Living Life One Day At A Time

Being raised in church, I have read the Creation Story hundreds of times.  However, about a week and a half ago, it was part of our SS lesson, so it was time to read it again:

The Beginning

About 6 months ago, I decided I was tired of having a tire around my waist.  So, I started using the “myfitnesspal.com” app as a tool to help me lose weight.  It worked.  I ate smaller portions(notice I didn’t say healthier) and started exercising on a regular basis.  Over time I was able to lose 21 pounds.  For the most part I’ve been able to keep the weight off.  Every now and then I’ll gain a pound or two and then lose it again a day later.  

I did well until about two weeks ago.  Around that time, I quit entering all the stuff I ate on my app.  I started eating dessert for EVERY evening meal.  I also quit exercising as regularly as I had been.  Needless to say, I gained some of that weight back.  Just a couple of pounds, but for the first time since I lost the weight, I didn’t lose it the day after.  I started noticing when I got dressed on a daily basis that the clothes were tighter than they were a few months ago.  It caught me off guard.  I hadn’t really noticed the effect being lazy had on the progress I had achieved.

Over the last several weeks, work has been real busy.  Church has kept me real busy.  Sunday School; Worship Service; Sunday Night; Saturday Morning Bible Study; etc.  

Over the past several weeks, the routine of having a personal quiet time with God each morning; a personal prayer time on Sunday mornings; devotions with my wife several times a week was “explained away” with legitimate reasons.  Tired; busy; need to study; no time; etc. were all reasons I knew God “understood” not taking the time to spend with Him.  As long as I was “busy” doing some work for Him, that was all I needed.  You would think by now, I would have learned this lesson.  Apparently not.

I found myself with a shorter temper with my wife; a shorter temper at work; constant exhaustion; less time preparing for SS; less time preparing for Men’s Bible Study and becoming an all around backsliding Christian.  I woke up one day and realized that I had become lazy in time spent with Him.  I realized I wasn’t living a life pleasing to Christ.  This didn’t happen overnight.  It happened because over time I began to be undisciplined.  I began to “gain weight” and live an unhealthy spiritual lifestyle.  

I realized I can’t control my attitude; temper;  etc. with my own strength.   I have to have God’s direction.  I have to follow His leadership.  I have to make Him first in ALL areas of my life.  That means I HAVE to spend time with Him.  I need a quiet time; I need a time of prayer; I need a time of devotions with my wife.  

Is having a quiet time really necessary for you?  I can’t answer that for you.  I would challenge you to ask God and see what He says.  For me?  It most definitely is necessary!  I can’t live this life on my own.  I need His strength; guidance; wisdom and love.  I only find that when I seek Him on a regular basis.

So, I’m back on the Spiritual Exercise Trail.  And on the Physical Exercise Trail.  After all; “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  

I Timothy 4:8

Tonight I went to dinner with my wife.  We went to Dixie Cafe.  Yes, give me a hard time.  What can I say.  We had a coupon and we love home cooked food.  The food was pretty good.  Too much food, but pretty good.  The “light dish” is still too much.

But, that’s not the topic tonight.  If you know me, you know I’m a people watcher.  You can learn a lot from watching people.  Some things you are sorry you saw and sorry you learned, but not tonight.  There was 3 couples sitting across the room from us.  They caught my attention because one of the men had that kind of voice that carries across the room.  He was making jokes and everyone was laughing.  You could tell they were just enjoying themselves.  The waitress was enjoying talking to them as well.

When the waitress brought them their check, the man handed her a small booklet, and asked her to read it when she got the chance.  He asked her if she had ever seen the end zone of a football game when someone raises a sign with “John 3:16” on the sign.  She stated she had.  He then told her that John 3:16 was a verse about someone’s love for us and she could read it in the booklet he had just given her.  She told him she knew about the verse, and that she was a Christian.  They had another two minute conversation that I couldn’t hear, and she kept the booklet and told him she’d read it.  

