-
Rick Stratton – Alive Forever!
I’ve been thinking about something lately; well, for the last couple of days. A friend of ours, a preacher named Rick Stratton, went to Heaven when his body just wouldn’t function any longer.
Rick is quite a guy. We met him when he was a traveling evangelist. He was preaching for a pastor friend of mine so I went to hear Rick preach. Powerful word, good singing; and I think he blew all the finish off that horn of his. Our friendship began that evening and has lasted for over 25 years!
I don’t remember how many times Rick preached for me, but I know it was a lot. And there’d be times when he was just passing through that he’d stop in and visit a few hours. Always a delight to have around.
He loves music, and I can still hear him singing that old Rusty Goodman song, “Who am I?” I imagine he’s doing a lot of singing now; that great, booming voice of his can probably be heard clear across Heaven! He’s crossed the chilly Jordan, and is camping in Canaan’s happy land!
I know something about Rick that many preachers don’t, or are too embarrassed to mention.
-
The Pen and The Phone
This morning I was sitting in the neighborhood cafeteria, waiting for some friends to arrive; ink pen in my pocket and phone in my hand. While I waited I watched a little bit of MSNBC, something I don’t do very often.
The topic of conversation was President Obama’s new phrase, “I’ve got a pen, and I’ve got a phone. That’s all I need. I’ll sign orders and rally support.” The commentator explained the president was talking about the tools he can use if Congress doesn’t give him what he wants.
“These are the only tools I need”, said the president.
That’s an amazing statement, and though it’s true, it’s an example of a major issue that’s destroying this once great nation.
And in case you’re preparing for an all out “bash the President” blog, just cool your jets; it isn’t going to happen. It’s not his fault! Nor is it Bush’s fault! It’s America’s fault!
There was a time God used a pen to convey his message to his people, and take the necessary action. It was what the people called for, loud and clear, by their actions. The people practically mandated him to act; and finally, reluctantly, he did.
“The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with the point of a diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars.” (Jeremiah 17:1 NKJV)
The mighty, diamond tipped pen was an instrument used to proclaim the nation’s long overdue judgment. They had given themselves over to idolatry, worshipping anything and everything except Jehovah God! Their favorite thing to worship was their own wisdom, cunning, self-importance, and the great name they’d made for themselves. “Who needs God?”, they’d ask, mockingly. “We can write our own marvelous future. We don’t need someone like him to foul up our success!”
God’s reply, with pen in hand, was:
Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited.” (Jeremiah 17:5-6 NKJV)
Like a shrub in the desert. Is that today’s America? Even when good comes, the shrub won’t see it. Is that what we have to look forward to?
America, as a nation, has placed itself under the “cursed” heading; the dubious reward for trusting in, and only in, self. America as a nation has allowed its “heart” to depart from the Lord.
Even our nation’s currency has lost its value as a result of its departure from God. The loss is two-fold: the money isn’t backed by a gold standard, nor is the slogan “In God We Trust” meaningful any longer.
But America keeps on flaunting its arrogance and pride before its Creator!
The President has a pen and a phone, which he uses. But that won’t bring about the real change this country needs.
God has used his pen, but offers us his phone.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:6-8 NKJV)
He calls to us, you and I; to whoever will dare listen and believe. A promise of water, fruitfulness, and total blessing belongs to those who will trust in the Lord.
His promise to a nation. His promise to America.
May we humbly respond, using the Lord’s private line to acknowledge our need for him.
He’d rather not have to use his pen.
-
The Three Legged Race
Have you ever tried running in a three-legged race? I have, probably about 6-7 years ago. It’s not an easy feat to master, but with a little practice and a few well placed, practical tips it can be kind of fun.
The three-legged race is a lot like walking in agreement, or walking in harmony and unity with a brother or sister in Christ. So, the tips I share will have multiple applications.
Tip #1 Try and pair up with someone whose legs are about the same length as yours. It makes it much easier to walk when you can take the same size stride. If it’s not possible, then just remember, the person with the longer stride must yield to the shorter.
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1 ESV)
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV)
(more…) -
You!
You.
No one stronger, weaker, sadder, or happier than you. You know you can do everything you set out to do, until you come face to face with those pesky limitations only you are aware of.
It isn’t easy being you, is it? I could never be you! I wouldn’t know where to begin.
You can see other’s weaknesses much better than I can. Especially my own. And you’ve been a great help to me in this matter.
If there were more people like you, this world would be like Heaven on earth.
You can discern other people’s motives, reading between each line they utter. You have a gift for getting to the heart of the matter with just the raise of an eyebrow or a slight clearing of the throat.
You make a difference.
Not everyone appreciates you, but you probably know that. There are some who won’t have anything to do with you because they think you act haughty and boastful; but I’m certain it’s just jealousy on their part.
I have never heard you ask anyone for help. I’m glad you haven’t asked me, because I am thoroughly convinced I am way below your league. I couldn’t possibly be able to help you.
