The other day I was plum tuckered out from janitorin' , packing goat supplies, and philosophisin' - so I took me a little break and watched a little Foxnews.. there was a handsome little boy on who was talking about a book he wrote called "Heaven Is real".. or something like that... ya see.. this little boy was in the hospital and he was having some trouble.... They had to do surgery... and he says he died, went to heaven, and came back to earth... He had some fascinating stories about going to heaven.. of Course He saw Jesus.. and His Grandpa.. and angels... you know.. the usual stuff.. you've seen the movies....I believe this little boy and his family love Jesus.. and they want to tell the story... so that others will believe in Jesus the way that they do... I am not questioning their hearts.... JUST their discernment....
I just want yall to think about a few things with me.....
That anesthesia that hospitals give their patients will make 'em see lots of fascinating things.. when My lovely bride was giving birth to our daughter, the anesthesia kicked in and she swore that I turned into a young , slim, handsome movie star.. I mean COME ON!!!!..... I am sure that a little boy's mind can play tricks on him when he is under the influence of anesthesia....
when ever I hear those " died, went to heaven, came back, buy my book" stories... the first thing I do is ask WDJS.... yep.. WHAT DID JESUS SAY?? well... I want ya to do a little work yourselves... Look in the book of LUKE for the story about Lazarus( the poor man- not Jesus's friend) and the Rich man... Here's the Clay Callaway Version:
Lazarus was a poor man who believed in the Savior who was to come- He went to Heaven. The Rich Man who never shared his food with Lazarus was not a believer so he went to Hell... The rich man looks up and asks Abraham to send Lazarus down to hades with a little water to cool him off.. Abraham tells him "NO can do.". then the rich man says " send Lazarus from heaven back to earth so that he can warn my brothers.. so that they won't wind up here...." Abraham says to him, " They have MOSES and the PROPHETS- Let them hear them... " The Rich Man says.. " No Father Abraham, If someone RISES from the dead, they will repent" Old Abe replies, " If they do NOT hear Moses and the Prophets neither will they be persuaded though one rises from the dead"
Jesus wanted those who heard this parable to remember some very important truths.... " Moses and the Prophets....( THE BIBLE) TELLS US about HEAVEN... about the WAY to HEAVEN.. and WHAT it is like.... we do NOT need someone to share their "visions" or "experiences" with us so that we will believe.. The WORD of GOD is sufficient to inform us.. but we do'nt believe that.. we want to see "signs, and wonders".. we hunger and thirst NOT AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS but after SENSATIONALISM and SENTIMENTALISM.. The feminization of the american Church has not only turned our "worship" music into "hearing the brush of angels' wings"... it has turned us away from studying sound doctrine.. we have "baptized " Lassie the Dog stories.. and thats where we get our theology....
we do'nt need another book about someone saying they died, went to heaven and came back.... we need the Preaching of the Word, and the Work of the Holy Spirit who gives us a new heart.. I know that Heaven is real.. The One who gave His life for me is there... He tells me every day in His Word that He has gone to prepare a place for me.. if it were not so. He would have told me....
We do'nt need another "story" about someone who died and came back to life..... There is ONE who REALLy did that.. He is seated at the Right hand of God the Father Almighty.. He's not sitting on the couch with Brian and Gretchen and Steve....
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
SHARING THE GOSPEL AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS- The SUPPORT LETTERS WILL BE ARRIVING SOON!
It's about that time! The buttercups are no longer whispering! They ae standing TALL and they are SHOUTING! Reminding us that SPRING is on the WAY! Spring is the time when students start feeling the fever.. they are marking off the days .. anxious for the school year to end! Graduations, parties, cookouts.... the young people have a fever and the only prescription is :...???? NO.... NOT MORE COWBELL... the "restlessness" they feel can only be relieved by a MISSION TRIP.... Yep... it's the truth... Lots and lots of people will be sending YOU a letter.... asking you to PRAY and TO CONTRIBUTE... and YOU should feel privileged that you can participate... The money that you give will be used to touch someone's heart with God's Love... Thats ALWAYS a wonderful thing.... it's NEVER a bad thing.... send the envelope back.. with a check enclosed( give up the Starbucks for a couple of weeks and put that money to good use in the Kingdom of God) and by all means PRAY that the Lord will use the young people of the church in fulfilling the Great Commission!It's also important to lift up the Mission Trip leaders and Pastors.... they have a tough job....
