Politics

For years I was a political junkie and who knows, by the time the election rolls around I may be again. I hate to think that my vote may be more a vote of opposition than support, but that very well could be the case. There aren't many of the candidates left that really excite me, but there certainly are a few who give me more than a little bit of concern.

The attack on the Christian foundations of our nation, movements towards socialized medicine, the erosion of our constitutional rights to bear arms and free speech all concern me. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I fear for my nation when I realize that God is just." Pretty insightful for a man who has been tagged as a Deist.

The threat of radical Islam concerns me, the government's micro-management of every aspect of our lives and even our thoughts is of even great concern, but the real danger facing America is the continued drift away from the moral and spiritual principals found in God's word. David told us, "Rigtheous exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people."

So come November what will be the deciding factor in casting your vote? Will it be the economy, the war in Iraq, securing our borders, or will something deeper and more significant influence your choice of political candidates?

26 Hour Day

Sometimes I feel as though I could definitely use a 26 hour day - that or live off of energy drinks for 48 to 72 hours. I guess I should feel blessed that there are so many things in this world that I want to accomplish, if only the things I have to do didin't interfere with the things I want to do.

Time management experts have all kinds of answers for increasing productivity and getting the most out of your day. Stephen Covey reminds us of how the urgent gets in the way of the important; other writers and consultants suggest setting priorities and working smarter, not harder. Here is my own list of guidelines based upon the Life of Christ.

1. Know your mission or objective. From a very early age Jesus knew that he must be about his Father's business. (Luke 2:49) In teaching his disciples he "must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things... be killed and raised again the third day" (Matthew 16:21).

2. Block out time to spend with the Father. Jesus often would escape the multitudes to spend time in prayer. As he approached the final week of his life, his conversations with the Father become more frequent. Our Lord understood the importance of keeping connected to God when the world felt as though it was spinning out of control.

3. Don't let others set your agenda for you. Jesus did not rush to Bethany when Lazarus died (John 11), and as he set out on his journey to Jerusalem, he didn't allow Peter to hinder his trek towards the cross (Matthew 16:23).

When we know our purpose or objective in life and we spend time with the Father sharing our work and mission, then it becomes easier to keep life in the proper perspective. Suddenly all the little distractions seem less important when we know that we are carrying out our Father's purpose.

Will this help me better balance all the things going on in my life - maybe not, but it should help me stay focused on the things that really matter.

Searching for God

I believe all of mankind is on a quest to discover God. While there are those who claim atheism or agnosticism, they too are seeking, but they reject the object of their search. Victor Frankl wrote the classic book, "Man's Search for Meaning." In that book he explains how prisoners coped, or failed to cope in the German concentration camps.

This morning in my quiet time I was reminded of how the busyness of life can get in the way of our time with God. Satan is really good at filling our lives with so much white noise that we neglect the important task of building and maintaining our relationship with God.

One reason I enjoy teaching is that it forces me to be disciplined in my study and prayer time. I once spent two years in a men's discipling program that also emphasized daily study and prayer. As I opened my Bible this morning and spent a few minutes in prayer, I realized how often I have let those disciplines lapse.

I pray that you too are on a journey to know God. That you will make time to build a close relationship with Him through Bible study and prayer. My personal quest is to KNOW GOD, not simply to know about God.

You Never Know

I still recall sitting down at the Starbucks near Wolfchase Mall in Memphis waiting to see if she was as pretty, smart and well-balanced as her online profile indicated. A lot of people are self-conscious about admitting they met through a "dating site," but there are a few advantages: 1) You get to see a picture and read how they describe themselves; 2) You can email and talk for a while before going through that initial face to face meeting; 3) If you are smart, you learn to look for "red flags" that might save you a lot of time and energy down the road.

I learned a lot about myself and about the life that I wanted during my five years of bachelor life. Mostly, I realized how important it was to find someone who shared my values for God, family and the church. The work that I wanted to do and the life that I longed to live all centered around my church family, my Christian service and my desire to raise my children in a godly environment.

It is interesting how God works in our life. We can spend so much time planning and preparing for how we want things to be we forget to include God in the equation. Let me give you a few examples of how God overruled my own lack of understanding.

1. I was never an advocate of long distance relationships, but what a blessing 3 hours of separation has been. We talk together, pray together and have really gotten to know one another. Physical attractions is great - but communication is essential.

2. I thought I was through raising children, but Debbie has two wonderful girls and it has allowed me to see her love, concern and care for those she loves. It has allowed me a deeper look into her heart.