Thank you for your suggestions on how to raise my kids, train my dog, and empty the litter box. I’ll never forget your words of wisdom. Oh, and the helpful tips about friendship evangelism almost bowled me over! So right on!
I’m praying for you, not that you need it; I, however, do need the practice. I’m praying for you to find just that perfect spouse, the ideal pet, the church that teaches everything you believe, and someone who is righteous enough to speak into your life.
I imagine it’s kind of lonely being you.
I’m glad I’m not.
-
The Heavens Declare
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.” (Psalm 19:1-6 ESV)
The heavens sing of the glory of God, declaring his wonders to all who will listen. They cannot keep silent, they must respond to the majesty of their Creator. Day and night, since before the beginning of time, they have proclaimed the beauty of the Lord.
They can’t be silenced! They won’t be silenced! Their heart is full of divine purpose, for they have heard the words of the Almighty!
“Shine brightly and majestically, light of the day! Arise to the place of prominence each day; drive the darkness and shadows far away.”
“Flowers, water, wind and clouds;
Nature, like a servant bows,
And with the angels far above,
Declares to all, this God of love.”What if our heart became so full of His divine purpose for our life? What if we heard the words of the Almighty?
Have you heard his invitation to be recreated in his image, after his likeness?
Listen to the voice of his Spirit: he’s telling us that we have more to sing about, more to declare, and a much greater story to tell than nature! We have the beautiful story of redemption!
Oh, yes! So let it ring! Join in with the heavens and sing, sing, sing!
-
People
People.
Happy people, sad people.
Skinny jeans people, stretch-waistband comfort fit jeans people.
Athletic people, nerdy people, soft and flabby couch potato type people.
Tattooed people, smelly people, brilliant people, way out people.
Old people, young people, baby boomer people, plain baby people.
Generous people, stingy people, couldn’t care less people, nervous Nellie people.
Dope smoking people, dopey people, educated people, high and mighty people.
Tired people, wired people, hamburger flipping people, real estate people.
Preachy people, hellish people, wild and wacky people, taxi driver people.
People with big ears, big mouths, big stories, and few true friends.
People who lie, live in fear, smile for the camera, but cringe with pain.
People in charge, who own everything, have all they want, and lack all the basics.
Swingers, climbers, campers, hunters, lovers, moochers, and glamorous people.
Insiders, outsiders, high rollers, and flat brokers. Gamblers, bakers, and goat milkers.
All kinds of people, kind natured people, meaner than mean people, and people like you.
High fliers, kite fliers, ditch diggers and plumbers. Roofers, crooners, and head bangers.
Positive people, negative people, bipolar and schizo people, and where’d I put my meds?
All the same, one of a kind, why bother, look at me, and address me as sir kind of people.
Natives, immigrants, aliens and travelers. People wearing feelings on their sleeve.
Well dressed people, hard pressed people, people who shoot people, or shoot the moon.
Coffee drinkers, wine guzzlers, foster kids, people who keep up with the Joneses.
Bus drivers, cliff divers, cave dwellers, apple pickers, finger pointers, soldiers.
Care takers, sandwich makers, baristas and castanet shakers. Rock and rollers.
Hair dressers, goal tenders, goal setters and thespians. World shakers and nose punchers.
Magazine readers, internet surfers, goofballs, metaphysics people and Sunday School teachers.
People.
A world full of people.
Separated geographically, economically, racially, by language and by gender.
Loved by One God. Gathered at one cross. Offered one hope. Jesus!
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NLT)
-
Thrilled!
What does it take to thrill you? A scary movie, an exciting football game, a great song? How about some good news?
Would a gift of a million dollars thrill you?
Are you a hard person to thrill? Why? Have you had too many unfulfilled promises left in your hope chest? Does your heart simply refuse to be thrilled, or even encouraged?
Remember the old song “The Thrill Is Gone”? It was written by Rick Darnell and Roy Hawkins, and made famous by Mr. B.B.King. Here are two verses of the song. Do they describe you? Has the thrill left you?
“The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong baby
And you’ll be sorry someday”“The thrill is gone
It’s gone away from me
The thrill is gone baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I’ll still live on
But so lonely I’ll be”Have you lost the capacity to be thrilled? Has the “thrill” portion of your heart been fried too many times? Has it died?
Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life…” Not only can he raise us up from the grave, he can resurrect our old and cold, dead heart! It can pump hope again! It can be thrilled again!
You may ask, “what does it take for The Thriller to change this hopeless excuse for a life?” Just a little bit, actually.
Just a little bit? Yep.
That should be good news for someone who’s running low on hope.
All it takes is a little bit of faith. Just a smidgen; about the size of a mustard seed. And he’ll even supply that little seed of faith if you ask him.
By the way, Jesus does much, much more than stimulate the senses and exhilarate the soul. He regenerates, reactivates, and rejuvenates the very depth of your being! A new creation; a brand new you, from the inside out. Old worn out desires, dreams, and disappointments disappear as the new life of hope and faith rises from Golgotha; the place where man was reconciled to God by the cross of Christ. By faith in the cross.