As you pray for the Mission Trip leaders, Pastors, and participants, ask God to do the following:
1.) Pray that the leaders will make sure that ALL MISSION TRIP participants have BEEN BAPTIZED, and that they are communing members of the local Church.. It's not good to be carrying out the Great Comission .. if you have not received ALL the BLESSINGS associated with the GREAT COMMISSION! Leaders... let me ask you something.. IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT??? Jesus said it IS.. IS Church MEMBERSHIP important??? I think we know the answer.. Baptism and Church membership should be THE PRIMARY requirements for Mission Trip participation
2.) Pray that everyone that participates in a Mission Trip will believe God will do GREAT THINGS ! Lives WILL be changed because they show God's Love to others!" Did I not tell you that if you would believe, you would see the Glory Of God"
3.) Pray for youth group teams who will be working with children this summer on their mission trips.. many of you have seen the photos of children that mission teams work with every summer.. you know the stories behind the photos... so many children dont have loving parents, they do'nt have anyone to really love them.. If the young people of your church are going to work with children this summer... they need LOTS of prayers and encouragement...
4.) Pray that the the youth will understand that there are children RIGHT HERE.. in their OWN CHURCH who NEED THEM... the Lord Jesus wants them to use their gifts to minister to the children in their own local congregation... It's important to go to Judea, Samaria,and the ends of the earth to share the Gospel and build relationships... but how bout HERE?? in your " Jerusalem"??? let me ask you this ,young person- when's the last time you worked in the nursery??? when's the last time you helped out with Children's Church?? When's the last time you stopped in the hallway at church to say hello to a little one??? They NEED YOU.. and you NEED to share your gifts with them... When you come back from your mission trip this summer... start looking for ways to bless the children of your OWN church:)
well..... thats about all the crumbs from this poor man's table that I could find.... remember, I am praying for all of you.. Pray for me.... and pray for the children....everywhere.......
As you pray for the Mission Trip leaders, Pastors, and participants, ask God to do the following:
1.) Pray that the leaders will make sure that ALL MISSION TRIP participants have BEEN BAPTIZED, and that they are communing members of the local Church.. It's not good to be carrying out the Great Comission .. if you have not received ALL the BLESSINGS associated with the GREAT COMMISSION! Leaders... let me ask you something.. IS BAPTISM IMPORTANT??? Jesus said it IS.. IS Church MEMBERSHIP important??? I think we know the answer.. Baptism and Church membership should be THE PRIMARY requirements for Mission Trip participation
2.) Pray that everyone that participates in a Mission Trip will believe God will do GREAT THINGS ! Lives WILL be changed because they show God's Love to others!" Did I not tell you that if you would believe, you would see the Glory Of God"
3.) Pray for youth group teams who will be working with children this summer on their mission trips.. many of you have seen the photos of children that mission teams work with every summer.. you know the stories behind the photos... so many children dont have loving parents, they do'nt have anyone to really love them.. If the young people of your church are going to work with children this summer... they need LOTS of prayers and encouragement...
4.) Pray that the the youth will understand that there are children RIGHT HERE.. in their OWN CHURCH who NEED THEM... the Lord Jesus wants them to use their gifts to minister to the children in their own local congregation... It's important to go to Judea, Samaria,and the ends of the earth to share the Gospel and build relationships... but how bout HERE?? in your " Jerusalem"??? let me ask you this ,young person- when's the last time you worked in the nursery??? when's the last time you helped out with Children's Church?? When's the last time you stopped in the hallway at church to say hello to a little one??? They NEED YOU.. and you NEED to share your gifts with them... When you come back from your mission trip this summer... start looking for ways to bless the children of your OWN church:)
well..... thats about all the crumbs from this poor man's table that I could find.... remember, I am praying for all of you.. Pray for me.... and pray for the children....everywhere.......
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A DONKEY'S JAWBONE, A THOUSAND PHILISTINES, AND A GLASS OF CHABLIS( WELL, SAMSON COULD DREAM COULD'NT HE?)
