The story of beginnings! Life is full of beginnings. All of us start out as newborns, and everything is new. As babies become toddlers, they begin to walk and go new places much to a parent’s pride, joy, and fear of them getting hurt. As they grow, they realize the world is so much bigger than they believed. As childhood ends adulthood begins. In Milton Bradley’s GAME OF LIFE, this is the point where the player chooses college or career. Next, most of us search for a spouse and begin life anew in marriage. Soon, we become parents and realize that our children create a whole new group of beginnings for each of us. Finally, a few get to really live and begin as grandparents. 😊
There’s no way to cover all the new beginnings we encounter in life: jobs, friendships, disappointments leading to open doors, loss, pain, and so much more! There is one more new beginning we ought to consider. We will all begin a new story when we shed this mortal flesh and step into eternity. For many, that is the greatest unknown new beginning. Throughout life, we often ask, ponder, meditate, and sometimes argue about the concept of eternity.
Remember all those beginnings which led to the next place? Well, they include GOD’S place in each of our stories. Like that GAME OF LIFE, GOD has a celestial plan which began long before we knew it. HIS plan was written out to help us to realize that everything we experience in life has a purpose! HIS perfect eternal plan is much more complex than any of us can fully understand. Nevertheless, HIS plan is written out so simply that we can clearly follow HIS purpose for our lives by living out the words in the BIBLE.
We begin in GENESIS. During our journey through the books of the BIBLE, we’ll examine GOD’S overall arching plan of redeemingHIS fallen creation. Join us, as we see GOD’S eternal purpose in all sixty-six books of the BIBLE. Have you’ve ever thought, “I can’t understand the BIBLE?” This is a chance for you to see the BIBLE as a whole and develop a deeper understanding! 😊
“CELEBRATINGTHE SANCTITY OF LIFE!” People are quick to share their opinion to try to convince us that they’ve done their research proving that they’re right and others are wrong. Here are some critical issues facing Americans today according to The Pew Research Center: health care, the national deficit,illegal immigration, gun violence, COVID, racism, unemployment, and climate change. Start a conversation on any of these topics and a healthy debate might ensue. However, mention PRO-LIFE and get ready for war! The SANCTITY OF LIFE pits darkness against LIGHT!
Unfortunately, the church as the place where the standard of TRUTH is THE BIBLE is becoming less prevalent today. Have we forgotten…?
4 THE LORD gave me this message: 5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as MY prophet to the nations.” ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
As we examine Psalm 139 today, we must either come to the conclusion that GOD declares HISSANCTITY FOR LIFE or determine that THE BIBLE is not THE TRUTH we hold on to in any season or culture. Are we prepared to leave our opinions and experiences at the door? Can we approach the timeless WORD OF GOD as THE ULTIMATE TRUTH in each of our lives? I belief that’s our biggest CHOICE as we “CELEBRATETHE SANCTITY OF LIFE!” 😊
HOPE! She was born an illegitimate child at a time when the world considered those things taboo. In fact, as a baby she was beaten by the man who was not her father. In fear for the baby’s life, her mom put her up for adoption. She lived in an orphanage until she was eight years old. Finally, like the story of ANNIE, a wealthy woman came and adopted her. The little girl went to her new upper-middle class home. Sounds like a fairy tale. Not quite!
This little girl’s adopted mother was extremely controlling. She refused to let her husband spend any time with the little girl even though he showed her nothing but admiration. Whenever the little girl didn’t dry the dishes properly, sit properly, or do exactly as she was told she was locked in a closet for hours. It was an awful life. Not what anyone had HOPED for this little orphan girl…
Due to the brutal beatings as a baby, this little girl was diagnosed with Epilepsy. She experienced repeated Grand Mall Seizures & was given the most powerful drugs available to ease these violent convulsions. When she was finally old enough to work, her mom confiscated every paycheck. Her life continued like this until she was thirty years old. Years later, her life ended due to complications from Alzheimer’s with no memory of the painful life she endured. Surprisingly, her name was HOPE!
You see, that part of the story sounds all too HOPELESS! However, she married and had only one son. He was the joy of her life. Everything she did from that moment on was to be sure that her son had a better life. She was MY mom. I can still remember her banana sandwiches, famous goulash, & thick oatmeal. I still eat oatmeal like porridge because that’s how she made it.
