We picked up their meal ticket

They got a free meal on us!

Members of our church fanned out across the city to perform a kind act for we did not know.

Yesterday we passed out little gold cards that informed the recipient that they were being treated to a free meal today as a reminder that God loves and provides. The card asked them to return the act of kindness by doing the same for someone else, leaving them the same message. Sunday it was meals. Sometimes we do other things such as leaving love packages for the trash collectors or slices of cake and a glasses of water for mail carriers. They are small acts of kindness but if multiplied by thousands they could make the world a better place.

Yesterday, my wife and I met a man and his daughters in a restuarant. He was not indigent, but the absence of the mother was obvious to that family picture. We introduced ourselves, passsed him our card and picked up his ticket.

We only asked that he pay it forward to someone else and light up their world in the name of Christ.

When we do kind acts of love, we let our light shine and God is glorified. Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

The man and his daughters looked at my wife an I with an unbelieving eye; but they didn't turn down the offer. The entire bill was $59.00!

The "I'll bust you in your mouth" syndrome

Vulgarities, threats and acts of vengeance are becoming common. Even children are learning its ugly ways.

The nation is extremely divided over the health care issue. This week congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans, have received threatening phone calls, bricks thrown through windows, a gas line cut at a home and effigies hung. People who are angry because of their votes on the issue have taken matters in their own hands. Threats of violence and violent acts have resulted.

As those threats hit the news there are reports of police officers being targeted by gang members in California in what the governor is calling urban terrorism. Driveby shootings, and thuggery are on the increase. There seems to be a trend toward violent retribution in the nation.

It starts personally when one person calls another and threatens them verbally or physically.

It starts globally when one nation threatens to drop bombs on another or one president pledges to capture or kill the leader of another nation. Retribution inspires more retribution and violence inspires more violence.

When a perceived evil has been done we should work to correct it using every legitimate channel at our disposal; but retribution and violence should not be an option.

Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Even as I think on this, there are two children on the playground with their fists balled up and chests bumping yelling threats, "Say something! I dare you! Say something and I'll bust you in your mouth."

And the cycle of violence continues...

Once, twice, three times a lady

What's the definition of a lady these days?

During our bible study last night the subject of Lionel Richie's song "Three times a lady" arose in connection with a bible lesson about Ruth as an example of a young virtuous woman. When adults and youth were asked their definitions of a lady there were striking contrasts: Adults spoke of integrity, chastity and discipline. Youth spoke of tasteful dress, not being ghetto and education as standards. Adults said a lady would not accept gifts from a man; youth quickly said gifts could be accepted if they were not stolen. Youth never associated chastity or integrity as a criterion; they focused more on public appearances.

It soon became obvious that the definition of a lady has changed for this generation. The youth were on the verge of saying that being a lady may be best but ladies are not popular because ladies don't sport visible tattoos, dress sexy, flirt or engage in the fun of gossip. They say being a lady is a downer but it is more respectable.

The Isley Brothers asked the question, "Who's that lady?" and the bible points us to Ruth: A Lady by virtue of her loyalty to her husband, personal integrity and sense of decency in all matters.

Ruth 3:11 says, "... for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."

Lionel Richie put it this way, "She's once, twice, three times a lady."

Regardless of age a true lady has three characteristics: A sense of responsibility, virtue and decency in all matters.

She's three times a lady.

A place with free health care

There's a place with no health care worries!

The whole country seems to be divided over the health debate. Yesterday, The president signed into law a bill that will make sweeping changes in the way the nation responds to health care issues. Some like it; it seems that the overwhelming majority of the nation does not like it. The debate continues as people yell at each other, break out windows, threaten Congressman and prepare to campaign against the Democrats who voted for the changes.

As the debate continues, health care remains out of reach for millions who won't be covered by the new law either.

The frustration makes us all yearn for the time when health care won't be a concern or a need for that matter. Is there such a time coming? Is there a place free of health care concerns?

The bible renews a promise to all believers that in the kingdom of heaven there will be no health issues such as: arthritis, cancer, Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, heart failure or any of a thousand maladies. There will be no sickness at all.

Symbolic of this health care victory will be a tree that will sprout leaves that heal the nations. It'll be symbolic because there will be no sickness.

Revelation 22:2 says, "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

The best part about what's coming is that there will be no monthly premiums, denials for pre-existing conditions or increasing rates.

It'll all be free; paid for by the blood of the lamb.

Between frigid and hot flashes.

I nearly froze Sunday, it's scorching hot today!

The weather is really strange. Sunday it snowed in March; not enough to stick but nevertheless it snowed in Louisiana in March. The next day it was 65 degrees. Today it was 75 degrees. Natural phenomenon is highly unpredictable. It seems that all of us are constantly swinging somewhere between frigidity and hot flashes. We don't know whether it will be hot or cold. There are earthquakes, wars, and even if not real wars there are rumors of wars. The ice cap is melting and things are getting topsy turfy. What does it all mean?

It could mean that we are getting close to the last days.

Jesus said in Matthew 24:7-8 "For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."

It looks as if scripture is fulfilling itself. The closer we get to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy, the more unusual occurences we can expect. We should prepare.

Until then keep your coats ready for one day and your swim trunks ready for next. We don't know what each day will bring. However, we go forward, knowing whose in charge.

Our God has the whole world in His hands!

The free toothpick sample was tasty

I almost filled up on the samples..almost!

After worship yesterday, my wife and I went to Walmart to get a few items. There was an attendant who offered shoppers free samples of a tasty chicken recipe, bathed in a delicious sauce. The sample was on a toothpick. I tasted the sample, walked around and returned for a second sample, then a third. I liked the samples so much I finally bought a box for myself.

I think that was the whole idea of the samples; to get customers to tryout a product with which they are unfamiliar. Hopefully, they would like the sample so much they would buy the product. It worked.

That's the way it is with God and the wonderful joy he brings to our lives. There are many who do not understand the happy life we live as Christians. It's a life that does not need the world's artificial sweeteners such as booze, drugs and loose living. They won't know unless they trust God for themselves. Just one taste and they will never turn back.

There is a bible verse in Psalms 34:8 that says, "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."

Just one taste and we will want more of the abundant life he promises.

I have a whole box of those chicken pieces now. Now that I have my own I don't have to walk around in circles and eat from a toothpick!

When I turn 99, it'll be fun

He turned 99 and looked well.

I attended a birthday party for a man who turned 99 years old yesterday. He was surrounded by his wife, all of his children, all of his grandchildren and great grands; all in the same place at the same time. He was alert, walked in the room and was fastidiously dressed for his 99th birthday photo. It was an inspiration.

It made me wonder about my 99th birthday. That'll be in the year 2048. Things will have changed then. I hope to be of sound mind and still planning for the future, obviously not mine, but those of my grandchildren and beyond.

What is more important than a long life is living a productive life. We should show God's love everyday, help the poor, show the lost the error of their ways and challenge injustice in high places. At the end of the day, we will be blessed.

Psalms 41:2 has a word of promise to those keep doing God's will despite advancing age, "The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."

As for my 99th birthday party, I think I'd like some lemon ice cream and a slice of butter soaked, home made pound cake.

After that, I'll get on my wristband computer, call up a digital visual screen and begin plans for my 100th birthday!

A house full of junk

They accumulated so much junk in their homes they could not move around!

I watched a CNN news report yesterday about people CNN called hoarders. For some strange reason these individuals feel the need to accumulate what can only be described as junk. One man could not get to his kitchen, see his sofa or climb a stairway in his home because of junk. A woman ate her food in a small junkless space in her living room because the rest of her spacious home was filled with items she picked up on the side of the road, at rummage sales and Goodwills. Their homes were filled with junk..in every room, including their bathrooms!

They all have a disorder that prompts them to collect junk. They can't help themselves.

Most of us may not be hoarders but we do allow junk to accumulate in our lives. Our junk may be leftover baggage from a prior relationship, bad habits, impure thoughts and hatreds, jealousies, etc. As the years pass the junk accumulates quickly. Soon our junk overwhelms us, suffocates us to the point that we can't really live.

Jesus said in John 10:10, ".. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Those who truly follow Christ accumulate those things that will contribute to the abundant life. It means we get rid of the junk and start to really live.

As I watched those hoarders on CNN I thought about my closet; I have some junk to throw out too!

I couldn't find the light switch

The seat was laid back and the music was throbbing, but worse of all, I couldn't find the light switch!

My son borrowed my Expedition to make a short trip out of town; he left me his 2005 Ford Escape. Last night when I got in his SUV, the seats were laid back and the music was on a 1970's groove jam station that blasted as soon as the motor turned on. For about two minutes I fumbled around in the dark looking for light switch. (In the Expedition the lights automatically turn on when its dark). My hands felt in all the usual places unsuccessfully. I finally found the switch on the steering column when I expected the windshield wiper to be. Click! Lights!

There are many people who are fumbling around looking for lights. They are looking in all of the places that custom says should allow them to see clearly, move higher and lead happier lives; but they are fumbling. Drinking, gambling, sex, and greed based ambition are all located where the light switch should be, but they can't shed any light on what's really important.