Recently in my Sunday School class, I told my students the story of Samson. Now "my" boys and girls are true covenant "kids", they have grown up hearing the Bible Stories, so I have to dig a little deeper so that we can learn a little more( thats right, " WE".... they teach me MORE than I could EVER teach them, Why do ya think I started hanging out with the little ones?") SO..... I gathered them around me, we got out the Clay Callaway picks and shovels and we started diggin....
I explained to them that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Samson's mom and dad and told them that they would have a son- AND that he would be a Nazarite. Samson would be set apart for the work of the Lord. He could not cut his hair AND he was NOT to drink any wine .... or eat raisins.... or grapes... Samson was to have NOTHING to do with anything that came from the Vineyards of the land.... All little Jewish boys and girls have understood for thousands of years that Wine, grapes, raisins.. yes,. the Vineyard itself is a symbol of God's BLESSINGS. It is a reminder that the Lord has given you the land, you are to work and rest and find joy in your life as you culitvate your vines..!.. Remember this: NOMADS do'nt have vineyards... they have NO REST... the prohibition against Samson drinking wine was not because he was a member of the First Fundamentalist Church of Zorah.... it was because as a NAZARITE, he was to DENY himself the USUAL blessings that God's people enjoyed.... He was to never forget that he had a special calling upon his life. God had a job for him to do.... He would enjoy the REAL blessing when his "job" was completed....
We "visited" with Samson! We saw him as he killed the Lion- We marveled when Samson captured the 300 foxes and tied their tails together, set 'em on fire and turned 'em loose to burn down the Philistines crops... One of my boys shouted, " Samson was cooler than a super-hero Mr. Callaway" .....
THEN, we saw Samson pick up the Donkey's jawbone and kill a thousand philistines.... I told the boys and girls.." Can you imagine how much work that was???? to kill all those enemies with a Donkey's jawbone.. can you imagine how tired and THIRSTY he was..... then BEFORE I could continue with the story.... One of my boys said, " I bet Samson was thinking... ' okay Lord, I just killed a 1000 guys with a donkeys jawbone, NOW CAN I HAVE SOME WINE????'........
See what I mean.... I thought about that the REST of that Sabbath day... Now it's true that Samson did'nt get the wine... the Bible tells us that he said he was thirsty and God gave him a spring of water to quench his thirst..... but... my little teacher was on to something.. ya see.. he knows how all of US "get" after "doing something special for God"..... he knows that after a challenging time in our life.. we look to God to "bless" us with that blessing that has eluded us.... " Hey God, I been denying myself, working hard, made it through this trial and tribulation... it's time for a sign of your blessing.... where's my bowl of grapes??? where's my box of Sun-Maid raisins.... where's the glass of Chablis?????
Samson never planted a vineyard. He never held a corkscrew in His hand. Donkey's jaw bones are for killing Philistines- not for popping corks off champagne bottles.... but Samson did get the ULTIMATE blessing- After falling asleep at Delilah's house, the local Barber made a housecall and that was all she wrote- Samson became a prisoner of the Philistines and was blinded... when they brought him out to make fun of him at a party, Samson prayed to God to bless him with His prescence- and to help him destroy the philistines... you know the story.....
Samson believed in the One true God Of Israel who promised to send a Savior. Samson is in Heaven and we will see him in the new heavens and the new earth.... we will feast with him and the other Saints at the marriage supper of the Lamb.... I want to sit near Samson... and watch him.... and I want to hear Luke tell Samson.." NOW..... you can have some wine......."
I explained to them that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Samson's mom and dad and told them that they would have a son- AND that he would be a Nazarite. Samson would be set apart for the work of the Lord. He could not cut his hair AND he was NOT to drink any wine .... or eat raisins.... or grapes... Samson was to have NOTHING to do with anything that came from the Vineyards of the land.... All little Jewish boys and girls have understood for thousands of years that Wine, grapes, raisins.. yes,. the Vineyard itself is a symbol of God's BLESSINGS. It is a reminder that the Lord has given you the land, you are to work and rest and find joy in your life as you culitvate your vines..!.. Remember this: NOMADS do'nt have vineyards... they have NO REST... the prohibition against Samson drinking wine was not because he was a member of the First Fundamentalist Church of Zorah.... it was because as a NAZARITE, he was to DENY himself the USUAL blessings that God's people enjoyed.... He was to never forget that he had a special calling upon his life. God had a job for him to do.... He would enjoy the REAL blessing when his "job" was completed....
