Hillwood Baptist Church
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
2010 - The Year of Discipleship
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Pastor's Blog September 2, 2010 (2:24 p.m.)I hope you are having a great Thursday! Let me thank you for your prayers for our family over the past twelve or so days. We continue to covet your prayers as Paula's mother continues to recover from her surgery.
I am so excited about tonight! Tonight begins our Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. in the North Building. The last time I spoke with Keri the number was approaching 40! I praise God for that and will be praying that this special time of Bible study and fellowship will be a blessing to our ladies. Guys, that kind of puts us on the spot. We are not anywhere near that number in Men's Fraternity. Let's see if we can't do a little better next Tuesday evening.
See you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
August 28, 2010 (10:27 p.m.)Job learned an important lesson that he shared, and that is that 'man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble!' This week has manifested that truth in a very clear way. Our hearts were saddened over the death of Mike Dunn earlier in the week and then today I learned of the death of my good friend, Barbara Nichols, Sid Nichols wife. I am so thankful that at times like these we serve a God who has promised that He would never leave us or forsake us, but that He would always be there for us.
The Bible admonishes us to pray for one another. Let's do that more!
Bro. Charles
August 24, 2010 (4:29 p.m.)I just wanted to let you know that Paula's mothers surgery was a success. We are so thankful for your prayers and concerns for Mrs. Larkin. Please continue to pray for her during her time of rehab.
Bro. Charles
August 23, 2010 (7:25 a.m.)Good morning from Birmingham! We were hoping that they would be able to do Paula's mother surgery today but her blood is too thin at the moment. They are hoping to do the surgery tomorrow. She is not resting well and is very uncomfortable as you might imagine. Pray that things will be able to take place tomorrow and that all will go well. There are several other of our members and friends who need our prayers as well. I am sure glad we serve a God for whom nothing is impossible!
Have a great day, I will try to keep you updated.
Bro. Charles
August 14, 2010 (1:24 p.m.)It is true, God is good, all the time! The power and the presence of the Lord has been quite evident in our services recently. I want to thank you for your continued faithfulness to our Lord and to His church at HBC. Tomorrow we are going to be looking at two very important subjects. The AM message will for all practical purposes lay the groundwork for what we will be doing in 2011. I wanted to get the strategy before you early so that you could begin to pray and dream with us about what God might have you do when 2011 rolls around.
Sunday PM I will be sharing a message I have entitled, Finishing Well. Alot of people start out on fire for the Lord but they do not maintain their enthusiasm to the end. I am going to share with you some reasons why we should be able to finish our race well.
See you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
August 6, 2010 (5:33 p.m.)What a blessing to receive a little rain this afternoon! It seems like a long time since we have had any rain of great significance. It is my prayer that as we head into the weekend that we will be the recipients of some showers of blessings. This Sunday morning I am going to be preaching a message that I have entitled, "Why Should I Be Baptized?" I don't know about you but I have not heard a great number of sermons that dealt with baptism from start to finish but this one will. This would be a great Sunday to invite a lost or unchurched friend to come and worship with us.
There are two major discipleship groups that are about to start. Our Men's Fraternity group will start up on August 24 and a new women's Bible study will begin in September. It is my prayer that all of our men and women will take advantage of these discipleship opportunities. There is more information about each of these upcoming events on our home page.
Looking forward to Sunday,
Bro. Charles
August 4, 2010 (1:51 p.m.)Time seems to be flying by this week. I trust that it has been a good week for you. I want to rejoice with you over our successful 'Prove The Tithe Day' Sunday. God opened the windows of heaven and poured out a tremendous blessing on us. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving. I want to encourage you to remain faithful each and every Sunday. Our total tithes and offerings for this past Sunday were over $31,000! PTL!
Hope to see you in church tonight!
Bro. Charles
July 31, 2010 (2:22 p.m.)I hope you are having a good Saturday! Tomorrow is going to be a special day in the life of our church as tomorrow has been set aside as "Prove The Tithe Day". Even in the midst of tough economic times God remains faithful to His people and to His church as long as His people and His church stay faithful to Him. One area where I feel that there needs to be more discipleship emphasis is in the area of giving. To some the subject of giving is almost taboo, not something you should talk about a great deal about in church, because there are some that think that all the church wants is your money anyway.
Funny isn't it how we accept the majority of teachings from the Word of God and shy away from others. Giving is not a bad thing, it's a good thing. It is the way God has set up His church to be funded. He doesn't expect equal gifts simply equal sacrifice. I am praying that God will use tomorrow to show us all what can be done if we are faithful to God in the area of giving.
Don't forget that our evening worship time moves back to 6:00 p.m. tomorrow.
See you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
July 26, 2010 (3:49 p.m.)I hope that you were in church yesterday. I really felt like all day long God was speaking specific truths to His body at HBC. When God speaks truth to us through His Holy Spirit we are then held accountable for that truth we have been taught. All of the Word of God is truth and ultimately we will be held responsible for it all. But in those special teaching times when God speaks directly to our situation we can no longer plead ignorance.
We need to respond to His teaching. God paid a high price for you and me. We cost Him the life of His Son. Not only that, but He has entrusted us with the stewardship of His kingdom. Everything we do with our lives should be done to advance the kingdom. We need to seek to be less self-serving and more God centered in what we do.
Have a blessed week,
Bro. Charles
July 24, 2010 (11:29 a.m.)I hope you are making plans to be in church tomorrow. I think it is going to be an exciting and challenging day as we look at some key portions of God's Word. Sunday morning we will look at the subject of spiritual warfare, DEALING WITH THE DARKNESS. I don't know what your thoughts might be concerning spiritual warfare but I hope you will come tomorrow and listen to what God's Word has to say about this important subject.
Sunday evening we will be talking about, HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS. I want to give you a Biblical pattern that should help you in making any decision you have to make a good one!
See you in the Lord's House,
Bro. Charles
July 21, 2010 (1:35 p.m.)How's your Wednesday going? I hope things are going well for you today. The Bible teaches us that any day we live is a day that the Lord has made and that we should rejoice and be glad in it. We 'Amen' that verse, but do we really walk in it's truth. The fact is that for most of us some days are better than others. Some days we look forward to, some days we dread to see arrive. But every day of life is a wonderful gift from God. It is a day that we will never live again and thus we need to make the most impact we can for God every day.
God is pleased when His children love Him and obey Him, just as you are when your children do the same. I am so thankful for the teaching of Romans 8 because it can serve as a great comfort to us when some days are not quite as good as others.
"None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." Romans 8:37-39 Message Bible
Praise God for the victory!
Bro. Charles
July 17, 2010 (9:23 p.m.)This has been a busy week and weekend. We enjoyed a wonderful time of celebration with the Baugher and Pate families with the wedding of Jonathan and Ashlyn today.
Every day is the Lord's Day, but tomorrow is the day the Lord has set aside for us to come to His House and worship Him. The Bible teaches that in the last days times will get tough and that means for the church as well. Please covenant with me that the Lord would build a hedge of protection around His House tomorrow. Pray that He might dispatche mighty angels to surround the house of the Lord with swords drawn so that the Word might go forth in power and that lives might be changed.
Bro. Charles
July 14, 2010 (3:39 p.m.)I trust that you have had a good day and are prayerfully going to attend our services tonight. I read an interesting story today that I want to share with you.
"A group of golfers were approaching the fourth hole on the golf course one afternoon. Suddenly the sky turned ominous, and it began to rain amid claps of thunder. They rushed to shelter in a gazebo near a metal fence. As the storm grew in intensity, a bolt of lightning hit the long fence and lit it up like a neon sign. It was a while before any of them could speak. Then one player turned to his opponents and said, 'You know that five I had on the first hole - it really was a seven.'"
What is it about fear that often causes us to come clean with God? Prayerfully it will not take a near death experience for us to be honest with God about something He already knows about in the first place. Confession is the road that leads to a proper relationship with God.
Bro. Charles
July 12, 2010 (10:09 a.m.)Good Monday morning to you! I am still rejoicing over the wonderful day God gave us yesterday. It is always a joy when God adds to His church. In my Bible reading for this morning I came across a scripture in Romans 1 that I want you to think about today. Paul in making his opening remarks to the church at Rome begins by telling them how much they mean to him personally and how often he talks about them.
"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gifts to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." Romans 1:11-12
I don't know of one Christian who doesn't need encouragement from time to time. Paul speaks of being mutually encouraged by each other's faith. To me that means that when things are not going my way or I am depressed or defeated I need some person of faith who has perhaps walked the same road I am now walking to intercede for me and encourage me to stand strong.
Ask God to allow you to encourage someone today, or perhaps you need to ask God for an encourager to cross your path today. Either prayer is acceptable to God.
Have a blessed day,
Bro. Charles
July 4, 2010 (2:32 p.m.)Happy Birthday America! Today is a special day in the life of this country as we celebrate the founding of this great nation due to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The founders of this declaration were not perfect men but from all indications they were men who sought God. Let us seek to make this country a land that we can be proud of. As an American do all you can to make a difference.
Yesterday we celebrated our grandson's first birthday! It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since he was born. What a blessing he is to our family. In a few more days we will celebrate our granddaughter's first birthday as the two of them were born ten days apart. She too has been a blessing to our family. I always used to hear people talk about the joy of grandchildren - now I know what they were talking about.
Have a blessed 4th,
Bro. Charles
June 30, 2010 (10:08 a.m.)We are drawing closer to the 4th of July, the day we celebrate the birthday of America! Many question the religious foundation upon which this nation was founded. I want to share with you this week some quotes from some of our founding fathers and let you figure it out for yourself whether America was a Christian nation in the beginning or not.
"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." - John Quincy Adams
Hope to see you tonight,
Bro. Charles
June 25, 2010 (7:19 p.m.)We're finally back up and running! Apparently our server had a problem with a "hacker" who must have messed things up for a little while. That seems to be the way it is doesn't it - even in our personal lives. We seem to be sailing merrily down the lazy river of life and all of the sudden something comes along and rocks the boat. I am so glad to have Jesus on board, aren't you. His presence in the midst of the sunshine or a storm is a blessing.
