Mr. Socks

When my son, Emerson, was a little boy, he used to pull socks up his arms.  Then he would run around the house saying to all of us, "Hey everyone, my name is Mr. Socks!"  The little guy would always crack up laughing when he did it, and so did the rest of us.  It was a funny sight to behold!

Pretending or wishing to be someone else is not just something kids do.  Sometimes teenagers and adults want to do the same thing.   Maybe a few of these ideas have run through your mind at one time or another:

"I wish I was taller."

"I wish I was shorter."

"I wish I looked different."

"I wish I had a different kind of personality."

"I wish I had a different set of skills."

To be honest, I've thought things like this before.  Perhaps you have too.  It happens.

Let's all consider this today:  God made you and me exactly what we are for all the right reasons.  Rather than spending our time trying to turn into Mr. Socks or someone else, we should simply accept who we are and get comfortable in our own skin.  

In Psalm 139:14, the writer proclaims, "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Isn't that a fantastic verse?  He is saying, "God, You made me for a specific reason and with a perfect plan in mind; therefore, I worship you."

The little boy who said it years ago was exactly right:  "God don't make no junk."

There's nothing wrong with kids pretending to be someone else.  But when we grow up, we need to understand who we are and learn to be ok with it.  God didn't make a mistake when He made you or me.  So let's accept how He made us and live to the fullest.

Sermons And Baseball

I've noticed something over the years:  sermons and baseball are a lot alike.  Of course, baseball is entertainment and church is not.  I do get that.  But think about this for a moment...

In baseball, sometimes a batter will hit a single and only make it to first base.  Fans in the stands notice that and appreciate it, but they don't get too worked up over it.  Other times, he may hit a double.  That's a little more exciting.  Occasionally, a batter will hit a triple.  When he does this, people cheer a little louder.  And on some occasions, he really connects well and hits a home run over the fence.  This really generates a buzz and gets everyone up on their feet. 

Nobody hits a homerun every time they step up to the plate.  Nobody.  Sure, that would be a lot of fun, but it just doesn't happen.  That's not realistic.

The same thing can be said about preaching.  It's hard to hit a homerun every single time we step in the pulpit.  What I mean is this:  some sermons may result in a visible, powerful reaction from the people in the pews, while other sermons may not.  Some sermons may be a like a homerun, and other sermons may be more like a single. 

Consider this from the perspective of those who are sitting in the pews and listening to our sermons.  They may be tired.  They may be distracted.  They may have had a stressful morning before they got to church.  Any number of factors can influence how they are feeling and what they are thinking while we are preaching.  And this can affect how they respond to the messages we deliver on Sunday morning. 

Also, it's important to keep in mind that different topics affect different people in different ways.  A sermon on marriage might connect a lot more with a married couple in their 40's than it does with a widow in her 90's.  A sermon on money may hit home more with a business man in his 50's than with a young lady who is 15.  It's possible that the topic we are preaching on that day does not directly affect everyone the same way.  This can influence how people react to what we are preaching.

Here's what I'm trying to say:  Not every sermon is going to get the whole crowd on their feet cheering at the top of their lungs with tears streaming down their face like crazed fans at the World Series. 

If you're sitting in the pews, some sermons you hear may just be a reminder of something you learned years ago.  Other messages may be heavily convicting.  And then there are those that will set your heart on fire and stir you up in a big way.  It'll probably be different each week.  If the sermon you heard one Sunday morning doesn't stir your soul, just keep in mind that you still did the right thing by being in God's house and you still were encouraged in your faith.  Furthermore, next Sunday's sermon may be EXACTLY what you've needed to hear for years.  It's not going to be the same thing every Sunday, and that's perfectly normal. 

If you're in the pulpit, some sermons you preach may lead to a visible, loud response, while others may lead to stillness and silence.  Also, it's important to know that some people are very private and introverted with their response.  They may not be reacting on the outside, but their mind and their heart may be in overdrive privately as they take in what is being said.  Depending on a lot of different factors, the way people react will most likely be different every week.  So don't get too worked up either way about how people respond.  Just do your job and faithfully preach God's word week in and week out.  How people react to our sermons is between them and God.  It's not about us anyway.

