I can't tell you how many times I wished I hadn't said something. I have a natural tendency to speak, sometimes good, sometimes not so good.(I don't need any help remembering the not so good ones:) )Anyhow, the way I figure it, I might as well focus my talkability for the things of God instead of the things that don't matter as much. Now that doesn't mean that I will stop picking on people via FaceBook or in a friendly conversation, but I am going to "try" to do better. I like to be able to finish a day and reflect and say "I have no regrets today". Let us all be aware of our conversations, thoughts, and overall attitudes. Let's face it, if we don't have a Godly attitude, how can we expect to persuade others to adopt a Godly attitude? Finish the year stronger, happier, and more pure than when you started it. Then, we all can look back at the year and see progress instead of regrets.
In His Service,
Gary
Tomorrow never comes
We live our lives dreaming of tomorrow. We always have plans and dreams of things we are going to do in our tomorrows. But, for some, tomorrow never comes. We say goodbye to a dear friend and man of God, Ross Love, whose untimely passing has left us all with the realization that tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. I am also reminded of a quote I read the other day which said "Live each day as if it is your last, one day you will be right!" These words ring so true for me this week and I want to encourage each of you to live each day as if it is your last. Love one another, encourage one another, be what Jesus wants you to be. Let there be no words left unsaid or offenses left unforgiven or repented of. Let today be lived to the fullest and let tomorrow worry about itself.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
Where have I been?
It's amazing how easy it is to neglect some of the things you have committed to. Take this blog for instance, I want to post quite often, but it seems to have taken a back seat to other things. It got me to thinking about how easy it is to neglect the things of God by getting busy doing day to day life. Try to remember that the things of God are the most important things that make up your life. God always has time for you so we should always have time for Him. Spend time in His word and in prayer and you will see things more clearly than you ever have before.
In His service,
Gary
In His service,
Gary
You're unique; just like everyone else
Do you ever wish you were special? Do you hope people would truly miss you if you were gone? We are all special to a certain extent: i.e. no one else in the world will ever be exactly like you physically, spiritually, or mentally. Each of us are a unique individual, a specific body, and soul and that will never change. But let's put this into perspective. How many people do you remember that died 100 years ago? How about 50 years ago? 25? You probably have to think about it to remember the people who died 10 years ago. There are always those people who were close to us that we will remember forever, but just imagine the amount of people who die and are forgotten except for those closest to them. I wrote all of this just to say this; live your life in a way that is right, doing things that are good, noble, and worth remembering. We won't all be famous, but we can all be righteous. Be a helpful person, one that people want to come and talk to because you have the love of God in you. With the help of the Holy Spirit, God can use you to reach, heal, and teach so many people. If you do all this in the love of God, you can and will be remembered by the one that counts.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
Be Watchful
Responsible. Not a popular word these days. It's what we hear we are supposed to be when we grow up. Whether we want to be or not, we are all responsible for what we do, what we say, and even what we think. Jesus tells us to take every thought captive, to bring them to the obedience of Christ. That is our responsibility. It is also our responsibility to study to show ourselves approved in our knowledge of the gospel. While we are at it, we are supposed to discern false teachers, false prophets, and false preachers. We are tasked with a lot of responsibilities in our life, but the Holy Spirit is here with us to help us with them. Seek God and lean not on your own understanding but do your part by studying and praying so you will be ready to do the responsible thing every day of your life.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
Where Am I?
Have you ever been on vacation, traveling down a highway thinking all along that you were on the right road only to realize that you missed a turn? All of a sudden, you panic and start thinking about the time you have lost going the wrong direction and how much more time you are going to spend getting back where you should be. The same can be true for our Christian walk. If we aren't constantly doing self examinations, reading our bibles, praying and keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can suddenly find we have missed a turn and we aren't where we are supposed to be. Consider this just a short friendly reminder that anyone can get lost at any given time. Just don't forget to ask for directions from the one who made the road.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
A Wise Man Once Told Me…….
