Are You Following Your Vision?

Yesterday I hope you considered to be appreciative and notice the little things around you.  Today, The question is asked, "Are you following a vision that the Lord has laid upon your heart?" 

Many say this is terrible time to be starting a new venture, but what if you had been praying for the Lord's guidance and felt he spoke to you to step out in faith.  Today most of us want a "sure thing" whether it is an investment in the stock exchange, a raise at our work, a great relationship with someone, or anything else that comes to mind.  But the reality is that there is no "sure thing".  so what do you do when you feel like the Lord is giving you a vision? 

Many of us park the vision in the back of our mind and just prod along doing what we feel is safe.  So there is no faith involved and you continue doing what you have already done. 

It was when I lived in Ocala, FL that the Lord gave me a vision one night and I felt like I had to follow that vision.  Our church had grown so rapidly that we were running out of temporary locations.  There was a Kash and Carry in town that had been vacant for several years and it was ideal.  The Food Lion real estate manager for the property noted that Kash and Carry still had the lease for another ten years but would sub-lease it for what they pay.  Now this was way beyond  what we could afford.  There was literately no place else for us to go as a church. 

Then on one Tuesday night, I felt God say that I needed to got to Salisbury, NC and make an appeal in person.  "Why me Lord?  I am just a lay person in the church."  None the less I remember trying to find every reason in my thoughts why I was not the person to go.

Wednesday morning came with little sleep and I knew I had to go.  First I called Food Lion Corporate for an appointment but could not get through to her office.  I called the pastor and told my then girlfriend what had taken place.  The pastor gave me a pictorial history book and Lynnette and the pastor prayed over meat 6:00 p.m.  just before Wednesday night service.  As I drove all night, about midnight I felt like I needed to pull off the interstate and get an ice cream.  I was off the highway for about five minutes but on getting back on the highway, I noticed the traffic was stopping.  A wreck had occurred just one mile ahead of me and the timing would have had me in about that position if I had not stopped. 

At nine a.m. the next morning I was in the lobby at Food Lion and asked for the person I had left the message.  The receptionist asked if I had an appointment and noted that I had not but would wait all day if necessary to see this lady.  Before I could sit down, they called me to met her on the fifth floor.  Our meeting was divine as I was talking to another believer and we soon became friends.

In order for this to not drag on, I will tell you we were told no by her boss but the Lord led me to write a letter to the CEO of Food Lion explaining our situation and need for the building.  Just before Christmas, I got a phone call from the lady at Food Lion.  Her conversation went something like this:  "Merry Christmas Gary.  I got a phone call from the CEO this morning and he personally approved you you having that building for the cost of insurance and upkeep."  (A side note is that the CEO retired twenty days later)

If the Lord puts a vision on your heart, NEVER make excuses, or take no for an answer.  It is the Lord's vision on your heart and you must follow it to the end.  Bathing your vision in prayer with those prayer warriors and seeking wisdom only helps your faith become stronger and to witness how the Lord is REALLY in charge. 

Is He using you for see a vision come to reality?  Trust me, you will have giant leaps of faith when you  look at God working in people's lives.

Noticing The Little Things

Well last week was an adventure as I traveled five states in our effort to sell product from our company.  It should have been a normal week as I left the house about 4:00 a.m. on my way to Little Rock, AR for a meeting. 

About 9:30 a.m. traveling towards Memphis, the dreaded “check gauges” light came on and the voltage meter went to zero.  I called Lynnette for the closest parts store to see where the closest parts store might be.  If the truck is not charging, eventually the vehicle dies alongside the road.  Friends had been praying for my journey as I began praying harder for the Lord to get me somewhere to get the problem fixed.  With the help of my wonderful bride at home, I pulled into the town of Brownsville, TN and found a parts store. 

