His Will was Denied for the Sound of Music

Stop Singing!....I know you are. Sorry. Cheesy title but appropriate.

A recent discussion triggered a memory that I had conveniently let recess way back in the corner of my mind. Possibly it will speak to you or it may be just another nugget of honesty about me that you can put away too.

At the age of 12, I began to play my horn in church picking up the art of playing by ear as quickly as I could. Now that I recall it, it was in the church that Bro. Philip Harrelson now pastors in Dothan, AL. Though at the time, he was on the drums rather than the platform. Bro. Harrelson’s father would strum his guitar and sing beautifully from the church hymnal. You know the ones…the old standards. And by that I am not demeaning the songs, but rather uplifting them. Songs like At the Cross, Come and Dine, Its All in Him, He Set Me Free…and the like. I would play along, learning the melodies, find different parts to play and inserting the occasional riff here and there. There were even times that God would move in those worship services and the Spirit of God would move me as I played those great songs.

As the life of an Army brat would have it, we continued to move, being stationed a various locations and attending various churches. I continued to play, doing the occasional special, participating in church orchestras. When I landed in St. Louis around the age of 20, I was blessed to be involved with directing the APC church orchestra. If you were ever fortunate enough to pass by here from the mid 70’s to the late 90’s, you might have been able to be blessed by some very talented musicians. God blessed this church with many, many great horn players and the orchestra usually ran between 15-20 members on a consistent basis.

There were several times that I was asked to lead the song service. I actually had never done this before now. This was during a time where the “meat” of our song service was still obtained from the hymnal. As I began to lead these services for the first few times, I found myself buried in the song book. That is when it hit me. Although I had enjoyed and been blessed in many instances playing these God inspired melodies, I had neglected to hear the messages of the songs. When I played these notes that were penned by men and women who put them to equally inspired lyrics, I missed the meaning of the words. I was raised in this Truth, cutting my teeth on the back of pews and trying to sleep under them while it rained bobby pins. There was no excuse for me not to know the words to every verse of every song. I was ashamed and convicted. How many times had I missed out on the will of God in a service for me because I was so concentrated on the playing of a beautiful tune? There was no doubt that God had moved on me while playing. There was no doubt that he had blessed me as I played for His glory. But what further blessings had I denied myself in worship and praise when I ignored the words for the sound of the music?

It is apparent today in services that we attend, God still moves and blesses during sincere worship and praise. I must admit since this moment in my life, I take great pause in being in a service that inspires worship to a beat, rhythm or melodic cadence. I am disheartened that we too often get into the “spirit” of the music rather than the essence of the message of the lyrics. It doesn’t matter how well or how musically pleasing I can play a rendition of Grace, Grace, Wonderful Grace if I never focus on the actual meaning of the words that the notes have been transcribed to.

Despising the Promise

In the beginning of Exodus 15 the Israelites are singing the praises of God; fresh from the deliverance of enslavement, eyewitnesses to the parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of their former taskmasters. Just before, they were lamenting their freedom, wishing a return to the service of a whip in lieu of pursuing a promise. But now things are looking up, circumstances have changed…but hearts have not. In three short days following their celebration, they will murmur again.

Continue to flip the pages…the pattern does not waver. Time upon time Israel, in their own eyes, is faced with an unimaginable situation; their eyes are blinded once again from the promise. God delivers. It may be manna today, sweet water another, or victory over an enemy the next. However, their eyes and hearts remain in continued reflection of what has been.

Numbers 11:5-6

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leek, and the onions, and the garlik:
But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.

Their obscured vision prevents them from seeing the miraculous events that had kept them 40 years and placed them at the edge of Canaan; a blessing that had kept scars off their backs and unshackled them from Egypt’s yoke. For with all the signs that God had showed them, their hearts were still in Egypt. Ten times they would provoke Him. Inevitably, in the face of Joshua and Caleb’s account, their continued spurning of the promise would cause them to lose it.

