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

People Watching

Have you ever heard someone talk about how they loved to people watch?  Well I am one of those people also.  I love to sit and watch people.  Sometimes it can be very entertaining to say the least.  I have seen people in a variety of settings ranging from malls to amusement parks and sporting events to concerts.  There have also been the opportunities to watch people in a variety of settings at worship events and churches.  There are times when you see some of the most unusual things take place.  Probably the funniest is when people are not paying attention to where they are going and stumble.  Of course, the first reaction of the individual which stumbled is to regroup and look to see if anyone was watching.  If they find that someone was watching then there is a tendency to begin to think how I can look as if that didn’t happen or I meant to do that! 

I remember when I was a student at Samford many years ago we were sitting in the school’s cafeteria.  On the far side of the room was a side door which was clearly labeled “do not exit, alarm will sound.”  As we sat there eating and talking someone noticed one of the freshmen girls heading to the aforementioned door.  All attention was on this young lady as she approached the door and pushed the bar to exit.  As you can imagine the alarm sounded and the young lady was quite embarrassed by her actions.  While there were some who were sympathetic to this young lady’s mistake many others in the room began to applaud and laugh.  Unfortunately for the young lady she chose to return the way she came rather than go ahead and exit the door. 

There are times when others around us do things which are humorous and then there are times when people are annoying.  Recently, I asked for a response on one of the social media outlets for answers to what is annoying about other people.  There were responses such as:  selfishness, fake people, overpowering people who demand their way is always right, judgmental people (especially within the church), rudeness, adults with lack of respect for one another, hypocrites, inconsistency, arrogance, slackers, and those who complain about situations but won’t do anything to help rectify the situation. 

But the one which caught my attention the most is those with a sense of entitlement.  While this attitude can take on a variety of meanings the one which most would correlate here is that of expecting that one deserves something.  I often hear people complain that the world is filled with individuals who have the mindset that they are owed something by the government, other people, the church, and even God.  At what point do we come to where we are owed something by someone else?  Is there a standard by which we can determine such a status of entitlement?  All valid questions, but the scripture does not teach such a demeanor.  In fact, Jesus taught us to care for the needs of others ahead of our own.  Paul encouraged us to bear the burdens of one another.  Should we insist on entitlement when the example of Jesus was to lay down His life for others?

In closing let me bring up one other thought.  When we see these attitudes and actions in others which irritate us do we stop to wonder what we might do which robs the joy of someone else?  It is easy to see the faults of others, but do we stop to contemplate that we too might have a fault?  Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye; but don’t notice the log in your own eye?” He continued by saying we would be wise to remove the log from our own eye in order to help our brothers with anything which might be in their own.  Let’s see what could be detrimental for the kingdom of God in our lives and remove it so as not to cause any hindrance for others coming to Christ!

Seeking His Way,

Pastor Ric

A Walk to Remember

As I read a post of a good friend this morning on Facebook my heart was saddened.  First, let me share with you the gist of the post.  Over the past several days several people have drawn a line in the sand regarding their beliefs about a certain movie which Hollywood recently released by the name of “Magic Mike.”  The storyline behind this film focuses on a “male stripper who teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money” according to imdb.com.  My friend’s post on Facebook was in response to several professing Christians who were apparently celebrating the release of this film and their viewing of it coupled with the disapproval of others who were outspoken regarding the film and those going to see the film.  The point of the confrontation stemmed from people who approved of the movie.  They felt as they were being judged for lauding the film and viewing it in the theaters.  They cried judgmentalism against those who were anti-Magic Mike. 

As my friend wrote his views on the situation he reminded his Facebook friends of the words of the apostle Paul while writing to the Thessalonians.  In the closing chapter of 1 Thessalonians Paul reminds his readers to “stay away from every form of evil.”  The King James translates this passage to mean “stay away from the appearance of evil.”  While some theologians have a problem with this translation because of grammatical construction, I tend to like the way one commentator offered a rendering of it.  The author of the UBS New Testament Handbook Series inferred “one may render this admonition as ‘refuse to do anything which is evil,’ or ‘refuse to act in any way which even seems bad.’”  This dual meaning of interpretation covers the gamut of both ends of the spectrum.  As Christians we are commanded to not only abstain from doing inherit evil or wrong as well as anything which would give an improper perception of evil by others. 

