Month: May 2023

Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid. Don’t be discouraged. God, your God is with you every step you take! Joshua 1:9

Remember this and be assured. Remember the former things long past for I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is no one like me. Isaiah 46:8-9

Memorial Day is being celebrated today, and it is important that we as a nation set aside this day to honor those who gave their all. The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Although New York was the first state to celebrate the day in 1873, by 1890 all the northern states recognized the holiday.

Sadly traditional observance of the holiday has diminished over the years. Many Americans have forgotten its meaning and tradition, and at many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored or forgotten.

There are some who are continuing to honor American’s finest who gave everything they had. The 3rd US Infantry dutifully places flags on each of the 260,000 graves at Arlington Cemetery every year. Then, they patrol the area to make sure that each of the flags remain standing. The US 3rd Infantry known as the Old Guard also stands watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier twenty-four seven in all kinds of weather.

It is disturbing to know that the generations who are ignoring these heroic men and women are the ones who will be running our country in years to come. How can we forget to remember those who gave so much?

The men and women who risked their lives on our behalf are always eager to be very clear about what matters most to them, and they tell it to their loved ones. Special forces Master Sergeant Kelly Hornbeck who was killed in action in South Samarra wrote these words to his parents, ” I am not afraid and neither should either of you be, for I trust in my God and my training, two powerful forces that cannot be measured.”

Citizenship in a country presents each of us with certain rights but also duties. Freedom in a country like ours is never free but rather has rested on the sacrifice of countless men and women that came before us. In ancient Rome when a city was conquered, the Romans sent other citizens to spread the culture, customs, and manner of life and laws into that city or country. Likewise, as Christians, we should be sent out to teach the customs, culture, and laws of Jesus. In Philippians 3:20, we hear ” Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, our Lord Jesus Christ.”

On May 26, 2003, the president of the United States closed his address to those present in Arlington, Virginia with a remembrance of Army Ranger Captain Russell Rippetoe who was laid to rest. He shared how valiantly he gave his life and served with distinction and purpose in “Operation Iraqi Freedom” earning him the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

At Captain Russell Rippetoe’s funeral, his father Lieutenant Colonel Joe Rippetoe, gave the farewell salute at the grave of his only son. During that farewell, he read what was on his son’s dog tags saying that this had given him great comfort. The words are from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded thee be strong and of good courage? Be not afraid neither be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This was the promise of God to Joshua when he was commissioned by the Lord to fight God’s battles in Israel. Captain Rippetoe trusted in this promise as he gave his life for the protection of this nation whose motto is “In God We Trust.”

As we remember those who have given their lives in the service of this country and those who will continue to give their lives for this great nation, we can rest assured that they will be enlisted in the noble company of those who were strong and courageous and did not back away from their call and duty to the United States of America.

God bless you every one.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

During my years of teaching in the public school system of Georgia, it was required that we have a fire drill each month. These drills were set in place to teach students how to leave whatever they were doing, line up, and silently follow their teacher to the assigned meeting place outside the building. The staff was usually given a “heads up” that the drill would take place on a certain day, but the students had no idea. Some students screamed, some cried, and some covered their ears, when the alarm began to go off, but with practice, they knew what was expected and drills were pretty uneventful. Teachers counted heads to make sure all the students were with us. There was always someone who checked every room and all bathrooms as the building was being vacated to assure that no one was left behind.

I give this background to tell this recent event. Randy and I were in Charleston for a couple of days a week or so ago with friends, and we were staying in a hotel near Mt. Pleasant. After breakfast, as we were in our room getting ready to head out for the day, the fire alarm began blaring. My first thought was that they were testing the alarm system, so we just dismissed the alarm and continued getting ready. When it didn’t stop, I looked out the window and people were streaming out of the building and gathering outside the hotel. My words to Randy were, “This is not a drill. Let’s go!”

As it turned out, a car in the parking garage caught fire, and the hotel was evacuated. It was not a drill!! As I began to think about the alarm sounding, I kept wondering why we hadn’t acknowledged it?? Then, it hit me, there was no automated voice saying, “Please evacuate. Please use the stairs. Please leave in an orderly manner.” There was no one checking rooms to see if everyone was out safely. No one counted heads outside to make sure they weren’t missing a guest. I kept thinking, “I hope everyone inside knows this isn’t a drill.”

