My God Is Bigger

One of the movies which ranks as a classic with me is Hoosiers which features a high school basketball team from Hickory, Indiana.  The story follows a coach who takes a group of boys from this small town in Indiana to the state finals in basketball.  After a stellar, but tumultuous season the boys arrive at the state finals hosted at a university arena in Indianapolis.  The setting and scene were something the boys of Hickory had never experienced before but through the encouragement of their coach were able to overcome their inhibitions and rise to victory on a last second shot to win the state title.  What makes this story so incredible is that, true to real life until 1997 in Indiana, there was only one state basketball playoff regardless of a schools size.  In other words, regardless of a school’s size or number of students all competed for the same title. 

This was the classic story of David versus Goliath where the underdog came forth as the victor defeating the heavy favorite.  Many might even look at this and say it is a great Hollywood story but is unlikely to happen in real life.  The truth is that this movie’s storyline is loosely based on the real to life story of Milan High School from the rural portion of southern Indiana.  While many of the characters and incidents were embellished and/or even fabricated, Milan High School won the state championship in 1954 against a formidable foe.  They overcame the odds by working together in great teamwork for a common purpose.  They were successful because they did not let the size of their school nor the way they saw their abilities handicap them.  They played with great determinism and passion.

As I think of this real life story of a team who did not allow their resources to limit their success, I ask myself whether we follow this example in what God wants to do through us.  I have often contended that the size of one’s vision is not limited to one’s estimation of their resources or themselves but rather their understanding of how big their God is.  Often there is a saying on Sirius/XM radio station The Message which says, “Don’t tell God how big your mountain is; tell the mountain how big your God is.”  Rick Warren is quoted as saying, “How big do you think God is?  The issue is not who do you think you are, but who do you think God is?  In your dreams for your ministry, don’t limit yourself by saying, “What can I do?”  Instead ask, “What can God do in this place?” 

When I think of First Baptist Florence I see so many things which God desires to accomplish through us.  I see a mission field next door in the University of North Alabama.  I see a potential ministry at UNA with the international students which God has brought to us.  I see a building waiting for us to develop it for use with the Initiative 305 ministry.  I see a community with only 50% who admit to attending church.  I see a great need for personal evangelism through relationship development.  I see an opportunity to reach a growing population of Senior Adults.  I see young families who need the stability of Jesus Christ in their homes. 

What can we do as one church in downtown Florence?  We can begin working one of these ministries at a time.  We can each step forward to work in an area of which we are passionate.  We can each take time to build relationships with people who are not involved in church or have a personal relationship with Jesus.  We can realize that God has gifted each of us with abilities and talents to function in the body of Christ.  We can step up and volunteer to be a part of these ministries.  We can say, “I will be willing to head up this ministry or that initiative.”  When we begin coming together for the common purpose to achieve these tasks then we will begin to see God work in our hearts and through our abilities to bring home the championship trophy for His glory and honor.  Let’s win this battle for our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Keep Bragging on Our Jesus,

 

Pastor Ric

Matthew 19:26 "…With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

A Little Help from My Friends

Whenever I leave for a trip Lisa and our children have always found a way to sneak notes of encouragement into my luggage.  Now I am not referring to a one note from each of them lying on the top of my clothes just inside the luggage but varied and many notes of scripture and words of encouragement all through the suitcase.  For instance, I might find one lying on the top that says, “I will miss you” and another buried deep inside that says, “I am proud of you.”  Then later in the week I might pull out a shirt and inside the shirt one says, “I believe in you” only to find one next to a pair of socks that says “God is going to use you this week.”  This tradition has been something Lisa started when we first got married and I would leave for trips in which she could not go.  Then when Raegan and Noah came on the scene she would add notes from them to accompany her notes before they could even speak only to teach them this time honored tradition as they go older. 

 

Why would she do this?  Because she loves me, cares about me, and wants to express that sentiment to encourage me.  We each need this type of encouragement and affirmation.  William Arthur Ward is quoted as saying, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”  There are certain people God places in our lives who are encouragers and we need those people.  If you don’t believe that people need encouragement then listen to this old story about an elderly widow who was restricted in her activities, but was still eager to serve Christ by encouraging others. It seems the elderly lady, after praying about this, realized that she could bring blessing to others by using her God given talent in playing the piano. The next day she placed this small ad in the Oakland Tribune: "Pianist will play hymns by phone daily for those who are sick and despondent--the service is free." She placed her phone number in the advertisement and waited to see what, if any, response she might receive.  Soon people began to call.  As she spoke with them and listened to their troubles she would ask, "What hymn would you like to hear?" Within a few months her playing had brought cheer to several hundred people. Many of them freely poured out their hearts to her, and through this ministry of music she was able to help and encourage them.  This story goes to prove people are looking for encouragement and we have the opportunity to offer it in many creative ways, if we will take the time.

