Friday, October 29, 2010
The Desert…or Dessert? When I was younger I always got the spelling of the “desert” and “dessert” confused. The means of both are miles apart, but because it all comes down to one little “s” I often got it wrong. That is, until one of my elementary school teachers taught us a cheap little trick to remember. She said, “Everybody loves dessert so much, they always want more. The desert isn’t much fun, so people want less of it. So just remember: more dessert so more “s’s”. Less desert so less “s’s”. And guess what? It worked.
Nobody dreams of spending time in a desert in life. The truth is, we’d all like to avoid those dry times in our life as much as possible. We long for the mountain tops – the times of blessing. You know what I’m talking about – those times when everything is going great. Nobody intentionally signs up for the low points – the barren lands of living. Yet the longer we live on this planet, the more deserts we will experience.
But there’s a beauty that can only be found in the desert, did you know that? I’ve made a few mission trips out to the desert of Arizona to spend some quality time with the Navajo people. And one thing I’ve found about the desert is that some of God’s most amazing works of art are found there. There’s a place called “Window Rock” in Arizona, and amazing doesn’t even capture the breathtaking beauty found there. The colors of the cliffs and boulders are striking. But you have to travel to the “barren lands” to find them.
The children of Israel definitely knew something about deserts. They spend a few generations wondering around in them because of their stiff-necked disobedience to God. But even in that dry place of consequences they found themselves in, they got to see God do some amazing stuff. Don’t forget: it was in the desert that they saw God make water come from a rock. They saw the Red Sea parted in the desert. God provided them manna from heaven for food in that dry, desolate place. The 10 Commandments were received there. So many God-sized things were done while they wandered in the sands of the desert wilderness.
And today you may have found yourself there – in a desert. You look around you and see sand, sand, and more sand. It seems like nothing is working out for you. It may even seem like nobody is on your side, and you’re all alone. Chances are, if you had your choice, you’d be out of this desert experience and back in the place of immense blessings again. But don’t miss the blessing in the desert! It’s in those times when you have nothing/no one else that you can best see His faithfulness and provision! Don’t spend all your desert time focusing on you and what you don’t have. Rather, spend it focusing on Him and realizing what all you DO have!
God is good. God is faithful. God is patient. God is love. God is awesome. God is amazing. God is breathtaking. God is grace. God is hope. God is peace. God is provision. God is power. And God is big. And all these can be seen best while in the desert. Trust me on that. As a matter of fact, I might just add another “s.”
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
ALL.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
All. The sum total of everything. It’s what you have when everything is combined. It’s only 3 letters, but it’s all inclusive. It’s all. And it’s a word used a few times in Scripture. And mark it down, when God chose to inspire the word “all” in His Book, He was going for the punch. He was making sure we got it.
“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” That’s pretty straight forward, huh? God said, and very clearly I might add, that we’ve all blown it. Every single one of us has made huge blunders. Today many of us call them “mistakes” or “personality flaws.” God calls it sin. When we lie, that’s a sin. When we cheat, that’s a sin. When we gossip, that’s a sin. When we steal, that’s a sin. When we walk down the road of impurity, that’s a sin. When we aren’t kind to others, that’s a sin. When we refuse to share Christ with the lost, that’s a sin. Get it? We’ve ALL sinned. It’s all inclusive.
He’s also said that we will ALL die and stand before Him. “It’s appointed to all men once to die and afterwards to face the judgment.” So here we are – sinners. We’ve all blown it big time. And there’s coming a day when we will die and stand before God. I don’t know about you, but those 2 facts combined would make me slightly nervous were it not for Jesus. In our sin, we are dirty and unprepared for God. We are unworthy. He is holy. We are sin. Those 2 don’t mix well…at all really. So herein lies our problem.
But then He promises that He loves ALL who are in the world. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever (another word for all) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” There it is! That’s the good news of the Gospel! Though we are separated from God by this sin we were born into, God took action to fix that. The only One that could pay the debt for us, Jesus, did it! Look at Him hanging on that cross, totally undeserving Himself. Yet nonetheless, there He is. And the heavy weight that’s being placed upon Him? That’s my sin. That’s your sin. ALL of it.
And He’s coming back for us. He’s coming back for ALL of us. If we know Him, there’s coming a day, and it could be any moment according to the prophecies He’s given in His Book, that He’s coming back for ALL of us that are His. No more pain; no more heartbreak; no more illness; no more disappointment. He’s going to do away with ALL of that, and our reality will forever be the place He’s been preparing since He went back to His Father almost 2,000 years ago. He made ALL that we know in 6 days. Imagine how amazing a place would be that He’s been working on for 2,000 years!
So here it is: ALL that God has to offer you. It’s right before you today. And He simply says, “Come to Me.” He offers you forgiveness for ALL of your sin. He offers you peace in ALL your storms. He guarantees you entrance into ALL He has in store. And He promises to be with you in ALL of your days to come. “All to Jesus, I surrender…” Will you join me?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
All. The sum total of everything. It’s what you have when everything is combined. It’s only 3 letters, but it’s all inclusive. It’s all. And it’s a word used a few times in Scripture. And mark it down, when God chose to inspire the word “all” in His Book, He was going for the punch. He was making sure we got it.
“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” That’s pretty straight forward, huh? God said, and very clearly I might add, that we’ve all blown it. Every single one of us has made huge blunders. Today many of us call them “mistakes” or “personality flaws.” God calls it sin. When we lie, that’s a sin. When we cheat, that’s a sin. When we gossip, that’s a sin. When we steal, that’s a sin. When we walk down the road of impurity, that’s a sin. When we aren’t kind to others, that’s a sin. When we refuse to share Christ with the lost, that’s a sin. Get it? We’ve ALL sinned. It’s all inclusive.
He’s also said that we will ALL die and stand before Him. “It’s appointed to all men once to die and afterwards to face the judgment.” So here we are – sinners. We’ve all blown it big time. And there’s coming a day when we will die and stand before God. I don’t know about you, but those 2 facts combined would make me slightly nervous were it not for Jesus. In our sin, we are dirty and unprepared for God. We are unworthy. He is holy. We are sin. Those 2 don’t mix well…at all really. So herein lies our problem.
But then He promises that He loves ALL who are in the world. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever (another word for all) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” There it is! That’s the good news of the Gospel! Though we are separated from God by this sin we were born into, God took action to fix that. The only One that could pay the debt for us, Jesus, did it! Look at Him hanging on that cross, totally undeserving Himself. Yet nonetheless, there He is. And the heavy weight that’s being placed upon Him? That’s my sin. That’s your sin. ALL of it.
And He’s coming back for us. He’s coming back for ALL of us. If we know Him, there’s coming a day, and it could be any moment according to the prophecies He’s given in His Book, that He’s coming back for ALL of us that are His. No more pain; no more heartbreak; no more illness; no more disappointment. He’s going to do away with ALL of that, and our reality will forever be the place He’s been preparing since He went back to His Father almost 2,000 years ago. He made ALL that we know in 6 days. Imagine how amazing a place would be that He’s been working on for 2,000 years!
So here it is: ALL that God has to offer you. It’s right before you today. And He simply says, “Come to Me.” He offers you forgiveness for ALL of your sin. He offers you peace in ALL your storms. He guarantees you entrance into ALL He has in store. And He promises to be with you in ALL of your days to come. “All to Jesus, I surrender…” Will you join me?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Gone.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Gone. His best friends for 3 ½ years felt alone, and hopeless. All their dreams and plans were suddenly finished, or so they thought. They didn’t have His presence anymore. They no doubt had questions, but they couldn’t just walk up to Him and ask Him now. They had some regrets, wishing they’d not said some things in His last few days with them, no doubt. Nonetheless, it seems like the world is caving in on them. He’s gone, and all signs point to the fact that the religious leaders are coming for them next.
But, before He died He had made a promise. He had told them that He’d be dead for 3 days, and then He’d rise. We don’t see them talking about that promise now, though. It seems that the darkness of the valley they were now walking in was just too dark for the glorious light of God’s promise to shine through. They were lonely. They were afraid. They were hurting. And it seemed as if they were also doomed.
So a few of them go to the tomb. After all, it’s only right that they anoint His body for burial since the Sabbath is now over. I can imagine it’s probably the longest walk they’ve ever taken. No one said a word. They just walked. They knew where they were going, and the body of their Best Friend was awaiting them. Or was it?
When they got to the tomb, the stone – the massive, several men required to move it, stone – was rolled away. And the tomb? Well, there it sat – empty! The body of Jesus was gone! And the 2 angels that suddenly appeared said it all. “Don’t seek the living among the dead. He is not here, but is risen. Go, tell the others.” Then they ran – no doubt as hard and as fast as ever in their life they ran. The joy – pure joy – they felt must have been palpable. Gone – He’s gone! That means He’s alive! Every promise He ever made – He kept!
Today, the tomb is still empty. He’s alive. But I wonder if you’ve ever done as I have in times past and tried to put a few things back in that tomb. I’m talking about the past. You know, the stuff that’s gone? The mistakes you made – the mistakes others made – they’re gone. History. And all that’s left is life. And the life that’s left is full of Him. And all the promises He’s made to us He’ll keep. He’s never broken one yet, and He’s not starting now.
So take your past – the hurts, the failures, the bitterness, the loss – and roll the stone of that tomb away. Let it go. Give it to Him. And ask the One who conquered death, hell, and the grave to conquer your memories and past mistakes. He’ll raise you up from that swamp of regret and place your feet firmly on the Rock that is His Spirit. So, at the end of the day, you can look into that tomb of the past and say boldly, “Gone!”
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Gone. His best friends for 3 ½ years felt alone, and hopeless. All their dreams and plans were suddenly finished, or so they thought. They didn’t have His presence anymore. They no doubt had questions, but they couldn’t just walk up to Him and ask Him now. They had some regrets, wishing they’d not said some things in His last few days with them, no doubt. Nonetheless, it seems like the world is caving in on them. He’s gone, and all signs point to the fact that the religious leaders are coming for them next.
But, before He died He had made a promise. He had told them that He’d be dead for 3 days, and then He’d rise. We don’t see them talking about that promise now, though. It seems that the darkness of the valley they were now walking in was just too dark for the glorious light of God’s promise to shine through. They were lonely. They were afraid. They were hurting. And it seemed as if they were also doomed.
So a few of them go to the tomb. After all, it’s only right that they anoint His body for burial since the Sabbath is now over. I can imagine it’s probably the longest walk they’ve ever taken. No one said a word. They just walked. They knew where they were going, and the body of their Best Friend was awaiting them. Or was it?
When they got to the tomb, the stone – the massive, several men required to move it, stone – was rolled away. And the tomb? Well, there it sat – empty! The body of Jesus was gone! And the 2 angels that suddenly appeared said it all. “Don’t seek the living among the dead. He is not here, but is risen. Go, tell the others.” Then they ran – no doubt as hard and as fast as ever in their life they ran. The joy – pure joy – they felt must have been palpable. Gone – He’s gone! That means He’s alive! Every promise He ever made – He kept!
