Harmony

Scripture

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit.

~I Peter 3:8, NASB

Quote

Tie two Tom cats by the tails and hang them over the clothes line and you have unity but no harmony.

~Calvin C. Inman

At first, I assumed that Peter was giving us a list of things every congregation needs: harmony, sympathy, brotherly love, compassion and an humble spirit. As I looked deeper, what every church needs is harmony and the way to get there is by being sympathetic, loving, compassionate [tenderhearted] and humble [understanding].

Harmony is a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things. Sounds like a strange definition but it is true. Harmony is not everyone singing the same note with the same voice; it is singing different notes with different voices that together produce a pleasing sound. We are not all to sing the same note but we are to be on the same song and page.

The unique thing about I Peter 3:8 is, we cannot get in harmony without being sympathetic, compassionate and understanding of others.

Seven Things Man Cannot Do

{Job 9}

1. Man cannot argue with God: Our infinite lack of knowledge or ignorance would make it impossible. [Job 9:2]
2. Man cannot stand up to God: We lack the power. Can we stand up to an F-5 tornado or a hurricane? God is infinitely stronger than a storm. [Job 9:4]
3. Man cannot understand God: Again the finite can not comprehend the infinite. [Job 9:10]
4. Man cannot see God. God is Spirit and no man has ever seen Him other than in Christ. [Job 9:11]
5. Man cannot stop God. [Job 9:12]
6. Man cannot force God to do something He doesn’t want to do. [Job 9:19]
7. Man cannot sue God; take Him to court. [Job 9:19]

• Today’s schedule: Deacon’s meeting @ 8:15, LCBS @ 9:15, Celebrate Jesus in worship @ 10:15 and 6:15. AWANA and Visitation @ 5:30.
• Mission offering goes to Youth for Summer Camp and Mission Trip.
• We have a communion coming up Sunday morning May 22 and a 5th Sunday Debt retirement offering on May 29.

Coming to DBC August 21, Dr. Junior Hill

Humility

SCRIPTURE

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.

~I Peter 5:6

QUOTE

Weak and cowardly people are not humble; they only appear humble. True humility comes from inner strength and a sense of security.

~Chuck Swindoll

John 13 begins with Jesus washing his disciples feet. Jesus knew that the Father had given Him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. Jesus knew who He was and He was not threatened by anyone or anything. His humility came from His inner strength. Weak people are easily intimidated: they may sit quietly in a corner and not say a word but this is not due to humility, it is due to fear.

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Humility is a discipline. Peter said, “Humble yourselves.” James said the same thing “Humble yourselves.” God can humble us; matter of fact He can humiliate us. There are 700 men in Alabama who would like to be invisible about now. Their sins have found them out. Don’t gloat, your sin and mine will catch up with us someday. Judgment day is not going to be pretty. God expects us to humble ourselves. How many times have you bowed the knee to our Sovereign Savior lately. It is your responsibility.

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Ronald Reagan is by far the greatest president of the 20th century and he is light years ahead of the one we have now. Some deranged idiot tried to assassinate President Reagan on March 30, 1981. I was at the Goldkist Store in Danville when I got the news. Reagan could have died but he got prompt and profession medical care: one of the perks of being president. He was conscious before going into surgery and surrounded by a team of physicians Mr. Reagan said, “I hope you guys are republicans.” One of the doctors said, “Mr. President, today, we are all republicans.” A few days later as the President was  recovering, he accidently spilled a glass of water. A nurse found him out of bed on his hands and knees cleaning up the spill. When she scolded him he said, “I didn’t want anyone to slip; I was afraid it might get you in trouble.”  Humility comes from strength, not weakness.

• First of all, great news from Gary, he had a good day. Thank you for your prayers. Add Betty Burnett to your prayer list. Betty has multiple problems. She is having a PET scan Thursday I think. There is a spot in her lungs. They also found an aneurism on her aorta. Both problems are serious. Its a lot to process at one time: pray for Betty.
• The final tally on the offering was $20,500.22. I am still praying about something but I’m not going to tell you what it is, not yet. David told me today that weather permitting, the paving will begin next Monday. Understand folks that there is a lot to be done before they put down the black top.
• We have rescinded our motion to change the Sunday morning schedule. Things will stay the same for now. Joe Fitzgerald was elected to the Personnel Committee, Jason Bowling and Jamie Glenn to Budget, Amy Garnett to WEE Care, David Andrews and Will Morgan to Nominating, Gregg Holiday and Jerry Wayne Segars to Deacon and David the little missile Wood and Brian Catfish McCollum to the board of Trustees. I want to thank Anthony and the Nominating Committee for officiating, counting and storing the ballots.
• YOUTH I need your help: I have a project for you Wednesday and if you will do it, I will buy you some pizza. [1] Put the clothes rack upon the stage of the amphitheater [2] Put the picnic tables back under the pavilion [3] Take down the fence behind the FORTE.
• Needs for FRIDAY BACKPACK PROGRAM: Poptarts, Peanut butter crackers, canned food [Ravioli, Chili, spaghettios], Caprisuns, Fruit Snacks, Applesauce, Granola Bars, Fun sized candy bars.
• Katie James Stichler’s grandfather [Mr. Golden] was promoted: services at First Baptist Hartselle this Wednesday.
• We just learned that Nell Brown’s grandson Jodie also passed away. I don’t know any arrangements.

