Angry Grocery Store Guy - Part 2

(This is the second half of my writing on anger.  To read the first half, just click HERE.)

Anger is not something to hold on to for a long period of time.  When we do, it ends up hurting us.  Like a cancer that eats us up from the inside out, anger darkens our hearts, spoils our attitudes, and sours our mindset.

"Let not the sun go down upon your wrath", writes Paul in Ephesians 4:26.  His point is pretty simple:  Don't let your day pass and the night arrive with anger still burning inside of you.  Why?  Because ultimately, you're just hurting yourself by holding onto a grudge.

Momentary anger that swells into long-term bitterness isn't good for you or me.  A better way to live is this:  Feel the anger, express the anger in an appropriate way to the appropriate people, then get over it.  There comes a point with our anger where we have to cut it loose, set if free, and let it go.  We can't stay mad forever.  Life has to go on.

Joy and peace are to be our constant travel companions in The Lord.  Not anger.  Let's remember that.

Don't live mad at the world.  Choose to enjoy your life in the presence of God.  Let go of that anger and walk in calmness.  That's a much better way to live.

Angry Grocery Store Guy - Part 1

I was walking through a local grocery store the other day when I saw him.  This guy was fuming!  His face was red.  His finger was pointing.  His voice was raised.  And he was verbally blasting his wife for spending too much money.  It was an awkward moment, and I was glad to turn around and make my way down another aisle.

Of course, I can't be too hard on the fellow.  He's probably a good guy that was just having a bad day. And we've all probably gotten a little madder than we should have at times. 

But still, that experience got me thinking...

Anger.  It's a powerful emotion.  And just as sure as it swelled up in the old guy at the grocery store, it can easily stir up within us.

Does the Bible say anything about anger?

Well, yes, it actually does.  Ephesians 4:26 reads, "Be ye angry, and sin not."  That's good stuff to live by!

Here's what this verse teaches us:  There will be times we feel anger.  Actually, some things such as injustice, abuse, and ungodliness should make us angry.  But we have to remain in control of our anger and manage it properly.  When we fail to handle it correctly and lash out in unhealthy ways, we are neck deep in sin.  And that's not a good thing. 

God has made us emotional beings.  And anger is one of those feelings.  So it's ok to feel anger.  It really is.  But we must keep in mind that God still expects us to hold ourselves together and behave in a Christ-like manner when our blood begins to boil.

Let's look to God for help.  He will give us a hand in this!  With His divine assistance, we can be in control of our anger rather than live with our anger in control of us.

The Bobby Richardson Way

Yesterday, I attended the Richardson family reunion here in Sumter.  A great thrill for me was to visit for a few moments with my cousin, Bobby Richardson, and to get a picture taken with him.  Being around him was a total pleasure.

Bobby played for the New York Yankees from 1955-1966.  Second base was his position.  He was a seven time All Star and a five time Gold Glove Winner.  He and the Yankees appeared in the World Series seven times during his career, and they won three of them.  Bobby had an impressive, exciting career as a pro ball player.

When I look at him, I marvel at these two things:

1). Bobby has stayed humble.  We all know he has done some amazing things in his life that most people never get to be a part of.  And yet he treats people with kindness and respect.  He does not act high and mighty.  He does not act like he's too important to interact with others.  Bobby smiles, looks people in the eye, and shows a genuine interest in them.  

2). Bobby has used his opportunities to tell others about The Lord.  Being a spokesman for the Christian faith is a responsibility that he takes seriously.  He is always quick to give credit to his Lord and Savior.  In his book "Impact Player", he states the following:  "If my life is a testament to anything, it is to God's mercy and grace.  I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve."  When he autographs copies of his book, he adds in a Bible verse.  It's Romans 1:16, which reads "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ..."  Always a witness.  That's Bobby.

It seems to me that all of us would do well to follow his example.  And the good news is we don't have to be pro ball players to do it.  Regardless of who we are, what we accomplish, and where we live, if we keep the right perspective of ourselves and put the spotlight on God, we can be spiritual champions who make an eternal impact.  

Stay humble.  Tell others about The Lord.  That's the Bobby Richardson Way.  And that's the kind of life that God blesses.

The Next Talk

I was at a funeral visitation recently for an older gentleman who had passed away.  One of the visitors walked by me towards the end of the night and said, "Well, I guess the next talk good ole Maynard and I have won't be over the backyard fence.  It'll be up there in Heaven instead."  I noticed a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face when he said that about his deceased friend.

That's the way we Christians deal with death.  While we do experience normal grief, we also hold on to the assurance that we will see our fellow followers of Christ again.  We keep in mind that death is not the end.  No, not at all!  Instead, it is the doorway through which we step into the eternal presence of God in Paradise.  And it's the road we travel to a meaningful reunion with loved ones and friends.