I turned off the truck and they came out to check the battery and alternator.  When I started it up it was fine with no light and everything was charging.  We left the truck running for a couple of minutes with the testing gauges attached and it did it again.  The “check gauges“ light came on and the man said the voltage regulator was going bad.  As would have it that store did not have the part, so they called their competitor and found an alternator.  I thanked the man at both parts stores and asked for his help to locate a mechanic.  They called around and found a man who was really busy but said to bring the truck to him.  He quickly changed out the alternator and charged me very little for his time.   

Praising God, I was on my way.  I kept the first meeting and it went excitingly well.  Then off to Wal-Mart Corporate.  

Traveling the highway I noticed dark clouds behind me and getting darker with a lot of lightening.  As I checked into the hotel in Bentonville, AR the skies opened and it began to rain.  And did it rain!  The next morning I was told that it rained 6 inches in four hours and was flooding all the roads.  Once again the meeting went well and we are to return within the next few weeks to close the deal.

Now off to Oklahoma City.  Upon arriving, I noticed the clouds in the west starting to build and get black.  Upon arrival at Hobby Lobby the receptionist told me that they were sending everyone home because they were under a tornado warning.  After a brief meeting I headed out to Dallas.  

Once again the dark clouds were moving in and just south of Oklahoma City I could see on my right that tornados were forming (the ones that hit Canadian, Oklahoma).  I missed being in the middle of them by 30 minutes.  With the storms in my rear view mirror, I stopped in Denton, Texas for the evening.  

Within fifteen minutes of my arrival the warning sirens went off and naturally several of the guests went outside to watch.  To our right we saw the tornado form (the one in the picture above).   Minutes later we saw another one forming on our left, which hit about 8 miles south of our location.

The meetings went well the next day and I headed toward Memphis on my journey back.  Passing through Little Rock I once again saw the clouds forming for a major storm.  As I came towards Forest City, AR it began to hail.  Now I had been in hail stores for the previous two days, so I figured that I needed to get ahead of the storm.    A Fed-Ex tractor trailer passed me and so I got right behind the truck and soon we came out of the storm.  In my rear view mirror, I saw a funnel moving over the highway I just had passed.

When I got to Memphis and headed to my room, the electric went off just as I was getting into the elevator.   Then sirens went off again and sure enough another tornado was bearing down on Memphis.  

Upon seeing the devastation from each place I had been, I prayed thanksgiving for the Lord watching over this trip.  He literally kept me one step ahead of danger.   In reflection, people had only prayed for safe journeys and success in my meetings.  Yet it was the little things that proved that the Lord was truly watching over me.   

The delay with the truck repair was frustrating, but I could have been in an accident if I had been headstrong and moved on, the timing of being just in front of storms gives me blog thoughts for the future and how the Lord is REALLY watching out for each of us.  

The moral to this adventure is to never take for granted the power of prayer warriors and to know that the Lord takes care of the little things.  Are you ready to let Him take care of the little things today?

Inserting Wisdom Into Your Marriage

King Solomon is remembered throughout the world today for his wisdom, as is noted in 1st Kings 4:29.  Solomon had many wives and a harem (allowed by the culture at that time). Yet it seemed that the Lord separated one relationship, found in the Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon), to demonstrate His design in life for a man and a woman, so they can find fulfillment within a relationship.

            Solomon was known for his wisdom not only in politics, and leadership, but also as the writer of proverbs and songs.  So the Song of Songs should be considered as Godly wisdom with the perfect application for relationships today.

When reading the Song of Songs you’ll quickly see that the book is about the relationship of one woman, the Shulamite and Solomon. The book moves from the inception of romance through marriage (Chapter 1, 2, & 3).  Then follows the consummation of the two physically (Chapter 4), and some difficulties experienced within the marriage (Chapter 5 & 6 ).  Later, the book demonstrates their moving  toward growth and the deepening of their lives (Chapter 7 & 8).

Marriage is discussed forty-four times in the Bible, but the wisdom of how God desires a  marriage is fully contained in Solomon’s writings.  The problem you may have after looking at the entire history of Solomon is that he did not follow through in doing everything he knew was right in the sight of God.