They are days when we don’t understand the workings and movements of God’s will in our lives. Perhaps even sometimes as true believers, in moments of great despair, we persuade ourselves to distrust and fret. Rebellion will feed itself off the murmuring of our minds, convincing us that the shackles of sin and “liberties” of this world outweigh the promise. That somehow in our service and pursuit of godly things, we have been abandoned. Satan would like nothing more than for us to sway ourselves that where we have been prevails over where we are going. Our vision must remain steadfast I should continually remind myself that when times get bitter, when things get tough, when the trial seems insurmountable…there is a land of promise. Milk and honey flourish there and despising it is not an option.

The Work Has Just Begun

It all had been a quick ordeal...the first of 3 children born to me. The phone call at work around noon, the rush home, the delivery a short 4 hours later. As the evening progressed, the pictures have been taken of each one's chance to hold him. Now family and friends have retired back to their homes to resume the normalcy of life.

But now I am left alone in the room with my wife. Visiting hours have come and past. I lean over and kiss her forehead, tell her how proud I am of her...how much I appreciate her being my wife. Tell her to get some rest until the nurse brings Keanan back for a feeding. I explain to her that I am going to go check on the little one in the nursery before I head back to our little two bedroom apartment that will soon welcome home a new face.

I approach the glass, raise my little badge to the nurses to identify myself, declaring that I want to see one of those with the little feet...the little hands. As a small crib is rolled to the edge of the room, a little face comforted in the arms of sleep, nested in his little cap and wrapped tightly in a blanket, comes into view.

Like a sudden storm crossing a lake, a well of emotions spring up within me, sending tears cascading down my tired face. The weight of awesome responsibility and reality sets in. This tiny gift that God has given me. How can I expect myself to raise him, nurture him? I feel so small now. Just hours ago, I was the great image of a proud papa. Now, I am a bubbling mess trying to reconcile the gift with the responsibility. The heaviness of my heart seems unable to withstand fact that now the work has just begun. The journey of parenthood and all that it entails has now hit me square in the chest. I must look after him. I must protect him at all costs. Lord, continually remind me of this moment so that it will always strike a chord in my soul...the work has just begun...

The sanctuary lights are low now...the tissue boxes placed neatly in their spots. The flowers surrounding the platform have been carefully put back in their original position. The sound system is silent, the instruments have become quiet. I look back at the altar. It looks like a place of calm and serenity now.

Just minutes before, tears of labor were shed here. Sacrifices of painful memories were laid down, a hurt caused by a friend. A prayer for a wayward daughter...anguish for a misled son. Burdens were lifted on the nicely carpeted steps. Wisdom and direction for another on the front pew. But in the midst of all of this, God, you found a repentant heart. Someone acknowledging their sins to you. You honored that, Lord. Tears of new found forgiveness streamed. Your church, through its sensitivity and because of your willing Spirit, birthed a new creature today. Friends and family rejoiced...celebration images of a new arrival etched in their mind.

Now it is quiet again. Emotions have settled and silence has once again gripped the room. Family and friends have retired back to their homes to resume the normalcy of life. Remind us again, Lord! Don't let the awesomeness of your delivering power wax cold so quickly. Rush the weight of our responsibility far beyond the newness that we witnessed today. As I recall the pictures in my mind of a teenage son with his hands raised, the tears flowing down the face of "Daddy's" girl, and the cute antics of an 18 month old boy jumping, clapping and raising his hands in imitation of those moved by a spirit he does not yet fully understand....remind me again...that the church had a delivery today...and again...the work has just begun.

This Stuff Doesn't Come Cheap

My profession is in the packaging industry designing and building displays for the point-of-purchase display world. My business card reads Design Engineer, but that is just a nice way of saying I build stuff out of cardboard. From temporary to semi-permanent, I engineer product displays that show off our client’s products in such stores as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Target and the like.

Because of the temporary nature of what I produce, once a salesperson brings me a potential project and after we discuss the nature and intent of the display, usually the first question that follows from me is, “How long does the client want this to last?” In this arena of temporary displays the answer could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Once this is determined, it gives me a direction as to how I will proceed in building it.