Today, the tomb is still empty. He’s alive. But I wonder if you’ve ever done as I have in times past and tried to put a few things back in that tomb. I’m talking about the past. You know, the stuff that’s gone? The mistakes you made – the mistakes others made – they’re gone. History. And all that’s left is life. And the life that’s left is full of Him. And all the promises He’s made to us He’ll keep. He’s never broken one yet, and He’s not starting now.
So take your past – the hurts, the failures, the bitterness, the loss – and roll the stone of that tomb away. Let it go. Give it to Him. And ask the One who conquered death, hell, and the grave to conquer your memories and past mistakes. He’ll raise you up from that swamp of regret and place your feet firmly on the Rock that is His Spirit. So, at the end of the day, you can look into that tomb of the past and say boldly, “Gone!”
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Really.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Really. It’s hard to believe how good God is sometimes. The simple fact that He loves you and me is enough to blow our minds. Even when we are brought down low by the sin that still tries to wrap it’s boney claws around our lives, He loves us. Even when we do things that bring shame and reproach upon His name, He loves us. Even when we choose our own way instead of His, He loves us. Really.
Almost 2,000 years ago in a tiny town called Bethlehem, after a journey of several days, a young virgin girl named Mary and her young husband named Joseph settled in for a long night in the stable, since all the rooms were taken at the local inn. The God of the universe had taken human form and was right there, inside her womb, just waiting for the moment He’d make His grand entrance into the world He came to save. Leaving the glory of heaven to come and be our Savior, there is He. Really.
He lived a perfect, sinless, holy life. He healed. He loved. He laughed. He showed us that there are some things worth getting angry about, like the abuse of His Father’s house. He taught us that everyone should be the target of our love, like the woman caught in adultery. He demonstrated that forgiveness should be extended even to those that hurt us, like the soldiers that mocked and beat Him. He did all this. Really.
He made 12 close friends who would go on to spread His message throughout all the world. He gave them authority to do what only God-sent men could do. He gave them the passion to continue the work, even when their lives were at stake. He left them with the job of going into the entire world with His gospel. He told them the message they carried was the only hope for a dying world. He trusted them. Really.
He held His silence through so much of the kangaroo trial. He allowed His hands to be bound. He allowed the soldiers to rip the flesh from His back with the whips. He allowed the crown made of thorns to be planted on His head, deep into His brow. He allowed them to lead Him up to Calvary’s mountain. He allowed His hands to be nailed to that old, rugged, splintered cross. He allowed the crowd to mock Him. He allowed His Spirit to leave His body. Really.
He was buried in a borrowed tomb. He took the keys to death and hell from the enemy while there. He spent 3 days and 3 nights in that tomb. He knew His friends were weeping. He knew His followers were despairing. He knew they were doubting. He knew they needed Him. Really.
He got up. He appeared to them to remind them of His promises. He extended grace to those who had failed Him. He reminded them of His unending love for them. He stood on a hillside and reminded them of their all important job of spreading the hope of the gospel. He ascended into the clouds, out of their sight. Really.
He’s coming again. Soon. Much sooner than many think. At any moment He could come. He wants you to be ready. Really.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Really. It’s hard to believe how good God is sometimes. The simple fact that He loves you and me is enough to blow our minds. Even when we are brought down low by the sin that still tries to wrap it’s boney claws around our lives, He loves us. Even when we do things that bring shame and reproach upon His name, He loves us. Even when we choose our own way instead of His, He loves us. Really.
Almost 2,000 years ago in a tiny town called Bethlehem, after a journey of several days, a young virgin girl named Mary and her young husband named Joseph settled in for a long night in the stable, since all the rooms were taken at the local inn. The God of the universe had taken human form and was right there, inside her womb, just waiting for the moment He’d make His grand entrance into the world He came to save. Leaving the glory of heaven to come and be our Savior, there is He. Really.
He lived a perfect, sinless, holy life. He healed. He loved. He laughed. He showed us that there are some things worth getting angry about, like the abuse of His Father’s house. He taught us that everyone should be the target of our love, like the woman caught in adultery. He demonstrated that forgiveness should be extended even to those that hurt us, like the soldiers that mocked and beat Him. He did all this. Really.
He made 12 close friends who would go on to spread His message throughout all the world. He gave them authority to do what only God-sent men could do. He gave them the passion to continue the work, even when their lives were at stake. He left them with the job of going into the entire world with His gospel. He told them the message they carried was the only hope for a dying world. He trusted them. Really.
He held His silence through so much of the kangaroo trial. He allowed His hands to be bound. He allowed the soldiers to rip the flesh from His back with the whips. He allowed the crown made of thorns to be planted on His head, deep into His brow. He allowed them to lead Him up to Calvary’s mountain. He allowed His hands to be nailed to that old, rugged, splintered cross. He allowed the crowd to mock Him. He allowed His Spirit to leave His body. Really.
He was buried in a borrowed tomb. He took the keys to death and hell from the enemy while there. He spent 3 days and 3 nights in that tomb. He knew His friends were weeping. He knew His followers were despairing. He knew they were doubting. He knew they needed Him. Really.
He got up. He appeared to them to remind them of His promises. He extended grace to those who had failed Him. He reminded them of His unending love for them. He stood on a hillside and reminded them of their all important job of spreading the hope of the gospel. He ascended into the clouds, out of their sight. Really.
He’s coming again. Soon. Much sooner than many think. At any moment He could come. He wants you to be ready. Really.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friends.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friends. I’ve had a tremendous weekend. It’s been tiring, I’ll admit. But it’s been wonderful. Friday night’s trip to Hot Springs for the Casting Crowns concert with the students from church and our volunteers was great. Follow that up with an early morning breakfast with my church family Saturday morning, followed by time at a friend’s, a cookout with my family, and a trip to a “haunted hayride” with 2 of the best friends a guy could ask for. Top all that off with another great Victory Sunday and you’ve got a superb way to spend a weekend. And it’s got me thinking about what real friends are.
I’ve had a few fair-weather friends at times in the past. You know what that means, right? Those are the folks that pat you on the back when everything’s going well, but as soon as times get hard or they find an opportunity to jockey for power the friendship is seemingly over. Suddenly the folks you’ve trusted in times when you just needed someone to talk to are using that very trusted information for their own benefit. That stings, a lot. But you learn from that, and you gain a little more knowledge of what real friends are.
I’ve had a few self-centered friends at times in the past. These are the folks that refer to themselves as your friends, but it’s really all about them. When you’re hurting, they are rarely seen unless they can be seen when others are around. In the dark of the midnight of the deepest valley of your existence, they’re nowhere to be seen unless there’s some applause to be found. And, again, it just shows you the lack of real friendship that exists there.
But then there are the real deal friends. The folks you just love to be around, whether you’re up or down. If you feel like conquering the world you want to do it with them. But if you feel like burying your head in the sand, you want them to help you dig the hole. That’s a real friend. And God has so richly blessed me with friends such as these in my life.
I know I seem to say this all the time, but one of the greatest blessings God has ever poured out upon my life was allowing me the awesome privilege of serving Him in ministry at Victory Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas again. Mondays tend to be a time for me to stop and reflect on His goodness to this church family on the previous day, and today is no exception. You see, I get to worship with friends – real friends. These are folks that really get what it means to love. I’ve even commented in recent days about the fact that when you walk into that place on Sunday you can literally feel the joy and love in the air. And it’s true.
So today, if you’re reading this and you’re one of these friends I’ve mentioned, pat yourself on the back for me, would ya? You deserve a little thanks. And for the rest of us, may we all strive to be the best friends the world could ever dream of, pointing folks to Jesus by showing them what kind of love He has for us. Truth is, He’s the best Friend you’ll ever have.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friends. I’ve had a tremendous weekend. It’s been tiring, I’ll admit. But it’s been wonderful. Friday night’s trip to Hot Springs for the Casting Crowns concert with the students from church and our volunteers was great. Follow that up with an early morning breakfast with my church family Saturday morning, followed by time at a friend’s, a cookout with my family, and a trip to a “haunted hayride” with 2 of the best friends a guy could ask for. Top all that off with another great Victory Sunday and you’ve got a superb way to spend a weekend. And it’s got me thinking about what real friends are.
I’ve had a few fair-weather friends at times in the past. You know what that means, right? Those are the folks that pat you on the back when everything’s going well, but as soon as times get hard or they find an opportunity to jockey for power the friendship is seemingly over. Suddenly the folks you’ve trusted in times when you just needed someone to talk to are using that very trusted information for their own benefit. That stings, a lot. But you learn from that, and you gain a little more knowledge of what real friends are.
I’ve had a few self-centered friends at times in the past. These are the folks that refer to themselves as your friends, but it’s really all about them. When you’re hurting, they are rarely seen unless they can be seen when others are around. In the dark of the midnight of the deepest valley of your existence, they’re nowhere to be seen unless there’s some applause to be found. And, again, it just shows you the lack of real friendship that exists there.
But then there are the real deal friends. The folks you just love to be around, whether you’re up or down. If you feel like conquering the world you want to do it with them. But if you feel like burying your head in the sand, you want them to help you dig the hole. That’s a real friend. And God has so richly blessed me with friends such as these in my life.
I know I seem to say this all the time, but one of the greatest blessings God has ever poured out upon my life was allowing me the awesome privilege of serving Him in ministry at Victory Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas again. Mondays tend to be a time for me to stop and reflect on His goodness to this church family on the previous day, and today is no exception. You see, I get to worship with friends – real friends. These are folks that really get what it means to love. I’ve even commented in recent days about the fact that when you walk into that place on Sunday you can literally feel the joy and love in the air. And it’s true.
So today, if you’re reading this and you’re one of these friends I’ve mentioned, pat yourself on the back for me, would ya? You deserve a little thanks. And for the rest of us, may we all strive to be the best friends the world could ever dream of, pointing folks to Jesus by showing them what kind of love He has for us. Truth is, He’s the best Friend you’ll ever have.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Christmas Presence.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Christmas Presence. It’s still October, I understand that. That would cause many of you to wonder why I would be writing a blog about Christmas. Granted, I have a few family members that are ready for Christmas again by December 26th each year. They sing Christmas music and start putting up their Christmas decorations, including the tree, by midsummer I think. I am not one of those folks. I didn’t even put up a tree last year. And though I intend to this year, it won’t happen until early November. So why would I be writing about Christmas? Because we can celebrate Christmas Presence all year long!
We’ve heard the story of Bethlehem time and time again. We’ve read about it, seen cute little Christmas plays at church about it, seen movies about it, and even heard so many songs about it that we can’t miss the point of Christmas. It’s not about the snow (or lack thereof). It’s not about the trees or garland. The truth of the matter is, as much as we enjoy family time during the holidays, it’s not even about seeing family. It’s certainly not about the gifts and presents we look forward to so much as a child, either. The Christmas holiday is all about presence. Did you get that?
