Tell It Like It Is

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? Galatians 4:16

This is an interesting verse to say the least! Paul's experience with the Christians in Galatia reminds us that we often make enemies of our friends when we tell them the truth. Paul had introduced these people to the Lord and nurtured them in the faith. But later when false teachers infiltrated their Christian assemblies, Paul had to warn believers that they were forsaking Christ for the law. That caused them to become hostile toward Paul.

Elijah was always honest and forthright in his messages to Ahab. Yet one day when Ahab met him, he said, "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" (I Kings 18:17). Why, Elijah was one of the best friends Israel had! But his thanks for being faithful was to be denounced as a troublemaker.

When Jehoshaphat asked if there was a prophet of the Lord whom they could consult, the king of Israel said, "There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil (1 Kings 22:8). The king didn't want the truth, and hated the one who spoke it to him.

John the Baptist told Herod, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." (Mark 6:18). It was true, but such courageous handling of the truth soon led to John's execution.

Our Lord stirred up the hatred of the unbelieving Jews. What caused this hatred? It was because He had told them the truth! "But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth..." (John 8:40).

Thomas Jefferson said, "If you meant to escape malice, you should have confined yourself within the sleepy line of regular duty. There are two sides to every question, and if you take one with decision and act on it with effect, those who take the other will, of course, be hostile in proportion as they feel that effect."

The truth often hurts. Instead of bowing to it, men often curse the one who speaks it. The true servant of the Lord has already counted this cost. he must speak the truth or die.

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:6

We are admonished to "speak the truth in love," but we must be certain that we speak the truth!

Pastor Appreciation Day

My wonderful Church family surprised me with a special Pastor Appreciation Day this past Sunday morning. I am very blessed to have such a caring and loving church. I am grateful to be called their Pastor. This was also a special day because they were helping me celebrate 25 years in the ministry. They had a special DVD presentation (I wanted to share it with you, but I don't know how). My parents and my in-laws were here for the celebration. Daniel preached and did an outstanding job. Heather sang "Thank you for giving to the Lord" (I think that's the title) and Luke sang "When God Ran." Following the service we enjoyed a time of fellowship and feasting and they presented me with a generous love offering! Thank you White Oak Hill for a very special day!

Do you know God?

Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

These are some of the scariest words that Jesus ever spoke. Jesus tells the story of people who get to heaven, but never had an intimate relationship with God. They preached in His name, performed miracles in His name, but never had an intimate relationship that God desires. And Jesus said some of the saddest words in the Bible. "I never knew you."

Do you know God? Do you have an intimate relationship with God? What's the big deal about intimacy? When I am intimate with God, I know Him and He knows me. I know that God already knows everything about me, but He desires to know you like your closest friend.

How is your intimacy with God? Intimacy needs two things. Quality time away from others, and authenticity and openness with our thoughts and feelings.

Let me suggest that you set aside some "quality time" for some "quite time." I strongly recommend that you have this "quite time" in the morning. One of my favorite verses is Mark 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

This poem says it all... "I Met God In The Morning!"

I met God in the morning
when the day was at its best,
And His Presence came like sunrise,
Like a glory in my breast.

All day long the Presence lingered,
All day long He stayed with me,
And we sailed in perfect calmness
O'er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered,
Other ships were sore distressed,
But the winds that seemed to drive them,
Brought to me a peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind,
When I too had loosed the moorings,
With the presence left behind.

So, I think I know the secret,
Learned from many a troubled way:
You must seek Him in the morning
If you want Him through the day!
By Bishop Ralph Cushman

Walk In Wisdom

Colossians 4:5 says, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." In other words, "Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity."

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (outside of Jesus of course) said, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. (Proverbs 3:13-18, 4:7-9)

Likewise in Ephesians, we are exhorted to walk with wisdom. "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (5:15-17)

James describes two different kinds of wisdom. “Heavenly Wisdom and Earthly Wisdom.”
"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:13-18)

We are to avoid wisdom that "descendeth not from above." James says that kind of wisdom is "earthly, sensual, devilish"

In Verse 17, James list eight characteristics of wisdom that is from above
1. It is pure.
2. It is peaceable.
3. It is gentle.
4. It is easy to be intreated.
5. It is full of mercy.
6. It is full of good fruits.
7. It is without partiality.
8. It is without hypocrisy.

Let's "Walk In Wisdom!" This kind of "wisdom" is Heavenly Wisdom!

