Wrapping up Ruth

Below you will find links to the last two messages in the series from Ruth.  It was a blessing for me as I studied and prayed over these messages to see how the Lord has woven a fine tapestry in His Word.  The last two messages consider the topics of Purpose and Bitterness.  I truly hope that they will be a blessing to you, as they were to me.

Handfuls of Purpose

From Bitter to Blessed

A Series of Messages from Ruth

I have been preaching a series of messages from the book of Ruth.  It has been quite the blessing to me in my studies and personal life.  It is my hope that this series will be both a help and a blessing to you.  Here are the first few messages:

A Famine in the Land

The Consequences of Bad Decisions

Is this Naomi?

Whose Damsel is this?

Handfuls of Purpose

As this series continues, I will add more messages to this blog.

A Helpful Blog. . .

One of the things I struggle with as a preacher and in particular as a man called to the pastorate is finding where I stand on issues that face the church, and my denomination in particular.  Oftentimes, the difficult thing is not finding where I stand, but finding a scriptural basis to where I stand, because I have no desire to build on sinking sand.

One of these issues, that I really find should be more of a non-issue, is the issue of dress standards/

I believe the Bible teaches modesty.  Both men and women should dress modestly to honor the Lord.  I have often struggled with how we (Independent Fundamental Baptists) define "modesty" as women must wear dresses or skirts at all times.  

I'm going to attach a link to a blog that was recently shared with my wife, Laura.  She passed it on to me for my thoughts.  It was an eureka moment.  This blog echoed my thoughts, prayers, studies, and struggles exactly.  It was almost as if Pastor Reagan was eavesdropping on my conversations with the Lord.  

My intent in sharing this is not to pick a fight with anyone or to castigate anyone for their beliefs.  My intent is to make you think about why you believe what you believe as far as dress and modesty goes.  Read this entry with an open mind.  I'm not asking you to change what you believe, I'm asking you to simply consider how others' are struggling with an issue that, in my mind, should be a non-issue. 

I'm not interested in debating anyone, but if you would like to share your views in a positive, constructive way, feel free to do so.

The blog:
http://reaganreview.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/dress-standards-and-a-change-for-the-reagans/

See the Good

I’m tired.  It’s been a busy, hectic week in my life.  In fact, it’s been a busy, hectic year in my life.  But that’s okay because it has been good. 

Have you ever stopped to think about the good in your life?  Last night my lovely lady and I had a date night.  We did a little Christmas shopping and went to dinner at a nice steakhouse.  We wound up waiting for our table for a little over an hour.  Do I regret the hour we spent waiting?  Not for a minute!  We were able to sit next to each other and talk without interruption for an hour straight.  That never happens with three kids, two dogs, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, coworkers, church family…you get the idea. 

I was reminded of the good in my life.  As we waited for our table, we talked about favorite Christmas memories.  There were quite a few.  We talked about things coming up in our schedule...things we were going to do to help people.  That was another reminder of the good in my life.  We have the ability to help other people.

This morning, I woke up to the sound of my middle son, Alex, laughing.  He was watching some silly kids’ show on TV.  As I listened to him laugh, I was reminded of the simple joy of loving and being loved.  He saw me and immediately said “Love you, Daddy.”  Sweet words that reminded me of the good in my life.

This time of year gets crazy--going here, buying this, planning that, decorating.  Don’t forget the good in your life.  Don’t let life get in the way of the good things—being with those you love the most, your family and friends.  Don’t get so caught up in the preparations for the holiday season that you forget the point…do good for somebody.  This is the season for giving; it has been since the first Christmas.   

One of my favorite hymns of all time is "It is Well With My Soul."  The message of this particular song always gives me great joy and hope. Take a moment to read over the lyrics: 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
 

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
 

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

 

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul. 

 

I preached a message tonight entitled "It Shall Be Well."  The message is taken from the fourth chapter of II Kings.  Several people that are very precious to me are going through some battles right now and I believe that the Lord used the burden I am carrying in this message.  May it be a blessing to you.

 

It Shall Be Well  

Home at Last

We finally arrived home after two and a half hours.  The kids enjoyed a nice long nap as I enjoyed a nice long talk with the Lord.  

The kids are all with their parents and mine are all home.  It's been a good week, but its good to be home. 

Day Four, Part Three.

The evening started with the team meetings.   Right before team meeting, I asked one of the girls in my group if she was saved.  She said no, and when I asked her why not, she said quite flippantly, I don't know. 

I did not have liberty to press her.  She set by her self during the service on the row in front of our group.  She paid quite a bit of attention during the whole service.  During the invitation time, she asked if she could go to the altar.  I said yes.   I grabbed my Bible and followed her. 

There was no room at the altar, so I waited until there was room.  I knelt down beside her and said "sweetie, why are you here?"

She looked up at me with the most beautiful eyes and burst out crying. I mean sobbing, and gasping for breath. I tried to talk with her for a few more minutes without any success. I realized that I was beyond my skill level in dealing with a broken hearted little girl. So I did the smartest thing I could do. I called for my wife. Laura took this little girl and dealt with her like the daughter she didn't have. She finally got the little girl to calm down enough to say she needed Jesus. There's a new name written down in Glory. Thanks be to God for a godly wife.