Waypoints

This is Big!

As Barney Fife would say…”This is big!” School has started back and now families have an opportunity to get back to some sort of schedule. We can choose to focus on the important aspects of life. That’s big!

The school year slams us into a routine that is welcomed by many after a long, hot and crazy summer. It’s a great time to check out your life and see how things are going.

This Sunday will be big for churches! This is a great opportunity for small group leaders to contact their members and encourage them to get back into the “habit” of going to church. We don’t want our walk with Christ to be a bad habit…but we do want our fellowship with Him to be habitual! It is a great time for students and neighbors to invite people to come join them in church.

I read a statistic today that indicated that 89% would be willing to listen if someone wanted to tell them about their relationship with Christ. That’s big! Church this weekend is going to be big! We should have a great time together.

I hope you will be there…and bring a friend!

Heaven

Our day with Don Piper was a day that we will long remember for many reasons. So what exactly did Don Piper teach us about Heaven? Let take a few minutes and make a list of a few things that he encountered.

There really are pearly gates. The Bible says there are twelve of them and Don said they seemed to be alive with their radiance.
There was a magnificent light originating from a pinnacle in the distance.
We will recognize people in Heaven.
The streets of gold…they were there but appeared to be translucent.
Angels make tremendous noise with their wings as they praise God.
The music was massive but molded together in perfect harmony.
There are mansions…dwelling places in Heaven. Don didn’t elaborate but said they were magnificent.
All of our senses work in Heaven. Don could hear, smell, feel and was sure that taste would also be incredible but he did not experience that.
Our bodies will be perfected!! They will be just like God intended for them to be. All of the scars will be gone…except for those on Jesus.
There was no waiting to get there…absent from the body…present with the Lord.
Heaven isn’t a dream…it is a real place. Don said several times it is more real than our life here.
Don was greeted by those people who helped him know Christ.
The music was a combination of many different songs into one and yet somehow it all made sense!
He simply didn’t want to leave.

So who will we greet in Heaven. It was not those who lead him in the “sinner’s prayer” that greeted him but simply those who assisted in the process by how they lived their lives and they did for Don so he could hear about Jesus. The Bible puts it this way: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV)

So Heaven is real! Because of that, we have work to do. I think I will go “plant” or “water” today and let God bring about the results!

Thailand

Thailand…what an incredible trip. There are many things that could be highlighted but here are few that really stand out:

1. What a great team of missionaries we have. As a Southern Baptist Church we join with other churches and support over 5,000 foreign missionaries around the world through the International Mission Board (IMB). The team serving in East Asia is awesome!

2. There is a movement of young missionaries going on the field. It was encouraging to see how many of our missionaries are in the late twenties and early thirties. The future looks bright!

3. The sweet Asian people can teach us many lessons about hospitality. Their cordial and polite spirit left an impression on me. Even though they have a false hope they still have a kind approach to life.

4. There is still work to be done! The fields are white unto harvest but we need more laborers to go.

5. There was some stress among our missionaries because of some restructuring that is taking place within the IMB. However, it is encouraging to see the IMB looking for new ways to be more efficient and effective.

6. It is exciting to know that I have taken my last long trip by traveling “coach!” When your legs are longer than the space given for them you get really uncomfortable after about 6 hours with 7 hours to go! I will not do that again! Remember: A 747 is a big plane but does not have much leg room!

7. There is an entrepreneurial spirit among our missionaries. They do all kinds of things that allow them to live and travel in closed countries.

8. I am extremely grateful that there was “American” food in Thailand!

9. Because of this opportunity; our lives will never be the same.

10. It is pretty amazing that everyone made it back safe and sound…with the exception of major colds!

Patriotism

Patriotism…it is a lost conviction. The older generation has a clear understanding of what it cost to have America. It appears that the younger we are in age the more we have lost the understanding that God allowed many of us to be born in America. That is a huge blessing that brings about a massive amount of responsibility. This week one of our daughters asked us what other countries did to control immigration. We thought and discussed it for a minute and then wondered if other countries even have problems with immigration? Does Iran need to control the throngs of people that are trying to get into that country to experience a life of blessings and opportunity? Recently our president traveled across the globe and announced that our country was no longer a “Christian nation.” We can debate various aspects of that statement but the debate ends when God’s Word says that “we will reap what we sow.” End of discussion! As we turn our eyes away from the blessings that God has given this country then we lose the awareness of responsibility that we must understand so that this country will remain strong. Listen to this Congressional response to Pres. Obama’s comment.