Preach The Word

Today is a very special day for me. 25 years ago today I was ordained. I still recall that day in Cedar Springs, Georgia as my wife and I gathered around the altar as they "laid hands on me" and I was set apart for the ministry. My Father preached the ordination message and my brother gave the charge. I was presented with a Bible from Bro. Malcom Freeman (a deacon). Since that day, I have preached around 4,000 sermons. I've been blessed to have preached 67 Revivals in eight different states. My first pastorate was Cedar Springs Free Will Baptist Church in Cedar Springs, GA. I am grateful for those members who let me learn how to preach and pastor. They hold a very special place in my heart. I am thankful for all the places I have been privileged to pastor. I have pastored in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and North Carolina. I am indebted to my parents, Dr. and Mrs. Mance Cason for bringing me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I would not be where I am today without their wise counsel and guidance. I am also grateful for my wife. She has been a faithful companion. She's the best "preacher's wife" I know. She has prayed for me, encouraged me and supported me all these years. She has been faithful to follow my leadership and go where ever I felt like the Lord was leading us to go. I am thankful for my children. They have been good "preacher's kids." You know what they say about "preacher's kids." Well, they are they way they are because they played with the "deacons kids." I can honestly say that they have brought joy and not shame to my ministry. I have never heard them complain about being in the ministry.

Well, I could go on and on as my heart is full as I think back over these years. But, we press on! I pray that I will have another 25 years of ministry. However, I believe the Lord will return before then. I do want to say a word about my present ministry. In 2007 God called me to pastor White Oak Hill Free Will Baptist Church in Bailey, North Carolina. I am so honored to pastor this church. I've been blessed to be around some of the best Free Will Baptist people in the country and White Oak Hill is no exception. I love them and they love me. The Lord is blessing our ministry here and we are thankful the Lord called us here. It would be alright with me, if the Lord does tarry His coming, to "finish" my pastoral ministry right here with them.

However, since we don't know the day of the Lord's return and what His Will is for our lives "down the road," I must plod along. My only prayer is that I will remain faithful, faithful to Christ and faithful to His calling.

1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

Welcome Home Daniel

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, rather than trying to tell you how thankful we are to have Daniel home, we'll just share a few pictures we made at the airport and the house yesterday when he got home. I just want to thank the Lord for the opportunity he had to minister in Spain this summer. I know it's an experience that he will benefit from and that will be in his heart and mind for the rest of his life. Thank you for praying for him while he was away.

Happy Anniverary Mom and Dad

This past Saturday, my wife and I had the opportunity to celebrate my parents 52nd wedding anniversary. They were married on July 12, 1957. I am so thankful for their godly example of love and commitment. I would not be where I am today if it were not for them. Mom and Dad, thank you and I pray that God will richly bless you. I love you both very much!

Happy Birthday Terry

Proverbs 18:22 says, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing and obtaineth favour of the Lord." I am so thankful that God gave me a beautiful, loving, faithful and godly wife! I have watched her grow in her faith. She is a kind, compassionate, caring woman! I am so blessed to be married to such a woman! There is no doubt in my mind and heart that she is truly a Proverbs 31 woman!

CAMP AT THE WILDS

We had a great time at The WILDS. We had a total of 50 from our Church to go to camp with us this year. We had 4 sponsors, 40 campers and 6 visiting campers. The highlight of the week was the many salvation decisions, vows of purity, decisions about devotions, witnessing, music and many more spiritual decisions. You can go to The WILDS website at http://www.wilds.org/. I will try to get some pictures available for you to view either via my blog or our church website.

How to find your way out of the "woulds."

Some church members are hopelessly lost in the "woulds." I would go to Sunday School today, but I enjoy a little extra sleep on Sunday morning... I would take my children to Sunday School and Church, but Sunday is my only day off... I would teach a Sunday School class but my job doesn't leave time for that... I would witness to others about Christ, but I don't know what to say... I would give more to the church, but there's nothing left after paying the bills. The only way out of the "woulds" is to set you eyes on Christ and follow Him. He will show the way!
James 4:17 says, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." i.e. it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
In this context, "to do good" is to take God into every aspect of our lives, to live in moment by moment dependence on Him. If we know we should do this, yet fail to do it, we are clearly sinning. Of course, the principle is of broader application. In any area of life, the opportunity "to do good" makes us responsible to do it. If we know what is right, we are under obligation to live up to that light. Failure "to do" so "is sin" against God, against our neighbors, and against ourselves. It is sin to doubt whether an action is right and yet go ahead and do it; it is also a sin to know what is right and yet not do it.
So my beloved, don't get lost in the "woulds."