We are fast approaching Sunday! This Sunday is going to be very special as we will be observing baptism during our morning worship service and then we will be celebrating what God has done in our great country on Sunday afternoon. You do not want to miss this Sunday evening. Our combined choirs have done a great job getting ready to present this patriotic musical. We will honor each branch of our military as well as hear some of the great old gospel songs that helped shape this nation. So make your plans now to be present, invite some folks to join you. Wear your red, white and blue and join us for a flag waving tribute to our great nation!
See you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
June 23, 2010 (1:36 p.m.)A missionary translator was endeavouring to find a word for "obedience" in the native language. This was a virtue seldom practiced among the people into whose language he wanted to translate the New Testament. As he returned home from the village one day, he whistled for his dog and it came running at full speed. An old man, seeing this, said, admiringly in the native tongue, "Your dog is all ear." Immediately the missionary knew he had his word for obedience.
I wonder, are you "all ear" when it comes to the things of God?
Bro. Charles
June 21, 2010 (10:14 a.m.)Sorry about not updating this sooner. Last week was kind of a blur with VBS and all. We had a great week of VBS. We wound up enrolling 194 and had 9 professions of faith! We just thank the Lord for His goodness upon us.
Yesterday was also a great day in the Lord's House as we gathered to celebrate Father's Day. I hope everyone enjoyed their time with family and friends in the afternoon as we didn't have any evening activities planned. Paula and I went over to Willowbrook Sunday evening to be with our son, David. It blessed my heart as a father to see my son leading worship in that great church. In case you haven't heard, David was called to be their Minister of Praise and Worship a couple of weeks ago.
This Sunday evening our combined choirs will be presenting the musical, America. I have been listening to it this morning and sense that God is going to use it in a special way to minister to each of us. Please invite your family and friends to join us at 5:00 pm this coming Sunday afternoon for this special time. Wear your red, white and blue and let's celebrate what God has done in our great country.
Bro. Charles
June 14, 2010 (8:11 p.m.)It's been a busy last few days. This past week Paula and I celebrated our wedding anniversary and then on Saturday we celebrated her birthday. Then today Vacation Bible School started after a very blessed day of worship on Sunday. Just pray that God will give me the physical strength and stamina to make it through this week as I am also teaching our adult VBS every morning for an hour.
I will try to keep you updated Wednesday and Friday on how everything is going. Pray for victory this week!
Bro. Charles
June 11, 2010 (5:51p.m.)Wow, it's been a busy day! This is the first opportunity I have really had to sit down and write today. We can get so busy with the every day affairs of this life that it begins to wear on us after a while. We can even become anxious and overly concerned about certain things that we are faced with. But God has a Word for our predicament:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and 'The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
I heard a preacher once say in regards to this verse, "If your worrying you are not trusting, and if you are trusting you are not worrying." Whatever is on your plate today, give it to God - He can handle it!
See you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
June 9, 2010 (10:39 a.m.)37 years ago today Paula and I were married! I am so blessed to have such a loving, caring, compassionate and discerning woman by my side. She has ministered to me so many times through the years of our marriage and our ministry. She has been my constant companion through the last couple of years with my health issues. I thank God daily that it was His divine will for us to meet, get married, have two great children who married two great Christians and have given us two special grandchildren! I am truly a blessed man.
Have a great day, I hope to see you in church tonight,
Bro. Charles
June 7, 2010 (11:05 a.m.)Happy Monday morning to you! Monday's are kind of tough after being at home for the weekend, but then all days are tough for some people because there is something missing in their lives. Some people turn to God simply because they think He will make everything better in their lives. Then they find out they are still having the same problems to deal with and so they feel like somehow God has let them down or that Christians are guilty of false advertising.
Charles Stanley wrote: "Having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ does not guarantee happiness or ensure a carefree life. It does however, assure you that the tools to surmount any difficulty and receive all the blessings that God has promised His people are available to you. This indeed, is a reason for great hope."
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:7
Who or what are you trusting in this morning?
Bro. Charles
June 5, 2010 (2:29 p.m.)I hope you are getting prayed up and ready to come to church tomorrow. Sunday morning I am going to be sharing a very important message with you entitled, "Detours On the Road To Revival." If this nation has a major need staring it in the face at this moment in time, it is a need for true heaven sent, life changing revival! I want to share a brief devotion with from pastor Tony Evans that I think speaks to the need for revival in our churches.
"God paid a high price for you and me. We cost Him the life of His Son. Not only that, but He has entrusted us wih the stewardship of His kingdom. He has given us the privilege of ruling with Him in His kingdom.
Are we going to turn around and give God sloppy work, our leftover time, talents, and treasure? Are we going to give the school district our best teaching efforts then throw something together on Saturday night to teach the kids at Sunday School?
Are we going to spend thousands of dollars on our houses and cars and clothes and then toss a little tip toward God?
The Bible says whatever you get in time, talents, and treasure, make sure you give God His portion first. Because if you don't, you won't have any left over later."
Hope to see you tomorrow,
Bro. Charles
June 2, 2010 (10:31 a.m.)Let me ask you a question this morning, 'Do you know everything that you want to know about God?' Hopefully your answer was no. Where does knowledge about God come from? Can we acquire knowledge simply by reading our Bibles more and studying more and going to more conferences? We can learn more about God that way without question but Jeremiah learned the true source of Godly knowledge and he shared it in Jeremiah 33:1-3.
"Moreover the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 'Thus saith the Lord the Maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is His name; 'Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.'"
Did you know that God desires to make known the unknown to His children? He desires to unveil the hidden. Charles Stanley said, "Yet many times we are satisfied not knowing. Either we aren't willing to take the time to wait, or we aren't sure God even wants us to know. But this command to Jeremiah speaks specifically to both of these problems. We are to call, we are to expect an answer and we are to know the unknown."
Think about it.
Bro. Charles
May 29, 2010 (5:52 p.m.)This is a holiday weekend. We will be observing Memorial Day on Monday. This is of course a day when we pause to remember those who have given their lives in order to maintain the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We have brave men and women all around the world who are in harms way on a daily basis. We should pray for them daily. Tomorrow we will pause to remember those who have given their lives for this nation as well as those who have gone on to be with the Lord since May, 2009. I believe that this will be a special time of remembrance.
Jesus very openly and honestly told His disciples what things were going to be like in the future.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Jesus told His disciples that peace was possible even in the midst of trouble as long as they turned their attention toward the overcomer. The same is true today. There is a great deal of trouble in this old world, but the comforting truth still exists, Jesus has overcome the world!
Hope to see you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
May 26, 2010 (10:16 a.m.)I don't know about you but gnats annoy me! They refuse to take no for an answer when you swat at them and try to get them to leave you alone. Satan is the same way. Satan is like a gnat that refuses to leave you alone and seems to call for backup when he knows he really has you upset. Gnats keep you from enjoying yourself. Gnats take up your time. Gnats often may even cause you to have to change your plans or move to a different location.
There are often gnats that have to be dealt with in the church. At our staff meeting yesterday we were talking about many things, things that we seem to talk about every week when we get together. Things that take up our energy and the churches as well. It's not that what we discuss is not important for it is. It's just that church gnats have a tendency to wear on everyone after a while. After a couple of hours I finally said, "Satan is loving this! He has us distracted. We should be talking about how to grow a Sunday School, how to increase worship attendance, why we are not reaching more people than we are, things like that. Yet we find ourselves dealing with everything but that." Satan is clever and don't you think he isn't. He does the same thing to you in your homes, on your jobs, in your relationships with others.
If Satan can keep the church distracted from it's main calling then he has the church exactly where he wants it - in disarray. We can not afford to let that happen. We must keep the main thing the main thing. Our God is greater than our adversary. We need to keep our eyes on Him and allow Him to build His church.
Pray for more focus and less distractions.
Bro. Charles
May 24, 2010 (11:43 a.m.)I trust you had a great weekend! Everything at church this past Sunday was very positive and exciting. From our Senior Recogntion to our Children's Choirs presentation of Rock Solid, it just made for a great weekend.
I don't know about you but I love to come to church. I love what church is supposed to be all about. I love God's plan for the church. The only problem is that sometimes God's people get in God's way of fulfilling the plan He had in mind when the church was birthed. In his book, Fresh Encounter, Henry Blackaby outlines the nature of the church.
1. Withstanding the Gates of Hell
2. Having power to make disciples.
3. Making a habit of praying.
4. Accurately teaching and preaching God's Word.
5. Loving one another.
6. Courageously confronting sin.
7. Godly leaders.
Blackaby says that these are the seven major characteristics of God's church. It is the practice of these characteristics that lead to spiritual awakening in the body and revival in the land.
Bro. Charles
May 21, 2010 (1:05 p.m.)This Sunday is going to be a great Sunday! Sunday morning we will honor our graduating high school seniors and then Sunday evening we will gather to experience the children's musical, ROCK SOLID! It should be a tremendous day in the Lord's House.
This Sunday morning I am going to be sharing a message that is not only for our graduating seniors but for all who will gather for worship as we will challenged to think about, THE BIBLE AND YOUR LIFE. How much impact does the Bible have on your daily life? How much time do you spend in the Bible on a daily basis? We will seek to look at and give direction concerning these and other questions this coming Sunday morning.
Hope to see you then,
Bro. Charles
May 19, 2010 (10:00 a.m.)Do you have any worthless things in your home? I am not talking about their value, I am talking about things that really have no business being in your home. Hear what the Psalmist has to say:
"I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart. I will set no worthless thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not fasten its grip on me." Psalm 101:2b-3
The Psalmist desired to live a godly life in his home. He wanted to walk as a man of "integrity" before God and his family. He determined never to set any "worthless thing" before his eyes in his home. He was referring to idols that he would not allow to "fasten its grip" on him. What idols do you have in your home? I am not talking about literal statues and idols that you would bow down to and worship. I am talking about what "worthless things" you allow to occupy your home that have gotten a hold on you. Television is not bad in and of itself, but it can be if Satan uses it to fasten his grip on you. Computers are not bad in and of themselves unless you allow Satan to use them to fasten his grip on you. I think you get the picture.