Regardless of whether the sermon is a single or a homerun, it's always worth while to be in God's house with God's people.  That's time well spent every Sunday.  And it's never a waste.  As long as He is being worshipped, His Spirit is moving freely, His word is being preached, and people are bonding closely with Him, it's a win-win for everyone involved.

It's true.  Sermons are a lot like baseball.  And that's perfectly fine with me.

Moving To Texas

In the summer of 1993, Lara and I got married.  A few weeks after our honeymoon, we packed up everything we owned, and started driving west on Interstate 20.  Why?  Because we were moving 20 hours away to Texas.  I was entering seminary in Fort Worth, so that's why we made the big journey.

She cried the whole way out there.  It was her first time leaving home, so it was a big deal for her.  A time or two I wondered, "How is this going to work with her being so homesick already?"

But she hung in there.  We arrived, made good friends, got in a routine, and ended up loving our new life.  She found an awesome teaching job in Arlington, which was a short drive from our apartment.  It was a great three years for us.  In 1996, I graduated and it was time for us to move to our first church, which was in North Carolina. 

Guess what happened?

She cried the whole way from Texas to Wagram, North Carolina.  Lara had grown to love the Lone Star State.  And she missed it greatly when we left.

Still today we laugh about that.  My, how things changed!  It's funny how that happens in life.

This little story about Lara reminds me of something...

Change is hard, but it can be done. 

At first, it was tough for Lara.  She struggled with it emotionally for a little while.  But she ended up loving that stage of life. 

Maybe you're facing a change right now at church, work, school, or home.  And perhaps it's difficult for you.  Just remember that God can help you adapt and thrive in this new chapter of life.  Sure, it might seem tough at first, but hang in there.  It gets better.  In time, you can adjust and learn to appreciate this season of life.

One thing I've learned about life is that it doesn't stay the same forever.  Things change.  When that happens, don't fight it or choose misery.  Accept it as the next part of your life's story, and charge enthusiastically into this new opportunity to learn, grow, and soar.

Change.  It's not the end of the world.  It's just the door through which we step into a new chapter of life.  And it can be a wonderful experience!

Lucy Enter And The Bridge

Lucy Enter, a wonderful member here at New Calvary Baptist Church, made the following statement more than once:  "If you go to church long enough, someone will hurt your feelings.  When this happens, you have to build a bridge and get over it."

Powerful statement, isn't it?!

We're human.  That means we fail and hurt each other.  Some times we mean to.  Other times we don't.  Either way, it happens.

When this takes place, we can freeze in our tracks with bitterness.  Holding a grudge immobilizes us.  Or we can forgive and let go of the resentment we feel.  At this moment, we can move forward with our lives and leave that anger behind. 

Lucy passed away a few days ago.  A few hours ago, I preached the sermon for her memorial service.  As I sit here tonight, I have her wise statement on my mind.  "Build a bridge and get over it."  That's good advice for us all.  When it comes to the pain we feel from mistreatment, it's best to forgive and move on.  

Thank you, Lucy.  You taught us much through your actions and words.  Now enjoy your new life up there.  I look forward to the day when we get to see you again.

Sunday Night Rewind - 5/8/16

*  Happy Mother's Day to all you special ladies out there!!

*  I'm thankful for Lara being a good mom to our kids, and I'm thankful to Mom for being such a blessing to my brothers and me.  Both of these women mean a lot.

*  We had a big crowd today here at New Calvary Baptist Church.  

*  The music was worshipful and well done.

*  I preached "A Message For Moms And Everyone Else" out of 1 Samuel 1.  This was my point:  In her pain, Hannah prayed, found peace, and praised God.  In following her example, we should do the same.  It was a fun message to preach.

*  At the end of the service, a fine couple joined New Calvary.  What a thrill that was!

*  Welcome, Linwood and Lynn.  We're all glad you're here!  

