every Christian. Unfortunately, many times we drop the shield of faith and allow our joy to be swept away in the tornado of satanic confusion. When this happens the unmistakable path of the storm can be seen in our lives. Debris (consequences of our sin) will be scattered all around.

Consider this devotional a warning for the approaching storm! Satan will bring the storms of life your way! Take cover now! Hold up the shield of faith and proclaim victory over Satan

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)

No Psalm 31 Today

2008-07-11T23:36:00.001-05:00

I am busy in GA with a wedding -- I will be back with Psalm 91 in a day or two. I hope you all have a great weekend!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 11

2008-07-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

Day Eleven
Psalm 91:6
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
NKJV

Day Eleven brings us to the third of the list of four situations in which we are compelled to use the “shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.”

Terror by night
Arrows that fly by day
Pestilence that walks in darkness
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language defines the word pestilence as a pernicious, evil influence or agent. (Reference -- estilence. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved November 13, 2006, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pestilence. Barnes Notes teaches that the movement of this pestilence, (evil influence or agent) which is described in the English translation as “walks,” actually “seems to creep along as if in the night; that is, where one cannot mark its progress, or anticipate when or whom it will strike.” (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft)
Sounds like Satan to me! Evil influence! Agent of Evil! Absolutely! The aforementioned commentary from Barnes Notes is a perfect description of how “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. “ (1 Peter 5:8) He slithers into our lives, creeping along, in the darkness anticipating when to strike.
I have more good news for you today! The Psalmist has promised us that living in the truth of God’s Word and walking under the protection of the shield of faith is the place to be for protection from that slithering snake named Satan! When I was a child my mother taught me that there were certain things to do to keep the snakes away. I remember once when we sprinkled moth balls around the vegetable garden as a barrier to keep the snakes away.
Hallelujah! Praise God! He has surrounded us! He has placed a barrier between Satan and us! He has covered us with His feathers (protection). He has bought and covered us with the blood of Jesus. Satan may slither into our lives and try to devour us with his pestilence but God is more powerful! You do not have to be afraid of the pestilence that walks in darkness!
Call upon the name of Jesus today! Rebuke Satan in Jesus name. Read James 4:7. Submit to God, resist (rebuke) Satan and watch him run away!! You do not have to live in fear!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 10

2008-07-09T19:40:00.001-05:00

Day Ten
Psalm 91:5
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
NKJV

Day 9 gave us the promise of deliverance from fear. Read Psalm 91:5a. “You shall not be afraid...”

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I agree with the spirit of President Roosevelt’s statement because of the nature of fear. Fear paralyzes its victim!

When we lived near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park we regularly visited the Cades Cove picnic area. On more than one occasion a black bear would wander into the picnic area looking for food. These bears are beautiful but very dangerous. In order to neutralize this powerful creature the Park Ranger would shoot the bear with a tranquilizer dart. The bear would take a few steps and fall lifeless to the ground. The bear was not dead, just unconscious and totally at the mercy of the Park Ranger.

Have you ever been so afraid of or about something that you felt paralyzed with fear? Satan uses fear in a Christian’s life in much the same way the Park Ranger uses tranquilizer darts. Satan will shoot his fiery darts at Christians hoping that they will become so afraid that the fear they are experiencing will literally paralyze them spiritually. Many times this fear hinders the Christian from something God is calling them to do. Fear wins over obedience. Unfortunately this happens more often than most Christians would like to admit. They fall into a catatonic spiritual state and seem to be at the mercy of Satan.

The good news for you today is that Satan’s arrows must penetrate the covering of God in the Christian’s life. We get into big trouble when we do not trust God. Faith is the covering of God. Psalm 91 says that we do not have to be afraid of the “arrow that flies by day.” Do you remember the shield of faith from Ephesians 6:16? Its purpose is to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” It is your faith in God, through Jesus, that quenches Satan’s paralyzing darts of fear.

I have some very serious questions for you today.
Where is your faith?
Are you using your faith as a shield or are you walking in naked disobedience, fully vulnerable to the fiery darts of the wicked one?

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 9

2008-07-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

Day Nine
Psalm 91:5
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
NKJV

One of the blessings of truth is that in most cases it will kill the power of fear. The fear of the unknown is sometimes the worst kind of fear. Fear of the unknown is the kind of fear the Psalmist addresses in verse 5 -- “...the terror by night.”

When are we most vulnerable? It is definitely while we are sleeping. We surrender total control when we sleep. The “unknown” happens while we sleep.

As a former Youth Pastor I have spent many sleepless nights on retreats and youth activities because I did not trust what might happen when I put myself at the mercy of my youth group. Before I go to bed at our home, the last thing I do is to set the security system so that there will be no surprises as I surrender into sleep. When I stay in a motel I always check the door to make sure it is locked before I turn out the lights and go to sleep. There have been many times when I have been awakened suddenly and found myself experiencing sheer terror!

We have an incredible promise from the Word of God today. “You shall not be afraid...” Wow, that statement is very bold. “You shall not....” gives me great hope because this is a statement of fact – the truth – not an opinion or an option. I have great hope because I know that my feelings are going to follow what I believe. Change your thoughts...change your life!

Consider the truth in Paul’s writing to Timothy. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 – NKJV – emphasis mine) The kind of fear about which the Psalmist is writing is not from God. Knowing the truth about the origin of fear is to begin living in the truth of this statement: “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night...” God has given us a very practical tool by which we can combat the terrors of night. It is simply PRAYER. Each evening as I close my eyes I pray a prayer that goes something like this: “Father, be the Lord of my sleep tonight. Please protect me and my family!” God always honors that prayer. Many times I have fallen asleep peacefully while I am praying. There has not been a single time that I have had a nightmare or terror by night when I have drifted off to sleep in the arms of my Savior! Try this prayer in your own life! God will honor a prayer that shows we trust Him.

God wants us to trust Him. What are you afraid of? Psalm 91 is full of truth. Change your thoughts...change your life!

Time Off ~ Happy 4th!!

2008-07-03T23:08:00.002-05:00

Hey Everybody!
I hope you have a great July 4th Holiday! I am taking a couple of days off so I will not be blogging again until Monday, July 7th. Please come back!

Tim

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 8

2008-07-02T17:51:00.001-05:00

~Day Eight~
Psalm 91:4
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
NKJV

Five of the happiest years of my life were spent on the ministerial staff of First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – right in the heart of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Because of the many wise people in that church, I learned much about ministry that has helped me immensely since that time. My secretary at the church, Mildred Louise Large, was one of those wise people. She is one of the most “truthful” people I have ever met so it stands to reason that she would be a strong proponent of “truth.” Whenever I became distraught about something or someone, Louise would look me straight in the eyes, make me focus on the truth of that situation, and say, “Tim Childers, the truth will stand when the world is on fire.” I could ALWAYS (and still do!) count on Louise to tell me the truth about anything....even when I did not want to hear the truth.

“His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” (emphasis mine)

The theme throughout Psalm 91 is the blessings and protection in the presence of God, the Most High. In the last half of verse 4 the psalmist introduces the “how to” of the protection we enjoy. We have learned that there is a secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, our refuge and fortress who covers us with His feathers. How does the Most High God protect us? The answer to that question is simply: TRUTH!

Let’s go a little deeper today. Really think about this. What language does Satan speak? According to John 8:44 Jesus is very clear that Satan’s native language is lying. Jesus even calls Satan the father of lies. When Satan or one of his agents of darkness speaks to you it will be in their native tongue – lies! He will set his snare to catch you through lying to you. Our Protector, the Most High God combats these lies in our lives through TRUTH.

The truth of God is described as a shield and buckler – the picture of armor – the protection for a soldier going into battle. In Ephesians 6 Paul uses the armor of the Roman soldier to describe the protection we have in Christ.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:14 (NKJV – emphasis mine)

The Roman armor was held together by girding (wrapping) the armor to the mid-section. The belt held the armor together. To remove the belt was to remove the armor. Hence, to remove truth or to believe the lies of Satan is to remove the protection of God in our lives. God wants us to walk in the truth.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 – NKJV)
Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

“Gird up” your LIFE with truth today. The truth will stand when the world is on fire!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 7

2008-07-01T23:14:00.001-05:00

~Day Seven~
Psalm 91:4
He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
NKJV

What happens to you after the Father has delivered you from the snares of the old fowler himself --- Satan? What is God’s plan for you on a daily basis? Verse 4 is a wonderful preview of the intimate relationship with God that we can enjoy daily. God gave us this relationship when He placed us “in Christ.”

Think of a place where you have felt cozy, safe, warm and comfortable. I remember such a place in my childhood home.

The back half of our house was not heated in the winter. Obviously the temperature dropped very low in my bedroom. Brrrrr! It was COLD in there! The good news is that I had an electric blanket. My bedtime was 9:00 p.m. each evening. Thirty minutes before bedtime I would go to my room and switch on the power to my blanket. There were actually times when the steam of my breath was visible. I would run as fast as I could and jump under the covers. I can still feel the warmth of that electric blanket on my feet. I felt safe and secure in the refuge of those electric covers!

We have a wonderful promise in verse 4: Covers! The psalmist uses the metaphor of feathers to describe the covering which belongs to us as children of God. Feathers are an interesting creation of God. In doing a little research on the subject of feathers I discovered that they have basically two functions: Insulation and flight. Insulation provides a covering that protects the bird. Flight serves as a means of deliverance from one place to another.

As we discovered on Days Five and Six, the wings of the Father has “delivered” you from the pestilence and destruction of the curse of sin to an abundant life of blessings. He has done this through the death and resurrection of is Son, Jesus. Now His desire is to cover you “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” (Matthew 23:27) The Psalmist calls this covering a “refuge.” It is, my friend the safest place you can be today. It is a place where the Father gathers you, covers you and “insulates” you with the righteousness of Christ. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:21) Indescribable joy fills me as I write these words! Satan cannot have me! I belong to Jesus! How about you?

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 6

2008-06-30T21:24:00.001-05:00

~Day Six~
Psalm 91:3
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.
NKJV

Have you ever left your freezer or refrigerator unattended and come home to find that the power had been off for some time and all the contents had gone bad and started to smell of rotting meat? An incident like this one happened to us. Actually it happened to my wife Debbie. I was not with her when she discovered the “perilous pestilence” inside our refrigerator and freezer. She called me and gave me “color commentary” as she cleaned the rotting meat from the fridge. I will spare you the details, but she has never forgotten the smell or the clean up!

Yesterday we claimed the promise of deliverance by God from the snare of the fowler. Let’s continue with the theme of deliverance today as we look to the second half of verse 3. There are two interesting words in today’s verse: perilous and pestilence.

Perilous – Strongs Exhaustive Concordance and Dictionary defines perilous as iniquity, perverse thing, wickedness.
Pestilence – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and Dictionary defines pestilence as plague and death.

Satan’s schemes always lead to “iniquity or sin, perverse things, wickedness, death and destruction.” The wages of sin (Romans 6:23) because of Adam’s curse is death and the plague of destruction. The word plague is a reminder of death and by association the stinch of rotting flesh. (Read John 10:10) HOWEVER.....Jesus always leads to life. Our deliverer came to deliver us from the destructive schemes (wiles) of Satan.

