It is a very common practice, as we begin a new year, to make "new years resolutions."  Usually these are stated in the form of goals that one wants to achieve in the new year.  Often times they involve intentions to change ones behavior:  exercise more, adopt a healthy diet, read the Bible each morning, etc.  The problem with setting these goals is that although we may begin the year with sincere intentions, often by February we have already lost our momentum.  By the time we come to December we are lamenting about how far we have gotten off track and how we need to work harder at these goals next year.  Maybe we need a different approach...

On December 21, my wife, daughter, and I stood in our driveway (Sapulpa, Ok) and marveled at the beautiful sight of Jupiter and Saturn (the two largest planets in our solar system) as they "aligned" and gave off a marvelous light, marking the beginning of the winter solstice.  Their alignment this year is rare and hasn't been seen since the Middle Ages.  It is this phenomenon, many believe, that the Wise Men witnessed so many years ago.  How blessed we are to have been able to see it as we approach Christmas day, 2020.  It should cause all of us to stop and think...

We hear a lot about angels in the Bible.  At Christmas time, we are especially reminded of their presence in our lives: Gabriel appears to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist.  Gabriel again appears to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus.  Then after the birth of Jesus "an angel of the Lord" appears to Shepherds to announce the Messiah's birth.  Though angels don't show up on every page of the Bible, their work is mentioned frequently enough to let us know that they are at work in our world.  But the angels that are on my mind today are not the true celestial beings whose work is both mysterious and grand; rather it is those who are "angel like" in that often they work behind the scenes but bring great blessing to those who are the objects of their favor.  Today I'm thinking of people like you and me, who have the opportunity to be "angels" for the sake of others...

As we approach Thanksgiving day, there are many things that I am thankful for; but this year I am especially thankful for family and friends who have blessed me in so many ways.  I was especially reminded of this as I prepared my message for last Sunday based on a text from 1 Thessalonians, 3:7-13.  In this passage Paul begins by asking the question:  "How can we thank God enough? (vs. 9).  He then expounds on his thanksgiving by describing his relationship with the Thessalonians in light of four important qualities:  joy, faith, love, and strength.  These are four quality, I believe, that my family and friends have imparted to me over the years.  It is these qualities, and the way my friends have shared them with me, that have made our relationships meaningful and deep.  I am so thankful for the people who have shared these gifts with me...

Long election lines are being reported across our country today.  This was certainly true of my polling place as I went to vote early this morning.  It took a while to finally vote and I really didn't enjoy standing outside in the cold.  But, this is a good thing because it shows that many, throughout our land, are exercising and enjoying this wonderful privilege that comes with citizenship.  Sometimes I think we need to be reminded of the tremendous blessing that is ours through our right to vote...

One of the things I love about living in Oklahoma is that we, for the most part, get to experience four distinct seasons.  I will admit that Winter has been sort of "light" for the past couple of years; still you can tell that it's not Summer, Fall, or Spring.  With each new season, activities change; so do the scenes of nature that surround us.  It is a reminder that life is ever changing and that each season of life is a opportunity to know God, our self, and others in new and deeper ways...

Recently, while taking a week of vacation, my wife, daughter, and I tried our hand at miniature golf.  Miniature golf is usually a part of our activities while on vacation in Colorado; so, having decided to stay in Oklahoma this year (due to covid-19), we wanted to include this in our week of "at home" activity together.  We played at a very nice miniature golf course in Tulsa.  It had lots of fun "twists," "turns," and "obstacles."  From a competition stand point we didn't do very well.  But we did, at least, have fun.  But in addition to our personal golfing experience, we also had fun watching and visiting with other families.

One of the families, that was just ahead of us, included:  parents, three children, and a grandmother, (whom I'm guessing might have been in her late 70's or early 80's), who was doing very well.  That is, until she came to hole 11 which started off with a significantly steep sloop and a dramatic turn to the left.  The slope was so steep that when I had my turn I had to "tee off" three times just to get my ball up the hill.  It was no wonder "grandma" was having so much difficult getting her ball to the top.  Every time she hit it, the ball would roll half way up then come rolling down again.  But then something wonderful happened...

What is the difference between a sprint and a marathon?  A sprint is a short race; one in which the runners can easily see the end-line.  A marathon is a long race; in a marathon, until the very end, the participants cannot see the end line.  They are two very different races and involve different strategies.  A sprint requires a burst of energy for a very short period of time.  A marathon requires a management of energy and can go on for several hours.  So with the COVID-19 virus crisis, it is helpful for us to realize that we are "running a marathon," not a sprint; and we will need a sound strategy if we are going to cross the finish line...

Faith, hope and love are described by the apostle Paul as the three qualities that last forever.  In my experience,  we hear a lot about faith and love, but some how the quality of hope doesn't seem to get as much attention.  Still, Peter tells us that hope is an essential aspect of our new life in Christ.  He says it in these words, "You have been born again to a living hope..." (1 Peter 1:3).  Psychologists and Social Scientists tell us that as long as people have hope they will continue to:  fight, move forward, and hold on.  It is when people loose hope that they tend to give up and give in to the destructive situations and challenges they face.  I think that in the face of the covid-19 virus crisis, this is a time, especially, when people need to hold on to hope.  I would like to share two examples of what I mean...

I've heard many inspirational speakers over the years but recently I heard the testimony of a man who challenged my heart, mind, and soul.  The setting was the "Wild Beast Feast" (a weekend fellowship and training for Christian men) sponsored by the Friendship Baptist Church of Owasso.  The speaker was Clay Dyer, who is a professional fisherman and Christian speaker.  Now what's so special about hearing the testimony of a professional fisherman?  This professional fisherman was born without legs, and with only one (partial) arm.  Still, with all of these limitations he has managed to accomplish many great and wonderful things....