The Day After

As millions stood in churches around the world yesterday celebrating Jesus' victory over death, it was kind of like New Years Day in that many "resolutions" were made. On Easter Sunday, we feel so close to Christ that many rededicate themselves to following Him. We decided that we are going to show more love and tolerance for others, we are going to study God's Word harder, and we are going to allow Christ to shine through us more so the whole world can see our Savior. But like resolutions, our goals soon slip away from us, and we find ourselves back to our old ways. This year, let's ask God to help us keep up the hard work for Christ. Let's ask Him to help us feel as close to Him all year as we did yesterday. Let's ask God to help us bring others to church like we did yesterday, so they, too, can learn all about His amazing Grace and perfect love. Easter comes once a year on the calendar. But with some serious praying, we can keep Easter in our hearts year-round.

John 15:9 says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue in my love."

Father, help us to keep Easter in our hearts every day of the year. In Jesus name, Amen.

Shipwrecked

I just recently bought seasons 1 and 2 of Gilligan's Island on DVD. Bailey and I have been watching episode after episode ever since. I remember watching it as a kid, so it brings back some sweet memories for me. And now watching it with Bailey makes it extra sweet. This is the first time she has really sat down to watch it. Although it is a comedy and meant to be silly, most episodes also include a lot of drama and adventure. There are storms, diseases, various visitors, and even a ghost that visits the island. It can be a lot of fun to watch. In the end, the story revolves around 7 completely different people from all walks of life. There is a skipper of a boat, his not-so-smart first-mate, a millionaire and his wife, a professor, a movie star, and a down-home, level-headed farm girl. Through their adventures on the island, they learn to cooperate and help each other survive the horrors of being shipwrecked with little hope of rescue.

If you like action and adventure, read chapters 27 and 28 of the book of Acts. Here's the Reader's Digest version: Paul was a prisoner and was placed on a ship bound for Rome. During the the trip, a huge, 2-week-long storm blew up and tossed and battered their ship. Eventually they washed up safely on the Island of Malta. Then more trouble started. Paul was bitten by a poisonous snake but miraculously suffered no harm. God had a plan for Paul that a terrible storm, being shipwrecked, and a poisonous snake bite couldn't stop. And while Paul waited on the island to be rescued, he shared his testimony about Jesus with those around Him. In Paul's life, obstacles became opportunities to share the Good News about our Savior. Perhaps we could take on that same attitude. The next time we hit a snag, maybe we can look around and find a way to share Jesus.

I Peter 4:16 says, "Yet if man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

Father, help us to remember that bad circumstances in our lives may simply be opportunities that You have provided for us to share the Good News about Christ. Help us to do Your will during these times. In Jesus name, Amen.

Hard To Stay Focused

I don't know if things today are any worse than they were 20 years ago, but it sure seems like it. Crime reported in the local paper today alone included 6 robberies, 2 break-ins, 2 cases of money extortion, 1 murder, and one case of a 20-something year-old sodomizing a 9-year old. Crime was not the only bad news. There are current talks of possibly 200 people losing their jobs in the school system in which I teach. Job loss is not confined to just my school system. It is estimated that due to proration, over 3500 teachers in the state of Alabama could be unemployed by the end of the school year. I read on the Internet where the Kansas City School System is about to close half the schools in its district. Our school board here in Dothan is about to vote on combining the two high schools. And the problem is effecting more than just the education field. Almost every industry is being hit hard with unemployment and downsizing. If these are not the End Times, I sure hope I'm not here when they come.

The Bible teaches us that we are to focus on things that are cheerful, Godly, and good. We should spend our time thinking about love, kindness, and friendship. It is so hard to try to block out the bad things that are roaring around us. I could not even begin to imagine how I could get along without Christ. I find I need Him everyday. When I pray to Him, I can actually feel His loving arms around me. He is much more than just a friend to me. Jesus is my Rock and my Savior. He is like the calm eye of the worst hurricane. Not all things are good right now, but Jesus has a way of sewing all the pieces together to make something great! I have to remind myself of this fact every single day. God is with us! Satan may be winning this little battle, but we all know who will win the War.

2 Timothy 4:18 says, "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto His heavenly Kingdom: to whom be glory forever and ever."