John 3:16-17 says:

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (NKJV)

Oh, my friend, Jesus has come into the world to be our Deliverer! He has rescued us from the curse of sin, perverse things, wickedness, death and the plague of destruction. He was charged to come to the earth and clean up the stench of rotting flesh works. Jesus has come to give us abundant, eternal life!! (John 3:15-16 and John 10:10) Will you accept that gift today? Yes, Christian, I am talking to you, too! Will you choose to walk in the rotting stench of the works of the flesh! Or, will you choose to walk in the life of Christ today? Let Jesus deliver you today!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 5

2008-06-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

~Day Five~
Psalm 91:3
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. NKJV

I am a product of the 1950’s. Those of us who were born during this era are known as a “baby boomers.” We were raised with one thing in common; we were the first generation to watch television on a regular basis. I had my favorite shows just like everyone else. One of my favorite television shows was on Saturday mornings. It was actually the replay of the old Tarzan movies starring Johnny Weissmuller. On more than one occasion the plot of those movies would include a scene of Tarzan running through the jungle. He would swing on vines, leap over streams, wrestle alligators, fight with lions and tigers and step into snares. Yes, even Tarzan would fall prey to the “snare.” It was a clever trap hidden in the brush. The unsuspecting Tarzan would be caught up in a spring loaded net. The snare would leave him hanging high in the tree with no hopes of escape. Of course he was Tarzan...he always escaped.

One of the great promises to you from the scripture for today is “deliverance.” The word is clear. God will deliver you from the snare of the fowler. In your case the fowler is the evil one – Satan. Ephesians 6:11 makes it very clear that Satan has schemes (wiles) which are customized just for you. Just like the snare in the Tarzan movies, they are cleverly hidden. The unsuspecting Christian is caught up in the spring loaded scheme of the devil himself. The snare of Satan would seem to leave us hanging high with no hope of escape. But, praise be unto God, our Deliverer, our Fortress, our Rock. In Christ Jesus, we are more than conquerors! (Read Romans 8:37)

As you go through your day, walk with your eyes open and looking around. (Read Ephesians 5:15) If you do find yourself in a snare, call on your Deliverer. He is faithful to deliver you from the snare of the fowler.

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 4

2008-06-28T23:01:00.000-05:00

~Day Four~
Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
NKJV

On October 31, 1974 I asked Debbie to take my hand in marriage. Fortunately she loved me enough to look past all of my faults and say YES. I will never forget the sight of her walking arm in arm with her father down the aisle of Valley View Baptist Church on the evening of our wedding. It was August 15, 1975 and I had never seen her look so beautiful! The thoughts of her being “my wife” were rolling around in my head. MY wife...She would be mine. She would not be anyone else’s wife she would be MY wife! WOW!

David forcefully makes the statement that the Lord would belong to him as his God. “My God,” he said. David knew the importance of identifying the Lord God as “his.” David had called on “his” God personally in times of fear when he was a shepherd. David called on “his” God when Goliath the giant Philistine was on the warpath. In each case David’s personal God had given the victoy!

God is a jealous God. He does not want us to put anything before Him. He wants and deserves our full attention, obedience and love. This was not a difficult thing for David at this point because of all the situations that David and God had been through together. He reaffirms his faith in God by saying that all of his trust is in the Lord.

Debbie has proven herself to me through the years of our marriage. We have been through some tremendous struggles and awesome happy times together. I trust her. I would trust her with my life. No second thoughts, not a single question, I trust her. Oh that you and I could get to the place in our lives where we could trust God the same way – for our lives, no second thoughts, not a single question – just trust.

Wise Solomon said:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
(NKJV)

Is God your one and only God? Have you placed all of your faith in Him? Do you trust Him?

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 3

2008-06-28T00:03:00.001-05:00

~Day Three~
Psalm 91:2
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
NKJV

Life is full of choices!

The great American evangelist, Vance Havner once said, “Life is a series of choices between the bad and the good and the best. Everything depends on which way we choose.”

This great quote is true in the Christian’s life. The choices we make every day can determine the outcome of our lives.

David made the correct choice and he was emphatic about it. He said, “I will say....” You can hear the determination in his voice to make the right choice. David is most famous for a few of his bad choices, i.e. Bathsheba, etc. In this case he is determined to make the right choice in the Lord. The Lord is David’s refuge and fortress.

Will you make the right choice today?

The Lord as your refuge~
Where do you run when you need a safe place? Where do you go when you need answers to questions? David said that the Lord is his refuge. The Hebrew word for refuge comes from the root word chacah. It means to flee for protection. Figuratively it means “to confide in.” In whom will you confide today? Make the right choice. Make the Lord your refuge – your confidant. You can trust Him!

The Lord as your fortress~
Where do you find your security? Do you find security in family members? Possessions? Career? Church? There was only one place where David felt safe and secure. It was in the Lord as a “fortress.” A fort is a built up defense from the enemy. In David’s case he knew that his best defense was in the Lord. Do you think that David has forgotten Goliath? Of course not! It would have been impossible for David to forget the miraculous way God destroyed the giant when he fully trusted Him. (Read 1 Samuel 17:45-47) As a young man David trusted God to do big things and God did big things! God defended David against the lion, the bear and Goliath. It is no wonder that David could say with certainty, “I will say of the Lord.”

Jesus asked his disciples, “...But, who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15-NKJV) He is asking the same question of you. Who is the Lord to you, today? Make the right choice. Read Psalm 91:2 again. Make the right choice!

Psalm 91 -- 31 Devotions -- Day 2

2008-06-25T20:45:00.001-05:00

Day Two
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
NKJV

I grew up in rural Alabama. My mother’s house sits far back off the main road and is surrounded by huge oak trees. As a young boy, during the long hot Alabama days I would play outside all day long. Whew! It was hot! I can remember working very hard at cutting the grass or helping my mother in the garden. I would be SO hot! The sun would beam down until the ground was parched, as was my throat. After a while I would head to the shade of those huge oak trees. I would feel the cool green grass under my feet. Usually Mother would fix us a drink of ice water! Thank God for the shade, my mother, and the ice water!

David’s words in our scripture for today remind me of those “shade trees.” (That was my mothers name for them.) His promise is for us to abide under the “shadow” of the Almighty. The oak trees offered a tremendous shadow for my rest from the hot sun. God Almighty offers much more than a temporary quiet “rest.” Let me explain.

David uses the word abide. He says that we can “continue, dwell, endure, be left, lie all night, lodge, to stay permanently” in the shadow (shade) of the Almighty God of the universe. In His presence we have His provision, His protection, and His promise that He will never leave us. (Read Hebrews 13:5) Have you ever tried to outrun your shadow – it is impossible! Your shadow goes with you everywhere you go! The shadow of the Almighty covers those who rest in His shade! He covers you everywhere you go!!

Now spend some time meditating on the blessings that flow to us as we “rest” in this truth of this scripture.

Psalm 91-- 31 Devotions -- Day 1

2008-06-24T22:32:00.001-05:00

Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
NKJV

When I was younger there was a popular television show called, “I’ve Got a Secret.” It had several hosts, but the one I remember was Bill Cullen. The format of the show was pretty simple. Sitting together on one side, behind a desk, each of four panelists took a 30-second turn questioning and then guessing a contestant's secret. The contestants were a mixture of ordinary people and celebrities. In the opening show in 1952 it was revealed that Boris Karloff’s (horror movie star) secret was that he was afraid of mice!

We are intrigued by secrets aren’t we? I love the one in our focus scripture today: “the secret place of the Most High.” The obvious truth here is that we can dwell in the secret place of God.

The Hebrew word for “dwell” is yashab. It means to “sit down, specifically as judge.” (footnote here – Strongs 3427) The English word is simply not strong enough to convey what dwell really means. In contrast, if one were to relax around a table in a casual setting, the word “recline” would have been used to describe their posture. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father. Jesus sits in authority. (Hebrews 12:12)

Friend, in Christ we have may precious promises. One of the greatest promises in scripture is spoken by Jesus in the Revelation.

20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “
Revelation 3:20-21 (NKJV)

Do you realize what you just read? The child of God is granted the privilege of sitting in Jesus’ lap on the throne of God! The secret place is a glorious place. In Christ, as over comers, we are already there.

(READ: Ephesians 2:4-6)

The Secret Place -- Introduction

2008-06-23T19:47:00.002-05:00

Introduction

In 1999 a woman in our church, (First Baptist Church of Mableton, Georgia) named Sandra Robinson walked up to me on a Wednesday evening and spoke these words: “Pastor Tim, the Lord told me to tell you to read Psalm 91.”

I went home that evening and did not think much about her statement to me. The next day when I opened my Bible to read Psalm 91, I immediately knew that God was speaking to me in a powerful and direct manner. The words jumped off the page and came alive. My eyes filled with tears as I began to understand that the Most High was calling me to the altar in the Worship Center upstairs from my office.

I ran upstairs, fell on my face at the altar and began to pray Psalm 91 to the Lord. Tears of joy flowed from my eyes as I filled in my name and personalized the entire Psalm. God’s provision, protection and promises were real to me that day. The Word of God is ALIVE!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword , piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

My prayer for you as you begin this 31 day journey is that Psalm 91 would come alive and be as powerful for you as it did for me. I have designed this devotional study so that with each day you pray Psalm 91 to the Lord, calling upon Him for His provision, protection and promises.

Let God take you to that secret place!

Tim Childers

What a Week!

2008-06-21T21:19:00.002-05:00

I am sorry that I have not been so faithful to post this weekend, but this week has been very busy. I have had 3 funerals, 2 major hospital events, 1 wedding to attend and a host of other pastoral duties.

I will try to be more faithful next week. I am going to start posting a daily devotional based on the book I am writing based on Psalm 91. Check it our starting on Monday evening.

The Life of Riley!

2008-06-19T22:57:00.003-05:00

I can remember an early television show called "The Life of Riley." I seem to remember that Riley had it pretty good. Later, the phrase "the life of Riley" has come to mean a life of ease. Generally, someone who is living the life of Riley has it made.

When Jesus spoke of the abundant life in John 10:10 I believe that He was speaking of giving believers the life of Riley. Oh, I know what you are thinking. The Christian life is tough. There are struggles and even the Bible promises that we will have trials. The truth is: WE HAVE IT MADE! Paul, the preaching apostle, said it best: "To live is Christ, to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) Even though we have trials, even though things can be tough -- we have Christ as our life. God's grace pours over us and we are able to go through whatever we need to go through because of the life of Christ in us! (Christ -- our HOPE of glory!)

If the trial kills us -- we gain! We go into the presence of the ONE who made eternal life possible! Jesus.

We have it made! We can actually live "The Life of Riley!!"

Thermometer or Thermostat???

2008-06-18T14:50:00.003-05:00

Do you know the difference between a thermostat and a thermometer? A thermometer merely tells what the temperature is in a particular area. If you thermometer reads seventy degrees and you place that thermometer in a room that is currently eighty degrees, the thermometer will change to register whatever the room temperature is. It won’t be long before the thermometer reads eighty degrees. It always adjusts to its environment.

The thermostat, however, adjusts the room temperature. If the thermostat is set at 70 degrees and the room is eighty degrees, the temperature of the room changes to conform to whatever the thermostat is reading. The room will become seventy degrees!