The greatest gift the world has ever received came on Christmas Day. Regardless of whether or not it was actually during the summertime or not, the day we’ve set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ is Christmas Day. And on that day, God gave us His Presence in a whole new way. He sent His Son into this world to be our Emanuel, God with us. No longer was there a veil that would separate God and man. Jesus had come to tear that veil, which He would ultimately do by speaking those powerful words, “It is finished!” It’s all about His Presence.
The greatest joy in living a life with Christ is simply knowing that once you come to know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you’ll never have to live a moment without His presence again. Never. His promise to “Never leave you nor forsake you” rings true today as much as ever. And the greatest thing about His presence? He desires to be present in our lives. He wants our company! The God of the universe, through the ministry of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit, actually WANTS to be present in our lives! That’s why He said to the disciples in John 21, “Come and have breakfast with me.” Wow!
So today, you may face an excruciating battle in your life. I don’t know what you’re going through, but I have tasted the depth of the darkest valleys life can throw at you. And through it all, no matter how hard it is to stand, or how impossible this battle may seem, remember the gift of Christmas. Remember His Christmas Presence. Because once He comes into your life, He’s never leaving. And that’s one bit of news you can hold to all year long.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Christmas Presence. It’s still October, I understand that. That would cause many of you to wonder why I would be writing a blog about Christmas. Granted, I have a few family members that are ready for Christmas again by December 26th each year. They sing Christmas music and start putting up their Christmas decorations, including the tree, by midsummer I think. I am not one of those folks. I didn’t even put up a tree last year. And though I intend to this year, it won’t happen until early November. So why would I be writing about Christmas? Because we can celebrate Christmas Presence all year long!
We’ve heard the story of Bethlehem time and time again. We’ve read about it, seen cute little Christmas plays at church about it, seen movies about it, and even heard so many songs about it that we can’t miss the point of Christmas. It’s not about the snow (or lack thereof). It’s not about the trees or garland. The truth of the matter is, as much as we enjoy family time during the holidays, it’s not even about seeing family. It’s certainly not about the gifts and presents we look forward to so much as a child, either. The Christmas holiday is all about presence. Did you get that?
The greatest gift the world has ever received came on Christmas Day. Regardless of whether or not it was actually during the summertime or not, the day we’ve set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ is Christmas Day. And on that day, God gave us His Presence in a whole new way. He sent His Son into this world to be our Emanuel, God with us. No longer was there a veil that would separate God and man. Jesus had come to tear that veil, which He would ultimately do by speaking those powerful words, “It is finished!” It’s all about His Presence.
The greatest joy in living a life with Christ is simply knowing that once you come to know Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you’ll never have to live a moment without His presence again. Never. His promise to “Never leave you nor forsake you” rings true today as much as ever. And the greatest thing about His presence? He desires to be present in our lives. He wants our company! The God of the universe, through the ministry of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit, actually WANTS to be present in our lives! That’s why He said to the disciples in John 21, “Come and have breakfast with me.” Wow!
So today, you may face an excruciating battle in your life. I don’t know what you’re going through, but I have tasted the depth of the darkest valleys life can throw at you. And through it all, no matter how hard it is to stand, or how impossible this battle may seem, remember the gift of Christmas. Remember His Christmas Presence. Because once He comes into your life, He’s never leaving. And that’s one bit of news you can hold to all year long.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Change.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Change. I know that this is a political season, with folks trying to get elected to everything from the US Senate to city dog catcher (ok, well, maybe not really in Cabot…). And I know that in a political election climate like this, you’re very used to hearing the word “change” used a ton. Seems like everyone promises it. And more times than not, a few months after an election we all find out that most of the “change” we were promised either isn’t going to happen, or when it happens we realize it wasn’t such a great idea after all. But this morning I’m not talking about that kind of change. I’m talking about what’s left.
You know the story: you go to the counter, lay down the money for your purchase, and the cashier gives you back your change. I have a little jar on my dresser that all my change goes into, and over time I collect a nice little amount of moola. We use quarters, dimes, even nickels. But there’s a debate going about the penny. Did you know it costs our government more to make the penny than the penny is even worth? Imagine that…the government doing something that doesn’t make much sense. But that’s a soapbox for another time. Back to change…
What’s left? That’s your change. It’s what’s left when you’ve spent a larger sum. And as I ponder this thought, I wonder how many times I’m giving my God my change, instead of my first. Instead of giving Him the “first fruits” of my time, does He just get what’s left over? Instead of giving Him the “first fruits” of my money, does He just get what’s left? Instead of giving Him the “first fruits” of my talent and abilities, does He just get the remainder after everyone else has taken their share?
Very few of us would feed leftovers to a visiting dignitary at our home, right? If the President of the United States, regardless of how you feel about him, were coming to our house, we’d probably not feed him what was left of yesterday’s lunch. And yet here we are – giving God our life’s leftovers, as if He doesn’t mind. It’s almost as if our relationship with God is so often times an afterthought instead of the foundation of our lives.
I’m tired of God getting my change. I want Him to get what’s first, every time. I want Him to have the best of my life. He doesn’t deserve my change – my leftovers. He’s God – He’s not just my Savior, He’s my Lord. And as the One who holds the title deed to my life, He should be #1 on all levels.
So, why not join me today in this journey to giving God our very best? He’s gotten the first of my time thus far; now let’s see what else I can give Him as the day progresses. I’m not giving Him my change today – He’s getting all of me! And at the end of the day, that’s a decision that I’ll never regret.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Change. I know that this is a political season, with folks trying to get elected to everything from the US Senate to city dog catcher (ok, well, maybe not really in Cabot…). And I know that in a political election climate like this, you’re very used to hearing the word “change” used a ton. Seems like everyone promises it. And more times than not, a few months after an election we all find out that most of the “change” we were promised either isn’t going to happen, or when it happens we realize it wasn’t such a great idea after all. But this morning I’m not talking about that kind of change. I’m talking about what’s left.
You know the story: you go to the counter, lay down the money for your purchase, and the cashier gives you back your change. I have a little jar on my dresser that all my change goes into, and over time I collect a nice little amount of moola. We use quarters, dimes, even nickels. But there’s a debate going about the penny. Did you know it costs our government more to make the penny than the penny is even worth? Imagine that…the government doing something that doesn’t make much sense. But that’s a soapbox for another time. Back to change…
What’s left? That’s your change. It’s what’s left when you’ve spent a larger sum. And as I ponder this thought, I wonder how many times I’m giving my God my change, instead of my first. Instead of giving Him the “first fruits” of my time, does He just get what’s left over? Instead of giving Him the “first fruits” of my money, does He just get what’s left? Instead of giving Him the “first fruits” of my talent and abilities, does He just get the remainder after everyone else has taken their share?
Very few of us would feed leftovers to a visiting dignitary at our home, right? If the President of the United States, regardless of how you feel about him, were coming to our house, we’d probably not feed him what was left of yesterday’s lunch. And yet here we are – giving God our life’s leftovers, as if He doesn’t mind. It’s almost as if our relationship with God is so often times an afterthought instead of the foundation of our lives.
I’m tired of God getting my change. I want Him to get what’s first, every time. I want Him to have the best of my life. He doesn’t deserve my change – my leftovers. He’s God – He’s not just my Savior, He’s my Lord. And as the One who holds the title deed to my life, He should be #1 on all levels.
So, why not join me today in this journey to giving God our very best? He’s gotten the first of my time thus far; now let’s see what else I can give Him as the day progresses. I’m not giving Him my change today – He’s getting all of me! And at the end of the day, that’s a decision that I’ll never regret.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Proper Capitalization.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Proper Capitalization. One of my English teachers from Vilonia Junior High School is a Facebook friend, and occasionally she “likes” one of these blogs. I’m not sure if she reads them all, but I’m pretty positive that if Mrs. Brenda Reynolds reads today’s blog I’m going to get an email. And please understand, I’m usually a pretty big fan of proper punctuation and grammar rules. I try my best to sound like I have at least a minimal amount of sense, but today may just make you think otherwise. You see, today I’m beginning a new tradition in my life as it relates to capitalization.
We’re taught in school to capitalize names, titles, and proper things like that. We learn early on that when we sign our name that a capital letter goes at the beginning. As a matter of fact, that’s probably one of the first things we learn in our school career, because our name is a pretty important word to us. We would put it at the top of every paper, project, and mine even made its way to the teacher’s black board a time or to…per week.
We’re also taught to capitalize the pronouns used to refer to Deity, to God. When we use the words He, Him, or His to refer to our God or something that belongs to Him, we capitalize it. There are “proper reasons” in the wide, wide world of grammar that we do this, I’m sure. It’s a simple issue of deep, deep respect and honor for me. Which made me think last night – what can I do in my life, and my writing, to focus even more of the honor, respect, admiration, and focus on Him instead of me? And that brought me to where I am this morning.
From this point on, when you see me write or type my own name, it will be void of capitalization. I know, I know – the world just stopped spinning for a second. Sure it challenges the known rules of the English language. Sure there are most likely a plethora of reasons that I shouldn’t do this. But all that aside, it’s really an issue of honor and respect. You see, by leaving out the capitals, I’m communicating to the world in my own small way that it’s not about me. I’m not the one deserving of honor, reverence, respect, or admiration. Not this guy, no way. As a matter of fact, I’m about as undeserving of those things as any one man. When Paul wrote, “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief,” he’d never met me yet. But the God I adore and serve, well, He is all deserving.
It’s a tiny gesture, and much like every effort of my life, a very insignificant one in the grand scheme of things I know. But it’s just one more thing I can do to point the attention, focus, and glory back to where it belongs – Him. So there you have it. I’m taking a walk on the wild side of grammar to simply make a point. He is God, and beside Him there is no other. Period. There’s no denying it. And every time you see my name printed or signed, I’m hoping I can remind you of that.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Proper Capitalization. One of my English teachers from Vilonia Junior High School is a Facebook friend, and occasionally she “likes” one of these blogs. I’m not sure if she reads them all, but I’m pretty positive that if Mrs. Brenda Reynolds reads today’s blog I’m going to get an email. And please understand, I’m usually a pretty big fan of proper punctuation and grammar rules. I try my best to sound like I have at least a minimal amount of sense, but today may just make you think otherwise. You see, today I’m beginning a new tradition in my life as it relates to capitalization.
We’re taught in school to capitalize names, titles, and proper things like that. We learn early on that when we sign our name that a capital letter goes at the beginning. As a matter of fact, that’s probably one of the first things we learn in our school career, because our name is a pretty important word to us. We would put it at the top of every paper, project, and mine even made its way to the teacher’s black board a time or to…per week.
We’re also taught to capitalize the pronouns used to refer to Deity, to God. When we use the words He, Him, or His to refer to our God or something that belongs to Him, we capitalize it. There are “proper reasons” in the wide, wide world of grammar that we do this, I’m sure. It’s a simple issue of deep, deep respect and honor for me. Which made me think last night – what can I do in my life, and my writing, to focus even more of the honor, respect, admiration, and focus on Him instead of me? And that brought me to where I am this morning.