Father, help us to stay focused on the positive things You have made for us. Help us to remember that all things will work according to Your perfect will. In Jesus name, Amen.

It's Only In the Mind

I enjoy watching TV shows about unexplained mysteries of our world. The universe in which God created is mind-boggling! This weekend, I saw a show concerning prayer. The one-hour program featured case studies of situations where prayer caused "miracles". For instance, one segment featured a 6-year old boy who was run-over by a car. He had internal injuries, and the X-rays showed his entire pelvis was crushed. His prognosis was not good. Doctors did not give him much chance for survival, and they explained that if he did survive, he probably would never walk again. His family called their minister and several friends to come to the hospital. They held a special prayer meeting for the youngster in the waiting room. God heard their prayer and responded with a miracle! Not only did the boy survive, he also made a complete recovery with absolutely no limitations on his walking ability. Doctors were stunned!

I was baffled by the discussion that followed. The doctors and "experts" tried to explain why the boy made such a turn-around. They believed that the prayer did help. But they did not believe it was a prayer to God that made the difference. They said the prayer was just a form of "positive thinking", and that positive thinking did the trick. Some brain "expert" said the positive thinking released certain healing chemicals into the boy's body. So in their estimation, prayer does help to make drastic changes in the body, but only because of the effects it has on the mind. It is so sad to me that even when God chooses to save a person's life, some people still ignore it and dismiss it as simple "Science". Prayer does change things. But it is much more than just positive thinking! It is the One and only True God that makes the difference. He is still in the miracle business. Yes, He can work through doctors and scientists, and He has given those people a lot of knowledge that helps us everyday. But let's not forget that it is God that is at the center of it all. He deserves all the Glory!

Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us come boldly unto the throne of God, that we may obtain mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need."

Father, we thank you for miracles. As our knowledge of our world continues to grow, help us to never forget that it is You at the center. In Jesus name, Amen.

The True Power

I have a special request: Please pray for my students at Dothan High School who will be taking the Alabama High School Graduation Exam next week. In order to graduate, these students must pass this test. There is an alarming trend in education today of students not passing. I am sure we all have our personal opinions of why this is occurring, but none the less, we have to keep striving to overcome those barriers. What I truly want to tell the students, which I believe with all my heart will help them the most, I can't...or maybe I should say, "I'm not allowed". I want to tell them to not look deep inside themselves, but rather, look deep inside Jesus. Jesus is the only true source we have for lasting power. I have been teaching for 16 years, but I still pray before every single class and ask God to show me exactly what to do to get the most out of my students. I can't do it without Him, even if I had 30 years of teaching experience.

I did mention in my classroom today that I would be holding a special prayer meeting Sunday night where I will be praying for one hour solid, asking God to be with those students while they take the Exams. I will use that one prayer to call every single name out to God, even those students that I don't know. My kids seemed stirred by my interest in their success. By Break, it had gotten around to a couple of teachers what I had said in class. One of my fellow teachers told me I might be wasting my time because some of these kids are just too far gone. I told her that God rescued me when I was much further gone than they are right now. And if He can save a lieing, cheating, drug-addicted, gossipping, hypocrite like me, He can save anyone! Praise be unto the Father!!

Jesus declared in Mark 9:23, "Anything is possible if you believe."

My Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me these kids. I pray for Your continued guidance as I try to get them ready for their Exams. I KNOW all things are possible with You. You have shown me that first-hand. Be with these precious ones. In Jesus name, Amen.

Why So Violent?

As I began writing today's devotion, a fight broke out just up the hall from my classroom. Within seconds, there were at least 50 students either fighting or scrambling to watch. It took the Resource Officer, a couple Administrators, and several teachers to get this one broke up. Now please don't think I teach at a violent school just because there was a fight. Fights at high schools are about as common as students who "forget" their homework. This particular fight started with several boys jumping on just one guy. Then a girl who saw it, and recognized that the boy was her cousin, jumped in to help him. And then, like a chain-reaction car crash on a snowy highway, it became completely out of control. Nobody was seriously hurt, and the entire incident is now under control. Why are our young people so violent?