In John 8:12 Jesus said, "I am the light of the world, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have light of life."

There is no need to fumble in the dark if we follow Jesus. Where is the switch that will turn us on to him? He's only a prayer away!

I'll give my son his Escape back today; it's OK but at least in my car, the lights know when to come on!

She buys 100 lottery tickets every day!

It was hard to believe, but yesterday I watched a woman purchase 100 lottery tickets at one time.

The line at the convenience store was long and patrons were getting restless as we waited for the machine to print one hundred .50 cent lottery tickets for a woman who patiently waited, then handed the cashier a $50 bill. She was excited. Apparently she won $2,500.00 the night before and averages between $3,000 and $4,000 a month playing the "Pick Four game."

She explained to the attendant that she buys 100 tickets a day, spending about $1500 a month. The odds are in her favor she says, and so far she has doubled her money. She uses the first $1,500 she wins to pay for the next month.

She has no job. She plays the lottery for a living and on a good month clears about $2,500 a month. She says she never has a completely losing month, but there is always a chance.

I smiled as I watched her and thought about the millions of people who take chances with their salvation in the same way. In a cruel game of spiritual Russian Roulette some gamble on their salvation, rejecting Christ and refusing salvation; hoping to gain eternal life by chance.

Acts 4:12 reminds us that there is "none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." We should not take a chance on anything else.

We won't get to heaven by lottery and we can't devise a strategy to gain admittance. We must accept Jesus, repent from our sins, and live for him.

The lady who bought the lottery tickets says she has a fool proof plan for guaranteed income without working, but there is no guaranteed way to get to heaven without Christ.

"I'll never kiss a frog!"

"I'll never kiss a frog!"

Those were the words of the heroine in the new Disney movie, "The Princess and the Frog." It tells the story of a black girl in New Orleans who had big dreams of finding prince charming and business success, but they would required her to kiss a frog to find her prince. She began the movie adamantly saying she would never kiss a frog.

It was a children's movie. Since we have grandchildren, my wife and I previewed it last night, in preparation for for the numerous times we will probably have to watch it as they watch it over and over again. Among the ideas the movie subtly passed along is to never say what you won't do because often you must do the unthinkable to succeed.

Life is that way too. We often have to "kiss the frog" to climb the ladder that reaches to our dreams. Many have said they would never work for a certain company, never go back school and never perform certain tasks, only to change later, especially when it became obvious that "kissing the frog" was the only way.

There are some who are trying to get to heaven without Christ. There are no ways Him. Jesus said in John 14:6, "no man cometh to the father but by me." Many have pledged that they will never be a Christian, never go to church or believe in God.

Like the movie however, they'll find out that when it comes to divinely anointed dreams, you must "kiss the frog."

The princess found out that when she kissed the frog the first day of her abundant life began as a beautiful princess.

Those who accept Christ have it even better. He promises eternal life and abundant fruitful living by faith.

Thank God for faith, that means we claim heaven and the "happily ever after" but we won't have to kiss any real frogs!

My pork chop is on the grill!

"I can't go, my pork chop is on the grill!"

That's what one of my scouts told me last night when the whole troop moved out at 7 p.m. for an evening activity. The pork chop had all of the prospects of being a great meal. The coals were just right and the chop had just begun to sizzle on one side. The aroma was filling the air feeding anticipation as hunger pains churned.

Yet, despite the time an energy he put in preparing that pork chop, the call still came, "We have to move out, now!" Perturbed, the scout pull the pork chop off the grill and joined the procession.

Life has a way of calling us away to answer to higher orders. When sickness, tragedy or the unforeseen occur neither waits for an opportune time; they simply burst in uninvited. It doesn't matter what we are doing or how important it may seem, when life interrupts we must change our plans.

And when God calls us into his service or redirects our path we will stop whatever we are doing and follow that call.

In Mark 1:17 Jesus said, "Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men."

When God calls us into service or even if he calls us home, we won't have time to think about it; when he calls we will answer.

That pork chop looked tasty on the grill, but there was a higher call.

Pork chop or no pork chop, when God calls we must answer.

I went camping in a suit and tie!

I went camping in a suit, tie, and spit shined shoes!

I've been a Boy Scout leader for 43 years and in that time have encountered a chest of memorable occasions, among them are the times when I've had to go to camp a wearing suit and tie. Yesterday was one of those occasions.

Our troop scheduled to leave for camp on Sunday at 1 p.m. however, we had an unusually long worship. After fellowship and handshakes ended it was 11:45 a.m. before I left the church. There was no time to change because there would be 40 scouts waiting at 1 p.m. So, I showed up ready for the journey to the campground in a blue pinstripe suit, monogrammed blue and white shirt, cuff links and spit shined shoes.

My wife had packed changes for me, but that would be later. For the rest of the day I built fires, pitched tents, and cooked a delicious Hamburger Helper meal over the campfire, still wearing my necktie.

I'm sure it looked strange to anyone who may have seen me.

In a larger sense those involved in Christian ministry do many strange things and often undergo many strange experiences to reach out to others. It comes with the territory.

1 Peter 4:12 says, "Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you; as though some strange thing happened to you.' That means we really shouldn't be surprised at anything we have endure, anything we have to do or anyplace we have to go to reach others for Christ.

It may seem strange to others, but we shouldn't feel strange.

I have two more days to go with these youngsters, I won't look strange today.

Yesterday however, I was a sight to see.

The time changed on me

The time changed today, I almost missed it.

Daylight savings time changes on the Second Sunday in March but for some reason, I didn't get the message until about nine O'clock last night. My cell phone will automatically update and so will my computer, but I'll have to set my watch, micro-wave, vehicle radio and everything else that is not synchronized.

That's when I thought about it.

If our lives are out of sync with God, it's possible to miss great opportunities and blessings.

I usually, miss a clock or two somewhere whenever the time changes, but those that are synchronized are always on time. I guess that has a message, too. If I try to do everything myself, I'll miss something and still leave something, but if I stay in step with God; He'll help me to take of things right on time.


Eccl. 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the sun." It's good to know that God keeps track of all of my seasons and sets my pace so that I spring forward or fall back in the right season, right on time.

Make it Count

In the movie "Saving Private Ryan" a soldier who gave his life to save Private Ryan grabs him in the collar just before dying and says, "Make it Count."-Then he died.

At the end of the movie, Ryan cries over the man's grave wondering did he live a life that was worth the sacrifice the soldiers made for him to live.

Youth are able to do many things because of the sacrifices of parents and others, but I wonder sometimes, is it all being wasted?

A student who has honor roll capabilities, but does not perform on that level; a person who squanders a talent or another who involves himself in criminal activities; do they all waste the sacrifices made for them?

Adults squander paychecks, gamble away futures and waste countless years on loose living and small expectations. Have they wasted the sacrifices made for them?

Then, I think of how Christ died to save us from our sins and we constantly return to them. Was it wasted on us?

There is a bible verse in 2 Corinthians 6:1 that says, "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain."

God is blessing us today for a purpose.

Let's make it count.

What Shacking Means

I met a fine couple once who lived together but were not married. They explained that they loved each other but were not ready to commit to each other.

In the interim they enjoyed each other, had sex and shared space. Since neither would commit to the other, they would continue this arrangement with the full knowledge that at any given time one of them would walk away if the chips are down.

I thought about that and wondered at the time lost by two people who were just using each other.

Why would anyone want to be used? Yet, that is what shacking means: Using each other without any promises.

Committment means: If you get sick, I'm there. If you are down on your luck, I'm there.

If you get fat, I'm there. If you are depressed, I'm there.

If you win or lose, I'm there.

If you become disfigured and hard to look at, I'm there.

When you embarass your self and me too, I'm there.

If you are dying in the spirit, I'll love you back to life. If you are attacked, I'm there.

If you are dead broke, I'm there.

People who shack up do not share these attitudes. They use each other as fallbacks, financial crutches, vibrators, and simple instruments of convenience and pleasure, but if things get tough one or the other will be tossed aside.

In a shacking relationship at least one partner refuses to say "I'll be there for you." What they really say is, "If the chips are down, don't count on me."

When your mate refuses to committ, then your mate should find someone else to use as a banker, social worker, landlord, cook, driver, billpayer, vibrator or sperm receptacle.

In plain language: He or she should commit to you or get out!

I told that to the couple.

Six months later they sent me a wedding invitation and a thank you card!

They Pushed God To the Edge

God is back on the dollar coin, or will be soon!

I collect coins, so I found it interesting, like millions of others, that many of the new Presidential dollar coins did not have the inscription “In God We Trust” on their face.

I didn’t notice it until I started getting emails from believers all over the country asking me to refuse the new coins because they left God out.

I checked it out. Sure enough, in 2007 the Congress authorized a series of presidential dollar coins commemorating U.S. Presidents. The design took “In God We Trust” off the face of the coin and put it on the edge or rim along with the words “E Pluribus Unum.”

That caused quit a stir across the country. The internet was abuzz. Most of the emails urged believers to refuse the coins because God had been removed.