Our Sins

SCRIPTURE

You spread out our sins before you—our secret sins—and you see them all.

~Psalms 90:8, NLT

QUOTE

Since our fall in the garden, man has had a tendency to hide his sins and flaws. It is a form of self-deception: sins cannot be hidden from God.

~Ya’akov

Our sins may be hidden from us, even possibly those who know us best but they cannot be hidden from God. The process of our awareness of our sin and depravity is a life long endeavor. God, through His word, our experience and the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit reveals our sins. He is merciful and gracious by revealing our sins incrementally, usually one at a time. I don’t think any of us can handle a full revelation of our sinfulness. In all probability, we think we are better than we are. I remember my school days and there were times that I was confident that I did well on a test but when I got it back, it was full of red ink. There were also times that I thought I did poorly and I was shocked when I saw a good grade.

The bottom line is: it would be wise for us to be HUMBLE and HONEST. The place to begin with the honesty is with Jesus and yourself. He already knows the truth. Your confession is not going to change HIM but it may change you.

• Well, it has been a week and once again I praise God for the ability to work and to help others. God has been good to me, not only more than I deserve but more than I can comprehend.
• We have to really get focused on Gary Garner. He has had a bad week. Let’s pray together…would you join me? Father, we pray for Gary to be encouraged by something: progress, definite diagnosis or out right healing. We believe YOU are not through with Gary. You have used him to help so many and now we lift him up to YOU. The doctors don’t know what to do. Our eyes are upon YOU. In Jesus name, heal Gary.” I hope you can say “Amen” to this prayer.
• July is streaking by and August is going to be on us soon. AWANA is moving to Sunday night which means a major adjustment in our Sunday schedule. I think it would be wise to take these steps one at a time. Due to the AWANA change and shortest of time, I am going to propose that we try the new Sunday morning schedule in September, not August. That will give us more time to spread the word.
• Our plate is full today: Deacons at 8:15, LCBS at 9:15 and worship at 10:15 and 6:00. Wanda Yarbrough COLS is at 2:00 pm at Rideout’s Brown-Service in Decatur. Burial will be at Courtland. It is an old cemetery and one of my favorites. I may be getting like Mother. She loved cemeteries.
• Carman is doing better. His legs look much better. Their A/C went out Friday night and they were camped at Sandra’s yesterday. I think Emogene and Carman overheated before they moved to Sandra’s. He loves his ramp.
• Joe David made it home safely: PTL.

He Is The Potter, I am The Clay

SCRIPTURE

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

~Isaiah 64:8, NLT

QUOTE

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”

~Paul of Tarsus

God created us from red dirt or clay: He is literally our Potter. We are His creation, the work of His hands. From time to time we need to remember from whence we came. Sometimes we think too highly of ourselves and we forget that we were made from mud. It does get to be amusing to hear the halo wearing crowd talk about their purity as though they were made of refined gold. On the other hand, any analogy can be carried too far. Although it is true that we came from mud, God is an awesome Potter and He can do a lot with red dirt and water. We, unlike a piece of pottery can talk to the Potter {prayer}. Jesus took on our flesh and blood body so He could establish a relationship with us. Christ died for us and that in itself gives us infinite worth but we must not get big headed. We all sin and we all deserve death and hell. God does not use us because we are good; He uses us because He is good. Elisebeth Elliot says, “God uses sinners because that is all He has”. So loosen that halo and get to work: God did not save you to sit, He saved you to serve.

• Preston Grammer is better: no sign of infection. He is going to have to have surgery. Carman is coming home the later part of this week [Lord willing].
• I think they are giving us a 40% chance for rain. I hope we get all 40%.
• THE GATHERING tomorrow night at 6:30.

 

Fool Proof

SCRIPTURE

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

~Ephesians 2:8, NLT

QUOTE

Faith pleases God and it prompts man.