From this point on, when you see me write or type my own name, it will be void of capitalization. I know, I know – the world just stopped spinning for a second. Sure it challenges the known rules of the English language. Sure there are most likely a plethora of reasons that I shouldn’t do this. But all that aside, it’s really an issue of honor and respect. You see, by leaving out the capitals, I’m communicating to the world in my own small way that it’s not about me. I’m not the one deserving of honor, reverence, respect, or admiration. Not this guy, no way. As a matter of fact, I’m about as undeserving of those things as any one man. When Paul wrote, “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief,” he’d never met me yet. But the God I adore and serve, well, He is all deserving.
It’s a tiny gesture, and much like every effort of my life, a very insignificant one in the grand scheme of things I know. But it’s just one more thing I can do to point the attention, focus, and glory back to where it belongs – Him. So there you have it. I’m taking a walk on the wild side of grammar to simply make a point. He is God, and beside Him there is no other. Period. There’s no denying it. And every time you see my name printed or signed, I’m hoping I can remind you of that.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, October 18, 2010
My Next 27 Years.
Monday, October 18, 2010
My Next 27 Years. This past Friday was my birthday, as you already know since you read this blog. So this past weekend, since that day, I’ve been pondering what my life will look like 27 years from now. I will be 54 years old, and no doubt will look substantially different than I do right now. There'll be more gray hair, probably less hair in general, bigger bags under the ole' eyes. More wrinkles. But what will my life look like?
I can’t predict the future, and don’t even want to try. But I do want to set some attainable goals – some expectations for my life by that point – that I hope to have reached. God is in control, and His plan is bigger than our hopes and dreams ever could be. I’ve learned that in recent months, and I’ve also learned to be okay with that. His will and plan are bigger and better than my hopes or dreams, anyway. But my life should have certain characteristics that are timeless that should, over a period of 27 more years, grow deeper and stronger.
In my next 27 years, I want to serve Him. I want to spend the next half of my life working for the kingdom. I don’t know what all He’s going to use me to do in the future, but on my 54th birthday, I want to look back and see folks headed to heaven that weren’t 27 years prior. I want to spend these years loving on God, and loving on people. I long for my life to be a walking Gospel – pointing people to the God I love and serve with every breath I take. I want my life to be an altar.
In my next 27 years, I want to be the best at my top life priorities. If I become a husband, I want to be the best husband this world has ever seen, making my wife second only to Christ in my life. If I become a father, I want to be the best daddy this world has ever seen, pointing my kids to Jesus and helping them grow up to love Him. If I become a best friend, I want to be a friend that gives Godly advice, and doesn’t point those I love in a direction contrary to His will for their lives. If someone calls me their pastor, I want to be an under-shepherd that trusts completely in the Head-Shepherd with everything I am.
In my next 27 years, I want the theme of my life to be Jesus and His love. If I’m still on the topside in 27 years, I want my life to be a song about His amazing grace. If I’m not in heaven yet, I want to be passing out the tickets of the Gospel so the multitudes around me will be going too. If I’m not standing in the presence of Jesus in the body, I want to be living full of His presence in the Spirit – daily.
We can’t know what the next 27 years holds. We don’t have a magic 8ball to shake that will tell us what life is bringing our way. But we can know Who holds tomorrow. And we can commit our ways to Him, no matter what the future brings. So in my next 27 years, I want to fall in love with my Savior more every day. And I want to draw so close to Him that going to heaven is the only step that will take me any closer to His heart. I’m praying my next 27 years are the best yet.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
My Next 27 Years. This past Friday was my birthday, as you already know since you read this blog. So this past weekend, since that day, I’ve been pondering what my life will look like 27 years from now. I will be 54 years old, and no doubt will look substantially different than I do right now. There'll be more gray hair, probably less hair in general, bigger bags under the ole' eyes. More wrinkles. But what will my life look like?
I can’t predict the future, and don’t even want to try. But I do want to set some attainable goals – some expectations for my life by that point – that I hope to have reached. God is in control, and His plan is bigger than our hopes and dreams ever could be. I’ve learned that in recent months, and I’ve also learned to be okay with that. His will and plan are bigger and better than my hopes or dreams, anyway. But my life should have certain characteristics that are timeless that should, over a period of 27 more years, grow deeper and stronger.
In my next 27 years, I want to serve Him. I want to spend the next half of my life working for the kingdom. I don’t know what all He’s going to use me to do in the future, but on my 54th birthday, I want to look back and see folks headed to heaven that weren’t 27 years prior. I want to spend these years loving on God, and loving on people. I long for my life to be a walking Gospel – pointing people to the God I love and serve with every breath I take. I want my life to be an altar.
In my next 27 years, I want to be the best at my top life priorities. If I become a husband, I want to be the best husband this world has ever seen, making my wife second only to Christ in my life. If I become a father, I want to be the best daddy this world has ever seen, pointing my kids to Jesus and helping them grow up to love Him. If I become a best friend, I want to be a friend that gives Godly advice, and doesn’t point those I love in a direction contrary to His will for their lives. If someone calls me their pastor, I want to be an under-shepherd that trusts completely in the Head-Shepherd with everything I am.
In my next 27 years, I want the theme of my life to be Jesus and His love. If I’m still on the topside in 27 years, I want my life to be a song about His amazing grace. If I’m not in heaven yet, I want to be passing out the tickets of the Gospel so the multitudes around me will be going too. If I’m not standing in the presence of Jesus in the body, I want to be living full of His presence in the Spirit – daily.
We can’t know what the next 27 years holds. We don’t have a magic 8ball to shake that will tell us what life is bringing our way. But we can know Who holds tomorrow. And we can commit our ways to Him, no matter what the future brings. So in my next 27 years, I want to fall in love with my Savior more every day. And I want to draw so close to Him that going to heaven is the only step that will take me any closer to His heart. I’m praying my next 27 years are the best yet.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, October 15, 2010
27 Years.
Friday, October 15, 2010
27 Years. And so it was 27 years ago today that God brought me into this world. I’ve been thinking in recent months about all I have to be thankful for, and much of that thought process has made its way onto this blog. I’ve shared my thankfulness for influential Pastors, friends, family, etc. But today I want to share my gratitude for a couple of people that are truly special in a set apart way. Without them, I’d not be here – literally.
The story of how my parents were led together by the Lord is a pretty cool one. I won’t get into lots of details, but let’s just say there were some “broken roads” that led them together. And from what I’ve been told, they knew pretty quickly they were meant to be. 3 kids and 30+ years of marriage later, they’re still very much in love. It’s because they understood something about marriage and love that a huge percentage of our society doesn’t: it’s not about the good times, but all the times. Love, they understand, is not a feeling, but rather a lifelong commitment that must weather through all the storms that come and go. It’s a rock – a foundation – upon which the rest of their lives are built. And that kind of love lasts, and they’ve given us Martin kids an example of what that looks like.
I’m told that at the hospital that day my Dad was a little excited to finally have a son. I mean, I was there of course, but for some reason I don’t remember the events of that day very well. Seems that it was slightly traumatic for me. Nonetheless, a son he got. And a Daddy I got. And there has never been a better one. From peewee football games to driving tanks at the National Guard Armory when I’d go to work with him occasionally, I had, and still HAVE, the two best Daddy’s in the universe, both earthly and heavenly.
Of course my mom had something to do with the whole bringing me into the world thing. She was there that day, too. And as traumatic of an event as it was for me, I’m pretty sure she got the bad end of the deal. I was 5 years old when she was having her final surgeries to repair what I did to her that day. But the sacrifices made that day were only the beginning for this woman of God that loves her husband and kids and family more than life itself. She’s had to deal with some tough blows in her life, that’s for sure. But at the end of the day, she has stood tall, a strong, strong woman who knows Who she belongs to. And she’s shown us what that looks like.
So on this birthday of mine I’m choosing to focus more on my gratitude to the ones who made me what I am today. It’s one day of the year, a day much like any other day. Many like to make this day all about themselves. After all, it is my birthday. But that’s a dose of selfishness I just don’t want to drink today. The truth is, all I did to earn this day was travel down a birth canal and cry when the doc slapped my newborn behind. Buddy and Susan Martin did all the work. So thanks Mom and Dad, for being who He wants you to be for my sake. I’m looking forward to the next 27 years of your examples to follow.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
27 Years. And so it was 27 years ago today that God brought me into this world. I’ve been thinking in recent months about all I have to be thankful for, and much of that thought process has made its way onto this blog. I’ve shared my thankfulness for influential Pastors, friends, family, etc. But today I want to share my gratitude for a couple of people that are truly special in a set apart way. Without them, I’d not be here – literally.
The story of how my parents were led together by the Lord is a pretty cool one. I won’t get into lots of details, but let’s just say there were some “broken roads” that led them together. And from what I’ve been told, they knew pretty quickly they were meant to be. 3 kids and 30+ years of marriage later, they’re still very much in love. It’s because they understood something about marriage and love that a huge percentage of our society doesn’t: it’s not about the good times, but all the times. Love, they understand, is not a feeling, but rather a lifelong commitment that must weather through all the storms that come and go. It’s a rock – a foundation – upon which the rest of their lives are built. And that kind of love lasts, and they’ve given us Martin kids an example of what that looks like.
I’m told that at the hospital that day my Dad was a little excited to finally have a son. I mean, I was there of course, but for some reason I don’t remember the events of that day very well. Seems that it was slightly traumatic for me. Nonetheless, a son he got. And a Daddy I got. And there has never been a better one. From peewee football games to driving tanks at the National Guard Armory when I’d go to work with him occasionally, I had, and still HAVE, the two best Daddy’s in the universe, both earthly and heavenly.
Of course my mom had something to do with the whole bringing me into the world thing. She was there that day, too. And as traumatic of an event as it was for me, I’m pretty sure she got the bad end of the deal. I was 5 years old when she was having her final surgeries to repair what I did to her that day. But the sacrifices made that day were only the beginning for this woman of God that loves her husband and kids and family more than life itself. She’s had to deal with some tough blows in her life, that’s for sure. But at the end of the day, she has stood tall, a strong, strong woman who knows Who she belongs to. And she’s shown us what that looks like.
So on this birthday of mine I’m choosing to focus more on my gratitude to the ones who made me what I am today. It’s one day of the year, a day much like any other day. Many like to make this day all about themselves. After all, it is my birthday. But that’s a dose of selfishness I just don’t want to drink today. The truth is, all I did to earn this day was travel down a birth canal and cry when the doc slapped my newborn behind. Buddy and Susan Martin did all the work. So thanks Mom and Dad, for being who He wants you to be for my sake. I’m looking forward to the next 27 years of your examples to follow.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Journey.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
They Journey. I hate to kick a dead horse, and I know I mention the “journey of my past 12 months” a lot in these writings, but God has taught me so much in the last year’s time that I can’t help but reference the adventure from time to time. Don’t they say hindsight is 20/20? Well that’s definitely true for my life, as I look back over the past year. God has been up to something all along.