Last year the Congress voted to have “In God we trust” placed back on the face of the coins beginning in 2009 as soon as doing so would be practical.

So it appears that we pushed God to the edge and now we’re bringing him back to the face.

That took an act of Congress.

Will it also take an act of Congress to move God one final time? Where?

...To the forefront of our hearts.

I Finally Have My Diplomas

I graduated from college twice and haven't seen my diplomas in 25 years.

When I was young it was drilled into me that I should get a formal education so that I could better understand and appreciate the world I would step into. I was told that a formal education would make it possible for me to take advantage of opportunities that might come to me, especially those where a general formal education was required.

So, in 1967 I enrolled in Northeast Louisiana State College as a music major. Over the course of the next eight years that major changed several times: Radio and television, Education, Pre-law, Political science, Speech and Drama, and Journalism.

I didn't have any place to live in my first semester so I hung around the buildings until night and slept on the floors under desks, washing out my two shirts and underwear in the bathroom sink and going to class the next day. I started a little fly sheet and wrote about campus life and sold it to students to pay my tuition and get food. (I'm still printing that fly sheet. It's called the Monroe Free Press newspaper.)

I also enrolled in a seminary in Texas and took correspondence bible courses, too.

In 1972 I graduated the first time and graduated again in 1975.

They gave me two diplomas that I threw in a closet somewhere. In 1984 I stumbled upon them and carried them to be framed. Before I could pick them up the shop closed and my diploma's disappeared.

I didn't have the diplomas but I had the information. Those who advised me in my youth were right, the education I received opened my eyes to the world. The fact that I had a little "edgumacation" made others take me serious and made me see things more seriously.

This year, 25 years after the framing shop closed down, a lady came to my office with a package. She had bought the building used by the frame shop and found my diplomas.

Twenty five years later, I finally have my diplomas.

But what's better, I have what they represent.

One of my birthdays I turned 60

I celebrate three birthdays. On one of them I turned 60 years old this year.

When I was in the care of my father, he told me that my birthday was June 22, 1949. So, those that he paid to care for me arranged birthday parties and other activities celebrating June 22nd as the year of my birth.

When I visited my mother she told me that my birthday was June 29, 1949. She described how I was born on a sofa in the living room of a house at 119 S. 20th Street in the early morning hours of June 29th. She said my father didn’t know what the date was because he wasn’t there when it all happened. Dr. M.J. Foster came to the house and delivered me right there in the living room.

Years later I saw my birth certificate which indicated June 28, 1949 as my birthdate. It was signed by my mother and, of course, Dr. Foster. That means that on every official record my birthday is listed as June 28th.

When I was around my father it was June 22nd and when I was around my mother it was June 29th.

I asked my mother why would she signed a birth certificate with the wrong birthdate on it and she said, “I was hurting. I saw it had the wrong date but I was hurting so bad I just signed it.” She told me to take her word for it, it was June 29th.

As a result I have three birthdays. One of them is the real one.

I'm going to enjoy the 60's. It will be a lot of fun.

I would have enjoyed the other 59 years even more had I known then what I know now.

I would have learned more in school and pursued a higher degree than I obtained.

I would have managed my money and resources better.

I would have spent less time trying to save the world and more with those closer to me.

Those things aside, its been a ball.

I’m generally a healthy person. I take one pill that Dr. Claude Minor insists I take to control my blood pressure.

I don’t have any real worries of my own; most of my worries are about other people. (I’m still trying to save the world and every lost child, I guess).

I can’t wait to see what the 60’s will be.

I look forward to the discounts, AARP, and special treatment that folks in the 60’s get. (I will love to be eligible for Medicare instead of this $755 a month I pay for health care.)

Wow!

So, on one of these days: June 22, 28, or 29th I turned 60.

"This is the day the Lord has made, I will be rejoice and be glade in it."

"This Little Piggie" and a tickle

The more time we spend around our fathers, the more we know about them and in some ways we emulate them.

As a child I never spent more than a week under the same roof with my father, but there were several men from whom I drew inspiration, guidance and nurture.

My father didn't know much about being a father; I suppose he tried. After he and my mother divorced in 1951 he had the task or raising a two year old boy. He had to be a father, without much instruction.

He compensated by paying a variety of people to keep me in their homes during the fall, winter and spring, and sent me to live with his mother in the summer. From time to time I hung out around his cab stand and watched the drivers come and go.

Mostly, I hung around, stayed out of the way and watched. It's what I watched that I learned and remember most from him.

I watched him wear a tie as he drove his cab. I later grew up with a respect for men who wear ties.

I watched him reach for his glasses so he could read; I do the same.

I watched buy two way radios and electric gadgets for his business; I still keep up with the latest technology in my own business.

I watched him read the newspaper from front to back. I later grew up reading the newspaper daily, then owning one.

I watched him save his money, pay his bills and pay others. I later grew up saving my money, too and paying others.

I watched him buy a dinner, eat half of it and save the other half for the next day. Believe or not, I often do the same.

I watched him buy Ford automobiles. I do the same.

I watched his attraction to high yellow women; he married two and had two children by another one, but one died.. I married only one, had four children by her, but one died.

I watched him attend church on occasion. I became a preacher.

I watched him become an old man, now I'm the age that I considered him old.

He never rode me on his back and played horsie. He rarely had time to do foolish, father things with me. We never went on trips, had vacations or rolled around on the floor in fun. We rarely laughed together.

I mostly watched, then learned most everything else from the other fathers he paid to care for me.

I remember what they taught me but there are two pictures that loom in my mind. They overshadowed the memory of all the other surrogate fathers I have had.

I remember him playing, "This little piggie with my toes" and tickling me in the side to make me laugh. I remember those two things. They have been amplified to be more fun in my memory than they probably were, but I remember them.

I have his sense of independence, business acumen, and tendency toward frugality.

I look like him, so do two of his grandsons and one of his great grandsons. Some of them have some of his traits, too.

I don't know what my own sons will remember about me, you never know what lingers in the mind. I have never asked.

Every Father's Day I don't think about what my father did not do for me or labor on what it might have been had I been a better son and he a better father.

What I choose to remember is, "This little Piggie" and the tickle in my side. The other memories will fade in time.

He never knew how to be a father. I never knew how to be a son.

His grandsons and great-grandchildren should be proud of him. Whatever he was, he now lives in them.

It probably wasn't important to them, and may have been forgotten, but when all three of them were very small, I played "This little piggie on their toes" and tickled them in the sides, hoping they would have at least two fond memories of my feeble attempt at fatherhood

I swept, she scraped

I saw a small group of people erect an entire church building in just 24 hours, complete with carpet, furnishings, baptizing pool and electronics.

When saw it on the evening news my wife and I were so excited about the prospect of something like that happening that we put on tennis shoes, grabbed a vacum cleaner and went to join in the fun.

A small Pentecostal Church in Sterlington, La., with only 30 members, received help from the United Pentecostal Church and a swarm of volunteers came to erect a church for them in just one day. It's part of something the Pentacostals call "Church-in-a-day." In which others help small churches get started.

It was an amazing thing to see. Carpenters, bricklayers, cooks, electricians and just plain folks from all over the country converged on little Sterlington at 7 a.m. Friday morning, facing nothing but a concrete slab. By noon, they had the frame built. By mid afternoon the roof and shingles were in place, along with electrical wiring and air conditioning.

My wife and I were the among the handful of locals who were present. We're not Pentecostal, we just saw a wonderful thing happening and decided to pitch in. We were asked to help clean the floors for the carpet. I pushed a broom and my wife handled a floor scraper like a pro.

Just as promised, in 24 hours they built a church.

I sat and listened to friendly conversations, everyone addressed as "My Brother or My Sister." There was spirit of fellowship in the air. For a few hours there was a heavenly atmosphere, all races, ages and varying denominations all working together for a common cause.

We watched and talked about what we saw and pondered what would happen if more people would do a little less lip service and little more real service without the thought of being paid or recognized?

There is a bible scripture in Nehemiah 4:6 that says, "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work."


The North Pointe Pentacostal Church is up now. They had a mind to work.

They are having their first worship in the new building today.

I was glad to be a floor sweeper in the project.

See video.

I saw the roses this morning

Across the street from my house, my neighbor has several rose bushes that bloom this time of the year. They are beautiful.

Apparently the roses have been in bloom for quite some time but I hardly paid them any attention. This morning I focused on them and appreciated their beauty. They have always been there, brightening up our street, I've just been so busy that I did not see them.

Life can get that way sometimes. We can be so busy that we don't see the little things that make it enjoyable. It's great to see the forest, but the real joy is in the trees.

We worry about paying bills, getting ahead, making money, succeeding and many of the other details of what we call life. In the meantime we often miss the simple joys all around us: friends, family, and a plethora of little things that are important but often go unnoticed.

While I saw the roses today,I sat still for a few minutes and I also heard the birds singing and the wind rustling through the trees.

They've all been there all the time, I just didn't notice them.

Song of Solomon 2:1 says, "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys."

Sometimes we get so busy, we miss HIM, too.

