Scripture
The LORD has been good to me because I do what is right. He has rewarded me because I lead a pure life.
~Psalms 18:20, NIRV
Quote
I am not what I ought to be; I am not what I wish to be; I am not what I hope to be but by the GRACE of God, I am not what I use to be.
~John Newton
In Psalm 18 David expresses a lot of feelings and convictions that I can identify with:
- The LORD is my ROCK…
- The LORD is my Shield, my place of safety…
- I will call on the LORD who is worthy to be praised…
- I cried to the LORD for help and He heard my prayer…
- God’s way is perfect and the LORD’s word does not have any flaws…
- The LORD lives and blessed be the ROCK of my salvation…
But when he gets to verse 20, my heart trembles to think such thoughts:
- The LORD has been good to me because I do what is right…
- The LORD rewards me because I lead a pure life…
- I have lived the way LORD wanted me to…
- I am not guilty of turning away from the LORD…
- I keep all His laws: I have not shunned one of His commands…
- I have not done anything wrong…
- LORD you saved me because I was humble…
I am a sinner; if I denied that fact, I would be calling God a liar and He is no liar. I don’t want to sin. I don’t get up in the morning thinking, “What sins can I commit today.” Sin hurts me, he pricks my conscience, it burdens my heart, it hurts my family and friends. I am never proud when I sin but the truth is, I sin. I called a niece Christmas Eve morning and apologized for something stupid I said. I simply spoke without thinking, I said the first thing that came to mind which is not always good for me. Then I got an angry phone call on the way home, something I put on FaceBook was offensive. I pulled over and deleted it. I meant no harm in what I said but although my intentions may not have been evil, what I said offended someone. I asked my sweet niece the next morning, “Do you know anymore 67 year old men who say and do stupid things?” She laughed lovely but she couldn’t think of any.
I don’t make much of my life but I know God can hit a hard lick with a crooked stick. Sometimes the broken limbs bear the most fruit. I chuckle on the inside when I come across these newborns who have it all together or these bible study guru’s who have it all figured out; I thinking to myself, “God is really going to use you someday, once you are broken.” I don’t particularly enjoy listening to young preachers who have all the answers. I rather hear the ones who have had their heart broken. God gets more glory in our weakness than in our strength. We are human and we glory in anything generated by the flesh. As we grow older, we begin to realize that everything is grace.
Years ago I had a uncle say something that I have never forgotten. He said in regards to a relative, “He wears his halo too tight and it gives me a headache.” I like that adage; some folks need to loosen their halo, they are giving the rest of us a headache. One other tiny suggestion: never say never, especially in regards to the behavior of your children or grandchildren. When I hear a proud parent say, “My kid will never”...I start ducking and looking for cover. I am afraid their lightening bolt may hit me.
- Wow, I was blown away by the attendance yesterday. We had a ton of folks MIA but our visitors made up the difference. The kids did great. The little dudes are more generous that I anticipated. They may not have understood my instructions: they did not have to give their money. I was banking on some of them struggling like adults but greed has not set in with the little ones. It did not go as I had imagined but that is OK. The Children’s home got an extra $70.
- I appreciate the flowers sent in Memory of Belle and Willie Sessums of Lena, Mississippi. Mrs. Belle was our beloved church mom when we were in Mississippi. Her entire family became dear friends and I talk to them often. The flowers were sent by Renee Hurdle, Mrs. Belle’s sweet and beautiful granddaughter. Mrs. Belle took her heavenly flight in 2011 I believe and we miss her very much.
- June sends THANK YOU CARDS which are better than what I do but I want to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity. We were bombarded with gifts again yesterday. THANK YOU FOLKS. The outpouring of your affection has been touching. Yesterday didn’t seem like my last Sunday. It didn’t seem any different from any other Sunday other than it being CHRISTMAS. Next Sunday will be a horse of a different color. I may go hear one of my sons in the ministry next week just to help me transition.
- Running the A/C on Christmas Day: what about that! I had no problem with it!
- Today is Doug Seaver’s mom’s 98th birthday.