Once I have completed the sample, it’s off to the estimators and the quoting process. More often than not, the salesman then shows up in my office or on my caller ID. He usually is accompanied with a sign of disgust on his face or disappointment in his voice. It is then that I know what is coming as so many times before. “It’s too expensive, I didn’t know it was going to cost so much,” “Is there any way you can cheapen it up? Is this particular piece really necessary?” I then go on to explain that sure I could remove an integral part of the design…not a problem….of course that would reduce the capacity of the display and break down the reliability of the structure sending our client’s product to store floor after a couple of weeks of shopping cart hits. I could also remove that graphics panel in front there…but I am pretty sure the client won’t mind us removing there branding message. I usually end with the question, “How much is that going to cost us?”

How many times have we seen it? We are the proponents of the Gospel. God has designed us the perfect product (eternal life) and vehicle (the path through salvation). How many times have we seen its cost analyzed? How many times have we seen the vehicle re-engineered with flaws that remove what is vital to its integrity? I believe it is the right time to ask ourselves once again…What is this going to cost us? At what point do we stop continually reassessing the repercussions of tampering with the structure? In the process of our soul searching, when did we decide that removing seemingly non-essential (those aren’t heaven and hell issues) practices so that we can sell it cheap?

This Gospel is built strong, firm and will stand the test of all manners of trials. It needs no duct tape, not paper clips and no pruning. It doesn’t require a red tag, a blue light or a bargain basement bin. This stuff doesn’t come cheap.

These Are the Good ‘Ole Days

There was a radio host here in St. Louis that used to broadcast overnights on one of the larger AM stations, KMOX. His name was Jim White, The Big Bumper, that which goes bump in the night. When I began listening to him in the late 80s and early 90s, he was at the twilight of his career, nearing retirement. On many occasions, he would have callers that would comment, “Remember the good ‘ole days, Jim?” I can not begin to count the number of times that he would interrupt the caller, perhaps even hang up on them, and say, “No, these are the good ‘ole days!” Was he lashing out at the caller because he didn’t appreciate the past? No. Was he bitter because he had not succeeded in his life to the point he wanted to be? No. Was Jim unaware of what others thought to be better times? No.

All Jim was saying was, “I have been through those times, I appreciate that era, but don’t take away from me the destination that I have arrived at from that journey.” He would often comment how he has enjoyed the time with his wife, the marriage of his children and birth of his grandchildren. And also the guilty pleasure of sitting alone on a boat in the middle of nowhere made possible by his accomplishments in radio. Also, he was saying, “Don’t take me back to when I struggled in this industry. Don’t take me back to when I had to struggle again to support my family. Don’t take me back to where I didn’t know the love and appreciation for what I had in a wife and children.”

I wonder how many times we have looked back and said those were better times. How often have we heard that our best times are behind us (not referencing an organization there)? Many might interpret this to mean a lack of appreciation or a lack of reverence to what God has done in the past, but believe me when I say that is just the opposite. I want to remember what God has blessed our movement with. I want to cherish the truth that has been passed from generation to generation. But I respectfully decline to believe that those days were our finest hour. Don’t take me back to the struggle of not knowing Him as well as I do today. Don’t take me back to where I was lost and wandering for His will. Please don’t take me back to where I failed Him on so many occasions. He still is the God of yesterday, today and forever more. Don’t take away my destination in Him that I have traveled thus far.

This is not an endorsement for change in doctrine or to place a lesser value on truths that we have held dear for so long. If you can take it as such, please take it as an affirmation that God is still on the throne. He is still in control and he has not forsaken us or this movement. These days can still be and will become our best days in Him.

Even when we see the devastation and ever declining morality of this world, this is His finest hour! Even when many have left the doctrine and forsaken Him, this is His finest hour! Even when the idea that the past has been forgotten and the truths of yesterday lay in the wasteland of our future, this is His finest hour. I will continue to be thankful for our past, its rightful place in annuals of our history, but please don’t take issue with me as I press onward…striving forward in Him…for these are the good ‘ole days!

The Difference in Praying in Church vs. a Casino

.....in a casino you really mean it.

This is a common attempt at humor by those who are in the process of recovering from the grips of compulsive gambling. This particular addictive behavior I have seen first hand and the devastation that it can inflict. I have done some extensive research on the subject and IMO, this is the most UNDERRATED addiction.

Thirty years ago, gambling was a rare phenomenon found only in the desert of Nevada or on the Jersey shore. Today, 47 states and D.C now have legalized gambling. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) estimates there are now 12 million compulsive in the U.S. More Americans are gambling than ever before, and they are gambling more money.

Here are some interesting facts backed by governmental and independent studies:

• The average compulsive gambler has debts in excess of $80,000
• Those in the lowest income bracket lost 3 times as those in the wealthiest
• 70% of New York’s lottery tickets are sold to the poor
• 18% of California’s adults purchase 71% of the lottery tickets
• Gambling increases when economic times are uncertain (Does this sound eerily like the present?)
• Illegal gambling rates are 3 times as high in states that have legal gaming as opposed to those states that have none
• The number of compulsive gamblers increases between 100 and 550 percent when legal gambling is brought into an area

And these facts pale in comparison to other social costs that surface because of family neglect, embezzlement, theft, and involvement with organized crime. Some of the consequences include marital disharmony, divorce, child abuse, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. One study in The Journal of Social Issues found that as gambling increases, there is an increase in “(a) proportion of divorce and separation; (b) disagreement about money matters with one’s spouse; (c) lack of understanding between marital partners; and (d) more reported problems among children of gamblers.”

Gambling breeds greed. Yet under the disguise of state funding and easy tax collection, promises of increased education funding, we find ourselves in a society that finds its government promoting it. The fact is only 40 cents of every dollar raised through gambling such as lotteries make it to the state budget. Conversely, 99 cents of every dollar collected through direct taxation goes to the state. In addition, gambling siphons off money from the economy. In 1990, $286 Billion was wagered versus $213 billion spent on elementary and secondary schools the same year. I could go on and on with facts in this regard but you get the point.

A Biblical Perspective

First, the Bible emphasizes a number of truths that conflict with gambling. The Bible, for example emphasizes the sovereignty of God (Matthew 10:29-30). Gambling however is based on chance. The Bible admonishes people to work creatively and for the benefit of others (Eph 4:28), while gambling fosters a something-for-nothing attitude. The Bible condemns materialism (Matthew 6:24-25) while gambling promotes it.

Secondly, gambling destroys the work ethic. In Colossians 3:23-24 we are told in “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Yet gambling appears to mock capitalism’s core values: disciplined work habits, thrift, prudence, adherence to routine, and the relationship between effort and reward. Gambling replaces those values with greed and selfishness. Rather than depending on hard work, they depend on luck and chance.

Thirdly, gambling destroys families. As people get caught up in the get-rich-quick frenzy, then begin to neglect their families. 1 Timothy 5:8 states that one who refuses to care for his family is worse that an unbeliever. Parents must provide for their children (2 Cor. 12:14) and eat the bread of their labors (2 Thess 3:12). Gambling causes people to neglect that God-mandated responsibility.

For those who may not know, gambling causes the same chemical reaction that one may see when adrenalin is infused into the body. That is where the rush comes from. Endorphins are released in the brain when one is in the process of wagering. The thoughts of the “big win” are what drive these reactions to occur. Just like man has used some of God’s creation to manipulate the mind through drugs, we have also discovered that the human body is capable of manipulating itself to its own demise.

We need, as bearers of this great truth, to be aware of the mindset of this new society that has been creeping into our world. The younger generation’s minds are being conformed and transformed to have the outlook that it doesn’t take the effort of those who have gone before. We are living in a day when effort does not equal reward, but rather life should be handed out in ready-to-order, drive-thru installments.

A side note about Gamblers Anonymous. Although I applaud their efforts in these areas, I have to take to task one aspect of their program (and similar programs). I sincerely appreciate the fact that seeking a “higher power” is one emphasis of recovery. However, the thinking that once a gambler always a gambler certainly seems to limit that power. I am forever thankful that there is no limit to the power of Jesus Christ or a limit on the delivering power that He holds.

Serendipitous Effects

I originally posted this on an apostolic forum to mixed reviews. It was in response to what I thought was a continual deterioration of sound advice given to questions posed about certain tradition and beliefs as it relates to the Apostolic movement.

Let me just preface this with a couple of thoughts. I want it perfectly clear that I am not posting these thoughts out of malice or anger. These emotions are the farthest from my heart as I type this. This post may offend some and for that, please accept my extended virtual arm as an olive branch. If you take the time to read this entire post, God bless you.

I have heard the argument made that no one would possibly change their mind or reform their beliefs due to a forum post or thread. In simple review of that statement, I can concede initially that should be the case. But we must admit that we now live in a world in which the predominately most powerful tool used to gather information is where we are abiding right now, the internet. People are searching for information; people are seeking answers. And we here on ******** are just one portal out of millions that someone may stumble across. Does that make us insignificant? Does that make our opinions and arguments for certain beliefs, established or otherwise, have less weight. I think not. If one person’s faith is uplifted or conversely, undermined by a word or statement, how monumental is that influence?

I have been troubled in the last few days, as I have observed people asking genuine questions regarding certain beliefs, “traditions” or “standards.” You can place your own word there if you feel those are inappropriate. Then I see a rush of posters eager to weigh in with their opinion, either for or against the issue. I have been guilty of this myself. I have been convicted of it. This may surprise some because I usually stand on the more conservative or hard line of things, but most would be equally surprised that I hold some moderate views on issues as well.

God has burdened me with this thought: If I sway someone to a point of view that I feel absolutely biblically correct in, and it shatters their faith in not just their view on that issue, but causes them to question multiple things from whence they received their teaching and instruction, have I done the right thing? If my interpretation of scripture causes someone to review their stance on a certain standard that they have followed by tradition or admonition from another, is it possible that I have caused them to question not just peripheral issues of their upbringing and learning, but also influenced them to look at the core of their beliefs because I provoked in them new thinking? Although highly unlikely, is it valid that I could debate something that is not salvational and cause someone to lose their soul?

God forgive me if I have ever done so. God forgive me if I ever point someone in the wrong direction by arguing my personal convictions. I realize that this may go against some of “usual” ways we go about discussing issues here, but I have laid my heart out today thinking about this and wept as I have typed. I am disturbed when I see us, as a body of believers in the revelation of Jesus Christ, point those to articles whose content chooses to destroy a belief, however correct we may think it to be, but those who are asking for the info run to it for confirmation. I am concerned when we point people to websites that have no edifying qualities for the body, but rather give examples of how the faithful have been trampled or abused. These areas that we point people into may even be factually correct, but ultimately spiritually demoralizing.

So there you have it. I am not sure how this will be received here. I am certainly no a "top" poster here. I may be chastised or some my want to put my head on the chopping block. Whether you and I see eye to eye on everything from cut hair to clean nail polish; whether we are miles apart on TV and tube tops, I hope that I can always remember that we are leading people to Christ and His likeness and not our own.

Who Have You Uplifted Today?

Exodus 17:9-13

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.
10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.


In what may be the first biblical concept of uplifting spiritual leaders, the Bible gives us a synopsis of the play-by play of Israel’s first battle encounter after leaving Egypt. It is of no coincidence, I believe, that Israel finds themselves in this situation right after voicing their complaints to Moses in regards to their thirst. I am sure many pastors have experienced the frustration that Moses spoke earlier in the chapter, “What shall I do unto this people?” I wonder if the wilderness expedition could have been avoided all together with thankfulness and gratitude. How many battles have we brought upon ourselves from discontentment and unrecognized blessings?

It wasn’t an ordinary enemy that came upon them. It was bad blood, descendants of Esau fueled by malice because of the birthright/blessing and perhaps a little unhappy about how God was fulfilling the promise unto Jacob. Moses introduces us to Joshua, nominating him commander-in chief. He gives Joshua instruction on battling Amalek. Moses is going to the top of the hill with the rod of God. Two separate men, two distinct ministries. One fights in the heat of the battle field while the other appeals to God. Both minister to Israel. Some of us are used in the pastoral while others are used in specific ministries. Some are in the trenches while others are on the mountain top. Some are raising the rod of God while others are battling demons. Some are building altars while others are building nations. While some find themselves in lifelong pastorates, others are just trying to reach those in the city that they are in this weekend; hoping to survive to the next opportunity to fight. But they are all fighting the same war!

Moses became tired. Even those with the strongest walks and relationships with God grow weary when they are holding out their arms on their own. It never states that Joshua became weak in fighting, but Moses’ hands were heavy in praying. The more spiritual the battle, the more likely we may be to pack it in for another day. The Church will always ride its successes and failures in relationship to its commitment to prayer. And I can assure you that with the support of each other (from minister to minister, from pastor to evangelist, or from ministry worker to pastor), there are many victories to be had for our movement.

Aaron and Hur give us an amazing testimony of the effects of uplifting our brethren. They stood along side their brother, their leader, their mentor. And with their help, Moses was able to stay the course with his hands steady to the end of the day. It’s not always a one man battle. We should not be shy to either ask for help from others or of giving help to another. Some victories are dependent on our cooperation with each other. It was not only an encouragement to Moses, but the people of Israel were also encouraged; not only by the victory that was transpiring on the battlefield, but also seeing their leader, hands lifted high, supported by his brethren. What can our churches and congregations do today with the encouragement they see from ministry and leadership that are holding each other up?

So, I ask, who have you uplifted today?

The Loss of a Legend

Aubrey William Buie, Sr.

HAUGHTON, LA - Funeral services for Rev. Aubrey William Buie, Sr., 87, of West Monroe, LA, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, February 20, 2008 at the Souls Harbor United Pentecostal Church with Rev. Tom Johnson and Rev. Jimmy Masters officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery under the direction of the Hillcrest Funeral Home of Haughton.

Rev. Buie passed from this life on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at The Oaks in Monroe. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton William "Bud" Buie and Ida Mae Hilburn Buie.

Rev. Buie was born on Sunday, March 14, 1920 in Lecompte, Louisiana, graduated from Tioga High School in 1938 and married Gloria Gwendolyn Morgan on June 2, 1941 in Alexandria, Louisiana where he attended the First Pentecostal Church pastored by Gloria's father, Rev. A. T. Morgan. Aubrey was employed by the Baptist Hospital in Alexandria as an x-ray technician while also studying medicine under Doctor Barker, the hospital's Chief of Staff.

Rev. Buie received his call to the ministry in 1939 and was subsequently ordained into the ministry by Rev. Dan Hayes. During almost seventy years of ministry, he pastored congregations in Ball, Bossier City and New Orleans, Louisiana, Kilgore, Texas, South Bend, Indiana, DeRidder, Alexandria and Bastrop, Louisiana, Sherman, Texas, West Monroe and Jena, Louisiana. He was the founding pastor of several of these churches and many ministers received their calling under his anointed leadership.

As a skilled draftsman and builder, Reverend Buie assisted many pastors in the design and construction of new church sanctuaries. He was an avid sportsman enjoying both hunting and fishing.

He is survived by Gloria Gwendolyn, his wife of sixty-seven years; three sons and their wives, A. W. Jr. "Bill" and Lou Buie, Sandy Lake, LA, Ralph "Buddy" and June Buie, Monroe, LA and James "Jimmy" and Linda Buie, Livingston, TX ; two sisters, Maxie Mae Frake, Bossier City, LA and Norma Faye Teekel, Bossier City, LA; one brother, Archie Duncan Buie, Blanchard, LA; five grandsons, Michael David Buie, Christopher Marcus Buie, James Arthur "Jaime" Buie, Jonathan Joel "Jay" Buie and Jeremy Wayne Buie; nine great grandchildren, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 19, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Souls Harbor United Pentecostal Church in Calhoun, Louisiana. Flowers, greetings and cards may be sent to the church at 113 Slocum Road, Calhoun, LA.

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Grandpa could have been a doctor, engineer, lawyer or any other profession and certainly would have succeeded beyond any one's expectations. Instead, at God's leading and direction, he lead men and women to The Great Physician, built churches, campgrounds and congregations and as his grandsons found out, he laid down the law.