In Solomn's  later years, he allowed power, money, success, and other relationships to turn him away from God and impact his most precious marriage relationship.  So ask yourself, “Are you today following that same path?”

Can you recall the events of dating and falling in love with  your spouse?  Even though you may not refer to your spouse’s beauty as fawns, cedar, pomegranates, and other endearing nature terms, you may recall words in songs like, “lips as sweet as honey”, “eyes as blue as the sky”, or “sunshine of my life”.  These words or thoughts from cards and songs applied to how you felt about your loved one. 

Just as Solomon loved this woman so much and yet allowed problems to enter the relationship, are you finding a struggle in your relationship due to issues of power, money, success, or unhealthy friendships? 

The phrase, “Just a Little Bit More Freedom” should never replace the three stranded cord of marriage.  God, you and your wife or husband have to remain strong and United  in order for that phrase not to overtake you.  Now is the time to place your spouse above those things that the world says are so important. 

Take some quiet time to read the Song of Solomon.  In doing that you will see God’s plan for marriage fulfilled in two people.   A study of the book can reveal what strength you can draw upon through your marriage.  The New American Standard Bible gives you one of the best translations for reading.  You can find it on www.bible.com

You may rediscover REAL love that is currently strained or just getting by. 

The Bottom Line

Micah 5:12-15        The Lord said,  “I will cut off your witchcraft; your carved images and sacred pillars will be destroyed.  You shall no longer worship the work of your hands;  I will pluck your wooden images from your midst and destroy your cities.  I will execute vengeance with anger and fury on the nations that have not heeded.”

                Today as we often ponder events in our society you ask yourself  "Is the Lord is speaking to us or are we being deceived."  Recently as I was surfing the television channels, I came upon a show where this man finds strangers in the audience and then crosses over to where the dead are and relays information back to the living person.  After three minutes of this I was ready to move on to another channel. There are times when the excitement of the unknown will draw us towards all the things spoken of in Micah  5:12-15.

            Blair Witch Project, Jason X and so many other movies today fill our time with demons, witchcraft, demons from other worlds, and the supernatural.  If you watch some of these over a period of time, we all become desensitized to what the Lord says is wrong.          

Each day I struggle with being drawn into some deceptions.  On April 22nd  we had Earth Day.  While reading articles on what Earth Day meant, I discovered it was much more that just planting a tree or cleaning the banks of a river.  The people involved in the projects believe that we are to give an offering to “Mother Earth”.  This deity of sun, moon, water and earth are to be given the respect of a god.  Yet, like Paul looking at all the Greek statues, told them about the statue to the “Unknown God”.  As for me, I sometime feel helpless to speak so boldly about the “Unknown God” these Earth people miss.Do you have any ideas to tell them about the Creator of the Universe who designed this earth for each of us?          

The bottom line is that we should draw closer to the Lord in our daily walk.  Look more at Him rather than what the world is accepting as normal behavior.  Based upon the scripture do not become involved in those things that pull us away from the Lord.          

You will find that God’s word will never be mocked or should never be ignored.  Each day we need to turn our eyes from things on earth and turn to looking at Him.  The end result will be the fulfillment of Micah 5.

Let Go and Let God

Yesterday was an adventure that takes away your sense of control.

Have you ever had travel delays and been frustrated?  Maybe it is a late plane flight or things just not going the way you had planned with little explanation.  While drive down I-40 on the way to Memphis and making good time, the Check Gauges light goes on and the voltage meter drops to zero.  I pull in to a rest stop and lift the hood.  Now I am not sure what good that does, but still did that.  I got back into the truck and when I started the vehicle, the gauge showed charge and the lights went off.  About twenty miles down the road, the light came on again.  So I pulled over and shut off the truck again.  Started it back up and the light went off.  A few more miles down the road, the light came back on. 