Sometimes we live our lives believing that things that go on around us are just a drill, but in reality these everyday occurrences are becoming emergencies. For example, the things that are happening in our nation are not a drill! Government and society has already banned prayer in schools, the ten commandments are rarely heard or acknowledged, and if it is allowed to continue there will soon be no In God We Trust on coins. This is not a drill, it’s an emergency.

In order to be able to handle situations that are not a drill, we have to be prepared. Just like a fire drill, our spiritual lives have to be ready to handle the emergencies that come our way. We prepare for emergencies in our everyday lives by keeping emergency numbers such as doctor, family, fire, etc. close at hand. We try to be vigilant about our surroundings and situation. Now, the question is, “Are we that vigilant about our spiritual resources and needs? Do we focus on the spiritual resources that God provides such as church, small groups, and Bible study?” Base your preparation on faith, not on fear, and be prepared.

Next, we need to remember how God would want us to love and care for those around us. Just as a teacher would make sure every student is present and accounted for, we need to be about His business of loving and caring for those who need us. We never know the pain or loneliness in the life of others until we reach out and offer God’s love. Remember to check on others so no one is left behind.

Finally, we need to practice the things we know to be true. During our emergency, the safety measures we had practiced so many times came naturally. We knew to use the stairs, we knew to find a meeting place outside, and we knew to wait to hear that it was all clear. Just as we practice fire drills so that the safety measures are instilled in us, we should practice being prepared to defend and uphold our faith, and we should remember to be there for others.

There are many things in our lives that are not a drill! Maybe it’s our family, maybe it’s our social lives, maybe it’s our health, maybe it’s our emotional situation, maybe it’s our finances, or maybe it’s our spiritual life. We think we aren’t living in a emergency, but would we know what to do if it became one? There is a great difference between a drill and an emergency. We can repeat a drill many times, but in an emergency every minute is a gift from God, and what happens in those minutes can be the difference between life and death. So be prepared and remember to check on others!

Here are a few examples of a fire drill for the Christian. “Be orderly when we face the trials of life. Don’t panic but walk in faith. Follow and obey Christ. Protect our health, safety, and loved ones so that we can continue to serve. Trust God for guidance.” (copied)

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at days to come. Proverbs 31:25

Yesterday around our country we stopped to honor Mothers. The image of mothers has changed a lot from the time of Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show, and Leave It To Beaver. These were the years of stay at home moms and the mentality that the husband earned a living and the wife raised their children. I love the story of a stay at home mom who was asked, “And tell me, what is it that you do, dear?” The mom responded, “I am socializing two homosapiens into the dominant values of the Judo-Christian tradition, in order that they might be instruments for the transformation of the social order into the kind of eschatological utopia that God willed from the beginning of creation.” Then she asked, “And what do you do?”

These days moms are working full time jobs, running big corporations, and still managing to raise and nurture a family. We honor mothers because they have a hard job, and they deserve a day for us to show our love and appreciation.

There are many things that mothers teach their children. These are on the humorous side. My mother taught me religion; “When I spilled grape juice on the carpet she said, you better pray that stain comes out.” My mother taught me logic; “Because I said so, that’s why.” My mother taught me foresight; “Make sure you wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident.” My mother taught me irony; “You keep laughing at me, and I’ll give you something to cry about.” My mother taught me stamina; “You will sit here until you finish that spinach.” My mother taught me weather; “It looks like a tornado swept through your room” My mother taught me the circle of life; “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out!” copied

Seriously, when I think of the Mothers who are in my life now and those who were a huge part of my life in the past, I think of three things; faith, courage, and love. These are challenging times in which to be a mother! Kids these days are faced with confusion as the lines between right and wrong are blurred in our society. There is also a culture that is so competitive that it values performance above character. It can be dangerous to grow up in this world of today.