During this time, a man in military uniform came in with his daughter to sit down.  As the man who had witnessed was leaving, his wife handed a booklet to the young man cleaning their table and asked him to read it when he got the chance.  The man went over to the serviceman; patted him on the back and then thanked him for his service.  Then as the group was leaving, the man went to the waitress and asked her if the serviceman had ordered yet.  The waitress stated “no”.  The man waited until he had ordered and then told the waitress to give him the check.  The waitress rang the meal up.  The man didn’t tell the serviceman.

As Arlyn and I were leaving, I walked up to the man and thanked him for being a challenge to me and witnessing to the waitress and the guy cleaning their table and for being a blessing to someone serving our country.  He introduced himself as George Anderson.  

As I watched this whole scene unfold before us, I was convicted.  Why don’t I do that?  Why aren’t I a better witness?  Why do we sit idly by and not share the gospel?  Why aren’t we willing to bless someone anonymously.  Aren’t all those things pleasing to God?  Isn’t that what God requires of us?  Aren’t we supposed to be Ambassadors for Christ?

Sometimes we’re too scared; sometimes we’re too busy; sometimes we don’t care; sometimes we don’t know what to say; sometimes we’re lazy; sometimes we’re afraid of offending; etc.  The list could continue.  You could add to the list of why you or others don’t witness. 

So, thank you George Anderson, for reminding me to do a better job of being a witness to those around me.  I wonder if the waitress at IHOP that we have had 3 weeks in a row now for Men’s Bible Study knows Christ?  Maybe it’s time I asked her and invited her to church.   Maybe it’s time for me to be a blessing to someone in uniform or just someone who needs a blessing.   It shouldn’t be about making a statement; or making sure someone knows what I did.  It’s just about being Christlike and being an Ambassador for Him.

I know I rambled a lot ; but ask yourself this question:

Why don’t you witness?  Consider starting … it’s what a Christian should do …

Last night on the way home, I needed to stop by Mardel or Lifeway to get “Humility” by CJ Mahoney for our Men’s Bible Study.  Mardel was closer so I whipped into there.   The guy was very friendly(Mardel and Lifeway always are) and asked if he could help me.  I told him the book I was looking for and he called someone to the “Book Table” to help me. As I walked away from the front of the store to the “Book Table” I saw a lady with a shopping cart FULL of mdse headed to the cash register.  You can see the writing on the wall can’t you?  I should have left right then and there.

However, I walked back to the “Book Table” in spite of my misgivings.  The guy in the Book Section was also very friendly and helpful.  He looked up my book.  They only had one left.  Thank goodness it was on the shelf.  By this time I had forgotten about Shopping Cart Lady.  Once I got up to the Cash Register though; THERE SHE WAS.  The salesperson was PAINSTAKINGLY ringing item by item up for her.  Of course, they were all clearance items so he had to press extra keys to price override each individual little piece.  

Throughout the transaction, he kept making mistakes; ringing the wrong price; counting wrong the qty of each item; etc.  At one time he rang something for $400 which they both got a laugh out of and it took some time for him to correct the mistake.  Then at the end the total was $112.49.  The customer automatically doubted that was correct.  Surely not.  He agreed.  So they went over item by item on the receipt and sure enough … it was correct!  It’s just amazing I guess when you buy so many little things, that it still adds up … ha ha ha ….

You know me so you know what I’m thinking the whole time.  I work in retail.  You don’t do this to your clients.  You apologize to the people that are waiting on you; you are polite but you hurry with the current customer you have; you call someone to help you!  What a concept … Call Someone To Help Take Care Of The Other Customers!  As my frustration mounts a variety of emotions/thoughts run through my head:  “Put the book down and leave”  “Ask the guy to call someone else”  “Tell the guy to call someone else”  “Go find someone else to ring me up”  “Ask for the mgr”

Just about the time I get ready to do any of those I just listed, this nagging thought comes into play:  You’re at a Christian Book Store; the lady in front of you is probably a Christian and the guy ringing her up is a Christian.  You don’t want to make a scene in front of a bunch of Christians.  You’re a Christian … just be patient.  So, I stay there and seethe the whole time because I’m around Christians.