3. I doubted whether I would ever serve in a ministerial capacity in the church again, but her love for God and desire to serve opens so many opportunities for both of us in the years to come.

Oh, and for those of you who are wondering; she grows more lovely every day, she is smarter than those folks who stay at a Holiday Inn Express, and balanced isn't strong enough word to communicate her approach to life, struggles and goals for the future. All of those things have caused me to grow more and more in my love for Debbie Baker, but her heart for God is the one attribute that sent me over the edge.

So next time you sit down for a Caramel Macchiato just remember - "you never know what God might have in store for you."

I AM RESOLVED

Did you know that at the start of each new year there is a dramatic increase in gym memberships, the purchase of dietary aides and enrollment in financial planning courses. This phenomenon is driven by our tradition of making New Year's Resolutions. This year I am going to lose those 10 lbs., or quit smoking, or start a savings program.

New Year's Resolutions can be a blessing to our life, if for no other reason than it causes us to reflect on areas that need improvement. Few of us succeed in meeting all of our goals for the new year, but we shouldn't get discouraged. If you are starting to consider some changes you want to make for 2008, here are a few suggestions designed to help.

1. Pray daily about your goals. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17). David reminds us, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4). What a difference it makes when we include God in the equation.

2. Set realistic, achievable goals. Rather than setting a goal of losing 25 lbs., set a goal to lose 2 lbs. a month. There is real power in small successes. Achieving a series of small goals gives you the confidence you need to take on bigger challenges. Jesus tells us that when we are faithful over few things, he will make us a master over many things (Matthew 25:14-30).

3. Find an accountability partner. Through the years I have been on again, off again in keeping a workout schedule at the gym. There was one year however when I consistently made it to they gym 3 to 4 times every week. That was the year I had a workout partner. If I decided to sleep in, or skip my workout, I knew that Alan would hold me accountable. The same is true of the two years I spent in a men's study. There were 11 other men holding me accountable for my bible study, memory work and my Christian walk.

I pray that God blesses you in your efforts in 2008. Always remember that "HE is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).

God, help me to remember

Are you a list maker? You know, one of those people who writes everything down so you won't forget. I keep a running list on my fridge of the groceries I need to buy, a calendar on my computer to help me remember appointments and sometimes I even carry a small tape recorder in my car so I won't forget that brilliant idea that came to me while driving down the interstate.

God recognized that man needs help remembering. He instituted the feast of the Passover to remind his people of their deliverance from bondage and captivity and He had them set up 12 stones at Gilgal as they crossed over into Caanan. In the New Testament Jesus provided us the Lord's Supper as a memorial of his death, burial and resurrection, but even with all of this sometimes we still forget.

Sunday morning as I sat in worship I was reminded again concerning the grace of giving. In this simple act God has called us to be like Him "every good and perfect gift comes down from the father of lights". I have heard dozens of lessons on giving and even taught a few in my day, but it struck me just how quickly we forget.

Throughout this day I have thought and prayed, "God, help me to remember." I wasn't just referring to the grace of giving, but to the importance of all the important things that are often neglected in our christian walk. God, help me to remember . . .

To pray
To give
To treat others with love and respect
To surrender my selfish pride
To humble myself in service
To cast off every sin and the burdens that weigh me down

and the list goes on and on. There is so much to remember and so often I forget.

"Father, as I turn this new day over to you help me to remember and forgive me when I forget. Allow me to cast my cares upon you and to guard my heart from sin. Help me to make my heart a dwelling place for your Spirit and my life a spiritual worship unto you. So often I have forgotten, but for today God, help me to remember."

A Touch of Wonder

Arthur C. Gordon wrote this inspiring litte book entitled, "A Touch of Wonder." It is simply a series of short stories and applications that he has drawn from his own experiences of life. I have read the book a number of times and given it as a gift more than once.

I think the reason I am drawn to Gordon's book is that it is relevant to everyone. As we read his stories we are reminded of the fenceposts we have passed in our own life.

Over the years I have compiled stories and illustrations from my own life; they relate the wonders and marvels God has worked on me and sometimes even through me. For the next week or two I am going to share some of those stories with you. Some are wonderful stories of hope and restoration, others reflect times of brokenness and healing.

I hope before we are through that they might bring a little wonder to your life as well.

A Love Story for the Ages

Like most men, I don't have much time for chick flicks. I don't get particularly excited when the Notebook or Beaches is airing opposite Monday Night Football. There is however one love story that captures my imagination every time I it hear it. It is the love story between God and man.

