The Power of a Personal Note

While not always there, my goal has always been to say thank you when something is done for me, our Church, my family, and kids.  To not take things for granted, or to expect anything. I have learned this from some of the best.  Recently I sent a note to former Bellevue Pastor, Steve Gaines who is fighting cancer.  He was gracious enough to send a response thanking me for prayers and taking time to write.

Sunday September 7th, we recognized Marcia Sullender for her thirtieth year on Staff here in Camden. It was a great day. One combined service. Great worship, and a meal for all here at the church. Dave has been such a support and blessing to us as well often staying out of the spotlight.  His humble spirit has always blessed me.

In regards to Marcia, what that means is she has heard me preach more sermons than anyone. (We have been in two services a total of twelve years in the A.M. and all of the previous Sunday evening services we once had.) Always prepared, always willing, and always having a desire to please the Lord and do things with excellence.

The Church created a notebook of gratitude that included many handwritten letters. We simply wanted to personally say thank you. There is power in a personal note. Sometimes the note comes in the form of what we say. ( Psalm 45:1b my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.)

Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
²⁹  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

Who could you write today and encourage with a Good word?

 Go ahead and do it today.  Bro. Greg 

Pastoring in the Dog Days of Summer

 

                                                                   

                                                                                  Growing up in 60s and 70s, I remember July and August being a time when the oppressively hot air simply did not move and the high humidity made it feel like you were perpetually living in a sauna. This was in the days before most people had air conditioning, so an open window and the occasional fan humming at night were the only things keeping you from turning into a stagnant pool of salt water.

Most of those nights I went to bed  listening to the Cincinnati Reds’ baseball games called by the legendary Joe Nuxhall and Marty Brennaman. What a thrill to grow up and get to experience the "Big Red Machine."  They used colorful phrases like, “You can kiss it goodbye!” for a home run, or, “and this one belongs to the Reds", a classic from Joe Nuxhall It was from them I first heard the term “Dog Days” applied to July and August — a term used to describe those long, hot days and nights in the middle of the season when there are far too many more games to be played. 

The term actually comes from the Roman observation of the brightness of Sirius, the Dog Star, in the constellation of Canis Major (“large dog”) in the months of July and August. The Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time of year when the sea boiled, dogs grew mad, and all other creatures became lazy. If you have teenagers lounging about your house on summer vacation, you know that the Romans weren’t far off.

Even though air conditioning is available in most places, and the church remains (cool as a cucumber) I’m still thinking about the Dog Days, but now in terms of my preaching. Like a long baseball season, July and August come roughly halfway between Christmas and Easter, which are like Opening Day and the World Series of the church year. In terms of church attendance, the asphalt in the parking lot is boiling, people disappear, and many that are normally excited to come to worship are more likely to lounge in a hammock in the mountain air than get ready for church.

Maybe we preachers get a little cranky this time of year, too. Even though our people may be in a lazy, vacation mindset, Sunday still comes every week and we’ve got to get ready to work in case people show up (and, miraculously, some still do!). Your homiletical fast ball may not be as sharp as it was on Easter Sunday, and you’re hacking at those summer sermons like a relief pitcher who gets put into pinch hit in the 15th inning of a Sunday day game.

Truth be told, however, I like to think of this time of year as a gift. Maybe I’m out of the office a little more, after  all everyone is trying to catch their breath. Like Yogi Berra used to say, “Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.” There’s a sermon illustration in there somewhere.

My Pastor , preaching mentor Joe Baker who is now in Heaven always said, "Don't evaluate ministry on Monday morning or in the month of August."  

I think God gives us preachers the Dog Days for a reason. It’s not that we get so lazy that we stop being disciples of Jesus for a couple of months. Instead, I think God makes it hot and humid so we’ll slow down a bit, look around some more, watch the world go by, take in a beautiful sunset, or sleep in once in a while. Think of it as an opportunity for an extended Sabbath in the middle of the season. It’s a time to take your vacation and enjoy it. The same God who put the Dog Star in the sky will keep the creation running until you get back. No need to rush.

After all, Christmas will soon be here!!  Don't quit! Stand of the promises of God.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
⁵⁸  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
 

  Excerpts Taken from Robert Kaylor originally published in 2016

 

"Blog Title Change: Bloom Where You are Planted"

Having just returned from a week at the beach with our immediate family, son and wife and their two boys, and daughter and husband and their two boys, Renee and I can say one thing for sure.  We are blessed!