I think there are as many answers to that question as there are stars in the heavens. This is my 16th year of teaching, and I can definitely tell an increase in the number of angry kids. I am not sure if there are anymore fights than there were when I first started teaching, or even when I was a student, but no doubt, there is an increase in the number of high-strung teenagers. Can we really blame them? Look at what comes on our TV's, our radios, and our movies. It has become more aggressive and violent. But that in itself is not the real problem. Let's face it: The real problem in most cases is the parents. They say kids are the mirror-image of their parents. I realize that this generalization is not true in all cases, but more times than not, these kids learn their behaviour from their parents and from the people their parents allow them to hang around with. We parents need to do a better job of raising our kids. I know they don't come with instructions, but God's Holy Word does. Google how many verses in the Bible pertain to how parent's are supposed to raise their children. I truly believe there is not a more effective way of raising our children than doing it God's way. Sure, we as parents will make mistakes. But as long as we keep God at the center, we will sure make a lot less.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is older he will not depart from it."

Father, please help us do a better job of raising our children. There is not a single one of us that has done it exactly right. Show us the way, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

9-1-1

It was on this day, Feb 16, 1968 that the country's first 9-1-1 phone system was activated in Haleyville, Alabama. Before that time, if you had an emergency, you would dial the operator who would take down all the info and then relay it to a dispatcher. Not only was precious seconds lost in the exchange, but more than likely, the operator didn't have any First Aid training and couldn't help you over the phone. We have come a long way since then. With the Enhanced 9-1-1 and GPS, the exact location from where you are calling is instantly relayed to the responding units. Not only does this save time, it also increases accuracy that the emergency units will get to your exact location. One night a while back, I thought I was having a heart attack. I dialed 9-1-1 and within 45 seconds, a police officer was at my door, and then the paramedics arrived less than 2 minutes later. Luckily it wasn't a heart attack, but if it had been, emergency crews could have saved my life because of their quick response.

Have you ever sent up a 9-1-1 prayer to God? I have never been on the brink of life or death, but I can only imagine those people who have. Think of those people who are crowded together in a closet as a killer tornado is going by, or those who have been shipwrecked and they are treading water with a couple of hungry sharks swimming around their feet, or the people on a airplane who have just been told by the pilot that they are going to crash. Our 9-1-1 system can't really help these people much. When in that type of disaster, we need instant help...or an instant miracle. God is always there waiting for our call for help. And His 9-1-1 system is so good, that we don't even have to tell Him where we are or what is happening to us. All it takes is a quick, "Help me, Lord", and His dispatched angels are there in a flash. If you find yourself needing to dial 9-1-1, do so immediately, but also don't forget to call heaven's 9-1-1. With so many people responding to us, along with God's angels, we are sure to be in good hands.

Psalm 34:17 says, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

Father, thank you for all the service people who risk their lives to save ours. In Jesus name, Amen.

Walking In Rhythm

With it being a fresh, new year, many of us have made resolutions to get healthier. Eating better and getting more exercise were two of mine this year. Doctors remind us that we don't need to spend hours at the gym in order to achieve our goals, however. A nice power walk a few times a week can help us maintain or even lose some weight. But walking doesn't just help us in that way. There are many additional benefits to walking. Walking also helps us in the following ways:

• More energy to enjoy life.


• Toned muscles


• Stress reduction


• Deeper, more restful sleep


• Stronger bones and joints


• Reduced risks for heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, and osteoporosis

All it takes is a moderate walk for 30 to 45 minutes per day, 4 or 5 times per week to begin feeling these benefits.

Where as a nice power walk outside breathing in fresh air will help us both physically and mentally, a Power Walk with Christ will do even more wonders for us spiritually. Walking with Christ is a perfect way for us to exercise. Praying, studying His Word, reading daily devotionals, listening to Christian radio, and sharing Jesus with others has "toned" me up spiritually. Like a runner's "high", the closer I walk with Him the more intense the pleasures I feel in my heart and soul. And I believe that my Power Walks with Christ are also giving me some of those same physical and mental benefits I receive from outside walking. Doctors agree that a healthy mind and spirit do wonders for us physically. Are you experiencing these healthy benefits today? Are you taking Power Walks with Christ?

Psalm 103:5 says, "He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's."