As I look at the situation I am reminded of where many of us are in relation to our walk with God.  For some, going to see such a film is a no brainer!  They do not care what God thinks because they have no relationship with God.  For others they have a relationship with God but it is what I would call an acquaintance.  They know of God but they do not know Him in an intimate way; therefore, His opinion carries no weight.  Still others prefer to compartmentalize their life and think they can render unto God a portion of their heart while maintaining a lifestyle or action which is contrary to God because they see Him only as a part of their life and not their LIFE.  This is a dangerous and destructive ideology in that Jesus warned His followers that “no man could serve two masters!”  (Mt. 6:24)  Others profess to have a relationship with God, cry out to Him, praise Him, and even seek to serve Him, but fail to understand the importance of a holy life dedicated to Him.  The danger of such a walk is seen in Psalms 24:3-4 where the psalmist asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in His Holy place?  The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…” 

When we defile our lives with such things, we are pushing away the opportunity to walk with Christ in a pure and upright relationship, for which we were designed.   The issue at hand this week is a movie called “Magic Mike.”  What will the matter be next week?  If we would settle a greater matter of importance called the Lordship of Christ then these tertiary issues would not be of relevance.  Whether others are looking at us in a judgmental tone is not the greater issue for someone will always sit in judgment of our actions whether pure or improper.  The imperative question should be, “How is Jesus looking at my actions?”  My greater concern must be am I walking in a pure and undefiled relationship with God!  If we would each walk with such an intention in our heart then the trivial matters of life would be irrelevant.

Pastor Ric   

The Danger of Meism

As a small child my mother took me one day shopping with her.  During this outing to our pre-Wal-Mart general store named Howard Brothers as a 5 year old I decided that I needed a tag for the back of my bicycle.  However, selections that day were limited and they did not have Rickey or Rick.  I was not a patient young man.  In other words, I wanted what I wanted when I wanted!  (Ever been there? That you would admit!)   So as a creative genius I determined since my name is Rickey Edward Camp that I could simply use Edward, which they had.  In the most tactful manner I knew as a five year old I sought to convince my mother that even though I went by Rickey a bike tag with Edward would suffice.  Unfortunately, I thought at the time, my mom did not understand my reasoning nor did she succumb to my persuasion.  Her answer was a definitive, “NO!”  How dare her say no to a “valid” request such as mine. 

Not to be content with a negative response, I felt if I showed my grave disappointment in her denial of my request I might be more persuasive so I began to have a rather dejected and despondent disposition.  (That is a politically correct way of saying I pouted!)  However, a rather ornery attitude followed this period of pouting.  It wasn’t until my mom decided I needed to be taken behind the trash cans on the hardware aisle for an attitude adjustment that I could understand my mother’s point of view.  While that was not a moment I enjoyed or even appreciated at the time, I am grateful that mom understood the bigger picture in order to help prepare me for greater issues in life than not getting a bicycle tag that particular morning.

I recall a passage in the book of Judges where Samson as a young man saw something he wanted desperately.  What he desired was of greater consequence than a bicycle tag with the wrong name on it.  He wanted a young girl from a neighboring country which worshipped another god.  This young lady from the land of Philistia appealed to Samson so he went back to his mother and dad asking them to obtain her for him as his wife.  Samson’s parents knew the commands of God to not intermarry with foreigners and tried to reason with Samson.  However, in Judges 14:3 Samson demanded of his parents by saying, “Get her for me, because I want her.”  Here is a young man, not a five year old boy, pitching a fit to have his way because it “pleases” him.  While that is a sad picture, the more troubling issue is that his parents succumb to the wishes of a demanding son rather than teach him the deferral of pleasures, especially those which detracted him from obedience to God.  I wonder what would have happened to Samson later in life, especially with Delilah, had he learned to resist the temptations to disobey God.

When I think of this in relation to where I am today, I am thankful to how my parents taught me as a young boy the important lessons of life.  As I contemplate though I am fearful that too often I forget that lesson in Howard Brothers.  Are there times as an adult when I am demanding of my ways when God has something greater in mind?  Are there times when I am impatient with the directives of God because they do not fit into my schedule of activities and timeline?  Am I intolerable of things when I do not see the bigger picture?  God has not placed me in here to satisfying my longings.  His plan is for me to glorify Him by drawing unregenerate people to Him.  May my ways and plans never seek to glorify self but rather to honor a deserving and holy God in all ways.

Pastor Ric