It got me to thinking.  We’re always like that.  We always act our best around Christians.  We never let anyone see us lose our temper; we’re always politically correct(Christian Style); we don’t yell at someone; etc.  If a Christian is in the car with us; we don’t yell at the man who just cut us off; we just smile and say: “don’t you love Arkansas Drivers?”

Yet, when it comes to being around Non-Christians, we act however we want; whenever we want; we say what we want; etc.  We don’t have to put up a front for them.  They don’t know we’re Christians, so we can say; do; think; act however we want.  

Don’t we have it backwards?  Shouldn’t I be more concerned about the impression I leave with the unsaved instead of just the saved?  Doesn’t God have me here to be a witness to the unsaved world around me?  How can I be a witness to them if all I ever do is act like them; sound like them; etc?  Shouldn’t I stand out from them?  Shouldn’t they “take note that I’ve been with Jesus?”

So, the next time I get frustrated with someone at the store; gas station; work; neighborhood; etc, and I get frustrated a lot … remember … I work in retail.  I need to remember I represent Christ.  I am His Ambassador.  I need to act like His Ambassador.  Leave the petty stuff out of my life.  There’s no need for it and no room for it; if I let Christ fill my life and my heart.

Be Nice To More Than Just Christians …

P.S.  When I told my wife this story, she said it’s ironic that I was buying a book on Humility at the time …

Irony, huh?  Whatever …

This past Sunday I was sitting in my normal section(like a good Baptist) waiting for the service to begin.  As I sat there waiting, Kristie Hawkins entered along with their two sons Caleb and Will.  They all said hi to me and took there seats.  After a few minutes Will turned around and started with this question:  “Why are you here?”  I looked at him, smiled and said:  “Well, I’m here to sing and worship God and listen to God’s message from Bro. Jeff.”  Then I asked him: “Why are you here?”  He thought for a moment and then said:  “the same.”  With that he turned around.

That thought permeated my mind that morning and has continued ever since.  Why do we go to church?  Here are some reasons I have thought of the past several days in no particular order:

-We’re desperate and looking for answers

-We’re supposed to

-We always have

-Our parents go

-Our friends go

-To find a spouse

-To find a girlfriend/boyfriend

-To find answers

-To find out the latest gossip

-To tell the latest gossip

-To sing in front of others

-To teach/preach in front of others

-So our children get good teaching and will turn out ok, because it’s too late for us

-To keep friends/family from breathing down our neck about being in church

-To worship God

-To get things right with God

-To learn about God

-To gain a better understanding of God’s will for my life and draw closer to Him

These are just a few of the reasons I thought of the past several days.  It is by no means an exhaustive list.  If we were to take a poll in churches across America about why they are in church, we would get a massive amount of different answers.  I wonder how many of those answers would be pleasing to God?

I can’t help but remember the song “Heart of Worship”.    I wonder if every Sunday, God’s Angels don’t gather around the throne excited about seeing God’s people come to God’s House and worship, glorify and honor Him along with them.  Only to be disappointed when they see how many of us sit in church and go through routine after routine of worshipping, singing, praying, taking notes, etc.

I don’t want to be the Christian that comes to church out of routine.  I don’t want to be the Christian that worships out of routine.  I don’t want to be the Christian who sings out of routine.  I want to be the Christian who meets with God every single time he walks into the House of God.  I want to have a heart that hungers for a close relationship with Him.  I want to be in church to Know Him more.

The next time you are in church, ask yourself:  “Why Am I Here?”  And be honest with your answer …

This past week, I’ve had to be at the airport a little earlier than normal.  This has allowed me the opportunity to see some beautiful sunrises.  God is such an amazing Artist!  To see the beauty He creates in sunsets and sunrises; in animals; in plants; in trees; etc, sometimes just overwhelms me.

In our Sunday School class, we have started a series called The Gospel Project.  The first 2 weeks, we have discussed how God can be seen in every aspect of creation.  His presence can be seen; His power can be seen; His Love for mankind can be seen.  Everything about the universe we live in Screams THERE IS A GOD!