 

Unfortunately there are also many people who possess the opposite of encouragement.  They have the “anti-spiritual gift” of discouragement.  These are people Satan leads to discourage us through criticism, hateful words and tones.  The reality is that too many people are way too good at performing this task.  In addition, we are way too prone to let the negatives of what people say and do influence us too greatly.  For some reason we are geared to let the one negative carry much more weight than ten positives.  While we are appreciative of the positives we tend to linger on the lone negative.  As Bob Newhart told a patient who came to him in a sketch where he played a psychiatrist, “Stop It!”  We must stop allowing the negatives to drive our emotions and feelings of adequacy.

 

In closing let me encourage you to be an encourager.  We must be about the business of building one another up instead of tearing each other down.  Scripture charges us to “encourage one another and build each other up as you (we) are already doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11)  Paul challenged the church at Thessalonica to take their deeds of encouragement to a deeper level.  Why, because he knew the hearts of people.  He knew that it takes much more encouragement in a world of discouragement.  Times may have changed in many ways since Paul wrote this letter but one thing has stayed constant, people need lots of encouragement.  Take time today to send someone a note of encouragement.  Offer someone a random act of kindness, even do this to someone you do not know!  Take time to be an encourager but also rid yourself of any hints of discouragement which might linger in your old nature. 

 

Hey Church Family, God loves you and I do too,

 

Pastor Ric

 

Hurricane Preparation 101

Last week the occurrence of Hurricane Isaac brought back many memories of when my family lived on the Gulf Coast and faced the preparations and endurances of Hurricanes Ivan, Cindy, Dennis, and Katrina.  While the clean up for these storms was often intense and demanding preparing for them was also quite a chore. 

Whenever a storm begins to churn in the Atlantic Ocean with a potential destination of the United States the meteorologists spring into action with forecasts of where the storm appears to be heading.  This immediately prompts the local news stations to begin broadcasting reports of impending possibilities.  Regardless of the word possibility or probability widespread preparation launches.  People begin purchasing plywood, batteries, gas cans, staple food items, bread, bottled water, etc…  In addition, there is always a mad rush to fill all of one’s gas cans, generators, and vehicles with fuel.  These efforts to prepare have a near panic effect on people.  While some who sit back and think nothing is going to happen eventually will succumb to the mass purchasing and hoarding to be prepared “just in case.” 

Once the storm moves closer to the said destination many will begin to pull out old plywood, replace damaged pieces with new wood, and place over glass doors and windows.  Outdoor patio furniture, grills, planters, and all potential projectile objects are secured in garages and sheds.  And many times this is done in conjunction with neighbors to make the job more manageable and enjoyable.  Every last minute preparation is done to prepare property and family from the impending danger.   The last step of the preparation is to make a decision of whether to ride out the storm or evacuate.  If the storm looks as though it will be catastrophic in nature many choose to leave for a safer area.

Now here is the irony of the preparation, often the sun is shining and the temperatures are scorching.  As I boarded up my home in Mobile I would often think to myself, “It doesn’t look like any storm is coming!”  In fact, the weather often looked as though it was some of the prettiest days of the summer.  However, I knew according to the forecasters, that a storm of great magnitude was coming my way!  I must prepare for what is coming!

What would have happened if I had not heeding the warnings?  What would have been the potential danger if I had not done all the hard work, even though it looked as though nothing was wrong?  What could have happened to my family if I did not take the necessary precautions to protect them?  There could be a chance of survival!  I have heard of harrowing stories from those who weathered the brunt of Katrina.  However, there were also those who did not live to tell of their experiences. 

There is a vast correlation between the preparation for a hurricane and the preparation for the storms of life. First, we don’t always sense or see a storm coming.  However, we must prepare anyway.  Matthew 7 gives us great wisdom regarding the man who built his house on the rock.  Matthew’s account does not tell us when he prepared for the storms but we know that when they came he was ready.  Most likely he prepared before the storms arrived, when the sun was shining and all was good.  The time to prepare for the storms is not as they are upon us but before they come.  We must prepare when all is good, bright, and shiny regardless if we do not see the storms coming. 