Whether it was the finer points of horseback riding, shotgun etiquette, the tanning attributes of the big red belt, or the gourmet qualities of a Taco Bell Chalupa; whether he was saying, "Stay out of the garage! Stay out of the barn! Get off the Roof!" or heaven forbid if he caught us playing hide and seek in halls, Sunday school rooms and offices of the church in Sherman. Grandpa was never one to hold back his opinion, his direction or his discipline. And in that, he was a blessing to his grandsons. It meant that he was paying attention, he was looking on and giving of his time.

On one particular occasion for me, back when he and Grandma were in Sherman, Grandpa took notice of my interest in music and more specifically the trumpet. I am sure that he had more important things to do that day, but he took me down the stairs to a little room off the sanctuary. There he picked up a trumpet and handed it to me. He began to show me how to hold it, how to purse my lips and then how to create a sound. After that, every day of that summer vacation I begged him to take me down and teach me some more. And he did. He started to teach me a song. Fortunately for me, it only required one valve. Little by little he taught me the whole thing. To this day, I don't know how he knew what he was doing, but the seed he planted in me over 25 years ago still produces fruit that I enjoy today. The little song he taught me was this....

Oh I want to see Him, look upon His face

There to sing forever of His saving grace

On the streets of Glory, let me lift my voice

Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice


Welcome home, Grandpa. Welcome home.

This World is No Match

After hearing this event spoken about by Rev. Tom Trimble this evening, I researched it a bit and thought some of his thoughts along with my own were worth sharing.

On April, 10^th 1963, disaster struck the USS Thresher, the lead ship in her class of nuclear-powered attack submarines in the US Navy. During routine deep diving tests approximately 220 miles of the coast of Cape Cod, MA, the failure of a weld in the salt water piping system caused high pressure water to short out electrical panels, which in turn caused a shutdown of the reactor. This caused the sub to lose all power, begin drifting and then to sink. Efforts to blow ballast tanks were met with failure as excessive moisture froze and plugged the valves where the high pressure air would have flowed. The USS Skylark, a sub rescue ship that accompanied the Thresher, hears the high-energy low-frequency noise with characteristics of an implosion. 129 service men lose their lives in 1-2 seconds.

Deeps sea vehicles find the wreckage in six major pieces at a depth of 8400ft. The pressure at that depth is 3600lbs per square inch. The Thresher looked as if it were a crushed tin can. But what they didn’t expect to find at the site was this……LIFE! The area was teeming with life. Marine life whose skin was no thicker that 1/8-1/4 of an inch were surviving at these incredible depths. It caused those searching the site to wonder, what kind of force was in these fish to keep them alive.

Isn’t it amazing? With all that we have seen lately, the loss of a loved one, the destruction of nature, the multitude of prayer requests; its human nature to understand if one should succumb to the pressures of this life. Sometimes we are not ready when life hits us hard. We are unable to see the catastrophic spiritual failure that could happen if we become complacent in our daily walk. One hurt, one wrong attitude showed toward us, or one temptation we are not prepared for could send us spiraling into the depths of spiritual destruction. It was later discovered that the joint that probably failed in the Thresher was brazed rather than welded. Prior tests showed only a potential problem with 14% of the joints. It was determined not to pose a significant risk to warrant repair. How sad that a small weakness brought down a mighty vessel. So it is with our spiritual walk. We can look at all the positive results and mighty strengths of our walk (which we should recognized and give God the glory), but our downfall may be the little nagging weakness. The little problem we have that we brush away, but ultimately leads to our spiritual demise.

But there is a hope! So let us proclaim this! Just as the life at those great depths had something inside of them, you have something even greater. God has blessed you with His gift! His Spirit. It is a strength that cannot be defeated. There is no weapon formed against you that will prosper. Despite the pressures around you, despite what this world throws at you, His strength is perfect.

This world is no match.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Rom 8:31 What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Sit Down and Be Counted

John 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

John's version of the feeding of the five thousand takes on a slightly different view than the other three gospels. In fact, in John's gospel, he tells us not only what Jesus did, but who He is. Some of the most important language in the Christian faith is found there: I am the light of the world, I am the good shepherd, I am the living water, I am the truth and the light, no man comes to the father but by me.

