Top 10 Things I Am Thankful For

Psalm 100:1-5

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 

Top 10 Things I Am Thankful For

1. My relationship with God

I am so grateful for the honor I have of knowing God the Father…The Creator of the Universe. I am grateful that His plan has never changed.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

2. My relationship with Michelle

This December 19, 2017, we celebrated 228 months together.  I am blessed beyond measure to have her as my wife, as the mother of my children and co-worker with me as we serve the Lord.

3. My relationship with my children

The love I have for Makenna and Jackson is indescribable and, yet, a picture of how much I know God loves me. The greatest honor on this side of eternity for me is not only to have my children serving the Lord but knowing that each of them has given their life to Christ and have allowed Him to be the Lord and Master of their lives. I am grateful for this!

4. My Brothers

I would not be who I am today without the Godly influence of my brothers. They are my heroes! I still purposely walk in their shadows because it makes me feel safe. I still want to grow and be like them.

5. My Parents

I appreciate my parents fighting the good fight. I appreciate the fact that they raised me and my brothers in church, exposed me to the Gospel and made the kingdom a priority in our home. They gave me a foundation that I can never thank them enough for. They gave me a chance to not only give my life to Christ but to follow God by answering His call on my life as a minister for Him. The greatest thing parents can do for their children is to love each other and be faithful to the house of God. My parents did that and I am eternally grateful!

6. Godly Mentors along the way

I could not mention just one person here, so I will mention a few. No one gets where they are by themselves and the following is a short list of people who have impacted my life through my being aligned with them in different seasons of my life, for divine reasons. Ed Hedrick, my minister, was there when I was born, baptized me and my wife and performed our marriage ceremony.

Tony Rosberry, K.B. Massingill, and Chris Austin are all youth Ministers who encouraged me and taught me how to deal with problems and struggles that many teens have.

Randy Becton, the founder of the Care Ministry, gave me my first-hand advice and really serious insight as to what it takes to be a minister. I grew up listening to him teach and preach the truth about grace, love and perseverance.

 Larry Roberts taught me the day to day work of a minister. He had me go with him on visitations, meetings and assist him in worship services and funerals. He was not afraid to show me the ropes. I recall many times when he would come to my office, shut the door and say, “Hey I want to tell you some things that you can use when you get a pulpit ministry job.”

Al Jolly. This man has been in ministry for a very long time and I always value our times together when he shares experiences of his work. 

There are so many more who are in my Hall of Fame and will forever be on my Wall of Honor!

7. For Franklin Texas. Need I say more? It’s been called by others the ‘Mayberry of Robertson County.’ I can’t think of better place to work and raise my children.

8. The Booger County Prayer Pose

On my phone, I have a list; a band of brothers; Men who at anytime or anyplace I can send out a prayer request to and know without a doubt that they will pray for me right then and there and encourage me afterward. And I, in turn, do the same for them.

9. The Franklin Church of Christ. A congregation of folks who love GOD, and this community.

10. Divine Favor

I am grateful for the Favor of God that is in my life! I am reminded every day that Favor is a divine advantage for success. Everything I do is not about me, but about Him and yet He lets me enjoy it! I am thankful for the Favor that I do not deserve. One thing is for sure: God does not favor people, but He favors people who favor His principles. At the end of every day, there is always one thing I know: I have FAVOR. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

What is your top 10?

Grace and Peace

Blan

What your Idols give you.

In Judges Chapter 11, I found a very interesting statement. We all know the story of the mighty warrior Jephithah. How his family sent him away because he was the son of prostitute and didn’t want him to have any of the inheritance. However because his fighting skills he is asked to come and be their commander and lead the armies of Israel against the Ammonites. (That’s a lesson in itself.)  Jephithah agrees and the first thing he does is send of a messenger to Ammonites King wanting to know why they have attacked their country. The king says when the Israelites came out of Egypt that they took away land from the Ammonites and now, (300 hundred years later) he wants it back.  Jephithah send the messenger back the king with a little history lesson about what really happened during Israel’s journey to the promise land, how they were not allowed pass through certain nations, how they had to go around or where attacked.

