Trust The One

God's Great Earth

2011-04-13T15:52:00.000-04:00

As I was flying into Omaha, Nebraska today I could not but help to see the beauty of all the farmland and how wonderful the earth looks from the sky. God wants us as his people to take care of the earth. He tells us all the time in His word to respect our land, air and sea. We fail to listen and I think we may be headed for some real problems one day. I am always in awe of our world, the universe and my little part in this time of history. In 500 hundred years, will anyone remember me or you? Not likely, but we can protect this earth for them and fulfill the commandments of our God by doing our part to protect this beautiful land, air and sea. Pray for me as I spend 4 days in meetings and seminars. I will be pumped up when I return to my beloved wife, home and business in Valdosta, Georgia. Thank God today for our earth and His majesty in designing and creating it for us so we can worship and praise Him.
You do great and wonderful things, Lord God Almighty. Everything the Lord does is right and true, King of nations. Everyone will respect you Lord and will honor you. Only you are holy. All the nations will come to and worship you because the right things you have done and now are made known. Psalm 111:2, Amos 3:13, Psalm 145:17, Jerimiah 10:7, Psalm 86:9-10, Deuteronomy 32:4

(This can be found in Revelation 15:2-5)

Integrity

2011-03-30T16:15:00.001-04:00

Do you know what integrity is? What is your definition of integrity? Merriam-Webster defines integrity to "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." Wow, where are the moral values of today? Integrity can vacillate in a man or woman but God's character never changes. The Bible says He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow--always true and trustworthy.

For I am the LORD, I do not change. Malachi 3:6

T.H.I.N.K.

2011-03-29T12:13:00.001-04:00

I am involved in a Men's Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. Presently, we are studying "Winning With People (Christian Leader Series) by John C Maxwell. This acronym T.H.I.N.K. is something I learned today. How should I react to others when I am trying to restore resolution after a problem with a friend, co-worker, family etc.

T. Is it true?
H. Is it helpful?
I. Is it inspiring?
N. Is it necessary?
K. Is it Kind?

If I can answer yes to all these questions, then it is appropriate for me to proceed with trying to resolve the problem.

Paul knew the importance of teamwork, so he encouraged two women who were quarreling to make peace. He doesn't ask these women just to merely act kindly, but rather to actually be of the same mind.

Philippians 4:2-3; 8-9 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We Are Not Insulated

2011-03-26T08:21:00.000-04:00

Followers of Jesus are not insulated from the tragedies of this world, just as He was not. God has never promised that tornados will skip our houses on the way to our unbelieving neighbors. Viruses do not flee from our Christian bodies. Peter actually said to us, "This suffering is all part of the work God has given you. Christ who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21 TLB).

The Lord defends those who suffer, he defends them in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

Amazing Grace

2011-03-23T14:52:00.001-04:00

Think of the worst thing you have ever done in your life. Who could forgive such a thing? What if I told you that you would not be judged or have to pay a penalty for that unforgivable thing? I believe in the Grace of God. His grace is unfathomable and we are called to live a life of gratitude for His grace. Issac Watts, author of Amazing Grace wrote,"Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all."
Do you want the burden of guilt lifted from your shoulders today? Listen to these words:
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

When Tragedy Strikes-Who Do You Trust

2011-03-22T19:40:00.001-04:00

I was in the 5th grade and my mother and I were going to my Little League Game. I was a Pirate and the uniform was too big for my small frame, but I didn't care, I was on the team. We lived 5 miles from town and mama was in a hurry to get me to the game. She decided to take a short cut. All of a sudden a little black boy ran out from the ditch and into our car. I jumped out and ran back to see a 3 or 4 year old black boy on the road with a bloody spot on his head. Time seemed to stop and everything slowed down. Mama was crying uncontrollably and there was no adult nearby. A black man ran out and grabbed the little boy and jumped into his truck and raced to the hospital. It was too late. The boy was dead and my mother was responsible. It took years of court and many testimonies to finally settled the death. Mama was not at fault, but try telling her that. A child was dead and it was her driving the car. Life in a car with my mama was never the same. She had nightmares about the accident for years. Being a child, I did not fully understand what had happened, but I knew a child of 3 or 4 would never grow up to be a man. Today as a Christian, I can lean on my faith and trust in my Lord to heal that terrible memory. I know that the child is in heaven with our Lord and one day he, my mother and I will meet. I look forward to seeing him in heaven and telling him how many times I have wondered, What if? What would he have been? Only my faith in my Lord today allows me to forgive myself, even though I was only a passenger in the death car. What do you have on your heart today that you need to give to God? Hopefully you will allow His healing to take place in your heart as I have.
I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee. Isaiah 26:3

