Ever since mankind became hunters after the global flood, there have been many methods employed to pursue our game of choice. Some hunters prefer a good spot and stalk, using their knowledge and ability to sneak up close to the prey. Some hunters like the community effort of a good "deer" drive, whereby they attempt to flush out the game to some other human predators lying in wait. Other hunters prefer to find a stationary spot on a good crossing or feeding spot, at which they place a treestand to remain hidden up in the perch of a concealing tree. Myself, I prefer a stand in a tree to surprise the unsuspecting deer that happen to wander by my undisclosed locale.
Have you ever thought about some spiritual applications of the treestand? While we are often only focused on the hunt itself, I am mindful of some spiritual truths which can be found above the ground in the security of a tree-hugger. The following is a plethora of treestand truths from a young man who has spent many hours in God's great outdoors.
Spiritual application #1 - Place your stand in the best possible spot for close encounters. Especially true for bowhunting, make sure your stand will offer you that shot at a close proximity. Just as deer are a target of many bowhunters, our targets for evangelism are those who don't have Christ in their life. If we are going to reach people, we need to be in close proximity to the people. Jesus called us to be fishers of men (Mark 1:17), so it only makes sense to be around the people. You can't catch men unless you're in their midst.
Spiritual application #2 - Make sure to secure yourself so you don't fall. Safety belts can be life savers, even if you're only hunting ten feet off the ground. Likewise, we have security available for our spiritual lives. We are told in the Bible that we can fall from grace and drift away(Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 2:1; 3:2; 4:11). We need to make sure we are secured through salvation in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who have been obedient to the gospel can be secure in their salvation by walking in the light (1 John 1:7), and we can know that we're saved (1 John 5:13). My brother, Chris, fell out of a treestand one time and lived to tell about it. Those who fall spiritually will not be able to secure themselves once they die or the Lord returns.
Spiritual application #3 - There are many different types of treestands. Climbing stands are beneficial when you are going to be in the area temporarily. Hanging stands are great options for the season when you need a low profile in the tree. Ladder stands are great when you've got lots of cover, and perhaps you've even got one to accomodate two people. Just as there are many types of stands, the church is made up of many different kinds of people. There is one body, but there are many different parts (1 Corinthians 12:12ff; Romans 12:3-8).
Spiritual application #4 - The aim of a treestand is to lift you above where you are. If you're hunting on the ground, you don't need a treestand; their purpose is to get you above the ground. Likewise, Christians are to set their minds on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2). I'm mindful of the song Higher Ground and the line that states "Lord, plant my feet on higher ground." Think about this the next time you plant your feet in the lofty heights of your treestand.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The King of Frugal Footwear Finders
I may not be great at many things, but there is one facet of my life in which I consider myself in the upper echelon. While I do not take great pleasure in shopping, there are a few things in which I take great pleasure doing. When it comes to purchasing a new pair of shoes, I rule. To be more specific, these shoes must fit the "3C" criteria: cheap, comfortable and convincing. I'm always looking for a frugal buy, they must feel pleasing to my feet and the style of the shoe must look like it belongs to me. If you think I'm just bragging on myself, let me give you the evidence.
Last May while in Memphis for a relative's wedding, I realized I had forgotten my black dress shoes. To quickly remedy the situation, my uncle and I hopped in the car and drove to the factory outlet mall. We were both in search of shoes, so we strolled into one of the stores. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the store, but let's just say their pricing was foreign to my taste buds. Even on the clearance rack, I was having trouble finding what I wanted.
That's when it hit me! I glanced across to the stores on the other side of the mall, and there was a Hush Puppies store. The hope of very small dollar signs flashed before my eyes, so I ran over to the other side while my uncle was still in search. As I entered the store, I ran straight to the clearance rack. Size nine, black dress shoes, look for the stickers with the highest percentage off, and yes, we have a winner. I tried one on, loved the fit and feel, and yes it encapsuled my "3C" criteria. I quickly took it up to the clerk and said I'll take these, please. I was in and out of the store in less than five minutes. Those shoes only cost me nineteen dollars and some change. I was even waiting on my uncle when he was paying for his shoes. Do you think this is luck?