Father, thank you for allowing me to walk with You. Always remind me that walking with You is the healthiest thing I can do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Spiraling Out Of Control

Insomnia has reared its ugly head again. I should be used to it by now. At least I have a few more days off work so I can get my sleeping pattern back on track. When I can't sleep, I surf the Web. I just can't believe the amount of violence that has occured over the past day or so. Nationally, I am sure you've heard about the man that attempted to blow up a jumbo jet in Detroit. He said he was working for al-Qaida. I am not sure if he really was or not, but authorities are investigating. Then I heard about a Major with the Salvation Army who was robbed in North Little Rock. He was shot and killed in front of his three young kids, ages 4, 6, and 8. Soooo sad. In Phoenix, a 5-year old girl was abducted by a man in a pick-up truck. Luckily, police caught the bad guy, and the little girl was rescued safe and sound. Locally, there was a bar fight tonight at one of the night clubs in downtown Dothan. At least three people were shot. I am not sure if any were killed, but Police had to converge on the local hospital to keep the peace and prevent a riot. What in the world is going on?

Is our society more violent today than it was in the past, or is it that we just have more News people out there covering stories? A quick look into the history of this country, and the world for that matter, will confirm people have always been violent. But I think we have reached an all-time high. We have all read of how Satan possessed people back in Bible times. There are accounts of people foaming at the mouth and writhing around uncontrollably in the streets. Satan may not possess people in the same way today, but there is no doubt that he is still hard at work. How else can one explain the unspeakable crimes that people commit, especially against innocent children? We need Jesus! And at a time when we need Him most, there is such a push to take Him out of our schools, the work place, and just about everywhere else. The further Jesus is pushed out of the picture, the higher violence seems to escalate. Coincidence? I don't think so. But no matter how bad it gets or how violent our society becomes, I truly believe that God is still in total control. And one day, He will completely remove all the violence that has infested our society. Won't that be an awesome day?

Psalm 145:20 says, "The Lord watches over all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy."

Father, we may never understand why You allow so much violence in our world. But please remind us that You have a purpose for everything. Lord, it is really hard to keep the faith when so many bad things are happening all around us. Please help us to stay focused on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

What Goes Up Must Come Down

Late Saturday afternoon, the SEC College Football Championship was played between the top-2 teams in the nation: The Florida Gators and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Gators were led by Senior quarterback Tim Tebow. He is one of the greatest leaders to ever play the game! Not only has he been a "miracle" worker for his team, winning 2 National Championships and possibly a third, but he has also been a strong Christian leader in his community and around the world. Because he is such a great person, the Media has built him up to stardom status over the past three years. It has been non-stop Tim Tebow this and Tim Tebow that...many football fans around the country are tired of hearing about him, especially non-Christians. Through all the great performances on and off the field, Tebow has always remained humble in interviews, and he ALWAYS talks about Jesus Christ to anybody and everybody who will listen. Well Saturday night, he met his match and was unable to come-back against Alabama. Tebow finally lost one of the biggest games he has ever played in college football. The Tebow bashers have been out in full-force all over the Internet since Saturday night. What a shame. Tebow did not build himself up, the Media did. As the final minutes were ticking away in the game, the cameras zoomed-in on him sitting on the sideline. He was filled with emotions and literally sobbing.

Being a Christian is the greatest lifestyle I have ever experienced! God has blessed me beyond words. Many people who are not Christians, and even some who are, expect us to be perfect if we are out telling people about Jesus. We kind of get built up too, not by the Media, but by those who watch us. They're waiting for us to make a little mistake so they can pounce on us. Well, we will make that mistake; We are not perfect. Don't let others make you feel bad just because you profess Christ but still make mistakes. Other people may not understand that being a Christian doesn't mean you are perfect, but Jesus understands. I have had my share of mistakes in the past, and I am positive I will in the future as well. But I will never stop praising and sharing Christ with others. If you have accepted Christ, He forgives you for any sin you may ever commit. We should allow the guilt of that sin to motivate us to repent, but we should never allow it to be used by others to break us down. Remember, God is for us, no matter who else may be against us.

Nehemiah 9:17 says, "You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love."

Father, thank you for such a great Christian leader in Tim Tebow. Please help us to remember that although we may not win all of our personal contests, you love us anyway. In Jesus name, Amen.