Living and Learning

2011-03-21T14:54:00.001-04:00

Will Rogers said: " Experience may be the best teacher, but sometimes it's better to let the other guy get bit by the snake." We all need a trusted mentor in our life. We will not have one until we are humble enough to learn from someone else. We don't know much about Timothy from his own words but from Paul's letters to him, we can see that he deeply appreciated his godly heritage (1 Tim 1:5), he carefully followed the teaching of Paul (1 Tim 1:19), and as a result he was wise beyond his years as a minister and leader (1 Tim 4:12).

If you want to start your own business, find someone who has started one. If you want to grow spiritually, look to someone of spiritual grace and joy. If you want to be a better husband/wife, watch a mature, loving husband/wife and their little courtesies and affections.

If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him. 1 Corinthians 13:7 TLB

Crying Is Healthy

2011-03-18T09:41:00.000-04:00

Men aren't supposed to cry, right? Sometimes when I see a beautiful thing, I cry. Maybe not outside but inside. I cry because it makes me feel good. I cry because it releases tension. I cry because it gives me peace. For women, crying is natural. For men, crying is seen as weakness but in reality a man that can cry is very strong and secure. Women please forgive us when we don't cry. We have been taught that crying is weakness and we do not want you to see us weak. Love us more. Encourage us to find that level of peace that is so yours. Men, cry a little every now and then. It will make you a better person, father, husband and man.
"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revaltion 21:14 ESV

Forget About Peer Pressure

2011-03-17T12:20:00.000-04:00

When we were young, we were always worried about what others thought. We sometimes did things because of peer pressure. I jumped off a cliff into a sink hole at night with some friends and I survived. I was frightened to death but I did not tell them I was scared.
The Bible encourages us to make God's opinion the one that counts. He is the one that we want to respond to us because His opinion counts the most to us. When you seek to please God, there is no peer pressure strong enough to cause you to waver. It is much easier to overcome peer pressure if God opinion is what I desire most.
On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV

Be Optimistic

2011-03-14T15:25:00.000-04:00

A 100 year old woman was interviewed at a nursing home by a reporter. He asked her if she had any children? She replied," Not yet!". Now that is optimism. Sarah was 100 years old when God decided to give her a child by Abraham. Do not give up on God. Keep you eye on the future and its possibilities.

"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstreched arm. Ther is NOTHING too hard for You." Jeremiah 32:17

How To Know My Destiny

2011-03-12T11:41:00.001-05:00

English novelist Charles Reade penned these words: "Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny." Today I will do many things. I want to remember what the Bible says, which is "the steps of a good man/woman are ordered by the Lord" (Psalm 37:23). I do not want to lose sight of what my actions today and tomorrow have on my destiny.

We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 NKJMV

2011-03-11T12:32:00.000-05:00

I found this in my Father's Bible yesterday. My father was a Primitive Baptist Minister since he was 18. He presided over hundreds of funerals and stood by the bedside of many of his church members and family at time of death. Here is what he copied from someone:

The Dying Never Shed Tears

I have stood by the bedside of hundreds of dying people, "observed an old physician," and I have yet to see a dying person shed a tear, no matter what the grief of the standbys may be, the stricken person will show no sign of overpowering emotion, I have seen a circle of agonized children, around a dying mother--a mother who in health would have been touched to the quick signs of grief in a child, yet she reposed as calm and unemotional as though she was made of stone. There is a strange and inexplicable psychological change which accompanies the act of dissolution. It is well known to all physicians that pain disappears as the end approaches and nature seems to have arranged it so that mental peace shall also attend our last lingering illness.

I am not sure how you will view this, but for me, I believe that pain will disappear and my death should be rejoiced because I am now absent from my body and present with my Lord Jesus.

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 1 John 5:11

Elevating Others

2011-03-10T12:32:00.002-05:00

I enjoy being around someone who elevates others. They are always lessening someone's load and lifting them up. Some people ADD something to Life--We enjoy those people. Some people SUBTRACT something from Life--We tolerate them. Some people Multiply something in Life--We value them. Some people DIVIDE something in Life--We avoid them.