We "visited" with Samson! We saw him as he killed the Lion- We marveled when Samson captured the 300 foxes and tied their tails together, set 'em on fire and turned 'em loose to burn down the Philistines crops... One of my boys shouted, " Samson was cooler than a super-hero Mr. Callaway" .....
THEN, we saw Samson pick up the Donkey's jawbone and kill a thousand philistines.... I told the boys and girls.." Can you imagine how much work that was???? to kill all those enemies with a Donkey's jawbone.. can you imagine how tired and THIRSTY he was..... then BEFORE I could continue with the story.... One of my boys said, " I bet Samson was thinking... ' okay Lord, I just killed a 1000 guys with a donkeys jawbone, NOW CAN I HAVE SOME WINE????'........
See what I mean.... I thought about that the REST of that Sabbath day... Now it's true that Samson did'nt get the wine... the Bible tells us that he said he was thirsty and God gave him a spring of water to quench his thirst..... but... my little teacher was on to something.. ya see.. he knows how all of US "get" after "doing something special for God"..... he knows that after a challenging time in our life.. we look to God to "bless" us with that blessing that has eluded us.... " Hey God, I been denying myself, working hard, made it through this trial and tribulation... it's time for a sign of your blessing.... where's my bowl of grapes??? where's my box of Sun-Maid raisins.... where's the glass of Chablis?????
Samson never planted a vineyard. He never held a corkscrew in His hand. Donkey's jaw bones are for killing Philistines- not for popping corks off champagne bottles.... but Samson did get the ULTIMATE blessing- After falling asleep at Delilah's house, the local Barber made a housecall and that was all she wrote- Samson became a prisoner of the Philistines and was blinded... when they brought him out to make fun of him at a party, Samson prayed to God to bless him with His prescence- and to help him destroy the philistines... you know the story.....
Samson believed in the One true God Of Israel who promised to send a Savior. Samson is in Heaven and we will see him in the new heavens and the new earth.... we will feast with him and the other Saints at the marriage supper of the Lamb.... I want to sit near Samson... and watch him.... and I want to hear Luke tell Samson.." NOW..... you can have some wine......."
Friday, February 4, 2011
TOP TEN SIGNS YOUR CHURCH HAS SEEKER SENSITIVE CHURCH GROWTH OBSESSION
HERE YA GO-
10.) Your Pastor NEVER wears a suit, and he wears his Shirt-tail hanging out
9.) Your Pastor wears a necklace.... and everyone can see it
8.) You are certain that even the Early Church had a slogan( oops- I mean vision statement)
7.) You believe that "Power-Point" is in the Bible
6.) You refer to the front of the sanctuary as a " STAGE"
5.) Your Pastor uses "props" for His Message
4.) You have a Praise Team whose planning meetings include wardrobe color coordination
3.) You have Hymnals that no-one ever uses- everyone looks at the "screen"
2.) Drama is considered to be consistent with the Regulative Principle of Worship
................ and the Number One SIGN that your church has seeker sensitive church growth obsession...... : YOU SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH POINTS 2-10
10.) Your Pastor NEVER wears a suit, and he wears his Shirt-tail hanging out
9.) Your Pastor wears a necklace.... and everyone can see it
8.) You are certain that even the Early Church had a slogan( oops- I mean vision statement)
7.) You believe that "Power-Point" is in the Bible
6.) You refer to the front of the sanctuary as a " STAGE"
5.) Your Pastor uses "props" for His Message
4.) You have a Praise Team whose planning meetings include wardrobe color coordination
3.) You have Hymnals that no-one ever uses- everyone looks at the "screen"
2.) Drama is considered to be consistent with the Regulative Principle of Worship
................ and the Number One SIGN that your church has seeker sensitive church growth obsession...... : YOU SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH POINTS 2-10
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
THE CHILDREN's CHAIN GANG AT CHURCH- LESSONS IN KOINONIA
Dallas is all BOY.He is a little younger than my First graders . He's one of my special friends- a bundle of energy and a bounce in his step.... always ready with smile. It's easy to tell that he loves being with his friends at Opening Assembly every Sabbath morning. I lead them in singing hymns, praise songs, and a short lesson- our lesson ties into our catechism question for the day....after all we ARE good Presbyterians... A Sabbath Day without Catechism is like a day without sunshine... :)
I always encourage the children as they make their way to their Sunday School classes. Dallas had answered all the questions correctly last Sunday... He wisely reminded all of us that God Loves us because of what Jesus Did for us... He reminded us that we ca'nt do anything to "make" God love us any more.. or any Less... Heaven is a free gift... In other words, Dallas reminded us of the Gospel... After assembly, I told him "Dallas, you are becoming a strong disciple, your faith is growing, and you are doing a GREATjob reminding us about what the Bible teaches... then I asked Him, " How did ALL that HAPPEN???"..... without hesitation he looked me right in the eyes, showed me that gigantic smile and said...," It's all because I sit in a CHAIN OF FRIENDS!!!"... a little puzzled ( it comes from too many years hanging out with adults), I asked," What do you mean by that??" He said," You saw it... you see it every Sunday... we have a chain of friends.. we all sit together.. side by side... we are close... THATS why we are becoming strong disciples"....