~Ya’akov

Paul preached grace, pure unadulterated grace and to the Jews, it was a stumbling block. They believed in two things that are antithetical to grace. [1] They believed in special favor. They believed that being descendants of Abraham was equal to a new birth. This created an inordinate pride that lead them to believe they could earn salvation on a point system. [2] In other words, they believed they could be saved by obeying the laws of Moses. They were convinced they could receive right standing by their own efforts.

The first thing Jesus did to upset them was to inform them that being a descendants of Abraham was grossly insufficient and then he went on to point out the fact that their righteousness was totally unacceptable. All their righteousness was tainted by their selfish desire to glorify themselves. God confounded them; He made salvation simple, so simple that a child can be saved but salvation is not something we do for God,  it is something He does for us.

God’s grace initiates our salvation; His grace makes salvation possible for sinners. We can response to His goodness is faith. Faith works in two directions Godward and Manward: [1] Faith pleases God {Hebrew 11:6} [2] Faith prompts man,  Abraham was moved by faith. So faith has a Godward side and a manward side. Since my salvation is a gift {grace} I can only boast in Christ. If I had any part in earning my salvation, I would have bragging rights.

If you buy a new car but you are short $1,000 and you come to me for a loan; you have made a mistake. You have given me bragging rights. Every time I see you go by in the car, I will think or say: there goes a car that I help pay for. Literally, if I paid $10 on your car I could boast. Salvation is all grace because God retains all the bragging rights. What impresses me is that His Grace, His plan cannot be abused. It is fool proof.

Let’s say for example; you determine to do God’s will your way by the power of your flesh a part from His grace. In the flesh you attempt to serve Christ by living morally, doing good deeds, faithfully attending worship, and tithing every cent that goes through your hand. The end results of attempting to please Christ by living in the power of the flesh is: Pride, vain glory [you crave recognition and praise], you become super judgmental of others, you are ungrateful and you cannot offer sincere praise to God. You going through the motions of praise but it is all pretense.

God has it fixed where it can only be done one way: HIS and the end result is praise to His Son. It’s like buttoning up a shirt; if you don’t start right, you will not end right. If it originates in the flesh, the flesh will seize the glory; if it begins with the Spirit, Christ will get the glory. You cannot begin in the flesh and end in giving Christ glory.

• Today we pray for the World.
• Regular schedule tonight: Lord willing I will be with you as you try to move back toward normal.
• No Senior Adult Fellowship this Friday. I need a little more time to get back to 100%.

The Last Resort For The World

SCRIPTURE

It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.

~Psalm 119:71

QUOTE

It was only when I lay there on the rotting prison straw that I sensed within myself the first stirring of good…so bless you, prison, for having been in my life.

~Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s 

In Charles Swindoll’s book Encourage Me, he tells the story of a 1968 commercial airliner landing on its belly in New York City. The landing gear malfunctioned and they had to land without wheels on a run way coated with foam. Everyone survived but prior to landing there was some tension. Once the flight attendants had everyone buckled in their seats with head between knees the Captain came over the intercom with this message….We are beginning our final descent. At this moment, in accordance with International Aviation Codes established in Geneva, it is my obligation to inform you that if you believe in God you should commence prayer. I had never heard of this pray code, had you?

The amazing thing about this incident is no one on board, other than the Pilot and Co-pilot knew anything about the Geneva prayer code. It was there all the time but it took a crisis to bring it out.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was once acclaimed the greatest Russian author since Tolstoy. He was a not only a gifted writer, he was very outspoken about the evils of communism and for that he was sentenced to 8 years in the labor camps [prisons]. It was in one of these prisons that he meet Dr. Boris Kornfield, a Jew who had converted to Christianity. Although the Russians needed doctors, they did not look favorably on Kornfield sharing his faith daily. On Kornfield’s last night on earth, he sat by the bunk of Aleksandr Solzhenitysn and shared his faith in Christ with the Russian novelist. Later that same night Boris Kornfield was beaten to death with a mallet. Some think he was murdered by prison guards and others think inmates.

In the late 50’s Solzhenitsyn was freed from prison and he lived the last three decades of his life in freedom. I don’t think Solzhenitsyn had any desire to go back to prison but he did realize his prison suffering forged his character and his faith.

After the crisis, whatever it may be, when we are sufficiently crushed: Christ steps out of the shadows into the light and begins to comfort and to teach. Pride is our enemy and humiliation becomes our friend because it makes us teachable. It reminds me of a little poem I heard when I was a child…

I walked a mile with pleasure, she chatted all the way

But I was none the wiser for what she had to say.

