Attribute it to old age or whatever you want–I just can’t get excited over professional sports anymore. I really don’t care very much who wins the “Super Bowl”. What difference does it make? Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not being critical of those who do enjoy sports–as long as it doesn’t hinder them from serving God. I understand that recreation can be a good thing, when done in moderation.

My concern lies in the area of “What is your greatest concern?”. I’m afraid that we get too excited about things that are of no eternal value. We seem to have forgotten that even sinless things can become sinful (see 1 Cor. 8). In and of themself some things are fine, even helpful, unless taken to excess. Then we’ve got a problem. Sadly, some folks waste their time, money, and energy on the things of this world when they should be investing their lives in things that really matter.

As Christians we aren’t left to wonder what our purpose and mission is. If I have to explain that you’re not spending enough time in the Bible. Regardless of what I accomplish in life, if I fail to fulfill my purpose and complete my mission I’m a failure. The same is true of you.

Now, I’ll be honest–although I didn’t watch the game, I would have preferred that the Colts would have won–but they didn’t, and that’s fine. Again I say, “What difference does it make?”. I’m not trying to come across like I’m some super spiritual saint who is better than someone else. I’m just saying what I feel. I am much more excited about that day when the saints truly go marching in at the return of our Wonderful Savior. Now that will make a big difference! That’s why Paul wrote: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”(Titus 2:13-14).THINK ABOUT IT!

Many pastors will tell you that they look forward to a “Business Meeting” about as much as a root canal. I know how they feel–I’ve been through some of those painful experiences. Some of the most unChristian behavior that I’ve ever seen took place during church business meetings. That’s sad!

Our annual business meeting was Sunday night and it was pure delight. Lakeway Baptist Church isn’t like every other church. Other than our annual business (which is required by law) we do not have regularly scheduled business meetings. We simply conduct business when the need for it arises.

Sunday evening we conducted our business as we normally do. You know–call to order, etc. We didn’t worry about “Robert’s Rules of Order” and we didn’t get into any heated debates. Every member was given an opportunity to speak and to vote. All was done in a very Christ-like manner. As the pastor, I am thankful for such a wonderful cooperative congregation. It’s a blessing to see people behave like “ladies” and “gentlemen”. That’s the way it should be.

As soon as we adjourned we spent a few minutes worshipping God in song. It just so happened that one of my dear friends from Lexington, Ky. was in town and he blessed our hearts in song. Hearing Bro. Okey Smith sing again brought back a lot of memories. He and Bro. Nolan Irvin provided just the music that we needed for what came next.

At the conclusion of our service and just before our “Sandwich Supper” we honored Bro. Dennis Hamlin who recently resigned as our Music Director, due to ill health, after twelve years of faithful service. It has been a wonderful experience having Bro. Dennis as our Music Director and we ask you to pray that God will restore his health.

Another special blessing that came out of our business meeting was the installation of Tim Stone as our new Music Director. It just so happens that Tim is my son. Until recently, I never dreamed that one of my sons would be a Music Director, but God has a way of surprising us. As any parent will tell you–it is a great blessing to see your children serving God.

I simply cannot imagine how any Christian would not enjoy a business meeting and evening like this. I am proud to be the pastor of a church such as this, and extremely thankful for all the many blessings God has bestowed upon us. We are looking forward to a great year and we ask that you pray for us as we seek to exalt our Wonderful Savior.

For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places.–Matthew 24:7 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.–Matthew 24:21   All eyes have recently been focused on Haiti. The latest report estimates at least 200,000 dead, 2 million homeless, and 250,000 in need of urgent help! 80,000 have been buried and workers are using earth-movers to bury 10,000 victims a day. Relief workers warn that the death toll could increase! All this and the threat of more after-shocks to follow. It staggers the mind to think about it.   My mind simply cannot fathom the depths of this tragedy. I can’t imagine what it is like to be wandering the streets seeking, amid the rubble, a scrap of food. But, the sad truth is that the worst is yet to come! Jesus spoke about a world-wide tribulation ,”such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”(Matt.24:21)   Make no mistake about it–that day will come, and it might be a whole lot sooner than we think. The Bible clearly teaches that Christ will come and remove His people and then a seven year period of tribulation begins. Words cannot describe how horrible that time will be. There will be “natural disasters” on a scale unlike anything we’ve ever seen. The shortage of food will cause people to resort to cannibalism, even eating the flesh of their own children. That’s the bad news.   The good news is–well, the good news is “the good news”, the gospel! Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, according to the scripture, that we might be saved(1 Cor.15:1-4). Although we have no guarantee that we won’t have to suffer here on earth, we will escape the wrath to come because we have trusted Christ.”For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”(1 Thess. 5:9) That, my dear friend, is the good news and our only hope. Trust Him today.   If you have already received Christ as your Savior, think of the impending doom of those who haven’t. We all have family and friends who haven’t been saved and we need to do everything in our power to bring them to Christ. Even as the workers labor feverishly to rescue the earthquake victims in Haiti, let us do all we can to win the lost at any cost. Rather than being characterized by fun and games, we need to get busy doing the serious work God has called us to do. As the old song says: Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, Tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save. THINK ABOUT IT!

Again–last night I was reminded of the power of music. Bro. Shawn Drewett, from Alexandria, LA and some of our folks provided the music and it was simply an awesome evening. How anyone could intentionally miss something like this is beyond me–but, that’s their problem not mine and I don’t care to turn this blessing into a gripe session. I’ll save that for another time. So, back to the blessing.

As the music flowed you could see the difference on the faces of the people. There were times of laughter and of tears. It was like a spigot to a fountain of joy had been opened and everyone drank deeply. We heard old songs and new songs, fast songs and slow songs, and all of them ministered to our hearts. It reminded me again of the powerful force of music.

Best of all ,the evening ended with a precious soul being saved. After many months of preaching, teaching, and praying she received Christ as her Lord and Savior. I was immediately reminded of the first time over a year ago that someone mentioned her in prayer. God answered and we rejoiced.

If you’re having a bad day and feeling down and out, let me make a suggestion. I’ve done it myself and it works. Take a song book and start thumbing through the pages. When you come to a song you recognize stop and sing it to yourself. Doing this will bring you face to face with glorious truths that will cheer your heart. Nothing lifts your spirit like getting your focus on the goodness and greatness of God, and music is a wonderful vehicle for doing that. Setting the truth to music has a way of helping it stick in your mind. You know what I mean–you get a tune in your head and find yourself thinking about it all week long. You’re going to think about something–if you don’t fill your mind with good things Satan will fill it with bad stuff. Paul tells us that if we are to enjoy the peace of God we must think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Next to memorizing God’s Word, singing is the best way to do that. And it will have a tremendous impact on your life. So grab the old hymn book, sit down a spell, and sing your blues away. Think about it!

Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been
operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin
Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.

Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the
Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as
Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and
destroy.

However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by
the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism
force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team
does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.

Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of
Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different
characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin
Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return. (AUTHOR UNKNOWN)