It Happened in the Pond Today

Today was a beautiful fall morning.  The air was crisp and new with just a hint of wind stirring the tree tops.  The warmth from the bright sun was like a blanket over our bodies.  The silence of the country was hypnotizing as the acorns one after another dropped to the ground each time the breeze gently whispered.  Birds joyfully chirped as they flew back and forth among the trees.  My family and I inhaled the beauty and awesomeness of God as we gathered outside for a morning devotional.  We like to take a break ever so often and show our children that you can worship God anywhere and one of our favorite spots is out in the wide open. We discussed with our children the necessity of knowing God and walking with Him in a conscious relationship.

A story that illustrates the importance of following God is the familiar story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4).  A story of two men who came from the same parents, lived in the same environment, and experienced the same teaching.  However, Cain chose to ignore God and went about things his own way.  He did not appreciate what God had given him nor did he seek a relationship with God.  This resulted in descendants that lived outside of God.  Abel, on the other hand chose to trust God and follow His ways.  Although Abel did not leave any descendants, God gave Adam and Eve another son, named Seth, whose descendants counted as Abel's seed (Genesis 4:25).  It was through this line of descendants that Jesus Christ was born. 

As we shared with our children, the nearness of the Lord was ever so present and overwhelming in everything that surrounded us.  I have grown on this ranch as a wife and momma that loves the Lord more today than I did as a new bride.  The beauty and peacefulness have allowed me to walk with God and cultivate my relationship with Him to the point that I feel His presence each time I seek him.  The ranch has been in my husband’s family for three generations.  His grandfather was a good man, hard worker, but he chose to live outside of God’s presence.  Unfortunately, all his descendants have followed in his footsteps.  My husband, by the grace of God, was the first descendant to break the line and follow God.

As we concluded our family devotion, I told my family that I wanted to go down to the pond and recommit my life to God.  Before God and our children, my husband took my confession and baptized me.   Yes, I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God, that he died on the cross and rescued me from Satan, and when Jesus arose from the dead, He crushed Satan.  I now, because of my belief and confession of sins, belong to God’s new humanity in Christ.

My husband and his grandfather dug the 17 acre pond over 30 years ago.  It took them five years to complete it.  Over 30 years ago, I gave my life to Christ and was baptized.  My recommitment to the Lord marked the first baptism in that pond.  It is my prayer that many more will enter the water  in that pond purely because of their desire to walk with Him.

Two lines of humanity begin with Cain and Abel, and you are part of either one or the other.

Carla Henson
Tuscola, Texas

The Church Killer

I do still go to church but I have several friends who could be in a support group using the title as the theme of their meeting.  All my friends have something in common - their Christian brothers and sisters talking about them.  People in the church talking about people in the church.  

Gossip in the church is a killer.  A killer of spirit.  A killer of hope.  A killer of faith.  A killer of soul.  

Grace in the church gives life.  Gives life to the spirit. Gives life to hope.  Gives life to hope.  Revives the soul.

At the end of Hebrews 4, these words are recorded, “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” [Emphasis mine]

Jesus, who gave His life for us, knows our trials and our temptations and He understands.  Even more, He accepts us at his throne of grace.  I wonder why some people in the church don’t take the same approach?

I don’t remember the last time I heard a series of sermons preached on gossip yet I know of nothing that kills a church faster.  Not divorce.  Not alcoholism.  Not sexual immorality.  Not hatred and bitterness.  Not all the other sinful acts either.  So why not more discussion of gossip?  

Hey, I’m guilty too.  I grew up in the performance-oriented church culture.  We ran as hard as we could doing “the right things” and we did our best to keep our faults under a rug.  When people went forward at church, we spent time at lunch talking about what they did and what they needed to do to clean up their act.  Then I crashed and burned and I was the guy people were talking about.  I heard the stories and the things that were said.  Some things were true, some were far off base and much of it was said by people who had no way of knowing anything unless they had heard it 2nd or 3rd hand.  And it hurts.  Badly.

I know why some of my friends don’t go to church anymore.  I’ve told some that there are more grace-filled people at church than there are gossipers but so often 1 bad thing outweighs 20 good things.  It has sure made me aware of what I have said in the past and how I have hurt people.  Lord willing, I will remember the lessons I’ve learned and just share the grace that has been given so freely to me.  

I was listening to a radio preacher the other day who mentioned several times that Jesus spoke about hell more than any other Bible character.  It sent me to the Internet and if the information I found was correct, it credited with Jesus referring to hell at least 16 times.  The same source said Jesus spoke directly about love 51 times.  I don’t know if those facts are completely accurate but the thing I get out of that is that Jesus was much more interested in loving people than in condemning them.  Jesus came to save the world, not judge it.  What in the world do we need to be doing here?