It was also be dangerous to grow up in Biblical times. I am reminded of Jochebed, the mother of Moses, who is only mentioned a few times in the Scriptures, yet she is the portrait of a woman of faith, courage and love. The nation of Israel at this time was growing and prospering so much that the Pharaoh felt threatened. He commanded the Hebrew midwives to murder male babies of Hebrew women as they were giving birth. When he realized he couldn’t trust the midwives, he reached out to his people to be on the lookout for Hebrew babies. If they saw one, they were to drown them in the Nile River.

It was during this reign of terror that Jochebed became pregnant. She didn’t have to worry about her older children Miriam and Aaron, but the baby was fair game for any Egyptian. First, she showed courage. Jochebed and her family disobeyed the orders from the Pharaoh and hid Moses for three months. Mothers show courage in protecting their children.

Next, Jochebed showed a sensible faith. After hiding Moses for three months, she saw the reality of the situation and knew she couldn’t continue to hide him. She made a little basket of pitch and tar to keep it afloat and put it in the reeds along the Nile River. Jochebed didn’t send him floating down the Nile but rather placed in a spot along the river where women tended to congregate. She had faith that he would be found and nurtured. She left Miriam to spy and she was there to inform Bitiah (the daughter of Pharaoh who found him) that she could provide a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby boy.

Finally, Jochebed exhibited a mother’s love. She had such love for her child that she would give him up in order to save his life. God had a different plan and provided a way for Jochebed to be the wet nurse for Moses and be a part of his life. She was there to teach him about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Moses grew up to lead two million of his people through a desert and into freedom.

Just like Jochebed, there are things that Mothers can do for their children, but ultimately we have to be willing to leave them in God’s hands. A mother’s love never changes, and God will use our courage, our faith, and our love to accomplish his purpose in our children’s lives. It’s not all up to us, God is partnering with us!

The legacy we leave will be a reflection of the life we live now!

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you! Proverbs 4:25

As impossible as it is to believe, graduation is upon us! Students in high schools, colleges, and many others receiving higher degrees are finishing up their respective studies and getting ready to pursue the next step in their lives. Many of us are wondering, “Where did the years go?” The graduates are probably asking, “Why did it take so long?”

No matter the person or the situation, we are all faced with the next step in our lives whether it be college, career, advancement, or whatever! I love the French phrase “Tojours Avant” which when translated means Always Forward. In researching this phrase, I have learned that “Tojours Avant” is used in Army drills, and it is the equivalent of a cadet or officer saying, “Forward March.”

We are all moving forward whether we like it or not, and each move forward involves taking steps. The saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” is one on which we can all agree. The Bible has many examples of those who always stepped forward, but the one I like the best is Peter.

The Gospel of Matthew tells us that after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sent the disciples off in a small boat to cross over to the other side while he dismissed the crowd. Then, Jesus went up on a hill to be alone and pray. The small boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against it, and the waves battered it. It was early in the morning when Jesus came toward the disciples in the small boat walking on the water. The Bible says the disciples were extremely frightened thinking Jesus was a ghost. Peter said, “Jesus if it is really you, call me to come to you on the water.” Jesus did and Peter jumped out of the boat and began walking on the water. He was doing fine until he looked down at the churning water, lost his nerve, and begin to sink. Jesus held out a hand to him, pulled him up, and chastised Peter for being faint of heart. It was at this moment when Peter said, “You are surely the Son of God.” Matthew 14: 22-33

It is fair to say that Peter made a few mistakes before he moved forward. First, he doubted that it could be Jesus walking on the water. Even after he had seen the miracles Jesus had performed, he let doubt creep in. Next, he got anxious about the water and the fear of drowning, and he let worry take over. Finally, Peter doubted himself. Even though he knew that God was with him, even though Jesus had faith in him, he doubted that he could make it to the end.

The important part here is that Peter took that step and from that time on, he was always moving forward for Christ. But, how do we remember to move forward when so many things cloud our judgment? The first piece of advice is not to let our thoughts determine our character. In other words, before we entertain a thought of doing or thinking something that is not in line with our Christian lifestyle, stop it then and move forward.

Secondly, be sure the people with whom we associate and look upon as role models are people of principle and integrity. My family always said, “Remember where you came from!” Next, stay confident that the plan God has for us will come to pass. Finally, remain steadfast in what we know is right,and don’t get side tracked. The old saying is true, “If we don’t stand for something, we will fall for anything.”