Wisdom; what is it? The dictionary says it is “The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity.” So, what is the definition of wise? “Having knowledge; knowing; enlightened; of extensive information; erudite; learned.” Have you ever known a truly wise person? How did you treat them? I don’t know about you, but I treat them with the utmost respect, being careful of what I say, of questions I ask because I want to appear somewhat wise to them. Why? I think it is because we want to be accepted. You know, we want our appearance to be approved of by people we look up to. If we are accepted by them, they might be more inclined to like us and share some of their wisdom with us. If you read very much of Proverbs you will get a good understanding of what God thinks of wisdom. It would seem that having wisdom is one of the most important things we can have. I want to be one of those people who has wisdom, don’t you? How do we acquire wisdom? You can study books, go to school and get all kinds of degrees and obtain a lot of knowledge, which is good because we should never stop learning, but wisdom comes from God. The bible says if you lack wisdom just ask for it and you will receive it (James 1:5). If you seek God and desire His heart, you will gain wisdom. Do a search in your bible for the word wisdom, you’ll be surprised how many times it is mentioned. You will also see what wisdom looks like. It might not be what we expect it to look like either. Seek wisdom, pray for wisdom, so you too can be considered a wise person, a person after God’s own heart.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
Did I do that?
A few days ago I was in the garage, which is in my basement under the main bathroom of the house. I looked up and noticed the garage ceiling was wet. It didn’t take long to figure out something was leaking in the bathroom upstairs. I went upstairs, opened the access panel for the shower and found that the faucet for the shower had been leaking. How did I know to look upstairs in the bathroom? I mean it was the ceiling in the garage that was wet. It is because the faulty performance of the faucet in the bathroom caused the ceiling in the garage to get wet and basically fail. It is just like if you have a low tire on your car. It changes the performance of the entire vehicle. How about that broken shoe lace. Until you replace it or at least retie it, it changes the way you walk. Did you know that how you perform in life affects others? It really shouldn’t surprise us to hear this but we don’t consider it very often. If you are in a horrible mood and get around someone else, it directly determines the way they will act. If people see you living daily for God and praying, it will encourage them to do the same. If you become lazy and pessimistic, it can have that effect on them as well. Have you noticed that it is much easier to back out of doing something you know you should do but don’t feel like if someone else you know backs out too? It’s true; sometimes we just need a nudge in the right direction to help us make a good decision. I hope we become individuals who consistently nudge people in the right direction. Many times people are just looking for inspiration to do good, or to justify a potentially bad choice. So, get up and do something good and inspirational for someone today! You will enjoy it.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
Obsession- Isn’t that a fragrance?
Obsession: Now that’s a cool sounding word, sort of. You can say it and make is sound like a bad thing or you can make it sound mysterious and cool. That is pretty much how it can be in real life also. Obsession can be a good thing or it can be very destructive.
First, let’s look at a definition of Obsessed. It is “to have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.” If you sit back and think about this, we have all been obsessed with things. I can get obsessed with a new electronic device like an ipod or a computer (just ask my wife). Everyone gets obsessed with something or even someone every once in a while. But this isn’t the kind of obsession I am talking about. I’m referring to a type of obsession that lasts more than just a few days. The kind that overtakes your life and becomes the most thought about thing in everyday life. I know people who are obsessed with money. I know some who are obsessed with themselves. Many people are obsessed with television, sports, music, food, hunting, or even shopping. We have all heard of people obsessed with pornography, drugs, and all sorts of deviant activities. The list is long. These kinds of obsessions can slowly destroy people’s lives.