You see men can relate to a love story when it is filled with the pursuit of a beautiful woman or the intrigue of fighting for the woman we love. You may have missed it in a casual reading of the Bible, but it is a love story for the ages. It is filled with pursuit and passion, unfaithfulness and restoration.

The story begins with the bridegroom preparing a home for the bride. The garden in Genesis has everything the bride could imagine. On quiet evenings they would even walk and talk together in the garden. It doesn't take long however for infidelity to mar this beautiful story and the remaining pages record the bridegrooms struggle to bring his bride home.

From time to time she returns home to the bridegroom, but most of the story is her wandering in the wilderness of Sin and her drifting from lover to lover. As the story unfolds, we see the heartbreak and sorrow experienced by the bridegroom, but one thing never changes throughout the story - he continues to pursue the woman he loves. He is with her in the wilderness, he longs for her while in captivity and he pleads for her return each and every day.

Finally, in an act of full and complete sacrifice the bridegroom surrenders his own life to rescue his bride. She has been decieved by the lies and treachery of a false lover. For six hours he hangs on a cross and as he looks out over the crowd he whispers a prayer of forgiveness on her behalf.

Like any great love story, this one too has a beautiful ending. In the closing pages we again see the bride, but this time she is adorned in white, pure and spotless. There is no uncleaness in her. After generations of battle and pursuit, the bridegroom takes her home to her mansion and yes, the live happily ever after.

The Golden Years

Ralph & Melba had been married for 53 years. One evening they were sitting on the porch when Melba leaned over and said, "Why don't you nibble on my ear like you used to?" Without a word Ralph got up and headed for the house. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Melba said. "You didn't hurt my feelings, I was just going to get my teeth."

I always liked that story. Somewhere in that netherland between our dreams and prayers there is the hope that we might be the ones sitting on that porch swing looking back over 53 years of marriage. We all know couples who are as much in love today as there were 30, 40 or 50 years ago. They move us and inspire us by their love, devotion and commitment.

For those who have suffered the loss of another through death or divorce it is easy to let that dream slip away. We become discouraged or lose hope that God is listening as we silently whisper in prayer, "Father, bless me with a mate who will still hold my hand in 30 years, sit on the porch and talk to me in 40, and pray at my beside when I am sickly and old 50 years from now."

Don't be discouraged! Trust God and lean on him. Remember the words of the Psalmist, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalms 37:4).

How can you be sure?

For the past few weeks I have been thinking about topics for an upcoming singles workshop in Gatlinburg. One of the questions I have heard from a number of single Christians is, "How can I be sure about the person I am dating?" Here are a few thoughts from experience (mine and others).

Does it feel right? Sometimes we tend to explain away certain personality quirks if we like someone. Nagging doubts, or little irritations tend to be magnified as a relationship advances. Yes, there will be things you have to work through in any relationship, but if, at the core they are character questions you need to think twice.

Can you talk about anything and everything? Good communication is a hallmark of a great relationship. There needs to be an openess and transparency between two people. Does the other person share their victories and failures with you, or do you get the sense that some topics are off limits? Chemistry is great, having fun together is important, but if you can't talk about the really important things in your heart and mind, you are heading for trouble.

Have you met their family and friends? The people we spend time with says a lot about our values and interests. If a persons surrounds themselves with people of godly character; if they are active in worthwhile causes like church and charities; it gives you a peek into their heart. If they sit around on Friday night with a six pack, or hang out at the local pub till 2:00 am., that probably tells you something too.

What does your gut (conscience) tell you? I have heard so many people say, "I knew something wasn't right, but I couldn't put my finger on it." Of course it's great when you can say, "Wow, everything just feels right this time. Good experiences and bad have trained your conscience to be on guard - listen to it.

Finally, learn something from your past. Don't blame the other person, take a long look at yourself and ask, "What did I learn from past relationships?" I can't tell you how many people I have watched repeat the same mistakes. They will sit in my office and say, "I know that I date the wrong type of people, but that is what I am drawn too." If you want to change your results, then you need to change your behavior.

A Place of Vision

The wise man of old once wrote, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..." (Proverbs 29:18). That has always been a favorite verse of mine. I believe that God wants his people to have a vision, mission and purpose in the work that they do for Him.