*  Revival services went really well here at the church this past week.

*  Many thanks to Wyman Richardson for preaching powerful messages.

*  There was a positive spirit in the air, and we all enjoyed wonderful times of worship.  It was a great few days!

*  My middle brother, Condy, came over to join us for one service.

*  I'm always glad when the three of us can get together for a visit.  It doesn't happen much because all three of us are pastors.  So when we do get to hang out, it's a great time.

*  I'm proud of Wyman's wife, Roni.  She was recognized as Elementary School Teacher Of The Year at her school in Arkansas on Friday.

*  Way to go, Roni!  You're great at what you do.  :)

*  It's been a fine few days.  I'm a blessed and thankful man.

*  New blog posts will be posted this week.

*  Rest well tonight.  God bless you and yours.

What I Love About My Mom

I'm blessed with a great mom.  Diane is her name.  This is some of what I love about her...

Mom is an amazing cook.  I've always enjoyed the meals she prepares.  Delicious food comes out of her kitchen.  Her lemon meringue pie is my all-time favorite dessert, by the way!

Mom is a passionate educator.  For years she has been teaching and serving as a guidance counselor.  Many young people here in Sumter have been blessed by her work at Thomas Sumter Academy and Wilson Hall.  I think one of the reasons my brothers and I earned our doctorates is because of her stressing to us the importance of education.

Mom is a protective parent.  I've seen it many times.  If someone comes down too hard on my brothers or me, she gets pretty protective.  She can fuss at us, but she doesn't think you can.  Furthermore, if my brothers and I pick on each other, she sticks up for the one being targeted.  Mom looks out for her sons.  Always has, and always will.

Mom is a forgiving friend.  She understands that nobody is perfect and everybody fails.  While she does not excuse sin, she does show grace to the sinner.  I've been a recipient of her forgiveness when I've done wrong and made a royal mess of things.  While others gave up on me at times, she has lovingly worked with me and helped me make changes in my life along the way.

Mom is a committed Christian.  I've watched her for years love Jesus, read her Bible, pray, and worship.  And the church matters greatly to her.  As a son of Diane Richardson, I rejoice in knowing she is a child of God.  

Am I saying she's perfect?  Of course not.  Nobody is.  But what I am saying is this:  Mom has a good heart, means well, and gives her very best in life.  She loves her Lord and her family.  And that's really what matters.

I'm proud to say I'm one of Diane Richardson's three sons.  And I love her greatly.  Without a doubt, she is one of the best blessings I've enjoyed in my life.

Thanks for everything, Mom.  :)

Seeking More Than Words

I have a book of "seek a word" puzzles, and I love it.  It's fun and relaxing for me to sit there and search for the words that are listed in the column.  And I've learned a few ways to find words quicker than before.  Over time, I have gotten good at it! 

But I've also realized that we all must be seeking more than words in life.  GOD should be ultimately what we are looking for with our hearts and minds.  And here is the good news:  We can be successful in doing this!

In Deuteronomy 4:29, we read "you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all you heart and with all your soul."  Then we see this in Jeremiah 29:13 : "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."  Aren't these two verses great?!  They remind us that God is not a mystery hidden in the shadows that refuses to be found.  Not at all!  God is present and available to those who seek Him.  As Acts 17:27 so wonderfully tells us, "He is not far from any one of us."

Are you wanting to have an encounter with God?  Just say "Yes!" to Jesus.  Dig in scripture.  Call out in prayer.  Look and reach Heavenward in worship.  Seek God in these ways, and you will find Him.

It's fun to find those words in my puzzles.  I really enjoy that.  But it's far more thrilling to find God's awesome presence and fulfilling blessings.  Life does not get any better than that.

Let's all seek Him today.

The Dallas Key And Pittsburgh Tattoo

I had one of my keys remade with a Dallas Cowboys design.  Since I'm a lifelong fan, it was fun to finally get one.  And I'm always proud to show it off to my friends and family.