The memory I cherish most is the time she went to church with me. She heard a message of TRUTH that penetrated her soul. She surrendered all that painful baggage to JESUS. Like a child, she let go of all those painful hurts & experiences. I was in high school when she was born-again! THE LORD took away her life of ashes, and gave her beauty & a future fitting her name ~ HOPE!
“everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” ~ I John 2:29b
PREPARATION… I did a new thing this summer. Something I have never done before. I prepared a slab of ribs and barbequed them on the grill. It was lot easier than I had expected. First, I had to parboil them in our biggest pot. Second, I let them cool enough to cover them with spices we like. Third, I slathered sweet and spicy sauce all over them. Fourth, I began the grilling process of cooking and applying more sauce as I turned them over every ten minutes. My family rated the final result as finger licking good! So, all that work and preparation was worth it!
This may not seem like a big deal to you experienced grill masters out there, but it was a big deal to me. You see, my fear was that I might ruin this wonderful meat and let my family down in the process. I was afraid that my grilling gifts might not be honed enough for the task at hand. However, all my other grill experiences came into play to prepare this new thing. My grilling successes & failures made me who I am.
That’s when I realized the spiritual significance of this big chunk of pork. It reminded me of the process of walking with Christ. We tend to think that if we do this special thing, then we will be spiritual enough to make a difference. However, the truth is that God is working daily in each of lives to take us to the place He wants us to go and do the things He wants us to do. We who have trusted Christ and are walking with Him daily are right where He wants us to be. He has a plan for us today. In fact, He knows what’s about to happen in our lives. He is actively preparing us for what’s about to happen: good or bad.
Imagine for a moment, you’ve disciplined yourself to read your Bible every day. You have invested time with the Lord consistently for weeks, months, and years. You are walking with Him side by side and suddenly tragedy strikes. Your world is turned upside down. However, you know God intimately and deeply. You have built a relationship of trust over time. God’s more than a stranger you cry out to: He’s your friend! Now, imagine your life’s plan is just to survive day to day. You go to church regularly, but you don’t have a real friendship with God. There are no time-worn channels of communication. You lack confidence! Why not begin a deeper relationship today? What is God preparing you for? Remember, God loves you and He is the God of PREPARATION…
“And this is the promise that He has promised us…” I John 2:25a
POSSIBILITIES… Before we go any further, you need to know that I am NOT a mechanic. When I was a small child I helped my dad change the oil in the old car. He put the car on “jack stands.” He got two of those mechanic creeper things that you lay on so you can roll around under the car on your back, and we went to work. We rolled under the car to the drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan. He placed a big bowl under the oil pan. Then he showed me how to take out the drain plug to drain the oil. I was feeling very manly as a young boy. For a moment I thought I might grow up to be great mechanic…
But just then… it happened! The hot oil hit the edge of the bowl, ran at high rate of speed along the bottom of the bowl, and flowed all the way up the other side of the bowl. Next, the burning oil left the bowl and began looking for a place to land. Then, the imagined molten liquid landed on my face. It went in my eyes, up my nose, and in my mouth. My dad and I scrambled out from under the car, and ran into the house to get me fixed up. I was done! I vowed never to work on a car again!
Now, having shared all that… Cheryl’s power window died recently. The mechanic wanted hundreds (and a lot of them) to fix it. So, it occurred to me that I might be able to fix it. First, I prayed for the Lord to give me wisdom. Next, I went to the internet and started to learn: http://www.youtube.com is becoming my friend. I realized I might be able to do this. So, I looked for the motor/regulator unit online and found one for less than $60. I ordered it and replaced the part by dismantling her door and installing the new part. Amazingly, it works like a charm. PTL!
Years ago, I had a traumatic event happen that kept me from doing things that Godmight want me to do because I thought they were impossible. Then, I remembered the God’s Word says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) When I fail to trust Christin whatever I decide to do I am reminded that Jesussaid, “apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) I also recall the angel Gabriel telling Mary, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) My experience has caused me to wonder what else we could do if we trusted Godcompletely. What do you think? Has Godasked you to do something that you simply ignored because you’ve let your past experiences convince you that you can’t do it? Remember, we serve a great God, and He is the Godof promise&POSSIBILITIES…
Here are ten things I’ve learned after being forced terminated several times from churches for reasons like “we just don’t like you,” “we just want an old work mule instead of a stallion,” or “we don’t want the kind of people you’re reaching coming to this church.” To this day, I still don’t know what some of these phrases mean. Praise the Lord; I have never had to resign for “personal reasons,” even though some tried to “trick” me into saying it. I made it a point to spend my last minutes in each of those churches at the altar praying for revival to come to their community. So, if you’re like me (unfortunately there are many ministers today who are) I hope this comforts you and helps you grin a little more easily… (Oh, and for you terminators… this will probably ruffle your feathers just a bit… trust me: the Holy Spirit wants your feathers to be ruffled…)
SMILE ~ It’s been my experience {repeatedly 😉 } that you will survive the ordeal. It may not seem like at the time, but there will be a tomorrow… God is in control, and HE has a purpose for you.