So if you are thinking “what is the big deal” then travel with me to some third world countries that have no foreseeable hope of a bright future. Read the news and notice the incredible job our soldiers are doing trying to fight people who hate us because we have freedom and opportunities. Visit Arlington Cemetery, Pearl Harbor or other places like that which represent the lives that have been given for freedom. Walk through Washington D.C. and read the inscriptions that talk about God’s presence in our country and if that it too difficult then get out a dollar bill and see where we put our trust!! I’m not talking about patriotism just for the sake of patriotism. I am patriotic because of God and the foundations of this country that was obviously based on what His Word teaches us. He has blessed this country and with those blessings comes responsibility. May God bless America!

Big!

In the words of Barney Fife: “This is big…big…really big…Andy, are you listening…this is big!” It really is big. James 5:16 says that your prayers are making a big difference and we are praying about some big things. You are praying aren’t you? You prayed last week for our students while they were in Dallas. That was big! Come to think of it…doesn’t Dallas and Texas always make you think “big?” This week is big! Men on Missions…they need our prayers…it is big…and at times dangerous. They create quite a buzz when they arrive…it’s big. Vacation Bible School is big…no huge! Kids are everywhere this morning. There are many guest here that represent various faiths and backgrounds. It is big…they need to learn about Jesus. Sooooo, pray. Pray this week that Jesus would be supernaturally evident from Sparta, Missouri to Trussville, Alabama just like He was in Dallas, Texas! It’s BIG!

Time

Today at lunch Dan mentioned his favorite class that he had taken in seminary was philosophy (not really). Just the mere mention of that word brought back vivid memories of lapsing into a deep coma while sitting in a desk! It would have been more fun to watch paint dry! I still remember the depths at which we discussed others peoples views and questions of life. It seems like we discussed whether “a tree makes noise when it falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it” for weeks! I could immediately answer that question in two ways: 1. Who cares? 2. Of course it does…the tree is not there for man! That tree was created, existed, and fell to the floor of the forest for God and God alone!

There is not much put here in this world for man. Everything that exists is for God and to bring glory to Him. Sure we oversee it, enjoy it, and are stewards of it – but it is not mine. Isn’t that what the Bible teaches us? Why do we chase after things that focus on the created instead of the creator? We tend to get the cart before the horse and this always leads to big trouble. Due to the fact that we really were not created for “here” but for eternity, we need to understand that I exist for Him and not for me! When we become so short-sighted that we think that this life is about us then we sit around and discuss questions that revolve around us! Since we know far more to “do” than we actually practice, I believe I will get up and go do what I know I should be doing and let other people chase those self imposed questions of life!

Priorities

What is happening to me? One of my favorite verses, Proverbs 6:6 (NIV), says “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” This verse speaks about preparation, hard work and diligence! Yesterday, I took our home computer to a shop to purchase a power supply. The Tech opens the case to verify that I am buying the correct one and says, “Sir we can clean this up (get the dust out) and replace your power supply for $30.” Moments later, after I reviewed what I needed to accomplish that day, I let him! I could have done that and I have all the tools to do it. This morning I let a shop rotate the tires on Lynn’s car! Again, I have a floor jack and air tools to do that myself…yet I let someone else do it!

Am I losing the “practice” of one of my favorite verses or is my life just getting tooooo crazy that I personally can’t get to everything myself? I like to work on things…but I can’t seem to get all the “work” done these days. Sometimes I notice people who think that the way THEY live life is THE way that everyone should live life. Sometimes that attitude comes from arrogance and sometimes it from those who have lived long enough to develop an opinion or habitual lifestyle.

The fact is we all live life differently due to many variables. Some of these variables are accumulated over long intervals of time and other variables come in a flash of a moment at important times in our lives. It would be beneficial for us to focus more in building people up, even if they are not like us, than to criticize others who don’t have the same way of living that we do. What is good for the “goose” is not necessarily good for the “gander!”

Now, I need to go pick up a tiller I let someone else repair…what is my world coming to?