I have to admit – there have been times that, though I haven’t doubted Him, I have doubted my future. There have been low moments when I didn’t think I had a future, to be honest. And if I did have a future, I just didn’t see it containing laughter, smiles, hope, or joy again. I know that sounds a tad bit dramatic, but I’m telling you – there have been legs of this journey that have been tough. Mountains and valleys, victories and defeats – the journey has been an adventure to say the least. But here I am today…
I could make a list a mile long of God’s blessings upon my life that I am thankful for. He has really been so faithful and good. He’s given me back an amazing church family that loves me, no matter what. (That says a lot, too. An unconditional loving church family is, sadly but truly, a rare thing in today’s world it seems.) He’s given me an earthly family that loves me no matter what. My parents are Godly folks, and I’m thankful for that. My sisters have both given me awesome brother in laws, and together they’ve given me the most beautiful little jewels of nieces I could ever ask for. Oh, and then there are the friends. God has put some truly uplifting people into my life as friends, whether they are my age or a few short years older, they are true friends nonetheless.
And a ministry – a ministry that I absolutely love beyond imagination. Student ministry is my passion, and it’s where He’s seen fit to put me again. And to say I “enjoy what I do” would be a great understatement. Never in my life have I been more excited about the future than I am right now, even though there are many important aspects of it that are very much unknown as of yet. But I trust Him, because He is faithful.
But there’s a reason I share this with you today. You may be in one of those valleys right now. The truth of the matter is the valley just isn’t as dark to others as it is to us. Whether it’s dealing with utter betrayal, the pain of loss, a loss of hope, depression, friends turning their backs on you, unstable career issues, or any other turmoil that may be coming at you...I’ve been there at some point in this journey. But there were 6 little words, 2 short phrases, that pulled me through in moments when I didn’t even know the words to pray. In my times of crying out to God when the words just weren’t there, I’d simply say to Him, “I trust You.” And as a reminder to myself that He was in control, the simple words, “God is faithful” would make their way out of my mouth. And when you truly grasp the second phrase, you’ll be able to pray the first one.
Today if you’re hurting, let someone know so they can stand by you through it. I’d love to pray for you, as well. But no matter who you may tell, tell it to Jesus for sure. He already knows what you’re struggling with, but He longs to hear you tell Him anyway. You see, the most amazing part of this journey I’m on is simple: He’s walking it with me in relationship. And never walking alone…well…that’s a pretty amazing reality.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
They Journey. I hate to kick a dead horse, and I know I mention the “journey of my past 12 months” a lot in these writings, but God has taught me so much in the last year’s time that I can’t help but reference the adventure from time to time. Don’t they say hindsight is 20/20? Well that’s definitely true for my life, as I look back over the past year. God has been up to something all along.
I have to admit – there have been times that, though I haven’t doubted Him, I have doubted my future. There have been low moments when I didn’t think I had a future, to be honest. And if I did have a future, I just didn’t see it containing laughter, smiles, hope, or joy again. I know that sounds a tad bit dramatic, but I’m telling you – there have been legs of this journey that have been tough. Mountains and valleys, victories and defeats – the journey has been an adventure to say the least. But here I am today…
I could make a list a mile long of God’s blessings upon my life that I am thankful for. He has really been so faithful and good. He’s given me back an amazing church family that loves me, no matter what. (That says a lot, too. An unconditional loving church family is, sadly but truly, a rare thing in today’s world it seems.) He’s given me an earthly family that loves me no matter what. My parents are Godly folks, and I’m thankful for that. My sisters have both given me awesome brother in laws, and together they’ve given me the most beautiful little jewels of nieces I could ever ask for. Oh, and then there are the friends. God has put some truly uplifting people into my life as friends, whether they are my age or a few short years older, they are true friends nonetheless.
And a ministry – a ministry that I absolutely love beyond imagination. Student ministry is my passion, and it’s where He’s seen fit to put me again. And to say I “enjoy what I do” would be a great understatement. Never in my life have I been more excited about the future than I am right now, even though there are many important aspects of it that are very much unknown as of yet. But I trust Him, because He is faithful.
But there’s a reason I share this with you today. You may be in one of those valleys right now. The truth of the matter is the valley just isn’t as dark to others as it is to us. Whether it’s dealing with utter betrayal, the pain of loss, a loss of hope, depression, friends turning their backs on you, unstable career issues, or any other turmoil that may be coming at you...I’ve been there at some point in this journey. But there were 6 little words, 2 short phrases, that pulled me through in moments when I didn’t even know the words to pray. In my times of crying out to God when the words just weren’t there, I’d simply say to Him, “I trust You.” And as a reminder to myself that He was in control, the simple words, “God is faithful” would make their way out of my mouth. And when you truly grasp the second phrase, you’ll be able to pray the first one.
Today if you’re hurting, let someone know so they can stand by you through it. I’d love to pray for you, as well. But no matter who you may tell, tell it to Jesus for sure. He already knows what you’re struggling with, but He longs to hear you tell Him anyway. You see, the most amazing part of this journey I’m on is simple: He’s walking it with me in relationship. And never walking alone…well…that’s a pretty amazing reality.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Rescue.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Rescue. I couldn’t stop watching Fox News last night. After 68 (69 now) days of being trapped 2000+ feet below ground in a mine, the Chilean miners are finally being rescued. I couldn’t peel my eyes from the screen as we waited for that first miner to top ground in the tiny “rescue pod” that was being raised and lowered through the tunnel that led down to where they were trapped. When he did make it up, I joined people all over the world in shedding a tear (or two…or a hundred) at the sheer joy of knowing he was safety top-side. 1 miner up, 33 to go. And so the rest of them await their rescue…
The mine is a desolate place. As they described it last night on the news, I just couldn’t help but think about how depressing a place it sounds like. No sunlight at all, total separation from family/friends, limited food rations, and every moment living with the possibility of total mine collapse. That doesn’t sound like a place I’d want to spend even one moment, let alone 2+ months. Yet there they are – trying to make the best of a horrific situation.
Throughout the Word, sin is equated with darkness. God’s Words says time and time again that sin brings with it separation from God, and a darkness that even the miners trapped below ground can’t fathom. And whether we like it or not, we are born into that sin. Every single man, woman, boy, and girl born to this world since Adam, except Jesus Christ Himself, has been born a sinner. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) So there we are – wrapped up in sin’s darkness, without hope, desolate, and headed for an eternal destination called hell…a place more infinitely terrible than our minds can fathom. But look back almost 2,000 years to a hillside…
On that hillside is a little group of crosses. And on that center cross hangs an innocent man named Jesus. He’s never done anything to anyone. He’s never broken a crime in man’s law or God’s. He’s pure, holy, just, righteous. Yet for these few moments, he’s a murderer, a thief, a rapist, a pedophile, a liar, a cheat. For these few moments He’s carrying the weight of every sin every committed. For these few moments, He’s the sacrificial lamb, sent to pay the world’s sin debt with His blood, spilled out on that cross. And for these few moments, God the Father turns His back on Him, because He can’t look upon sin.
And with these words, “It is finished,” He gives up His ghost, seals the payment for our sin, and dies. And in that moment – “Our sin, oh the bliss, of this glorious thought! Our sin not in part but the whole – is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul!” Because of those moments it was possible for me, at the age of 14, to fall on my face and ask God for forgiveness of my sin and a relationship with Him. And so can you.
You see, you’re trapped in a mine. And collapse is coming, only it won’t just last a short time – it’ll last forever. And the place you’re headed? Horrible. Today He offers you rescue through what He did on the cross so long ago. And all you have to do is accept it by asking Him to forgive your sin and be your Savior and Lord.
Your rescue pod has arrived…will you get inside?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Rescue. I couldn’t stop watching Fox News last night. After 68 (69 now) days of being trapped 2000+ feet below ground in a mine, the Chilean miners are finally being rescued. I couldn’t peel my eyes from the screen as we waited for that first miner to top ground in the tiny “rescue pod” that was being raised and lowered through the tunnel that led down to where they were trapped. When he did make it up, I joined people all over the world in shedding a tear (or two…or a hundred) at the sheer joy of knowing he was safety top-side. 1 miner up, 33 to go. And so the rest of them await their rescue…
The mine is a desolate place. As they described it last night on the news, I just couldn’t help but think about how depressing a place it sounds like. No sunlight at all, total separation from family/friends, limited food rations, and every moment living with the possibility of total mine collapse. That doesn’t sound like a place I’d want to spend even one moment, let alone 2+ months. Yet there they are – trying to make the best of a horrific situation.
Throughout the Word, sin is equated with darkness. God’s Words says time and time again that sin brings with it separation from God, and a darkness that even the miners trapped below ground can’t fathom. And whether we like it or not, we are born into that sin. Every single man, woman, boy, and girl born to this world since Adam, except Jesus Christ Himself, has been born a sinner. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) So there we are – wrapped up in sin’s darkness, without hope, desolate, and headed for an eternal destination called hell…a place more infinitely terrible than our minds can fathom. But look back almost 2,000 years to a hillside…
On that hillside is a little group of crosses. And on that center cross hangs an innocent man named Jesus. He’s never done anything to anyone. He’s never broken a crime in man’s law or God’s. He’s pure, holy, just, righteous. Yet for these few moments, he’s a murderer, a thief, a rapist, a pedophile, a liar, a cheat. For these few moments He’s carrying the weight of every sin every committed. For these few moments, He’s the sacrificial lamb, sent to pay the world’s sin debt with His blood, spilled out on that cross. And for these few moments, God the Father turns His back on Him, because He can’t look upon sin.
And with these words, “It is finished,” He gives up His ghost, seals the payment for our sin, and dies. And in that moment – “Our sin, oh the bliss, of this glorious thought! Our sin not in part but the whole – is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul!” Because of those moments it was possible for me, at the age of 14, to fall on my face and ask God for forgiveness of my sin and a relationship with Him. And so can you.
You see, you’re trapped in a mine. And collapse is coming, only it won’t just last a short time – it’ll last forever. And the place you’re headed? Horrible. Today He offers you rescue through what He did on the cross so long ago. And all you have to do is accept it by asking Him to forgive your sin and be your Savior and Lord.
Your rescue pod has arrived…will you get inside?
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Not Man-Made.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Not Man-Made. Sunday night I had the awesome chance to be in worship with my parents at Victory. They faithfully attend Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, so I don’t get the opportunity to be in a service with them much. I was preaching at Victory Sunday night, however, so they were able to come. Afterwards, trying to squeeze as much time out of the night with them as possible, we went, with my friend Ashley, along with some other Victory peeps, to McDonald’s for supper. I had no idea God had set up an opportunity to receive some encouragement from Him while there.
As we were eating, after the rest of the Victory crew had already left, an older gentleman walking with a cane came over to our table and sat down next to me. He said, “You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but I had to come tell you something. You are a Christian, aren’t you?” I answered him, “Yes sir, I am.” He said, “I knew it. My wife and I have been sitting across the restaurant from you and I told her, ‘That young man is a follower of Christ for sure. Just look at his smile – he has a peace that can only come from knowing and following Christ.” I was speechless.