You live you life as either a thermostat or a thermometer. You can either blend in the crowd, or you can change the crowd. You are either influencing others or they are influencing you! You can make a difference in this world! As Jesus lives through you – you will be come that thermostat for change! As Jesus changes you from the inside out – you will become that thermostat for change!

Guilt Vs. Conviction

2008-06-17T22:21:00.002-05:00

When I was a kid I had several chores that I was required to do by my parents.

Help work in the garden
Take out the trash
Make up my bed
Clean my room
Cut the grass

During the days of summer I would dread doing some of those chores. I particularly hated cutting the grass. We never seemed to have a lawnmower that wanted to start! My daddy would work on those mowers and try to keep them tuned up, but I would pull and pull and pull.

Many days I would pray for rain so I would not have to cut the grass. As time passed during the day and it would it would be time for daddy to come home -- well, I would panic! Guilt would start to overcome me. I felt so guilty when I did not do what my daddy wanted me to do. The reason I felt so guilty is that I WAS GUILTY! I was disobedient because I knew that I should have cut the grass early in the day.

Feeling guilty is one of the devil's greatest weapons in his arsenal of deception. You see, when I felt guilty for not cutting the grass the real feeling of worthlessness is what overtook me. When my dad started to call me lazy, etc., I felt so guilty. Guilt never motivated me to do anything.

Conviction on the other hand affects me differently. It is a tool that God uses to help me see that I are missing His blessings if I disobey Him. Conviction motivates -- guilt paralizes! Conviction is simply realizing that what you are doing is wrong and changing direction. Conviction leads to repentance. Guilt leads to more guilt.

In my relationship with God I have come to realize that He does not want me to feel guilty -- He wants me to feel convicted. For many years I related to God to the way I related to my earthly father. When I would miss the mark, disobey, willfully sin -- I would start to feel guilty. I would feel worthless. I would feel so hopelessly rejected by God. Nothing could be further from the truth. He was not rejecting me -- He was convicting me -- showing me, loving me, teaching me, and helping me!

Guilt = Satan's tool
Conviction = God's instruction

The Simplicity of Grace

2008-06-15T22:40:00.003-05:00

Several years ago God arranged for me to get a glimpse of what His grace is all about. Many of you have heard my testimony about the day when God broke into my depression and shined a very bright light called grace and truth.

Through the years as I have walked with God I have come in contact with people who have complicated the grace of truth of God.

Grace is not complicated at all. We do not deserve God's love, forgiveness, or acceptance. God's grace simply says -- I love you, I forgive you, I accept you! He showed me this in the most wonderful, personal way!

He also shined the light of His truth. I love the truth. The Bible says that it will set you free. Of course Jesus said that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Jesus said that if we have the SON then we will be free. Jesus also said the HE is the way the TRUTH and the life. No one will come to the Father unless they go through Jesus!

I understand now that God's simple grace is that Jesus has given me an incredible gift -- something I do not deserve. LIFE -- Abundant, eternal life!

The temptation is to make all of this more complicated that it really is. Keep it simple!

Honoring God's Word

2008-06-12T22:26:00.002-05:00

This Sunday is Father's Day. For some reason Father's Day is not nearly as much of a big deal as Mother's Day! Now I am not bitter about it but it is true.

Our Fathers have a huge influence in our lives. The image of our fathers as we are growing up has a direct influence on how we relate to our heavenly father. My daddy's words were not often positive. I rarely remember when he said much of anything positive. I have tried.

When it comes to my relationship with God, the Father, there was a time when I struggled with the idea that He could ever accept me. It was His Word -- His words -- that changed my view of our relationship! Galatians 2:20 changed the way I live my life. I heard those words straight from the Father, accepted the truth of the verse in love and was set on a path of change that would revolutionize my home life and my ministry. I listened to the loving Word of God!

This Sunday on Father's Day I will be preaching a message called: "Honoring God's Word." My prayer is that our church family will hear the word of the loving Father calling to them in their most inner parts!

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

2008-06-11T21:22:00.002-05:00

This afternoon I was called to the bedside of a wonderful lady who is a member of our church who has fought cancer for a number of years.

Several months ago I met this person a few days after I arrived in my office as pastor of First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, Alabama. When she left the office I commented to my secretary that she was a sweet lady who obviously had the Spirit of God radiating from her. Sharon, my secretary told me of her fight with cancer and said that she had rallied back a few times. She has an incredible network of prayer warriors.

When I arrived at the hospital I found a flurry of activity around her bed with family, friends and nurses. I had been told that her liver had shut down and that she did not have long to live. When I walked up to her bedside she looked at me, smiled a very wide smile and said, "well preacher, it's about time you got here!" I was so relieved. Her condition is very serious, yet she found the joy inside to make a joke for her pastor. Amazing grace!

Later, as time passed more people arrived and it was getting very crowded in the room, even though the hospital had transferred her to a suite. I sensed that it was time to have a prayer with the family and make my exit so that the family have spend as much time with her as possible. Just before I called the people together I hear her ask one of her friends if she would let her wear her diamond rings. Her friend had big diamonds on every finger of both hands. Slowly but surely her friend removed each ring and slipped it onto her hands. She was laughing, her friend was laughing, I was laughing -- the whole room was laughing! It was great. Charlie Sanders was standing next to me. (Charlie is a great brother in Christ who can pray heaven down.) Charlie said, "pastor, the joy of the Lord is our strength." I agreed with Charlie with a huge AMEN! It became so obvious that NO ONE could be going through this kind of pain and anxiety with an abundance of such joy unless it was coming directly from the Lord. "THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH!" Nehemiah 8:10

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23

When We Left Earth

2008-06-08T21:40:00.002-05:00

As I write this blog I am watching an incredible television show. "When We Left Earth" is a special presentation on The Discovery Channel. I was a "space kid." When John Glen orbited the earth in 1962 I was in the 2nd grade. I remember that we all were gathered in a big room and our teachers rolled a black and white media/library television where we watched with our eyes wide open! From that day on, I was hooked! I read anything, watched anything and dreamed that someday I could be an astronaut! My projects at school revolved around the space race. I still have a scrap book and newspapers from those days. I will never forget that Sunday evening when we all stayed up late to see man land on the moon.

It sounds kind of funny to me now, but I honestly thought that I was going into space. I must admit that the first time I few in an airplane I imagined what it must have been like to actually go into space. I know -- it's silly! It is one of those dreams that I will never experience. I really believe that if NASA called me tonight and said -- "Do you want a free ride on the Space Shuttle?" -- I would have to go! Debbie would kill me :) but I would really want to go. She calls it my "wonderlust." A sense of adventure!

I realize that this blog has absolutely nothing to do with my walk with God but I had to write about this. It was such a huge part of my life and imagination!

Time with God

2008-06-07T22:15:00.003-05:00

Since we have moved away from our kids and grandkids there are times when I actually ache inside because I miss them and want to talk to them. I know that I can pick up the phone and call any of them -- we even bought a cell phone for the grandkids so that we can call them or they can call us anytime they want to call. Sometimes talking on the phone is not enough. I want to actually see them and touch them. Those periods of time do not even have to be very lengthy!

I cannot physically touch my heavenly Father, but there are times when I feel His presence so close that I could reach out and touch Him. Other times He seems far away. It is during the far away times in my life when I have experienced the strongest desire to talk to Him and hear from Him. To hear His voice through scripture and prayer is one of the greatest blessings and comforts of my life. I told Debbie just this afternoon that had it not been for prayer I don't know where I would be right now. It is a wonderful connection with God.

You might be surprised to hear that a pastor might feel far away from the Lord, but it happens. Sometimes I call it being in the "wilderness." Other times I call it "the funk." To be there is never a place I want to be and I will admit that the times I have been there are because I have been disobedient or distant from the Lord through busy-ness! Sometimes I just "find" myself there. There have been times when the Lord has allowed me to stay there so I can learn a lesson. When I do, I call out to Him in prayer -- spend time in fellowship with Him and He answers me and loves me back. Grace, Grace, Grace! Amazing Grace!

Sharpening the Axe

2008-06-06T21:03:00.005-05:00

"If I had six hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first hour sharpening the axe."

Abraham Lincoln

Honest Abe has a point here. Preparation and tools are "everything" when it comes to the task at hand. Today I did a couple of things for my mother-in-law. These jobs were simple tasks but the great thing about doing them for her was that she had everything laid out and ready to go. She had "sharpened her axe" so to speak! I simply had to show up and do the work.

Jesus did not just show up. His coming was foretold throughout the Old Testament. God went to great lengths to prepare for his coming. When Jesus came it was on God's time schedule and plan. God had sharpened the axe for hundreds of years before.

God has told us through His Word that Jesus is coming again. He is sharpening the ax! He is preparing for His arrival through the eastern sky. Are you ready? He is coming!

Mission Trip to India -- 2007

2008-06-04T23:26:00.001-05:00

Tomato Sandwiches

2008-06-04T22:07:00.006-05:00

I am coming to the place in my life when I am realizing just how much God has really blessed me! I have always known it but lately I have started to really count my blessings.

The other day Debbie and I were discussing my life story and some of the things God has done. I told Debbie that God has given me almost everything I have ever dreamed about:

The best wife in the world
Awesome kids - Amy and Clay and their families are just the best.
A house at the beach
A house at the lake -- pontoon boat and 2 waverunners.
A house in Georgia with a pool, jacuzzi and outdoor kitchen.
I have traveled the world -- Mexico, Norway, India, Peru, and Hawaii.
A college/seminary education
Great years on staff in churches in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Lousiana.
A love for tomato sandwiches.

The point is: God is showing me that he has blessed me in the big things but he cares enough to bless me in the little things like loving tomato sandwiches. I suppose it would take me about 5 minutes to make one of my favorite meals -- tomatoes sliced thick on fresh white bread (so fresh it's gooey), lots of mayo with just a touch of pepper and salt. Top that off with a bag of Fritoes and a tall glass of very sweet tea. I would rather have that meal than a steak!

Let me encourage you to look for the "tomato sandwiches" in your life. So many times we do not notice the very best blessings.

We sold the beach house. The house in Georgia is for sale. The lake house is for sale along with the pontoon boat. These things will pass away, but, I will always love tomato sandwiches.

The Bird Cage

2008-06-03T21:43:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry that I have not posted in the last few days! I will try to do better in the future. Thanks for checking in each day.

Also, don't forget to go to Debbie's blog. Check to the right for the link. She is an awesome writer and has some great insights into scripture!

Recently, driving down May's Bend Drive in Pell City near our lake house. I noticed the most peculiar thing. There was a bird cage hanging on the porch with a couple of birds inside. I started to think about it and I thought to myself, "how cruel." You see, birds are made to fly. It is what they do. Yet those poor birds were in a cage. They were outside...they could see the sky....they could see the potential heights where they could soar above the house, above the cage, high above the trees, yet they were in a cage.

God never designed a bird to be in a cage. God never designed us to be in bondage. As a matter of fact He sent Jesus to set us free, yet so many Christians miss the opportunity to soar, to really experience life, because they are so bound up -- caged by the schemes of the devil. God wants us to be free, but there we sit in our cages.