Coveting

Let’s be very honest. We have all done it and some of us have a doctorate in this field of study! Recently I was riding down the road and on my right I noticed a beautiful 1968 Camaro! It was a bright, glossy orange and looked to be in pristine condition. I nearly wrecked! On top of that it was a convertible…. And then it began in my mind: coveting. I wish, I want, why not and on and on. We have all been there. It may be a job, a car, a house, vacation, income, or even someone else’s spouse! You remember that coveting was one of the “big ten” don’t you? It is not something we have made up in this century alone. It is an age old problem.

Is it really a problem? Is it really wrong…a sin? The answer: Yes and No. You see, coveting is just goals, passions and vision that have gotten lazy. The problem is we want something someone else has and we want it NOW. That is unbiblical and lazy. There are a multitude of verses that speak of hard work, vision, dreams and diligence that teaches us that all of this is good.

One day Lynn and I will go out and buy a rusty old bag of bolts. A few years later it will turn into a pristine muscle car that will be a blast to ride around town with the top down on a beautiful summer evening. That is a dream that will come true after more hard work (so we can afford it) and hours of “therapy” as the transformation takes place.

So do you want a better house? Then go to work so that one day you can afford one. Do you want to have a lifestyle of giving? Then make changes in your lifestyle and live within your means. Do you want a better spouse? Then love that person like Ephesians 5 teaches and you will be amazed at how beautiful they become. Do you want a better job? Then get your education, work hard, and it will come. Do you want to be more like Christ? Study His Word … do it … and He will shine through your life. Do you want … well you get the point!

Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart!

Just Enough

Just enough! After months and months of prayer and hard work, we have received “just enough” commitment to continue on the path of improvement so that we can reach more people for Christ.

Sunday, we celebrated some great milestones:

The total pledges and offerings that have been given – and committed – over the next three years amount to $4,346,182. (as of 5/18/09) That’s the largest pledge in the history of the First Family!
The great news is that we already received $973,023 dollars of our total pledge! (as of 5/18/09) This will help us to avoid paying interest payments on borrowed money until a later date!
The bank waived closing costs, appraisal fees, and some other anticipated expenses. That is rather unusual for this type of transaction!

We have just enough to continue down this road. However, we don’t have enough to just coast for the next three years. Several things need to happen:

More people need to join this exciting adventure! 550 families and individuals committed to this endeavor. Many of you should still join us on this journey!
As the economy re-ignites, we need for those who can to surpass their giving estimates to do so.
Most importantly, we must continue to reach those around us as we fulfill the Great Commission.

These are exciting days, and we have many more exciting days ahead of us as we anticipate what God will do. As a part of the First Family, commit yourself to prayer and faithfulness so that He will have a Family that He can work through.

Hate

I hate weeds! Is that too strong a strong word? When I was growing up, we couldn’t ever say the word “hate.” It was the ugliest of the ugly! Lynn and I have also instilled that our daughters not use the word “hate” in relation to people. Now back to my point: I really do hate weeds! I’m not sure why, but the thought of pulling weeds makes my head hurt! Recently I walked into the house and Lynn asked me what I was doing outside (which is where you will find me most of the time when I am at home). My response was “spraying roundup.” She asked me what I was spraying and I quickly told her “anything that was green!” I like roundup!

Does my hate for pulling weeds go back to Adam and Eve? Were they created because of the first sin found in Genesis 3:17-19? Maybe it’s because they are “sin-created” that I despise them. Maybe there really is a spiritual condition here…but probably not! Hate is a strong word but is it really wrong to hate weeds? Here are some other things that I hate…

• I hate hell. It is an awful place. It is real and I don’t want anyone to go there.

• I hate abuse. What kind of justification is it for the strong to hurt the weak? Anyone can do that.

• I hate snakes. Dead or alive, I just don’t like them!

• I hate abortion. It is so harmful in so many ways.

There are other things like arrogance, divorce, politics, self-centeredness, and others that really get under my skin. Maybe hate is too strong for those items but not for many of them. At least I have an opinion about them.

Some people just choose to go through life and never get involved or emotional about anything. Emotions are a good thing when they are properly displayed. Someone once said if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. Today, stand for something! And base that something on God’s Word.

BUDDY CHAMPION

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