I wanted to say, “Sir, if you knew the journey I’ve been on with Him over the past 12 months of my life, you would certainly understand how big of a deal this smile and peace is.” But I didn’t. I just sat there, smiling, relishing the moment. A brother in Christ I never knew I had who, obviously, has a gift of encouraging folks, felt led by Him to come share this with me. My God always knows EXACTLY what I need, and He never ceases to amaze me.
Do I always smile? No, I don’t. But my prayer is that even on a day when the smile doesn’t come so naturally, the peace of God that reigns within my heart would radiate from me to others who need the same peace. Joy and being happy aren’t always one in the same, you know. We can be in a time when happiness isn’t a reality for us, but joy can reign in our hearts and minds. That’s a deep-seated acceptance that God is in control, and He’s faithful.
My life looks a whole lot differently than it did this time last year, that’s for sure. And I can honestly tell you that the peace in Him that I have today is the result of His ever amazing faithfulness to me throughout my life, especially this past year. I’m in a dream job, a dream hometown, with amazing friends, the best family in the world, settled into a good life, and I’ve got peace like a river.
And that, my friends, can never be man-made. Only God can do all that. He is, without a doubt, faithful.
PS: Thanks for praying for Papaw. His surgery went great yesterday, and he’s resting for a couple days at my parents’.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Not Man-Made. Sunday night I had the awesome chance to be in worship with my parents at Victory. They faithfully attend Antioch Baptist Church in Conway, so I don’t get the opportunity to be in a service with them much. I was preaching at Victory Sunday night, however, so they were able to come. Afterwards, trying to squeeze as much time out of the night with them as possible, we went, with my friend Ashley, along with some other Victory peeps, to McDonald’s for supper. I had no idea God had set up an opportunity to receive some encouragement from Him while there.
As we were eating, after the rest of the Victory crew had already left, an older gentleman walking with a cane came over to our table and sat down next to me. He said, “You don’t know me and I don’t know you, but I had to come tell you something. You are a Christian, aren’t you?” I answered him, “Yes sir, I am.” He said, “I knew it. My wife and I have been sitting across the restaurant from you and I told her, ‘That young man is a follower of Christ for sure. Just look at his smile – he has a peace that can only come from knowing and following Christ.” I was speechless.
I wanted to say, “Sir, if you knew the journey I’ve been on with Him over the past 12 months of my life, you would certainly understand how big of a deal this smile and peace is.” But I didn’t. I just sat there, smiling, relishing the moment. A brother in Christ I never knew I had who, obviously, has a gift of encouraging folks, felt led by Him to come share this with me. My God always knows EXACTLY what I need, and He never ceases to amaze me.
Do I always smile? No, I don’t. But my prayer is that even on a day when the smile doesn’t come so naturally, the peace of God that reigns within my heart would radiate from me to others who need the same peace. Joy and being happy aren’t always one in the same, you know. We can be in a time when happiness isn’t a reality for us, but joy can reign in our hearts and minds. That’s a deep-seated acceptance that God is in control, and He’s faithful.
My life looks a whole lot differently than it did this time last year, that’s for sure. And I can honestly tell you that the peace in Him that I have today is the result of His ever amazing faithfulness to me throughout my life, especially this past year. I’m in a dream job, a dream hometown, with amazing friends, the best family in the world, settled into a good life, and I’ve got peace like a river.
And that, my friends, can never be man-made. Only God can do all that. He is, without a doubt, faithful.
PS: Thanks for praying for Papaw. His surgery went great yesterday, and he’s resting for a couple days at my parents’.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Giant's Humanity.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A Giant’s Humanity. All of us have some giants in our lives – people that are, in most all aspects, larger than life itself to us. We have those few select people that are super-human it seems. We hold them up on a high platform because for one reason or another they are spectacular to us. Often called “heroes”, these people seem to exist on a higher plane than we do. And occasionally life reminds us that these “giants” are, in fact, human.
This morning, one of my giants is going to be laying down on an operating table and, under the hand of what I pray to be an extremely skilled physician, will have a few masses removed from his abdomen. For my entire life, my Papaw has been a giant of a man to me, and on most every level too. His faith has always been a rock that our family can rest upon. His wisdom has always been a source for all of us to turn to in life’s most demanding circumstances. He’s a giant of a man, yet today we are forced to remember this giant’s humanity.
I remember several years ago when my Mamaw passed away, his best friend. To say that it was hard would be a tremendous understatement, and our entire family was hurting in a deep, deep way. And his hurt was probably more intense than any of ours. Yet even in the tears, you could see a quiet strength. He never questioned God. I’ve never heard him say, “Why me, Lord? Why did she have to have Alzheimer’s decease? Why did we have to go through all this?” Never. Not that there’s anything sinful about asking questions. But this giant has a humility that’s unquestionable, and he simply accepted the table of suffering that was laid before him.
I’ve been very blessed to know a lot of giants in my lifetime thus far. And I could no doubt name dozens right here in this blog. I’ve certainly been blessed with a couple of giants in my parents, in my sisters, in much of my family. But today, my Papaw is heavy on my heart. So I simply ask you to bow your head this morning and ask the Lord to take care of him. Ask God to give an extra measure of grace and strength to Doyle Ray Trafford. And that the surgeons would have the wisdom and knowledge to do what’s required to do a quick and successful surgery.
God is faithful, even when the giants are lying down.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
A Giant’s Humanity. All of us have some giants in our lives – people that are, in most all aspects, larger than life itself to us. We have those few select people that are super-human it seems. We hold them up on a high platform because for one reason or another they are spectacular to us. Often called “heroes”, these people seem to exist on a higher plane than we do. And occasionally life reminds us that these “giants” are, in fact, human.
This morning, one of my giants is going to be laying down on an operating table and, under the hand of what I pray to be an extremely skilled physician, will have a few masses removed from his abdomen. For my entire life, my Papaw has been a giant of a man to me, and on most every level too. His faith has always been a rock that our family can rest upon. His wisdom has always been a source for all of us to turn to in life’s most demanding circumstances. He’s a giant of a man, yet today we are forced to remember this giant’s humanity.
I remember several years ago when my Mamaw passed away, his best friend. To say that it was hard would be a tremendous understatement, and our entire family was hurting in a deep, deep way. And his hurt was probably more intense than any of ours. Yet even in the tears, you could see a quiet strength. He never questioned God. I’ve never heard him say, “Why me, Lord? Why did she have to have Alzheimer’s decease? Why did we have to go through all this?” Never. Not that there’s anything sinful about asking questions. But this giant has a humility that’s unquestionable, and he simply accepted the table of suffering that was laid before him.
I’ve been very blessed to know a lot of giants in my lifetime thus far. And I could no doubt name dozens right here in this blog. I’ve certainly been blessed with a couple of giants in my parents, in my sisters, in much of my family. But today, my Papaw is heavy on my heart. So I simply ask you to bow your head this morning and ask the Lord to take care of him. Ask God to give an extra measure of grace and strength to Doyle Ray Trafford. And that the surgeons would have the wisdom and knowledge to do what’s required to do a quick and successful surgery.
God is faithful, even when the giants are lying down.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, October 8, 2010
Appreciation: Marvin Emmons.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Appreciation: Marvin Emmons. So far I’ve shared my gratitude for folks who have either served, or are serving, as my pastor personally. I’m so thankful for all the great men God has allowed me the privilege of knowing down through the years that have shaped a great deal of who I am in Him, and in the ministry He’s given me. On this final day of recognizing great men of God He’s used in my life in a unique way, I’ll recognize a friend, who though never my pastor, has been a faithful friend since I first got to know him. But in all honesty, it’s what he has done for my Aunt and late Uncle that means the most for me.
Bro. Marvin is the Pastor of Green Forest First Baptist Church in extreme North Arkansas. I first got to know Bro. Marvin when my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jerry began attending there. They got involved early on, even working in the AWANA ministry. And when it comes to Pastors – Bro. Marvin immediately impressed them, and the rest of our family for that matter, with his heart for people.
Uncle Jerry got sick. After battling heart conditions for his entire life, cancer was the thing that finally hit him the hardest. But through all his treatment, doctors’ visits, and eventually surgery, Bro. Marvin and his wife Peggy were there for both Uncle Jerry and Aunt Peggy. Eventually Uncle Jerry would go in for surgery that would change our family forever, and would lead to his journey on to heaven. It brought such peace to our family knowing that Aunt Peggy had a wonderful pastor and church family from GFFBC to stand by them during the tough times to follow. God used them to bring comfort, hope, and healing to our family.
Down through the journey of ministry in years past I almost ended up there, at Green Forest. But in God’s providence He had other plans. And though the road to follow for me has been hard and rough at times, I have gained several gifts of God through that experience there – and I think the greatest of which is a couple of faithful friends in the Emmons. Bro. Marvin and his wife have prayed fervently for me through the valley’s I’ve travelled this past year. And from time to time an email or phone call would lighten the load. It’s obvious both of these dear saints possess the gift of shepherding.
So I lift up a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for allowing me to know a great man and woman of God, Marvin and Peggy Emmons. And I pray for many more fruitful years of ministry ahead for them both. Thank you guys for letting Him use you to touch so many lives.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Appreciation: Marvin Emmons. So far I’ve shared my gratitude for folks who have either served, or are serving, as my pastor personally. I’m so thankful for all the great men God has allowed me the privilege of knowing down through the years that have shaped a great deal of who I am in Him, and in the ministry He’s given me. On this final day of recognizing great men of God He’s used in my life in a unique way, I’ll recognize a friend, who though never my pastor, has been a faithful friend since I first got to know him. But in all honesty, it’s what he has done for my Aunt and late Uncle that means the most for me.
Bro. Marvin is the Pastor of Green Forest First Baptist Church in extreme North Arkansas. I first got to know Bro. Marvin when my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jerry began attending there. They got involved early on, even working in the AWANA ministry. And when it comes to Pastors – Bro. Marvin immediately impressed them, and the rest of our family for that matter, with his heart for people.
Uncle Jerry got sick. After battling heart conditions for his entire life, cancer was the thing that finally hit him the hardest. But through all his treatment, doctors’ visits, and eventually surgery, Bro. Marvin and his wife Peggy were there for both Uncle Jerry and Aunt Peggy. Eventually Uncle Jerry would go in for surgery that would change our family forever, and would lead to his journey on to heaven. It brought such peace to our family knowing that Aunt Peggy had a wonderful pastor and church family from GFFBC to stand by them during the tough times to follow. God used them to bring comfort, hope, and healing to our family.
Down through the journey of ministry in years past I almost ended up there, at Green Forest. But in God’s providence He had other plans. And though the road to follow for me has been hard and rough at times, I have gained several gifts of God through that experience there – and I think the greatest of which is a couple of faithful friends in the Emmons. Bro. Marvin and his wife have prayed fervently for me through the valley’s I’ve travelled this past year. And from time to time an email or phone call would lighten the load. It’s obvious both of these dear saints possess the gift of shepherding.