Remember...John 8:36 says, "Therefore if the Son (Jesus) makes you free, you shall be free indeed." (NKJV)

Praying the Midnight Oil

2008-05-26T21:32:00.002-05:00

My mother has always had some unusual sayings. I guess you could call them "Hazelisms." One that I remember was "well son , I guess you are going to have to burn the midnight oil." Usually she would say something like that to me when I had a test the next day. She meant that I had to stay up late until I got finished.

Lately, the Lord has been waking me in the middle of the night. I have been taking advantage of those times by "praying the midnight oil." You might say that the Lord is "keeping me at the foot of the cross." It is amazing what God brings to mind at 3:30 a.m. Some of my church family comes to mind and I pray for them. Sometimes my house in Georgia comes to mind and I ask God to PLEASE SELL IT! Sometimes my family comes to mind and I pray for their happiness and protection. Sometimes my blessings come to mind and I just lay there and quietly praise the Lord for His faithfulness. Sometimes I rehearse my sermon for the following Sunday as I pray through it. Sometimes I picture the church full of people and pray down each pew. Sometimes I picture the pews empty and pray that God will fill them.

It's amazing what God brings to mind at 3:30 a.m!

Great Day!

2008-05-25T22:32:00.002-05:00

Today we celebrated 175 years as a church -- First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, Alabama. Our church started in 1833 in a small frame building.

As Linda Dickson, our History Committee chairperson read the accomplishments of the church through the years, she recounted some of the accomplishments of the former pastors. One president, Dr. Wm. K. Weaver went on to become the president of Mobile College (The University of Mobile.) Dr. A. H. Reid was the president of Howard College (Samford University) where Reid Chapel at the univeristy named for him. I doubt if I will ever be a university president. I am not sure if I will ever be published. I am sure of this...God will do with me what He will. My greatest accomplishment is giving my life to Jesus!

We had a great day of celebration -- TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

The Car Game

2008-05-23T22:14:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling very nostagic for some reason. If you have been reading my blog you know that already. Peanuts in a Coke -- c'mon! I can't help it I just love going back in time and remembering the good times.

I grew up out in the country between Piedmont and Gadsden, Alabama. Our driveway was a deadend onto busy highway 278. One of my favorite things to do was to sit on the front porch with my sister, Pat, and play the car game. Here is how it would go. We would sit on the steps or on the "glider" and watch for cars to pass. When we decided to play the game one of us would say, "The next car is mine." We would then watch to see what kind of car fate would give us. Sometimes an old clunker would pass by. If fate gave me the clunker, my sister would laugh. If she got the clunker, I would laugh! The fun thing about the game is that we could not see what was coming. It was a surprise!

Life is like the car game. We simply do not know what is coming next. Sometimes life brings us "clunkers." Other times in our lives we are blessed beyond our wildest imagination. The good news is.....God knows what is coming next. Isn't is great that we can TRUST him with the outcome. In His Word he admonishes us to "walk by faith and not by sight." When I preach/teach this scripture, I always share an incredible truth that God revealed to me one day. Here it is: God's plans for your life are not based on what YOU can see -- His plans for you life are based on what HE already knows!

Jeremiah 29:10-11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (NKJV)

Simple Pleasures

2008-05-22T20:23:00.002-05:00

The older I get the more I am enjoying the simple pleasures of this life. Some to the things that I enjoy might surprise you.

The other day I was heading to the hospital in Alex City, Alabama. The drive is a beautiful one and it was a beautiful day. For some reason it reminded me of when I used to ride my bike for over a mile to Knighten's Crossroads in the summer. I could ride my bike to Jordan's Store and spend 15 cents and get a snack. Now here is where you might be surprised. The snack was a Coke in a bottle and a pack of peanuts. I would open the Coke on that red box bottle opener and yes...I would pour the peanuts into the Coke bottle with the Coke. It was fizz brown bubbles. I would hold it up to my mouth and taste the salt around the top of the glass bottle. For all of you young folks, the Coke bottles were actually made of glass.

I would drink the peanuts into my mouth and munch away! It was great. When I finished this gourmet snack I would turn the bottle upside down and see where the Coca Cola was bottled. It was a real treat if it came from far away. Simple pleasures!

Well you know what I had to do on the way to the hospital. I stopped at the next store and popped open a Coke and put in the peanuts! I was transported back in time. Simple pleasures!

Our walk with God is full of simple pleasures. God wants us to slow down and enjoy HIM! We are so busy with life that if we are not careful we will miss some wonderful blessings.

Take some time today to just enjoy loving our Lord and let Him love on YOU! I promise that He has time for you!

The Problem.....

2008-05-21T12:34:00.002-05:00

I am finding a problem in the church today. I am not only speaking of the church I pastor, but the church worldwide. We have become the church that John wrote about in Revelation 2: the church at Ephesus. John records the words of Jesus: "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this againse you, that you have left your first love." (Revelation 2:2-4 -- NKJV)

The problem is -- we simply do not love Jesus as we should. We love our church buildings, we love our youth, we love our senior adults, we love our programs but honestly -- DO WE LOVE JESUS MORE THAN THESE?

I believe it is time for a old fashioned love story to unfold in the church. It is time for our hearts to race and our palms to sweat because we are so in love with Jesus. (Debbie still makes my heart race!) We should be so excited as we gather together as blood bought children of God, that our gathering is contagious to the world outside the walls of the church.

The great evangelist Vance Havner once said: "We have left our love for Christ, and when love for Christ dies, love for each other, for the Bible, for souls, dies."

Please join me in praying for the church. Let's pray that we all fall madly in love with Jesus Christ all over again. Let's pray for a giddiness, an innocence, a hunger and thirst for Jesus Christ!

Shoveling in the Pits

2008-05-16T22:43:00.003-05:00

When I was a junior in high school I took a summer job working with a construction company. The company I worked for was the contractor of choice for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Gadsden, Alabama. My father worked there for 32 years. I will never forget my first day on the job in and around that tire plant. My foreman took me out behind the plant and showed me two giant concrete pits. He gave me a shovel and said, “Clean these out.” It was the sewerage treatment plant. I wanted to turn around and run as fast as I could toward the gates, but I knew that I had to keep this job if I was going to get a better car. I shoveled until I thought my arms would fall off. Because of the nature of the work, every bone in my body ached. Shoveling over and over and over again was sheer drudgery. The stench was horrible. When it came time to go home I was worn out. I could barely move. I worked myself into exhaustion.

Fast forward a few years! After I became a Christian I wanted so much to please God. I worked and worked and I just became tired. Since I went into the ministry and particularly after I became a pastor I have found myself physically exhausted. However, since I have allowed Jesus to become my life there is a huge difference in my life. I have a supernatural energy that comes from my relationship with my heavenly Father through Jesus, His Son. There is purpose to what I do because it is Him doing it through me. I am humbled that my Lord wants to come live inside me.

Jesus wants to come live inside you, too. He does not want to just dwell there. He is a God of action. He wants to live through you and give your life purpose and hope. If you are tired of the “sheer drudgery” of living why not ask Jesus to come live through you right now?

If you are interested in getting out of that pit and inviting Jesus to become your life, do not hesitate to leave a comment with your contact information.

God loves me!

2008-05-15T21:35:00.004-05:00

I want to make sure that everyone knows THAT I KNOW THAT GOD LOVES ME. After my friend and brother in Christ, Kevin Maples, left a comment on my blog I decided to go back and read it again!

After reading the blog again I realized that I was vague about my strong feelings.

God has been so faithful to me through 24 years of ministry. He has been faithful! HE LOVES ME!!!

The Joy that Radiates the Love of God

2008-05-14T23:48:00.002-05:00

The other day I ran across a great quote from Samuel Chadwick. I want to share it with you on The Branch!

Spirit filled souls are ablaze for God. They love with a love that glows. They serve with a faith that kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They hate sin with fierceness that burns. They rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected in the fire of God.

~Samuel Chadwick~

I have been thinking about the love of God alot lately. We moved to First Baptist Church Sylacauga in September, 2007. When we came this direction we knew that we would need to buy a house here in Sylacauga. We lived in our lake house for a while but it was just too far away to accomodate the busy lifestyle of the pastorate. Therefore, we stepped out on faith and with the help of Alabama Trust Bank, and bought the house in which we are now living. Because our house in Georgia is still for sale (10 months now) we have been under the strain of paying for a house in which we do not live -- the upkeep of the property and recently our insurance was canceled because the house is sitting empty. The situation with the house and some other things we have been going through are difficult situations.

The devil loves difficult situations. He loves to get into our thinking and change the way we think. I have the thought that God does not love me on more than one occasion! Surely if God loves me He will sell the house! Yet, the house has not sold. Satan would have me believe that God would display his love for us by selling the house. Not so. My passion for the call to the ministry is not based on houses and lands. My call is forever.

I am praying for a life described in the Chadwick quote. Ablaze, glowing, showing the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE of God -- to hate sin with a fierceness -- to have a joy that radiates with an understanding that going through trials will only give God an opportunity to 'SHINE.'

The Wall

2008-05-14T00:30:00.002-05:00

This blog is not a spiritual one -- just a great memory.......it is a true story from my life.

The Wall

When I was growing up I attended a small country school called Roy Webb School; grades one through nine. I can remember playing in the cotton fields that were next to the school. As a matter of fact we actually had “cotton picking days” when school would let out so the kids could pick cotton on their family farms. My uncle Willie Johnson owned the property next to the school so I picked cotton in that field on more than one occasion. I can remember dragging the bag on the ground through the rows of cotton trying desperately to get to the shade tree at the end of the row. I can’t remember how much money I earned, I just remember that it was not much. After all, I was only in the 2nd or 3rd grade.

The cotton fields completely surrounded the school grounds so I always found myself wandering down to the field during recess or P.E. A couple of buddies and I experimented with “rabbit tobacco,” built forts from the pine straw, and slid down the red clay bank. What memories?!!

One of my strongest memories from that time in my life was “the wall.” There was a walkway leading from the building where our classrooms were located. One of the true tests of “manhood” was if you could stand on the wall and jump off. I remember the first time someone dared me to jump. I walked over to the wall and stood there. I held my breath………and then I “chickened out.” Some of the boys made fun of me for being afraid, some of the girls just giggled! The next time someone dared me I went through the same routine but this time – I DID IT! I jumped. It was great! The feeling was great! Everyone cheered and I felt like such a man.

About 30 years later, I visited the school. The fields were still there. Everything looked the same. Well, not everything. I went down the hall remembering the smells, looking into the rooms and them I remembered the wall. I stepped out the door to the walkway and went looking for “THE WALL.” As I walked down the steps the memories rushed back to me. There is a distinctive feeling that comes when I think about it right now.

I found “the wall.” It was about three feet tall! I went to the wall, took one step and the rest is history. I did not get the same exhilarating feeling but the memories were great…memories of the day when I conquered – THE WALL!

My Reminder Article

2008-05-12T22:05:00.004-05:00

Sharon told me that there was not room for my article in our church newsletter because there are so many senior portraits. I am posting it here for those from FBC-Sylacauga who reads my blog --

Dear Church Family,

I saw something beautiful last night in the church service. At the end of the service, God impressed on me to call forward a young man who has been visiting our church. He has been having some health problems. It was such a beautiful sight to see the “body of Christ” lavish their prayers and love on this young man. Most people do not even know him but were willing to come to the altar and pray for him! Thanks to the body for being the body. When one member of the body of Christ hurts we all suffer. I am sure that this young man will never forget the night at First Baptist when the saints of God went to the throne of God on his behalf. God is so good!