Recently I was at a local drugstore when I laid my keys on the cashier's counter for a moment.  The moment she saw my key, the young lady said, "Oh no, not Dallas!"  Then she pulled up one of her shirt sleeves to show me her Pittsburgh Steelers tattoo.  (For those of you who don't know, the Cowboys and the Steelers are big football rivals.)  When she said that, I looked at her and said, "It's ok, we can still be friends anyway."  The young lady smiled back and said, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Here's what I believe:  Disagreement is normal and healthy.  People are not going to share the same view on every single topic.  This is true in areas such as politics, sports, cultural issues, and religion.  But I honestly believe we all can still get along anyway.  We can disagree on certain issues and still be friends who work together in the areas where we do see eye to eye.

I have some friends who are more conservative than me, and I have other friends who are more liberal.  I've got some friends who are Carolina Gamecocks and others who are Clemson Tigers.  Some good people I know are Democrats, others are Republicans, and one is a Libertarian.   You know what?  I'm ok with my friends and me not seeing eye to eye on everything.  We still get along well and we treat each other with respect.  If you ask me, I think that's how it ought to be.

May we all keep this in mind:  Love matters!  Whether we agree or disagree on certain issues, let's look out for one another and be friends anyway.  That'll make this world a much more pleasant place to be, and the call of Jesus to love each other will be fulfilled in a wonderful way.

Preaching Verse By Verse

I just finished preaching through the book of James here at New Calvary.  For three and a half months, I walked our church family through it verse by verse.  We studied the whole book from its beginning to its end.

This has not been my normal practice of preaching in the past.  Working through an entire book is not something I've done much of during my ministry.  But after this experience with James, I've come to a greater appreiation for this type of preaching.

Here is what I like about preaching verse by verse...

(1). It helps me and others learn more about specific parts of the Bible.  When we focus on just one book at a time, we tend to dig deeper and discover more of what is happening in its original context, as well as what it means for us today.

(2). It disciplines me and others to deal with biblical matters that we most likely would not have dealt with before.  Going verse by verse through scripture forces me to study and teach things that I may would not have chosen to deal with on my own.  And that's a good thing.  I need to deal with all scripture instead of certain portions of it that are familiar or comfortable,

(3).  It helps me with planning and scheduling.  Studying a book of the Bible makes it much easier for me to know what I'm doing for the next several weeks or months.  And it allows the congregation to know what scripture we will be studying next Sunday morning.

Listen, I'm not going to be one of those guys who is dogmatic about this being the only type of preaching that pastors should do.  Every pastor is different and so is every congregation.  What works in one church may not be the best thing for the congregation down the road.

Also, I'm not going to say this will be the only type of preaching I do from now on.  I'm sure that I will do some topical types of sermons along the way.  And there's nothing wrong with that.

But I will say this:  I have come to see the value of walking through a book of the Bible (or even part of a book) as a church family.  It can be, with God's help, interesting, exciting, and relevant to life today.  And, after this recent preaching experience I've had, I'll definitely be doing much more of it in the future than I have in the past.

True Love In D's Wings

So I was eating some delicious lemon pepper chicken wings at D's Wings in Columbia when I saw this profession of love in the booth where I was seated.  Bobby and Danielle wrote on a dollar bill "Always & 4ever", and they had it taped up for everyone to see.  That's how long they plan to be together and love each other.  

That sounds like a good thing.  And I hope they indeed do have a great relationship.  May they spend many happy years together!

The greatest love you and I can ever find, however, is the incredible love God has for us.  There's really nothing quite like it.  In Romans 8, Paul describes it this way:  "What shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  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 created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Yes, it was really cool to see love professed in the wings place.  But it's even greater to see God's love for us professed in scripture.  It's reassuring to know that He loves us unconditionally, sacrificially, and eternally. That's a love that is far greater than anything we will ever find in this world.

Can I give you a little bit of friendly advice?  Let God love you.  Accept it by saying "Yes!" to Jesus and allowing His presence and love to fill your heart.  When you do, I guarantee you it'll be a blessing that is almost indescribable.  His love really is amazing!

Yes, it's true.  God loves you.