So I lift up a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for allowing me to know a great man and woman of God, Marvin and Peggy Emmons. And I pray for many more fruitful years of ministry ahead for them both. Thank you guys for letting Him use you to touch so many lives.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Appreciation: Dwight Scott.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Appreciation: Dwight Scott. I started preaching when I was 14, which, for those of you who didn’t know yet, that’s young. Really young. And from day one there were so many pastors that took huge steps of faith in allowing me to come and fill their pulpits. The simple fact that they trusted Him that much, and were willing to give me a chance at such a young age, meant so much to me. There’s no way I can express my gratitude to each of them individually in this blog, but there’s one that stands out above the rest in many regards. His name: Bro. Dwight.
Not only did he allow me to preach many times at the church he pastored at the time, but before I turned 18 he took an even bigger step of faith by presenting me to that church to come serve as Youth Pastor. Bald Knob Baptist Church in Plumerville, Arkansas was my first paid staff position, and the youth ministry that God allowed us to begin and build upon there is one I’ll never forget. God did some great things in spite of me there, and I believe much of it had to do with this great man of God, Bro. Dwight.
We met every Sunday morning at 9AM for prayer at the altar together. I remember some great times of prayer there, and seeing God answer those prayers in the following days. But more than anything, I remember hearing Bro. Dwight’s heart poured out every Sunday morning as he would pray so fervently for that church, and for the lost. I can honestly tell you that of all the servants of Christ I’ve known through the years, I’ve never met anyone with any more of a burden for the lost of this world than this man. Out of his own pocket he purchases thousands of tracks each year, and places them everywhere from gas station restrooms, to restaurants, to doctor’s offices, to hotel lobbies. His driving force is seeing the lost get found. And I’ve gleaned a lot from knowing such a soul winner as he.
Everyone has their valleys, and Bro. Dwight has had his share of his. And through all that, Mrs. Phyllis, his loving wife, has stood by his side. That’s a very admirable trait, by the way. Together they’ve weathered some storms, both in their own lives, and in ministry. Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege of being in a Homecoming service at Bald Knob Church with the two of them. Bro. Dwight preached that morning, and I preached that afternoon. What a joy it was to hear him preach again, and to have him out there shouting, “Amen!” while I did.
I hope that you’re seeing a trend thus far in these Pastor Appreciation blogs this week. I hope that you’ve noticed that each of these pastors have touched my life in a genuinely significant way. But more than anything else, they’ve become friends. And they’re friends that have stuck with me through some tough stuff. And for that, well, my gratitude is greater than I’ll ever be able to repay. So I pray for them. I thank God for them. And I ask Him to repay my gratitude for me. After all, He’s so much better at it.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Appreciation: Dwight Scott. I started preaching when I was 14, which, for those of you who didn’t know yet, that’s young. Really young. And from day one there were so many pastors that took huge steps of faith in allowing me to come and fill their pulpits. The simple fact that they trusted Him that much, and were willing to give me a chance at such a young age, meant so much to me. There’s no way I can express my gratitude to each of them individually in this blog, but there’s one that stands out above the rest in many regards. His name: Bro. Dwight.
Not only did he allow me to preach many times at the church he pastored at the time, but before I turned 18 he took an even bigger step of faith by presenting me to that church to come serve as Youth Pastor. Bald Knob Baptist Church in Plumerville, Arkansas was my first paid staff position, and the youth ministry that God allowed us to begin and build upon there is one I’ll never forget. God did some great things in spite of me there, and I believe much of it had to do with this great man of God, Bro. Dwight.
We met every Sunday morning at 9AM for prayer at the altar together. I remember some great times of prayer there, and seeing God answer those prayers in the following days. But more than anything, I remember hearing Bro. Dwight’s heart poured out every Sunday morning as he would pray so fervently for that church, and for the lost. I can honestly tell you that of all the servants of Christ I’ve known through the years, I’ve never met anyone with any more of a burden for the lost of this world than this man. Out of his own pocket he purchases thousands of tracks each year, and places them everywhere from gas station restrooms, to restaurants, to doctor’s offices, to hotel lobbies. His driving force is seeing the lost get found. And I’ve gleaned a lot from knowing such a soul winner as he.
Everyone has their valleys, and Bro. Dwight has had his share of his. And through all that, Mrs. Phyllis, his loving wife, has stood by his side. That’s a very admirable trait, by the way. Together they’ve weathered some storms, both in their own lives, and in ministry. Just a few weeks ago I had the privilege of being in a Homecoming service at Bald Knob Church with the two of them. Bro. Dwight preached that morning, and I preached that afternoon. What a joy it was to hear him preach again, and to have him out there shouting, “Amen!” while I did.
I hope that you’re seeing a trend thus far in these Pastor Appreciation blogs this week. I hope that you’ve noticed that each of these pastors have touched my life in a genuinely significant way. But more than anything else, they’ve become friends. And they’re friends that have stuck with me through some tough stuff. And for that, well, my gratitude is greater than I’ll ever be able to repay. So I pray for them. I thank God for them. And I ask Him to repay my gratitude for me. After all, He’s so much better at it.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Appreciation: Bill Birdsong.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Appreciation: Bill Birdsong. When I was about 12, our family was invited to a fairly new church in Conway. It was only a couple years old, and I remember the first time we went there were about 200 folks worshiping there that morning. I remember that God’s glory fell every single Sunday, and we would all leave in awe of Him. There were weeks that we'd have 20 additions to membership, so many of which were new salvations. The music was alive and on fire. But it was the Pastor, and his messages, that hooked us. Fire and brimstone was never quite as fiery as when it came out of the mouth of Bill Birdsong.
Bro. Bill was a one of a kind man. And for those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, it seems like the years we got to know him just wasn’t long enough. He would tell you what was on his mind with seemingly no problem, but you knew that he cared when he did it. He was a country guy – hunting in the outdoors was his favorite thing. For a time before he passed away he, Mrs. Sheila, and his sons Matt and Luke lived on a pretty large ranch they’d bought up in Plumerville. And he loved it up there.
I was saved and baptized under the ministry of Bro. Bill. And not long after I accepted Christ, God began to deal with me about another huge decision in my life: ministry. I remember going to Bro. Bill for weeks on end to talk. I always thought it was strange that he seemed to be trying to talk me out of it. I thought that since he was in the ministry that surely he’d want others to be serving the Lord that way, so why on earth would he be trying to convince me otherwise? Later on, I found out from him that he was doing this intentionally. Had he been able to talk me out of the decision to surrender my life to vocational ministry, it would have been something other than the Lord calling me. But here I am today, and never been happier. And that has a great deal to do with the ministry of this great man of God.
It was a tragic day when Bro. Bill went to heaven. I still remember where I was when I got the call. I had to pull over, because the news took my breath away. I must say that’s one of the hardest funerals I’ve ever attended. But the thought of him dancing in glory still brings such an awesome joy and peace to my heart, and I'm sure it does the same for his family.
So today, I tip my hat to another great man of God, Bill Birdsong, who, though in glory now, has impacted countless lives for the kingdom during his lifetime, and continues to today even after his death. And to his family – Mrs. Sheila, Matt, Luke: thanks for sharing him with the rest of us for so long. I can only pray to be half the servant of Christ that he was.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Appreciation: Bill Birdsong. When I was about 12, our family was invited to a fairly new church in Conway. It was only a couple years old, and I remember the first time we went there were about 200 folks worshiping there that morning. I remember that God’s glory fell every single Sunday, and we would all leave in awe of Him. There were weeks that we'd have 20 additions to membership, so many of which were new salvations. The music was alive and on fire. But it was the Pastor, and his messages, that hooked us. Fire and brimstone was never quite as fiery as when it came out of the mouth of Bill Birdsong.
Bro. Bill was a one of a kind man. And for those of us who had the privilege of knowing him, it seems like the years we got to know him just wasn’t long enough. He would tell you what was on his mind with seemingly no problem, but you knew that he cared when he did it. He was a country guy – hunting in the outdoors was his favorite thing. For a time before he passed away he, Mrs. Sheila, and his sons Matt and Luke lived on a pretty large ranch they’d bought up in Plumerville. And he loved it up there.
I was saved and baptized under the ministry of Bro. Bill. And not long after I accepted Christ, God began to deal with me about another huge decision in my life: ministry. I remember going to Bro. Bill for weeks on end to talk. I always thought it was strange that he seemed to be trying to talk me out of it. I thought that since he was in the ministry that surely he’d want others to be serving the Lord that way, so why on earth would he be trying to convince me otherwise? Later on, I found out from him that he was doing this intentionally. Had he been able to talk me out of the decision to surrender my life to vocational ministry, it would have been something other than the Lord calling me. But here I am today, and never been happier. And that has a great deal to do with the ministry of this great man of God.
It was a tragic day when Bro. Bill went to heaven. I still remember where I was when I got the call. I had to pull over, because the news took my breath away. I must say that’s one of the hardest funerals I’ve ever attended. But the thought of him dancing in glory still brings such an awesome joy and peace to my heart, and I'm sure it does the same for his family.
So today, I tip my hat to another great man of God, Bill Birdsong, who, though in glory now, has impacted countless lives for the kingdom during his lifetime, and continues to today even after his death. And to his family – Mrs. Sheila, Matt, Luke: thanks for sharing him with the rest of us for so long. I can only pray to be half the servant of Christ that he was.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Appreciation: Buddy Ritter.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Appreciation: Buddy Ritter. Everyone has someone that has made a huge dent in their life. We all have that person that impacted us in such a huge way that our life looks a little bit like theirs in some way, due to their influence over us. They’ve touched our opinions on things, our views on things, and even our personality in many ways. Call it what you will – mentor, teacher – I call him my Paul. And interestingly enough, he calls me his Timothy.
When I was about 14, just after surrendering my life into the ministry, God brought Buddy and Ladonna Ritter to Meadowlake to serve as our Pastor of Family Ministries. From the get go, Pastor Buddy (PB from here on out) and I began a friendship that has lasted the almost 13 years since that time. We met weekly for personal Bible study and mentoring, and whatever came my way that I needed advice on I went to him. I still treasure so much of what I learned during that time of my life.
After a few years, God took PB and Ladonna to Nacogdoches, TX to Pastor. It was about 6 hours of driving if I remember correctly, but that was nothing to me. I made several “pilgrimages” down to Texas to spend some quality time with them, two of my favorite people in the world. I even had a few opportunities to preach at the church PB was pastoring thanks to him. And in spite of the distance, I still had my mentor, my friend.