A few important reminders –

Pastor’s Book Club – check the web site or call the office for details.
175th Anniversary – May 25th – a great day of celebration
Sunday’s In the Park – an awesome time of fellowship and OUTREACH to the community. One Sunday night per month during the summer.

I will be starting to preach through the book on Nehemiah on Sunday mornings. I hope you will join us!

Thanks for all of the food, cards, phone cards and visits as I have recovered from my surgery. Each expression of love has brightened my day in some way!

Did you know…..you can view our services on the church web site? www.sylacaugafbc.org

I am in much prayer and study at this point of my ministry with you. I believe that we are at a crossroads – please be in prayer and seek God with me. The most important thing that can happen here is for us to be the instrument of God’s will!

Galatians 2:20,
Brother T

A Tribute to Hazel

2008-05-11T22:34:00.007-05:00

Everytime I tried to call my mother today the phone was busy. When I finally got in touch with her tonight she informed me that she had been very busy today. She said that she and the Senior Choir sung in the service today at her church -- First Baptist Church of Piedmont, Alabama. Afterwards she went to my sister, Charlotte's house for lunch where she spent the afternoon. I started trying to call late in the afternoon and the phone line was busy everytime. When I talked to her tonight she said that my brother and sisters were checking in for Mother's Day. She was full of news. She's always full of news.

Recently, when I was visiting her I asked her why she stayed so busy. I wanted to encourage her to slow down some. She will be 91 in June. I will always remember what she said. "Well son, I just keep going because if I stop, I will get there." I think I know what she meant -- don't give up! Don't stop. I told her that she is like the Energizer Bunny -- she just keeps going and going!

A tribute....

I thought she was weak, she was really strong.
I thought she was old fashioned she was really wise.

I thought she was pretty, she thought she was plain.

My mother is the best cook, the strongest willed, best looking 91 year old woman I know. She loves the Lord, loves to read, loves to paint, loves to sew, loves to work with her hands, loves to garden, loves her church, loves her kids, and loves the outdoors!

She taught me how to make banana sandwiches, tomato gravy, biscuits, dressing, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, salmon patties.

She was not afraid to try to do anything. She was not always about women's work -- I never knew if a wall would be moved or if one would be added. She protected me and prayed for me when a tornado went over our house. She built a BBQ Pit out of salvaged bricks. She cared for me and her mother in law. She birthed 5 kids. She raised 5 and buried one. I don't think she ever got over it. I know she didn't. She never talked about it.

She is truly one of the most unique people I have ever met. She is not the perfect mother but she is my mother and I love her!

Playing Tarzan

2008-05-09T22:02:00.003-05:00

When I was a kid I loved Saturday mornings. I would get up early to watch cartoons. After Mighty Mouse and some other cartoons, 3 of my favorite shows came on: Tarzan, Roy Rodgers and Skye King.

Many times after the shows went off I would go out to play and re-enact the plot of my favorite show for the day. My sister, Pat, who is a little older than me would join in on the fun. I will never forget the time when we were playing Tarzan.

My grandmother lived in a small house in front of our house. She had a huge tree in her yard. My sister played the part of Jane, the huge oak tree played the part of Tarzan and of course because I was the little brother -- I always had to play the part of "boy." I only had two choices: Boy or Cheetah. (the chimp) My sister always insisted that those were the only two parts that fit for me.

One day really stands out in my memory. Pat ran up to Tarzan (the tree) and wrapped her arms around as far as she could and said, "Oh Tarzan -- thank you for saving me." At this point I noticed something on the tree. It seems that a green snake had slithered up the tree and was just kind of hanging out. I could have stopped her but I didn't. She meant to kiss Tarzan but instead she kissed the snake! It was not what she expected. She screamed and ran home. I remember laughing all the way back to the house! I am laughing right now! That was sweet revenge for not letting me play the part of Tarzan.

You know it's kind of like that in the Christian life. We go about our lives doing what we always do and.....BOOM.....enter the green snake of surprise. We get something that we are not expecting. Life can really through us some curve balls.

How does God want us to react? Does he want us to run screaming? Not really. He knows where the snakes are. He is not surprised at anything that comes our way. We can trust him.

The snake was harmless. He was probably more scared than my sister. Similarly the things in our lives that we allow to paralize us in fear are really harmless when we put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus. Do you remember that shield of faith in Ephesians 6?

My encouragement to myself and to you today is -- HOLD FORTH THE SHIELD OF FAITH -- we may have to kiss some snakes today!

Locking our Shields of Faith!

2008-05-08T23:31:00.005-05:00

This afternoon when I walked out of the doctor's office I was smiling. My doctor said that I should take it easy for another week and then everything should be great. I suspected that was what he was going to say because I have felt so much better over the past couple of days. Praise the Lord. My situation is so minor compared to what some people are going through right now, but I am still so thankful that God has answered prayer concerning my health.

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you were going through some trial or hard time and all of the sudden it seems like the burden is lifted for a time? I have experienced this alot lately. It is as if a switch has been flipped and the oppression if lifted with the switch. I have come to believe that during those times that a prayer warrior somewhere is praying! I call this "locking shields."

I am teaching a Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. at First Baptist of Sylacauga. The study is from Ephesians 6:10-18 -- "The Armor of God." Paul teaches concerning spiritual warfare in the most practical, visual way. He uses the armor of the Roman soldier to illustrate our defense and battle strategy in this spiritual war called the Christian life.

The Roman soldier's shield was designed to lock together with his comrad in arms. The point is: two is better than one -- there is strength in numbers. My point is: someone locked into my shield in prayer! If that person is reading this blog -- THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

Feeling Better....Finally!

2008-05-07T23:26:00.002-05:00

This morning when I woke up I experienced something very interesting...I woke up for the first time in over a year without pain.

I have been dealing with this pain problem for one year. The strange thing about it is that I had grown to expect it. I would wake up and say "yep -- there it is." It had become such a part of my life that I was sort of used to it. It was there, but I had just conditioned myself to go on -- even if it was hurting.

I have come to realize that the strongholds of Satan are much the same way. Here is how he (Satan) works in our lives. He gradually comes to us with some sort of temptation. We fall for his lies and they become a part of our daily living. (A stronghold) The more we endure them, the more conditioned we become to their presence in our lives. We simply get used to them. As a result of this deception we grow cold in our passion for walking with Jesus and doing ministry. We simply (little by little) quench the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

Recently I had surgery to correct my "pain problem." For almost two weeks now I have been in recovery. There have been many days when I hurt more than I did before the surgery. However, this morning I started to realize tha the surgery worked! I noticed the difference in my attitude, energy level and general health. As I walked out of my office this afternoon I was humming a happy tune. My secretary said, "it sure is good to hear you humming a tune again." Pain free is wonderful!

Now when I realize that Jesus has corrected my sin problem and all I really need to do is walk accordingly -- it affects my attitude, energy level and my general health; both physical and especially spiritually! Romans 6 makes something very clear -- sin no longer has dominion (strong hold power) over me! FREEDOM!!!

OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!
Pastor Tim Childers

Journals -- a real journey!

2008-04-29T21:39:00.002-05:00

I started journaling my quiet times/prayer times/personal Bible study times with God several years ago. I am not very disciplined about keeping them going for great lengths of time, but I do have journals that go back to 1993.

As you know, I am recovering from this surgery and have had quite a few hours of down time. I decided that I would take the time to start at the beginning of the journals and read through every day that I have recorded. I have been doing some real soul searching lately and I wanted to take a look back at my ministry and see some things that God has taught me through the years. The result of this reading is a list of several things that God has shown me. I am calling the list -- "Things I Know." I am not going to publish the list because some of the things on the list are very personal and just between God and me.

The point of this entry is simply to encourage all of you who read this jorunal to start keeping a journal. It will amaze you as you read your prayer requests, Bible study notes and the things that God has taught you. If one good thing has come out of this surgery it was the down time to just lay back and read in the journals. I wish there was a way to publish these blogs in a keepable format. The journals I read were all hand written. Writing a blog goes much quicker.

By the way -- many have wanting to know how I am doing. I am on target for recovery. The nurse told me today that everything should be back to normal within 10 days. I am not a good patient -- I am not patient at all! Thanks for all of your prayers, calls and emails. They have been very encouraging.

Feeling Better!

2008-04-27T22:12:00.001-05:00

Today has been a good day. I am feeling much better. I am still very sore and it is hard to get comfortable but I can feel the improvement! Thanks for your prayers.

Ouch!

2008-04-25T20:12:00.002-05:00

Can you say ouch?!! Surgery is "behind" me. I am doing OK, just in some pain!

Thank God for a successful surgery an a whole bunch of great friends who have been faithful to pray, email, and call!

Surgery in the Morning

2008-04-24T21:00:00.002-05:00

I might be away from my blog for a couple of days due to my surgery in the morning. Thanks for your prayers.

Psalm 17:4-5

2008-04-23T22:39:00.003-05:00

I'm not trying to get my way

in the world's way.

I'm trying to get your way,

your Word's way.

I'm staying on your trail;

I'm putting one foot

In front of the other.

I'm not giving up.

(From: THE MESSAGE)

Let's Go Fishing!

2008-04-22T21:53:00.002-05:00

Jesus told Peter that he would become a “fisher of men.” I believe that God is calling us to that same task: to be “fishers of people.” A fisherman never expects to catch anything if there is no bait on his hook! This summer we are going to bait the hook! I want to tell you about 6 fishing expeditions in Sylacauga!

Summer Book Club

There is an incredible culture or readers out there. I am one of them. It might surprise you as to what kinds of books I like to read, but, I love to read. Therefore, I am starting a Summer Book Club. There will be a book of the month for June, July and August. After reading each book, those who join the Summer Book Club will meet at Raspberry’s Bakery for a time of guided questions and discussion of each book. Each book lends itself to a natural flow into a gospel presentation so, at each meeting I will share the gospel and give those attending an opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior. I hope you will get excited about these opportunities and tell your friends and family. I have given you a list of the books and discussion dates below. They will be available for purchase in the Bright-Parrish Library very soon or you may purchase them at most any bookstore or online. Begin praying about who you can invite. You might even want to purchase the book for them! All discussion groups will be held at Raspberry’s Bakery at 7:00 p.m. The bakery will be open for dessert and coffee.

June 2nd – Dinner With a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory
July 7th – The Shack by William P. Young
August 18th – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Sunday Evenings at Central Park (Blue Bell)

Another great opportunity for “fishing” will be during this summer at the park. We are taking one Sunday evening each month and moving our services to the new park across from Blue Bell Ice Cream. (Service Times are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) The purpose of these services is two fold:
Fellowship – a time when our church family can get together and just spend some quality time together in a very informal environment. We will play some games and of course – EAT!! We will have 3 huge INFLATABLES for the kids at all three events!
Fishing – The will be an evangelistic message given at each service so invite your friends and neighbors who do not know Jesus! Go ahead and make yourself a list of those people you would like to invite. The church will provide you with an invitation you can mail to your friends. Simply write a personal note, address it and drop it by the office. Make a note of these dates and plan to be there:
· June 15th – All of the children’s families from VBS will be our special guests. VBS kids will be there to provide some great music. There could be some other special surprises so don’t miss it.
· July 27th – A patriotic theme. We know that July 4th is past, but wear your red, white and blue and let’s celebrate our freedom as a country.
· August 17th – Can you say RIBS??? Come feast on some good BBQ Ribs from Whiskers BBQ. Oh yes, and don’t forget the great time of worship and preaching!