However, the world doesn’t really seem to believe God exists.  They may have some “idea” of who He is.  They may think He makes a great story; was a great man; is just like any other god or that He is a fairy tale.  Either way; the view of God is almost non-existent today.  The world wants God pulled out of the government completely.  The world wants any mention of God completely erased.  The world doesn’t want anyone educated about the things of God.  The world would just as soon ignore His existence.  The world defies us to show proof God exists.  

When tragedies happen like 9/11; or like what is going on in the U.S. Embassy’s around the world; or just daily heartaches people go through; the existence of God comes into question.  The world asks; “why would a loving God allow that to happen?”  It’s a valid question.  They don’t know God, so they have yet to learn of His love as David explains in Psalm 19:

We had 2 couples from SS over last night for Dutch Blitz and UNO.  The whole point of having someone over who has never played Dutch Blitz is to win.  Unfortunately for us, we got thrashed to the ground by a former “Blitzer” who picked right back up where she left off several yrs ago.  But, that’s not what this blog is about.  

Sunday afternoon what do you think we did in preparation for our company?  Yes, that’s right … we cleaned the house.  No, our house isn’t dirty and yes, my wife knows I’m writing about this(I asked permission).  However, it doesn’t matter how clean you keep a house, when you’re having guests over, you have to go back over and clean everything again.  It’s just a “rule”.  You want your friends to see your house at its’ best.  

I chose the bathrooms.  Yes, you heard right, I “chose.”  I’ll clean bathrooms and vacuum & mop floors all day long.  I just HATE to dust.  Dusting is useless in my opinion.   You dust and then 15 minutes later, dust in the air has settled down on top of the furniture again.  Thankfully for me, my wife loves to dust.  What a blessing!  So, she dusts and cleans the kitchen.  While I do the bathrooms and vacuum.

When you’re vacuuming and cleaning bathrooms, you have plenty of time to think.  The process we were going through reminded me of our Christian life.  We put our Christian walk on “cruise control” during the week and then Sunday morning(some are diligent enough to start Saturday night) we start “cleaning out our heart” in preparation for the time of worship; the sermon and the time of Sunday School.  We make sure we have devotions Sunday morning.  We have the “spirit channel”(Direct TV channel 826) playing the whole time.  Some of us have Charles Stanley preaching to us while we get ready.  We get all of our “sin forgiven” for the past week and do our best to focus on what God has for us that day.  Maybe the struggles are still going on in the car on the way to church(arguments over where to eat for lunch).  But as soon as we park the car and get out, the “Christian Face” is placed on and everything is going well for us until back in the car and on the way home again.  

Once Sunday is over, and we start the work week; school week; etc. the cleanliness of our heart isn’t a priority.  It’s not imperative that we have a quiet time.  It’s not important that we honor God in all aspects of our work.  It’s not relevant that we be a witness to those around us. Why isn’t it important?  Because we won’t be worshiping God until next Sunday.  As long as we aren’t going to invite Him to speak to us until then, we can keep our Heart “dusty.”  

Maybe we should quit worrying about “cleaning our heart” for Sunday worship.  Maybe we should focus on having that “clean heart relationship” with God on a daily basis.  I wonder what would happen if we kept our Heart clean?  I wonder what would happen if we had a daily quiet time continually?  I wonder what would happen if we honored Him in ALL aspects of work?  I wonder what would happen if we were a witness to everyone God brought into our path?  I can’t answer that question, because I haven’t got that far yet.  I’m still worried about focusing on Sunday cleaning.

How clean is your heart?

Several weeks ago at a Men’s Conference, Steve Farrar challenged us as Men to meet together with a small group of guys on a weekly basis for the next 6 weeks.  I don’t know how many of the almost 1,000 men in attendance signed up for one, but I know that being the “good Christian man” I did my duty and signed up(Hopefully you noticed the sarcasm).  

Our very first one was held at Chick Fil A on a Saturday afternoon.  Look, if you want men to meet, you have to have food around or we’ll lose interest.  As we prayed over our meal and began to eat, a couple turned around and engaged us in conversation.  The wife asked if we were Christians and we stated yes.  Then the husband asked if we were having a Men’s Bible Study.  We again stated yes.  Come to find out, they are starting a church in Hot Springs, AR.  He stated to us:  “You don’t find many men who meet together.  Women have Bible Studies all the time.  However, men very rarely meet for any length of time.”  I know he’s right, but I didn’t think much about his comment at the time.