I called Lynnette and she found a parts store who could check out the electrical system to see if I just have a back light or not.  At first they could not find any problems because I had turned the truck off.  Then I sat there with it running and soon the problem came back.  A bad voltage regulator.  The issue is it is inside the alternator.

Since I had a very important meeting in Little Rock, I was not a happy camper.  "God, why am I having these problems?  Next the one store in this small Tennessee town did not have the right part.  But they called around and found the part I needed.  Next was to get someone to put it on.  Again the local people called someone who was able to install it quickly and I was back on the road.

As I waiting, I thought,  "Humm, God is in control and there is a reason why I am delayed.  I may have been in a wreck if I had ignored the warnings or could have caused someone else to wreck.  The Lord is in charge and I just need to let God be in control."

The result was that I had a great meeting two hours late and know that letting God be in control ALWAYS gets the best results.    This entire road trip is to let God be in Control and to use me so that we can get  orders as a result of the next meetings.  One person I am meeting today has experienced his wife's Cancer surgery on Friday and pray that the Lord can use me to reflect the Lord's love.

So will you let go and let God be in charge today.  I have found it is a lot easier to say than do.  Yet the results are always the best for our lives!

The Lord's Voice

In your private moments with the Lord, have you ever asked Him a question and then paused, waiting for the answer?  Maybe you have said something profound or a little embarrassing and expected the Lord’s voice to come booming down from heaven to give approval or express dismay.

I have often thought that when I get to heaven, I’ll have a laundry list of questions to ask Him.  It may be about pain, or suffering, or poverty, or war, or hate, or many things that come to mind right now.  But don’t you wish we didn’t have to wait.  That He would just answer them now? 

Matthew 3: 16-17 gives us a glimpse of the communication relationship that has been present since the beginning of time.  It’s the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

At this one location all three are revealed at the same time.  We see Jesus being faithful to his Father’s wishes, the Holy Spirit moving like a dove, and the Father speaking His words of approval. At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry what better way to show the people that God’s Messiah had really come.  He speaks His approval for all to hear.

So how can we hear the Lord’s voice speak to us?

Have you ever had an issue in your life and pleaded for the Lord to answer your earnest prayer?  Then within a short period of time, a friend or even a stranger approached or called you and gave you the answer to that prayer.

This happened recently to me.  I was calling a business associate about and issue and heard in his voice a broken heart and nearly in tears.  I stopped the business side of the conversation and began talking about his issues. We talked for only a few minutes he then opened up.  During the next hour we discussed issues that paralleled my life of years past.  I related how the Lord had pulled me through and gave me the hope and joy that I experience today.  As I closed the conversation, this person told me that they had prayed all morning to the Lord for an answer.

Soooo . . . today you should pray expecting an answer.  Most importantly is to stop, look, and listen for the Lord to speak to you.  Your answers may come from the most unexpected place, but you will know that the Lord has spoken to you.  In fact, you may find yourself being the answer to someone else’s prayer.

Listen for His voice!

Matthew 3:16-17   After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, and I am fully pleased with him."

Enjoy the Ride

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2 “Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death, the time for planting and the time for pulling up. . .”

It was November 6th 1965, and a new rock and roll song was released to fans in America. The song was sung by a new group “The Byrds” and this song was different from most others being played on the radio. The song, “Turn, Turn, Turn” actually quoted the Bible. In just four weeks the song went to the top of the “Billboard” charts and remained there for a month.

Church youth groups began adding that song to their youth meetings, and today it is still played on the radio. I recall church leaders saying the song was sacrilege because it tied “wild” music to God. They wanted the song banned from the radio. Hmmm . . . if those leaders could only see us now!

Nevertheless, this week I have once again turned to the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, and found renewed truths. Today is in reflection of  my time together with Lynnette, I realized that this chapter applies to our lives. God has been in control of our lives together and He has done a much better job than I personally could have ever dreamed.