Secondly, trust in the one who has the power to calm the storms of your life.  In Matthew 8 Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Tiberius in a small boat when a great storm came up on them suddenly.  The disciples cried out to Jesus fearing for their life.  “But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, you of little faith?’ Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.” (Mt. 8:26)  Jesus has the power to calm every storm we are in or going to be entering.  Trust Him! 

Wherever you are today trust that God has the power and desire to protect and save you from whatever you face.  He also has the wisdom to guide you to prepare for the storms you will face so why not ask Him for wisdom for He gives to all liberally. (James 1:5)

Facing the Storms with the Master,

Pastor Ric

Desperate Times

While I was in seminary working on my masters degree at Southwestern Seminary I had the pleasure of sitting under the leadership of Richard and Lisa Blackaby as my Sunday School teachers at Wedgewood Baptist in Ft. Worth.  Since then our paths have not crossed but I read one of Richard’s books sometime ago and he told of an incident in the life of his Daniel.  It seems that Daniel had developed a severe case of insomnia.  Now this was not a situation which lasted for a brief period but rather persisted for several months.  During this time it was not uncommon for Daniel to go without sleep for up to 72 hours at one time.  Although Richard and Lisa took their son to specialists they could not determine any specific cause for this disorder.

At one point Daniel reached an ultimate low physically and spiritually in which he cried out to God in desperation.  That particular night Daniel cried out to God at 3:00 AM in complete and honest abandonment.  His words were something like, “Don’t You care about me?  Don’t You know what I’m going through?  Why do You answer prayers for my friends and family but not my prayers for sleep?  God, if You care about what I’m going through, I need to know---and I need to know soon.” 

Not long after that restless night of little to no sleep in conversation with God Daniel received a letter from a young girl in his youth group who lived just down the street from him.  The letter began to explain how she had been awakened one night recently with an overwhelming sense of urgency to let him know something which God was speaking to her.  Fearing that she might awaken Daniel, for it was in the early hours of the morning, she wrote him a letter instead of calling.  In the letter she simply wrote Mt. 11:28 which states, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Additionally she stressed that God did love Daniel and He had not abandoned or forgotten him but rather He had a special plan for his life. 

Incredibly after speaking with the author of the letter Daniel confirmed that the letter had been written the very night he wrestled with God.  In fact, it was written at the precise time, 3:00 AM, which Daniel had cried out to God for affirmation and answers.  Although Daniel still did not understand the reason for his insomnia, he knew he was not alone in this dilemma. 

Blackaby went on to tell that as amazing as that night was the story did not end there.  Daniel continued to struggle with sleepless nights for some time.  However, the following summer while at youth camp Daniel began to learn the depth of why God allowed this painful experience to continue.  To deal with some serious problems within the youth group, Daniel’s youth pastor gathered the group together while at camp.  During the session the youth were to tell about various issues they were facing individually.  Daniel shared about his insomnia and the struggles pertaining to it. 

Afterwards a young lady told of her struggles with relationships and how one night at her home she became overwhelmed with the thoughts of suicide as a result of failures in her life.  Desperately wanting someone to talk with but realizing the lateness of the hour she did not know what to do.  However, she remembered Daniel and knew of his situation.  As a last ditch effort she logged onto the computer hoping he might be online allowing her to chat with him.  To her surprise and joy, Daniel was still online.  After talking for sometime her sense of wanting to commit suicide was gone.  She closed her time of sharing with the youth group by saying if it were not for Daniel being up that night, I would be dead. 

Ironically, afterwards a young man told a similar story of how he planned to commit suicide early one morning but wanted to say goodbye to at least one person.  He remembered Daniel and called him at 4:00 AM.  Daniel answered on the first ring and they talked for some time.   The young man stated that if it had been for Daniel talking with him that night then he would be dead.  Four others shared stories of how Daniel had come to be their source of encouragement during the struggles of their life as well.  Suddenly Daniel began to realize that God wanted to use him to help others.  He realized that his inconvenience was for the salvation of others.  He knew that God had not abandoned him but chose to use him in an extraordinary way.

Often I have felt as Daniel.  There have been times when I have cried out to God, “Where are You? Don’t You care about me?  Why won’t You help me?”  That is when God reminds me to trust Him.  I found a verse of scripture recently that summarizes God’s plans wonderfully.  In Psalm 50:15 I read “Call on Me in a day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you will honor Me.” 