It is great to be associated with a congregation that understands the importance of vision. At the Spring Meadows Church of Christ we believe that God has created a place of vision. A congregation that endeavors to serve the needs of our members and touch the lives of those living around us. Spring Hill, TN is a rapidly growing community (over 46% each year) and we know the fields are white unto harvest.

We are just beginning the great journey that God has set before our eyes. There is still so much we need to do. In the coming weeks and months we need the prayers, encouragement, support and even the financial help of our brothers and sisters all across the U.S. If you are looking for a place of vision to call home, come visit us at the Spring Meadows Church of Christ. There is more information if you click the link on the right of this page.

Let Go, Let God

I have never been a big follower of the trendy fads that follow the religious community. I understand the good that can come from getting people to stop and think, "What would Jesus Do?" (WWJD). I guess it is the commercialization, or the tendency to repeat things without thinking deeply that bothers me.

Sometimes when someone was struggling with certain challenges, or troubles they just couldn't turn loose, I would hear someone say, "Just let go and let God do His thing." I would cringe and think how trite that sounded in the midst of wading through the mire that can overtake our lives.

As I have pondered recent changes in my own life it has become obvious to me that there is some truth in that saying. I left "formal ministry" nearly 8 years ago, but somehow God always found a way to call me back. Whether it was working for a Christian based ministry, or teaching in the Bible school program, I never strayed too far from my roots. Over the past couple of years I have learned that ministry is where my heart is and I believe that is where God can best use me. That realization has forced me to let go of some of my selfish desires.

I really don't know what all that looks like in the future, but through victory and adversity, through trials and success, God has been good to me. He continues to remind me that there is a lot of wisdom in letting go of my own selfish pursuits and seeking a life devoted to him.

Let Go and Let God! I stand corrected - that is very good advice.

The God of Second Chances

When Tom Watson was serving as head of IBM one of his top level executives made a mistake that cost the company over a million dollars. Knowing that his job was history the manager walked into Watson's office and said, "I know boss, I messed up and I am ready to quit." Watson responded, "Quit, are you kidding, it cost a million dollars to educate you. It's time to get back to work."

I don't think I ever cost an employer a million dollars, or even walked into an employer's office expecting to be fired, but there have been many occasions when I have been thankful for recieving a second chance.

The other day I was reading Matthew 18 where Peter asks the Lord how many times he should forgive his brother - 7 times? Jesus said, "I tell you not seven times, but seventy times seven." (Matthew 18:22). That can be a difficult command to live sometimes, but it becomes easier when we realize that God wasn't just giving us a command, he was giving us an insight into His own divine nature. Our God is a loving, compassionate and forgiving God.

So, next time you feel you have exhausted God's patience, or fallen so far that you will never find the road back, remember that we serve a God of second (third, and fourth) chances. Like the father in the prodigal son, He stands watching and waiting for our return. When we go to him ready to quit, ready to surrender to the obstacles of life, feeling that all hope is lost, you can imagine him saying, "Are you kidding, you can't quit, my son already paid that debt with his blood. It's time to get back to work."

Family

21 years ago my father died suddenly of a heart attack and 12 years ago I lost a brother the same way. 4 years ago to the day the judge signed the papers dissolving my marriage and two years ago my mother died of ovarian cancer. There was one constant through each of these tragedies - I was always surrounded by family.

My biological family have always been close. Growing up our friends at church would just refer to us as "the Wheeler boys," but the family I am referring to is my spiritual family - my brothers and sisters in Christ. I had just moved to a new church the day before my father died. The elders told me to go and take as much time as I needed to help my family and cope with the grieving process. When I returned my "new family" rallied around me and made me feel at home.

When my brother passed away, doing mission work in Costa Rica, the church collected the funds to send me to San Jose to help with the arrangements there. When my marriage failed, it was my Christian family who rescued me from heartache and despair and when I lost my mom they comforted me like no one else could.

Today my family all live in and around Spring Hill, Tennessee. They are a special group of people - like none I have ever known. They pray with me, cry with me and rejoice with me. They rally around my children, hold up my hands when I am weak and challenge me when apathy overtakes me.

I have seen some dark days and battled some personal demons in my life (probably no more than the next guy), but I couldn't have made it this far without my Christian family. I don't know how some people make it through life without a Father to comfort them, an elder brother to watch over them and a multitude to carry their burdens when they are weak.

I am proud of my family name - Christian. Like any family we have a few characters, some who struggle and a few hoary heads to impart to us wisdom along the way. Sometimes we fuss, but mostly we just love one another - for love covers a multitude of sin.

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