It was just a matter of realizing that the scripture applies as much today as it did when it was written. I continue to thank the Lord for each day for the time He gives us together. Lynnette is just the right person in my life at the right time of my life.

When we look at this chapter, each of us should see that no matter what takes place in our lives, who enters or who leaves, God shows us the vanity of all “human-only” pursuits, particularly when those pursuits are our only focus.

Instead we need to look at the contrast of that philosophy with the real blessedness through true wisdom found in a relationship with the Lord. What a choice! Our way or God’s way!

Look around today and you will see how giving your life’s decisions to the Lord is the wise way. Pray for wisdom to get us out of the way and put Him first. Then each day we only need to let go and let the words of Solomon help us find what He requires for that day.

Everything is on His timetable. Enjoy the ride!

Listen To The Corn

Growing up on a farm there were a lot of things that we loved to do after the sun went down.  If we could find some naive city kids, we would take them “snipe” hunting.  We’d find an empty grain bag and a flashlight and then head off to the back woods.  There we would chose one of the city kids to hold the bag while we were to chase the birds called “snipes” toward them.  The bag holder would have to whistle and call, “snipe, snipe” to attract any birds in the area.  As the years passed we became more polished in our trickery.  Now, we would go quietly out into the fields and yell so the snipe would run away from us and go into the bag. Living in the Midwest afforded nice flat to rolling land, and since there were no such birds in our area, we would walk back to the house and periodically yell from there, leaving the “bag kid” all alone.

Thinking my Dad was following in the same type of  tradition, one night said, “Let’s go to the field and hear the corn grow”.  My comment was, “Right!  I wasn’t born yesterday.”  Still he insisted so; we walked to the new cornfield.  The corn was about three inches high, the soil was damp after a spring rain the night before, and the moon was full.  I thought to myself, “There must be stupid written all over my face!   Listen to corn grow!”

Nevertheless, we laid down in one of the rows of corn.  My Dad simply said, “Be still and listen for God.  He’s moving in the corn tonight.”  With that, a twelve-year-old becomes really quiet.  After hearing the crickets, owls, and or sounds of the farm for about a half hour, I began to hear a slow squeaking sound.  It sounded just like a mouse was next to my ear.

When I questioned my Dad, he told me that in the early spring corn can grow as much as two inches in one night.  This quick growth produces a sound from the leaves pushing upwards from the stalk. 

He said, “If you are not still, then you miss the majesty of God showing us his caring nature.” 

That night I not only heard God in the corn, but also found Him in the rest of the night sounds that were so familiar at other times, such as birds singing at night or the moon’s halo that was present when there is moisture in the air.  But on that night, God was speaking to me! It was not just biology, but in listening to the corn, it was my time to commune with God.

For some, we are so busy that we rarely listen to God.  He may speak in a still small voice, or through nature, or a friend.  But He still speaks!

When you pray to hear God speak to you, listen carefully in areas you may not think are common.  More importantly it is vital that you pray for Him to give you wisdom to understand when he is talking.  Amazingly, He will give you that insight.

What are you doing to facilitate your private time?  Is there a place you can get away to and listen for God?  God loves you and his strongest desire is to have a relationship with you.  How can you find hope for your troubles if you do not take to time to seek His purpose for your life?  Each day does not have to be a grand revelation.  For you never know when all he wants you to do is to “listen to the corn.”

What are you doing to introduce God into your childrens’ lives?  Listening to the corn is one  way, but once you are in tune to hearing the Master’s voice, then you can help your children in their relationship that will last a lifetime.

In the Outfield

Have you ever watched a child of about four or five years and wondered what was going through his or her mind? Imagine this scenario: “The coach told me to come out here in right field. I’m a ballplayer. Dad says that T-ball is fun. They tell me to yell ‘Hey, batter, batter’.

But wait! What is that flying so high? It’s such a big bird. Look at him move so slowly. I think someday I’m going to fly like that.”