Now If I had asked an adult " " How'd you come to learn that??" or " How is it that you have grown so much in your faith?".... I suspect I would hear something like," WELL, I have been doing an exhaustive study of Calvin, Luther, Knox.... I read all the Puritan commentaries...OR " I have a degree in Theology, did some seminary work..... you know the things adults say.... sometimes they miss the answers because they want you think they are super-theologians.... it's about something THEY DID.... Those adults.... Lets pray for them..
Let's pray that they understand what Dallas understands- The answer is the "chain of friends( i.e. Brothers and Sisters in Christ) who "sit" together,"side by side", "staying close to one another" ! They support one another, they exhort one another, they encourage one another in their faith.... they live in KOINONIA. sharing with /sharing in the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the sacraments... this is the answer that Scripture gives us- you know ... yep there's LOTS OF "ONE ANOTHER" scriptures- love One another, be patient with one another, encourage one another, Thats how STRONG DISCIPLES are MADE...
SO..... The next time you get your feelings hurt , and want to go sit in the corner by yourself ... DO'NT DO THAT!!!!..... go BACK to the Chain of Friends.... because thats the place where your faith is made stronger.... Back on the chain gang......
I always encourage the children as they make their way to their Sunday School classes. Dallas had answered all the questions correctly last Sunday... He wisely reminded all of us that God Loves us because of what Jesus Did for us... He reminded us that we ca'nt do anything to "make" God love us any more.. or any Less... Heaven is a free gift... In other words, Dallas reminded us of the Gospel... After assembly, I told him "Dallas, you are becoming a strong disciple, your faith is growing, and you are doing a GREATjob reminding us about what the Bible teaches... then I asked Him, " How did ALL that HAPPEN???"..... without hesitation he looked me right in the eyes, showed me that gigantic smile and said...," It's all because I sit in a CHAIN OF FRIENDS!!!"... a little puzzled ( it comes from too many years hanging out with adults), I asked," What do you mean by that??" He said," You saw it... you see it every Sunday... we have a chain of friends.. we all sit together.. side by side... we are close... THATS why we are becoming strong disciples"....
Now If I had asked an adult " " How'd you come to learn that??" or " How is it that you have grown so much in your faith?".... I suspect I would hear something like," WELL, I have been doing an exhaustive study of Calvin, Luther, Knox.... I read all the Puritan commentaries...OR " I have a degree in Theology, did some seminary work..... you know the things adults say.... sometimes they miss the answers because they want you think they are super-theologians.... it's about something THEY DID.... Those adults.... Lets pray for them..
Let's pray that they understand what Dallas understands- The answer is the "chain of friends( i.e. Brothers and Sisters in Christ) who "sit" together,"side by side", "staying close to one another" ! They support one another, they exhort one another, they encourage one another in their faith.... they live in KOINONIA. sharing with /sharing in the preaching of the Word, prayer, and the sacraments... this is the answer that Scripture gives us- you know ... yep there's LOTS OF "ONE ANOTHER" scriptures- love One another, be patient with one another, encourage one another, Thats how STRONG DISCIPLES are MADE...
SO..... The next time you get your feelings hurt , and want to go sit in the corner by yourself ... DO'NT DO THAT!!!!..... go BACK to the Chain of Friends.... because thats the place where your faith is made stronger.... Back on the chain gang......