After saying all of that, obsession sounds like a bad thing, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be. The Bible tells many stories of people who were obsessed with the things of God. Believe it or not, there are still people who are obsessed with God. They don’t look for recognition or fame because of it, but they are the people who daily seek His face and do everything for His glory and to further the kingdom. It is time for us to become obsessed with God. Becoming obsessed with God isn’t just for some of those radical people you hear about. It’s for you and me. Have your mind excessively preoccupied with God and His Word. As I said in an earlier post, God wants us to love Him wholly, not just with what is left. Let’s change obsession from a potentially devastating thing into a life changing holy thing. Become obsessed with the one who created you. Love Him the way He loves you, unconditionally. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.
In His Service
Gary
First, let’s look at a definition of Obsessed. It is “to have the mind excessively preoccupied with a single emotion or topic.” If you sit back and think about this, we have all been obsessed with things. I can get obsessed with a new electronic device like an ipod or a computer (just ask my wife). Everyone gets obsessed with something or even someone every once in a while. But this isn’t the kind of obsession I am talking about. I’m referring to a type of obsession that lasts more than just a few days. The kind that overtakes your life and becomes the most thought about thing in everyday life. I know people who are obsessed with money. I know some who are obsessed with themselves. Many people are obsessed with television, sports, music, food, hunting, or even shopping. We have all heard of people obsessed with pornography, drugs, and all sorts of deviant activities. The list is long. These kinds of obsessions can slowly destroy people’s lives.
After saying all of that, obsession sounds like a bad thing, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t have to be. The Bible tells many stories of people who were obsessed with the things of God. Believe it or not, there are still people who are obsessed with God. They don’t look for recognition or fame because of it, but they are the people who daily seek His face and do everything for His glory and to further the kingdom. It is time for us to become obsessed with God. Becoming obsessed with God isn’t just for some of those radical people you hear about. It’s for you and me. Have your mind excessively preoccupied with God and His Word. As I said in an earlier post, God wants us to love Him wholly, not just with what is left. Let’s change obsession from a potentially devastating thing into a life changing holy thing. Become obsessed with the one who created you. Love Him the way He loves you, unconditionally. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you.
In His Service
Gary
White, Black, and Grey
Some things are black and white. Loosely translated, that means some things are right and some things are wrong. God’s Word is full of things that are black and white, right and wrong. Personally, I think we say that saying backwards. It should be said things are white and black, right and wrong. I mean if it is in God’s light, which is right, it would be bright white. If it is not in God’s light, which is wrong, it is in total darkness. When we start doing things that aren’t in God’s best the light begins to diminish and it becomes darker. These are the areas we call “grey areas”. These are the things we do or places we go to that aren’t specifically called good or bad in the Word. The more I read the Word and try and understand what God wants from us the more I realize that we spend way too much time debating on the specifics of what we should or shouldn’t do. I think God wants us to read His Word enough so we will know the heart of God, not just the rules of God. If we learn the heart of God we will want to stay in the center of His will and we won’t want to even get close to an area that is considered “grey”. David was a man after God’s own heart and he was greatly rewarded for it. I don’t know about you, but that’s what I want!
In His Service
Gary
In His Service
Gary
Am I a Father or a Daddy?
I have an amazing family. My wife, Robin, and my two daughters, Emily and Lacy are so strong in their faith. I am not deserving of the kind of love they give me. I am a husband and a father. To the world, that may not mean much, but to a Follower of Jesus Christ it means a lot.
The bible says the husband should love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Eph 5:25). That means to lead spiritually, love, protect, provide for, nurture, be faithful to, live consistently and show Godly character, even if it costs you your life. We need to leave a legacy that everyone will remember and admire.
Back to the title of this post, am I a father or a daddy? To tell you the truth, I want to be both. In times of discipline, correction, and teaching, I need to be a father. In everyday life I hope to be a daddy. The kind of dad my kids can come to and talk about anything. The one they can snuggle up to and laugh and play video games with or whatever else is available. To be the rock that Christ is to the church.