Paul added value to Others (1 Corinthians 9:19-27) Paul was a leader who possessed both passion and discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) The reason? He felt consumed with his mission. His passion exceeded his mission. His passion exceeded his personal preferences. Paul valued people, not procedures. Paul remained fixed on his mission. He was committed to God, no matter what. (Taken from Winning With People by John C. Maxwell Page 53-Page 57).

2011-02-08T15:53:00.001-05:00

Somebody’s Sweetheart

February 7, 2011

The month of February and Valentines Day brings a celebration of love and stirs couples to rekindle feelings of romance and devotion. Not so different from young couples are aging seniors, celebrating memories of sweethearts and romance in days gone by. Sit a while with a senior couple and they will soon be telling you their romance story or listen to a widow or widower as they sing their favorite love song from their youth.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s can rob senior minds of many of these treasured memories, changing their personality and life style. Because of these and other illnesses, many seniors end up in nursing homes or care facilities where only their basic physical needs are cared for by the facility staff. To these seniors, Valentines Day becomes no different from every other day. They often find it difficult to relive memories of the past. In one care facility a sign placed lovingly over a patient’s bed reads, “I Am Somebody’s Sweetheart,” as if to say I once dreamed, lived and loved, please treat me kindly.

When asked how she relates to those she cares for, nurse assistant Karen W. replies that most of the time it's those patients who are causing a disturbance or may be in danger of harming themselves who are the ones that get her attention. Even then she can only take care of the immediate problem. Very seldom has she time to personally get to know well all the elderly people she cares for.

Although this is true with many facilities, the need for more personalized care is, in some cases, being recognized. Assisted living facilities with specialized memory care programs -- some using art, music and dance or physical activities -- are finding great success with increasing the quality of life for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Many care facilities across the nation are adding these programs to better serve their residents.

If you cannot find a facility in your area that provides this special attention, home care may be a better option.
Consider this real experience. When Nora would visit her father in the nursing home she would find him sitting, slumped over and disinterested in his surroundings. By the time she and her young children finished their visit, he was alert and talking to them. Feeling he would do better in her home environment, Nora enlisted the services of a Geriatric Care Manager to evaluate her father and determine what would be needed for his care at home so that he could get the social stimulation that he needed.

A Geriatric Care Manager can be a valuable asset to family members when it becomes necessary to look at alternatives for their loved one's long term care. They work with all members of the family in educating about resources and making decisions. Some services provided are.

•Make an assessment about the type of care need

•Develop a care plan for care both current and future care

•Work with physicians in getting medical support

•Find home care services that work with the families needs

•Provide assistance with legal and financial issues

Appropriate home care services are also often necessary when a change in environment is called for. Home care services vary, depending on what is needed, and may change as caregiving requirements change in regards to the physical or mental health of the elderly person.

Types of Home Care are:

•Home health care companies: provide nurses, physical therapists, social workers and aides that assist with basic health care such as changing bandages, taking vital signs and helping with medication as well as a host of other skilled needs.

•Non-medical home providers: help with bathing, dressing, meals, ambulating, chores, errands, housekeeping and much, much more.

Home care personnel are skilled in working with the spouse and extended family members of their ailing loved one to provide needed services and support in the home. They add consistency in the care and are available in time of crisis or need to add additional services.

With help from her Geriatric Care Manager, Nora brought her father to her home for his care. The care manager worked with her father’s doctor, prescribing a physical therapist and nurse's aid to come to the home. A non-medical home care company was employed to help with daily bathing and dressing.

Another resource available to families, which is not used as often as it should be, is hospice. Hospice care is provided in the home or in a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home. When illness is terminal, hospice service is provided by a team which includes doctors, nurses, grief counselors, aides and social workers as needed. These services can be provided at no out-of-pocket cost by Medicare.

In her internet article Naomi Naierman, President and CEO of the American Hospice Foundation states:

“As a Medicare beneficiary, you are entitled to the Medicare Hospice Benefit without additional premiums. If you are enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO) you have access to this benefit, even if the MCO does not cover hospice services.