My Father’s Legacy

This past Sunday was Father's Day and I had the opportunity to enjoy my children (except for Daniel who's in Spain right now). Amanda, Heather and Daniel are such a blessing to me and I love them deeply. However, I would not be the father I am today without the example of my godly father, Dr. Mance R. Cason. This picture of me, Daniel and Daddy was taken about four years ago while I was pastoring in Glennville, Georgia at the Ebenezer Free Will Baptist Church. The picture simple reminds me of my great and godly father and the responsibility I have to be the kind of father for my children that my father was for me. Thank you Daddy for being a God called man, kind, compassionate, loving, selfless and generous. You have given me mighty big shoes to fill. Thank you for being an example of a godly father.

Finish Well

Sunday's reminds me of a family reunion. In my family, June is the month when the Cason clan gets together for a "family reunion." However, I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God! So that make's every Sunday a "family reunion." Don't miss the "family reunion" this Sunday!!!

Well, I woke up this morning with another thought on my mind for today's email, but during my Bible reading and devotions, the Lord redirected my thinking.

I was reading from 1 Kings 11 about Solomon. May I paraphrase? Solomon loved many foreign women. The Lord clearly instructed the people of Israel, You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In his old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David had been. The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord. He had warned Solomon specifically about worshipping other gods, but he didn't listen to the Lord's command. So now the Lord said to him, Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed me, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you. Because of Solomon's sin I will punish the descendants of David, though not forever.

No one is immune to becoming spiritually sidetracked. Some of God's greatest servants have experienced failure and been restored. Dr. Bobby Clinton of Fuller Theological Seminary said, "In a study of 100 of the more prominent leaders in the Bible, less than 30 finished well. This means more than 60 of them were sidetracked by such sins as the abuse of power, pride, illicit sexual relationships or the improper use of finances."

Clarence E. McCarthney called Solomon "the wisest fool that ever lived." He ruled a nation but had no rule over himself. He had wisdom for everybody else but would not apply it to himself. The man who wrote Proverbs 4:23 did not obey it. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

It is one thing to know the Word but quite another thing to do it!

Solomon obviously got right with God in the end. God used him to pen the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon. But how much better it would have been had he obeyed the Lord. Are you living by what you know is right? Or, is it just something that is in your head and not in your heart! (cf. Proverbs 4:23) All of us know how God wants us to live, but how many of us are obeying from the heart? James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

I will close with these words from Solomon. "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28) "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecc. 12:13)

Brayden Helps PaPaw Cut Grass

Today has been a great day! It started early this morning seeing the Lord bless a young lady in our church with successful surgery at UNC! Then visiting a lady at Wake Med. who has been very, very sick and seeing the Lord's healing in her life. We serve a great and gracious God.

After a little shopping and lunch, we headed home for the afternoon and evening. I finished putting together a shelf and cleaned out the garage. A much needed project that I've been needing to do for weeks. I've actually got my car parked in the garage for the first time ever. I hope I can remember when I parked it in the morning.

Jonathan, Heather, Luke, Amanda and Brayden came over and we were chilling and grilling. It was a beautiful evening and after supper, me and Brayden took to the yard to cut the grass.

However, the highlight of the evening was talking to Daniel in Spain via Skype. We all gathered around the little web cam and had a family reunion. It was great. Daniel is doing good. He said their services have been about two hours and seems to be enjoying the people. The custom in Spain is to greet one another with a holy kiss. He said he was with some folks the other day and they greeted someone they knew. They kissed Daniel, so he said he kissed them back. He was so funny! He will be there for 44 for more days and we are counting down the days. We miss him so much, but we are thankful he has this opportunity. He is experiencing a lot of history. He said he's not staying very far from where Christopher Columbus was before leaving to discover America. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it when he gets home. He said he may get a chance to go to Rome, Italy before he comes home.

Money Does Grow On Trees!

Yesterday was my birthday. My wife, children and family went the 2nd mile to make it a special day for me. I am so grateful! And to top the day off, when I got to our evening meal time, my church family had prepared a "birthday party" in my honor. At the end of our time of fellowship, our Deacon Chairman, Marvin Deans and our Youth Pastor, Timothy Deans presented to me a "money tree" loaded with five dollar bills (in honor of our "Five Alive" Sunday School Campaign this month). What a surprise! Thank you White Oak Hill! You are a great congregation and it's a joy to serve you as your Pastor! I love you!