BRUSH YOUR TEETH ~ Always leave with fresh breath. WHY? Everything is better with fresh breath! After all, you may have a wife like mine who will console you with a little huggin’ and kissin’, and believe me it’s one of the better parts of the process.
DRESS YOUR BEST ~ If you have honored the Lord through the process, then they haven’t beaten you. There is no reason for you to feel anything less than your best. Besides, some of those in the room are usually on your side secretly. You are not alone!
DON’T CARRY A TORCH ~ You may want to burn that bridge. It may seem like they deserve your worst, but don’t do it! It dishonors the Lord, and you will feel like crud afterward. Sorry about the word crud, but if you have been through this you have probably said or at least thought worse. Of course, I realize there are those who will quit reading right now, but they are probably some of the ones who told us to leave because they can’t handle honesty and transparency! (Yeah… I moved into a moment of therapy… sorry!) With that in mind…
JUST KEEP SWIMMING ~ Disney got this one right! Get up in the morning, get dressed, have a quiet time regardless of the way you feel. Make a daily plan of things to do and stick with it. Again, many of you may have never experienced the deep depression that comes from rejection, but for those of us who have… the hurt runs deeper than you can imagine. Just stay alive! I love the movie, Last of the Mohicans. Hawkeye tells his love to “just stay alive, I will find you.” Listen ~ that’s great advice! Keep your faith alive. God will not struggle to find you. He knows where you are even though it may not feel like it to you. When you hurt the deepest, keep running the race!
GIVE YOURSELF TIME & LOTS OF IT ~ The deeper the hurt… the longer the process will be. I know that SUPER CHRISTIANS aren’t supposed to let anything bother them. However, here on a little planet we like to call Earth, we’re still wrapped in flesh (sarks – for you fellow Greek-nerds)… You will fight this battle your whole life. God designed it that way! We’ve all heard… Here it comes… I have learned more from my failures than my successes. It’s a cliché, but I have found it to be true. Guess what? I am still learning more from failure than success!
PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE ~ Some people are going to like you… Some people are not going to like you… Some people who don’t like now will grow to love you… Remember, some people who like you now are not going to like you later. The prescription ~ Love JESUS! He is going to love you through it all… He has not given up on you, and you are not forgotten!
DON’T ASSUME YOU KNOW WHAT’S NEXT ~ I wish I had a penny for all my “ministerial friends” who thought I quit the ministry. In my last 8 month full-time senior pastorate/unintentional interim, I finished with a resume that looked like Swiss Cheese. I sent resumes all over the world. No amount of embellishing, redirecting, long references, or imagination could make it look better. So, I spent a year “out of ministry.” HOWEVER!!! God’s Word tells me that all of life is ministry. No matter what you do for work God never says, “Oh, you’re only a teacher, lawyer, plumber, office worker, or laborer. Maybe, one day I’ll put My call on your life again and make you as special as the pastor.” Just enjoy being who He created you to be. God’s Word says that He called farmers, carpenters, and others to minister for Him who were not “full-time Christian ministers.” Your source of income does not dictate nor prove your call as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Some of the greatest ministers I’ve met have never received income for their ministry. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly unto the Lord.” (Col 3:23)
LOVE YOUR FAMILY ~ They were with you as you walked into what you thought was going to be an amazing ministry opportunity. They endured the experience with you. They rejoiced in the highs with you. They are hurting through this process, too. They are the ones who will remain with you throughout your life. Love you spouse! You married your spouse for a reason! Adore your children. They are watching you to learn how to deal with adversity. As you pour out your broken heart to the Lord… they will watch and love you all the more!