Mark's version tells us that the disciples came to Jesus letting him know that they did not have enough food and that they needed to send the crowd away. Truly, that is the challenge to the church of today. So many hungry people, yet we push them away because we can't see God meeting their need. We say we can't solve everyone's problem; we don't have the answer to everyone's crisis. I am so glad that when I came to Jesus, when I couldn't go it on my own any more, He didn't send me away empty handed.

John says Jesus looked out and saw a hungry crowd. It was He who challenged Philip by asking, "Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?" He wasn't unaware of the situation. He already knew what He was about to do. There is no need that you can come up with that is not known to Him. In fact, He's already working it out.

There is no mention of the number of this gathering until Jesus told them to sit. Mentally, sometimes men think we can't get anything from God unless we are standing on our own two feet. We have to be the provider, the protector. We have a hard time admitting that we have needs, that somehow if we are not in control of every situation in our lives, that it is a sign of weakness. But these men realized there was something special about an encounter with Jesus. They recognized there need to be in the presence of a Holy God. Sitting down means giving up a little control, means we may not be seen, we may not get the attention we think we deserve, we may think that we will get overlooked, perhaps give up some of my uniqueness, my individuality or identity.

But sitting down with Jesus means spending time with the Master. It means allowing Jesus to minister to those hidden places in our spirits, surrendering control to His will. Naturally, we as human beings think that we have to stand; we have to be doing something. In the busyness of being where we need to be, getting where we need to go, we miss out on the miracles God wants to do in the stillness of our lives.

Five thousands lives. Certainly there were more needs than just natural hunger. Five thousand minds, attitudes, histories, understandings and pieces of baggage. After taking what little they had to offer, five loaves and two fishes, He fed them ALL!

Twelve baskets left over! He is more than enough to heal, to restore, to fix and to answer. There is no need to worry about an inadequate supply....if we would just sit down and be counted.

Are We Missing the Little Picture?

95% (yea I used a calculator to figure it out) of my life has been associated with the UPCI. The other 5% was in a very conservative independent assembly. Due to my father's military service, this meant being a part of churches all across the country and in two foreign countries. My family's history with the UPCI goes back to the merger, so perhaps there is some heartfelt loyalty. Some would call it indoctrinated traditionalism. I also have friends and family that are either part of other Oneness organizations or independent works. The significance of their faith is of no less or no more value than my own.

Being exposed to so many churches, I have seen the exemplary, the good, the bad and the very ugly. However, this could be said about any organization or independent movement. IMO, God’s mission for the church is not seen or manifested through by-laws, articles of faith, affirmation statements, or a resolution. His commission is realized through His work in the local church on the street corners of our little towns and ever expanding cities.

I have seen many negative evolutions that have taken place. I am not talking about missing song books or bus routes. I am speaking of my missing friends who worshiped beside me in the pews, the hurt caused by a pastor who has failed, or the inability to preach biblical truth that convicts, separates the wheat from the tares, or brings repentant value to God's message; not because we don’t believe it anymore, but because we are too eager to appease in a effort not to appear judgmental. But these are not the result of some evolutionary change within the organization. It is the result of the evolution of the local church (no matter what its particular affiliation might be).

On the other side, I have seen an explosion in this new generation of it sincere desire to devotion. I am excited knowing that my son and daughter are lining themselves up with a group of young people who are dedicated in their worship and desire to serve rather than be served. I am excited to see the call on young men’s lives to the ministry extending below the age of 20 again; not waiting on a certificate from a college or seminary to signify the call on their life. I am excited about 100 people in a prayer meeting not involved in a one-way conversation but a true communion with God. I am excited to see laymen not take the easy spectator approach, but assume their God given leadership roles and are truly invested in the spiritual well being of those who look to them. Again, this isn’t happening because we introduced the song books again (sorry, we haven’t). It is not because there has been some inspired program passed down from a district official or other organizational venue. It’s because the local assembly and its pastors and leaders have taken it upon themselves.

So, to me, it’s not about what organizational changes take place. Organizations will continue to evolve one way or the other; more conservative or more progressive; more lenient or more strict. My salvation will not be a direct result of the acronym placed in front of or after my church’s name. Forget whether your organization or independent movement is going in another direction or coming back to its roots. Let’s start by taking back our churches!