Tuesday, May 31, 2011
War Strategy. This morning God has my mind on the idea of war strategies. I’m not at all going to even begin to claim that I know anything at all about this topic, either. I’ve watched enough History Channel that you would think I do, but I’m certainly no expert, or even novice for that matter.
Several years ago I spent quite a bit of time in the home of a now retired General in the Army National Guard. I remember seeing books on his bookshelves about war strategy, both past and present. He studied those things because they were crucial to his job with the military. I am almost sure that even in his retirement years with his wife in the house up on the mountain just outside Clarksville, my friend still allows those books to occupy some space on his shelves.
No doubt he could teach us a thing or two about war strategy. But this morning that’s not exactly what I had in mind.
Every single one of us that know Christ are in a war, though most of it is unseen by the human eye. Scripture talks about this war a lot. Paul wrote about the “armor of God” that we’re called to wear as we stand in this battle. He also told us about whom and what we are fighting and I’ll give you a clue: it’s not each other.
He said our battle isn’t against flesh and blood at all. So whether you know Jesus or not, you’re not my enemy. I don’t hate you. I’m not against you. Quite the opposite is true, actually. I have a love in my heart for you, and I’m very much FOR you meeting the One that changed my life.
So our number one war strategy, according to the Book? It’s simple and direct: prayer. We must pray. It seems that the Christian “soldier” is strongest when we're on our knees in battle. The truth is, when we are on our knees we are acknowledging Who it is that’s doing the real fighting in the spiritual realm.
Pick up the Book and get on your knees. Those two elements will bring victory in the battles of the unseen war.
And don’t worry – it you take a few hits and you become wounded, I can tell you from experience that the Commander of our army will come straight to you and carry you until the scars are all healed up. It’s just the way He is.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorial Day Edition: Memorialized?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorialized? As most all of us know by now, this coming Monday is a holiday we call Memorial Day. The sad truth is that for a large portion of America, Memorial Day means no work or school and grilling out with family and friends. To many, that’s it – that’s the extent of the significance of the day. Even some who are asked about what the day is about will tell you that they think it’s about spending time with family and “remembering a hard year’s work.”
Meanwhile, a few thousand miles from here at this very moment he is standing armed at his assigned post. He has no idea what the next car that comes through his checkpoint will have inside. Will it have explosives? Will it have armed terrorists? Will there be an improvised explosive device planted somewhere between where he is posted and his barracks when his shift here is done?
His young wife is raising her 3 year old and 1 year old newborn basically on her own for the next 12 months while he keeps our country safe. She goes to sleep at night crying and praying. She prays for his safety, and that God will bring her husband home. She has no idea that tomorrow morning a car will pull into her driveway and an Army Officer and an Army Chaplain will greet her at her front door with news she’s prayed every night she would never hear.
There are men and women laying down their lives on this very day for us. They are fighting the enemy there so we don’t have to encounter them here. Memorial Day isn’t about politics, or whose side you take on the issue of the wars we’re fighting, or even war in general. Memorial Day isn’t about whether you are a republican, democrat, independent, green party, TEA party, or nothing at all. Memorial Day isn’t about whether you voted for Barrack Hussein Obama or John McCain in 2008, or even who you are voting for next year.
Memorial Day is about memorializing – remembering – the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s about holding up as heroes those who have proven themselves as such. It’s about seeing someone in uniform and shaking their hand and telling them how much you appreciate what they do for you, and for your freedom.
It’s about taking a Wal-Mart gift card to the family down the street who has a dad or mom fighting right now. It’s about putting your hand over your heart every time you see an American flag, knowing that it’s being worn on the uniform of someone that’s in combat right now blaring freedom’s message even while they fight. It’s about hearing the National Anthem play, and singing along instead of just standing there like you don’t know the song. It’s about realizing what makes America great, and thanking those men and women for it.
So on Monday, what will you be thinking about: hamburgers, hot dogs, relaxation, family time…? Or will you join me in making a conscious effort to REMEMBER those who are fighting, and those who have fought until death, for the cause of my freedom? Let’s make sure Memorial Day is truly a day of memorializing.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Memorialized? As most all of us know by now, this coming Monday is a holiday we call Memorial Day. The sad truth is that for a large portion of America, Memorial Day means no work or school and grilling out with family and friends. To many, that’s it – that’s the extent of the significance of the day. Even some who are asked about what the day is about will tell you that they think it’s about spending time with family and “remembering a hard year’s work.”