The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers the following hospice services in full:

•Skilled nursing services

•Volunteer Services

•Physician visits

•Skilled therapy

•Home health aide visits

•Medical social services

•Spiritual counseling

•Nutrition counseling

•Bereavement support for the family”

There is a growing market for care providers throughout the nation to fill the need of senior care services. Assisted living, home care and hospice care, geriatric care managers and geriatric clinics are all just part of these services. The National Care Planning Council supports family caregivers with information and resources of all types of long term care services on its website: "Somebody’s Sweetheart" may be in need of your loving care someday and help is available to reduce your burden and ease the journey.

Who Do You Need?

2010-09-23T17:22:00.000-04:00

Are you facing a major decision? Then you need the Counselor. (One whose profession is to give advice and manage causes.)
Are you distressed today? Then you need the Comforter. (One who relieves another of mental distress.)
Do you need relief from, or support in, your responsibilities? Then you need the Helper. (One who furnishes with relief or support. One who is of use and who waits upon another)
Do you have a broken relationship? Then you need the Intercessor. (One who acts between parties to reconcile differences.)
Are you being criticized, falsely accused, misunderstood? Then you need the Advocate. (One who pleads the cause of another)
Are constantly defeated by habits of sin? Then you need the Strengthener. (One who causes another to grow, become stronger, endure and resist attacks.)
Are you unprepared for an emergency? Then you nee the Standby. (One who can be relied upon either for regular use or in an emergency.)

The Holy Spirit is everything that Jesus is! You are empowered and filled with the Spirit as you walk in Him. What fuel is to a car, the Holy Spirit is to the believer.

John 14:17 — But you know him for he lives with you and will be in you.

Become An Active Listener

2010-09-20T12:49:00.000-04:00

Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel. Job 29:21 NKJV
Did you hear me? Are you listening to me? Listening is tough work. It takes time, concentration and interest. Listenin involves centering your focus on an individual and opening your mind and ears to what is being said. Quality listening affirms the value of each individual and makes your relationships stronger.
If you have been a shouting person trying to get someone to listen to you, try a new method. God met with Elijah in 1 Kings 19. Elijah experienced the noise of a whirlwind, and earthquake, and a roaring fire. YET it wasn't until after the fire that God began to speak in a "still small voice". Follow God's example. Try speaking in a still small voice to get someone to listen. Try whispering.
Acknowledge that you are listening to others by saying "What I hear you saying is....." You can't be a active listener if you are folding laundry, watching TV, paying bills, working in the garage etc. Become an active listener and show someone how important they are to you.
Come here and listen to me! I'll pour out the spirit of wisdon upon you and make you wise. Proverbs 1:23 NLT. If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. Proverbs 15:31 NCV

Daily Dependence

2010-09-17T15:56:00.000-04:00

Do you ever find yourself telling others that they need to trust God with all their heart and things will work out as His will is accomplished? Then you turn around and fail to trust God yourself. Why is that? One thing is pride, which is an unhealthy arrogance that slips (roars) into your thinking when things are great in our lives. Another temptation is despair. It works itself into our hearts when we face difficulties and setbacks that are out of our control.
Jesus once pointed to a child and said."I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like a child." (Matt 18:3-4) A child will trust and depend on his/her father. God is happy when we trust like a child.
Daily dependence in God---acknowledging that He is the one source of all good gifts and success and the only safe refuge when life is difficult---steers us from pride and depair.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success. Proverbs 3:5-6

Your Mind Set Is Like A Magnet

2010-09-08T11:46:00.000-04:00

A magnet has two poles and so does our mind. One pole in our mind is positive and the other is negative. A negative mind is always looking for the worst in all things. You are always pushing the wrong buttons on your friends, family, children and colleagues. A positive mind looks for ways to improve the day of everyone it encounters. Problems are opportunities to be solved and not burdens. A positive mind reflects the mind of Christ and is always willing to heal relationships, seek the best, go out of the way to help others. Which mind pole are you using right now?

"What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 NKJV
Circumstances and situations do color life, but you have been given the mind to choose what the color will be. John Homer Miller

One Size Doesn't Fit All

2010-09-07T11:29:00.000-04:00

The apostle Paul who founded many churches and one at Corinth knew that one size would not fit all churches. The Corinthian Church was full of smart and sophisticated people. If you don't believe it, just ask them. Even with all their greatness they had many problems. \

They argued over who was the best leader (1 Cor 1:12)\
They argued over who was most spiritual (1 Cor 3:3)
They argued over what the most important gifts were (1 Cor 12)
They argued over the role of women in the church (1 Cor 14:33-34)
They even argued over whether Paul deserved respect (2 Cor 10:10)

Paul scolded them, shamed them and even begged them to be united in love. He used their problems to teach them about God's plan for each of us.