Last fall my life changed. In the first few days of my new reality when I was at the lowest point I could ever imagine being at, PB, who now lives in North Arkansas, drove down to Hot Springs, and put his schedule on hold for an entire week, because I needed him there. He even slept on the hard floor of my den because I was sleeping on the couch and would have panic attacks anytime I was alone in a room. That week he cooked for me, washed clothes for me, washed dishes for me, and more than anything was just there. He endured a lot that week, but never did he utter a complaining word. And the reason? Because that’s just who he is: a shepherd – by nature, calling and choice. And he’ll be your's for life if you ever build the friendship we have.
He’s got a tremendous testimony of God’s working in his life, but the most important thing to me about PB is simple: he’s my friend. He’s proven that in recent years. And the simple fact of the matter is, he’s my friend for life. And that’s priceless.
So on this Pastor Appreciation Month 2010, I salute you Buddy Ritter, for serving Him and being a friend to someone that has needed one so often and so dearly.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Appreciation: Buddy Ritter. Everyone has someone that has made a huge dent in their life. We all have that person that impacted us in such a huge way that our life looks a little bit like theirs in some way, due to their influence over us. They’ve touched our opinions on things, our views on things, and even our personality in many ways. Call it what you will – mentor, teacher – I call him my Paul. And interestingly enough, he calls me his Timothy.
When I was about 14, just after surrendering my life into the ministry, God brought Buddy and Ladonna Ritter to Meadowlake to serve as our Pastor of Family Ministries. From the get go, Pastor Buddy (PB from here on out) and I began a friendship that has lasted the almost 13 years since that time. We met weekly for personal Bible study and mentoring, and whatever came my way that I needed advice on I went to him. I still treasure so much of what I learned during that time of my life.
After a few years, God took PB and Ladonna to Nacogdoches, TX to Pastor. It was about 6 hours of driving if I remember correctly, but that was nothing to me. I made several “pilgrimages” down to Texas to spend some quality time with them, two of my favorite people in the world. I even had a few opportunities to preach at the church PB was pastoring thanks to him. And in spite of the distance, I still had my mentor, my friend.
Last fall my life changed. In the first few days of my new reality when I was at the lowest point I could ever imagine being at, PB, who now lives in North Arkansas, drove down to Hot Springs, and put his schedule on hold for an entire week, because I needed him there. He even slept on the hard floor of my den because I was sleeping on the couch and would have panic attacks anytime I was alone in a room. That week he cooked for me, washed clothes for me, washed dishes for me, and more than anything was just there. He endured a lot that week, but never did he utter a complaining word. And the reason? Because that’s just who he is: a shepherd – by nature, calling and choice. And he’ll be your's for life if you ever build the friendship we have.
He’s got a tremendous testimony of God’s working in his life, but the most important thing to me about PB is simple: he’s my friend. He’s proven that in recent years. And the simple fact of the matter is, he’s my friend for life. And that’s priceless.
So on this Pastor Appreciation Month 2010, I salute you Buddy Ritter, for serving Him and being a friend to someone that has needed one so often and so dearly.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, October 4, 2010
Appreciation: Ben Leonard.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Appreciation: Ben Leonard. The month of October is Pastor Appreciation Month, so I thought it fitting to spend the first few days of this month sharing my appreciation for some pastors that have impacted my life. I want to start off with my current pastor, Ben Leonard.
The first time I heard him preach he did a toe touch. He was 72 at the time, and I thought he might be in his late 50’s, early 60’s, tops. He and I had already talked about the possibility of my coming to Victory to serve as Youth Pastor fulltime, and he had asked me to come on a Sunday simply as a visitor, unannounced, to see what I thought of the church. I was instantly sold. And the rest is history, as they say. Fast forward 8 years to 2010…
I served alongside Bro. Ben for just short of 6 years when God took me to Hot Springs to Pastor. He used that experience to teach me many things, and after about 2 ½ years He brought me back home to Victory. I can tell you that one lesson He taught me while away was very direct: be thankful for the friend I have in Ben Leonard. Not all friends are as true, faithful, and unconditional. So today, I’m grateful for your friendship.
Vision – a necessary ingredient to any pastor’s heart. And Ben Leonard is no exception to this rule. For 20 years he has led Victory Baptist Church. From the early days as a new start up, to present day and about 250 folks strong on a Sunday morning. He’s touched countless lives, and he has a God-given vision to be a part of touching countless more. And he wants for Victory to be about the Father’s business – bringing the Gospel to lost men, women, boys and girls, whether they live in Cabot, Arkansas, Mongolia, Kenya, Belize, or anywhere else on this sphere called Earth. So today, I’m grateful for your vision.
Compassion – a virtue sorely lacking in the hearts of many leaders today. Yet time after time, I’ve seen Bro. Ben offer hugs of compassion to breaking hearts. I’ve even been the recipient of this compassion last fall when my own world was seemingly falling apart. He’s been “to the hog pen” as he says, and that time spent there has given him a compassion and grace for folks going through the tough stuff that only experience can grant. So today, I’m grateful for your compassion.
I could go on for days about what I’m thankful for in my pastor, but I’ll simply close with this last thought: I’m thankful for you. You’ll be 80 in just a matter of months, and I still think you’re one of the greatest there are. It’s an honor to work alongside you as your Youth Pastor. It’s an even greater honor to count you a friend, and a close one at that. I’m looking forward to many more years of serving Him with you. So today, thank you Bro. Ben Leonard, for being you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Appreciation: Ben Leonard. The month of October is Pastor Appreciation Month, so I thought it fitting to spend the first few days of this month sharing my appreciation for some pastors that have impacted my life. I want to start off with my current pastor, Ben Leonard.
The first time I heard him preach he did a toe touch. He was 72 at the time, and I thought he might be in his late 50’s, early 60’s, tops. He and I had already talked about the possibility of my coming to Victory to serve as Youth Pastor fulltime, and he had asked me to come on a Sunday simply as a visitor, unannounced, to see what I thought of the church. I was instantly sold. And the rest is history, as they say. Fast forward 8 years to 2010…
I served alongside Bro. Ben for just short of 6 years when God took me to Hot Springs to Pastor. He used that experience to teach me many things, and after about 2 ½ years He brought me back home to Victory. I can tell you that one lesson He taught me while away was very direct: be thankful for the friend I have in Ben Leonard. Not all friends are as true, faithful, and unconditional. So today, I’m grateful for your friendship.
Vision – a necessary ingredient to any pastor’s heart. And Ben Leonard is no exception to this rule. For 20 years he has led Victory Baptist Church. From the early days as a new start up, to present day and about 250 folks strong on a Sunday morning. He’s touched countless lives, and he has a God-given vision to be a part of touching countless more. And he wants for Victory to be about the Father’s business – bringing the Gospel to lost men, women, boys and girls, whether they live in Cabot, Arkansas, Mongolia, Kenya, Belize, or anywhere else on this sphere called Earth. So today, I’m grateful for your vision.
Compassion – a virtue sorely lacking in the hearts of many leaders today. Yet time after time, I’ve seen Bro. Ben offer hugs of compassion to breaking hearts. I’ve even been the recipient of this compassion last fall when my own world was seemingly falling apart. He’s been “to the hog pen” as he says, and that time spent there has given him a compassion and grace for folks going through the tough stuff that only experience can grant. So today, I’m grateful for your compassion.
I could go on for days about what I’m thankful for in my pastor, but I’ll simply close with this last thought: I’m thankful for you. You’ll be 80 in just a matter of months, and I still think you’re one of the greatest there are. It’s an honor to work alongside you as your Youth Pastor. It’s an even greater honor to count you a friend, and a close one at that. I’m looking forward to many more years of serving Him with you. So today, thank you Bro. Ben Leonard, for being you.
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
Be-e.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Be-e. Are you allergic to bees? I know a few folks that are, and they have to carry a small injection with them at all times. If they get stung they have to give themselves this shot quickly before the adverse reaction takes hold. They can actually pass away due to just one bee sting. I’m not allergic to bees, but I’m sure not a fan of being stung.
The other day on my school bus I was driving, almost at the end of my afternoon route with just a few kids left on board, when out of nowhere came the bee. He zipped right in one of the side windows and came right for me. Now follow me, okay? I was driving, there were kids on the bus, and we were on a public roadway. In case you’re wondering, that severely limits my options! I’m suddenly unable to flail my arms and run away like I normally would in such a situation. Yes, I said flail. Just get that mental picture for a moment. Moving on…
The kids at the front of the bus weren’t feeling especially brave, so no one jumped to my aid. Finally, a Jr. High student at the back came up and took care of the bee, forcing it out the window and the crisis was averted. One little bee made such a huge amount of chaos. Which made me think…
We aren’t called to just talk about Christ. We aren't called to just talk about church. We are called to BE. To BE is so much more than to just SAY. It’s louder than mere words. Can you see today that following Christ is about far more than using Christian lingo, or wearing Christian t-shirts or jewelry, or even listening to Christian music? It’s much deeper, and He’s called us to live so much louder, than all that combined.
He’s called us to BE. To BE the solution the world is so desperately searching for. To BE the church of God that rises up to bring the message of the Gospel of hope to a lost and dying world. To BE the ones to stand in the gap for the hurting and needy, helping them get back on their feet in the darkest of days. To BE compassion. To BE grace. To BE mercy. To BE love. To BE.
So what about you today? Turns out, a little BE can sure make an awful lot of noise and commotion…
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Be-e. Are you allergic to bees? I know a few folks that are, and they have to carry a small injection with them at all times. If they get stung they have to give themselves this shot quickly before the adverse reaction takes hold. They can actually pass away due to just one bee sting. I’m not allergic to bees, but I’m sure not a fan of being stung.
The other day on my school bus I was driving, almost at the end of my afternoon route with just a few kids left on board, when out of nowhere came the bee. He zipped right in one of the side windows and came right for me. Now follow me, okay? I was driving, there were kids on the bus, and we were on a public roadway. In case you’re wondering, that severely limits my options! I’m suddenly unable to flail my arms and run away like I normally would in such a situation. Yes, I said flail. Just get that mental picture for a moment. Moving on…
The kids at the front of the bus weren’t feeling especially brave, so no one jumped to my aid. Finally, a Jr. High student at the back came up and took care of the bee, forcing it out the window and the crisis was averted. One little bee made such a huge amount of chaos. Which made me think…
We aren’t called to just talk about Christ. We aren't called to just talk about church. We are called to BE. To BE is so much more than to just SAY. It’s louder than mere words. Can you see today that following Christ is about far more than using Christian lingo, or wearing Christian t-shirts or jewelry, or even listening to Christian music? It’s much deeper, and He’s called us to live so much louder, than all that combined.
He’s called us to BE. To BE the solution the world is so desperately searching for. To BE the church of God that rises up to bring the message of the Gospel of hope to a lost and dying world. To BE the ones to stand in the gap for the hurting and needy, helping them get back on their feet in the darkest of days. To BE compassion. To BE grace. To BE mercy. To BE love. To BE.
So what about you today? Turns out, a little BE can sure make an awful lot of noise and commotion…
That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
Blake
This blog is brought to you courtesy of http://fromblake.blogspot.com. Visit today and sign up to become an official follower!
Feel free to write Blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
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