Yesterday, I was in search of some new brown dress shoes. Again, it had to fit the criteria. I walked into Rack Room Shoes here in Columbia, where I was met immediately by one of the clerks. I told her I was looking for a cheap, brown dress shoe, and I told her I would know it when I saw it. After walking straight to the clearance rack, I found a pair of brown dress shoes that matched my criteria (cheap, comfy and convincing). I tried one on, and I walked to the counter still wearing one of them. I told them I would know it when I saw it. These shoes were marked down from sixty something dollars to eighteen dollars. Yes, this was another pair of shoes under twenty dollars, even after adding tax! Again, I was not even in the store five minutes from the time I walked in the front doors.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now and forevermore dub myself the King of Frugal Footwear Finders!
Last May while in Memphis for a relative's wedding, I realized I had forgotten my black dress shoes. To quickly remedy the situation, my uncle and I hopped in the car and drove to the factory outlet mall. We were both in search of shoes, so we strolled into one of the stores. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the store, but let's just say their pricing was foreign to my taste buds. Even on the clearance rack, I was having trouble finding what I wanted.
That's when it hit me! I glanced across to the stores on the other side of the mall, and there was a Hush Puppies store. The hope of very small dollar signs flashed before my eyes, so I ran over to the other side while my uncle was still in search. As I entered the store, I ran straight to the clearance rack. Size nine, black dress shoes, look for the stickers with the highest percentage off, and yes, we have a winner. I tried one on, loved the fit and feel, and yes it encapsuled my "3C" criteria. I quickly took it up to the clerk and said I'll take these, please. I was in and out of the store in less than five minutes. Those shoes only cost me nineteen dollars and some change. I was even waiting on my uncle when he was paying for his shoes. Do you think this is luck?
Yesterday, I was in search of some new brown dress shoes. Again, it had to fit the criteria. I walked into Rack Room Shoes here in Columbia, where I was met immediately by one of the clerks. I told her I was looking for a cheap, brown dress shoe, and I told her I would know it when I saw it. After walking straight to the clearance rack, I found a pair of brown dress shoes that matched my criteria (cheap, comfy and convincing). I tried one on, and I walked to the counter still wearing one of them. I told them I would know it when I saw it. These shoes were marked down from sixty something dollars to eighteen dollars. Yes, this was another pair of shoes under twenty dollars, even after adding tax! Again, I was not even in the store five minutes from the time I walked in the front doors.
Ladies and gentlemen, I now and forevermore dub myself the King of Frugal Footwear Finders!
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Bridge Report
Several of you are aware of our worhsip service on Sunday night at the Bridge, one of our local assisted living homes here in Columbia. Last night was a total shock to me, because there were 48 people in attendance. The record crowd had been 37, but last night blew that right out of the water! I give God the credit for so many good people wanting to sing and hear a message from His Word.
For those interested, I have posted the audio sermon of last night's lesson. We looked at the story of the Philippian jailer, examining one of the great cases of conversion from Acts 16:25-34. I must say if you listen to the sermon, don't be surprised when you hear people clapping when I started. There was a tremendous crowd, and they were excited by that. I am uncomfortable with people clapping when I am speaking, but given the circumstances I let them be enthusiastic about it. You've got to remember, about 2/3 of our group are not members of the church! I hope and pray that the crowd continues to increase, because there are many people in attendance who can be reached with the gospel in its simplicity.
Please pray for this effort, as God will give the increase in this area of ministry to senior adults!
For those interested, I have posted the audio sermon of last night's lesson. We looked at the story of the Philippian jailer, examining one of the great cases of conversion from Acts 16:25-34. I must say if you listen to the sermon, don't be surprised when you hear people clapping when I started. There was a tremendous crowd, and they were excited by that. I am uncomfortable with people clapping when I am speaking, but given the circumstances I let them be enthusiastic about it. You've got to remember, about 2/3 of our group are not members of the church! I hope and pray that the crowd continues to increase, because there are many people in attendance who can be reached with the gospel in its simplicity.
Please pray for this effort, as God will give the increase in this area of ministry to senior adults!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I've Come to Expect That!
Have you ever driven through a parking lot only to have some crazy driver come flying across in front of you? I can tell you that I have had this happen to me in Maury County on multiple occasions. I've had it happen at Wal-Mart, Fred's and who knows where else over the years. People don't pay attention to what they're doing. I think these circumstances cause me to become a very defensive driver.