Time For A Cool Change

Back in the early 80's, the Little River Band had a song called Cool Change. The lyrics of the song came to mind yesterday in a big way. About 2nd period, I start feeling dizzy and light-headed. I have high blood pressure, and I knew it was acting up. My face was red as fire! I went down to the school nurse and within 10 minutes, the paramedics were there. I am embarrassed to even tell you how high it was. I now have to take my BP medicine three times per day. I really need a cool change. My weight is out of control and I don't exercise like I used to do. I have had some close calls and scary moments with my BP, but yesterday was the straw! With God's help, a new, healthier me will emerge!

In my prayers last night, I thanked God for giving me another day. I don't know how many more I have ( I sure hope it is millions and millions). But the days that I do have left, I really need to use them to honor God more than what I am doing. Why I have allowed myself to get so out of shape and unhealthy, I will never know. But I believe God gave me a wake-up call yesterday...or maybe I should say ANOTHER wake-up call. I have a beautiful daughter that needs her daddy. She needs a healthy daddy. And today, I have started back on that journey. Praise God! Now if you will excuse me, I got to go get a couple of carrot sticks and broccoli stalks...

Matthew 6:8 says, "For your Father knows your needs even before you ask Him."

Father, please heal my BP and help me to live a healthier life in Your honor. In Jesus name, Amen.

Oh No, Here Comes A Thought

I love the 70's sitcom All In The Family. I recently bought a few DVD's of the 2nd and 3rd seasons. Archie and Edith Bunker crack me up! They play their parts so well, they almost seem married in real-life. Archie, the always-mad-at-the-world bigot, and Edith, the always-happy "Dingbat" make the show all by themselves. I was watching an episode last night in which Edith got an idea and shared it with Archie. As usual, the idea was a little lame, so Archie popped off at her. He said, "Edith, the next time a thought comes your way, DUCK!"

That could be good advice for all of us. I pray and ask God to lead my steps and thoughts everyday. But how can one tell when a coming-thought is from God or from some place else? We all get thoughts that we think came from God, but then later, we realize it was only our thought, and it was a bad one. I guess it takes lots of practice and lots of praying to get it right all the time. But until then, we really need to size-up our thoughts and decide if they are truly from God or not. Until we learn the difference, maybe we should take Archie's advice. Maybe we should "DUCK" from some of our thoughts.

James 1:5 says, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you."

Father, please help us discern those thoughts You give us from other thoughts that come from somewhere else. The Bible teaches us that You will give wisdom to all whom ask. Lord, please give me the wisdom to do Your will. In Jesus name, Amen.

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

I am in the middle of a battle with a spider at my house. The little fellow built a web from one bush in my yard to another. The web stretches right across the walkway, blocking anybody who wants to come to the front door. I knocked it down about a week ago. The very next day, he had built the web back. So I made sure the second time that it was knocked completely down and destroyed. Mr. spider built it right back. Yesterday, I all but pulled up the bushes so he could not rebuild. But this morning, the web was back! Persistent isn't he?

I only hope I can be as persistent in my walk with Christ as that spider is with his web in my yard. Satan is constantly trying to knock us down and keep us from rebuilding. But like that spider, we need to never stop trying to build back all that the devil destroys. There is nothing he can knock down in our lives that Christ can't pick back up. Jesus defeated Satan at the Cross, and He has been whipping him ever since! Don't let Satan get the best of you. Show him who is in control of your life. Allow Jesus to frustrate Satan as much as Mr. spider is frustrating me. I have a plan today; Mr. spider is going down!

I John 3:8 says, "For this purpose the Son of Man was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."

Father, thank you for helping us fight Satan. Please help us to always put You in complete control of our lives.

Calling Myself

Today's devotion is taken from the Feb 7th entry of Our Daily Bread.

As I was moving my cell phone, laptop, and assorted books and papers from one room to another, the "regular" phone rang. I hurriedly set down my stuff and rushed to answer the call before the answering machine kicked in. "Hello", I said. No reply. I said hello again when I heard rustling, but still no response. So I hung up and went back to my stuff on the floor. When I picked up my cell phone, I realized that I had accidentally speed-dialed my home phone number. I laughed at myself, but then wondered: How often are my prayers more like calling myself than calling God?