Someone said: "If you are not living for Jesus at home, don't try to export your Christianity outside to others." The testing ground of your Christianity is not inside the four walls of the church, but inside the four walls of your home. Your Christianity is not based on the accolades people may extend to you in church, it is based on what family members say about you in your home.
Reject every "worthless thing" so that your faith will be genuine "within (your) house."
Bro. Charles
May 17, 2010 (10:15 a.m.)How's your Monday going so far? I hope all is well. Did you know that we are living in tough economic times? For most people things are pretty tough right now. Finances affect the way we live our lives. Finances affect our attitude and can lead to depression if their is more month left than there is money. It's tough being financially challenged.
In Charles Stanley's book, THE SOURCE OF MY STRENGTH, there is one chapter that deals with fear. He asks several questions in that chapter one of which asks: "Am I willing to risk some of what I have today because I am trusting God to meet my needs tomorrow?" That is a challenging question. We need to ask ourselves on this Monday morning, 'Am I trusting God totally and completely to meet my needs?' 'Can you really trust God to provide for your next meal? Your next payment? Your next utility bill?
The issues of life concerning finances is really not a matter of what we have or don't have; it's a matter of how much we are trusting God. Charles Stanley said, "You won't need to compute, figure, calculate, manipulate or connive to get what the Lord desires for you to have in the future. He already knows what you need. He is already arranging people and circumstances to be ready and available for you at just the right time."
Have a blessed day,
Bro. Charles
May 14, 2010 (9:51 a.m.)One of the more recognizable commericals on television contains the familiar phrase, 'Can you hear me now?' You hear people everywhere using that phrase during the midst of different conversations throughout the day. It is extremely important to hear God when He speaks to us. I know that by now you realize that I am a big Blackaby fan. I believe the Blackaby's are being used by God to refocus the church to it's main calling. In their little book, 'What The Spirit Is Saying To The Churches', they speak about the importance of hearing God.
"Indeed I have spoken it; I will bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will do it."
Isaiah 46:11
Whatever God speaks He will bring it to pass. When God speaks to us individually or to us as a church He is not making a suggestion. He is not expecting us to think it over or even pray it through. He expects us to respond to whatever it is in faith because He will bring it to pass. There is no telling how many times we have missed out on the blessings of God because we didn't respond to what we heard Him say in the right way. Things we did not think we could do, God was willing to bring to pass, yet we stopped Him through our lack of faith.
He says that if He purposes something, He will do it! This verse should give the church and we as individuals a tremendous amount of confidence. We know God has things that He wants to see done and He is waiting for some church somewhere to hear Him, believe Him and be blessed by Him. Why couldn't it be HBC?
Bro. Charles
May 12, 2010 (9:35 a.m.)Good Wednesday morning to you! Paula and I will be headed out in a few minutes for a funeral so I would appreciate your prayers for our safety in travel and for Margaret Nivens and her family during this time of loss in her family.
I was reading recently in the Book of John a statement Jesus made that should challenge all of us.
"Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." John 5:19
So if you want to know what God's desires are for your life just watch His Son, wherever Jesus is working it is because the Father is working there as well. Jesus was and is an obedient child. Wouldn't it be great if your children did everything you wanted them to do without complaining? Let me ask you a question, 'How obedient are you as God's child to what He is asking you to do?' God is working around us at all times and there are areas where God is blessing, have you found one of those areas? Do you have a desire to do what God is doing? Even Jesus said He could do nothing by Himself. So if Jesus couldn't do anything without God's help where does that put us?
Hope to see you tonight in church. Remember we start at 6:00 p.m. tonight due to the recognition service.
Bro. Charles
May 10, 2010 (10:16 a.m.)I hope that you are having a good Monday so far. I just returned from the hospital from visiting Mrs. Geneva Swaim. She is having surgery today so lift her up in your prayers. I trust everyone had a good Mother's Day. It was very busy for our family. Right after church we headed to Birmingham to see Paula's mother and place flowers on my mother's grave. After several hours in Birmingham we got back in the car and met our son and his family for dinner. It was a long day, but a blessed day.
I read this morning a statement that captured my attention. It is not a new word but rather a word that we as Christians have yet to truly get a hold of when it comes to the church. Here it is:
"A church must expect the Lord's assignment to be something only God can do."
I really don't know how brave most churches really are when it comes to stepping out on faith. We say we trust God and we say that there is nothing that God can't do but our actions betray us. I read a book several years ago that was entitled, "You Can't Walk On Water If You Don't Get Out Of The Boat." God gives His churches assignments that they could not possibly do without His help. God helps HIs churches who step out by faith in order to reveal Himself to His church and to the world.
When was the last time our church trusted God to do the impossible? When was the last time you trusted God to do the impossible in your life? In these last days we must learn to trust our God to accomplish His work in and through us for His glory.
Bro. Charles
May 8, 2010Starting this coming week my blog will be updated on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I will try to have my new posts up by 10:00 a.m. on those days.
Bro. Charles
May 6, 2010 (12:36 p.m.)I had asked you to pray for Barbara Nichols who was having surgery yesterday. For the most part the surgery went well but there is still more treatment in her future so I would ask for your continued prayers. You and I never know when a personal storm might come our way. Our storms usually come out of nowhere like a summer thunderstorm. They normally place us in a very vulnerable position. Do you know what I'm talking about? Have you ever experienced one of these storms? Maybe you are in one right now.
Yesterday I was looking online for a new ringtone for my phone. As I was looking through the Christian ringtones a title captured my attention. I had never heard the song until I played the preview portion of it. The title ministered to me immediately, "I Will Praise You In This Storm", by Casting Crowns. The chorus is my new ringtone. It is my prayer that the words to the chorus will be an encouragment to you today if you find yourself in the middle of a storm.
"And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear I've cried You hold in your hand You never left my side and though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm" Praise Him in your storm today!
Bro. Charles
May 5, 2010 (9:17 p.m.)Did your parents ever say to you when you were growing up, "Listen to me!" Probably all of us heard that more than one time. But it is great advice not only when it comes from parents, but especially when it comes to God. The writer of Proverbs penned these words in chapter 4:
"Hear, my children, the instructions of a father, and give attention to know understanding; for I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law." Prov. 4:1-2
The Hebrew word translated 'instruction' means 'discipline that is instructive and corrective in nature.' Instruction has to do with both the reception of knowledge through hearing and the application of knowledge in your daily life. Most people that I have met through the years had knowledge, they just didn't always apply that knowledge. Our parents told us things that we should or shouldn't do and many of us learned the hard way that they were right and we weren't as smart as we thought we were. Our Heavenly Father has given a book filled with instructions that are both instructive and corrective in nature.
There is a show on television called, "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader." I want to ask you a question, "Are You Smarter Than God?" In case you are having trouble answering that question, the answer is NO! That's why we need to gain knowledge and apply knowledge that God gives us. Solomon said, "Get wisdom! Get Understanding!" It's still great advice for us today.
Bro. Charles
May 4, 2010 (10:43 p.m.)We have been praying for a good friend of mine's wife, Barbara Nichols. Barbara will be having surgery at UAB in Birmingham on Wednesday morning. I know that Bro. Sid and Barbara would appreciate greatly your prayers. She has been undergoing cancer treatment for quite some time now. They feel that the tumor has gotten small enough now to where they will be able to remove it. If all goes well the doctor says it is highly possible she will be cancer free!
I would appreciate your continued prayers for me as well. I have been out of the office a couple of days this week. I guess that as much as I have been through I am very sensitive to any thing that feels unusual in my body. I went to my cardiologist here in town last Thursday. They did an EKG on me and from what he saw he has increased my medicine. Since I have gotten more of the medicine into my system it seems that the issue I was having has improved greatly. Just keep me in your prayers as I still continue to get back in the swing of things. You have been so understanding and so encouraging to me, I appreciate your concern for my physical well being.
Thanks for your prayers,
Bro. Charles
May 3, 2010 (3:52 p.m.)Tommy Tenney wrote: "Isaiah the prophet spoke of those who "trust in the shadow of Egypt." Some trust in "Egypt" for protection from their enemies, but far more are simply influenced when they get in it's shadow. The biblical "shadow of Egypt" shades them from full light. We can pick up "Egyptian shadows" in the biblical sense, though not living as an Egyptian. That was what Moses was doing. This "shadow-proofing" is an unavoidable part of the relinquishment training plan for everyone who is called to exercise leadership at any level in God's kingdom."
How often do you find yourself 'trusting in the shadow of Egypt?' How often do you place more faith in the things of the world than you do in your relationship with God? Make sure that the shadow that is cast over your life is the shadow of the Almighty and not the shadow of Egypt.
Bro. Charles
May 1, 2010 (4:28 p.m.)We are about an hour away from heading up to the church for our Second Annual Deacon Sponsored Widow/Widower's Banquet. Our Deacons have become convinced that one of their major areas of responsibility is ministering to the widows and widower's of our church. This is scriptural without a doubt.
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27
Please pray that tonight's gathering will be a great success and will especially be a blessing to those our Deacon's are seeking to minister to not only tonight but throughout the year.
I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
Bro. Charles
April 28, 2010 (11:16 a.m.)Do you have a positive or negative attitude? That may be a hard question for some to answer. John Maxwell in his book, THE 21 INDISPENSABLE QUALITIES OF A LEADER has a statement from David Brinkley:
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him."
William James said:
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitude of mind."
Having a positive attitude in the midst of a negative world is without question a plus. It's hard to do but it can be done. Maxwell says:
How's your attitude today?
Hope to see you tonight at church!
Bro. Charles
April 27, 2010 (5:06 p.m.)I was intrigued today as I once again read the story of Gideon. Many times churches feel like they can't get alot accomplished because they don't have enough people to do it. How many people do you need? Do you need people or do you need God? If you asked Gideon that question he would say as long as you have God on your side it doesn't really matter how many people you have. He started out with 32,000 men, but God told him that was too many. When Gideon presented men with the option of leaving, 22,000 said 'we're out of here!' He had 10,000 left and God said that's too many. Based on the way they drank water God narrowed Gideon's army down to 300 men!