I walked a mile with sorrow and never a word said she,

But Oh the things that I did learn with sorrow walked with me.

• Today we pray for the WORLD, not the system but the people who need Christ.
• Regular schedule tonight….supper at 5:30, AWANA at 6:15 and the GATHERING at 6:30. I don’t know if I will get to attend or not; it depends.
• GOLDEN GIRLS is on for Saturday.

Awesome Epistle

SCRIPTURE

My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens.

QUOTE

God’s grace is always received, never achieved.

~Ya’akov

If you are hankering for a blessing, read I Peter in the NLT. Let me give you some examples:

• I Peter 1:4–We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
• I Peter 1:8–You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy.
• I Peter 1:19–He paid for you with the precious life blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.
• I Peter 1:23–Your new life did not come from your earthy parents because the life they gave you will end in death.
• I Peter 2:21–This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is our example. Follow in His steps.
• I Peter 3:7–If you don’t treat your wife as you should, your prayers will not be heard. {Wow}
• I Peter 3:12–The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers.
• I Peter 3:18–Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.
• I Peter 4:9–Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
• I Peter 5:4–And when the Head Shepherd {Jesus} comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in His glory and honor.
• I Peter 5:6–So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.
• I Peter 5:7–Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

If you don’t find a verse in this list that rings your bell, your clapper is broke.

Pastors, I Peter 5:4 is for you. I cannot remember one moment of glory in my life. Perhaps I am forgetting. I know that I’ve never won a race, scored the winning TD, made the winning shot or been recognized for some outstanding achievement. I’ve never been the honoree in a ticker-tape parade but my day is coming. By His grace, I get a never ending share of Christ glory.

• We pray for STUDENTS today.
• I never think in time but I saw a beautiful sight last night. Joe David lead a prayer meeting at a ball game and it was moving. We prayed for Kane. I hope someone got a pic. I checked on Kenny after the SAFE and he was sleeping.
• The SENIOR ADULT LUNCHEON went great. If Chareles’ class had not turned out we would have been in trouble. We had 20 total but that counts the four workers but two were Seniors. We had 17 Seniors and three youth: Mandy, Floyd and Joe David. The rolls were awesome and so was the ham. Everything was delicious.
• We will be visiting today; trying to get folks to the REVIVAL Sunday. Call a friend or fellow member that hasn’t been in a while.
• SCHEDULE: Donuts, coffee and biscuits at 8:45, Deacons and wives meet at 9:00, LCBS at 9:15 and REVIVAL at 10:15 and 6:00.

Teresa Glisson and Scotty

Condescension

 

 

 

SCRIPTURE

Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.

~Philippians 2:6-7, NLT

QUOTE

Jesus Christ, the condescension of divinity, and the exaltation of humanity.

~Phillip Brooks

I heard Paul Harvey tell the story some 30 years ago about a man who refused to attend church with his wife and children on Christmas. He chose to recline in the den. It was a cold day with a thick snow on the ground. It was so cold the birds were seeking shelter and one flew into the sliding glass doors that separated the warm lighted den from the cold dark outside. The man had compassion on the bird but it broke its neck when it hit the glass. He wanted to help the other birds so he went to an outside building that had light. He cut the light on and opened the door but birds did not trust him and would not enter the shelter. He found some grain and made a line leading through the door but the birds would eat the grain up to the door but would not enter. The man became frustrated with the fearful birds. “I’m trying to help them,” he thought “and they will not let me.” He thought and thought and finally reached the conclusion that to lead the birds to shelter, he would have to become a bird. There is more to the story but you get the gist.

I was telling this story once as it related to the incarnation, God becoming man to save us from death and hell and someone in the audience interrupted: “It’s not a good analogy. A lot of folks would become a bird to save a bird. It is more like being willing to become a rat to save the rats.” I thought wow, he has a point. Birds are free, majestic, beautiful and at times noble. Rats are filthy vermin. Rats are the epitome of depravity. I cannot think of anything good to say about rats. I have a bird feeder outside my home study: I enjoy watching the birds. I do not enjoy watching rats. Rats are filthy, disgusting, germ carrying rodents they mess and destroy.

Would you become a rat to save the rats? I wouldn’t; I don’t think they are worth saving. The condescension of Christ from heaven to earth, from God to man, was a far greater humiliation than you and I becoming a rat. Wow! The love of Jesus is incomprehensible.