Peace and grace.

Jeff Jones

Decatur, Texas

LIFE - More Than a Word

Several years ago, while standing in line to order a hamburger, I overheard a teenage girl ask her dad “what is your favorite word?”  I’ll never forget his response.  Without hesitation he simply said “life”.  I confess that I knew this family and was aware of his military service in Vietnam.  He flew a helicopter on both rescue missions and secret operations.  From stories he had shared, I understood the reason for his quick response, “life”.  

I fear the word ‘life’ has lost the essence of what it represents.  We are exposed to numerous murders, both fictional and in reality, on TV programs and national and local news.  We hear of death in statistics related to hurricanes, wars, terrorist acts, car accidents, etc..  We are so inundated with this information that death has about as much impact on us as hearing the stats from the latest Cowboy football game.  We step on a bug, see dead animals on the side of the road, or even drive by a full parking lot at a funeral home with little to no emotion for the life that was lost.  

L-I-F-E is not just a wonderful word.  It is what we experience every day.  It is a choice over just existing.  How do we choose ‘life’ over mere existence?  We must learn to appreciate it for what it is.  American Indians believed everything had a spirit, every animal, tree, plant or stone.  Their lives depended upon the life of ‘mother’ earth, to the point that some Indians believed a farmer’s plow ‘ripped the flesh’ of their provider.  They believed an animal’s spirit would submit to their weapons as an offering to feed their family.  There was a respect for life.  

God created life!  He even made a covenant with man and animals in Genesis chapter nine.  In John chapter ten, Jesus says He came to give us abundant life.  Life is not just a word, not just a gift, not just something to respect.  It is a choice and should be experienced and appreciated to the fullest.  A country song expressed it this way, “it is not how many breaths we take, it is how we breathe”!!!

Doug Burns

Stephenville, Texas

Fire In My Bones

I ran track in my younger years and had some degree of success, but after college, getting married, and having three children, my running shoes were put to rest. I have always maintained some form of physical activity, but eventually lost all zeal for running. Let’s face it, running is hardcore physical work which requires commitment, endurance, patience, motivation, diligence, devotion, and enthusiasm, just to name a few. The business of wife, mother, and domestic engineer tapped all reserves dry. Last summer I pulled out the old running shoes once again desiring to up my physical game with the hope that my body (particularly my knees, legs, and feet) would immediately remember what this movement was I was asking it to do and react with vigor. No go. Nonetheless, I continued toward my goal of learning to run again. I have since run several small races and this weekend I will run my first half marathon in Austin, Texas.

So why do I choose to put myself (and my family) through the agony of physical and mental exhaustion? My motivation--to live a healthier life and become a positive influence in the lives of my family and friends. Along the way I was smitten by the fabled “runner’s high." It’s an intense sudden burst of energy and sense of wellbeing. My entire body lights up like a Christmas tree with surges of endorphins. I guess you could refer to it as renewed zeal or spiritual fervor.

Isn’t that what Paul talks about in Romans 12:11?  It reads: “Never lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." We should be on fire for the Lord - all fired up - zealously glowing! Sometimes we get cooled off and become lukewarm. God wants us to have enthusiasm and excitement for the things of the Lord. We should have a burning zeal to do our best in all situations and look for opportunities to honor God and the gospel.

This is a word we should take to heart. Let’s take control of our race and put on our running shoes. Don’t be a spectator; build your spiritual muscle by exercising or renewing your fervor for God and finish the race with zeal.

Father, thank you for loving me despite times that I have shadows that darken the light and your spirit. Lord, help us to be believers who are diligently and fervently serving you, never lacking in zeal. May our souls be rekindled with fire from above as we seek the eternal life, the upward call, the crown of righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Carla Henson

Abilene, Texas

Help the World Glorify God

Let your light shine before men in 
such a way that they may see your good works, 
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

[The world] will see "your good works," Jesus said.
Your coworkers will witness your courtesy.

A person downtrodden will be comforted by your smile.

Someone who holds open a door for you will notice that you stop to thank them.

A spouse will respect your humble apology.

A friend will appreciate that you took the time to listen when they were struggling.

A person with whom you have had conflict in the past will notice when you go out of your way to do something kind for them.

People will see every visible manifestation of Christ's life being lived out through you. Because of what they see, they will "glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16)

Let’s listen to Jesus and live in a way that will help the world glorify God.

Dear Father, Help me recognize all the opportunities you put before me today in which I can let my light shine. I want to reflect the light of your goodness in a dark world.

Amen.

Terry Smith
Stephenville, TX.

Run No Matter What!

I enjoy watching track and field events.  Anticipation fills the air as runners step to “their marks” and prepare to run.  One of the exciting things about track and field events is the “unknown” drama of each competition.  You just don’t know how a race will end!