300 men eventually defeated 135,000 soldiers! In speaking of the 15,000 soldiers that were left after the 120,000 had fallen the Bible says, "but he pursued them and captured them, routing the entire army." You see dear friend it's not how many you have, it's whose directing the charge and leading the way, and giving the orders that makes the difference!
Bro. Charles
April 26, 2010 (10:07 p.m.)Paula and I made a trip to Birmingham today. Five years ago today her father passed away and we wanted to go visit with her family for a little while and go the cemetery where her father and my parents are buried. This was really my first trip of any length sense the first of March. I made the trip alright, I am just tired. Please continue to lift me up in your prayers. The medicine they have me on to slow my heart rate down is working but one of the side affects is tiredness. Sunday's have been great for me as far as being back in the pulpit, but Monday mornings have been very hard to get up and get going. I know that God is still at work in my life and for that I am grateful. Thanks for all you do!
Bro. Charles
April 24, 2010 (12:45 p.m.)Are you the real deal? The well intentioned church member who doesn't understand his or her own psychological needs, shortcomings, and fears can create havoc in a lot of people's lives.
"You have to know and accept the truth about yourself, as painful as that may be, before you can achieve wholeness."
-Vincent Gallagher
Moses faced an identity crises:
"Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
Exodus 3:11
I think that Moses felt like the task was a little too big for him to tackle - a little bit out of his league. No doubt it would have been had he attempted it in the flesh. But you have to remember that it was God who called Moses, not Moses who called out to God and said, 'I've got an idea.' Moses went down a check list with God as to why he wasn't the man for this job. Have you ever done that? When God tells you what He wants you to do, have you ever made excuses to Him for why you couldn't possibly do it?
Our failure to respond in a positive way to what God is asking us to do is a major mistake! Warren Wiesbe said:
"God is as concerned about the servant as He is the service. If all He wanted to do was get the work done - turn a church around - He could send His angels, and they would do it better and faster. But He not only wants to do something through us, He also wants to do something in us."
God will never ask you to do something that He will not also equip you to do it. We need to get real with God, quit making excuses and go to work for His glory!
I hope to see you tomorrow morning as we deal with the subject: WHEN GOD LEADS YOU TO A DESERT PLACE.
Bro. Charles
April 23, 2010 (12:56 p.m.)The thing I fear the most in my relationship with God is becoming mediocre in my service of Him. There was a time many years ago when HBC was a much larger fellowship than it is right now. But I am not as much interested in the past as I am in the present and the future. I am interested in what God wants to do now in our fellowship to grow it for His glory. What is it that causes some churches to grow while others seek to maintain what they have?
"A church cannot be turned around until a contingent of people is so firmly committed to the ministry of the church that they will sacrifice almost anything for the good of the church, to the glory of God." - George Barna
God intends for His churches to grow and with all my heart I believe He wants Hillwood to grow, not just back to the level we once were but far beyond that! There is no good reason why we can't begin to grow again. I realize that I am getting older and my health at times has not been very good, but oh how I would love to see a great movement of God in our midst before my days as your pastor come to a close (not anticipating that anytime soon, but one day it will happen). Would you pray with me that God might have the freedom in my life and yours to do what it takes to grow a great church for His honor and glory in southeast Huntsville. I have been in some of the great churches in our city and in other places and I ask God why not us, why not use us in a greater way to grow the kingdom.
As we approach the weekend think of someone that you might could invite to join us for worship this weekend. If you know of someone who does not read my bog regularly please encourage them to read this and catch the vision.
Bro. Charles
April 22, 2010 (9:21 p.m.)When you feel like everything is caving in around you what do you do? What is your first course of action? I am not even going to make suggestions as to what you might do because everyone responds to adversity differently. Look at this passage of scripture out of 2 Chronicles 2:22
"When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed."
Jehoshaphat was outnumbered by three powerful nations, but he never lost hope. He turned his attention to the Lord, proclaimed a nationwide fast, gathered all the people, and cried out to God in prayer. When the people began to praise God and place their trust in Him He transformed their battlefield into a field of blessings.
Maybe you are in sort of battle. Maybe the devil has sent his evil forces to hinder your progress as a Christian. Maybe you feel helpless and uncertain about the future. If that's you, here's God's advice to you, FEAR NOT! You will need not fight the enemy on your own. WORSHIP GOD! God will show you the amazing power of praise. The battle is not yours, it belongs to God. Your job is to pray and praise, when you do that your enemy will be routed as well!
Bro. Charles
April 21, 2010 (1:54 p.m.)Have you ever felt a stirring in your soul to accomplish something great for Jesus? Probably all of us have and that would be the desire of our hearts as a believer. Maybe you did and you didn't even realize it. One day Jesus caught his disciples totally off guard when He complimented them on a job well done. No doubt they smiled and felt good about what He had just said, and then it hit them, 'What did we do?'
"For I was hungry, and you fed me, I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me."
Matthew 25:35-26 NLT
The disciples were probably looking at each other with puzzled looks on their faces. Can't you almost hear one of them say, 'Are you sure you have the right set of disciples, we don't remember you being in any of those situations and us helping you out.' Remember what Jesus said:
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40 NIV
Maybe you are doing more than you thought you were. Maybe you have been looking at helping people the wrong way. Jesus said that when we help others, meet the needs of others, that it's like ministering to Him. When was the last time you ministered to Jesus as you ministered to someone else?
Bro. Charles
April 20, 2010 (10:58 a.m.)Let me give you something to think about today. It is a statement that Chuck Swindoll made.
"Often one seeks greener grass on the other side, only to find when he gets there that it's not edible. Sometimes, however, it is. But if the grass is greener on the other side, you can bet their water bill is higher."
Have a great day!
Bro. Charles
April 19, 2010 (7:01 p.m.)How's your faith life? Do you remember the story in the Bible about Peter walking on the water? Maybe some of the other disciples were thinking, 'I could do that! It doesn't look all that hard.' They really couldn't have because walking on water takes faith and nobody else on that little ship displayed that kind of faith but Peter. Their human reasoning kept them in the boat. It was Peter's faith that allowed him to experience the walk of his life.
Why is it that when we begin to reach out to God in faith and we begin to walk by faith and not by sight that suddenly human reasoning kicks in and messes up the whole thing. When he started thinking, he started sinking! He took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to look at the storm, and then it hit him, 'What in the world am I doing?' Doubt set in and sinking was the result. It always is.
But you have to admire the guy don't you? I mean at least he had the courage to try, I mean you can't walk on water if you don't get out of the boat. As had been the case on probably more than one occasion Jesus reaches out and grabs Peter's hand and rescues him. And then come those words:
"O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
More than likely when you have heard this passage proclaimed it is with a negative tone. We hear Jesus getting on to Peter. But what if that's not the way He said it and what we thought He meant all this time was incorrect? What if actually Jesus might have had a grin on His face and the words spoken are actually words of encouragement. When you really stop and think about it is almost as if Jesus were saying to Peter, 'You had already made it this far! You were already walking on water. Why did you start to doubt.' It's almost as if Jesus said to him, 'You were this close!'
Has He ever said that to you before - not getting on you when you sunk - but reminding you of how far you had come only to take your eyes off the goal at the very end. It is an interesting question - 'Why do we doubt?'
Bro. Charles
April 18, 2010 (9:17 a.m.)"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Psalm 100
See you in church!
Bro. Charles
April 17, 2010 (4:48 p.m.)I trust that you have already made your plans to be in church tomorrow. I am really looking forward to worshiping together tomorrow. God has opened the windows of heaven and poured out His blessings upon these last few Sundays, it's my prayer that He will do it again tomorrow.
We will continue our study of the Book of Ruth on Sunday evening. In the morning I will be sharing with you a message God gave me during my time off that I have entitled, 'When Your Heart Is Overwhelmed', out of Psalm 61. I really believe God is going to use both of the messages tomorrow to speak a clear word to all of us.
See you Sunday,
Bro. Charles
April 16, 2010 (10:07 a.m.)I got some great news yesterday about a friend of mine's wife who has been battling cancer. She has been going through the treatment for cancer to shrink a large tumor that she had. The tumor was basically inoperable originally. Yesterday they went to the surgeon in Birmingham and the tumor has decreased in size from the size of a baseball to smaller than a ping pong ball. It looks now like they will be able to do surgery and remove the tumor. I rejoiced with them over this great news. His comment was, "Our prayers have been answered."
"I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19
I know that there were more than two people praying about this situation, but God just wants us to know that you don't have to have the whole world praying for you in order to get results. Prayer is not a reward we deserve but a privilege given by God. It is His gift to us, not our gift to Him. None of us are good enough to earn the ear of God. Don't abuse the privilege!
Bro. Charles
April 14, 2010 (10:32 a.m.)I think that you would agree with me that we talk alot about faith in the church. Every Tome you are at church I am sure you hear the word more than once. But what is faith?
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1
What does that mean? Faith is living in a hope that is so real it gives us absolute assurance. Faith is not a wistful longing that something may come to pass in an uncertain tomorrow. True faith is an absolute certainty, often of things that the world considers unreal and impossible. The Christians hope is in God, not in the world.
I have no idea what you will accomplish in your Christian life, but I do know one thing, I do know what will define what your accomplishments. It will not be according to your fame. It will not be according to your feelings. It will not be according to your fortune. It will not be according to the number of friends you have. It will not be according to the good or bad things that might come your way. None of those things will define who you are. If you accomplish anything worthwhile for the kingdom of God it will be because of your faith.
"For by it (faith) the men of old gained approval."
Hebrews 11:2
The saints of old gained approval from God because of their faith and because of nothing else. God has always and will continue to approve and recognize the person of faith.
Bro. Charles
April 13, 2010 (11:16 p.m.)Dr. Adrian Rogers who recently went home to heaven was always one of my heroes of the faith. I was reading something he wrote that is filled with a great deal of wisdom that I want to share with you.
"If I had my choice of company, I'd rather be around a sinner who has never been saved than a saved person who is out of fellowship with God. Some of the most irritating people you'll ever meet are Christians who are out of joint spiritually. In fact, one way to tell if people are backsliding is to see if they're beginning to develop a critical spirit. Nothing pleases them.