No, that's not all I encounter when I'm traveling in Columbia. I have drivers all the time think they have the right of way to turn left at a green light when I'm opposite them at the same green light turning right. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen. Who taught these people how to drive? I know that I did not learn to drive like that. Are people that ignorant of the rules of the road or are they just inattentive?
The next time you come to Maury County, make sure you bring your second set of eyes. The driving is crazy down here at times. I've come to expect that!
No, that's not all I encounter when I'm traveling in Columbia. I have drivers all the time think they have the right of way to turn left at a green light when I'm opposite them at the same green light turning right. It's the craziest thing I've ever seen. Who taught these people how to drive? I know that I did not learn to drive like that. Are people that ignorant of the rules of the road or are they just inattentive?
The next time you come to Maury County, make sure you bring your second set of eyes. The driving is crazy down here at times. I've come to expect that!
Monday, September 21, 2009
What are you devouring daily?
We as human beings ingest many different types of written material on a daily basis. Some people can't start the day unless they have a cup of coffee in one hand and newspaper in the other. Others have their daily fix on whatever type of magazine they prefer. Granted it can be a great thing to be able to devour the information contained in these for our consumption, but how often are we devouring the information contained in God's Word, the Bible?
The Bible is and will continue to be the world's best-selling book, yet sadly it is one of the most neglected. The majority of all American households own at least one copy, yet I wonder how many of those have pages who have never or seldom been turned. What keeps people from devouring the Word in contrast to other forms of written communication.
The way I see it, the reason for a lack of daily Bible study is due to two things: lack of time commitment and lack of love. It's not that we don't have the time available in our daily schedules; it's that we devote our time to other things instead of making the time for Bible study a priority. It's not that we don't love the Bible; it's that we love other things more, and we show it by the activities and material things to which we attach ourselves rather than God's Word.
Let's make sure we're giving daily attention to God's Word by making the commitment and showing our love for the Bible. The Psalmist says in Ps. 119:97 "O how I love your law, it is my meditation all the day." We learn from the early church the importance of studying the Scriptures. The Bereans were considered more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, "for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Also, one of the things that Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:15 was that we gain God's approval by studying His Word, as we diligently digest God's message for us.
I see three things that we can take from the early church. First, we need to put an emphasis on daily Bible study. The Bereans were searching the Scriptures daily, and so should we. Second, we need to put an emphasis on personal responsibility. The Bereans weren't taking Paul's word for it; they were looking for themselves to see whether these things were so. Third, we need to put an emphasis on God's approval. Are you being diligent to present yourself approved unto God? What kind of approval rating would you give yourself? Better yet, what kind of approval rating would God give you? What are you devouring daily to further enhance your knowledge and walk with God?
The Bible is and will continue to be the world's best-selling book, yet sadly it is one of the most neglected. The majority of all American households own at least one copy, yet I wonder how many of those have pages who have never or seldom been turned. What keeps people from devouring the Word in contrast to other forms of written communication.
The way I see it, the reason for a lack of daily Bible study is due to two things: lack of time commitment and lack of love. It's not that we don't have the time available in our daily schedules; it's that we devote our time to other things instead of making the time for Bible study a priority. It's not that we don't love the Bible; it's that we love other things more, and we show it by the activities and material things to which we attach ourselves rather than God's Word.
Let's make sure we're giving daily attention to God's Word by making the commitment and showing our love for the Bible. The Psalmist says in Ps. 119:97 "O how I love your law, it is my meditation all the day." We learn from the early church the importance of studying the Scriptures. The Bereans were considered more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, "for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). Also, one of the things that Paul told Timothy in 2 Tim. 2:15 was that we gain God's approval by studying His Word, as we diligently digest God's message for us.
I see three things that we can take from the early church. First, we need to put an emphasis on daily Bible study. The Bereans were searching the Scriptures daily, and so should we. Second, we need to put an emphasis on personal responsibility. The Bereans weren't taking Paul's word for it; they were looking for themselves to see whether these things were so. Third, we need to put an emphasis on God's approval. Are you being diligent to present yourself approved unto God? What kind of approval rating would you give yourself? Better yet, what kind of approval rating would God give you? What are you devouring daily to further enhance your knowledge and walk with God?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Hummingbird Hero
Okay. I'm not one to have lightning strike twice in the same place. Last week, I rescued a hummingbird from its peril as it got its beak stuck in a light fixture in our garage. For those of you who didn't read about it on Facebook, I was able to take the bird in my hand while its wings just dangled there lifelessly from its body. With a wiggle and a tug on the little hummingfowl, I freed the bird and watched it hover toward the heavens.