The Price of Principle

What price are you willing to pay to stand on your principles? If you are Carrie Prejean, the price is not winning the Miss USA title.

On Sunday, April 19, 2009 Prejean was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant representing the State of California.

Her interview question asked whether or not she supported gay marriage. Since she was considered an odds on favorite to win the pageant, her answer would be decisive. She could give the politically correct answer and win. She could answer truthfully and lose.

She chose truth.

Prejean said that it is great that in America people have a right to choice their own lifestyles but she personally believes that marriage is between a man and a woman because that was the way she was reared.

That answer didn’t fare to well with the judges. She was named 1st runner up instead.

In the aftermath she said that she considered the question a test of her faith, especially since she had prayed not to be asked that question. Since the question was asked she viewed it as God's will and stood on her principles.

Since Sunday, the woman who did not win has become an instant celebrity. She’s appeared on television news shows, talk shows and has been the subject of thousands of news reports. In fact, the winner of the pageant is rarely mentioned.

It appears that Prejean didn’t get the title but she’s receiving the love and adoration of most of the nation, especially those who know and follow the teachings of the bible.

Standing on principles is hard to do for every Christian. We have been warned that we will pay a price for any decision that we make for Christ. We have also been promised that we will be blessed if we do.

For Prejean the blessings will be obvious. It will be Prejean that will get the book deals, movie offers and celebrity. The winner of the pageant will drift away namelessly into history.

There is a bible verse that is appropriate. Luke 21:17-19 says, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Not throwing in the towel

Dr. James Dobson, head of Focus on the Family, analyzed the massive effort he has led to re-establish Christian values in America as a failure.

Dobson said the massive fight against abortion, homosexuality and a plethora of other ungodly living has been turned around as new generations abandon godly principles in pursuit of their own. He cited some gains but concluded that Christians are losing the moral war. He quickly added, however, that God is in control. (http://tinyurl.com/cy3w9c)

In some respects Dr. Dobson may be right. The present generation seems to be "me" oriented and not "Him" (God) oriented. This generation gives the pretense of worship because it expects something for "me" in return; not simply for the greatness of the Lord. It is long on "me" oriented praise but very short on service.

It seems to shape its values around its own expectations. To appeal to this generation, Churches have resorted to slick packaged emotionally charged concerts that tickle the ears of the crowds rather than the more difficult task of standing on principle.

To draw crowds, the standard has been lowered and social deviance has been tolerated; and in some cases promoted.

Unlike Dr. Dobson, I'm not throwing in the towel. I choose to be among the remnant that believes in old fashioned way. God, family and moral uprightness are the key elements of the old fashioned belief. Like 15 minute grits, home made biscuits, mama's pound cake; the old way is slower, doesn't attract mega crowds, but it's the right way.

There is a thought in Ephesians 6:12-13 that says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. "

I suspect that are millions of Christians are not as pessimistic as Dr. Dobson; they are willing to stand, if they have to stand alone.

We're not throwing in the towel.

Giving fathers a bad name

This morning I read about a man in Flint Michigan who has been jailed because he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children he fathered by 13 women.-Prosecutors say he's giving fathers a bad name.

I read the particulars of the incident and pondered on it.

The man's name is Thomas Frazier and he may hold the unenviable title of biggest deadbeat dad.

"This guy gives fathers a bad name," said Genesee County Friend of the Court Jack Battles.

Frazier says he's not sure all of the children are his, but he hasn't paid any support claims for that he owns. He says he's the victim because he faces about $3,000 a month in child support payments

In October of 2008, Friend of the Court officials said Frazier gave them a false Social Security number and tried to convince investigators he was someone else.

He remained under the radar until late last month when he got pulled over in Iowa for a broken taillight on his Mercedes Benz.

Frazier says he "messed up" and wants to take care of his mistakes, but hopes the Friend of the Court will knock down his bill to a more manageable $200,000 and set him free.

What is the responsibility of a father? Is it to simply father as many children as possible then leave the children to fend for themselves? A man with one child usally finds that it takes most of his time, talent and energy to provide true nurture. A man with more than one child doesn't have a life of his own anymore, he belongs to them.

Generally, children require more than just a child support check. They require a father's time, counsel, love and resources. Child support only considers the money part; and a very small part at that.

What caught the headlines for Mr. Frazier is the fact that he owes $530,000 in child support for 14 children that grows at the rate of $3,000 a month. What's not in the news is the time, counsel and love that he also owes.

Most of the children he has never seen,or spoken to, let alone provided for.

In rearing my three sons I found it necessary to be present in every aspect of their lives as a father: School PTA, Scouts, music lesson, plays, church, and recreation. It meant teaching them to type, use a computer (computers were new then), write a fluid sentence, handle money, and to be sexually responsible. Even doing all of that I fell short in many areas.

Fatherhood is a tough job.

Fathers who neglect their children provoke them in later years to hate them and to disrespect the name of image. That is not what God intended.

Ephesians 6:4 put it this way, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

It's bad enough that some fathers must be forced by courts to support their children. It's even worse, when even then they do shierk their responsibilities.

They give millions of good fathers a bad name and they lose favor with our heavenly father who never misses a day supporting us.

Early morning people

I arose this morning at 3:30 a.m. It's Sunday morning.

I'm a morning person. I do my best thinking, planning, meditation and study early in the morning. In the evenings my batteries run down. I need about four hours sleep and I'm fully charged; so I arise early.

It's not unusual for my Facebook posts, commentaries, blogs, emails and Twitter links to be posted at 4:00 a.m. in the morning because that's one of the times each day that I block out to read an respond to the prior day's mesages. Following that I have a self imposed 90 minutes of prayer and bible study in the morning and another at the close of the day (Three hours a day).

I'm at my best early in the morning. No coffeee or energy boosters; I'm rolling at full steam between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. By 9 a.m. my day is really rolling. By noon I'm in high gear. After p.m. I'm still rolling but attend to mostly housekeeping functions, no new ideas, fresh writing, or studying complicated ideas. By 8 p.m. I begin a slow shut down. Around 9 p.m. my final 90 minutes of of reading, prayer and bible study begins. Usually by 11ish it's lights out for me.

Traditional Black preachers end their sermons with "but, Early Sunday morning he arose from the grave." The emphasis is on "Early." For over 200 years black folks have been getting excitied when we hear "Early Sunday morning!"

Early on the morning of the resurrection Christ arose from the dead.

It seems that Jesus was an early morning person too, at least on that Sunday morning.

While the world was still asleep, He arose early to complete salvation. Even to day long before we think about our problems, he's up Early, at full steam.

Some will ask does God ever sleep?

The answer is in Psalm 121, "He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers or sleeps."

I woke up early this morning, but my Lord was alread on the job!

We still need mom and pop.

Vermont has become the 4th State to legalize same-sex marriage. Vermont's actions follows that of Iowa by only a few days. It seems to be a growing trend.

Without being overly judgmental, I fail to see the ultimate point of the clamor for the title "marriage" as opposed to civil union.

A civil union is an arrangement between two parties that is recognized in a court of law. It allows for parties to designate whom they wish to care for them, receive benefits of their benevolence and any other rights they want to extend to each other under the civil law.

In America, persons have the right to associate themselves with whomever they choose and to enter into contractual arrangements at their pleasure, even if that arrangement angers their neighbors or the their neighbor's God.

Marriage on the other hand goes beyond a mere civil union. It's purpose is procreation; which is impossible in same-sex civil unions. A marriage produces a child that has a mother and a father. A civil union, at best, can adopt a child that will either have two mothers or two fathers.

I can accept civil unions for those who choose that route; I draw the line, however, when it comes to moving one step further and calling such unions marriages.

I just keep hearing the words of Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."

God ordained marriages as the means of replenishing the earth. Civil unions are ordained by man, for his own satisfaction, but without a godly sanction or procreative purpose.

It appears that God has charged his creation to be fruitful and multiply, among humans marriage is the instrument.

It may acceptable to have civilized unions, but I think we still need mom and pop.

Taking in the Flowers

An April freeze in Louisiana is unusual; but that's what we had last night.

The weather forecast predicted temperatures of approximately 31 degrees and the news was filled with accounts of farmers trying to protect their crops from the cold weather.

In the middle of the report was an item that made reference to the Salvation Army suspending its rules to allow repeat persons to get shelter in light of the expected cold.

My wife began a scramble to take in her pot plants that sit outside. At first she was preparing to cover them with plastic, but the newscaster said, "Don't cover your flowers with plastic," so she brought them inside.

Flowers, crops and homeless people isn't that a strange mix.

What was interesting about the newscast is that most of the report had to do with protecting flowers and crops; there was just a blurb about helping people.

In an ideal world, helping people would have been the main concern and crops and flowers last.

We should be concerned about the poor and the homeless for therein is our blessing.

There is a passage in the bible that has these words, "For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in." (Matthew 25:35)

Save the crops, bring in the flowers, but let's be sure to save the "least of these first."

I was stingy!

Stingy! That's what we call a person who has something but will not share. There was a time when I was very stingy, tight, and miserly.