Then Jephithah says this in Judges 11:21-24 But the LORD, the God of Israel, gave his people victory over King Sihon. So Israel took control of all the land of the Amorites, who lived in that region, from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River, and from the eastern wilderness to the Jordan.  “So you see, it was the LORD, the God of Israel, who took away the land from the Amorites and gave it to Israel. Why, then, should we give it back to you? You keep whatever your god Chemosh gives you, and we will keep whatever the LORD our God gives us.

In others words, Jephithah is saying “Look. Our God whooped up on your god. Your problems are with your god not us.”  The Bible goes on to say that the king ignored the messenger and Israel fought against the Ammonites and was successful.

When we talk today about idol worship let’s face it, there are many things we put in the place of importance instead of God; Time, Money, School, Sports, Jobs, Family. Yes, family is very important. Let me explain it this way. Once I asked my momma when I was little, “Do you love me more than God?” Her reply was “Blan it’s because I love God that I can love you.

 The lesson in Judges Chapter 11 is that nothing is going to able sustain, provide, or help you like Jehovah. NOTHING! So if we start trying to depend on idols then we need to be ready to live with the results, or we can do what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Grace & Peace

Blan

Liver & Onions, Boiled cabbage, and Bible Study

 One of the many reasons I love having grown up in Texas is the food. I have enjoyed the finer taste of elegant Texas cuisines — T-bone steak, Brisket, Fried Chicken, Beans & Cornbread, Banana Pudding, and Iced Tea.   But there are some Texas foods I avoid— Liver & Onions, and Boiled Cabbage, just to name a couple.   I fail to see how these dishes can be appetizing even to Texas taste buds.   While these may be favorites for some, I’ll politely pass.

Luckily a Christian can go to heaven without eating liver & onions, or boiled cabbage.  However, to live and grow as a Christian we must develop a healthy appetite for God’s Word.  Peter instructs us to “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” (1 Peter 2:2-3).

When was the last time that you or I had a craving to reading the Bible?  Do we desire to know God with the same intense hunger we would have when raiding the refrigerator for late night snack?   Our motivation for this desire is because we have “tasted the goodness of the Lord”.  The idea is that God has been so good to us that we crave to know more about Him!   God has instructed each of us to “make every effort, add to your faith...knowledge”(2 Peter 1:5).  We can only add or consume “knowledge” by Bible reading and study. 

God will not “force feed” us.  We must come to the word of God with our own cravings and hunger.  Each week you and I are given opportunities to feast on the milk and meat of the word.   Do you “desire” to participate in worship, and Bible study?  Or have you lost your taste for the bread of life?   Those who avoid Bible reading and study will spiritually starve!    If our faith feels weak, then feeding our faith with the Bible will strengthen it, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”  (Romans 10:17).

The Dinner bell is ringing!  Come and Get it!

Grace & Peace

Blan

The Truth

What is Truth?  Truth can be described in many ways, sometimes it's best defined in its opposite.  An absolute truth, sometimes called a universal truth, is an unalterable and permanent fact.   In a culture where ultimate truth is treated like a fairy tale, an outdated idea or even an insult to human intelligence, the motto of the day becomes, "WHATEVER!"

 “Believe whatever you want.” “Do whatever seems best to you.”              “Live for whatever brings you pleasure, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone.”                                

And of course, be tolerant. Don't try to tell anyone that there “whatever” is wrong.   The truth can hurt, Truth can be exposing, and we live in a world of lies because we don’t want, to tell the truth. But in the end, it always comes out because truth is discovered not made up.

My Dad says that “I would rather someone steal from me than lie to me” The reason, he explained, “you might be able to get something stolen back, but a lie can never be replaced.”

John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   If you are seeking truth, then you are seeking Jesus, and if you are seeking Jesus you are seeking truth.  “Yeah, yeah Preacher that sounds like something you would say.” Okay, but watch what happens when you substitute “Jesus”, or his words in the first person, like “my” or “I” with “Truth” and vise verse. 

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Now with the word “Truth” . “A new command Truth gives you: Love one another. As Truth has loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are Truth’s disciples, if you love one another.”

Consider, John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Now with the word “Jesus”  “Then you will know the Jesus, and the Jesus will set you free.”

I believe in Absolute Truth because I believe in Absolute Jesus.

Grace and Peace

Blan

Achoo! Bless You!