Jesus said to “GO” into the world. We must take HIS lead and GO into Sylacauga! LET’S GO FISHING!!

Not much to say....

2008-04-21T21:33:00.003-05:00

Sorry folks.....I don't have much to say tonight. I just wanted to post so that you would know that you need to keep coming back. I will be having surgery on Friday -- nothing really that serious -- please keep me in your prayers. Also, please continue to pray that our house in GA will sell soon!

Blessings!

2008-04-20T23:09:00.003-05:00

God goes to alot of trouble to bless me. His blessings are overwhelming sometimes! Today, at the end of this day I am just amazed at how many blessings God has given to me today. There is a great old hymn called, "Count Your Blessings." There is a line in the hymn that says "name them one by one." You know...I don't do that enough. I don't count my blessings enough. Well this evening I want to count some of them.
1. Someone surprised me at church with a still warm banana pudding!
2. Someone left a gift certificate on my desk for Bluebell ice cream.
3. Someone wrote me an awesome encouragement card. It was a keeper.
4. I preached 3 times today.
5. I had dinner with friends after church tonight.
6. I could go on and on...these are just a few of the blessings. There are so man more!

These may seem like "little" things to you, but they are huge to me! God reminded me tonight that He is showing His love to me in a variety of ways. He is so good to me! How about you...have you stopped and counted your blessings lately! Count them one by one.....then will surprise you what the Lord has done!

Saturday Night!

2008-04-19T21:55:00.001-05:00

It's Saturday evening at the Childers home. I am sitting here in my chair wondering what will happen at church tommorrow. I wonder if anyone will come to know Christ! I am preaching a message called, "The Feast of Jesus." This message is about knowing Jesus in a personal way. It is my prayer that somone who does not know Christ -- will know Christ before they leave the santuary!

Preaching Jesus!

2008-04-18T18:50:00.003-05:00

"I have heard of ministers who can preach a sermon without mentioning the name of Jesus from beginning to end. If you ever hear such a sermon as that, mind that you never hear another from that man ... Paul's harp only had one string, but he brought so much music out if is as never came from any other. He found such infinite variety in Christ that he never exhausted his theme. With him it was Christ first, Christ last, Christ midst, Christ everywhere. He could never have his pen in his hand without writing something in praise of his glorious Lord and Savior." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Satan is on the warpath. He is constantly trying to distract the world from the way, the truth, and the life! (John 14:6)

There are more than 30,000 people within 10 miles of the church I pastor. If current statistics hold true then about 11,000 of them do not know the Lord. I suspect that number could even go as high as 15,000!

Jesus said, "If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to myself." (John 12:32) Specifically, Jesus is talking about the Cross -- but, if we also lift HIM up in our churches, HE will do the same. He will draw people to HIMSELF! Preach Jesus! Amen!

I am going to preach Jesus -- it's time those thousands of people come to the way, the truth and the LIFE!!!!

Preaching the Word!

2008-04-17T21:29:00.004-05:00

Wednesday evenings are really great in our church. We start the evening at 5:00 p.m. for supper at the church. After dinner we head into the sanctuary for a time of prayer and Bible study. Currently, I am teaching from Ephesians 6: Spiritual Warfare. Specifically, I am teaching about the Armor of God. Each week we look at a specific piece of the armor. Paul says that we should wear the armor so that when all is said and done -- we will be standing. We have this great treasure called the ARMOR OF GOD!

During the study I called for our folks to take their Bibles and turn to 2 Timothy 4:2. Paul is Timothy's mentor here and he is clear about many things, but in this case he leaves not room for error! PREACH THE WORD!

It struck me as I was teaching (actually, I got some pretty big goose bumps) that I am so blessed to be able to do this ALL THE TIME. Preaching is a major part of my life....the questions.....the research.....the prayer! All of this is part of doing what I love to do -- PREACH!

My desire as a pastor is to be faithful to Paul's admonition -- to preach the Word. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME! It is important that I share what God wants our people to hear! As Paul said to Timothy -- "Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

A Vision is Coming!

2008-04-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

This coming Sunday I am preaching a sermon called “Fresh Start: Getting Life Right!” This message will be one of the most important sermons I will ever preach at First Baptist Church. Because of the importance of this message I am asking that you lift me up in prayer more than ever before. This message will call for total commitment to Christ. (Matthew 6:33) Pray for those who should hear this message and for me the messenger!

A Vision is Coming…A Vision is Coming!

Can you believe it – I have been here for almost 8 months! Time is flying! It seems like only yesterday that I was preaching my trial sermon called, “Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing.” As we move ahead together I want you to know that God is speaking and I am listening!

At this time I am listening to the Lord as I seek Him for HIS VISION for our church. The VISION is simply that plan that God has for the future! I recently read a great book by George Barna. Here is a portion of that article:

Vision is the ability to understand the history, the present condition, and the potential of the church, and to conceive a plan for action that will maximize the ministry potential. More often than not, vision is a result of having spent much time absorbing the facts about the community, knowing the resources upon which the church can call (people, funding, facilities, equipment, etc.), and devising sound but creative strategies for moving forward. Vision always entails progress: it is never satisfied with the status quo. (How to Find Your Church – p. 104 – George Barna)

God did not call me to this church to be “satisfied.” You should not want me to be satisfied – you should not be satisfied. As long as there is one lost person…..as long as there is one hurting person…..as long as there is one person struggling to live.....WE SHOULD NOT BE SATISFIED!!

So far I have met with the Mayor Sam Wright and Calvin Miller of the Talladega Economic Development Authority. I currently have a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impact of their plans for the city of Sylacauga. I am very excited about the possibilities – about the VISION that God is giving me. PLEASE GET EXCITED WITH ME! I want you to know that this entire process is being covered in prayer! Mark your calendar for September 14th and 15th – VISION SUNDAY!

My Testimony!

2008-04-03T21:40:00.003-05:00

NOTE: Today in my office at First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, I picked up a copy of the book that God used to change my life. I remember saying that I would spend the rest of my life telling others the TRUTH! This testimony is long, but worth reading because I would not be here today without the life changing truth it contains! Prayerfully! TC

I was born Timothy Wayne Childers on December 18, 1954 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Gadsden, Alabama. I was born again on August 26, 1982 in Leeds, Alabama. I will never forget the night I sat across the dining room table from my pastor, Alk Kavli. I bowed my head, prayed and accepted Jesus as my Savior. It was 17 years after Jesus accepted me that I learned what it meant to be accepted by my heavenly Father....to experience His life flowing with power through me. I had spent 99.9% of my Christian life working FOR God. In 1985 I surrendered to the ministry, moved my family to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Since that time I have served Palestine Baptist Church in Bogaloosa, Lousianna...Lakeside Baptist Church in Metarie, Lousianna...Emmanuel Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama...First Baptist Church in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee...College Heights Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama and presently I am the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Mableton, Georgia. In 1999 God showed me the truth. I learned what it meant for God to work THROUGH me. The following is my journal entry for November 3, 1999.
"This journal is full of entries where I have made commitments to start fresh. As a matter of fact just about a week ago I made the entry just before this one. As usual something filled the space and I did not keep my commitment to come in early and have my quiet time, etc.
I have been growing increasingly concerned about myself. Over and over I have felt like I was turning into my Daddy. (Note: My father committed suicide in 1991.) I have acted like him lately. I have experienced some of the things he experienced. I have felt as if I was headed for some kind of show down. Debbie even confronted me the other night with the reality that I have every symptom of someone who is clinically depressed. I did no want to hear that but the symptoms do no lie. The past few weeks have been some of the most miserable of my lifetime. I have been on edge, to the point of tears, weeping openly for hours, stressed out over things at church - even though if things got any better there I do not know what I would do - I even go so low that a couple of weeks ago (after a fight with Debbie and a few days of low living before hand) that I prayed that God would take me out of this world. I had been having thoughts of just driving away and never looking back. It is not that I do not love my family, it is just that at that time I was under the delusion from the devil that they would be better off without me. We were leading a conference in Prattville that weekend and my topic was - "How to Get Over Life in the Pits.? How appropriate that God would have me lead a conference about being in the pits. I certainly could give them first hand information about what it felt like to be there. I thought as I got up to lead the conference that I would die. As I began to lead the conference, something began to happen. God began to speak to me. I was leading the conference for me. The conference was based on Psalm 40:2 where David said that the Lord has lifted him from the miry clay, set his feet upon a rock and established his steps. Well the Lord did that for me and He pulled me up?but I knew that there had to be more to this. We returned home on Saturday and I began to try to get to the place where God would speak to me about what to preach on the next day. Nothing came. I am not surprised given my state of mind. The next morning I arrived at church at my usual Sunday morning time around 6:15 a.m. I sat in front of the computer and could barely pray. Nothing I looked at in the Word jumped off the page at me. Nothing was coming. I was supposed to preach about vision because we are in the midst of a stewardship campaign. I went through my files and decided to preach my sermon on commitment that I preached as a trial sermon at CHBC. It was decided. That is always such a relief. I could not get excited because it was not a fresh word from the Lord and I was feeling like I was slipping back into the miry clay again."
Pretty depressing, huh? Well, it was depressing then, but now when I look back on those days I can truly rejoice because of what God has done in my life. That night when it was so dark in my life something wonderful happened! I died to myself. I did not really know what had happened until I started reading Handbook to Happiness by Dr. Charles Solomon. I called my wife and said, "I am reading a new book and if it is true I will spend the rest of my life telling people about it.? It is true and I am happier and more fulfilled than I ever dreamed I could be.
I was the kind of pastor that wanted results. If I did not get the kind of results that I wanted, I blamed myself. I always assumed the answer was that God is not pleased with my preaching, leadership skills, or my abilities. My response was to make commitments to pray more, study more, visit more, plan more, and program more. I never kept those commitments because I too busy. The guilt was unbearable. I was burning the candle at both ends and I ran out of wax. Oh, I was getting results! Things could not have been any better in my ministry; but it was never enough for me. When I came to the end of myself and began to understand the truth of the crucified life - the resurrected life of Christ in me, I began to really "rest.? I am busier now than before, but full of passion for the ministry. The difference in me now unbelievable! I have learned what it means to live in Christ. I no longer feel guilty when throngs of people do not respond during our services. I have been set free from worry. My marriage is stronger. I have stronger relationships with my church family. I am more relaxed. I can have fun again! It is a great life?. HIS life!!!

Shameless Plug

2008-04-01T22:21:00.002-05:00

I am such a blessed man. Easter Sunday was a great day! I had my family with me in worship! This is a shameless plug to show off how beautiful family is. Check out the look on Tucker's face. In the picture you will find, my mother in law on the right, Candi, my daughter in law is next to her with Clay our son behind her. The kids are my grandkids with my daughter Amy and son in law, Sam next to her! See how blessed I am!! Praise be to God!