In any church, there are all kinds of things to criticize in people. And when someone is keeping God at arm's length, that person will begin focusing on the faults of those for whom Jesus died. Sin always breeds a sour spirit."
"Why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."
Romans 14:10
How's your spirit?
Bro. Charles
April 12, 2010 (10:38 a.m.)Chuck Swindoll in his book HOPE AGAIN writes the following:
"The poet Samuel Coleridge once described friendship as "a sheltering tree." When you have this quality, the branches of your friendship reach out over the lives of others, giving them shelter, shade, rest, relief and encouragement. The Bible says:
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Friends give comfort. We find strength near them. When something troublesome occurs in our life, we pick up the phone and call a friend, needing the comfort they provide. Friends also care enough about us to hold us accountable, but we never doubt their love or respect."
Do you have a "sheltering tree" in your life? When was the last time you provided a little shade for someone you know?
Bro. Charles
April 9, 2010 (11:37 p.m.)Most of you will be reading this on Saturday, unless you are a night owl like I have turned into. This has been a very busy day. It has been a day of study and preparation for this weekend. It has been an afternoon of visiting the funeral home and then an evening of checking on our students at D-Now. We will have the funeral of J.B. Masters on Saturday at noon at the church. Bro. J.B. was a man who literally helped construct Redstone Baptist Church and when the church relocated and was named Hillwood Baptist Church, he was there on the job as well. We will miss this wonderful saint, but we know that one day we will see him again.
Please pray for our services this Sunday. God blessed in such a special way this past Lord's Day and my prayer is that He will see fit to bless us again this weekend. Please pray for me that God will give me the physical stamina for this busy weekend. I am confident that He will and I am looking forward to sharing the two messages He has given for this weekend.
I hope to see you this Sunday,
Bro. Charles
April 8, 2010 (3:19 p.m.)The Chinese character for the word 'crises' is a combination of two other Chinese characters. One is the character for danger, and the other is the character for opportunity. Crisis creates challenge because with the danger of crisis come opportunities that would not come along any other way.
Maybe you are facing a crisis time in your life today. You are at a dangerous point in your marriage, on your job, with your family. You sense the danger, but I want to remind you that with every crisis that comes our way there is an opportunity for God to be honored and glorified by our response to the crisis. In that great study, "Experiencing God", it talks about the crisis of belief that arises when we are confronted with a truth from God's Word. In other words when you hear from God it either puts you in a place of danger or a place of opportunity. It's dangerous to hear from God and not do what He is asking you do. It is always an opportunity to grow and mature when we hear from God and do what He is asking us to do. Some people might say that what God is asking them to do doesn't make any sense. It doesn't have to make sense to us as long as it does to God! Just do it!
"This is My commandment, that yoo love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are my friends if you do whatever I command." John 14:12-13
Are you God's friend?
Bro. Charles
April 7, 2010 (9:57 a.m.)Do you remember the story of Jesus going to the home of Mary and Martha. The story goes that Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to what He had say while Martha was in the kitchen preparing a meal. The text in Luke 10 goes this way:
"But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!' "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Do you have time for God in your busy schedule? I have known people in the past who were very committed to the Lord and to His work. They were the type that never missed church, they were there every time the doors were opened. But then suddenly they began to turn up missing, not as faithful as they used to be. What do you think happens to these people? I think the same thing that happened to Martha. They often become distracted by all the preparations and they burn out, or they become worried and upset about everything that's going on around them.
In Tommy Tenney's book, The Daily Chase, he had an interesting thought on this very topic.
"Think about all the 'baggage' you carry around with you. Ask yourself, 'Is all this necessary?' It may be legitimate, but it is still a weight, nonetheless. Schedules have become our slave-drivers and we have become 'must do lists' addicts! We are afraid to do anything or go anywhere without first checking our palm PC's, appointment books, electronic organizers, or on-line management programs. Ask yourself: "Can God interrupt me? Have I made it impossible for the Almighty to get my attention without triggering a major catastrophe or sending fire down from Heaven?"
Does God have your attention or have you allowed other things to displace God in your life?
Hope to see you at church tonight!
Bro. Charles
April 5, 2010 (11:49 a.m.)What a blessing yesterday was! Thank you for your warm welcome back for Paula and myself. Today has been my first day back in the office and it's been good to see everyone here at the church this morning. I am going to be taking it easy for the next couple of weeks as I am on some new medication that they are trying. The problem I still face is that the doctors as I have stated before still do not quite understand why my hearts responds the way it does at times. But after having had two heart catherizations and two ablations and a bunch of other tests I plan on taking it as easy as possible. Please bear with me during this time of transition in my life. I am usually a person who is on the go all the time, but now I realize that is not as easy as it used to be. I am curtailing most extracurricular activities at this time other than Sunday's and Wednesdays. Continue to pray for God's healing upon my heart.
Bro. Charles
Easter Sunday! April 4, 2010 (7:44 a.m.)"I serve a risen Saviour; He's in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always near. He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."
Nothing else really needs to be said! Rejoice, for He is risen! Bro. Charles April 3, 2010 (12:31 p.m.)What do you think the day after was like? The day after Jesus died and was buried there was still alot going on in Jerusalem. The disciples no doubt were devastated even though Jesus told them it was going to happen and also what was going to happen on the third day. Yet they, like us, hear God speak but sometimes do not pay a great deal of attention to what He said.
But there were some who were listening and that was the chief priests and the Pharisees. They went to Pilate the next day and had this conversation with him.
"Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again. So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." Matthew 27:63-64
Isn't it interesting how since the garden of Eden Satan has tried to place seeds of doubt in people's minds concerning the integrity of God? The chief priests and the Pharisees were still afraid of Jesus even though He was dead and buried. Even in death they couldn't get Him off their minds. They called Him a deceiver. They said that this last deception would be worse than the first deception (speaking of His earthly ministry).
I love Pilate's response in verse 65:
"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard."
This is what Satan has his associates running around trying to do even to this day. Tell people that there is nothing to Jesus. He was a good teacher, nothing more, nothing less. He certainly would love to secure the tomb so that the power of Jesus would be locked in a grave somewhere. How do you keep God confined anywhere? When the stone was rolled away on that blessed Easter morning it wasn't rolled away to allow Jesus to get it, it was rolled away to allow others to know that He had kept His word - He did rise on the third day, just as He said that He would!
Tomorrow we gather to celebrate His resurrection and what the resurrected life means to us. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Please pray that God would bless us as we gather to worship on such a special day.
Bro. Charles
April 2, 2010 (5:56 p.m.)Good Friday? When you stop and think about it what we refer to as Good Friday was the worst day in history for mankind. It was a day the religious world of that day put so much pressure on the leadership of the country that they released a terrorist and killed the Son of God. Doesn't make much sense does it? But you have to see the big picture, this had been in the works since before the world was ever created. The Bible teaches us that Jesus was the lamb that was slain from before the foundation of the world. Man's darkest hour was God's greatest hour as far as man was concerned. Even though man for the most part then and for the most part now hasn't totally accepted God's plan of salvation and God's plan for their lives, God still loves everyone.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Jesus' death was part of God's plan for the salvation of the world.
"From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day." Matthew 16:21
He had to go to Jerusalem. He had to suffer at the hands of those who hated Him. He had to be tortured. He had to die the death of the cross so that those who believe in Him would never die, never taste eternal death, and never experience what it means to perish! The price for sin and eternal punishment could not be paid with material possessions, for material possessions pass away. It could not be paid with the blood of bulls and goats or any other temporary, soulless creature. And it could not be paid by any other human being, for all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.
No, the only way for us to experience forgiveness of sin and eternal life was through Jesus' death on the cross. On this Good Friday we should all stop and thank God for His great love for each of us, a love so great that He allowed His Son Jesus to die in our place so that we might be forgiven and enjoy eternal life.
Bro. Charles
April 1, 2010 (11:54 a.m.)
There are many people who are very depressed and negative about the situation we find our country in today. People are losing their jobs, there seems to be too much month and not enough money. The days we are living in are very challenging to say the least. But I came across a verse of scripture in Habakkuk 3:17-18 that I pray will be an encouragement to you today. "Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet will I exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation." Often times we live as if our hope was in Washington, D.C., Montgomery, Alabama or the Mayors office in Huntsville. My hope is not in any of those places because all those places are run by people with limited knowledge and usually personal agenda's. My hope and your hope is in the Lord! Things may not be the greatest they have ever been in our country right now but let me remind you of something very important. God uses economic downturns and other catastrophes to cause us to stop focusing on finances and the things of this world, and to start focusing on Him. We have to learn to rejoice in the Lord regardless of our circumstances. We have to learn to trust Him totally and completely no matter what's going on in our lives. Will you praise Him today? We should all praise Him for His tremendous sacrifice that we reflect on today. Today was the day of the week that Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples. It was the day He prayed in the garden and was arrested. And He did it all for us. Praise Him for His great love today and the salvation it made possible for all of us. Bro. Charles
March 31, 2010 (4:19 p.m.)Do you ever struggle with temptation? Crazy question right. There is not a day that goes by that we are not tempted in someway to disappoint God and hurt our witness. Does God understand the temptations we face or does He look at us and say, 'Will they never learn?' Interestingly enough God knows all about temptation. The book of Hebrews records these words:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15
Don't ever say, 'God doesn't know or God doesn't understand.' He understands perfectly. His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, lived on this earth and faced the same types of things you and I face on a daily basis yet He did it without ever sinning. He knows what a struggle life is. Each time Jesus was tempted, He chose to walk in perfect obedience to the Father's will. He is our sinless high priest as well as our sympathetic high priest, and He expects us to walk in holiness through this life and He desires to help us do just that.
Jesus knows the temptations you struggle with. He cares about what you are going through. He will help you overcome. Call on Him, ask Him for help. He understands, He once walked where you and I walk today.
Bro. Charles
March 30, 2010 (11:47 a.m.)One of the things I am reminded of during this Holy Week is how much Jesus prayed. Throughout His earthly ministry He spent an enormous amount of time in prayer. He would often go off by Himself and pray all night, talking with the Father. Wouldn't you like to have been privy to one of Jesus' prayer sessions with His Father? He placed a great amount of importance on prayer. One of the last things He did before His garden arrest was to step aside from all that was going on around Him and pray.