Are your prayers a checklist of things that you want? Do you get frustrated when God does not answer those prayers the way you want? Or maybe He answers those prayers but not as quickly as you had hoped. When we call on God, He will help us. But He will only help us in His perfect way and time. He knows so much better what we need than we do. So why get frustrated? Just let go, and let God.

Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him."

Lord, forgive me for calling on myself instead of calling on You. Teach me to depend on You 100%. In Jesus name, Amen.

"Go..Go..Go Team Go"

College football is here again! I hope your favorite team won this weekend. I am an Alabama fan and was glad to see it defeat one of the top teams in the country. I was hosting my radio show during the game and only got to see bits and pieces of it between songs. Luckily there was a TV in the production room at the station. But something major happened during the course of the game that changed it forever for me. I have always enjoyed college football, but I think I lost a great deal of passion for the game tonight. The Georgia Dome was jam-packed with thousands of screaming fans, some of which have been waiting in the parking lot since Wednesday. Sometime during the game, my mind switched from football to Jesus. What happened at that moment is very hard to explain. I don't know if I am right or if I am wrong for feeling the way that I all of a sudden felt. But I do know that something in me changed forever.

Why do we tend to get so fired-up for a college football game but not as fired-up for Jesus? Think about it for just a second. We plan months in advance to go see a big game. We spend our very hard-earned money for over-priced tickets. We take off work and head to the game many hours, and sometimes even days before kickoff. We walk into the stadium along with tens of thousands of other die-hard fans. We cheer our heads off when our team scores a touchdown, and almost cry when the other team scores. We experience so much emotion from this game. But why don't we also experience the same amount of emotion for Jesus? When was the last time we arrived at church hours before the service started and "tail-gated" in the parking lot with other die-hard Jesus fans? When was the last time we placed our hard-earned money in the offering plate? When was the last time we stood up and cheered our heads off when another person accepted Christ? Please don't get me wrong. I am not judging anyone, nor am I saying there is anything wrong with having so much passion for college football. But for me personally, tonight I felt guilty that I don't have the same amount of passion for Jesus. It hurts me to know I can sit 3 or 4 hours in front of a college football game, but after just 15 minutes at church, I begin starring a hole in my watch. Oh Lord, please forgive me.

I Peter 2:2 says, "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."

My dear heavenly father, thank you so much for college football. Please forgive me, though, for being more excited about some games than I am about You. It is so hard to admit that. But You already know what is in my heart, and I beg You to please get me more fired-up for Christ. I can not do that alone. I need You for every single thing in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Drifting Off-Course

Tragedy struck on this day in 1983 when Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down by a Russian MiG Fighter over the Sea of Japan. The airliner was en route to Seoul from New York City via Anchorage, Alaska. All 269 innocent lives were lost. The pilot would later be charged with the disaster for straying off-course, and into prohibited Russian airspace. Investigations revealed that the pilot was most likely completely unaware that he had veered off-course less than 2 degrees. Although not much initially, a two-degree error really adds up over a long distance. The really sad part was that the Russian fighter jet chased the airliner for some time. When it finally fired on the "target", the airliner had already crossed back into friendly airspace. Questions still surround the incident to this day.

How many times do we drift off-course while following Jesus? We can find ourselves wandering from His "friendly airspace", and crossing into the "Evil airspace" of Satan. Just a little mistake here and there can really add up over the long-term. Before we get shot down by Satan, we need to contact the control tower of Christ and get back on His course. Jesus is the never-changing God who completely and unconditionally loves us. He is willing to keep us on-course like a train on rails. Many times we drift away when we are not completely paying attention to Him. Today, let's make sure we are following Him exactly. Pray and ask God to keep you on-course for the duration of your "flight".

Psalm 91:11 says, "For He shall give angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all ways."

Father, please forgive us for drifting off-course. Help us to get right with You before disaster strikes. In Jesus name, Amen.

To Be Or Not To Be

I enjoy watching the Bio channel on TV. Some of my favorite movie stars and musicians are featured on there, and I enjoy learning more about their lives. What fascinates me is how I can watch a character they portray on TV for years, but then when I see them in an interview, they are a completely different person. I have to remember that on TV, they are only acting. Henry Winkler portrayed the lovable, but rough-around-the-edges Fonzie on Happy Days. But when I see him in interviews, he is so down to earth, humble, and soft-spoken. Then there are those who portray sweet, innocent characters on TV, but in interviews, they are far from that character. It is amazing how these actors can "get into character" so easily. It must take real talent!