Having been away last week and worshiping in another church, my heart was moved and encouraged.  Encouraged to come home and get back after it here at FSBCamden.  It is also humbling having just celebrated our 32 year anniversary here as your pastor. 

For years, the title of this blog was "Joy in the Journey."  There has been joy and there still is joy as God allows us to forge forward together.  2025 has brought forth some new challenges, but God is faithful.

Recently the theme of "Bloom where you are planted" keeps recurring in my mind and heart.  So if anything good continues to come forth after all these years, we will encourage other churches and pastors with a reminder that we are called to be faithful where God puts us and let the roots run deep as we anchor in and preach the word faithfully.

Last night we watched the movie, "Twisters."  It is a remake of the original Twister that was released years ago about tornado storm chasers.  In the new remake, a man known as the tornado wrangler would literally drive his truck right into the tornado.  The only way they could survive was by driving automatic augers (anchors) deep into the ground to keep the vehicle from getting blown away and being killed. They were trusting that the anchors would hold.

Years ago H.B. London, a Nazarene Pastor,  James Dobson's cousin from Focus on the Family wrote a book entitled, "Heart of a Great Pastor", and one of the chapters was titled, "Bloom Where You are Planted."  That has always stuck with me, and has been a great encouragement as we continue to serve the Lord.

Jesus is the anchor.  May we drill deep and trust Him to continue to lead and carry us in the work.

Until He comes...we will go!  Bro. Greg
 

 

Remembering a Giant of the Faith

 "If the fire has been brought from the right place and to the right place, we have a good beginning; and main elements of a glorious ending." C. H. Spurgeon

Yesterday the world received the news that a giant in the faith, John Macarthur has passed from this life into Heaven.

 

Over the past thirty two years as your pastor, his influence on me, through his preaching, commentaries, and exposition of scripture has greatly helped, instructed, and encouraged me.

I remember those early years before coming here, I would listen to this line up on WFCJ.  Charles Stan
ley, John Macarthur, then Chuck Swindoll.  Wow, what a powerhouse!  We have now lost two of these three. In a week that remembered Jimmy Swaggert's passing as well, life is changing.

 

Cody mentioned that the loss of MacArthur has shook him. I understand what he means.  He has preached, taught, desiring to equip the next generation of Pastors to lead the church well.  

 

I remember the passing of  my mentors, Joe Baker and Charles Betts. it was hard to imagine them being gone.  The news that Adrian Rogers had passed greatly shook me as well.  At Dr. Rogers' service Ken Whitten shared, " The fact that Adrian was alive made me feel secure as a pastor."

 

John Macarthur finished faithful and that is my prayer as well.  I am sure he will continue to speak beyond the grave through radio, and that his legacy will be lasting.  We pray for his family.​

 

First verse from Rodney Griffin's "Start with Well Done"

 

 

More than great riches

More than a claim

More than meeting strangers

Who already know my name

More that respect from

My closest of peers

There′s a voice and a statement

That I long to hear

Chorus

Only two words will fulfill me

When I see his face

For there's eternal meaning

In this one little phrase

When this life is over

And the next ones begun

I want it to start with well done!

Greater Vision coming July 10th!

 

Easter and Revival

 

Easter and Revival!

Recently I was asked why we have Revival so close to Easter Sunday and here is the answer.  We have more in worship on Easter than any other day, and what better time to promote Revival than on that day.

Let's pack it out this year as we worship the Lord on this special day of both celebration and remembrance. Remember to invite someone to be your guest.

 Revival will bring in with it on April 27-29 three of my favorite preachers and people.

Dr. Terry Fields preached Revival years ago in the other building, Pastor Jerome Byrd, one of our favorites, and our son in law Kyle Herrmann.  All three have pastored for a number of years and will bring us a word from a fresh voice.  The Choir will be singing and it will be a wonderful time of worship and preaching.  It all begins on Sunday night at 6:30 P.M. and then Monday and Tuesday at 7 P.M. 

Revival means something to me.  April 13, 1976 was the night I settled it as God got a hold of my heart. I praise Him for His goodness, and mercy for allowing me to be your pastor.