How much do you pray? How much power do you really believe there is in prayer? I know that most people pray before they eat and most people pray maybe when they get up or before they go to bed. But when was the last time you really prayed a prayer that was of extreme importance to you, your family or a close personal friend? You knew that if God didn't come through the situation that you were praying about could really get bad. Read the teaching of Jesus concerning prayer.
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Someone just thought to themselves, I wish that were true! It is true friend. The reason I know it's true is because Jesus said it and Jesus never says anything just to hear Himself talk! Look at the breakdown of the passage:
You have to believe that God is God and that He can do whatever His Word says that He can do. Unbelief is a prayer killer!
You have to receive the answer to your prayer. Most of us think that there is only ONE answer, or at least there is only one answer that we are looking for. The answer that we are looking for is usually the one that would make our lives a whole lot easier. But there is more than one answer to any question. If your child or grandchild were to ask you a question there may be more than one answer. It could be yes, it could be no or it could be not now. All three of those are answers that we must be willing to accept from God as we expect our children to accept them from us. God knows what's best and God's timing is always right.
You have to pray. Whatever you ask for in prayer is the key to answered prayer. The Bible says that we have not because we ask not. Pray and be willing to receive, it's all based on whether you believe God or not though. God can do anything! There is nothing to hard for Him to do, nothing that is impossible for Him to do!
Bro. Charles
March 29, 2010 (11:19 a.m.)"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass (sin), you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." Galatians 6:1
Why do you think some people are critical of others? Does anyone really have a right to criticize the shortcomings of others? Unless we are perfect, (sorry none of us are) instead of dialing your cell phone to tell the latest piece of gossip you have heard, you need to be on your knees seeking a way to restore a person and also while you're there ask God to keep you strong so that you might not fall into the same trap,
Someone has said that the church is the only army that shoots its wounded. I hate to admit it but I have known that to be the case more times than not. The church is a family made up of a group of dysfunctional people who have been saved by the grace of God. The church is a group of people who are not what they used be, but have not arrived yet either. The Bible teaches us to love God and love people.
I came across a story that to me illustrates the role of the church in the world today. It is the story of nine kids who had trained for many months for a Special Olympics race. The gun went off, and these nine kids took off. At the first corner, one fell down, scraped his leg, and screamed in pain. A few seconds later, he let out another scream of anguish when he realized that he would never be able to finish the race.
Then an amazing thing happened. The other eight kids stopped and walked back to him. They knelt down, put their arms around him, and brushed off his face. One girl bent down and kissed his knee, and they slowly helped him up. Together arm in arm, all nine of those precious kids walked across the finish line together!
Question: Do you have someone who would stop and pick you up? Would you be willing to stop your race of life and minister to a fellow brother or sister in Christ who has taken a fall and needs help getting up? The real purpose of the church is be able to cross the finish line together - no one left behind, no one ignored! Christ cared about people while He was here enough to die for them. Do we care about people enough to pick them up when they fall?
Bro. Charles
March 28, 2010 (12:11 p.m.)Today is Palm Sunday! This begins Holy Week for the church. I have really missed the opportunity to be in the pulpit these many weeks because of the calling to proclaim the precious Word of God He has placed on my life. This week over 2000 years ago made His calling possible on all of our lives. We all know the story of this week and could tell most anyone what happened over the course of the week. We could talk about the Lord's Supper, the betrayal in the garden, the arrest, the mock trial, the beatings, the crucifixion and yes His burial and glorious resurrection. We would have no trouble telling that story. But my question for you today and the subject of my message on Easter Sunday is - What difference has it made in your life? Listen to what Paul said:
"We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." -2 Corinthians 4:10 (NIV)March 27, 2010 (12:06 a.m.)
I hope you didn't miss it. "So that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." Did Jesus go through everything He went through just so we would have a story to tell? I think not. He went through everything He went through so that we would have a life to live! Is the life of Jesus revealed in your body, in your life, do people really see Jesus in you? Let's not allow the death of Jesus to be for story telling purposes only. Let's make sure that Jesus not only lives in heaven today, but that His life is revealed in ours on a daily basis.
Bro. Charles
March 27, 2010 (12:02 a.m)Do you remember the old comedy, Gilligan's Island? It really was a show that didn't make a whole lot of sense but was enjoyable to watch. The story line is built around a storm that stranded some people on a desert island for a long period of time.
"Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailin' man
The skipper brave and sure
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour
A three hour tour.
The weather started getting rough
The tiny ship was tossed.
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The minnow would be lost.
The minnow would be lost.
The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle
With Gilligan
The skipper too.
A millionaire and his wife
A movie star
The professor and Mary Ann
Here on Gilligan's isle."
Have you ever wondered why it was called Gilligan's island and not the Skipper's Island? ( I am going somewhere with this!) The story seemed to center more around Gilligan than it did the others thus it was Gilligan's island. The problem is that Gilligan is not the only person on the island, there are seven people on Gilligan's Island and they are all there because of a storm. I am reminded of a man in the Bible who found himself in the middle of a storm. You remember Jonah don't you - the unwilling evangelist who thought he could run away from the call of God upon his life. He booked passage on a ship going in the opposite direction from where God wanted him to go. He went down as deep into the ship as he could to make the trip. A problem arose, everyone on board finds themselves in the midst of a bad storm. Everyone on board gets real religious, but all hands are not on deck. They find Jonah and begin to question him and he finally comes clean with them and lets them know that this is his storm - Jonah's storm. It was not about them it was about him, but isn't it interesting how many other people suffer when we are disobedient to God's call upon our lives. They threw him overboard and the storm quieted down and they were saved and went on their way so that God could continue to teach Jonah an important lesson about obedience. Your situation may be more like Gilligan's in that your storm does affect other people. You are at the helm of the ship and because of something that's gone haywire in your life you are taking others down with you. It's not their storm, it's yours. But our storms will affect other people. Has you disobedience to God affected your marriage, your family, your business, your friends - you get the picture. Why not repent of your disobedience and the heartache it is causing not only you but others who are on your journey through life as well. Remember Gilligan and those on board thought they were only be gone three hours. This is the problem with sin - it will take you farther than you intended to go and keep you longer than you intended to stay. You don't want them to name an island after you do you? Bro. Charles March 26, 2101 (12:19 p.m.)
I hope you are doing well today. There was no blog yesterday due to the fact that both Paula and myself had a virus or something yesterday that kept both of us out of commission. We are feeling better today, just weak.
Someone sent me a wonderful devotional thought the other day. I want to share a portion of it with you and then make a few comments concerning it myself.
"God’s love does not hinge on yours. The abundance of your love does not increase His. The lack of your love does not diminish His. Your goodness does not enhance His love, nor does your weakness dilute it. What Moses said to Israel is what God says to us:
“The LORD did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! It was simply because the LORD loves you.” (Deut. 7:7-8 NLT)
God loves you simply because he has chosen to do so. He loves you when you don’t feel lovely. He loves you when no one else loves you. Others may abandon you, divorce you, and ignore you, but God will love you. Always. No matter what.
This is His promise.
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” (Jer. 31:3 NLT)."
God's love is perhaps one of the hardest things for a Christian to really come to grips with. How could God love people who for the most part ignore Him or are disobedient to what He asks them to do? Why would God allow His Son to die on a cross and suffer the punishment for the sins of the world and yet for the most part the world remains ungrateful for that wonderful act of mercy? It's simply because He loves us and wants nothing but the best for our lives. I want to challenge you to ponder His great love for you today, and no matter if you feel like no one loves today, God does and He always will!
Bro. Charles
March 24, 2010 (1:04 a.m.)Do you ever have trouble sleeping at night? I must confess that since every heart episode I have had has occurred at night I kind of hate to see the sun go down every day. It is often a struggle to go to bed at an early hour as you can see by the time of this post. Often times the reason we can't sleep is because we have something on our mind that is bothering us and keeps us from laying down and getting a good nights rest. I guess we feel that somehow the later we stay up the better the situation will get. That's not been my experience and it probably hasn't been yours either.
Here's the thing we need to be reminded of, God never sleeps and God never gets tired. God is always awake, always alert and always attentive to His children. God never slumbers, He watches over us as we sleep. Let me share a verse of scripture with you:
"And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea." Matthew 14:25
Sometime between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. He came to them in their time of need as they were struggling for their lives in a storm. And when He got involved in their situation their struggles ceased, and they enjoyed perfect peace. Has Jesus ever come to you during "the fourth watch"? In the early morning hours have you ever been awakened and felt a great need to pray and commune with God for a while? Sometimes it is during "the fourth watch" that some of our greatest experiences with God may take place. I can remember being awakened by God some time ago and He gave me a sermon outline in the middle of the night! Perhaps you need to keep something by your bed that you can write down what God is teaching you, don't trust your memory until you get up.
Many people say that they don't have time for God - their schedules are too busy. What about "the fourth watch". I can almost guarantee you that in the majority of homes during "the fourth watch" it is quiet and privacy is at a premium. God still comes to His struggling disciples in the early hours of "the fourth watch." This morning I guess God decided to speak during "the third watch." It makes no difference as long as He speaks and as long as we listen.
Bro. Charles
March 23, 2010 (8:04 p.m.)