Now, where can I plant my tree? I am looking forward to seeing it grow more $$$! If it produces more "fruit," I may consider selling you some seed! Lol! :-)

Mixed Emotions

Yesterday was a day filled with "mixed emotions." They day begin by helping our son get ready to depart for his summer internship in Spain. He will be there for nine weeks. This will be the longest time we've been apart. He's been to summer camp, visiting grandparents, and he's even been to Panama for a couple of weeks for a missions trip, but nine weeks seems like an eternity right now. It was really difficult trying to go to sleep last night knowing that as I lay my head on my pillow, my son was in the air over the Atlantic ocean. My mind wanted to think about all that could go wrong. My heart wanted to focus on the empty and lonely feelings that I wanted to have. But instead, I prayed and thanked God for the opportunity that He has given my son to minister and to be ministered to during this missions internship. I rejoiced in the fact that I have a son who has given his heart and life to the Lord to be used for his glory and honor. And I went to sleep and rested.
But let me get back to some other things that was going on yesterday. A sister in Christ was weeping because her brother has stage 4 cancer and has only six months to a year to live, a friend on vacation in Georgia had a heart attack and will have to have bypass surgery. A young man that went to school with my children was killed over the weekend. His brother just died in a wreck five months ago. How can a Mother's heart bear the burden of loosing another son?
Sometimes you can't help but ask, "why do bad things happen to good people?"
All I know is that God is in control. He loves us. He cares for us. He will never leave us or forsake. I know I can trust Him. I know His way is perfect.
During my sermon on Sunday, I had just made the statement, "God never promised smooth sailing, but He did promise a safe landing." I also know that Romans 8:28-29 is very true and that one day "we'll understand it, all by and by."
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Will you join with me in "Rejoicing with them that do rejoice, and weeping with them that weep." (Romans 12:15).

Me and Mom - Mother's Day 2009

As you know, this past Sunday was Mother's Day and I had the wonderful privilege of being in church with my mother. We realized that we had not been together for a church service on mother's day in 26 years. Since I am a Pastor and she is a Pastor's wife, we've both had our places to be on mother's day. However, since daddy is now retired, they were able to come spend the day with us. I am so thankful for the opportunity to worship with her on such a special day. I am so grateful that God allowed me to be born into the family that I was born into. Psalm 61:5 says, "For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name." I praise the Lord for my family. I come from a Christian family. My grandparents were Christians and very active in the local Church. My parents are Christians and have given their lives to serve the Lord. My father has faithfully preached God's Word for more than 60 years. On July 12, 1957, God called a young lady from Southeast Georgia to be a preacher's wife. As a result of that union, God brought yours truly into this world. I can't imagine where I would be in life if it were not for my godly parents.

The Apostle Paul said to Timothy, "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." I'm not sure my faith has always been strong, but I can say that I have saving faith and that I have it because it was passed down from a godly grandmother, to a godly mother, and to her son. I am thankful to say, that faith has also been passed own to the generations that follows me. My children are Christians and are actively serving the Lord in our church. I have no doubt that my grandson will be a Christian too. Think about it, that's at least five generations! Wow! Praise the Lord! I am a blessed man.

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not a Christian because my mother was or because my grandmother was. I am a Christian because I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I realized that I was sinner and that I need to be saved.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to rejoice and to give praise to the Lord for my Christian heritage.

Mama, thank you for taking the time to come be with us in services last Sunday and thank you for being a faithful Christan mother, passing on to your children to example of faith. I love you!

National Day of Prayer

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? Deut. 4:7

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Prov. 14:34
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron. 7:14
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Tim. 2:1-2

Please join with me in praying for our Nation on this 58th Annual Observance of the National Day of Prayer.

Our Heavenly Father, I praise you and thank you for this great nation. You have so richly blessed America. I am so blessed to call this land of freedom my home. I pray that you would bless our National, State and local leaders with wisdom to lead us in the paths of righteousness. I pray that America will return to you. I pray that our churches will have revival. I pray that our schools will once again look to you for guidance. I pray for the youth of this nation, that they will seek to know you, the only true and living God. I pray for the father's of this nation, that we will lead our homes in godliness. I pray for the mother's of this nation, that they will teach our children to trust in you. I pray for our men and women in the military, fighting for our freedom. Watch over them and protect them. I am so thankful for their service to our country. Now, Lord, forgive us of our sins and may our nation turn to you. You have blessed America, I pray that America will bless you.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

God Answers Prayer

1 John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

One of the most important things we have as born again Christians is the gift of answered prayer.

God answers prayer; sometimes when hearts are weak,

He gives the very gifts His children seek.

But often faith must learn a deeper rest,

And trust God's silence when He does not speak;

For He whose name is love will send the best.

Stars may burn out, nor mountain walls endure,

But God is true, His promises are sure

To those who seek.