“Hi Mom!”, as he waves to his mother sitting in the bleachers. “What was it that just hopped by me? It’s a grasshopper. I can hop like that. Let me pick him up. Hey, Mr. Grasshopper, stop.” He now has his back to the infield and is on his knees attempting to catch the elusive grasshopper. “Wait,” he thinks, “who is that yelling? Why are all these guys running towards me? Am I in trouble? Oh, it’s the baseball they’re after. It’s right in front of me.” So he throws the ball back to one of his fellow players, he looks around for approval, and then drifts back to where the grasshopper had been. The grasshopper is gone but he instantly spots a butterfly.

Once again, he is in his own little world.

We have all watched “T” ball or little league players in the outfield going through the motions every week. Yet if we stop and watch these children in the outfield, we will see that there are so many life lessons we can learn.

Children worry about nothing and depend upon us to care for their safety, health, and guidance. As adults, we forget that Jesus taught us not to worry about such things, but to depend upon Him in the same way as our children depend on us.

Read Matthew 6:25-34, and as you strive for more faith in your life, remember that becoming like a little child is not being childish, but becoming as innocent as a little boy playing T-ball. Now I know why I love to watch children play ball. It makes me realize that life is too short to worry about stuff that I can not control.

Mentally, I need to make some time to be in the outfield as a child. 

 Matthew 6:25 – Do not worry about your life; what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body and what you will put on. Isn’t life itself more important than just the pursuit of food and clothes?

Appearances Can be Deceiving

Have you ever had an instant urge to buy something because you were enticed by its appearance?  Or has something really looked good to you and the salesperson just told you how much you needed the item?  Maybe someone said how good you looked when you just came out of the hair salon.

Many people make their livelihood by getting you to buy something based on its appearance.  One area I was drawn into is that of the dreaded “timeshare”. Within 90 minutes the salesperson convinces you that you will impress others by being seen on the balcony of “YOUR” condo.  Then they add that this special deal is available only to you today.  So, do you crumble or do you stand your ground?  

Many of us allow “impulse” buying to take the upper hand in our lives.  The same is true about our decisions regarding people we know and those we see for the first time.

While directing a Christian Camp and Retreat Center, one of the leaders for a Senior High week planned this event.  It was Sunday night and the kids had gathered around in the chapel area for their icebreaker.  When the leader began his first thought, a young man walked in the back of the room.  It appeared that he had very little clothing to his name and was greasy and dirty from the lack of hygiene.  He walked halfway up to the center of the room and found an empty chair.  Immediately kids began moving away from him and gave him looks that could kill.  After about three minutes the leader stopped and quoted Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:7 - “The trouble with you is that you make your decisions on the basis of appearance.”  Then the leader introduced his friend, who was the freshmen student president of a large university.  The campers were silent as the leader explained how we should not make any judgment calls based on appearances.

We draw conclusions about people we know very little about.  We see an action in public and determine that it is their lifestyle.  Without knowing the real story and details, we make a judgment based upon appearance only.

 

When you meet someone for the first time, try not to make an impulse judgment based solely upon their appearance. Take the time to get to know them.  Find out their strengths and weaknesses. Love them where they are today.  In showing God’s love and grace to them, you will make a friend, learn a new truth about life and grow in wisdom.  Something that you might not have otherwise ever experienced because appearances can be deceiving.  

Why?

I know you are not suppose to ask “Why” questions as it is really a low level accusing question, but this is one I have never understood.

You sign up for a conference or convention, pay your fee, make travel plans, and anticipate how you will gain knowledge, peace, growth, and direction, whether  it is if for a business, ministry, or any other things that you want as part of your life.  

The leaders plan a full day, two, or even three day event that is designed to meet the needs of the attendees.  So my question is “Why do people not stay for the WHOLE conference?”  Any conference planners always save the very best for last.  Yet I was at a conference yesterday and was once again disappointed that in the last session, there were about 30% empty seats that weren’t there before the last session.