Each of us has unique gifts (1 Cor 12:28)
Everyone gifts are needed to complete the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12)
We aren't to compare the value of our gifts (1 Cor 12:17)
We aren't unite because we are just alike but because we love each other (1 Cor 12:30-13:1)

The good news is that God has made you one-of-a-kind unique. Your job is not to be like others, but to discover and fulfill God's giftings for you. Quit trying to please everyone else and allow God to use your gifts for His glory.

(Adapted from "Soul Matters for Men")

If You Had Your Life To Live Over

2010-06-01T12:35:00.000-04:00

Erma Bombeck answered with the following:
I would have talked less and listened more;
I would have invited friends over to dinner, no matter the carpet was stained;
I would have eaten popcorn in the "good" living room;
I would have taken more time to listen to my grandfather more;
I would have allowed the car windows to be down, even though I just had my hair done;
I would never buy something just because it was practical;
I would have played on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains;
I would have cried and laughed less while watching TV and more while watching Life;
There would have been more I love yous, more I'm sorrys, but mostly given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it and never give it back.
"Show me O Lord, my life's end and number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life." Psalm 39:4

Cherries or Pits?

2010-05-26T12:55:00.000-04:00

Is life like a bowl of cherries or a bowl of pits? How do you keep your sanity when the world has so much chaos around us? There are several ways to deal with the chaos. We can adapt and change colors each time and reflect our environment. We can bury our heads in the sand like an ostrich and deny the existence of chaos and be oblivious to life's evil but also miss the adventures of life. Happiness and fulfillment are found when we develop character of our own so that instead of taking on the color of the environment we make the enviroment a reflection of ourselves. The bowl contains both cherries and pits.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the WORLD giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 KJV

If God is Your Partner---Make Big Plans

2010-05-24T13:56:00.000-04:00

Great people share a common source of power---they simply apply that power in different ways. Some have greater public success and thus a greater degree of fame and prominence than others. Many less famous people, however, have also encouraged others with stories of personal triumphs and victories. This shows that the power which comes form having a "real" relationship with God isn't limited to "stars." Geniue power from God is manifest as hope in times of disaster, calm in times of crises, direction when lost, and an enduring faith. Make big plans if God is your partner. (Taken from "God's Little Devotional Book for Men")
I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Phillippians 4:13

Failure and Fatigue

2010-05-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

The greatest obstacles for a person to overcome in life are failure and fatigue. You get a good idea, put together a plan and all goes well unitl you meet your first failure. You jump into the work and enjoy a few successes and then realize there is much to be done and fatigue sets in and your energy fizzles.

Perseverance trumps both failure and fatigue. It gets you through hardship and drudgery. Where do you get the strength to persevere? I get mine from God's promises. His promises keep me from faltering and push me forward toward the goal knowing that He is supporting me with His love.

He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. Isaiah 42:4
I f you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength. Proverbs 24:10

Can Racism Be Exterminated?

2010-05-20T13:21:00.000-04:00

We will never exterminate racism but we must believe that we can live together as different racial groups in peace and we must always strive to build understanding between races. Each one of us has been created for a specific purpose by God. Each one of us has great value to our heavenly Father. Racisim is a sin and we must guard our hearts against it everyday. "God created people in his own image; God patterned them after himself; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NLT

Fire, Aim, Ready

2010-01-29T16:04:00.000-05:00

If you aim at nothing you will probably hit it. Setting goals in life are necessary because that give you direction and purpose. Our culture difines a successful life as one marked by knowledge, wealth, status or celebrity. Even churches get into the act sometimes touting large membership list, great facilities, activiites but not acheiving the success it intended. Standards of measurement are not good nor bad. Paul's standard of success was the "prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
If your standard of success is to win the prize for which God has called you---God's perfect will and purpose for your life---then your goals must be first and foremost established in prayer. Then listen to God---the second part of prayer---and He will help you refine your motives and desires in His light, will and purpose. Ask one or two people to review your goals and pray for you as you set out on your journey.
So Ready, Aim, Fire.
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV