Busy Weekend Ahead

Good Morning!

School is just around the corner … Some begin Monday, some begin a week from Monday … but it’s that time of year again where we send our future to be educated. All of us need to pray for these young ones. Many … if not most … don’t have the foundation of Jesus Christ in their lives … and there are so many temptations they face. So let’s remember them all.

I spent yesterday afternoon in a meeting on our company’s retirement plan. The meeting lasted just long enough so that I didn’t have time to get to our Thursday evening Bible study … and I really did miss being with my good friends last night. I took the opportunity, though, to go get a hair cut and to do the shopping for the week. And I ran into my oldest son’s mother-in-law and also into a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time – Lucy Downer. I had a good chat with both … catching up on the happenings. So maybe I was supposed to be where I was last night.

Miss N and I have a busy weekend ahead for us. We are headed to Hayesville tomorrow to see the play and visit with Grandma Leta and Jim and Angie and the girls. We have to get an early start on Saturday because of a work day at church. And then Sunday I will lead the music portion of the worship hour at church. So its run, run, run for the next few days. God is good!

I found out this morning that a coworker has been admitted to the hospital and that another retired coworker had finished his earthly journey. So there is still a whole lot of prayers needed for everyone.

Psalm 65[a]
For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.

1 Praise awaits[b] you, our God, in Zion;
to you our vows will be fulfilled.
2 You who answer prayer,
to you all people will come.
3 When we were overwhelmed by sins,
you forgave[c] our transgressions.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 65:1 In Hebrew texts 65:1-13 is numbered 65:2-14.
b. Psalm 65:1 Or befits; the meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.
c. Psalm 65:3 Or made atonement for

What a good thought to start the weekend. God bless you all.

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
Perry Robinson
The family of Tom Jones
Inman Beavers

Encouragement

Good Morning!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Hebrews 12:1 NIV

There is one word in the above verse that my mind focuses upon … perseverance. Life is a marathon – not a sprint. Each new day brings new challenges … and new opportunities to see God work in our lives and the lives of those around us.

We had a business meeting at church last night. Under “old business” we discussed the final costs of the repair of the sewage system – including a surprise extra cost of over $600 for a dumpster to haul off asphalt and stuff. But the preacher remarked that except for the surprise extra cost, donations had been sufficient to cover the cost of repair. That’s a blessing!

Then we took up new business. The first item was the flooding that occurred when a toilet connection broke and flooded the children’s building. Insurance covers most of the cost … but the tile has asbestos … and there are three rooms that weren’t damaged but have the same tile. So the question was whether or not to fix those rooms at the same time … at a cost of $1,500 – which is a lot when the check balance at the end of the preceding month was $21.86. That’s a challenge!

The second item was we were informed that Head Start was moving to a building it had bought … and that the church was losing $3,100 in monthly rent. Sounds like another challenge … right? But then we began to talk about what was happening:

- Head Start had moved all of its stuff from rooms … so we can move the furniture from the building to be repaired to that space … saving rental of PODS for storage … allowing us to apply that portion of the insurance money to the $1,500 need.
- One of the men of the church has experience laying tile … saving labor costs for replacing the tile … and allowing him and others to use their skills for God.
- The preacher is touching base with all members of the congregation; “friends” of the congregation; and past members of the congregation asking them to Pray, Be Present, and to Give.

That sounds like an opportunity to see God meet a challenge.

I went to church last night with a sense of foreboding – and left with a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Will today hold a new challenge? Probably … but remember, I am surrounded by witness after witness after witness of how God met the challenge of yesterday … so I can continue to run this marathon called Life with joy and with peace. And joy and peace are what I wish for you this day.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

Mercy

Good Morning!

My daughter-in-law, Katherine, posted the following on facebook Monday.

Psalm 116

1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

mer•cy (mûr s )
n. pl. mer•cies
1. Compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency.
2. A disposition to be kind and forgiving: a heart full of mercy.
3. Something for which to be thankful; a blessing: It was a mercy that no one was hurt.
4. Alleviation of distress; relief: Taking in the refugees was an act of mercy.
Idiom:
at the mercy of
Without any protection against; helpless before: drifting in an open boat, at the mercy of the elements.
________________________________________
[Middle English, from Old French merci, from Medieval Latin merc s, from Latin, reward.]
Synonyms: mercy, leniency, lenity, clemency, charity
These nouns mean humane and kind, sympathetic, or forgiving treatment of or disposition toward others. Mercy is compassionate forbearance: "We hand folks over to God's mercy, and show none ourselves" (George Eliot).
Leniency and lenity imply mildness, gentleness, and often a tendency to reduce punishment: "When you have gone too far to recede, do not sue [appeal] to me for leniency" (Charles Dickens). "His Majesty gave many marks of his great lenity, often . . . endeavoring to extenuate your crimes" (Jonathan Swift).
Clemency is mercy shown by someone with judicial authority: The judge believed in clemency for youthful offenders.
Charity is goodwill and benevolence in judging others: "But how shall we expect charity towards others, when we are uncharitable to ourselves?" (Thomas Browne).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

As you can see, there are a number of ways that the word “mercy” can be used. In the context of this Psalm, the Psalmist is either being thankful for the compassionate treatment of the Lord or thankful for the alleviation of distress – or both. The fact is that he cried – God heard – mercy was extended.

One of the problems men face … and some ladies, too … is the compulsion to try to “fix” things without involving anyone else. And then we get ourselves in a pickle … and then we get upset (Miss N can tell you many horror stories about my reaction to frustration) … and we get really in need of mercy. It seems the Psalmist has decided to call on God for the problem he faces. And God HEARD his cry and EXTENDED mercy to him. I am so thankful that God does that …

If we read on in this Psalm, we see the thankfulness is for the Psalmist’s salvation. We may tackle the rest of the Psalm on another day. But today I want to let you know that God does hear your cry in your time of need. Several of you have provided me the privilege of hearing your need … and it is a privilege to be allowed into the depths of one’s heartache. I just want you to know that God is attentive to your hurt … and is merciful in His answers – even when the problem doesn’t go away. Our God is truly a Father who hears our cry and extends mercy.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

Some Enchanted Evening ...

Good Morning!

Miss N and I will be heading up to Grandma Leta’s in Hayesville NC Friday to see the play South Pacific. I shared with some of my coworkers that South Pacific is a play about racism. And I received several different reactions to that statement.

My boss in Minneapolis – who claims South Pacific as her favorite Rogers and Hammerstein play – immediately agreed with me. A coworker in Atlanta decided she needed to see the play for the first time. And another coworker looked at me as if I had CRAZY written on my forehead.

The play was first performed in 1949 in New York City. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia’s description of South Pacific:

The musical explores the theme of racial prejudice in several ways. Nellie struggles to accept Emile's mixed-race children. Another American serviceman, Lieutenant Cable, struggles with the prejudice that he would face if he were to marry an Asian woman. His song about this, "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught", was criticized as too controversial for the musical stage and called indecent and pro-communist. While the show was on a tour of the Southern United States, lawmakers in Georgia introduced a bill outlawing any entertainment containing "an underlying philosophy inspired by Moscow." One legislator said that "a song justifying interracial marriage was implicitly a threat to the American way of life." Rodgers and Hammerstein defended their work strongly. James Michener recalled, "The authors replied stubbornly that this number represented why they had wanted to do this play, and that even if it meant the failure of the production, it was going to stay in."

The play was very successful … and I think that it had a small part in the awakening of Americans to their own prejudice that really prevents us from showing our love towards one another. I have never seen the play performed on stage … just the movie that came out in 1958. I expect I will really enjoy the play.

On another subject, I received an email from my buddy Joe who shared that he scored a hole in one on the Par 3 course at the Links. Congratulations … Joe is a young 70 years old … walks the course with his octogenarian friend, Sam.

God bless you this good day.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

The Mighty Oak Was Just A Nut...

Good Morning!

Norma and I had a great evening at Rock Springs church in Milner Georgia. We go down to that little church on occasion when they have a singing group / personality that we know. Last night it was the Hoppers. This family from North Carolina has been singing as a group for over fifty years. Now, some of the singers aren’t yet fifty, so you might ask how they accomplished that. You see, at first there were the Hopper Brothers; then they added Connie; and after some kids came along, they added Dean and Michael and Kim Greene to the group. The music was great.

It seems like I always pick up a thing or two when I attend one of these. Well, I picked up a part of a Claude Hopper saying … so I will share it with you: “The mighty oak once was only a seed that held its ground.” The application is that we need to hold our ground and not compromise on the Word of God. That’s a big order in this world where people want us to “coexist”. Folks, if we coexist, mankind will cease to exist. Jesus said that He and He alone is the way, the truth and the Life. That is our message – and we need to hold our ground.

Pastor Benny Tate shared Hebrews 13:8:

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

We get caught up focusing on our yesterdays and our forever – and sometimes forget that Jesus is the same today. We are not alone in our journey. God didn’t promise us an easy life – no, Jesus actually told us that our life would be difficult. But He has not wavered and will not waver. Whatever you may be going through this morning, Jesus is right there with you in your heartache, your joy, your trial, your whatever. Turn to Him right now and ask Him to hold you tight. I know He will.

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
Mike Baggett – colon cancer

Bible

Good Morning!

Psalm 119:33-40 New International Version (NIV)
ה He

33 Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.[a]
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.[b]
38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.
39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 119:33 Or follow it for its reward
b. Psalm 119:37 Two manuscripts of the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls; most manuscripts of the Masoretic Text life in your way

The Hebrew alphabet has 22 letters. Psalm 119 uses each one to introduce each. Each letter has 8 verses attached thereto … though I must tell you that chapters and verses are not in the ancient texts. Instead, there would be a long sentence dealing with a subject. The Hebrew student would recite the verses that represented the letter. And this is how they learned.

There is something beautiful about the Bible. It is a book written by many authors but inspired by One. It’s theme runs from the very first book to the very last book. It is a love story. And it is a mystery. There is history and poetry. There is advice. There is comfort. The Bible is the most popular book ever sold … yet it often lays unread – put away on the shelf, gathering dust. Still this great book has inspired many to achieve great things for both God and for mankind. The Bible deserves to be studied.

“Teach me, Lord …”
“Give me understanding …”
“Direct me in the path of your commands…”
“Turn my heart …”
“Turn my eyes …”
“Fulfill your promise …”
“Take away the disgrace …”

Interesting when you look at the requests that David is making in this recitation. Notice that the Psalmist is asking for God’s intervention … and not relying on his own wisdom and power. He has surrendered. He has given himself over to God. And that is what I need to do in order to live as God wants me to.

Have a great weekend. Don’t forget Bible study (a.k.a. Sunday School).

Agape’


Mr. Jim

Living for Christ

Good Morning!

Colossians 3:1-4 New International Version (NIV)
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Footnotes:
a. Colossians 3:4 Some manuscripts our

Aunt Mae was the purveyor of childcare wisdom at Grandma Ward’s. It was from Aunt Mae that I learned that children are to be seen and not heard. It was from Aunt Mae that I learned that an idle mind was the devil’s workshop. I could go on … but I think at that stage in my life, an active mind was as much the devil’s workshop as an idle mind would have been.

I would never claim to be the model child. I don’t think I would have had near as much fun had I been. I was the one who climbed up in the apple tree in July and ate myself sick on green apples. I was the one who climbed the scuppernong arbor and ate as many as I could before dinner. It was me who hit the piano key next to Aunt Mae … who would call out “Bruce” … and I would answer “yes”. There is little wonder why Bruce and I didn’t get along too well as children. I accept most of the blame – I just was being me.

But that was when I was a child. Of course, I do have somewhat of a devilish streak in me even today … though I don’t tend to carry out as much as I think. Still, I think that when I matured, I learned that some of the things I thought to be funny weren’t … and so I changed. Or, more accurately, allowed Christ to change me.

Paul entreats us to set our hearts on things above. For Paul, the heart was where affection was – where love began. I think it important to understand that one has to LOVE Christ before they can set their minds on things above. Our affection for Christ must be from the very depths of our being before we can live the life Christ would have us live. If our affection is still on ourselves – and that is where our affection usually lays – then we will not want to do those things from above. Our mindset will be on getting what we can for ourselves at the expense of everything else – even our devotion to Christ. But if we have developed a sincere love for Christ, our mindset will be on bringing honor and glory to Him – even at the expense of what we desire.

Paul tells us we have died … obviously not a literal statement in the terms of the human body – but a statement of fact in that we have laid aside the nature to sin in order to follow Christ – and now our whole purpose is (or should be) found in our devotion to Jesus Christ and the work He commissioned us to do. And, truthfully, the glory Christ receives through our devotion reflects on us.

You know, Aunt Mae cared for us … even when she was barking at us for doing wrong. I wish I could see her again to tell her that it was me … and that I was sorry. Okay … well, maybe not!


Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
The family of the Clayton County deputy sheriff who lost his life Wednesday.

It Is All About Jesus

Good Morning!

Colossians 1:15-23 New International Version (NIV)
The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[a] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Footnotes:
a. Colossians 1:21 Or minds, as shown by

Some folks feel that it doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you believe. I have to differ with that opinion. You see, Jesus alone is the Christ (Messiah, Anointed One). Paul states this plainly in the passage above. Look at what Paul states about Jesus:
- Jesus is the image of God – none of us have ever seen God for He is too glorious for our eyes to behold – but for a brief time in history, God took on the form of man in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived among us and demonstrated to us the who and what of God.
- Jesus is the firstborn over all creation – before creation was, Jesus was. As Paul states in Him all things were created.
- Jesus is the glue. He holds everything together.
- Jesus is the head of the Body – the church – the ecclesia (called out ones).
- Jesus is the first to rise from the dead and live again forever. And because He is the first, God has given Him supremacy over all.
- Jesus is the One who reconciles us to God through His shed blood.

Look at the leaders of the religions of the world. Did any die for the good of mankind? Did any promote love and peace among all men? No!

Those of us who have been called out understand that it is through the blood of Jesus that we have a new life. We know that when God looks upon us, He sees Jesus because we have been reconciled by Jesus. And it feels good…


Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
Carman Madaris
Blake Madaris

Diamonds

Good Morning!

1 John 3:1-2 New International Version (NIV)

1 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Footnotes:
a. 1 John 3:2 Or when it is made known

Yesterday morning, as I began my drive into work, I began to think about diamonds. Okay, I admit it … my mind doesn’t work like a lot of people … some might think I am a little bit crazy. But what I was thinking about was how we are developed as believers. I doubt any of us – including me – would recognize a diamond in its original shape. It would probably just look like a rock. For most of us, our contact with diamonds is limited to the finished state … where the diamond is in a setting, polished, brilliantly reflecting the ambient light around it. We don’t see the workman sifting carefully through the dirt to discover the rock and to clean it up. We don’t see the diamond cutter carefully examining the rock for faults – and again carefully applying pressure to each fault to create a facet. We don’t see the polishing or the finding of just the right setting. We see the finished product and are amazed at its beauty.

What got me thinking about diamonds? Truthfully, it was my children and their spouses and their children. I think of them everyday. I think of the ups and downs in their lives. I think of the pressures that they face daily – some made by man; some made by their own decisions; but some applied by God to develop each one in order to let the light of Jesus Christ to shine through each of them. Now, like good old John says, we don’t know what each will be because it has yet to be known, but we do know that each shall be just like Him – beautiful diamonds reflecting the Light.

Each of us is a diamond in the rough. Each of us has value. Occasionally the diamond cutter will discover a fault that runs too deeply into the rock and know that the cut will split the diamond. It doesn’t mean the diamond is worthless but that the diamond is worth less. It is still a diamond! It still has value. It still can reflect the light. I know some people who feel their sins have hopelessly damaged them from being valuable to God. How wrong they are … for God can make the smallest diamond reflect the Light of Christ and bring beauty to the world. We must remember that it is God who is the Master Workman, finding us in the dirt of this world and cleaning us up. God is the Master Cutter, seeing our faults, applying the pressure at just the right spot to create the multifaceted lives that we know. And it is God who is the Light that reflects off of those facets. We are just a diamond, reflecting Light.

Today is a good day to reflect some Light. God bless you this good morning.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

VBS Wrap Up

Good Morning!

VBS Wrap Up: 73 children attended during the week – which is a fantastic number for our church. What a joy!

One of the children in our camp was a young fellow by the name of Jorge (pronounced George). He was in the first or second grade … but what makes him special is that he has had a liver replacement. We sometimes forget that little ones are at risk … and then we meet Jorge. I remember Jorge sitting close to the front at the puppet presentations. I remember the expression on his face as the puppets came up. That alone is enough to make the week worthwhile. You see, we never know when we are entertaining angels unawares. And I think Jorge has an angel watching over him.

Our sermon this wee comes from the following passage:

Colossians 3:11-14 New International Version (NIV)

11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Riverdale Georgia is a mixture of diversity. We have Caucasians and Blacks and Asians and Hispanics – all living in the same neighborhood. Paul in his writing points out that ethnicity doesn’t really matter – Christ – and Christ alone is the important one. So, as the ones who have accepted Christ, we should have compassion for all – even those who are different from us. We should be kind to all. We should be humble and gentle and patient. We need to put up with each other … and learn how to forgive and forget. But most of all, we should learn to love one another. And when Christ is your all in all, it isn’t such a tall order.

Have a good week.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

VBS Day 4

Good Morning!

VBS Day Four:

One of the script points for Paul the porpoise with a purpose is singing the song “Tell The Good News”. Now that might sound easy – but the voice of our Paul is seventeen years old and being asked to sing a song a capella requires some courage. And both of the young men who are working with the puppet gave the song a stab. And I am proud of both.

We are down to the last day of VBS. I don’t know the number count – but I do know that there a number of children that I have never seen on campus. If I were asked for my “two cents”, I would say that the next two to three weeks are critical for making post VBS contact with the parents of the children who were in VBS and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the lessons learned from the work in the bus ministry is that we have approximately six weeks to involve the parents. Involving the parents is important if we desire to see the children come to a redeeming knowledge of Jesus Christ. (And sometimes it means the parents also come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior as well!)

Our Thursday night Bible study group got together last night. Our study is still in Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. We talked about the Lord’s Supper which is found in the eleventh chapter. Paul was scolding the church because there wasn’t true fellowship within the body. Remember, at this time, the church met daily and enjoyed a meal … supposedly together – but not really. Some folks got there early and ate the food they brought and drank too much wine. The latecomers sometimes didn’t get anything to eat – and encountered folks too drunk to participate. So when they got ready to celebrate the remembrance of our Lord, there was already dissention … making the celebration of the Lord’s Supper somewhat of a meaningless ritual. And that should not be for the Lord’s Supper (or Communion or Eucharist) commemorates what Jesus did for us in taking on human flesh; enduring the same things we endure; encountering the same temptations we encounter – but without sin; offering Himself as a sacrifice for our sin – forfeiting the human He had for you and me; and rising from the dead to give us hope of life eternal. The Lord’s Supper is not a meaningless ritual but a time to remember. And we should take our celebration seriously.

Well, I need to work some more on Eelizabeth Eel’s script. Today will be another good day in the Lord. And we come to the end of the week where God has continued to bless us. Have a great weekend.

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:

The boys and girls in the VBS at FBC Riverdale.

Anna shared last night about a coworker whose wife is undergoing heart catherization this morning but I left my notes in the car … still God knows her name and the need. So please pray!

VBS Day 3

Good Morning!

VBS Day Three:

It is still hot in Riverdale … but the VBS is progressing well. Stuart Trott and Rose Lucas really helped me out by being the voices of Jeremiah Jellyfish and Flora Flying Fish. Stuart even gave Paul the Porpoise with a Purpose a whirl.

VBS has many good memories for me. While we were at Poston Road church – has it really been ten years ago – we had some wild VBS times. We had undersea adventures and expeditions looking for Jesus. Each one brings back good thoughts. It is hard for me to think that most of the young boys and girls we taught back then are now adults … some with children of their own. I think we made a difference. I hope so.

Turning back to the praise points for the week, Heather is progressing on her relocation … and Augie will be rejoining his mom this week. The road of life can be filled with a number of pot holes … and sometimes we see the pot holes as enormous drop offs … but God remains faithful throughout our journey. We are not alone whatever occurs. God is with us one hundred percent of the time. He will never leave us or forsake us.

The other night as I lay in bed, just before sleep came, I remembered how it was Cud’n Kate who taught me how to make a cat purr. You see, Eddie Cat likes to cuddle with Mr. Jim at night. And he insists on having his ears scratched. Cud’n Kate taught me to scratch a cat’s ears over fifty years ago … and I can still recall her voice today. Cud’n Kate taught me about Jesus, too. At the time, she was already in her eighties … but patiently shared the simple message of Jesus with a young boy. We are never too old to tell people about Jesus.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

VBS Day 2

Good Morning!

VBS Day Two:

Boy, is it HOT!!!

The room we are in doesn’t get a real good flow of air conditioning … and it becomes real hot real quick. But being hot for a few hours is a small price to pay for the opportunity to share how much God loves each of the these children.

Our sessions yesterday included the Youth and the 5th and 6th grade … who responded positively to the program. I explained to both groups that I recognized that the programs were probably a little juvenile for them … but that they should look to see where they might be a part of a puppet ministry. I think one of the reasons our young people get bored with church is because they don’t see where the “fit” in ministry. We need to encourage our children to participate in sharing the Gospel of Jesus by helping them to find their niche. Will they fail? Of course! We all do at some point in our lives … the key is to keep trying. Allowing our young people to try to minister is an important step for them in growth. One cannot learn to be responsible if they are never given responsibility.

You know, one of these days, these young people will be the ones who bring the good news. God reminds us of how important sharing the good news is in Isaiah 52:

Isaiah 52:7 New International Version (NIV)

7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

One of the joys of being a believer in Jesus Christ is to be the bearer of good news. As the angel said on that night so many years ago: “I bring you good tidings of great joy…”. We carry those same good tidings to a world that doesn’t know peace and does not know of the salvation that is available. So all you beautiful foot people, let’s get cracking… sharing the good news.

Agape’


Mr. Jim

VBS Day 1

Good Morning!

VBS Day One: Controlled Chaos can always be the title to the first day of Vacation Bible School. Everybody has to be registered, find their teacher or their students; find their room; get acquainted with the schedule and begin to greet each other. But our first day went as smoothly as controlled chaos can go. I am blessed with several good helpers who pitch right in to meet every need I have. My puppeteer is a fellow by the name of Keziah. He is 17 and a rising junior at Riverdale High. He was at church at 8:30 even though our first class wasn’t until 10. I don’t know how many times I heard Pastor Jeff call out “Keziah … will you…” and Keziah went immediately to do the necessary task.

My schedule for the first day included 3rd and 4th grade; 1st and 2nd grade; and Pre-K and Kindergarteners. Our focus was Jamaica and our puppet was Jeremiah Jellyfish. I knew it was going well when the kids began to laugh at Jeremiah’s antics. I was telling the children about Paul at Cyprus, reading from the Acts account when the giggling began. Keziah was having Jeremiah mimic my reading … which tickled the kids. So I did the quick look back – and Jeremiah gave the “I’m innocent” look. We carried that on through the rest of the day.

The challenge for today is that we make the same presentation to Youth and to 5th and 6th graders. The puppets will be somewhat juvenile for these two groups … so I am going to need some real help from God to reach them. So pray hard around 9:35 to 10:30.

We will also have a new character – Flora Flying Fish – from Barbados. So there is another point of prayer. Our memory verse for our study is Psalm 107:29-30 which reads:

Psalm 107:29-30 New International Version (NIV)

29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea[a] were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.

Footnotes:
a. Psalm 107:29 Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text / their waves

So today is Day Two … and another opportunity to share Jesus with boys and girls. Pray for us…

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:

The boys and girls in the VBS at FBC Riverdale.

God Has A Plan

Good Morning!

Ellen sent me a slew of “Post It Notes” from the Nubia Group. One of them says: When you reach your wit’s end, you will find God there.” Jamie Gant, my six year old granddaughter, after comforting Aunt Heather the other night, picked up that “God has a plan”. And doesn’t He, though.

Next week I will be in VBS. I haven’t had any golf time this week as I have been busy sewing Jeremiah Jellyfish, Flora Flying Fish, Paul the Porpoise with a Purpose, and Eelizabeth Eel – all characters created to talk about missions on the islands of Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Fiji. We still have a lot to do but thus far we have (1) created the script; (2) built an adjustable puppet blind; and put together most of the puppets. I still need a reader for Friday … but am convinced that God has a plan … and will provide.

I talked with Heather this morning. She has temporary housing for two weeks but needs to find an inexpensive apartment or duplex in the Cleveland area. Augie is entering his senior year at White County High school and really, really wants to finish school there. So pray hard … and realize that God has a plan.

Miss N began receiving shots for the lingering effects of her carcinoid tumor yesterday. She wasn’t feeling very well when I got home. So she needs your prayers. God has a plan for her.

Finally, we have reached the weeks end. Although we have had some drama this week, God has shown us His power and might in protecting and providing for our every need. You don’t have to go to church to praise Him … but there might just be somebody there who needs to hear about your blessings. I know several churches that would welcome you with open arms … like Victory Baptist Church in Douglasville GA and 1st Baptist Riverdale GA and many others close to you. We are a family – related through the blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord. And every family member needs a hug once in a while.

As my mother-in-law used to say “God is good all the time – and all the time God is good”. Have a great weekend. And remember … God has a plan!

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
Barbara and Billie Jenkins especially need our prayers. These two saints of God have had health issues for several years and a life change is becoming necessary. Pray for our brother and sister at this time in their lives.

Shared Praises:
Thank you, Father, for the witness of so many who have endured the trials of life and who can testify of Your goodness and mercy.

Lessons from School

Good Morning!

I received the following in an email from Ellen Tuesday:

Christianity is now the target of persecution...


THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS! GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO READS THIS AND PASSES IT ON.




I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT A HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL CAN SEE THE PROBLEM, BUT OUR SOCIETY CANNOT.

Tennessee Football
This is a statement that was read over the PA sytem at the football game at Roane County High School , Kingston , Tennessee by school Principal, Jody McLeod

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games to say a prayer and play the National Anthem to honor God and Country."

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate life style," and if someone is offended, that's OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable! means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem...

I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology.."

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.."

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical.

Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone except GOD and HIS Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical. I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time.

" However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so.. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.

They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box!

The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."

Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee, remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion.

Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER.."






One of the evidences of our moral decline in America comes from the Atlanta Public School system. Over 75% of the schools (44 out of 56) engaged in changing answers on the CRCT. Over 2/3rds of the principals were involved in the cheating scandal. And it has been alleged that the superintendant was aware of the cheating. It leads me to pose two questions:

(1) Why would teachers and principals find it necessary to cheat on these examinations?
(2) What is the impact on the students?

To answer the first question, one has to understand two things about the CRCT – its purpose and its effect. The purpose of any test, I believe, is to gauge what a student has learned … and what the student needs to learn. Passing or failing a test is not the ultimate answer – it is a measurement. Unfortunately, the CRCT score are used to determine the effectiveness of the teacher and of the school in doing their job. And, if the scores aren’t high enough, jobs are lost or people reassigned. The tests are generic … a “one size fits all” test that on the surface seems fair until one considers that some schools are in areas where parents can be and are involved in their child’s education and others are in areas where parents cannot be as involved – for many reasons such as the need to work several jobs just to survive. And if you are a teacher or administrator in one of the areas where parental involvement is limited, your future may be negatively impacted. So the temptation is there to “assist” your students in making a passing mark. Now this is not to justify their actions … it is to point to why one might be led to participate in the cheating. Self-preservation is a part of the human nature we are born with … and facing the loss of a job AND a mark against one’s record is often more than enough incentive. HOWEVER – my mind returns to the Proverb that says:

Proverbs 22:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
2 Rich and poor have this in common:
The LORD is the Maker of them all.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

The second question concerns the impact on the students. You see, the whole purpose of our education system is to prepare our young people to be able to provide for themselves and their families when they reach maturity. When we fail in this process, we relegate our children to having to rely on public assistance for their entire lifetime. The challenge to our educators is to adapt the teaching methods to the culture and environment of the student so that the student learns how to learn and develops a desire to learn. The challenge to all of us is to encourage our young people to study hard, to ask questions, to seek to achieve, and to grow. And, yes, even us old geezers have a responsibility to do this. Our “children”, whether blood kin or not, are a heritage from the Lord. Let’s be good stewards of what He has given us.

Let’s use the lesson of the Atlanta Public Schools debacle to relearn the need for ethical and moral behavior that honors God and man. Let the pattern of our lives be such that our children can honorably emulate us.

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
Heather for a new place to live in the White County area.
Margaret Brewer as she recovers from abdominal surgery.
Miss N as she begins her shots today.

Shared Praises:
Thank you, Father, for doctors who diagnose our health problems and treat us.

God's Rich Blessings

Good Morning!

Some times it is hard to know how to say thanks to God … but I am going to try – though my keyboard may short out from the moisture that is landing on it.

As many of you know, I typically write the Good Morning message the night before … usually around nine o’clock in the evening. But last night at nine o’clock I was on the road back from Clarkesville. You see, around three o’clock, a bolt of lightening set Heather’s duplex on fire. Austin was asleep – he’s a teenager with weird sleeping habits – at the time and was awakened by the firemen coming into his room telling him to get out. Austin’s first thought was for his beloved Stubby cat and for Lex who had just come to live with them that day. All got out of the home safely … but the duplex will have to be rebuilt. So at 5 o’clock, Mawmaw and I got a call from son Jim.

Heather has had a tough time of it over the past five years. Right now she is battling back pain, tachycardia, and very high blood pressure. When I asked her how she was doing, she began to weep … hard for a Dad to see his baby weep. The best I could do was give her a good hug and tell her that this, too, shall pass. Riding home, I couldn’t help but think not only of how much she has been through in this life – and yet, how blessed she has been in the process. Miss N remarked that she didn’t know what God had in store for Heather … but that it must be good. So now it is just past ten and I am winding down from making a two hour trip in an hour and a half and a two hour return trip through driving rain … and need to just count some blessings.

Blessing 1 – Austin is safe.
Blessing 2 – So are the cats.
Blessing 3 – Heather has a good brother and sister-in-law who come to her aid whenever she calls.
Blessing 4 – Heather has a place to stay for the evening.
Blessing 5 – Mawmaw and I made it to and from Clarkesville GA, lickety split and safe.
Blessing 6 – Austin is here with us
Blessing 7 – I have you good friends to pray for Heather.

I could go on … but suffice it to say, that God is good and God is in control and we are blessed by Him continually. So thank you, Father, for all of your blessings on me.

Ephesians 1:3-6 New International Version (NIV)
Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[a] predestined us for adoption to sonship[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Footnotes:
a. Ephesians 1:5 Or sight in love. He
b. Ephesians 1:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.


Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
Heather
Margaret Brewer

Shared Praises:
Thank you, Father, for firemen who break down doors and awaken sleeping grandchildren – and who also rescue those animals who are so precious to us.

Blessed Is The Nation...

Good Morning!

Psalm 33:12-15 New International Version (NIV)

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.
13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;
14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth—
15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

Mrs. Lyle was my fourth grade teacher at Fernbank Elementary School in Decatur Georgia. The school still stands – right across from the Fernbank Science Center. By the way, the Science Center is really a fun half-day trip. Several years ago I took Heather’s three boys and a friend to take the forty-five minute tour and to see the show at the planetarium (a very inexpensive show). We then went to the village at Emory and had pizza at Everybody’s Pizza in the village. Anyway, I digress … Mrs. Lyle’s husband was a seminary student at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur – so she always opened class with a Bible reading and prayer … as well as the pledge to the flag. I don’t know if the pledge is recited nowadays but we always did when I was in school. And, yes, we were able to read the Bible and to pray … which kind of dates me. I wish all students today could have a “Miss Lyle” in their lives. I don’t think it is for a lack of dedicated teachers … just laws that restrict us.

I was reading the other day that a town in Oregon has voted to not open their council meetings with the pledge to the flag. At least one of the council members stated that she owed her allegiance to the world. How sad. I remember the story about a man without a country – the Classics Illustrated version for all who were the same fantastic students like me. While I am concerned about the world, my allegiance belongs first to God and then to my country.

I am one of the many who believe that our society began to decline when we allowed a few to have their way and take God out of the classroom. We then had to take God out of the courtroom. And soon the call was to take God off of City Hall. Now the call is restrict God to the confines of the church house … mention of His name cause confusion to some.

This should not be! The men who founded our nation believed in God and in His direction for our nation. And for over two hundred years we have been blessed with the brightest and best … but can we still make that claim? I believe that for America to flourish we must return to the principles of God … for blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.


Agape’


Mr. Jim

Free

07/04/2011

Good Morning! And Happy Fourth of July!!!

We celebrate the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence today. Actually, on this date 235 years ago, only two people signed the Declaration of Independence – John Hancock as President of the Continental Congress and Charles Thomson as Secretary of the same Congress. The document was then sent to a printer to have 500 copies printed and delivered to the members of Congress and to King George III in England. Why they printed 500 copies is a mystery … as are most expenditures by Congress. I guess it was a harbinger of the waste we see in government today.

The actual signing of the document took place on August 2, 1776. Nevertheless, we celebrate our “freedom” today.

But are we really free? Here are some things Jesus said about freedom:

John 8:31-47 New International Version (NIV)
Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.[a]”
39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered.
“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would[b] do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.”
“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

Footnotes:
a. John 8:38 Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.
b. John 8:39 Some early manuscripts “If you are Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then

True freedom comes when we are freed from the curse of sin. Until that time we are enslaved by the evil desires that sin creates in our lives. In this encounter, Jesus was talking with Jews who BELIEVED in Him … not to the Pharisees. Why did Jesus bring this confrontation on? Because the Jews who believed in Him also believed that their salvation lay in their being a descendant of Abraham. In short, they had a cognitive belief rather than a complete belief. They believed that Jesus was a prophet or perhaps even the long awaited Messiah … but their trust was still in their bloodline.

Unfortunately, there are many who profess to believe in Jesus today who have a cognitive belief and not the trust that leads to salvation. Many know ABOUT Christ Jesus but do not really KNOW Him as Lord and Savior. And thus they remain enslaved to sin. True freedom comes when a person realizes that he or she is a sinner and incapable of redeeming themselves and cries out to Jesus to save them.

Wouldn’t it be a true Independence Day if someone did that today?

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:

My friend, Tom Futch asks for prayer as he has been suffering from heat exhaustion.

Also, Gina Moore asks that we remember the Crosswalk Ministry as it is on tour.

She also asks that we pray hard for Karissa this month as she is scheduled for parole. You have been praying for her and her family for many months … and I am ready to post a praise … aren’t you?

What Is Man ...

Good Morning!

Psalm 8 English Standard Version (ESV)
How Majestic Is Your Name
To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.[a] A Psalm of David.
1O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.
3When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
5Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings[b]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
9O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Footnotes:
a. Psalm 8:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
b. Psalm 8:5 Or than God; Septuagint than the angels

The above is one of my favorite Psalms. It tells me of a heavenly Father who CHOOSES to place His handiwork in our hands – because He loves us. We certainly do not have any right to claim authority over His creation … but He has given us dominion over it all. Now I could climb up on my environmentalist soapbox … but you don’t need that this morning. What you do need is to know that God considers you worthy to handle His creation. And knowing that fact, I am certain that you will respond responsibly.

I was thinking about an old song as I was driving into work yesterday … especially the second verse that goes like this:

We will just begin to sing loves sweet story
Oh it's a song that even the angel can not sing
I'm redeemed by the blood of my Savior
And ten thousand years or more I'll praise His name

We may be made “a little lower than the angels” but only we can sing of God’s redemptive work in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Have a happy weekend.

Agape’


Mr. Jim