Praying the Unselfish Prayer

2008-03-26T23:07:00.002-05:00

As you can see, God has me thinking alot about prayer lately. I want so desparately to see God do great things! I want to see Him shake the doorpost at our church and the doorposts of the hearts of the people. I find myself praying the strangest requests. I will not go into what some of them are, but mostly, I am beginning to realize that they are somewhat selfish. I was reading about pray today and saw this quote from Alan Redpath:

Before we can pray, "Lord, Thy Kingdom come," we must be willing to pray, "My Kingdom go."

If I really want to see God do great things in my life I must realize that my kingdom has to fall. When I pray the unselfish prayer God's kingdom will come. God will be glorified. God will be praised because it is that kind of prayer that God honors the most.

I wonder what would happen in the church if everyone took that quote seriously and prayed -- "not my will, but, your will, oh God!" I suspect that God would shake the doorposts of a bunch of hearts and even the doorposts of the church!

I wonder what God is going to teach me next about prayer. Keep checking back and find out! By the way, I am not sure if this is a selfish prayer or not -- but please join Debbie and I in asking God to sell our house in Georiga. We really need to sell it!

Where There is Smoke -- There is Fire!

2008-03-25T15:26:00.004-05:00

I have been reading some of the complete works of E. M. Bounds on prayer. Consider the following quote I found:

No erudition, no purity of diction, no width of mental outlook, no flowers of eloquence, no grace of person can atone for lack of fire. Prayer ascends by fire. Flame gives prayer access as well as wings, acceptance as well as energy. There is no incense without fire; no prayer without flame.

Did you catch the last part of that quote. "No prayer without flame." I have noticed that the times I pray with the greatest "earnest" is when I am going through the flames about something. You know -- a spiritual wilderness, a hard time, a struggle or something of that nature. It is during those times that I believe God loves our prayers the most. The reason: we are realizing that we are totally dependant on God and we are calling out to THE source. He is our supply -- in every aspect of our lives. Our prayers are an incense to the Lord.

There is an old saying, "where there is smoke, there is fire." I guess what I am trying to say is that where there is sincere, heart wrenching, earnest prayer -- there must be the flame of the Holy Spirit driving us to the point of surrender......and God says, "Ummmmmm -- that smells good!

God loves it when we pray! Sometimes He allows the flames to get pretty hot. The hotter the flame the hotter the passion for finding God's will in any situation. God allows the flame but always remember -- He is the refiiner sitting by the fire always controling the heat. Even though the fire is hot -- it does not consume us! (Malachi 3:3)

An Amazing Revelation

2008-03-24T20:07:00.001-05:00

I realize that it has been quite a while since I posted to my blog. To be honest, I usually posted late at night after everything was done for the day. It was a good time because I was usually up late and there was not much on TV that I wanted to watch. Lately, I have not even had that time to write and again, to be honest, it has been kind of hard to focus on somthing that I have been taking so seriously. However today has been different.

Have you ever had God speak to you so clearly that you just know that it is Him? God gave me an AMAZING REVELATION this morning as I drove into Sylacauga.

I had been praying for Debbie just about the whole way to the office this morning! As I was praying for her, God began to remind me of what He has given me "in her." I began to realize just how much I depend on her and God clearly told me something.

Here is what God helped me to understand:

Clearly, I do not deserve to have such a wonderful wife. She is constantly encouraging me, praying for me and standing with me through this transition time in our lives. By transition, I mean the adjustment we are making to the new ministry in Sylacauga. It has been quite a change. We miss our kids and grandkids more than words can say. We still have a house for sell in Georgia which is becoming a major burdon. This has just been a huge adjustment for us both.

Debbie has kept her promises to me. When I went into the ministry she said that she would go anywhere that God leads us. She has. He has lead us through good times, bad times, wilderness times, exciting times and every step of the way she has been there. She has given up so much so that I could follow the call of God. She gave up on college, career and so much more. God said, "look at what I gave you -- I have blessed you!" He was right. My wife is a treasure and I am not sure I have done a good job expressing that to her. As Proverbs 31 says -- her worth is far above rubies!

Prayer for My Mother

2008-03-15T00:09:00.002-05:00

Hey Folks,
This afternoon just before dinner my sister called and told me that I needed to go to my mother's house. She was asking for me and was very sick. It seems that she came down with the flu this week. She will be 91 on June 19th. When I got there she was very weak but got up to eat some supper. Please pray for her. The flu is bad enough if you are young and healthy but when you are 91 -- it's pretty tough. She is very sick!

Her name is Hazel. Thanks for praying!

Tim

By grace.....

2008-03-12T23:45:00.002-05:00

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace....
In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul makes it very clear that there is something very special about the grace of God. Grace is a gift. The act of grace is a gift. God "graces" us with salvation. We receive the gift of salvation "by grace" and "through faith." It is through faith that we receive the gift of God. It is through the "act of believing" that God bestows the wonderful gift of salvation. There is nothing that we do to earn it or deserve it. Romans 5 teaches very clearly that God saw our sin and still sent Jesus to die for us. Romans 8:1 and following also teaches us that because of God's grace, we who believe, are free from condemnation. Now here is where it gets good! You see...we deserve death and hell, but because of God's grace we are not condemned. Some people say that a great way to remember the definition of grace is: God's Riches At Christ's Expense. It's true -- Jesus paid the price and then "graced" us with His lIFE. Amazing, huh?

God

Amazing Grace!

2008-03-07T20:06:00.002-06:00

For those of you who know my testimony you know that God brought me to a place of brokenness in 1999. I had come to a place of frustration in my walk with God. It was an exciting time in my ministry because the church I was pastoring at the time was exploding with growth in every way. However, I was empty. It was not the kind of emptiness I esperienced before I knew Christ. It was more of a frustration with my walk with God. It was during that time that I experienced what it really meant to know God's amazing grace. It was during that time that I realized that it was not about, but all about Jesus.

It will be my goal during the next few days to share the truth concerning the grace of God.

There are many definitions of God's grace. During my next blog entry I will try to convey the true definition of God's grace. Consider what Paul said in Romans:

"But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. " Romans 11:6

For me to understand God's grace meant that I had to accept this truth: My acceptance, my worth, my relationship is God is not based on anything I do. God is much more interested in "who" I am and 'WHOSE' I am!

Be sure to check back to read more about this great journey. I can't wait to share it with you!

I'm Back!!!!!

2008-03-06T20:51:00.002-06:00

A very special thank you to all of you who are so faithful to read my blog. I apologize for being gone for over a week. I have been very busy with the many duties of pastoring our church -- First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, Alabama.

I am very excited to report that our new youth pastor, Kenny Norris has arrived and is already reaching some new students with the gospel of Christ. Please pray for him as he and his family adjust and reach the students of our region!

GOD IS MOVING!
God is doing some amazing things in our church. I have had several meetings with people over the past two weeks. All of these meetings have been about salvation. Some have been saved and others want to make sure they are saved! How exciting is that???

Over the next few blog entries I plan to write about a theme that is very near and dear to my heart! GOD'S AMAZING GRACE! Be suret to check back every day to see what God is teaching us!

Pray for My Friend

2008-02-27T20:46:00.002-06:00

Dear Blog Readers,
There are times when something is just not right! I am writing to let you know about my friend, Linda, from Texas who is the daughter of one of my former church members in Georgia. She is in a fight for her family.

I know it is hard for you to believe, but she actually lost custody of her son Will because he made a profession of faith in Christ and she was/is seeking to raise him in a Christian home. Her ex-husband sued for sole custoday and WON! Unbelievable!

Please pray for Will, Linda and the court system in Dallas, Texas. I am including her website and blog. Feel free to write notes of encouragment and let her know that the body of Christ is standing with her and her family.

www.fightingforwill.com and http://fightingforwill.blogspot.com/

The Faithfulness of God

2008-02-25T21:07:00.002-06:00

I am currently in Montgomery, Alabama attending the Alabama Baptist State Evangelism Conference. Basically this conference is designed to get pastors/staff of churches fired up about evangelism. Tonight, I heard two of the best sermons I have ever heard. Herb Reavis and Ergun Caner preached "the paint off the walls" and stirred my heart for winning the lost of Sylacauga. These messages come on the heals of my asking you to pray for our church and those attending the services last Sunday.

I am very excited to tell you that we DID have several decisions on Sunday! And YES! We had one come to the Lord for salvation. I will be following up on his decision when I get home from Montgomery. One of the most exciting things about this is an email that I received from someone who had prayed for someone to come to Christ on Sunday. Below is an exerpt from that email:

God allowed me to participate in this past Sunday and I wanted to share with you how. I met at ************* house for the God Can prayer meeting on Monday. We were going through the outline of suggested prayer topics when I felt the Spirit’s urging me to pray for someone to come to Christ this coming Sunday.

At the time I thought this was a little presumptuous on my part. Who am I to ask God to move when He has things under control, but then I thought, well it would always be in His will to ask for someone to come to Christ. So we prayed and Brother ********** prayed in agreement with me with “Yes Father” and “Yes Lord Jesus”.

So when ***** came down, it was in answer to this prayer and no telling how many others. This is just the one I got to be in on. Now that was neat. To be a part of what God had planned, just by offering up a prayer.

You see -- GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYER! Will you join me in prayer? HE IS A FAITHFUL GOD!

Will you join me in prayer for services on Sunday?

2008-02-21T15:19:00.002-06:00

I am preaching a very evangelistic sermon on Sunday called "30 Seconds after You Die." Please join me in prayer for those who will be there. I believe there must be someone who desparately needs this message.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are Almighty God. You rule and reign in our lives. I join with these who are reading this blog to ask you to do great and mighty things in our midst on Sunday. Lord, I ask that you break down any barriers that Satan or anyone else has tried to put up in the lives of those who will be here. We pray that you will shower us with Your love and conviction -- in that order.

I pray that you will draw people to the services on Sunday. Please draw those who have questions -- those who need Jesus. Please work in such a way that you will be GLORIFIED!

Lord, please honor the prayers of those who prayed so diligently on Monday evening for the God Can Prayer Groups. God please WORK A MIRACLE!

In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen

Thanks for praying -- please don't stop -- continue in an attitude of prayer -- pray without ceasing!

An Unexpected Phone Call

2008-02-20T23:22:00.002-06:00

On Tuesdays at 9 a.m. our staff meets for planning and prayer. It is a high priority meeting and I "strongly encourage" all staff to attend. In other words -- it's mandatory!

On Tuesday, this week, we were in our staff meeting and suddenly -- my cell phone rang. When I looked at Caller ID I noticed that it was my granddaughter Mattie. When I saw who was calling I immediately turned to the staff and said, "Excuse me, this is my granddaughter, I need to take this."

Later, I was thinking about that phone call and that it was such a high priority to me that I was willing to stop our meeting just to talk to her. How wonderful it is that she wanted to talk to me!

In reality this is the kind of relationship we, as Christians, have with God. He wants us to "interupt" Him. He always takes my call! He is never too busy and I AM A PRIORITY TO HIM! Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me and I will show you great and might things...."

Call on Him right now. Take a few minutes as you read this BLOG and go to God in prayer. Talk to Him about the most intimate parts of your life. Share anything with Him -- HE DOES NOT SCREEN HIS CALLS!