That was 3 wks ago.  So far, we have met three Saturday’s in a row.  I’m so thankful to Paul, Brant, Eric and Matt for the friendships we are building; the things we are learning; and the accountability we are creating.   I find myself studying more so I am prepared to discuss the Word with them.   As men, we don’t like to come in last in ANYTHING … even Bible Study comments.  I send and receive texts/emails from them on a weekly basis with words of encouragement or prayer requests, or more importantly, comments regarding football.

Why don’t we as men meet more?  Why don’t we have Bible Studies?  When they are available, why don’t we attend?  If we had a weekly meeting discussing OU football we would have no problem filling a house no matter what the time.  Okay, I know I’m one of very few OU fans in Little Rock.  However, if we had a meeting discussing Arkansas football or Bama football, or SEC football in general, all kinds of men would appear.  But for us to attend Bible Studies?  That would imply we need help.  That would imply we are not sure the next step to take.  That would imply we need God to direct us.  That would imply we can’t be in charge.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … I struggle with God being in charge.  I like to make the decisions; have the plans laid out; point to the direction I’m heading and then ask God to bless it all.  It’s hard for me to step back, listen to God and follow Him.  But, I’m learning that if I want to accomplish anything for God, I have to let Him lead me and I have to follow.  Only then, can He get the glory.  Only then, can He get the honor.  

So, yes, I need a Bible Study.  I need a group of men as friends to hold me accountable.  I don’t know what the plan is after this 6 week Bible Study.  But, I’m so thankful for the impact it and the men have already had.  

And in honor of it being the first day of College Football:

Boomer Sooner!

I traveled commercial the past couple of weeks(yes, I know I’m spoiled).  Have you ever flown Southwest Airlines?  You check in, but don’t get a seat assignment.  You get a lane assignment and a number.  I was fortunate all but 1 time to be in the “A” group.  Then you have a number from 1-60.  That is the order in which you line up.  Once you get onto the plane, the window and aisle seats are taken first.  Then the fun begins.

I’m a people watcher.  Have you ever watched people load the plane on a Southwest Flight?  The ladies(young and old alike) all look for other ladies to sit next to or older men.  They know that they’ll be “safe” that way.  The young guys all look for the lady that is attractive to them.  The older guys could care less.  They just sit anywhere. They’ll start-up a conversation with anyone.  It’s funny to watch the people’s faces as they go down the aisle looking around; knowing the aisle and window seats are gone; looking for that friendly face or the face that will ignore them.  They make quick judgements based on a look; a wardrobe; a culture; and yes a race of who they sit next to.

Last night, we got on the plane only to have to de-plane(don’t ever fly commercial with me).  When it was time to re-board, we were on the “honor system.”  So, we lined up again and boarded again.  This time several people switched seats.  Again, the looks people gave of relief; apprehension; nervousness; trying to find a seat was entertaining.

But, as I watched the scene unfold before me, I couldn’t help but think of witnessing to those around us.  You have young people who are freshly saved and excited about Christ.  They don’t care what you think.  They’re going to share the Gospel with you.  They actually think it’s cool if you look at them weird.  Older people don’t care, because they’ll talk to everyone.   They have the security of a long life under their belts.  They don’t care what you think.  They’ll just tell you about their life and about their God.

My generation, however, still has misgivings about witnessing.  We don’t want to offend people.  We don’t want to anger people.  We don’t want people to dislike us.  We also make judgements.  Just like people boarding a plane make quick judgements about why not to sit next to that person or why to sit next to that person.  We determine by age; race; culture; dress; etc. who we will witness to and who we will ignore.  Or, we determine it isn’t “politically correct” to be a witness.

How about this?  What if we lived each day to the best of our ability to please God?  What if we asked Him for an opportunity to share “His Story” with someone?  What if we just asked for the strength to include God in ALL areas of our conversation each day?  Then when/if God brought the opportunity to be a witness, we stepped in and was the “Ambassador” Christ called us to be.  Somehow I believe as we did this, it would get easier and more comfortable talking of the things of Christ.  Then we would be like the older guy who doesn’t care who he sits next to.  His Saviour died for him; loves him and he wants to tell everyone.

