Matthew TwoSix:ThreeNine

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to Him, and placed the child among them. And He said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." - Matthew 18:1‭-‬5 NIV This past Sunday was simply life-giving at Westside Christian Church. The energy and excitement were palatable. My daughter couldn't wait to get to church. She was excited to worship with her friends and have fun together afterwards.   With the VBS takeover, the church was packed! Sure there were a few seats open, but there was a line of people standing in the back. It is safe to say it was "standing room only". Fitting with the story of Zacchaeus that Pastor Russ shared.   Jes...

My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways, - Proverbs 23:26 The concise message of many of the Proverbs is powerful to me.  The invitation above is simple and to the point yet has significant depth. It is a transactional exchange. We give our hearts and in exchange we delight in His ways.  Seems pretty simple, right? The proverb starts with, "My son…" Simple and easy to glance past to the rest of the Proverb. However, it is significant because children have a special place.  They are dependent on their parents to support their most basic needs.  Food, shelter, clothing are just the tip of the iceberg. Parents provide protection and educate children in the ways of the world. Parents love their children in a very special way. God establishes that bond as He calls out to us and makes no doubts as to our relationship.  We are not only children, but His children.  He asks for not part of our heart, but the whole thing- even that...

This past Saturday I got the chance to catch up with my friend at breakfast. We connected months ago over grits, of all things. I learned he really didn't care for grits. Turns out his parents used to make him eat them quite often and in many forms. As he has grown older he's made the conscious decision, he's had enough grits for a lifetime. On the other hand, I really enjoy grits. They are a wonderful breakfast food with butter, salt, and pepper. For dinner, you can't beat some good shrimp and grits. I have a recipe for jambalaya grits that will put a smile on anyone's face. It is like jambalaya meets cheese grits. Yum! My friend and I joke about grits everytime we see each other. I offer him some and he politely refuses. Of course, I respect his wishes and don't give him any grits. How do you offer someone grits? Do you insist they eat and like them because you eat them? Do you put them on their plate anyway? Do you treat them differently bec...

Our family recently took a vacation.  We drove up to north Georgia for some time in the mountains.  After that we headed to Cumberland Falls in Corbin, Kentucky (that's a story for another time), and finished in south Georgia in Fitzgerald. While we were driving through the mountains, Julie pointed out that from a distance the trees make the mountain look smooth.  Distance and perspective make a difference.  The truth is, much of what was under that treeline was rough, rugged terrain. The type that is hard to traverse.  Much of the rocky earth wasn't suitable for plant growth.  Just the hardiest plants survive.   Isn't that the case with many of us? From a distance we look completely in control.  We look like we've got it together.  It is smooth sailing.  Once you get closer, the view changes.  Our rough ruggedness is exposed.  All of our flaws can be seen. The challenges we face, battles we fight, are there un...

A tool of corporal punishment. A means to an end. Punishment for wrong doing. Death. In Florida and other states they used to call it "Old Sparky". It was used to complete the punishment of those sentenced by the courts to death.  For over 76 years it was the tool used to kill criminals in Florida. The cross. A tool of corporal punishment. A means to and end. Punishment for wrong doing. Death. In the Roman Empire crucifixion was the preferred means of punishment. A criminal was beaten then hung on the cross.  Hung by being nailed to the wood. The cross then erected for all to see. The criminal would be left there to bleed and suffocate to death.  I'm not sure about you, but just the thought of the electric chair gives me the heebie-jeebies. If given the chance to simply sit in Old Sparky, I'm not sure I could muster the courage or would have any interest in doing so.   I imagine the cross brought similar emotions to the people of Jesus' time. I can...

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalms 32:8 NIV God's promises are grand.  He assured us that no matter what we face on this earth he is always by our side.  What's more than that He promises to teach and instruct us.  I guess God follows the "give a man a fish feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime" philosophy.   God provided us not only a savior but an example of how we are to exist on this planet. By his example we should be kind, tender-hearted, and quick to forgive (Ephesians 4:32).  We should be joyful (John 15:11) By his example we are to seek solitude and to be in conversation with God (Luke 5:16).  We should love all of God's people, yes even the ones we find it hard to love (John 13:34).  We are never in this alone to figure it out ourselves.  God is with us, always.  His "loving eye is on us." His Son our Savior and our tea...