Archive for March, 2009
Posted on March 26, 2009 - by admin
Happy Birthday Debbie!
Posted on March 17, 2009 - by admin
I gave IN to the temptation…
She was like an angel coming toward me, even her eyes were smiling. Her soft voice, her enthusiastic walk, her confidence…it was just too much! She said her name was Sophia, (meaning wisdom). Here’s how it all led up.
It was last month, February, the love month, and I was away for two days. I and three friends went for dinner at S.K.O.B (Siesta Key Oyster Bar). I passed through the deck where I asked to be seated, the live band played southern rock, the stars were bright, the warm salt breeze from the ocean made the atmosphere perfect.
Every table was enjoying raw oysters. I gave them up years ago. It was John Stossel of ABC’s 20/20 that put me on the wagon. He told stories of people becoming vegetables or dying. I wanted to see my kids grow up, so I quit.
I looked at the menu and planned to order the grouper sandwhich, and then it happened. Sophia appeared. My friends ordered and then she asked me. I stared into her eyes and tried to say “grouper”, but it came out, “two dozen raw oysters.” (Who said that? I was overtaken!)
In a matter of minutes I was off the wagon. My friends had never tasted oysters before so the temptation got them too! I tempted them, they tasted, and then they were ordering their own.
Funny how temptation is. So many things contribute to it. I like it when I’m tempted to do good things like make that call, write that note, encourage or pray for that person, give generously, ect. Those are the moments.
I picked up the tab when we were leaving. I could see that one of my friends was tempted to do it, but he was able to resist.
What I learned is what I once heard a preacher say, “Temptation is all around us.” He was right, but some temptations may lead to pearls or other good things, so be alert.
Posted on March 5, 2009 - by admin
Ministry…
Ministry takes many forms. Here’s a glimpse of it in my life just yesterday. After exercising, I spent time praying and preparing for weekend messages, returning calls, responding to letters, emails, reviewing reports of our ministry departments, trying to solve problems (they always re-surface, so I must be bad here), deciding what to preach at other places, etc.
Then gathered our staff for a time to remember Becky. (Our Preschool director who passed away this week). We listened to each other describe memories of her through tears and sometimes laughter, read scripture and had a time of prayer together. Our staff, so busy as a “pastor” to others, needed a pastor today.
From there, I met with a nice young man who is searching for God. He’s so close to that act of faith and so genuine in his search.
Then did a conference call with a book publisher about another project. Heard from a pastor using our book, “Pray for Your Pastor” as he begins a prayer partner ministry in his church.
Posted on March 2, 2009 - by admin
A Tribute to Becky McChesney
Our hearts are grieving over the loss of Mrs. Becky McChesney, our preschool director of almost 10 years. Becky suddenly went to be with our LORD yesterday. Upon leaving church, her car slid off an icy road, and though she appeared to be un-injured, she passed away in her husband’s arms a short while later.
Mrs. Becky was the “Wonder Woman” of our preschool department. Her loving heart was big enough to touch thousands of children over the years, and she remembered each one of them with affection. I never recall an assignment that she was asked to do that she didn’t do with all out excellence.
I remember well the first time I met she and Reid as they were praying about moving from Colorado to Georgia for this ministry. They struck me that day as authentic, humble, and loving and after all these years, I attest that my first impression still describes them accurately. Our loss is heaven’s gain.
Please keep her husband, Reid, and their four children, Luke and his wife and daughter, along with Aaron, Grant, and Danielle in your prayers during this time. I’m certain when Becky entered the gates of heaven she heard welcoming words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And down here, though we grieve, those words are certainly fitting for our Mrs. Becky.