We are living in tough economical times. I heard a woman say today that she was only paid once a month. The lady she was talking with said how do you do it. Her reply was that sometimes I just have to go without. I am so glad that even in the midst of uncertain times God's children never have to go without. You may not have everything you want, but God has promised to meet your needs. Jesus disciples were faced with an interesting challenge one day from Jesus. Jesus had been teaching and the hour was growing late and He asked them what they were going to do to feed the crowd, already knowing what He was going to do. It is the story of the fishes and loaves. But read again about what a needs meeting God we serve and are blessed to have a relationship with. "And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food and took the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied." Mark 6:41-42 Jesus fed 5,000 men with five loaves of bread and two fish and the Bible says they were all satisfied, they had plenty, they couldn't eat anymore. If you remember the story there were twelve basketfuls leftover! God is able to make a lot out of a little if we will just trust Him. He looked toward heaven where all blessings come from and prayed. We should do the same. Whether it involves feeding thousands, or giving shoes to the poor, God provides for His children. If we will give of ourselves and focus on the needs of others, the Lord will grant abundant and at times, miraculous provision. With God there are no shortages! Bro. Charles
March 22, 2010 (9:22 p.m.)How much knowledge do you think you would be able to share with a new Christian that would enable them to get off to a good start for God? Would you be willing to mentor a young Christian in their faith or would the thought of that scare you a little bit because you would feel like you don't know enough to be able to teach someone else? Do you remember what Jesus said before He ascended into heaven after the resurrection? He gave what the majority of people of faith call the Great Commission.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20
I heard someone say just recently, 'You can't impart truth you don't know!' Perhaps when it comes to the Great Commission (not the Great Suggestion) we need to ask ourselves if we are doing what He is asking us to teach others to do. It's hard to convince others how important something is if they don't see it at work in our lives. Jesus died for a cause - the salvation of mankind. He did the hard part! Some of His last words to His followers were these. He basically said to them that as they were going into the world on a daily basis talk to other people about Him. Teach other people His ways. The mandate has not changed. As we approach the Easter season we are made aware once again of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. Let me ask you a question, 'If someone was willing to die for you, and did die for you, shouldn't the least thing we could do in response is tell somebody?'
Bro. Charles
March 21, 2010 (12:55 p.m.)Can you remember the last time you were really thirsty? Maybe on a hot summers day after working out in the yard. Maybe after a time of exercise. Can you remember the last time you were really thirsty and nothing would do but for you to quench your thirst. When was the last time you were truly thirsty for God?
The Psalmist put it this way in Psalm 63:
"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee; my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is."
Have you desired to have your spiritual thirst quenched lately? Have you felt like you are in a desert where there is no spiritual water to be found? Where do you have that thirst met? Listen to what else the Psalmist said:
"To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in thy name."
The Psalmist learned a very important lesson and that is that the water you need to quench your spiritual thirst is often found in the sanctuary. Does God only speak in the sanctuary? No, but there is something about corporate worship that lifts our spirits and calms our fears. We are reminded in the sanctuary of His lovingkindness, we are reminded of the praise that is due His name.
There is praise outside the sanctuary that must take place if true worship happens in the sanctuary.
"When I remember thee upon, my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee; thy right hand upholdeth me."
Have you talked with God in the middle of the night? Has God ever revealed things to you in the middle of the night? God can speak anywhere and at any time if we are willing to listen. The Psalmist said that his soul followed hard after God - he was putting everything he had into his relationship.
When was the last time you could honestly say that your soul was following hard after God? Hopefully you could say that right now, you are doing just that, but if not why not start today!
Bro. Charles
March 20, 2010 (4:45 p.m.)Have you ever heard that patience is a virtue? Would you consider yourself a patient person? I must confess that with all the time I have been out I sometimes find myself becoming impatient. My doctors are doing what they feel is best for my health at this time. My precious wife has done a tremendous job with my diet and being there for me to encourage me on this journey. My children and their families have been great encourager's along the way. My friends have been there for me. Our precious church family has been faithful to pray and be supportive. Really it's all good right now - except for this patience thing. I want to do things that I know I am not supposed to do. I want to be places I know that I am not supposed to be right now.
Dottie Rambo wrote a children's song years ago that said, "Be patient, be patient, don't be in such a hurry. When you get impatient it only leads to worry. Remember, remember, the Lord is patient too. Just think of all the times that others had to wait on you."
Look at this verse in Numbers 21:4:
"Then they set out from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the people became impatient because of the journey."
Impatience will cause you do things you should not do. The children of Israel's impatience caused them to speak against God and Moses. It was not a pretty sight at that point. God sent poisonous serpents among them to discipline them. Many died before the people repented and God removed the plague.
Maybe the journey you are on right now or the situation you find yourself in right now has made you, 'impatient because of the journey.' What all of us need to be reminded of is that God has been patient with us and we need to seek to be patient with others and with the journey we find ourselves on. Let God be God along the journey. He will see you to the end of the journey if you will just be patient.
Go worship tomorrow and give God the praise that is due His name!
Bro. Charles
March 19, 2010 (9:25 pm.)We have had a busy day today. It started out with our daughter-in-law, Emily, being taken to the hospital due to a virus that she had. They got some fluids in her, kept her for a little while and sent her home, for that we are grateful. Pray for a speedy recovery for Emily.
As I was looking at my email tonight, I noticed an email from a preacher friend of mine that I was in high school with. He is not pastoring right now, but has a great missions ministry that he is pursuing. He had gone to a conference this week and the speaker made the following statement.
"God can't answer a prayer you haven't prayed and He can't bless work you haven't done."
How true that is. If we don't take our petitions to Him in prayer there will be no answer to our prayers. I am reminded that the Bible teaches that we have not, because we ask not. Do you have a need in your life right now? Why not just pause for a minute and talk to God about it.
The majority of the time it seems like we are always talking about what we are going to do for God - tomorrow! Someone said, "Tomorrow is only found on the calendar of fools. Today is the day." We are not promised tomorrow, but if you are reading this you do have today, make the most of it for God's glory.
Bro. Charles
March 18, 2010 (11:43 a.m.)Have you ever wondered how the squirrel population has survived? Many times you will see a squirrel in the middle of the road looking totally confused as to what to do. It as if they are going to go this way and then all of of the sudden they turn and go the other way! Have you ever experienced that?
Do you think Christians ever find themselves in the middle of the road appearing uncertain as to which way to go? It seems as if there are times when Christians don't seem to know whether to follow God completely or half-heartedly. Just like squirrels who fail to make the right decision and don't make it across the street, it is very dangerous for Christians to waver between two opinions.
"Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' But the people did not answer him a word." I Kings 18:21
"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways." James 1:8
Perhaps you remember the rest of the story about Elijah on the mountain the day the fire fell. The fire fell when God's people stopped hesitating, and committed themselves totally to the Lord. Maybe you are on a mountain top of indecision at this very moment, trying to make up your mind whether to follow God or follow your own instincts. It's time to stop wavering between two opinions. It's time to get out of the road. It's time to follow Jesus with our whole hearts. Why not make your decision today?
Bro. Charles
March 17, 2010 (9:12 a.m.)Have you ever been on a low sodium diet? Wow, what a challenge! You don't really realize how much sodium is in the foods you eat until you become a label reader. Now I read every label and seek to determine how to stay under that magic 2000mg of salt a day. It sounds like a lot but if you are not careful you can consume that with one meal! Too much salt in the physical body can become a detriment to your health.
Then on the other side of the coin, too little salt in the body of Christ is dangerous as well. God wants you and I to be "salty Christians." When you think about salt it is used for many things. Salt adds flavor. Salt preserves and in some instances salt has healing qualities.
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, where with shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5:13
Jesus said that we are the world's salt shaker, but if we do not do our job after a while the salt becomes useless only to be thrown out and trampled under foot. Our calling is to spice up this world for the glory of God. Our calling is to seek to preserve and help grow the children of God. Our calling is to seek to be a healing agent in our world.
Now go out and have yourself a salty day!
Bro. Charles
March 16, 2010 (5:11 p.m.)Yesterday we talked about the problem of doubt in a believers life. Today I want us to think about the importance of trusting God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
I am sure this is not the first time you have ever read this scripture. Inevitable in a meeting where we are asked to share our favorite bible verses someone quotes this verse. It is an 'amen-able' verse to say the least, but how many times do we actually put it into practice? Notice with me what these two verses say:
There is a conditional promise in this verse, 'Trust in the Lord and He will!' I love the fact that if I trust Him, and acknowledge Him, He will make the path He wants my life to take very clear.
Are you trusting Him with all your heart today?
Bro. Charles
March 15, 2010 (5:04 p.m.)Have you ever been accused of being a doubter? Some people seem to be doubter's by nature. We doubt other people's sincerity. We doubt whether or not we will ever get out of debt. We doubt whether or not some people will ever get their life straightened out. I think we live in a world that is filled with doubt.
But when it comes to God and His Word and His promises should there ever be a doubt? God is faithful no matter what we do. He is faithful to bless or He is faithful to discipline but He is always faithful! He should never be doubted.
I have read the scripture many times and have been amazed every time I read it. As we are reading through the Bible it surfaced again not too long ago. You probably remember the story. Jesus has risen from the dead and appeared to several people who spread the word that He was alive. Yet in Matthew 28:16-17 there appears these strange words:
"Then the eleven disciples went away unto Galilee into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted."
Doesn't that kind of make you scratch your head and say, "Do what, some doubted?" There they are right in His presence and some doubted. We might say how does a thing like that happen? I'm glad you asked because it happens every day, often times in my life and yours. We go to a great worship service, receive a word from God, yet we live our live's filled with doubt because we are not totally sure God will do what He just told us He would do.
We fall many times into the category of the young boy's father who said, 'Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief.' All of us have been guilty at some time or another in our lives of doubting God. Paul told Timothy (I Timothy 2:8):
"I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
Our responsibility as a believer is to trust God in every situation of life.
Bro. Charles
March 14, 2010 (4:18 p.m.)I was certainly saddened to hear last night about the death of Gregory Suedmeyer. He was a fine young man, just recently married who was serving our country in the military. The sermon that I prepared for the Sunday I was in the hospital dealt with the fact that we are born and unless Jesus comes we are going to die somewhere along the way.
We never know exactly how many days we have upon this earth so it is very important to make the most of the one's God gives us.
I hope one day to preach this message but until then let me just share quickly the three main points I had intended to share with you.
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
What a comforting thought. Once we are in Christ (saved) nothing that happens to us can separate us from God's love and God's protection and God's promises!
God bless you all,
Bro. Charles
March 13, 2010 (1:36 p.m.)I trust that this message finds you doing well this Saturday afternoon. One of the things my time off has given me is a lot of time to read and contemplate the precious Word of God. I hope that you are enjoying our reading through the Bible campaign for 2010 as I am. If you have gotten behind, just start with today's date and make a commitment to read it through the rest of the way.