But most of us act well too, even without any formal training. How many of us act one way around one group of people, but then completely different around a another group? Think about church for a minute. We all put on those smiling faces, walk around shaking hands, and seem to be super Christian while we are there. But come Monday morning at work, are we the same? We can sure put on a good act can't we? Throughout today, see if you can detect if you change in the way you act around certain people. Then ask yourself, "What would Jesus say if He saw me acting this way?" After all, He always sees how we act.

Matthew 13:43 says, "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their father."

Lord, please forgive us for acting in ways that don't please You. Please help us to do a better job of "being ourselves". In Jesus name, Amen.

Funny How...

Funny how we set our clocks for 6am to rise for work or school but can't seem to get up by 10am Sunday morning for church.

Funny how we call God our father and Jesus our Brother but find it hard to introduce them to our family.

Funny how small "our" sins seem and how big "their" sins are.

Funny how we demand justice for others but Mercy for ourselves.

Funny how we can't think of anything to say when we pray but how easily we can spread the latest gossip.

Funny how we are so quick to take directions from a total stranger but hesitate to take God's directions for our lives.

Funny how churchgoers sing Standing On The Promises but all they do is sit on the premises.

Funny how we want God to answer our prayers, but we refuse to listen to His counsel.

Funny how it is alright to blame God for evil and suffering in the world but it is not necessary to thank Him for what is good and pleasant.

Funny how we believe what the newspaper says but question what the Bible says.

Funny how lewd, crude, and obscene pass so freely through Cyberspace but God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Funny how we can send a thousand jokes through Email but think twice about sending good things about Jesus.

(Author unknown)

Get Closer To Me

Today, singer Dash Croft turned 71 years old. You might remember him as half of the duo Seals and Croft. They scored a few top-10 songs in the 70's including "Get Closer". The hook of the song is: "Darlin, if you want me to be closer to you, get closer to me." Not only was that good advice for a relationship with a spouse, but also great advice for our relationship with God.

Many times it seems that God is not listening to us when we cry out to Him. The Bible promises that He does hear us, and that he will never leave us to deal with stuff alone. I have found that when I make a deliberate attempt to pray and study His Word, I do feel Him getting closer to me. I am not talking about just saying a generic prayer and just reading a few lines from the Bible. I am talking about a genuine heart-felt conversation with Him. I am talking about really getting deep into His Word and searching for what he is truly trying to teach me. When I do those things, I honestly do feel Him closer than ever. What an awesome Lord we serve! He is a Lord who genuinely cares about us and wants to help us everyday. Do you want God to get closer to you? Then get closer to Him!

James 4:8 says, "Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you."

Father, thank you for loving us enough to want to help us everyday. Teach us to truly draw close to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

Buster's Ice Cream

A couple years ago while I was announcing a Northview High School football game, I really put my foot in my mouth. Early in the 4th quarter, I was reading an ad for an ice cream store here in Dothan. When I was done reading the ad, I felt the weight of many stares from people in the press box as well as in the stands. The official in the press box with me asked, "What was the name of that ice cream store?" My reply was, "Buster's." He then asked, "Don't you mean Brusters?" I quickly looked back at the copy and sure enough, he was right. I had misread Brusters as Busters. About that time, I received a text message from a friend of mine in the stands. The text read, "It's Brusters not Busters." I was about as red-faced as I had ever been in broadcasting. I had just turned 40-years old and I guess my eyesight decided to take a nose-dive. How in the world did I miss that "r" in Bruster's?

Just because our sight may start to slip, that's no reason our vision should too. As long as we keep Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, He will make sure our vision is sharper than ever. He leads our steps everyday. He healed many blind people in the Scriptures. He literally gave physical sight to those who could not see. But more importantly, He also gave them spiritual vision. As we grow older, our physical sight may start to fade. But that does not mean our vision has to as well. Put Jesus in charge of your vision. He will make it 20/20, even if your sight is way off.

Psalm 30:2 says, "O Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."

Father, thank you for leading my steps. I know I have an important job trying to lead our young people. But I can't do it with out your help. Thank you for giving me my vision. In Jesus name, Amen.