I’m not there yet … but that’s where I desire to be …

We all have weaknesses.  I have a lot of weaknesses.  Do you have that one weakness that seems to reappear over and over and over again?  I do.  That weakness is Pride.  Just when I seem to “have it all under control” it arises again.  I would love to blame it on the Devil.  However, the truth is my sin nature enjoys being prideful.

Just yesterday, my wife told me that 2 of the wives in our SS class were going to be helping teach in the Children’s ministry and wouldn’t be in our class anymore.  I am genuinely happy and excited for them.  However, pride reared its’ head and I said to myself:  “We have a small class as it is.  Can’t God call someone else to serve?”  Then I felt guilty and moved on.

Then this morning at church, another couple told me(full of excitement) that they were also going to be helping in the Children’s ministry.  I told them I was very excited for them and would be praying for them in their new venture for Christ.  Those same prideful thoughts came back again.  “Seriously, God?  We just started this class; started making connections; started building relationships and you want to take away everything that has been accomplished?”

During prayer requests one of our members got up and shared how much this class has meant to him.  He told us that this class has met a need for him and his wife and filled a gap in their lives.  He told us attending church had always been difficult but that this class meant everything to them.

Yep … that shut me up.  I’m sorry God.  God reminded me it doesn’t matter the size of our class; who attends and who doesn’t; who is involved somewhere else and who isn’t.  What matters is that we build connections and relationships with those God brings into the class.  What matters is that we pray for one another and help each other in any way we can.

I don’t know if you struggle with pride.  If you do, just remember that God is in control and has a plan.  He doesn’t have to reveal the plan to us.  He will do it according to His time frame.  Our responsibility is to be available when God needs us to build a relationship and establish a connection.  Numbers don’t matter to Him.  Hearts are all that matter.

This is my first attempt at any type of Blog.  Therefore I don’t promise any cool stories; great knowledge; or powerful life changing testimonies.  I just promise to say what I’m thinking.

About 4 wks ago, I purchased my “ticket” to the Men’s Conference with Steve Farrar at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.  I was told to wear this to get in to the conference.  I was also asked to wear it until the conference was over.

I don’t have time to put everything down that God taught me last night and again this morning. I can tell you that I heard from God.  No, He didn’t sit down beside me.  He didn’t ride in my car with me.  No I didn’t see Him visibly.  But He spoke to me.

He reminded me that He is in control of this universe.  That He places His choice in leadership positions.  That no matter how much this world worsens, I am to TRUST Him because He Is In Control.  I like to be in control.  I like to make the decisions.  If I’m going to “let” God be in control, He needs to give me a “heads up” on what His plans are for me and my family.  That kind of attitude has gotten me nowhere fast.  So, last night, I told Him; You are in control; Not Me; I trust You and I’ll follow you.

Today, He reminded me that my past doesn’t matter to Him.  Sure, there are continual consequences.  But, the mistakes I’ve made, He’s forgiven me.  I can’t dwell on them anymore.  I need to focus on living my life for Him.  I need to focus on being the right kind of husband to the Amazing Wife He has given me.  I need to be a Man for Him.

So, today, after the conference, I put my bracelet on my dresser.  This evening, my wife and I went out to eat dinner and see a movie.  For the first time in 3-4 wks, I didn’t know if I should wear my bracelet.  I have gotten used to having it on.  So, that was the decision in front of me.  

I put it on.  For how long, I don’t know.  But it’s a reminder to me of my promises to God last night and again this morning.  It’s a reminder that He is in control.  That I need to Trust Him.  That I need to focus ALL of my energy on being a Man of God and a leader of my family.  I have agreed to be a part of a Men’s Bible Study for the next 6 wks.  That will also help me be accountable.  

But, for tomorrow and next week; the bracelet stays on.  Thank You God, for using Steve Farrar to re-adjust my focus ….

Now, it’s up to me to “continue in the things I’ve learned” …