A couple of weeks ago, Riley Forehand, a young Christian teen who is a member of our congregation, gave fans, onlookers and contestants a reminder of just how resilient the human spirit can be. 

Riley is a freshman cross country runner.  He was scheduled to run in the District cross country meet two weeks ago.  As you can imagine he was very excited to be competing against upper classmen.  I joked with his mother a few weeks before the race that class rank doesn’t win races.  Come race time, it’s about sheer determination and stamina.  Let the seniors beware! 

The race was scheduled for 3.1 miles.  The first mile was smooth sailing.  But, then it happened.  Another runner stepped on Riley’s right heel causing his right shoe to come off.  Undaunted, Riley continued on…barefooted!  He completed the final two miles with one shoe.  How did it end?  He finished in twelfth place overall – as a freshman! – and helped his team qualify for the Regional round on November 3^rd.  Moreover, he finished the race posting his best time of the year (17:20 ...a 5:34 min/mile pace), with tears streaming down his face, and a bloody, cut up foot.  His team carried him off the field on their shoulders!

That’s what people saw.  What they didn’t see is this.  The night before Riley ran his District cross country meet his Grandpa wrote a message on a post-it-note and gave it to him for encouragement. He told Riley he would be praying for him and wished him all the best. Unbeknownst to anyone, Riley had folded the note and placed it in his left racing spike. (The shoe that did NOT get knocked off during he race). It was later, during a supper celebration, that Riley told his parents this story and read the note his Grandpa had written him. The note read:  “

        “…But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with

           wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary" – Isaiah 40:31. 

Life is like that isn’t it?  Sometimes the unforeseen happens.  To borrow a piece from Riley’s experience….we lose a shoe.  We get down.  We wonder if we can continue on.  The setback becomes so great we aren’t sure if we should just quit and call it a day.   

But, isn’t it great to know that we serve a God who is near us every step of our respective journeys and who knows just what we need when we need it?  It is only as we stay in the race that we discover things about our faith and about God himself that come to us as blessings down the road. 

Father, you give us what we need in moments when we aren’t sure if we can put one foot in front of the other one.  Thank you for providing what we need.  Lift us up when we are weary and show us that the race is worth finishing no matter what.  Through Jesus who has run the race ahead of us….Amen

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas

The Time is Right

Seven years ago on a dark Saturday night, a sense of urgency came over me. I knew exactly what I must do.

Let me back up. I was raised in the church. As a kid and a teenager, I attended class and worship every weekend and Wednesday night. However, I constantly put off accepting the Lord as my Savior. As I attended college, I strayed and rarely attended church. I went occasionally with my roommates and friends. As I began to date my wife, I again began to attend and participate in church and church activities. But, all I did was participate. I studied and grew closer to the Lord. However, I was stubborn and a procrastinator. I knew that I should be baptized and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Yet, I always thought tomorrow, next week, or sometime in the future would be better than today. I planned on accepting him on my time. But, that night I got in my old beat up ford truck, and left northern Oklahoma. I arrived in Lubbock, Texas early the next morning. I went to church at the congregation we had been worshiped with for the last two years. I could hardly wait until service was over. I drove all night and knew what I must do. That Sunday seven years ago, I accepted the Lord’s calling, and took him on in baptism.

Prior to that decision I had lived according to my terms. I decided everything. I calculated, planned, and organized my life. But, that night a sense of urgency came over me. I knew there was no tomorrow unless I accepted Our Lord and Savior in baptism. I know that many of you reading this have had or will have this same feeling. A feeling that cannot wait to proclaim to everyone; Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead. He will come back again!

We must be willing to live our daily life with this same intensity and urgency. We all need to have a heightened awareness of God’s plan for us as He reveals opportunities for us to serve him. Sometimes I am passive about these opportunities and I shouldn’t be. Are you? It isn’t for us to decide the outcome of each experience. We simply must decide to make the decision and trust that our Father’s plan is fulfilled. We must choose to live our life with zeal and a sense of urgency for helping others find Christ as their Savior! There is not a tomorrow. We must seize the day!

Matthew 24:42-44 reads:
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

As Mathew describes, we do not know when the Lord will come back. We must be ready today! We must spread his word and hope to bring the good news today to His kingdom. There might not be a tomorrow. For some, there will not be a second chance. Seize every opportunity to spread His word like a light in this dark world.

Father, thank you for sending your son to be our Savior. Help us, Lord, to live each day with a greater zeal for you and the growth of your kingdom. Allow us to regain the sense of urgency and soften our hearts so that we are receptive to your plan for us. Please help us to never take tomorrow for granted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Adam Tittor
Cleburne, Texas