Greetings. For most of us it has been since March of 1995 that we have worshiped together but I still have clear and fond memories of that time. I count your congregation as a "pillar for truth" which is ready, willing and able to carry forth the blood stained banner of Christ. I value the insight and abilities of your eldership, the knowledge and personal friendship of Hiram Hutto and look forward to establishing a meaningful relationship with Phillip Owens whose dad I know and esteem.

In Acts 10 we find the oft-referenced account of Cornelius and Peter. When the esteemed apostle went to Caesarea and found Cornelius, he asked a question that I like to ask congregations which invite me to come and preach to them the gospel of Christ. Note Peter's words of verse 29: "That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. And so I ask for what reason you have sent for me." Also note in verse 27 that Peter "found many people assembled" when he arrived.

There are some places I go to preach and the reason for which I have been invited is unclear. The members have not prepared themselves to attend services and there has been little planning, if any, to generate interest in the community (physical or spiritual). It almost seems like the ol' orthodox "it's spring/fall and time for a gospel meeting" syndrome prevails. I wonder why they invited me unless it was to tell me something derogatory about one of the brethren or the preacher.

Jackson Drive isn't like the above example. I guess it never has been. I know that "all" have been working hard at rearranging schedules, inviting friends, and are getting all "worked" for a spiritual feast. That's how I feel too. Like David, we can anticipate the time to "delight in God's law." (PS 119:70)

The focus of our subject matter this week will be the "Home And Family," a topic much needed in our degenerating society today. There isn't a single doubt that a Christian makes the best husband, wife, mother, father, child, grandparent and/or friend. The Bible is so rich with information as to how we can become better in our individual relationships.

I sometimes think that the Scriptures are viewed as only identifying what is sinful and what the punishment for said wrongdoing is, without addressing how to correct the problems. Nothing could be farther from the truth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states plainly that we can be profited by the teaching of His Word to the point where we are equipped for every good work. Who would argue that improving our personal relationships isn't a "good work"? In fact, the same passage refers to the Scripture as a "training" tool. We know, don't we, that 2 Peter 1:3 assures us that we have "everything" that pertains to both sides of our being: "life" - that's the physical side and "godliness" that's the spiritual side.

With the kind of assurances noted above, how can we do anything but profit by looking at the divine instructions given to man as a husband and woman as a wife? How can we become anything but more vital in our communities and church when we adhere to the divine instructions given to husband and wife as a team? We will be better friends with those who so desperately need good friends. We will be better care-givers to the elderly who deserve to live out their days in love and comfort instead of sadness and loneliness. Our young people will become more responsive to the responsibilities they have been given by their Creator. Indeed, how can we spend a week with such God-given information without becoming better?

Often I say that when I preach, I preach to me and if the audience wants to listen that's okay too. That is especially true this week. When I told Judy that I was going to preach about becoming a better mate, she rejoiced. I sure love that little gal.

Love you and, Lord willing, will see you in a few days.

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Everyday Choices

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight.

I have responsibilities to fulfill today.

I am important.

My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today, I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today, I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today, I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today, I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today, I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today, I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today, I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today, I can complain because I have to go to school or I can eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today, I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body, and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

To Parents

On the first call, they said, "We are going to start just as soon as the baby gets old enough to take out."

One Year Later(2) - "Yes, we promised to attend church when the baby got older. But she is in that stage when she cries a lot, and can't sit still very long at a time. She has to be taken out a lot, and I know it disturbs other people. Also, I can't get anything out of the services. When she gets old enough to be quiet we definitely plan on getting started."

Three Years Later(5) - "I know you must think we are awful, but we're not coming to church because Suzy just won't go to her Bible class. If we forced her to go, she would disturb the whole class. Why do you think she is different from the other children her age?

Eleven Years Later (16) - "I'm very glad you came by so soon after I called. I want you or one of the elders to see if you can talk to Suzy. She's running with the wrong crowd, and I'm afraid she's going to get into trouble. Perhaps if the church would provide some kind of entertainment for the young people, she might get interested."

Two Years Later (18) - "Yes, Suzy is married. They were awfully young and he's not a member of the church, but we hope it will work out. He said he would not stand in her way of going to church."

Another Ten Years (28) - "Well, Suzy finally married a man who can give her the better things in life. This is her third husband, but she just couldn't get along with the others. I had high hopes for a while that this man would become a Christian, but the preacher preached a sermon on marriage and divorce, and it made him angry. He swears he will never attend that church again. I must say, I can hardly blame him. There must be something--maybe a lack of love, or a good Christian fellowship, or something or another--wrong up there anyway, or else it would have been a better influence on Suzy. Maybe we need a change in preachers, I don't know..."