Psalm 51 -- With Grace

2008-02-19T14:35:00.002-06:00

Recently I was studying the Psalms. I love the Psalms. I came across Psalm 51. This great Psalm was written by King David as a Psalm of confession and repentance after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

It occured to me as I read this powerful Psalm that God has already done what David asked by sending His mercy and grace to us on the cross. What you are about to read is the result of that prayer/study time. Psalm 51 for us is filled with the grace of God! It is my prayer that you will rejoice as you realize what God has done for you!

Psalm 51 with Grace

You have had mercy on me, O god,
According to your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of your tender mercies.

You have blotted out my transgressions,
You have washed me thoroughly from my iniquity.
You have cleansed me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only , have I sinned
And done this evil in Your sight –

You are just when You speak,
You are blameless when You judge.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me. (In Adam)
Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part You will fill me with your Spirit and make me to know wisdom.

I have been made clean by the blood of Jesus
I have been washed whiter than snow by your grace
You have given me ears of grace to hear joy and gladness,
Out of my brokenness I will rejoice.

You have hidden Your face from my sins.
You have blotted our all of my iniquities.

You have created a clean heart in me.
You have given me YOUR steadfast Spirit.
You will never throw me away.
You will never take your Spirit from me

You have given me JOY as the fruit of the Spirit.
You hold me up by your overflowing Spirit.
I will teach sinners Your ways and they will be converted.

You have delivered me from the guilt of bloodshead – Oh God of my salvation.
My tongue will sing about Your righteousness.
My mouth will praise You!

You do not want my filthy, bloody, works – You know I would offer them to you.
You do not want burned offerings.
You want my sacrifice to be a broken spirit and a broken heart.
You will not turn these away.

Bless us by building the church on righteousness and truth
Out of You blessings will flow the obedience that you want from us!

The Love of God

2008-02-13T23:00:00.002-06:00

This morning I got up out of bed...quietly found the rose and card I bought for Debbie to give to her for Valentine's Day. When she woke up I said, "Good morning -- Happy Valentine's Day." She said, "Thanks, but Valentine's Day is tomorrow." We both had a great laugh and of course I will never live this one down. I am sure she will use this story in many of her teachings over the next few month.

I am sure glad that she loves me -- no matter what! There is a term for that kind of love: Unconditional! Debbie loves me unconditionally!

The good news is that God loves me the same way only more! God's love for me is not determined by what I do or say! God's love for me is strong...and there are no conditions. I love Romans 5:6 where it says that Christ died for the ungodly. If His love had been based on my goodness -- well let's just say I would be in alot of trouble!!

Romans 8 clearly states that nothing can separate us from the Love of God! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

$1,200 and Sycamore Roots

2008-02-12T23:03:00.002-06:00

Well, the verdict is in....the plumber ran the snake and a camera down my drain in Georgia and discovered that the Syacamore tree at the end of my driveway has reached out to my pipes and clogged them! It is going to cost $1,200 minimum to correct the problem.

As I said the other day, I really want to thank God for those clogged pipes. I will be honest -- it's hard. The reason: I do not live in the house anymore and it takes money from the proceeds. I do not know why this happened, but I know this. God will provide! GOD CAN!

These are the kinds of situations that really put our faith to the test as we walk through this earthly life. What we are going through with all of this is nothing compared to some things people are going through, but it is really trying to be 2 hours away and try to handle these situations from long distance. I am praying that God will sell the house very soon! Please join me in that prayer. I know the house is sold -- I just do not have the money yet!

Let's Go Fishing!

2008-02-10T22:16:00.000-06:00

This morning in our 8:30 a.m and 11:00 a.m services I preached from Luke 5:1-11. I called the message "Casting the Net." Jesus told Simon (so0n to be Peter) exactly where to put the net down. They had worked all night and had not caught anything. They were fishing the same way they had always been fishing and they had not caught anything. Jesus said put the net out in deep water. The problem with fishing in the deep waters -- it's not where Simon and the gang would normally fish. However, when Jesus came on the scene and told them when and where to fish -- they were successful. They were so successful that they nets broke and the boat started to sink. Now that is some good fishing!

At the end of the passage of scripture Jesus says, "don't be afraid." Then He informs Simon that he will now be fishing for men. Obviously this story is really about fishing for men. (people)

Our church must learn from what Jesus taught to Simon and his partners. We simply cannot keep doing what we have always been doing and expect to get different results. We must launch out into the deep water and go places we have never been before. We, the church, msut take the gospel TO THE PEOPLE wherever God leads us. This will cause some fear -- Jesus said, "do not be afraid." He may lead us to some unusual places and give us some unusual ideas for fishing for people! However we must be obedient and follow His leadership so that we can see great results!

Let's go fishing!!

Clogged Drains

2008-02-09T21:19:00.001-06:00

We have been in Georgia at our old house since Thursday evening. There have been some improvements that we have needed to make in order to make the house more appealing for sale.

I cleaned and painted my son's former room and bathroom. That does not sound like much of a chore but honestly, the room was in pretty bad shape. It had not been painted in over 10 years, the carpet needed shampooing and the bathroom also needed some work. All of it was "cosmetic" and was not really difficult -- just time consuming. It took forever to get all of the holes filled and the trim painted, etc. I worked until 2:30 a.m. on Friday morning -- went upstairs and slept on the floor until 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. I got up and went back to work because the carpet cleaning service was to be there at 10 a.m. I completed the work and went upstairs for a break.

Amy came by and brought the grandkids -- we told her that we could keep them on Saturday afternoon. Soon, I heard Amy and Debbie say - TIM WE HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM -- WATER IS ALL OVER THE BASEMENT! Now keep in mind that the carpet guy had just completed the work and the carpet he had shampooed was now flooded (about 1 inch) with nasty water! After $125 to a plumber and no success -- we don't know what is wrong. This could cost anywhere from$250 to $3000.

I must admit that I went through a time of discouragement! I mean...the carpet guy had just pulled out of the driveway! Why? I don't know. I don't have to know. All I need to know is that God is going to take care of us. I know that somehow He will provide!

I know one thing...I love it here in Sylacauga. As I loaded the car and drove away -- I thought (as I saw my former home in the rear view mirror) I can't wait to get to Anniston Drive in Sylacauga -- MY HOME!

I am determined to thank God for those clogged drains -- I am just not sure why!!!! I am certain there will be a sermon in all of this somewhere so I am just praying and waiting!

Let there be LIFE!

2008-02-05T22:49:00.000-06:00

A church that keeps the MAIN THING THE MAIN THING will be a church ALIVE! There will be life! When Jesus is the center and life of the church then John 10:10 will be become a reality! Life will be abundant!

There will be life in the members. Obviously, when Jesus becomes your life -- then there will be life in the church. The life of Christ brings many things to the believer.

Love
Joy
Peace
Longsuffering
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-control

There will be life in the ministries. So many times in churches there seems to be NO life in the ministry of the church. Tradition, resistance to change or a variety of other things has choked the life right out. However when Jesus is the MAIN THING the ministry will be filled with life...HIS LIFE! He will bring the passion, faithfulness, truth, and resources to the ministies to the church. When I think of ministries that are really making a difference in the world -- they are life filled ministries that are walking by faith and not by sight.

In our church -- First Baptist Church of Sylacauga, Alabama -- LET THERE BE LIFE -- LET THERE BE JESUS

Worth it....

2008-02-04T21:39:00.000-06:00

Sometimes as a pastor you wonder if what you are doing is really making a difference.

When I was a Minister of Youth at First Baptist Church of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee a young man came into my youth group. I was privileged to be his youth pastor for about 1 year. I love him. I am proud of him. Check out his blog -- http://www.kevinmaples.blogspot.com/.

It's worth it all.........

A Church that Loves!

2008-02-04T19:21:00.000-06:00

In my trial sermon message I shared that the church that "KEEPS THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING" is a church that will be known as a church that loves!

There will be a love for God! A church that keeps the main thing main thing is a church that is in love with God. The natural outflow of that love for God is a church that truly worships! The worship services will be powerful and verticle. By verticle I mean that they will be directed in an upward direction to the "Heavenly Father."
There will be a love for God's Word! I don't believe that you can love the Father without loving HIS Word! A church that keeps the main thing the main thing is a church that cherishes the truth of the Word of God. There will be a strong emphasis on teaching, discipleship and spiritual growth and maturity!
There will be a love for each other. There is an old chorus that I sang as a teenager in our youth group at First Baptist Church of Piedmont, Alabama. The words are so true: We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord...and they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they'll know that we are Christians by our love! TRUE! TRUE! A church that keeps the main thing the main thing will be know as a church that loves each other!
There will be a love for the community. Acts 1:8 is very clear! We will become "witnesses." We have been empowered to share the love of God in our community. God loves Sylacauga adn He wants to express that love THROUGH us. If oru church keeps the main the main thing WE WILL LOVE THIS COMMUNITY! We will do whatever it takes to share that love -- even if it means change...even if it means moving out of our comfort zone!

The MAIN THING is Jesus! Le't keep it that way!

Like Minded

2008-01-30T21:15:00.001-06:00

When a church keeps the main thing the main thing there will be like minded-ness! When Jesus is the center of everything and becomes the life giving force for the church, the people -- God's children will begin to focus in that direction -- HIS direction.

There are so many different kinds of people in the church. This diversity is one of the most beautiful things about the body of Christ. It takes all of us....our gifts and talents.

There are so many different opinions in the church. Opinions are good. Those different kinds of people will approach ministry from different directions. I will offer a different perspective than someone else. It's good.

How in the world can all of us become like-minded?

The Bible says that we have the "mind of Christ." (Philippians 2:5)

Like mindedness is a gift from God. We can all have it if we pray for it. Paul prayed this prayer in Romans 15:5:

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:5)

We are members of the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the church. We have the mind of Christ. May we seek HIM first with all of our hearts.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

2008-01-29T23:01:00.000-06:00

Last night after I came home from the prayer group and settled in to write in this blog I decided to get the DVD of my trial sermon and watch it. Until last night I had not listened to or watched the sermon. The title of the message was "Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing."

The gist of the message is for the church to be centered on Jesus and not budgets, programs and traditions. As I listened to the message I realized that I needed to share that message again somehow. As I prayed about what to do the Lord showed me that I should show "sound bites" each Sunday before the service or even as a part of the service. The purpose: to remind the church for whom and for what they voted on that HOT Sunday morning in August!

I want to follow the leadership of God and remain true to the promises and truths that I shared on that exciting day in my life!

Over the next few BLOG entries I will be sharing some of the points of the message. For those of you who are members of our church.....remember this is what you voted for!

Sweet Hour of Prayer

2008-01-28T23:29:00.000-06:00

Tonight -- January 28th at around 7:00 p.m. in Sylacauga, Alabama -- something wonderful happened. The sweet aroma of prayer was going up to our heavenly Father on the north side of town, the south side of town, the east side of town and the western side of town.

I was a prayer group leader tonight for our "God Can Prayer Groups." There were 3 people in my group and in some homes there were as many 18 people gathering to pray.

We prayed for our church staff ministers
We prayed for our support staff
We prayed for our deacons
We prayed for UNITY and REVIVAL
We prayed for our city
We prayed for those who do not know Jesus

I am picturing God at around 7:00 p.m. tonight! I know He was smiling. I was too!

I cannot wait to see what God will do in the hearts of those who prayed.