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
" TREASURE" IN THE LIBRARY( Mrs. Neal shared with us!)
I ca'nt remember the first time I saw her... but as long as I can remember, she wore that beautiful crown of white hair- My parents who grew up here in our little town knew her, they knew her story. They can tell you where she was born, where she went to college, and where she met Mr. Neal. I ca'nt tell you those things... but I can tell you about her treasure- YES.. she had LOTS of treasure stored up... but you could'nt see it- or could you?????
She was our librarian when I was in elementary school. I ca'nt remember any specific conversations that I had with her in those days- but I do remember a Friend of hers that was always with her, there in the Library. She introduced Him to many hundreds of students through the years.
I remember the first time she introduced her Friend to us. It was just a couple of days before Christmas Break, and we spent our library time watching a slide show( remember those?). Mrs. Neal made sure that her students heard the true story of Christmas. The story of Jesus's life was flashed upon that little screen in the school library for all and everyone to see- we were told of His death, burial, and resurrection . We were introduced to Him; the Gospel message was clearly presented , We saw Mrs Neal's GREATEST Treasure, it was a pearl of great price....
Because she was a daughter of the all loving and generous King, she shared His treasure with everyone. She was always willing and ready to help those in need, she always had a listening ear, and she poured her life into the young people of Fayette County. All of us are blessed because she loved us-
I appreciated Joan Neal because she was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. " Her" Jesus was ( and IS) the REAL JESUS... She shared a Jesus who came to earth to die for us, to pay for our sins- so that we could be forgiven of our sins.
- She went to be with her Friend the other day. She is now completely healed, she is at complete and perfect rest, she is MORE ALIVE than she has ever been... and we are blessed because she was with us for a while- She touched so many lives with the Father's Love- Jesus said that when we spend time sharing HIS LOVE with others, we are" storing up treasures in Heaven , where moth and rust can not corrupt- "
Thank you Mrs Neal for showing us what is really important, Thank you for showing us your Treasure... and thank you for Sharing Him
She was our librarian when I was in elementary school. I ca'nt remember any specific conversations that I had with her in those days- but I do remember a Friend of hers that was always with her, there in the Library. She introduced Him to many hundreds of students through the years.
I remember the first time she introduced her Friend to us. It was just a couple of days before Christmas Break, and we spent our library time watching a slide show( remember those?). Mrs. Neal made sure that her students heard the true story of Christmas. The story of Jesus's life was flashed upon that little screen in the school library for all and everyone to see- we were told of His death, burial, and resurrection . We were introduced to Him; the Gospel message was clearly presented , We saw Mrs Neal's GREATEST Treasure, it was a pearl of great price....
Because she was a daughter of the all loving and generous King, she shared His treasure with everyone. She was always willing and ready to help those in need, she always had a listening ear, and she poured her life into the young people of Fayette County. All of us are blessed because she loved us-
I appreciated Joan Neal because she was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. " Her" Jesus was ( and IS) the REAL JESUS... She shared a Jesus who came to earth to die for us, to pay for our sins- so that we could be forgiven of our sins.
- She went to be with her Friend the other day. She is now completely healed, she is at complete and perfect rest, she is MORE ALIVE than she has ever been... and we are blessed because she was with us for a while- She touched so many lives with the Father's Love- Jesus said that when we spend time sharing HIS LOVE with others, we are" storing up treasures in Heaven , where moth and rust can not corrupt- "
Thank you Mrs Neal for showing us what is really important, Thank you for showing us your Treasure... and thank you for Sharing Him
Saturday, November 6, 2010
BLESSED ARE THE SHOEBOXES- for they shall be filled( why are YOU whispering?)
The safety scissors were safely scissoring, the wrapping paper was wrapping , the smiley-face stickers were sticking - Two shoeboxes were getting extreme makeovers... and the Voice that was heard at the end of the makeover did not require a megaphone ... It was not "shouting "that declared the"job" a success... it was a Whisper- a whisper that was clearly heard above the excited voices of my Sunday School students...They were decorating Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. We talked while we worked..." I wonder just WHERE our boxes will go??? Maybe Haiti?? OH, I hope a kid in Cherokee gets one of our shoeboxes.. That would be cool".. we filled them with toys,toothbrushes, crayons, coloring books, and letters.... .