I remember when I was really stingy. I wouldn't share anything with anybody. In fact, inwardly I gloated about my own success at achieving and responded to others in a very condescending way.

I have a sneaky suspicion that others shared my childhood responses:

"You can't have any of my chips."
"You want some cookies? Buy you some, just like I did!"
"Get your own!"

Ironically, while I would not share and told many, "I ain't giving you nothing;" I was quick to say, "Gimme some."

As I got older I learned that God blesses those who share with others. I watched neighbors share food, clothing and anything they had with others. I also noticed that although they were poor they always seemed to have plenty; enough to share.

By the time I became a college student my opinion of sharing had reversed. I learned to share my time, talent and resources with others. I also noticed, that just as my friendly neighbors who shared were blessed, that I too was being blessed in the same way.

I've never had much, but always had enough to share.

So, a good way to be blessed is to share time for good causes; be a volunteer, help someone in need. Loan your talent to ventures that are worthy. Give of your finances to build great works. The blessing comes from sharing not from being stingy.

2 Corinthians 9:8 says when we share God gives us grace abundantly, "that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."

In other words, if we share, God will see to it that we don't run out and will always have more than we need.

May the force be with you

I'm a sci-fi fan so I've seen all of the Star Wars movies (and Star Trek too). I saw all four on the first day they were released.

One of the most memorable phrases of the Star Wars triology is, "May the force be with you."

In George Lucas' four Star Wars films the power of good is represented by the "Force." The power of evil is the "Dark Side."

The phrase "May the Force be with you" is often told to Luke Skywalker as he went out to fight.

The force was never really defined clearly in the series. It was an energy presence which existed within each person. This energy force guides, protects, empowers and emboldens those who follow its dictates.

The force has a dark side and a light side. The dark side is evil and sinister. The light side is the epitome of moral correction. The dark and the light side compete for the heart and soul of characters in Lucas' films, most of the times the light side wins, but not without giving up a few life essentials.

As each character departs and begins a new adventure, especially Luke Skywalker, each was told by the Jet Eye warrior, "May the force be with you."

Real life is not a movie but life does have a light side and a dark side.

Also in real life we are guided by the presence or absence of the force, except that the force is the actual presence of God.

Daily, God (the force) speaks to us. We call it our conscience or our first mind. When we ignore that voice, we later say, "I should have listened to my first mind."

God's spirit must go where we go; everyday.

Philippians 4:9 says, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9

As we rise to challenge each new day, let's be guided by the things God has taught us and shown "and the God of peace will be with you."

I Don't Feel Like It!

There are times when I just don't feel like it.

It's those days when you say, "I'm not feeling that."

Work. School. Finances. Dealing with other people.

Baby/Mama - Baby/Daddy drama.

Issues.

"I'm not feeling that."

I wonder if I'm by myself.

I guess there are times even the best of us get dispirited. We know we should go but we stay. We know we should speak but we remain silent. We know we should act, but we take no action. Usually we don't "feel like it" in times of distress, strain or worry. Such circumstances rob us of our enthusiasm and spirit and even at our best we can only offer lackluster appearances.

I have learned that one of the times to be cautious is when I "don't feel like it." Sometimes opportunities come when we don't feel like it and we miss them. A job is offered but we don't feel like going to apply. A chance for success may be missed if it comes when we "don't feel like it."

Issues can stress you out so much that you just don't feel like it. When that happens you don't sing, smile, laugh or find any interest in anything. You want to do absolutely nothing because you don't feel like it. Those are the days that the devil slipped in during the night and stole your joy. We were not on guard and we woke up the next morning "not feeling it" -without knowing why.

When you are not feeling it that's when we read Psalm 51:12, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit."

If you don't feel like it today, remember one day Christ carried a cross for you. I'm sure that day he wasn't feeling it either; but he did it anyway.

After thinking about that and reflecting on that verse then I usually push myself out of bed and start "feeling" the joy of meeting the challenges of the new day.

With a fresh infusion of inspiration from on high, the devil is defeated and I start "feeling it" again..big time.

I don't like scary movies anymore

Scary movies are funny, but life can give you a scare.

When I was a child (back when dinosaurs roamed the land) I watched Godzilla, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Dracula. Frankenstein and Dracula were my monsters of choice.

I took a girl to the movie and pretended not to be afraid. I waited for her to grab my arm to show my bravado, but always closed my eyes just before the moment a character was sliced up, chopped up or bitten. I'd opened my eyes and asked, "What happened?"

There are so many scary movies today that those who like them can have their pick: Chuckie the little doll that kills people now has a bride. Monsters get married you know, first there was Frankenstein, then the Bride of Frankenstein. Then there is the Mummy, King Kong and many versions of the Wolfman.

Does Jason ever die? It amuses me how Jason, the star of the Halloween movies, is brought back to life in each new film.

There are always vampires from the old fashion Dracula to the modern Blade played by Wesley Snipes. There are even funny, lovable, if not ugly monsters like Shrek and his foul mouthed donkey friend.

Many youth like scary movies. They like to see the blood from the Texas chain saw splashing against the wall. They like to scream or watch the girls scream.

As we mature and face reality, we realize that death is not funny, humorous or exciting. There is no humor in tragedy.

Life gives us a wake up call, "If you shoot your boyfriend, kill your wife, or commit suicide you don't come back in the next movie."

A recent gallop poll shows that today fewer youth actually believe in: astrology, ESP, witchcraft, ghosts, Big Foot, The Lockness Monster and ghosts. That's what makes the movies attractive; no one really believes they are true.

The same poll revealed that as youth mature they increasingly believe in angels. The more of life they experience, reality soaks in and deep down they start searching for God; they want an angel to help them and protect them when they face the scary things in life.

A bible verse in Number 20:16 says, "And when we cried unto the Lord he heard our voice and sent an angel.."

Life can get scary and it's certainly not funny. The prospect of AIDS, addiction, cancer, suicide, accidental death, and a plethora of other scary things is sobering.

It is good to know that we can turn to God and he will send an angel to correct us and protect us when we face the scary things of life.

You won't like me when I'm angry

What do you do when you get angry?

At work, school, home or in relationships it is easy to become angry.

Sometimes folks can get on your last nerve. Everyone gets angry: preachers, teachers, leaders, spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, siblings; everyone you know has been angry at one time or another.

Some have been angry with each other for years.

Charles Swindol in his book "Three steps forward and two steps back" says there are phases of anger that begin with irritation. The next are: wrath, fury, and rage.

When we get to rage we become the Incredible Hulk. That's when we tear things up, hit, shoot and kill. The Hulk always says, "Don't make me angry, you won't like me when I'm angry."

I get angry sometimes. I can feel myself moving up the scale: irritation, wrath...then I have to do something stop before I become the Hulk. (I have been the Hulk a few times, what about you?)

No one likes that side of us; we are out of control when we get to the point of rage. There is nothing wrong with anger. Even Jesus became angry and ran the money changers out of the temple. The trick is to keep it under control.

First, we should never let anyone know the buttons they can push to send us into a rage. They'll push them for the fun of it.

Second, take Thomas Jefferson's advice, when angry count to 10 before you respond. If you are really angry count to 50 or 100. Slow yourself down.

Third, never go to bed angry with your spouse, friend, teacher, employer, etc.

The Hulk never counts to 10, becomes destructive in a rage and regrets it later. So do we.

There is a bible passage in Ephesians 4:26-27 that says, "Be angry but do not sin.Do not let the sun go down on your anger and do not give the devil an opportunity."

That means that it's OK to be upset about wrong things you see or injustices but not to the point that you go into a rage; and never to the point that you begin to hate.

Dealing with anger is a life-long struggle.

Nobody likes us when we become the Hulk.

In fact, we don't even like ourselves.

X-Rated Life Movies

Have you ever watched an X-Rated movie?

The X-Ray movies are generally considered ponographic because they appeal to the prurient interests of the viewer and exhibit little or no artistic value.

They are hard-core, raw, and go beyond the boundaries of decency. Yet, most of us have taken a peek at least once.

Some are still peeking.

If our lives were rated in heaven, I wonder what the rating would be?

X-Unsaved sinner who sins, loves it and plans to continue.
R-Church members who feel they are old enough to sample the world. They sin a little, feel bad, then come back to church.
PG-Youth who believe in God but are fascinated by and attracted to the sinful life.
G-the Godly person who chooses to live for God, without peeking, pandering or having any interest in the life of sin.

What rating describes you right now. I never never made it to X but I can remember being "PG" and "R." What about you?

Some say the godly life is no fun; is that true? What I've discovered is that the godly don't need to get drunk, use drugs, engage in illicit sex or wild parties to have a great time.

The godly enjoy their families, lead successful lives, love their spouses, enjoy sports, art, music, and recreation. They fly airplanes, play basketball and are romantic, too.

In fact, the truly godly are having so much fun leading G-Rated lives that they have no interest in peeking, sneaking or venturing into the world of those who can't have fun unless everything around them appeals to their prurient interest.

The godly life is a blast.

The bible says in Psalm 1, "Psalms 1:1-2 (TLB) "Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely."

Sounds pretty good to me, especially since only lives rated "G-godly" are blessed by God.

Try God's Way this year

Did you fail last year? Did you give up? Try it again, but do it a different way.

There are two ways to approach life goals. One is the way popularized by a song written by the late Frank Sinatra called "My Way."

In that song Sinatra boasts that he lived his life, "My Way."

He is not alone. There are many who are trying the "my way" approach: living, loving and dying according to their own rules. To do it "my way" is to do it alone without any divine assistance. It is also a formula for unhappiness and often failure.

That's what happened to many people last year.

Some used or sold drugs or became addicted to something or someone.
Some lived so wild that they slipped way off course.
Some never got started; they proscratinated
Some nearly died.

Things work out a little better on the Godside of life. That's when you decide to do it "God's way." The difference is that God's way gets us godly support and favor for our efforts because what we do is according to his plan. It also points us away from destructive activity and points us to things that build us up.

When we do it God's way we may fall down..but we picks us up and we try again.

The bible says in Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

Many saw their dreams die last year. They did it their way.
When we do it God's way we may fall down..but we picks us up and we try again.

This year, try God's way.

Appreciate the little things this year

Don't underestimate the power of the little things.

We are moving at a quick pace; in fact it is so quick that we often look for the big picture and overlook the the small things.

When we think about it, it's the little things that bring us the most lasting pleasure.

That may explain why sometimes a child gets a big present but instead of playing with the present he plays with the box and pops the little plastic bubbles in the packaging.

We look for the big superstar experiences and relationships and overlook the fact that only a few of them stay married or even have the pleasure of doing the little things, such as sitting on a porch and watching the cars go by without a frenzy of photographers.

Howard Thurman once wrote that "Little things make big differences."

A little thank you is big when someone feels unappreciated.
A little kindness can soften an angry response.
A little time can bring more lasting please than a lot of gifts without the giver. Little things can make the difference.

That applies to our relationship with God, too.

There is a bible verse in Numbers 16:9 that says, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD.."

Time to pray, worship and think about God in this world of MySpace, Facebook, cell phones and the internet, may seem like a little thing, but it goes a long ways with God.

While we talk to God about the big things..don't underestimate the little things.

Crucifixion on Friday?

When I began preaching in 1969, for many years I closed my sermons
with something like..

"One Friday, they nailed him to an old rugged cross!"
or

"One Friday he died for all my sins!"

I had the whoop and everything. I really pushed it hard.

"Does anybody know about Friday?"

"One Friday!"

"ooooh Friday!"

I took a seminary class and learned that I had been wrong about Friday. The instructor painstakingly showed us that despite the old tradition that Christ was not crucified on Friday, but Wednesday.

That really upset me because it meant I had been teaching and preaching the wrong information for about three years. I was so troubled because in my zeal I did not seek knowledge and mislead hundreds of people in the process.

The key to understanding the error is Matthew 12:40. Jesus said he would remain in the grave for three days AND three nights (72 hours).

I tried all of the fancy explanations the old preachers gave me to make sundown Friday to early morning Sunday three days and three nights but none of them would work.

Have you heard the explanations? "They had a different calendar or they
counted days differently or it was not literally three days."

As I studied, I realized my professor was right. I had to change my message to fit the truth I found.

If you are interested in this topic there is a website that gives the same information my professor gave me.

As I learned better I changed. It's worth a look.

http://members.aol.com/member888/goodfriday.htm

Grandpa on the Web

I have a myspace page! I found that the young hang out on the web.

They hang out mostly on wesites called "myspace.com" "Tagged.com" and a few more.

This year I decided to be a 57 year old youngster and hang out with
the youth of America on myspace.

On myspace you see a side of people that you never knew including
their music, fantasies, fears and ideas of fun.

I found it a great way to minister as well.

I also have tagged.com page. It's strickly for the young at heart.

If you choose to open a myspace page, you must keep an open mind.

You will learn a lot about today's young people and get the pleasant
opportunity to minister to many in a private way.

I learned more about the youth of my church on myspace than I ever
learned in person.

I'm 57, hanging out with the youth.
However, I found out that many of them enjoy their myspace grandpa.

For many, I am the father figure they never had.

You can set up a page for yourself. You'll be surprised to know how
many of your friends have a page too.

If you are curious, he's the link to my page:
http://myspace.com/rooseveltwright

Love Ya
Grandpa on web
Roosevelt Wright, Jr.

Three Door Cadillac

Have you ever prayed for something and did not receive it?

How did you feel?

When I was nine years old I heard the minister at Tabernacle say that if we asked God for something and believed it, we would receive it.

I took him at his word. That night I prayed for a long Cadillac with three doors like I saw President Eisenhower step out of on television. I went to bed comfortably believing, without a doubt, that my prayer request would be answered. The next day I anxiously ran to the front door looking for the Cadillac. It wasn't there.

Had the preacher lied? I was confused.

When I questioned him later, he reminded me that I heard what I wanted to hear. I didn't hear the part about my request being in the "will of God." The car was "my will" but it was not "God's will." -I didn't hear that part.

There are many adults today who do not hear that part either. We pray for many things that may not be according to God's will and get frustrated when we don't receive them.

He promised to give us anything we ask for that will help us to accomplish his will for our lives.

Anything.

Owning a Cadillac limo at nine years old certainly was not in his will for me. It works the same way with other requests too. I prayed for pizza for breakfast, that didn't happen. I prayed not to get a whipping for acting up at school, that didn't happen. I prayed to be rich and famous, that didn't happen either.

One day I prayed for a good wife and a successful ministry.

That happened.

It was according to his will.

Just Plain Roosevelt

I received a letter addressed to "Dr." Roosevelt Wright, Jr. recently. I was amused.

For several years my name was listed among the faculty of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education as "Dr." I wasn't amused, I was embarassed. Although I have college degrees, what's the point in wearing them on my sleeve?

A seminary in Philadephia wanted to confer a life time "doctorate" upon me, and I politely thanked them but refused.

Why?

When I began in the ministry as a 19 year old, I vainly sought to impress others with titles.

I put a "Rev" in from of my name. After college I put my degree notations after my name.

Then I saw the wisdom of being just plain Roosevelt, without all of the titles and self describing adjectives.

Now after 37 years of ministry and 30 years pastoring the same church, I'm still just plain "Roosevelt."

Whether I'm in front of large audiences, rubbing shoulders with the big wheels, rapping with the youth, or serving food to the homeless, I'm very comfortable being just plain "Roosevelt"-Servant.

That's the only title that will count before God anyway.

Are We Still Niggas?

I see many of my young friends still refer to themselves as “Niggas.” They say, “My Nigga” and “Good Nigga” “Still my Nigga.” That’s sad.

I’m aware that the hip hop culture now says that “Nigga” is a term of endearment and affection. So when a person says, “What’s up my Nigga?” It means he is down with the hip hop culture. In the hip hop world even whites call each other “Niggas.” In the world of hip hop it carries no negative meanings at all; in fact it’s just the opposite.

However, the label Nigga or Nigger is not viewed that way by the rest of the world. It is still a stereotype of a poor ignorant person who can’t read, can't spell, is lazy and performs poorly everywhere except in bed, on the basketball court and the football field.

The Hip Hop culture has helped this generation to internalize a self degrading and negative label. The slave master called us that but he could never get us to believe it and wear it as a badge of pride; especially outside of our racial circles.

The Hip Hop culture has succeeded in doing what the Klan and racists couldn’t do for 300 years. It has convinced our young that it’s a good thing to be a “Nigga.” Many of our youth have accepted the lie.

The late James Baldwin once said, "You can only be destroyed by believing that you really are what the white world calls a nigger.”

When we start believing it and accepting it, we are conquered.

There is a verse in the bible in Romans 8:37 that talks about God’s people overcoming the negatives, having conquered them through his power. The words are, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

To see another generation dive into a pool of negative spit and swim in it means that this generation has not become conquerors; it has been conquered.

If the present trend continues, when Jesus returns to begin the rest of eternity he will probably be greeted affectionately by millions of young believers, who will shout with one voice, “What’s up my Nigga?”

I wonder how he will respond?

Who is the Pilot?

I saw a funny commercial today. It was the one where the man goes up in a helicopter only to find that the pilot is still on the ground. He asks the man who is sitting in the cockpit, "You are not the pilot?" and the man answered, "No, but I did spend a night at the Holiday Inn Express."

I rolled over laughing. He actually got in a helicopter and left the real pilot on the ground! Ha Ha Ha! Hee! Hee He!

What's not so funny is that often we often jump into life and leave the pilot on the ground. We do whatever pleases us at the moment and take off with the pilot on the ground screaming at us, warning us!

Sometimes we crash. There have been many near misses.

Who has been your pilot? Your mother? Grandma? Father? Spouse? Have you taken off in your own direction and left them screaming?

Is the person or thing driving your life now ....competent?

And there is God. Often we want to let him drive, but we don't want to go in that direction.. not now. So we take another path.

There is a verse in the pilot's manual (Bible) in Proverbs 3:6. It says, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

That's the bible's way of saying..."Don't leave the pilot on the ground!"

What's In The Cup?

What's in the cup?

A young member of my congregation sent me a photo in which he's holding a cup. It can hardly be seen in the picture, but it is there. I viewed other pictures available and kept coming back to the photo with the little cup.

What's in the cup? It struck my curiosity. So I sent him a private email and inquired. He responded by asking me a question, "What does it look like?" He never said what was in the cup.

It could very well be water. But then it could be gin. It could be Sprit but then it could be Vodka, too.

What's in the cup?

Sometimes the most innocent things can give the wrong impressions to others. Maybe we should be more careful about appearances. It's possible to do an innocent thing in a way that is perceived as devilish.

Our first thought is that those who get the wrong impression have a problem, not us. But somewhere deep down, something we were taught in Sunday School keeps coming up. We are responsible for the image that we project to others. We can control that.

The least we can do is to avoid things that we know will give the wrong impression.

There is a bible verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 that says, "Avoid the appearance of evil." It means that what we do may actually be innocent but if we give them impression to others that it is not, evil communications often result.

What's in the cup?

I guess it's like Vegas.

What's in the cup stays in the cup!

Time to Move On

A time for everything!

Those were the words given tonight by a minister who pastored a church for 46 years.

He is about 90 years old, his voice is strong, he has a young wife, and is in excellent shape. However, he said there is a time for everything. He is retiring, he said, to move on with his life, which he says is just getting started at 90.

We gain much if we learn learn to do things in the right season season. There is a time for the wildness of the adolsecent life, when we do stupid things and take reckless chances with wild irresponsible living.

There is also a time to grow up and take responsibility for our lives.

We can't be grown and children too. The two don't happen at the same time.

There is a verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1 which indicates that there is a time for everything under the sun. Everything has its season. If we are not careful we may try to stay in one season too long forcing the seasons to run into each other. Then life becomes a blur.

The elderly minister recognized his season and plans to move on.

I wonder if there is a lesson we can all learn from that.

It may be time for us to stop holding on to our childhood season and grow up.
Then we can move on.

My S.E.X. Education

A young friend of mine sent me a message with a link to S.E.X.

I was curious, because I it appeared to be a salacious invitation. So I contacted the youth for an explanation. I received an education. It was a S.E.X. Education.

The post was a reference to Lyfe Jenning's song, S.E.X.. I searched down the video and then searched down the lyrics to make sure I caught each word. The video warned young girls to protect their innocence because once it is lost it can never be regained.
It also warned them of male predators who want relations and not relationships. It had a very strong postive message of abstainence.

The title caught my attention. Maybe that was the whole idea. It was a warning to all girls to be careful.

The bible gives the same warning in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." There are many predators in the world waiting destroy the innocence of young girls --and boys. Wow!

Whether Lyfe says it or the Bible says it, the message is just as clear; when many talk of love and affection they really have their eye on another direction and it's not respect it's just S.E.X.

I thank my friend for the the S.E.X education. I thought the post about S.E.X. was about sex. It was more. It was about respect.

Just goes to show that everything is not what it seems.

I Reserved My Space

I began a Myspace page a few days ago. At 57, I'm probably one of the oldest members of the Myspace crowd.

It's interesting to watch the way the young view themselves. I just I can hang!

Myspace reserves a small space for me in the infinite realms of cyberspace. In this space I can say a few words, post a few pictures and share them all with friends.

Yet, according to the promise of God, there is a place being prepared for those who live according to his will. This space is more expansive than myspace. In fact space will not be limited at all. There will be plenty of space.

In fact my space there will be bigger. I don't know how big, but the master has said that there will be many mansions or spaces in the father's new creation. It could be in one place or on different planets. I don't know. I just know that I will have myspace and many friends too.
So for now, I'll tinker with this space; but it's not myspace.

My space is being prepared.

That will be crump.

I can hang.

She Looks Great

I attended the funeral of my uncle, Lonnie Crawford, last week. He was the second uncle to pass in a two week period.

In attendance was my aunt, Saphine Thompson, from California. She flew back to Louisiana for both funerals.

To be 77 years old, she looks great. She and my mother look similar. Had she lived, she would have probably been as well preserved as Aunt Saphine.

There were about 50 people at the funeral, nearly all family members. Aunt Saphine, now the matriarch of the family, stood out.

I told her I want to sit down and pick her brain about family history. She told me to hurry up because she wasn't getting any younger.

She could have fooled me. She'll probably outlive us all.

At 77, I hope to have her presence, stamina, health and optimism. By that time she'll be 97 and and will still be clucking along and looking good!

It's amazing how beautiful a life can be when it's in God's hands.

More than Enough

The computer in my office has been upgraded. The technicians say that I now have a server that has four huge disk drives that operate at the same time. Should one stop working, another will automatically kick in. It holds an awesome amount of data.

I only have four of the drives running. It can handle up to 16 drives, all running at the same time. If something happens to one, the other automatically kicks in. Wow!

That's more than enough. I'll never use it all. But it's available.

The grace of God is the same way. It is more than we will ever need. In our short lifetime we will never be able to consume all of the love, mercy and blessings God can provide.

It's like that computer in my office. The only reason I won't have more is that I don't install the disks and use them.

Right now, I have more computer space than I can use.

God's grace is not just "sufficient"; it's more than enough.

I'll think about that today.

Flash Backs

During Worship yesterday we showed flashback slides of "The Way We Were" while the choir sang a variety of selections emphasizing that we have "Come a long way."

The snapshots brought smiles and laughter as we saw younger versions of ourselves and our friends in the congregation. Everyone has changed. Even those who were older agreed that time did most of them a favor.

Included in the photos was a shot of my wife Joslyn at age 23. Then there was a picture of me at 22. I was wearing Sansabelt, highwater pants, Nylon socks, and a Banlon Turtleneck. I thought I was it..then. Size 28 waist. Slim and Trim.

Well, 35 years later I'm a size 38, but spiritually I think I'm still slim and trim.

Snapshots give us a way to measure how we have matured over the years.

Flashbacks have a way allowing us to see how God has blessed us and worked with us over the years.

The good news is that even the snapshots I take today, will look funny a few years from now, because God is not through with me yet.

I thought I was "it" at age 22. However, when God gets through with me..that's going to be a great snapshot. That will be "it."

Whose Hand Is In The Puppet?

I watched our church puppet team practice last night. The group of high spirited youth made the inanimate puppets come to life. With their hands inside their mouths and rods working their hands, the puppets danced and moved at the will of the puppeteers.

I noticed at one point in the practice that the puppeteers changed places. It was interesting to see how the same puppet, in a another hand, acted differently. It was the hand inside the puppet and not the puppet itself that controlled its actions.

There is a hand that guides us too. We can tell when that hand changes from God's hands to Satan's hand. Like the puppet, we are often guided by the hand that directs us. Our job is to stayed prayed up so that we are always guided by God's hand.

The puppet is not real. It can't detect when its operators have changed. We can.

I will be sensitive to the hand that is guiding me because it's that hand that will determine where I go, what I say, and what I do today.

Help, I Have No Sewerage!

"Does your church help people with no sewerage?"

That was the question I was asked Monday from a desperate caller who explained that she was a poor mother on a fixed income whose sewerage has backed up. She said she had no way of paying to have it done.

As I was on the phone trying to help this woman I could not escape the irony of the moment. As I worked to help her, the Roto Rooter truck was parked at my house because my sewerage was backed up too.

There were towels all over the floor. Carpet had been stripped. Washing machine water flooded the house and was bubbling from the floor.

When Joslyn and I walked on the carpet, it was like walking on a wet sponge!

When the plumber left, the Roto Rooter man told me about 40 feet of drainage line needs replacing. When everybody finished: The carpenter who replaced my bathroom tiles and woodwork, the plumber and the Roto Rooter man, we needed $2,000.

I felt like the lady who called me. I need a number to call.

Then I remembered a song, "Jesus is on the mainline, tell him what you want!"

Hello Jesus, do you folks in heaven help people with $2,000 sewerage bills?

We have sewerage now.

Anyone need the number we called?

Look At Jesus

I attended the 60th birthday party of Sister Mildred James on Saturday March 11th. It was sponsored by her eight children and grandchildren.

When I looked around the room, I saw all of her children and grandchildren. There were almost 100 people present to celebrate her birthday.

I am humbled to know that I have had the honor of being pastor to all of her children and grandchildren. I have seen the family at its high moments, struggling and also in its sorrow. I have married its children and buried its dead.

Saturday night was one of those high days for Sister James.

Staring around the room, I saw all of the happy faces and listened to the testimonials and expressions of love. Powerpoint photos of smiling family members and fun times danced across the screen. It was inspiring.

Sister James was happy. She looked like a woman of 40. She glowed.

She is known in our congregation for a saying she normally says whenever someone is blessed, "Look at Jesus."

When I saw a hundred happy family members and friends, all healthy, reasonably happy and all saved, her little motto had a great significance.

I shared her sentiment.

Look at Jesus!

They Gave Me A Car

Apparently the men of Tabernacle didn't like the fact that the pastor drove a 1985 Honda CRX around town, so they did something about it.

I bought the little car for my son back in the 1980's. He went to the Marines, returned and decided it was too small for him. He moved up and purchased a new car leaving the little Honda.

I wasn't about to waste a fully paid automobile. For $2,000 I put a new engine in it, had the body work retouched and amused myself driving all over town in the little car that's about the size of a Volkswagon. I could drive a month on a few gallons of gas. In two years, there was never a repair needed.

However, the men decided that the pastor deserved something better.

For Christmas, they presented me with the keys to a Ford Taurus. They made sure I knew that it was paid for and had a tank of gas.

I drove away in the Taurus, giving God and the men of Tabernacle a great thanks.

I didn't ask for the car, but I certainly received it in the spirit in which it was given.

What about the Honda? It still runs. It is paid for and insured. It reminds me never to get too high and to keep the common touch.

The Taurus is a sign of God's favor.

I'll keep them both.

Camping in the Woods

Last week I spent five days at camp with about 50 members of our church Boy Scout troop. I've been doing it for over 30 years.

At 56, it's getting harder. However, my wife Joslyn makes it easier, in fact camping was almost luxurious.

We bought a giant tent, a portable queen size bed, air mattress, blankets, comforters, outdoor heaters, night lights, a table for my computer (I have to do three hours of study daily even in the woods) and many of the comforts of home.

With the exception that we couldn't make a quick walk to the bathroom, it was "home" for five days.

It reminded me of the first years of our marriage 31 years ago. We lived in a shotgun house with only a bed, a refrigerator and a kitchen table. When Joslyn finished decorating and arranging, the sofaless, chairless, shotgun house appeared to be our artistic desire rather than a reflection of our poverty.

The bible says he who finds a wife, finds a "good thing."

I hope I have been as good for her as she has been for me.

More Than A Dinner

Joslyn and I went to dinner last night, but not alone.

Our congregation hosted a dinner for 70 evacuees of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita at Sophia's Restuarant.

Sophia's is plush Soul Food restuarant in Monroe. It's a greasy spoon without the grease.

The idea was to share a fellowship with evacuees in a setting that was not condescending or patronizing with men and women who have seen their share of misery.

Pastor Joe Adair of the Second Macedonia Baptist Chuch of Elizabeth New Jersey joined us. He brought financial gifts from the seniors of his church and the City of Elizabeth Fire Department.

As the dinner ended we distributed boxes of blankets, sheets, cleaning supplies and checks to evacuees. We intend to partner with them throughout the year to help them in many small ways.

I don't usually enjoy public dinners, banquets and formal affairs. I enjoyed this one.

I felt I was among friends although I really knew only a little about each guest and they probably knew even less about me.

Jesus was often criticized because he chose not to frequent the banquets of the rich and the affluent. His tendency to be seen frequently outside of the respectable social circles, while not completely ignoring others, was a major cause of friction in his ministry.

He seemed most comfortable where those around him needed or appreciated his prescence.

Last night Joslyn and I felt we were among those who appreciated our prescence.

I felt so comfortable...I ate some of my chicken with my fingers!

It was a memorable moment.

Changing Glasses

I had my glasses changed this week. I'm 60/20 on distances it seems.

I'm becoming more dependent upon them as time passes. Since I'm a heavy reader and frequent computer user, I really put them to work.

I have bifocals. My wife, Josh, has tri-focals. Neither of us can see clearly without them.

There are many things I still can't see about life, even though I've changed my glasses. There are people, events, and circumstances that I can't seem to see clearly. I don't have 20/20 vision yet, when it comes to spiritual things.

The Word says, "Now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face..."

To see God's plan clearly, I'll have to change glasses and get spiritual 20/20 vision.

No Drawers on My Desk

I have three offices. One at the church complex. One at my business and another at home. All three have desks.

I like my desks organized, but I don't like drawers. Drawers make it easy for me to stuff important but non-essential things out of sight. Once out of sight, they are usually out of consideration. So, I usually have desks with very few drawers or no drawers at all.

This week I cleared desktops. A matter is removed from my desktop when it is handled. Then it is filed away, otherwise it stays on the desk, in a neat stack of other items that must be completed.

With three desks, it took me some time to clear them all: Church, business and personal matters. However, since there were no drawers, I had no choice but to deal with them sooner or later.

Paul preached before Felix and Drusila about temperance, judgment and righteousness. (Acts 24:25) He laid it on their desk, but they put off their decision until a "A more convenient season." They never got around to dealing with the matters that Paul presented.

They must have had drawers on their desks.

She Won't Do Shirts

The owner of the local laundry was pleasantly amused to learn why I spend so much money for the laundry of my shirts.

The fact that I have more than 30 shirts a month cleaned, starched and pressed was a curious plus for her business. This week a casual comment in passing, required an explanation.

When I married Joslyn 31 years ago she told me that she would go anywhere with me, do anything with me and support me in almost anything I did. However, there was a warning, "I don't do shirts."

With a few emergency exceptions, she's kept both promises.

Busy pastors use many shirts. Sometimes I have time to press them. Sometimes I don't. Hence, the laundry loves to see me walk in the door.

The Word of God says, it's better not to make a vow than to make a vow and break it. My wife has kept all of her vows to me. I hope she feels I'm doing the same.

There's one vow she keeps for sure...

Except for unusual circumstances, she won't do shirts.

Frustrated

Our church has been working to get Hurricane Katrina evacuees out of shelters into homes or back home. My wife, Joslyn, has been an energy dynamo in this area, taking one family by the hand and sifting through the paper, politics, propaganda and pushing to get them a house, utilities, financial assistance and a job.

She's one of several in the congregation who have re-routed their time to help stranded families return to normal life.

We're both frustrated today. One family absorbed a week's work. Joslyn and the church committee quickly worked to get finances for the family, take the mother to view an available housing unit, get deposits paid and to weave the family through the back door of the process that involved long waiting lines.

Mission accomplished. With keys in her hand and utilities on, the last step was to bring a small army of church women to the house to turn it into a house where a home could thrive.

Today, a group of church women were set to help, mop, sweep and help the family move into a three bedroom unit.

Yesterday, after all of the hard work, with new washer, dryer, stove and refrigerator on the the grounds, the mother decided she didn't like the house. She refused our efforts and won't move in.

Boom! Crash!

A weeks work went down the tubes. We were both so frustrated at the money and time lost, we went home, ate ice creame and watched T.V.

So what now?

We'll look at the next name on the list and start all over again.

We were not promised that our efforts would always be rewarded everytime by grateful recipients. There will be times, as we do God's work, that the only thank you will come from God.

As we work on the next family...

We'll keep a half gallon of ice cream ready.

Picking Up

For nearly a month we have wrestled with the impact of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. Most of the time, we have watched on television, night and day. For Joslyn and I Hurricane watching has become a ritual.

When Hurricane Rita moved through Texas and South Louisiana, we started to feel some of the winds in Monroe. Over the weekend power was out in most of South Monroe because power lines were toppled by falling trees, bent to the extremes by the wind. For many, power still has not be restored three days later.

We heard the whistling of the wind and the crackling of tree limbs around us. A giant Oak tree behind our home cracked like a toothpick as it crashed into two houses behind our home. The tree poked holes in the roofs and stuck its limbs all the way to their floors. Electrical wires snapped and dangled into the streets.

All night we heard limbs falling from the tall Pine and Oak trees in our yard. Because their branches stretch over our home like great fans in the summer, we anticipate the worse in storms. Their potontial is devastating in strong winds. We fully expected one of those trees to plunge through our house as well.

By Sunday morning, most of the neighborhoods looked devastated. Tree branches, downed electric lines, and debris were everywhere. Amazingly, we still had electric power but no cable connection. When we arrived for worship, our congregation was was miniscule. Most had been battling the storm in the dark all night.

A family of 35 from Lake Charles worshipped with us. They spent the weekend cramped in a local beauty shop. Another family of 20, also fleeing Hurricane Rita shared with us as well. The sermon God gave me addressed the moment, "Life Is Not Fair, But God is Good."

We fed our guests after the worship and returned to our homes to pick up after the storm.

All we had was just the risidual winds of the storm, and we were dislocated. Those who were actually in the storm endured more.

As we drove home the sun began shining brightly in the sky. The clouds seem to break away and allow the reassuring sun rays to make a bold entrance. It was a striking contrast to the broken community we passed as we drove.

The sun was a welcomed sight.

It reminded me that "After the storm, the SON will shine."

God is still good.

We All Have Our Inner Tubes

Last night a Hurricane Katrina evacuee gave a testimony. We were meeting concerning our response to the diaster. The evacuee told how her son was stranded in New Orleans on a roof top with water rising all around him.

Just when he thought he would drown, he sent up a final prayer. Suddendly an inner tube floated by and he grabbed it and floated to safety when he was picked up by a helicopter.

That innertube saved his life.

We all have our innertube situations. I have certainly had mine.

Sometimes the Lord answers my prayers in grand ways. Then sometimes he does it in small simple ways..

...like floating inner tubes our way!