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT)
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NLT)
The thrill of living can be restored. The hope of a bright, eternal future can be resurrected. The long night of sorrow and hopelessness fades as the sun of righteousness begins to shine into your heart – thrilling and filling you with glorious, inexpressible joy!
You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done. (Psalm 92:1-4 NLT)
Thrilled!
-
Am I Wrong To Say You’re Wrong?
Am I wrong to say you’re wrong?
Am I judging you wrongfully if I use the same measure to judge myself?
Do you get angry at a compass, or a GPS device when it points you in the right direction? Is IT wrong to correct you? Shouldn’t that be considered as judging you?
Do you have the right to be wrong? If so, why would it be wrong for me to tell you you’re wrong? I’d only be agreeing with you.
How wrong can a person be before it starts taking its toll on them? Would it be wrong to say? Would it be wrong to just venture a guess?
How long will you travel west when you should be going east? And, are the road signs wrong for pointing the right way to your destination?
Is it wrong to love? Is it wrong to steal? Why is one wrong acceptable and the other wrong isn’t?
It’s wrong for me to love you enough to tell you the truth; that you’re wrong? But it’s right to tell a thief that they’re wrong?
Is it wrong to be confused?
Is God wrong when he tells us we’re wrong? If we never realize how wrong we are, how will we ever know how right he can make us?
If we always think we’re fine and dandy, will we be wrong to act surprised on The Judgment Day, when the books are opened?
Ignoring instruction, mocking the instructor and the prophet, never changes truth. It only mocks the one who clings to the wrong while abhorring the right.
Paul wrote:
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good (Romans 12:9 NLT).
Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law (Romans 13:10 NLT).
Is there some sort of standard for what is right so we’ll know what is wrong?
If I’m not wrong in saying this, the standard is God’s word; the scriptures. Even if I am wrong, the saying is right.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT).
These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong (Proverbs 2:13-15 NLT).
God has every right to tell us where we went wrong. He stands ready, willing, and able to make our wrongs right, if we’ll trust him with our whole heart.
People live at danger’s edge when they do wrong for so long, and with so much ease, that it doesn’t seem wrong. It is wrong not to recognize wrong.
It is wrong to not know what to hate, or what to love. And it’s wrong to know what is wrong, but defend the wrong as though it’s right.
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right (Isaiah 5:20-23 ESV).Wrong thinking never blesses; it only and always brings the curse.
Right thinking always yields to truth, even when truth reveals what’s wrong.
If wrong will simply yield to right, wrong’s future will be eternally bright!
Right!
-
God in the Beginning
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1 NKJV)Such a well known verse, even if it isn’t a well-believed verse. But the first verse in the Bible is THE foundation scripture for life! In the beginning…
To show you what I mean, read it again, and this time move a word or two. Put the word “GOD” at the start of the sentence. “God in the beginning…”
Do you see what I mean? “God in the beginning” is a truth upon which you can build a quality life; a life worth living.
If you are beginning a project, a marriage, a business, or a life…
If you are beginning anything worthwhile, make certain you begin with God!
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth having “God in the beginning…”
God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are before all things, created all things, and hold all things together.
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” (Colossians 1:15-17 NLT)
So doesn’t it make sense, godly sense, to make certain God is with you “in the beginning” of everything you do?
And if God can’t or won’t join you, then don’t begin.
You’ll never hear him say, “just start without me.”
-
Which Fountain Are You Drinking From?
Do you ever say, “I don’t feel like praising or worshipping God”? Does it sometimes seem like God hasn’t been truthful with you, or has let you down? Do you ever feel like he’s abandoned you?
If so, maybe you need to drink from a different fountain.
What do I mean?
All around us are “fountains”; reservoirs of happiness, entertainment, gratification, and pleasure. And they help get our mind off the problems we face, at least for a while. But they are only temporary, at best. At worst, they will leave us completely, hopelessly, lost.
But they’re readily available and give us pleasure; so we drink.
How does one “drink”? By the words we speak, and our corresponding actions.
What if you decided to drink from a different fountain?
Isaiah received a word from God regarding the remnant of Jews who were still faithful to God, in spite of their captivity. The prophet told the remnant that God promised to do whatever it took to get them released from Assyria, and back in their homeland. Then Isaiah told them, as a result of God’s actions, they would sing; they would drink deeply from the fountain of salvation.
In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.”
With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!
In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord , for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.” (Isaiah 12:1-6 NLT)
Proverbs says, “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is.” (Proverbs 15:23 NKJV)
Drinking from the “fountain of salvation” is accomplished using the same process one would use to drink from the “world’s” fountain. By the words we speak (or sing), and our corresponding actions.
The next time you feel like God has abandoned you, take a tip from Isaiah. Remember what God DID to set you free and bring you into his kingdom. Begin to remind yourself, out loud! Joy is the strength you need, and it will rise up within you as you make yourself praise and thank God!
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NLT)
It’s called a “sacrifice” for a reason.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