Dear Friend,
I hope you like the toys we sent you. I am praying that you have a Merry Christmas. God Bless You. I Love YOU!
After we finished the letters, we took prayer requests like we do every Sunday.. one of my boys said" Mr. Callaway, lets not only pray that the kids who get our boxes will like the stuff... but that they will come to know Jesus"....
"Blessed are the eyes that see the things that you see, Blessed are the ears that hear the things that you hear"
There's that Whisper......can you hear it???
..... That VOICE is saying it's not about the stuff.. It's about Jesus The children know it.. they know that when we reach out in Love , God will use us to draw souls into His Kingdom. ??? After 18 years of teaching( or being taught by) children, I am beginning to understand what Jesus meant when He said" Let the little children come unto me, and forbid them not.. for of such is the Kingdom of God"... If children are "OF" the Kingdom, then we should not be surprised when they teach us what His Kingdom is like... let the children speak to you... Come on in to our class......join us on the floor.. surrounded by tape,glue-stick, crayons,wrapping paper.. wait a second... can ya hand me the purple marker??? Thank you!!!...
hey... do'nt ya love it here??? It sure beats that OTHER Sunday School class that you usually hang out in... the one with all the adults... why I bet they are trying to figure out supralapsarianism again... we "handled" that one in here last year.." The Secret things belong to the Lord our God but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever".... we LOVE verses with Families and children in'em..:)
Whats That?? what are we doing here?? well.. yes we are filling shoeboxes for needy children.. we are decorating the boxes, we are using up ALL that dollar store wrapping paper... YES.. WE ARE!!! but let me tell ya what we are REALLY DOING... we are building the Kingdom.... thats right...you see, our Sovereign Lord has His hand upon every act of kindness ... He will use these shoeboxes ..- and the people who pass them out- to bring many people into His Kingdom... His kingdom is not made of stones... it IS made up of LIVING stones... as we share HIS love, those living stones are being added to the kingdom... SO... it may look a little messy.. it might be a little LOUD.. HEY we are excited when we are working on HIS building...its not about the Stuff... it's about Jesus....
Can you hear something...???
Dear Friend,
I hope you like the toys we sent you. I am praying that you have a Merry Christmas. God Bless You. I Love YOU!
After we finished the letters, we took prayer requests like we do every Sunday.. one of my boys said" Mr. Callaway, lets not only pray that the kids who get our boxes will like the stuff... but that they will come to know Jesus"....
"Blessed are the eyes that see the things that you see, Blessed are the ears that hear the things that you hear"
There's that Whisper......can you hear it???
..... That VOICE is saying it's not about the stuff.. It's about Jesus The children know it.. they know that when we reach out in Love , God will use us to draw souls into His Kingdom. ??? After 18 years of teaching( or being taught by) children, I am beginning to understand what Jesus meant when He said" Let the little children come unto me, and forbid them not.. for of such is the Kingdom of God"... If children are "OF" the Kingdom, then we should not be surprised when they teach us what His Kingdom is like... let the children speak to you... Come on in to our class......join us on the floor.. surrounded by tape,glue-stick, crayons,wrapping paper.. wait a second... can ya hand me the purple marker??? Thank you!!!...
hey... do'nt ya love it here??? It sure beats that OTHER Sunday School class that you usually hang out in... the one with all the adults... why I bet they are trying to figure out supralapsarianism again... we "handled" that one in here last year.." The Secret things belong to the Lord our God but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever".... we LOVE verses with Families and children in'em..:)
Whats That?? what are we doing here?? well.. yes we are filling shoeboxes for needy children.. we are decorating the boxes, we are using up ALL that dollar store wrapping paper... YES.. WE ARE!!! but let me tell ya what we are REALLY DOING... we are building the Kingdom.... thats right...you see, our Sovereign Lord has His hand upon every act of kindness ... He will use these shoeboxes ..- and the people who pass them out- to bring many people into His Kingdom... His kingdom is not made of stones... it IS made up of LIVING stones... as we share HIS love, those living stones are being added to the kingdom... SO... it may look a little messy.. it might be a little LOUD.. HEY we are excited when we are working on HIS building...its not about the Stuff... it's about Jesus....
Can you hear something...???
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