• They did not get to do Preston’s surgery yesterday [December 15]: oxygen levels too low. Pray for Katie, Russ and Preston.
• Today we pray for TEACHERS.
• Mandy and Jamie will finish our Children’s shopping today: thank you DBC for your generosity. I am so very pleased with what you have done.
• I will be the secretary most of the day so if you need me, call my cell, do not expect an answer from the office phone. Most of the calls are tele-marketers and I don’t have time to answer them. If you need me, call my cell.
• Tomorrow night is full throttle and then we begin to slow down a bit for the holidays.
• I ran into Don Widner at the ball game last night. Every time I see him, he reminds me of some of the goofs I made when I worked with him as a football official. I posted a story on MY STORIES for those who have the time to read it: it is supposed to be funny. You make the call!

David and Ginger

Love Generates Giving–Humility Governs Receiving

SCRIPTURE

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

~Luke 6:38, NLT

QUOTE

“A bell’s not a bell ’til you ring it – A song’s not a song ’til you sing it – Love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay – Love isn’t love ’til you give it away!”

~Oscar Hammerstein, II

One of our Christmas traditions as empty nesters is watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I watched the Santa Suit [2010] last night and I saw something I had missed previously. There is a certain mentality or attitude that goes with giving but a gift cannot be a gift until there is someone to receive it. So literally, we have an attitude on both ends–generosity on one and humility and faith on the other.

The ancients did not carry purses or back packs nor did they have shopping carts: they use baskets or lap sacks. The modern day “Fanny Pack” comes from the ancient tradition of the lap sack. Drake Hunter, played by Kevin Sorbo, was a greedy businessman who had totally missed the spirit of Christmas. The hardness of his heart was penetrated by the sadness of a small girl who seemed broken hearted about something but she would not reveal what was bothering her. Mr. Hunter did not give raises or Christmas bonuses and this cute little girl had been affected by his greed without his awareness. Her mom worked in Mr. Hunter’s plant. When he takes it upon himself to give to the child, there is a problem, she is not ready to receive, not from him. She does not trust Mr. Hunter due to his insensitivity toward her mother and others. Mr. Hunter becomes frustrated because he cannot share the gift that he wants her to have. 

The bottom line is: We have to be in a receptive mood to take a gift. The giver of the gift cannot be blessed by giving unless we receive in humility and good faith. This principle applies to SALVATION as well as everyday life.

EXTRA/RELATED STORY

In 1970-71, I served the Salem Springs Baptist Church is West Limestone. There I met a sweet family [5] who became friends instantly. The man worked at a plant in Decatur but with 3 children and his wife being a homemaker [noble calling], I assumed that money was tight. One Sunday night after church, he walked up and gave me $20 which I immediately gave back. I gave him one reason after another as to why I could not accept his gift. He walked away with a dejected look on his face and I sensed that I had offended him. An older gentlemen witnessed the entire drama and he came to me immediately: “Preacher, you didn’t handle that very well.” “How is that?” I quickly replied, “He needs the money more than I do.” The wise old bird said, “You’re missing the point. He had given his gift a lot of thought; he wanted to become a partner in your ministry and you denied him that privilege. You just robbed him of a blessing.” I had made the mistake, the man had already left but I never forgot the lesson. Greed keeps of from giving and pride keeps us from receiving.

• Today we pray for FAMILY.
• There will be a DEACON’S meeting this Sunday at 8:30: something came up.
• Pray for Kenny.
• Our heartfelt sympathy to Gregg Stinson, David Andrews and Marlon Cole on the departure of their love ones.

Hindrances to Revival #7–PRIDE

Day 10 of 24/24

SCRIPTURE

“God, how I thank You that I am not on the same level as other people—crooks, cheaters, the sexually immoral—like this tax collector over here. Just look at me! I fast not once but twice a week, and I faithfully pay my tithes on every penny of income.”

~Luke 18:11-12, The VOICE

QUOTE

You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride than when you think you are humble enough.

~C.S. Lewis

Pharisees like to pray in public but like the one in Luke 18, their prayers are ineffective because they come from a heart filled with pride. It is always a mistake to inform God of our goodness when He can see the dark crevices in our heart which are hidden from us. What on earth inspires men to brag in the face of God and call it prayer? You know the answer: it is pride. I’m sure you have noticed the proud unbent “I” is in the middle of pride and sin. There is no question that pride is a huge hindrance to revival. If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves…

• Deacons meeting at 8:00 [Confirmation for Jeff Bass].
• LCBS at 9:00 and worship at 10:15 and 6:00.
• FRONT PEW SHOWER for Sav-A-Life [Baby things] [JUDEA]
• SECOND PEW SHOWER for Mission to the Park [Blankets and old coats and jackets, SAMARITAN PROJECT]
• International Mission Offering goes to Guatemala unless otherwise designated.