Why is the Bible so important? The Psalmist in Psalm 18:30 put it this way:
"The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him."
Paul in Romans 15:4 said this about the Word of God:
"Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope."
In Deuteronomy 5:29 you find these words:
"Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and their children forever!"
What do these verses teach us today?
It is my prayer that you will be in God's House this Sunday (don't forget it's time change Sunday) and that as the Word goes forth you will have an open heart, open mind and an obedient spirit.
Your pastor and friend,
Bro. Charles
March 12, 2010 (1:08 p.m.)This morning at around 6:30 a.m. I was awakened by "Weather Call", one of our local television stations services for when there is bad weather approaching your location. I could hear that it was raining very hard and there was some lightning involved with the storm. I got up and turned on the television to see what was going on. Nobody on any of our local networks seemed to be very concerned about the situation. No weather men, no storm tracks, pretty much local news. But someone responsible for activating the weather system saw it as a possible threat and sent out the warning. I was a little frustrated by the seeming inconvenience of the call, yet pleased to know that the system did work.
So often God gives us a warning about something in our lives. We kind of look around us and don't see that the situation is all that bad. As a matter of fact we may even ignore the warning signs of a coming storm in our lives. It is the Holy Spirit of God that serves as our storm warning system. When the Holy Spirit speaks to us it is not an encounter that leads to an encounter with God, it is the encounter itself! The Holy Spirit only speaks what He hears the Father say, so if the Holy Spirit alerts you to something it is actually the Father alerting you to something that needs attention in your life.
We should give the Father thanks for caring enough about us to alert us to things in our lives that need to be corrected.
Bro. Charles
March 11, 2010 (11:00 a.m.)Have you been watching the news lately? Have you been paying attention to the number of earthquakes that have been reported lately? I read just a moment ago where there have been three more quakes in Chili today! Should we read anything into that? We don't have to read anything into it, but perhaps it would be a good idea to pay attention to what we have already read.
Matthew 24:4-8 (KJV) 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Am I an alarmist? No! Am I a realist? Yes! But keep in mind Jesus said that these signs were not the end, they were the beginning of the end. There is really nothing keeping our Lord Jesus from coming today if God chose to send Him. If it were today would your be ready or are the signs of the times a challenge for us to get ready?
We go through many trials in our lives, trials that are meant to build character in our lives and help prepare us for a great work of God. The last days are going to be days of a powerful outpouring of God's Spirit upon His people.
Acts 2:16-18 (GW) 16 Rather, this is what the prophet Joel spoke about: 17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour my Spirit on everyone. Your sons and daughters will speak what God has revealed. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour my Spirit on my servants, on both men and women. They will speak what God has revealed.
Are you speaking what God has revealed to you? There are so many distractions placed in our path that sometimes the last thing we are really thinking about is telling somebody else about what God has revealed to us. God is wanting to use us in a mighty way in these last days. I love this quote by Henry Blackaby: "God tests our faith through trials to see if we're ready for His mighty work. Just as steel is tested to ensure that it can handle the load of a great bridge, so our faith is tested to see if we can handle the work of God before it comes."
Trials and how we deal with them are preparation for a great move of God in our lives. The world is changed one person at a time and often times the one person that needs to be changed the most is us. Ask God today about what needs to change in your life. Ask God today to give you a different perspective on your trials and thank Him for the fact that He is seeking to get you ready for a move of His Spirit in your life. Don't become your own worst enemy, believe God concerning the last days and what He wants to do in your life!
Have a great day,
Bro. Charles
March 10, 2010 (9:03 a.m.)The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 113:3
"From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised."
The Lord is truly to be praised! I went to my cardiologist here in Huntsville for the first time since my heart procedure in Birmingham. They checked my ICD device (pacemaker/defibrillator) readings and it showed that I had had ZERO episodes since the ablation! Thank you so much for your prayers, keep up the good work. It appears that I will be able to be back in the pulpit on Easter Sunday. I can hardly wait!
Let me get back to our verse for a minute. It seems like the Psalmists were either praising God or complaining, I know that none of us have ever done that. One minute God is the greatest thing in our life and then when we hit one of life's speed bumps we are not even sure God loves us anymore. But God is to be praised at all times, in the good times and the tough times. It's like the disciples said to Jesus one day when He asked them if they wanted to leave - where else can we go (loosely paraphrased), to whom else is there to turn. The answer is no one and no where.
I watched the movie "Facing The Giants" again the other day. If you have seen the movie you know that one of the main story lines in the movie was about the coach and his wife having a child. They had tried for several years and still had no children. It was in the midst of a kind of spiritual revival in the coaches life that he asked his wife this question, "If God never gives us children will you still love Him?" That's a question we need to settle before the next crises comes along, or the next disappointment invades our life. Settle it now - don't wait until you find yourself in the midst of some crises. Say with the Psalmist, "From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised!" Whether it's in the middle of the day or the middle of the night the Lord is to be praised.
Praising Him today,
Bro. Charles
March 8, 2010 (11:31 a.m.)What a beautiful day the Lord has made! Perhaps we are about through the cold days and nights of winter and will move quickly into the joy of spring.
Let me share with you a few thoughts today. My blog is the only preaching I am getting to do right now, yet it has been a good outlet for me to share my heart with you during my absence. Look at James 1:2-4
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
For many of us in order for this to happen in our lives we would have to allow our faith to speak for us. When we encounter times of trials and testing probably the last thing we are thinking about is how joyful an experience it is! The reason for that is because we don't think like God thinks and our response to things is not God's response. There is never any panic or chaos in heaven - aren't you glad! Nothing takes God unaware, He knows everything that is going on in my life and yours at this very moment.
Every trial and time of testing has a purpose - God is growing us - God is developing our character - God is seeing if we really trust Him or not. James says that all these things that come our way produce endurance. Sometimes we might want to ask God, 'If that's true why do I want to quit and give up so often?' Who are you going to listen to, yourself or God? Who do you figure knows the most about your situation you or God?
God challenges us to allow the trial or test to accomplish its goal - spiritual maturity. We will never get all the answer to our questions. We will never always be satisfied with our situations. Yet we must always trust God because He is trustworthy and wants nothing but the best for our lives.
Have a blessed day,
Bro. Charles
March 3, 2010 (5:41 p.m.)As I was doing my daily Bible reading for today I read from Psalm 46 some wonderful words of hope and encouragement.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Amen."
God is truly a very present help in our times of trouble. Because of that we do not have to be afraid, "though". I think God is giving us the opportunity to personalize that verse a little for ourselves. You might put some of the following things: Though I am sick I will not be afraid. Though I have financial problems I will not be afraid. Though my marriage is not what it should be I will not be afraid. Though things are tough at work I will not be afraid. Whatever your "though" might be the truth remains God is our REFUGE and He is our STRENGTH and without a doubt He is a very present HELP in times of trouble!
Bro. Charles
March 2, 2010I certainly do miss all of you! It seems like forever since we have worshipped and fellowshipped together. My doctor has told me to take a month off before I seek to return to my activities. For me not to preach for that length of time is going to be tough!
This morning Paula and I drove to Birmingham in the snow! We left Huntsville around 4:45 a.m. I had my lab work done first and then had my heart procedure. God continues to surround me with Godly people. The doctor who performed the heart procedure on me today is a member of First Baptist Church of Gardendale and sings in their choir. He was able to put me at ease this morning as he talked me through the procedure. It was not a very long procedure and by about 9:00 a.m. we were headed home.
Please pray for Paula as she takes care of me. Please pray for my family as we walk through this time hand in hand with our hands in God's. Thank you for all the cards, calls and prayer support!
Your pastor and friend,
Bro. Charles
February 26, 2010 (11:15 p.m.)Wow, where do I start? First of all let me thank you so much for your prayers for me and my family over these past several days. Your prayers are felt and greatly appreciated.
The saga began on Friday evening around 10:00 p.m. when my ICD delivered it's first shock of the evening. Some thirty minutes later it struck again! Then it was time to go to the hospital, one shock and everything gets okay you really don't do anything, multiple shocks are a different story. I stayed in the ER until a little after 5:00 a.m. until they moved me to a room in the CCU unit. Things really continued to go downhill until around midnight. My heart rhythms remained pretty much all over the place. A decision was reached on Sunday morning to transfer me by ambulance to UAB in Birmingham.
On Monday a heart ablation was performed and was able to ablate two of the five Ventricular Tachycardia rhythms present. Since Monday, the ablation plus new medication has put my heart back into a stable rhythm. The big question is what is causing this problem. The answer has yet to be determined. I am scheduled to go back to UAB early in the week for some outpatient testing. Even though we are headed back it certainly feels good to be back at home tonight - we were dismissed this afternoon.
Please pray for all those that are involved in my case. Please pray for spiritual strength and mental stamina to endure this battle. The night before I was to have the ablation done I was laying in my bed reading the Bible. I had just finished reading some verses in Matthew when I turned to the book of Psalms. I have tried to teach you that in the midst of the battle, in the midst of the struggle God does have a Word for our situation. As I began to read from Psalm 25 this is the verse God gave me:
"The troubles of my heart have multiplied, please relief me of my anguish."
The King James Version says:
"The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring me thou out of my distresses."
It has seemed that throughout scripture it was not uncommon for the man of God to go through times of "thorns of the flesh", but God always saw fit to glorify Himself in it and allow no man to take credit for what He did. This is my prayer at this time in my life.
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal (temporary at best); but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
The bottom line is that God created me and God has called me, God knows me and He knows what's wrong with me. I am eagerly awaiting how He is going to be glorified through this situation. The doctor has told me to take some time off, which I will do though it will be very difficult for me not to be able to proclaim His blessed Word for several weeks. Please visit my blog as I will seek to keep you updated on my condition and prayerfully be able to share with you some of the things God is teaching me.
I am really claiming 2 Corinthians 2:3-4 for myself and for you as a church family.
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
Let me ask you to do what you can to lift our staff up in your prayers. Let me encourage you to remain faithful in the days ahead. I would love nothing more than to see our church grow during these days. I guess It's time for me to get some rest for the evening.
Thanking you for your prayers,
Bro. Charles and Paula and our entire family
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