Revival and golf?

Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Recently, Trevor and I played golf with the evangelist,on a day that began with these words from the lady at the golf course. "You are actually going to try to play in this wind?"

As we hacked our way around the course, it became obvious that the elements would play a big role in the outcome for the day. Another interesting observation began to take shape during the round. I am not as good a golfer as I think. Actually,the ball began to become harder to locate and find, due to so may leaves starting to fall. As a matter of fact, there were times when the golf ball looked just like it's surroundings. We would drive right by it.

As a christian, we are called to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord. If we do that, we may not blend in too good with the world. We are called to be in the world, but not of it. Even though there may be lostness all around, I am grateful that God still saves and changes lives.

I once found a golf ball in the woods with this inscription. "I once was lost, but now I am found."

That is what God does. He finds us in our lostness, cleans us of all of the dirt that has accumulated, then puts us back in play.

Do you know Him? He knows you.

Days Of Our Lives

Psalm 90:10
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Many times soap operas try to represent some fictional world for others to get involved in. The past few weeks have reminded me of a reality that we all will face if the Lord tarries. Over the past ten days I have had the privilege to preach and be part of three funerals of folks in their nineties.(92,95,95)! This is the exception, and quite unusual. What great lives these had, and just think about the changes they had seen in the world.

The good news is that all three were Christians, saved by the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary's cross. What a tragedy it would be to live a long life according to earthly standards, then die without Christ.

I recently took a ministry trip and drove by myself. On the way back, the thing that encouraged me the most to keep going, was the fact that I was heading home. I knew who was there, and who would be waiting for me.

My prayer is that as we live life, we would be reminded as Christians, of who is waiting for us. Let us live and serve, desiring to please the Lord. Let us make the best use of today, redeeming the time, and remembering that life passes like sand through the hourglass.

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

A Hallmark Moment

Rev.2:2-4
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. 4Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Jesus addresses the church at Ephesus and has some good things to say to them, yet it is the "first love" statement that grabs our attention.

Twenty-six years ago today, Renee and I exchanged vows to unite as husband and wife. I can remember how I used to do certain things. I wanted to impress her by opening doors or letting her have the first sip of a cold coke, or the first hot Burger Chef french fry. (You get my point) I would do little things to show her how much I loved her, even going out of the way to say it and to show it.

While the years have worn away some of the luster from our wedding bands, I love her more today than I did back then. One reason I believe is that we continue to grow as a couple.

Yesterday I bought her a card from Hallmark. I studied it, and after carefully reading the inscription, I made the purchase. I was proud of the choice, signed it and put it in her purse.

When I jumped in the car this morning there was an envelope laying on the seat. A card from her. I tore into it and began to recognize the young couple on the cover. It was the same card. I couldn't believe it. What chemistry! What compatibility! It was a Hallmark Moment. The only thing missing was seeing her car back up in reverse and her getting out of the car, and then we run toward each other as we hug, and then with passion we both say ........... "We got each other the same card!"

That's what God wants us to do as christians. He wants us to grow in our love for Him, and always be willing to run to Him. He will always be there with open arms. Don't run from God, run to Him.

That's what God did, when He sent Jesus, He cared enough to send the very best!