I have failed in the above avenues so many times, but I still strive to be what I am called to be, a husband, friend, father, and a daddy. The men’s ministry at Lebanon Family Church is devoting the next few meetings to teaching men how to leave a legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love. I encourage every man in the church to get involved with this. It will improve your marriage and deepen your relationship with your kids. Ask yourself “How do I want to be remembered”? Even if you aren’t married yet, this would greatly enhance your future relationships. Ask me or one of the guys at church about it and we will get you hooked up.
Remember, it is never too late to be what you could have been!
In His Service,
Gary
The bible says the husband should love his wife as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Eph 5:25). That means to lead spiritually, love, protect, provide for, nurture, be faithful to, live consistently and show Godly character, even if it costs you your life. We need to leave a legacy that everyone will remember and admire.
Back to the title of this post, am I a father or a daddy? To tell you the truth, I want to be both. In times of discipline, correction, and teaching, I need to be a father. In everyday life I hope to be a daddy. The kind of dad my kids can come to and talk about anything. The one they can snuggle up to and laugh and play video games with or whatever else is available. To be the rock that Christ is to the church.
I have failed in the above avenues so many times, but I still strive to be what I am called to be, a husband, friend, father, and a daddy. The men’s ministry at Lebanon Family Church is devoting the next few meetings to teaching men how to leave a legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love. I encourage every man in the church to get involved with this. It will improve your marriage and deepen your relationship with your kids. Ask yourself “How do I want to be remembered”? Even if you aren’t married yet, this would greatly enhance your future relationships. Ask me or one of the guys at church about it and we will get you hooked up.
Remember, it is never too late to be what you could have been!
In His Service,
Gary
It’s not just another day!
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times, “Another day, another dollar.” Admit it, you’ve said it too. Monday’s are the best time to say it because we are trying to make going to work or school sound not as bad as we really think it is. When God created the first day He didn’t think the next one was “just another day”. Each day is like the world starting over again and we get to be a part of it. It’s like being on a sports team and getting to be a starting player! We can’t be an effective player if we choose to just sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else play the game. “Dramatic Change” is what pastor taught on this weekend and part of that change ought to be how we approach or engage each new day. Accept the challenges of the day and look forward to being in the middle of the action because you are a key player. Oh, and don’t forget to study your playbook each and every “new” day so you can “show yourself approved” and be ready to recognize and stop any attack that the enemy throws your way. Tomorrow, when you get up, try saying something like “Let’s do this!” or “Thank you God for another chance to make a difference!” instead of “Another day, another dollar” or something even worse. Get excited and stay fresh because God has a plan for you!
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
The Day Before Sunday
I don't know about you, but I still get excited about going to church. Hearing the Word brought forth through our pastor is always thought provoking. I also enjoy being a part of the praise team. It humbles me when I think of the opportunity we have to help open the doors of heaven though music. Music is a passion of mine and I never get enough of it. Have you ever been feeling down or depressed and then heard an uplifting song that just made you happy? I encourage you to keep some good uplifting Christian praise and worship music in your daily life along with your time in the word and communion with God. You'll see an improvement in your attitude and even you outlook on life. Spread the joy of music this week and continue to fall in love with God.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
Loving God Wholly
A discussion broke out the other night with some friends about how do you know if you love God. Do you Love God with all of your heart as the bible says to do? I mean, after all, it is pretty easy to say you love Him in that way, but how do you know if you really do? I made a statement that I believe that you can fall in love with anyone you choose to spend time with. If that is true, and I believe it is, you can truly fall madly in love with God if you spend a lot of time with Him. How many of us spend more time in the presence of the Almighty than with your computer, TV, or even your spouse. I am going to try to increase my time with God this year because I don't want God to look at me someday as you do a friend you don't see very often and could really do without. I want God to look at me and say "I've been waiting for you and I am really glad you are here!" I want this year to be the best year you have ever had with God. Spend time with Him, fall madly in love with Him, and have God looking for you to show up on that great day in the sky.
In His Service,
Gary
In His Service,
Gary
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