Not knowing the reason for their early departure, things run through my mind.  Did they have a plane to catch?  Did they set an appointment too close to the end of the conference?  Did they need to get a good spot at a restaurant?  Were they mad?  Were they bored?   So many scenarios run through my mind. 

I feel for the last speaker, as he walked out on the stage to see those empty seats.   But the best part was that his thoughts, message, and direction were dynamic for each person that did stay. 

So here I am this morning wondering “why”.  No answers, but feel like those who left missed the thoughts that tied the whole day together and gave great direction for the next steps were the really big losers.   Someday the WILL encounter what was presented and could help them in their journey.    Sad but they will not have answers,  just more questions, frustrations, and sadness.

If you go to a conference, plan on being there until the end.  Your biggest take away will be because you stayed.  Conferences are just planned that way.  For your growth!

It's Time to Catch On

During my junior high and high school years, I would go down in the basement and see our first television sitting in the corner. It doesn’t take much to remember when we first received this black and white wonder. The picture was fuzzy but it was our first real electronic marvel. At certain times of the evening, someone would have to stand near the antenna. We learned quickly that the body is a great signal booster for the television, so I watched a lot of the programs from a close angle as one hand held the end of the antenna to get the best signal. I recall Dad having something to say if I moved too much and made the picture go fuzzy.

Soon Dad discovered that a copper wire that was twisted to the top of the rabbit ear antenna and strung to the outside gave the best reception. Some of you may remember late in the evening when the stations would sign off. They would always play the “Star Spangled Banner” with an American flag waving in the breeze and then place a symbol on the screen with a continual hum. Our first color television did not have tint but rather a red, green, and yellow knob called “Technicolor”. Each program required you to turn the knobs in order to get what was called color television. If the signal was not strong the picture would move from black and white to color to a fuzzy mixture of color mixed with black and white. Nevertheless we thought it was great. Fast forward 50 years and we were looking at purchasing the next generation of television. There are so many questions as to what is best: Plasma, HD, 3D, LCD, 16 x 9, 4 x 3, digital vs. analog. Mercy, I am confused.

Even after getting on the Internet and searching for what is the best picture for the best value, I just stand in front of the screens in the store with my mouth open. The high definition screens allow these old eyes to watch a baseball game like I was there in the stands. Add surround sound and I am awestruck. Even though it was comfortable in past years to just have color television I have realized that maybe it’s time to catch on to the next level.

Living in the mountains of Tennessee, I love the slow life that the area affords. Many places and events remind me of the days gone by when life was simple. For the longest time I have looked forward to retiring and just “kicking back” to doing nothing.  Shame that is not me and so I keep going hard each day.

Last year, we went to a local high school football game. There over 1000 young people mingled among themselves, like they were lost. They were there just to have something to do. 

We are seeing so many churches that are just like the age of television. Some enjoy the black and white era of only anthems and dirges, while others have gone to simple hymns and gospel melodies. Still others try to mix the old and the new together. The problem is that they just don’t reach today’s and tomorrow’s generation.

Have you ever had the Lord show or tell you something and you respond, “Lord you really don’t want me to get involved, I just don’t fit in?” The Lord’s response is always, “Trust me. Catch up and hang on”.

Lynnette and I are looking forward now, even in our future years of being high definition people who strives for an impact to changing lives, even in a little mountain community, particularly to a generation that has nothing to do.

Maybe it’s time we all catch up to what the Lord is asking us to do. Don’t think about retirement, but run this race of life hard. Give your life away to others and the Lord’s work every day.   Why?  "For the sake of the call" (song by Steven Curtis Chapman).

No matter what your age, catch up to being a high definition person to others. 

Luke 12:19-21 I'll say to myself, Self, you've done well! You've got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life! Just then God showed up and said, 'Fool! Tonight you die. And your barn full of goods - who gets it?' That's what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.