Kids and Dreams

Let me preface this subject by talking a little about my College. I graduated from William Carey College (now University) in Hattiesburg MS. William Carey is a small Baptist school and is the common denominator ofthe three stories I share with you now. The stories are about children of three different friends who attended William Carey, two of whom were in school with me.

1. Steve Perry graduated from William Carey and now resides in Tennessee. His three children are making big waves in the Nashville Country Music scene. If you like country music then chances are you have heard of his children. The name of their band is "The Band Perry." Their most current song is entitled "If I Die Young" and is in thetop 20 of the Country music charts. They will perform at the CMA's in November and have been nominated for "Vocal Group of the Year." To cap it all off they will be touring this fall with Alan Jackson. You can learn more about them on their website at http://www.thebandperry.com
2. John and Mary Miller graduated from William Carey and now reside in my hometown of Poplarville Mississippi. They are both educators. Their daughter Whitney Miller auditioned for the Fox channel's television show "Master Chef" and made it out of 10,000 nation wide. The show takes amateur chefs - many of whom simply cook as a hobby - and attempts to turn one of them into a culinary master. Contestants are put through various challenges as they compete head to head to create delicious dishes. Whitney is in the final four and the show will be on this Wednesday night at 7pm.

3. John Lindsey played baseball at William Carey College in Hattiesburg prior to my days.

I got to know John because he hung out at the baseball field while I was at College. He is probably 5 years older. Anyway John Lindsey's son, John Lindsey, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies out of Hattiesburg High School in 1995. This week the Los Angeles Dodgers (his current team) called him up to the Big leagues after 16 years in the minor leagues. This is a great story and they are a wonderful family. You can see a video on him being called up by the General Manager on the website of the Dodgers.

Seasons

Fall is a wonderful time of the year. But don't we say that every time there is a change of season. However, change is difficult for most people. We are told to take things slow, don't change for change sake but we all know change is inevitable. Change comes whether we like it or not! I find it interesting that when seasons change we always seem to welcome it. From Fall to Winter to Spring and Summer, it is a good thing.

As I read the Word of God concerning my own spiritual walk God is seeking to make changes in my life. I may not like it but it is necessary for me to become like Jesus Christ. Paul says " I want to know Him in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings" and that requires change(s). What is God changing in your life? Remember He is the potter and we are the clay! Let's ask God to "mold us into the image of His Son Jesus!"

A Fresh Start!

I have been preaching through the book of Ephesians since early January and the end is in sight. We will finish this Sunday with Ephesians 6:18-24. It has been, at least for me, very fulfilling and enjoyable. I am so thankful to the Lord for what I have learned and continue to learn in this wonderful epistle. Thanks also to the wonderful people of First Baptist Church Owensboro for their encouragement. God is good! One of my favorite verses I have been using in my personal prayer comes from chapter one verse seventeen and is Paul's prayer for the believer.

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better."

I desire to know Him better!

I'm Back!

Here is a question especially for those of you who are members of FBC Owensboro but any of you are free to answer. Would you use the option of automatic bank draft in giving to the church if offered? If you already use it, let me know what your thoughts are about it.

• Yes!
• No!
• Using it now and love it!
• Never!!!

A Late Post!

On Father's Day I shared some questions to ask your children as a Dad. I was asked by someone to print these so I apologize in the delay in doing so. I read them on Tony Merida's blog. Tony is the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg Mississippi. Here is what he wrote:

Today I mentioned several resources of parents. I have been blessed by Tripp's Shepherding a Child's Heart, The Jesus Storybook Bible bySally Lloyd-Jones, and My 1st Book of Question and Answers by Mackenzie, to name a few. I also mentioned some questions that a Sovereign Grace Pastor shared with Piper, and he in turn footnoted the book Stand: A Call for Endurance of the Saints (p., 132, footnote 2). Piper honestly admitted that if he could anything over, after a long ministry, that it would be with respect to asking "heart questions" (my phrase) to his kids. He met with them regularly but wished that he would have probed deeper. I went through the questions quickly today in the sermon, but wanted to make the available here. Here are the questions

• How are your devotions?
• What is God teaching you?
• In your own words, what is the Gospel?
• Is there a specific sin that you're aware of that you need my help defeating?
• Are you more aware of my encouragement than my criticism?
• What's Daddy most passionate about?
• Do I act the same at church as I do when I'm at home?
• Are you aware of my love for you?
• Is there any way I've sinned against you that I've not repented of?
• Do you have any observations for me?
• How am I doing as a dad?
• How have Sunday's sermons impacted you?
• Does my relationship with Mom make you excited to be married?

MONDAY!

A lot has happened since I last posted. Celebrities Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Karl Malden, and former Tennessee Titan Steve McNair have all died. The news has been mostly filled with stories of their lives and the events surrounding their deaths. Much has been said about each of these people and much will continue to be written and spoken about them. Their deaths have reminded me what the writer of Hebrews says to us in the ninth chapter verse twenty seven. He writes "it is appointed once for man to die, after this comes the judgement."

Regardless of what you have been taught or believe the Bible says we have an appointment and it is one we will not miss. The good news is that you can be ready for that day but you must make preparations for it. Jesus Christ made the preparation for us as He willingly died on a cross for our sins that we might have eternal life. If we will but place our faith in Christ alone, then our preparations will be complete.

Death has a distinctive way of shaking us into reality and reminding us of our mortality. Life does not end at death and we will spend eternity somewhere. Either in Heaven with God or in Hell, a place of torment and without Christ! We have a choice to make! Will you today trust in Him (Jesus) who has the power of life and death! Will you choose life? Let me suggest some scripture for you to explore known as the Roman road.

Romans 3:23

Romans 5:8

Romans 6:23

Romans 10:9-10, and 13

VBS, SBC, and IWALAHY

We are in the middle of Vacation Bible School. Those of you who grew up in church know VBS stands for Vacation Bible School which means kool aid and cookies for most of us. The refreshments, crafts, and recreation have certainly improved with time but the fun has always been off the chart. VBS has traditionally been one of the biggest outreach tools for our church and this year will probably be no different. Tomorrow is one of the most important days when I share the story of Jesus with grades 1-5. If you think about it, pray for our time together! A special thanks to our 76 plus volunteers who made it happen this week. I am making a promise for next year. I will work somewhere in VBS next year, how about you?

SBC..this stands for the Southern Baptist Convention of which our church is a part. Every year there is a 2-3 day business meeting mixed with some of the best preaching in our Convention. This year it was held in our state of Kentucky. I had the opportunity to go over for a short time on Tuesday. It is a good time to re-connect with other ministers and their families.

IWALAHY....This is what is inscribed on the inside of my wedding ring given to me by Leigh Ann. I can't tell you everything. It has been this way for 19 going on 20 years. Feel free to make a guess! What does it mean IWALAHY? Ditto from me to you Leigh Ann!