Maybe you miss those long, leisurely talks with folks over the fence, at a table, or on the front porch.  Well, I have good news.  In Christ, you will see them and talk with them again.  Heaven will be where the next talk takes place.  And what an awesome time that will be!

My New Ministry

It is with great excitement that I write today about my new ministry.

This past summer, I was privileged to get acquainted with New Calvary Baptist Church in my hometown of Sumter, South Carolina.  For a few weeks I did some interim preaching for them since they did not have a pastor at the time.  Eventually, talk began to take place about the possibility of them bringing me on board as their new pastor.  I was thrilled at the possibility, and so was the rest of my family.

We all took our time.  I had several weeks to get to know them.  And they had several weeks to get to know me.  We all had open talks about our lives, our hopes, and our dreams for the future.  The more we all talked, the more it became obvious that this was a good match.

Finally, on September 7 of this year, I was voted in as their new pastor.  Lara, the kids, and I were overwhelmed with joy at this opportunity.  Of course, I quickly accepted their call, and began serving there immediately.

New Calvary is a fantastic church.  The people are warm and loving.  They are full of grace.  And they are extremely positive and upbeat.  I am very happy to be a part of this fine church, and so are my wife and kids.

Here's another neat fact:  My late grandfather, Rev. Leon Richardson, served as the pastor of New Calvary from 1978 to 1981.  It's an honor to walk in Grandaddy's ministry footsteps.

My focus in this new ministry is very simple:  Visitation and preaching.  That's what the church needs, and that's what I enjoy.  So it suits me perfectly.

I'm happier and more at peace than I have been in years.  God has truly blessed me with this awesome opportunity.  And it feels good to be doing what I was put on this Earth to do.

Please pray for God to bless the good people of New Calvary Baptist Church, and please pray for God to lead me as I serve in this new role of ministry.

God is good and I am thankful.

The Button

I stood up to preach recently at church on a Sunday morning and realized one of my coat buttons was missing.  This was a minor bummer because I knew I'd have to find the lost button, and I had no idea where it could be.  My hope was it would turn up in my truck or office.

Well, I couldn't find it anywhere.  The button was nowhere to be seen.  I was beginning to wonder if it was gone forever.

But yesterday I was sitting on the front pew in our sanctuary.  I just happened to glance at a table and there it was!  My button was sitting there and waiting for me to reclaim it.

I was thrilled!  It was a happy moment when I realized that the lost item was now mine.  On the inside, I was rejoicing.

Then, I thought this:  If I was that glad over a lost button being found, God and His angels must be a million times more glad when a lost soul is found and saved.  I'll bet Heaven rejoices when people cry out to Jesus in faith and receive the gift of grace.  

See, God does care about that kind of stuff.  Actually, He cares Big Time.  People matter to Him.

When a lost person gets saved, He rejoices.

When a backslidden prodigal repents and returns, He rejoices.

Isn't it great to know that we matter that much to God?!

When Criticism Comes Our Way

I attended a meeting this week of local ministers.  It was really great to be around other guys who are serving churches in our area.  During the session, several topics were discussed.  One of the main matters talked about was criticism.  As I listened to the guys honestly share from their hearts, I was reminded of this truth:  Everyone deals with criticism in one way or another.

So, what are we to do when criticism comes our way?

Well, here are a few things I've learned over the years...

[1]  When criticism comes, stay calm and don't react defensively.  Breathe.  Keep your cool.  Don't give your critic a quick, knee-jerk response.  Listen patiently and try to hear what they're saying.

[2]  Try to not take it personally.  Consider the fact that the critic may be more upset about the circumstances than he or she is about you.  Sometimes the critic may not know who exactly to address the matter with, and they may just need to blow off some steam to anyone who will listen.

[3]  If the critic is specifically talking about you, ask yourself if he or she has a legitimate complaint.  Let's face it:  Some criticisms we receive in life are deserved.  There are times when we certainly should be given constructive criticism because we are just plain wrong.  Be honest and take a look within.  If the critic is even half-way right, be mature and strong enough to take it to heart.

[4]  Learn from criticism.  There is always room for improvement in our lives.  If at least a shred of what is being said has some accuracy, we can grow wiser from it and decide to live better in the future.

[5]  If the critic addressing you is totally wrong and unfair, ignore it and remember that God will vindicate you in His own way.  People may just be completely off base when they tear into you.  God sees that and knows that.  And one way or another, God will deal with that situation on your behalf.  He will see to it that your name is cleared eventually.  And He will properly address people who treat you wrong.  So don't take matters into your own hands.  Speak the truth, let it go, and move on.  God will handle the rest.

I've received some criticism in my life.  Some of it was deserved.  Some of it was not.  And I bet the same is true for you.

Let's look to God for guidance when criticism comes our way.  He knows best how to deal with it.  And we can choose to let it serve as a growing time in our life.

A Church To Cheer About

It was a church to cheer about!

Paul wrote to the Colossians and celebrated three awesome things about their congregation. 