If there is one thing that can be a certainty in Texas, it’s that allergies are everywhere. Pollen, Pets, Mold, Dust; you name it, we have it! As my Mom always says, “You gotta pay a price to live in Texas.”

I don’t think that anyone knows when saying “Bless you” after someone sneezes started, but I'm sure glad we do it. Why? Because we are living in a time where people need blessings more and more!

Here's the good news. We don’t have to wait for sneezes. The list of ways to bless someone is too long to write out, but here are a few: You can be a blessing to others by speaking kind words, volunteering in your community, giving to charity, sharing things, giving food, sharing how the LORD is working on you, praying for someone, and listening to someone.

We all know the Golden Rule. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31.

If used correctly, this scripture can be our day to day guide for blessing others. It’s quite simple really. Think what the person would like, then do it. Don’t wait for them to do something for you. Take the initiative!

Do you want to be forgiven? Forgive. Do you need affirmation? Affirm. If you feel hurt, wounded, or broken and could stand some gentleness, be gentle with others. Do you appreciate tact? Be tactful. Do you enjoy a nice compliment? Compliment others.

The truth of the matter is that you are really doing more than giving a blessing. You are BEING a blessing.

There is always an opportunity to bless someone. The more that we seek to bless others, God will provide for us and open more doors to accomplish His will.

Grace and Peace

Blan

Run!

When is the last time you went to a track meet? For many of us parents who have kids in Jr. high and High School we can say, “a couple of days ago.” Track and field is different from other sports because you are the only one competing. Yes, even in a relay race no one can run that leg of the race but you. There are no plays to call and no huddles to discuss strategy, just you and your two legs. As a parent, we can only watch in anticipation as young people come around the last turn, giving it all they’ve got, trying to finish and win. So, we cheer them on from the stands. We know that our cheering is only encouragement and that it doesn’t help them get any faster, but we love our little athletes. We want to let them know that we are watching them and are supporting them. Have you ever considered that the Bible says the same thing is happening to us?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and at down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
As children of GOD, our race is far from over. Sure, we have uncertainties and there are distractions. The track can be narrow and rocky, and we will defiantly “hit the wall”. But, if we will just keep running we will reach our goal! When we come to last turn there will be those in the stands cheering! Want to know who they are? Read Hebrews Ch 11. Wow! What a fan base! At the finish line is Christ (maybe with a towel and cup of water?) calling to you, “C’mon! You got this! RUN! I have your prize waiting for you, my good and faithful servant.”
So, just run the race! With endurance, it is far from over.
Grace and Peace
Blan

Being Together

The story goes that a Preacher was traveling to a conference and decided to stop and worship with a local congregation. He walked into the building for Bible Class and was greeted warmly. Bible Class got off to a little late start due to all the visiting that was going on and the teacher said that they would just finish next Sunday. The Bible Class teacher invited the Preacher to sit with him and his family for worship. As the Preacher sat in his pew, he thought how noisy it was with the laughing and talking. How in the world could any of these Christians prepare their minds for worship?

The men serving didn't come out until 7 minutes after start time, having got side tracked talking about unimportant things the Preacher thought. And to top it off, when the person got up to make the announcements he had to wait for everyone to stop talking before he could start. The rest of the services went well and the teacher invited the Preacher to go out and eat. the Preacher accepted but had to wait a full hour to get out because it seemed that everyone wanted to talk and visit so much that they couldn't get out the door.

Since the traveling Preacher was staying the night in town, he decide to go back for the PM service and was astounded to see the building almost as full as it was that morning! He looked up the attendance from last week in the bulletin and noticed that this church he was visiting only had a 6% decline on Sunday night and Wednesday night than to the AM service. He quickly went to find the Bible Class teacher and, after waiting to speak to him, (more visiting), he asked if what he was reading about attendance was a typo. The teacher said, "No, we always type in the of number ever since I've been here." The traveling Preacher said, "Please tell me what kind of program or activity that you're doing here to get these kinds of numbers. I've never heard of a church that had such a high attendance number on Sunday night and Wednesday night" The teacher smiled and said, "We aren't doing anything other than what the Bible teaches us." The Preacher then asked, "Then what is going on at this church that make so many people return?” The Bible Class teacher said simply, "We Just Enjoy Being Together!"

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV)

Grace and Peace

Blan