The graduating class of 2023 is special to us for many reasons. First, they are a great group of young men and women who have grown up in the church. We have been there for most of their baptisms, confirmations, and now graduation, and we have a special bond with them. They are steadfast and loyal, kind and supportive, and true to their faith.

This is a special year for our family as we celebrate our grandson Drew’s graduation with him. We are in the group that wonders “Where did the years go?” Randy and I are so proud of his accomplishments, his abilities, his loyalty, his love of others, his sense of humor, his dedication, and his faith. We are excited to watch as he moves always forward.

My prayer for this class is that they would walk with God for in the most difficult times and the best of times, He is always with you. He will take care of you! It is comforting to know that it’s not our walk, but God’s instead. Toujours Avant! Go always forward!

Congratulations class of 2023! We love you, Drew!

For you, O God, are both tender and kind. not easily angered, immense in love, and you never, never quit. Psalm 86:15 The Message

One of the features that we enjoy most when watching a movie or a recorded television show is the rewind button. This ingenious feature allows us to go back and watch or relive the parts of the movie which somehow we missed while it was happening. Often I find that I go back to parts that I love even though I can recite every word in that scene!

I’m pretty sure that each of us has a time in our lives, whether it’s a decision we made, a path we took, time with loved ones we missed, or simply a special time, that we wish we could live again. The rewind button would be awesome!

Realistically, that only happens in the movies, so we just have to deal with the good and the bad of those mistakes we made, time we let slip by, or decisions that took us where we are today. We hear the cliches like “you get what you deserve, God helps those who help themselves, so and so have so much, it’s just not fair, and own up to your mistakes,” and we can feel defeated.

None of us live a totally perfect life. The thing is we, as Christians, do have a rewind button, and it is called grace. We don’t have to earn forgiveness or beg for a new start, God gives it to us freely. Interestingly, the word, earn, is mentioned zero times in the New Testament.

The prodigal son is a prime example of someone who needed a rewind button. This son took his share of his father’s property, packed his bags, and went to a foreign country. There, because of bad mistakes, he wasted everything. When he came to his senses, he returned home to beg his father’s forgiveness and acceptance. He wanted to rewind his actions, but there was no need because his father had already forgiven him and welcomed him back. That’s grace in action.

What about Peter? He was one of Jesus’ closest friends yet when Jesus was being crucified Peter denied ever knowing him not once, not twice, but three times! Peter needed a rewind button. He said to Christ, “I’ll never deny you. Others might, but not me, Lord.” Jesus gave him the gift of a rewind when he saw him again and offered grace to him. This encouraged Peter to fulfill his destiny.

We’ve probably all been in a place where we wonder, “What was I thinking?” On New Year’s Day in 1929 Georgia Tech played UCLA in the Rose Bowl. In that game, a UCLA player, Roy Riegels, recovered a fumble, got confused and ran sixty five yards the wrong way. One of his own players tackled him before the goal line to save a score for the opposing team.

Everyone was asking, “What will Coach Nibbs Price do with Riegels in the second half?” The locker room was quiet during half time while Coach Price sat thinking and Riegels sat alone with tears of humiliation running down his cheeks.

When the time keeper came to tell Coach Price that the second half was beginning, he looked at his team and said, “Men, the same team that played the first half will start the second half.” The players got up and walked out, all except Riegels. Coach faced him and asked, “Roy, didn’t you hear me?” “Coach.” Riegels said, “I can’t do it to save my life. I’ve ruined you and the team. I’ve ruined myself. I can’t face the crowd in that stadium.” Coach put his hand on Roy’s shoulder and said, “Roy, get up and go on back, the game is only half over.”

The Georgia Tech players will tell you that they’ve never seen a man play football as Roy Riegels did in the second half! The grace of God is like Roy’s coach. Sometimes we feel like we’ve messed up so badly that we want to give up, but God never gives up on us. He offers each of us the grace of a rewind!

We should all rejoice today that our God is one of multiple rewinds. How many rewinds do we get? The answer is as many as we need.

You’ve never gone too far that God can’t redeem you, restore you, forgive you, and give you a second chance (a rewind). Lysa TerKeurst