God has not abandoned us.  He has not forgotten us.  He still is very close by our side to rescue us from our times of trouble.  However, He may delay in His answer so that we can grow, others can find Him, and He can be glorified.  So when God seems distant or does not answer, trust Him.  Looking over my life I can say with experiential affirmation not anticipatory hope that God knows what He is doing.

Only Trust Him,

Pastor Ric

Daniel’s story comes from Unlimiting God by Richard Blackaby

Lessons from a Puppy

Many of you have probably heard of or know who Dave Ramsey is.  Besides being known for his no nonsense approach to finances and debt he is also masterful with some little sayings or quips.  There is one saying by Ramsey which I read recently that makes a lot of sense if we would learn to live by it.  The saying is, “Wag more, bark less!” 

Until last year we had not been successful pet owners.  By that I mean we had tried to allow the kids to have a pet a couple of times before.  First, we gave the kids a puppy after Raegan was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  Of course, being a male I thought that we had to have a manly dog so I got the kids an American Bulldog.  Everything went great for the first several months.  The little girl was as cute as could be.  However, about the seventh month she grew to be big, I mean BIG.  Her chest was as wide as a linebacker, her muscles bulged like a bodybuilder, and her demeanor was like a young child pumped full of sugar.  Every time anyone went into the backyard she seized the opportunity to engage in full-tilt activity.  I really think there was a little voice in her mind that said, “Here’s my chance, LET’S PLAY!”  Because the kids were still small when this eight month old puppy would stand on her hind legs she would tower over the children and frighten them.  Therefore, first attempt of a puppy equaled a failure. 

Then after a few years the children wanted to try again so we rescued a cute little dachshund from the pound.  When we brought him home he was a sweet as he could be.  He didn’t bark, he was semi-house broken, and the kids loved him.  However, we soon learned the he had a personality disorder which caused him to be psycho!  When we would leave him at home alone in his crate he would literally destroy everything inside the crate and even found a way to destroy the crate itself.  After a few weeks he began to snap at Noah when he would try to pet him.  He had to go! (The puppy not Noah!)  Therefore, attempt number two with a puppy equaled failure. 

Then after we had move into our home here in Florence then kids began to ask for another pet.  So, last fall we succumb to one final attempt with a puppy by acquiring a seven week old Yorkie.  (Quite a contrast from an American Bulldog isn’t it; but, my manhood is ok!)  Since this little girl has come into our home we have learned several things that transcend into life.  One of which I think Dave Ramsey was inferring.  While our puppy is far from perfect she is incredible in teaching us life-lessons.  She doesn’t bark unless she feels either we are or she is threatened.  She loves on us with unconditional love.  She is so excited to see us every time we come home.  She forgives us when we have scolded her.  She loves to cuddle up and spend time just being with us.  She loves to play with us. She depends on us and we have come to depend on her.  Lisa often says that Bella, our Yorkie, can make me smile when no one else can. 

So what can we learn from this five-pound bundle of love?  Forgive one another!  No one is perfect but all deserve forgiveness.  Luke 6:37 “…Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Love unconditionally! John 13:34 “…Just as I (God) have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  And finally, Wag more and bark less! 1 Thess. 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…”  Let us not tear one another down but let us forgive, love, and encourage.  Find someone today that needs this message.

Wag more, bark less,

Pastor Ric

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

Years ago there was a theme song from a hit television show and the lyrics to that song made a lot of sense.  In fact, they not only made sense they hit the core of who we are.  Now please don’t misunderstand my implications as approving of the show or read too much into my point.  However, read this excerpt of the lyrics. 

“Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got.   Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn't you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see; our troubles are all the same.  You wanna be where everybody knows your name. You wanna go where people know people are all the same; you wanna go where everybody knows your name.

The hit show focused on a secular setting where people would gather to forget about their troubles and share life with one another.  As I see it that is one of the critical components the world is looking for in life.  Therefore, shouldn’t the church be seeking to provide this relational aspect?  Shouldn’t the church be a place where relationships are built on a common foundation of dependency on one another and more importantly on dependency on God?  The church could be the very place to provide a relationally starved world with more than a temporal fix or a momentary place to forget about their problems.  The church should be a place where the hurting comes to find healing.  The church should be the very essence of the place where everybody knows your name and everybody is glad you came! 

How does that happen?  Let me relate it this way.  I was made aware of a gesture of selflessness by one of our church family recently.  Miranda Bowie celebrated her birthday recently.  However, she decided to do something unusual for this particular occasion.  She chose to do an act of random kindness for every year she had been alive.  (If you want to know how many that was you will have to ask her!)  So this special lady set out and chose to encourage, assist, and/or extend some act of kindness to people.  Wow!  Here is the heart of a making a difference in the lives of others.  She could have made this a time when she said, “It’s my birthday!  It’s all about me!”  Instead, she chose to say I want to use this as an occasion to help others. 

If we could approach church with this mentality of making FBC a place where we seek to minister to others, then we are developing a place where people want to come.  We are providing an atmosphere where there is love and acceptance.  That is what a lost and relationship longing world is looking to find. 

I am so thankful that many of you see this and are striving to make this the heart rhythm of FBC.  I love that so many of you at FBC make this a place of acceptance and love.  I love that so many of you at FBC make this a friendly place.  I love that so many of you at FBC make this a place that welcomes people from all walks of life.  That is the essence of relational evangelism.  Church family lets continue to build a great place of worship to our Lord that welcomes all people to worship and grow in Christ. 

Love People Worship Christ,

Pastor Ric,

Joy that is Strengthening

Have you ever wondered how someone can always be positive and upbeat even in the midst of trials and adversities?  You know that person who regardless of what type of day he might be experiencing seems to always put on a smile and proclaim a sense of positivity.  Do you ever wonder if when they go home they just explode and have a great and mighty pity party?  How do they do it?  How do they stay exuberant in the midst of a really bad day?  How do they keep that positive outlook when everyday seems to be a Manic Monday? 

One thing that has been going over in my mind of recent is the old song we used to sing as a kid.  Do you remember the little chorus that said, “The joy of the Lord is my strength”?  Those were the entire words of the chorus.  It simply said the same phrase over and over again with different inflections.  While some could contend that there was not much depth to this song, the reality is that it has found that in no other source could joy be found aside from the Lord God Himself.  Now I am not contending that we should sing this chorus over and over but I am saying that maybe we need to recognize the simplicity of the message which the author was saying, our strength is found in the Lord alone.

Recently I read a devotional by David Jeremiah which he had written many years ago by the title of The Bible Friend.  In this short piece of inspiration Jeremiah was reminding us of this point.  He gives a summary of how many of those who had gone before us had sought to find joy in something other than the Lord.  For instance he said joy is: 

Not in Pleasure -- Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone."
Not in Money -- Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth."
Not in Position and Fame -- Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age regret."
Not in Military Glory -- Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, "There are no more worlds to conquer."(Turning Point, 1993)

David Jeremiah closed his devotional comments with this question.  Where then is real joy found? -- The answer is simple, in Christ alone.  This chorus and the words of David Jeremiah find their root in Nehemiah 8:10 where the prophet urges the people to “not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (NIV)  His emphasis is that the people were concluding the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement.  In that time Nehemiah along with the priests and Ezra had brought the Word of the Lord to the people but they were not rejoicing in God’s Word instead they were feeling despondent because of their sins.  However, God’s Word is not to simply bring conviction there must also be cleansing.  What Nehemiah is encouraging the people to realize is the pattern we all must follow when we come to the Word of God.  We must allow God’s Word to bring conviction in our lives of the ways we fall short of His standard.  After we have recognized that we are imperfect people we must allow the Holy Word of God to bring cleansing in our lives through the blood of Jesus Christ.  Then the final point, which Nehemiah is establishing here, is there must be a time of celebration of what God has done and is doing in our lives.  As Warren Wiersbe states there must be conviction, cleansing, and celebration in our lives.  If we follow this model, then we discover the joy of the Lord. 

Following the Day of Atonement was the Feast of the Tabernacles which was a week of celebration.  That celebration was rooted in this premise which Warren Wiersbe states in his Exposition of the Old Testament.  He says, “The secret of Christian joy is to believe what God says in His Word and act upon it. Faith that isn't based on the Word is not faith at all; it is presumption or superstition. Joy that isn't the result of faith is not joy at all; it is only a "good feeling" that will soon disappear. Faith based on the Word will produce joy that will weather the storms of life.”  Do you have the “joy” of the Lord today?

Celebrate Jesus Today,

Pastor Ric