First, he pointed out that they were a place of faith.  In verse 4 of chapter 1, he acknowledged their "faith in Christ Jesus."  The Colossians knew that salvation was found in none other than Jesus.  They trusted the Son of God to forgive their sins and rescue their souls.

We must do the same.  Jesus must be the center of our faith.  He is where our attention must be focused.

Second, he pointed out that they were a family of love.  In verse 4 of chapter 1, he mentioned "the love which ye have to all the saints."  The Colossians cared about each other.  They loved people from all walks of life, and they treated people right.

We must do the same.  There must be a love within us for people, regardless of who they are, where they've been, or what they've done.  Let's ask God to fill our hearts with love, and let's ask God to help us love people like He does.

Third, he pointed out they were a house of hope.  In verse 5 of chapter 1, he mentioned "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven."  They clung to the hope and assurance that a better, brighter future awaited them.  The truth of a wonderful future with Christ gave them certainty that all would be well in the end.

We must do the same.  People in this world are hurting.  Negativity and pessimism are both in the air.  Let's give men, women, boys, and girls the message of hope that is found in Jesus.  An awesome, eternal future with Him is what people need to hear about and be comforted with.

Hey, congregation, let's be a place of faith, a family of love, and a house of hope.  Let's follow the example of the Colossians.  That's what people need.  And that's a church to cheer about. 

The Army Socks

"Then He said, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.'"  Luke 9:23

When I was a senior in high school at Thomas Sumter Academy, I received a post card one day from the Army.  They were advertising these cool socks with the green stripes on top.  All I had to do was check a box, fill in my contact information, and mail the form back in.  I wanted the free Army socks so I filled everything out and sent it back in.

A couple of weeks later, the socks arrived in the mail.  I was thrilled.  The next day I proudly wore them to school.

Then a couple weeks after that, I was sitting in the library for study hall.  Mrs. Sheridan, our Guidance Counselor, walked up to me with a confused look on her face.  She said, "David, there's an Army recruiter sitting in my office right now, and he wants to talk with you."  My heart almost jumped out my chest.

See, I just wanted the socks.  I didn't actually want to take on the hard life of a soldier.  In no way was I Army material.

During the meeting I made it clear I did not see myself entering the Army.  And that Army recruiter was probably thinking, "Thank goodness!"  After the meeting, my mom, who also worked at Thomas Sumter Academy, had to restrain herself from killing me.

I had wasted that recruiter's time.  I should not have sent in that card unless I was strongly considering a future in the military.  It was not one of my brighter moves.

I wanted the benefit of cool socks without the responsibility of being a soldier.

And that's a lot like people who look to Jesus for the benefit of eternity in Heaven without the responsibility of being a disciple.

People want to sign up for Christianity because Heaven looks and sounds great.  But they really aren't interested in Jesus Christ's call to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.  Just like me with the socks, they want all the believer's benefits without any of the disciples' responsibility.

Let's remember this:  Our Savior and Lord calls us to live and die for Him.  We are to make our lives much more about Him and much less about ourselves.  This calls for us to make sacrifices and give our everything to Him.

Christianity is not just a "Get Out Of Hell Free" card.  It's a change of heart and mind which leads us to living a new life of pleasing and honoring God.  It's about responding gladly to the saving grace of God by giving Him all that we have and all that we are.

Remember that we are called to serve God.  Let's do that rather than use God for an escape route out of Hell.  He deserves way more than that.

Let's be disciples of our Savior and Lord.  Let's live for Him.  And let's remember privilege and responsibility walk hand-in-hand.

Now Instead Of Later

Proverbs 27:1  "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."

We really have no clue what will happen tomorrow.  Oh sure, we can hope and guess about what will take place.  But the truth is, we are not totally certain about what will occur after today.

The future is a question mark for us; therefore, let's not put important things off until tomorrow.  Why?  Because we may not have a chance tomorrow.  And we may not have a tomorrow.

Let's get right with God today.  When we ask His son, Jesus Christ, to forgive our sins, save our souls, and become our Lord, we are adopted into God's family and assured of spending eternity with Him.  Give your heart to Jesus Christ now.  Don't put it off for any reason. 

Do it today.  Why?  Because you may not have a chance tomorrow, and you may not have a tomorrow.

Let's get right with other people today.  We all have at least a few relationships with either relatives, friends, co-workers, classmates, or neighbors.  Love those people who have connections with you.  Forgive those who fail you.  Help those who need you.  Be a blessing to those who rub shoulders with you.  Don't put it off for any reason.

Do it today.  Why?  Because you may not have a chance tomorrow, and you may not have a tomorrow. 

Proverbs 27:1 is so right.  We should never get too cocky about what we can and will do tomorrow.  Only The Lord knows what is in store for us after midnight.  For us to delay in vital matters is risky business. 

Let's take care of important business now instead of later.