Here's where it gets crazy. I came home today, and my oldest son, Conner, told me there was a hummingbird in the garage again. Believe it or not, it was the same hummingbird (best I could tell) that I freed last time. This time it wasn't stuck; it was simply hovering around aimlessly like it couldn't find its way out of the big hole called our garage door opening!
I tried relentlessly this afternoon to find a way to free this fowl, but hummingbirds can be very hard to catch when they're not stuck. They're crafty little fliers, and I was afraid to be too rough with its delicate little body. After taking a break until this evening, I was able to return to the garage and make another attempt. Patience and careful stalking paid off again! I managed to pin that little hummingbird to the ceiling and clutch it in my hand. With the bird shrieking, I descended the ladder to walk out in the dark night and set the bird aloft. I couldn't see her take off, but I could hear the good vibrations of her wings as she flew the coop. It feels good to be a hummingbird hero!
Here's where it gets crazy. I came home today, and my oldest son, Conner, told me there was a hummingbird in the garage again. Believe it or not, it was the same hummingbird (best I could tell) that I freed last time. This time it wasn't stuck; it was simply hovering around aimlessly like it couldn't find its way out of the big hole called our garage door opening!
I tried relentlessly this afternoon to find a way to free this fowl, but hummingbirds can be very hard to catch when they're not stuck. They're crafty little fliers, and I was afraid to be too rough with its delicate little body. After taking a break until this evening, I was able to return to the garage and make another attempt. Patience and careful stalking paid off again! I managed to pin that little hummingbird to the ceiling and clutch it in my hand. With the bird shrieking, I descended the ladder to walk out in the dark night and set the bird aloft. I couldn't see her take off, but I could hear the good vibrations of her wings as she flew the coop. It feels good to be a hummingbird hero!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Those Noisy Monkeys!
On Saturday Dianna and I ventured out with the boys to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. We were in the middle of one of the animal shows at the ampitheater when the howler monkeys started in with their howling and rioty ruckus. You could tell that the presenter in the ampitheater was having to compete with the noise of those monkeys. You could even tell that everyone else present was aware of all the noise behind us.
The early church was like those howler monkeys to some extent: they were making noise! When we study some attributes of the early church, one of those attributes that stands out is the fact that they were willing to make noise and make themselves heard for the cause of Christ. I see from the book of Acts that they were causing a disturbance (Acts 4:1-4), they were going about preaching the Word (Acts 5:40ff) and they were risking their lives (Acts 7). If we're going to take some notes from the early church, we need to be making some noise today instead of staying silent.
If you want to listen to my thoughts in more detail, check out my latest sermon audio link that I posted this morning. Let's make sure we're being heard, as the church should be the voice of God carrying His Word to the world. We should be causing a disturbance and rocking the boat at times. We should be preaching Jesus and teaching His message by evangelizing others in their homes, in the workplace or wherever we can. We also need to be convicted about this cause so others can see that we would risk our lives for Christ if necessary. God help us to be more devoted Christians as we make noise for Him!
The early church was like those howler monkeys to some extent: they were making noise! When we study some attributes of the early church, one of those attributes that stands out is the fact that they were willing to make noise and make themselves heard for the cause of Christ. I see from the book of Acts that they were causing a disturbance (Acts 4:1-4), they were going about preaching the Word (Acts 5:40ff) and they were risking their lives (Acts 7). If we're going to take some notes from the early church, we need to be making some noise today instead of staying silent.
If you want to listen to my thoughts in more detail, check out my latest sermon audio link that I posted this morning. Let's make sure we're being heard, as the church should be the voice of God carrying His Word to the world. We should be causing a disturbance and rocking the boat at times. We should be preaching Jesus and teaching His message by evangelizing others in their homes, in the workplace or wherever we can. We also need to be convicted about this cause so others can see that we would risk our lives for Christ if necessary. God help us to be more devoted Christians as we make noise for Him!
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