BE ENCOURAGING ~ since you’re still reading this ~ you care! If you know someone who is in this place or has been in this place… HELP THEM… LOVE THEM… ENCOURAGE THEM… They are your brothers & sisters in Christ! Again, I am still bruised myself and I can almost hear my brothers and sisters who’ve never experienced this kind of hurt… thinking, “Oh, that could never happen to me.” Well, I sincerely hope not, but if it does get ready for the worst emotional roller coaster… Just keep breathing… scream occasionally! Pray without ceasing! It really does help!
Wes Frank is a lead pastor, teacher, husband, father, pet owner, college football fan, and so much more… He has been a youth minister, campus police chief, US Army Airborne soldier, land surveyor, general merchandise associate & greeter, aquatic maintenance specialist, alarm system consultant, sandwich artist, not to mention substitute school teacher…
“…but he who does the will of God abides forever.” ~ I John 2:17b
WHERE DO YOU LIVE? ~ I love the English language! This sentence has more than one meaning. For instance, someone could ask you about your thoughts and focus at any given moment. However, these days this literal question causes you to try to explain where you hang your clothes, microwave food, and watch TV. Next, you have to explain to the person how to get to your home and what your house looks like. For a simple question, it’s a lot of work!
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting a man’s house which was a little less opulent than many I have stopped at in the past. In fact, his house was an older model trailer. Now, before you correct me and explain that it’s politically correct to either say manufactured home or at least mobile home take a moment to picture his residence. It had a spacious living room with a pool table right in the middle. This abode had great ventilation for those cool summer breezes. The best part was his low monthly mortgage payment. Are you jealous yet?
Paul Harvey would say, “And now, you’re going to hear the rest of the story.” The gentleman I’m referring to is one of the many homeless in America today. His trailer is broken apart with missing walls, no running water, and no electricity. In fact, it’s not his trailer. It’s just an abandoned wreck in the middle of the woods. Not jealous anymore are you? I wasn’t either. There’s no way for me to paint an accurate picture which would reflect the sights, sounds, and smells we encountered.
Cheryl, Ashleigh, and I, spent the week ministering to people who had fallen on tough times and found themselves without a home. Most of them were just like you and me. They weren’t angry. They were merely trying to figure out how to make it day to day.
While talking with one of the leaders at a ministry called THE SANCTUARY, we discussed the fact that once we trust JESUS, then heaven is our real home. Everything and anything we have here on earth is merely temporary. It’s all passing away. The only thing we can look forward to with certainty is our relationship with CHRIST. So, with that in mind… where’s your focus and plan for the future leading you these days? I guess I could simply ask… WHERE DO YOU ABIDE?
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments…” I John 2:3
FORGIVENESS & FAITHFULNESS! Years ago, I met a man who tried to convince me that aliens were coming to take him away. He was sure that they were coming soon, and he assured me he was ready because he was one of them. I am confident that he believed he was an alien. The way he spoke to me made no sense whatsoever. In fact, he was not rational at all. It seemed to me that his imagination had somehow gotten the better of him. Oh by the way, I was wearing a badge at the time. So, when I began to explain to him that he was in danger of being arrested for criminal trespass and being mentally unstable he quickly changed his tune and left. Truth and consequences have a way of restoring reality very quickly.
Every day I deal with children who get caught doing something wrong, and yet they deny doing the wrong thing while still in the act. I recall a very young child was reaching into other children’s backpacks taking money. I confronted her several times. However, it was not until I walked in on her while she was stealing that her imagined deniability became reality. She cried and begged me not to turn her in. However, I explained that I had no choice. The mother of the child whose backpack was being pilfered had already met with me. It was too late for her because she neglected to do the right thing when confronted.
I find this is true in the church as well. Many of us just keep right on doing whatever we want with no fear or respect of the consequences. We really believe that because we were baptized, we prayed, and we attend church that we can get away with sin. That’s a lie! Sin always has consequences. Here’s one of the sayings I have heard all my life… “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you can ever afford to pay.”
True religion or more accurately true Christianity always leads to a dramatic life change. We cannot walk with Christ and stay the same. We are changed over time just by walking with Him daily reading the Bible. Daily prayer changes us as well. We can’t stay mad at the people for whom we are passionately praying. It just won’t work! When we receive real forgiveness it always leads to faithfulness! If anyone says anything else ~ they are liars! (I John 2:4) Remember, JESUS offers FORGIVENESS for all our sins & His expectation is FAITHFULNESS!
readyforafreshstart 