However, there are conditions to prayer. What seems like a blank check ("if we ask any thing") has conditions attached ("according to his will"). Jesus is the greatest example of this kind of prayer. Praying in the garden just before his crucifixion, He prayed, "...Father, not my will, but thine be done." God is infinite is His wisdom. He sees and knows our lives from beginning to end. We only see the moment. He knows what's best for us, overall.

We must also keep in mind, that the Bible teaches that if we have unforgiven sin in our lives, God will not hear our prayers. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear." I must come to him with a clean, pure heart. He wants to answer my prayer more than I wanted it answered. He is a loving, kind and gracious heavenly Father, but He is far more interested in my holiness than my happiness.

My problem with prayer is not that God will not or cannot answer, but I simply do not ask. James 4:2 says "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask." God wants us to "ask!" Matthew 7:7-8 says, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."

Will you join me in "asking!"

Discipleship

Jesus said in Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect (perfectly trained) shall be as his master (be like his teacher). Jesus was reminding His followers that, when they went out to disciple others, they could not expect their disciples to progress further in the spiritual life than they themselves had attained. In other words, the extent of our positive influence on others is limited by what we ourselves are. O. L. Clark said: "You cannot teach what you do not know; You cannot lead where you do not go."
Jesus reinforced this lesson with a parable. "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye."
Jesus never said we could not get the "mote" out of someones eye! He just said that we had better have our own eyes clean and clear so that we may be able see clearly when we remove the "mote" that's in my brother's eye.
We may be eloquent, clever, and fast-talking, but if there are blind spots in my life, area of neglect and disobedience, then my discipling of others is a case of the blind leading the blind.
I must remember, "the extent of my positive influence on others is limited by what I am. I cannot teach what I do not know. I cannot lead where I do not go."

Hunger is renewable

In October 1993, Michael Jordan bid farewell to the Chicago Bulls and set out in a new direction. His team had won three consecutive NBA championships. It goes without saying that Michael Jordan has inspired millions of young basketball hopefuls. Just a year earlier, Jordan and his teammates of the U. S. Dream Team had garnered the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics. How could there be a greater or more appropriate parting achievement? The Bulls retired number 23 and erected a life-size bronze statue of the famed player outside their United Center.

What was Jordan's "new direction?" Baseball! The six-foot-six point guard signed with the double-A team of the Chicago White Sox in 1994. But being the hang-time king of basketball was no guarantee that he would become a home-run king. Jordan's batting average was only mediocre, and he spent the majority of his time playing right field - catching fly balls and boosting ticket sales.

On March 18, 1995 , Michael Jordan returned to basketball. As number 45, he took to the court again. For the next three years he would help the Bulls to gain three more NBA championships.

What's the point? The superstar didn't lose his basketball skills, he had lost his hunger. Hunger is renewable. It may be that we have to disconnect for a while, do something different from what you've been used to. Have you lost your "hunger?" Your Passion? What will it take for you to get it back? We may not be able to take a "new direction" like Michael Jordan did, but we can do something to get our hunger back. Jesus said, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6

THERE'S A LIGHTHOUSE

It’s been a good day today. It began with a quite time of reading and meditating on God’s Word. Then I traveled to Chapel Hill, NC to visit a couple of folks from our church in the hospital. They had a kidney transplant on Tuesday and the Lord has richly blessed them and they are doing well. They may even get to come home on Friday. Praise the Lord! My parents from Morehead City, NC came this afternoon to visit for a few days. We’ve enjoyed a pleasant evening, eating supper and fellowshipping together with my wife, Jonathan and Heather, and my grandson, Brayden.
You may be familiar with the song, "There's a lighthouse on a hillside." Someone said, “The darkest place of any lighthouse is always at its base.” Wayne Cordeiro, in Leading On Empty, commenting on this thought said, we can “…shine a radiant beam out to the horizons, warning passing ships of dangerous water – while their own unmaintained plumbing floods the home.” This really spoke to my heart as a Pastor. If I’m not careful, I can “shine a radiant beam out to the horizons” and not let my light shine at home base. My prayer is that I will let my light shine as far as I can, but to also let it shine bright at home. I also want to lead my church in shining the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ as far as we can, but I don’t want us to neglect our home base. I want us to shine the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ as bright as we can in our community.

Easter Sunday

We had great Easter Sunday Services today! What a joy to serve the risen Savior! My message today was entitled "CSI: The Empty Tomb" from Luke 24. We had a wonderful lunch with our family and our Southeastern students. We've enjoyed a wonderful afternoon, just sitting around enjoying each other's company. We watched my grandson, Brayden hunt eggs.