Meanwhile, a few thousand miles from here at this very moment he is standing armed at his assigned post. He has no idea what the next car that comes through his checkpoint will have inside. Will it have explosives? Will it have armed terrorists? Will there be an improvised explosive device planted somewhere between where he is posted and his barracks when his shift here is done?
His young wife is raising her 3 year old and 1 year old newborn basically on her own for the next 12 months while he keeps our country safe. She goes to sleep at night crying and praying. She prays for his safety, and that God will bring her husband home. She has no idea that tomorrow morning a car will pull into her driveway and an Army Officer and an Army Chaplain will greet her at her front door with news she’s prayed every night she would never hear.
There are men and women laying down their lives on this very day for us. They are fighting the enemy there so we don’t have to encounter them here. Memorial Day isn’t about politics, or whose side you take on the issue of the wars we’re fighting, or even war in general. Memorial Day isn’t about whether you are a republican, democrat, independent, green party, TEA party, or nothing at all. Memorial Day isn’t about whether you voted for Barrack Hussein Obama or John McCain in 2008, or even who you are voting for next year.
Memorial Day is about memorializing – remembering – the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It’s about holding up as heroes those who have proven themselves as such. It’s about seeing someone in uniform and shaking their hand and telling them how much you appreciate what they do for you, and for your freedom.
It’s about taking a Wal-Mart gift card to the family down the street who has a dad or mom fighting right now. It’s about putting your hand over your heart every time you see an American flag, knowing that it’s being worn on the uniform of someone that’s in combat right now blaring freedom’s message even while they fight. It’s about hearing the National Anthem play, and singing along instead of just standing there like you don’t know the song. It’s about realizing what makes America great, and thanking those men and women for it.
So on Monday, what will you be thinking about: hamburgers, hot dogs, relaxation, family time…? Or will you join me in making a conscious effort to REMEMBER those who are fighting, and those who have fought until death, for the cause of my freedom? Let’s make sure Memorial Day is truly a day of memorializing.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Healing Scars?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Healing Scars? You’ve been hurt, and the pain is deep. You feel like you’ll never be the same since this has happened. The person (or persons) you’ve trusted more than anyone else on earth has betrayed you, and you wonder if you’ll ever trust anyone again. Everytime this hurt comes to mind (which is very often), you cry. Sometimes you get angry. Will the scar every fully heal?
I have a dear friend in Hot Springs that I got to pastor for a couple years. She’s a sweet lady that she has a physical ailment. She has had to have a few surgeries in recent years, but her wounds just will not heal. She has struggled with infections in her incisions now for a couple years, because the “simple” healing process so many of us take for granted just will not begin for her wounds.
She may never heal, completely, from any of her wounds. And even if she does achieve healing, her scars will remain. The place that was once wounded will be slightly thicker and tougher than everywhere else. And so it is for you, the wounded heart.
You feel like this emotional wound will simply never heal. Friend, I have good news for you today! I serve a God that not only heals wounds, but He repairs scars, too. Not only will He bring healing to your hurting heart with time, but He will also make that scar tissue tender and moldable again. How on earth do I know? I’m glad you asked.
He has brought much healing to my wounds that I once thought would never be the same. I, too, thought that after my hurt I would never be the same man I once was. That was true, to an extent. I’ll never be who I was before, but that’s okay with me. As I’ve journeyed through the scars and healing, I’ve become a new man, a grown man, that is still growing in Him.
Are there scars that remain? I think so, but that’s not necessarily a negative thing. There are areas of my life that are slightly tougher and stronger than they were before. And God continues to heal the scar tissue daily, but much of what He has done in my life through the pain will hopefully stick. I want it to stick. I want it to stay. I want to be more like Him than I was before.
He led me through the pouring rain to bring me into the sunshine of His plan, and He can and will do the same for you. So you’ve been hurt, and the pain is deep? Come to the Great Physician, Who is more than able to fix you right up. It may not, and probably will not, happen overnight. But the journey to healing is one that will lead you, step by step, closer to Him. And speaking from some experience: that, my friend, is well worth the ride.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Healing Scars? You’ve been hurt, and the pain is deep. You feel like you’ll never be the same since this has happened. The person (or persons) you’ve trusted more than anyone else on earth has betrayed you, and you wonder if you’ll ever trust anyone again. Everytime this hurt comes to mind (which is very often), you cry. Sometimes you get angry. Will the scar every fully heal?
I have a dear friend in Hot Springs that I got to pastor for a couple years. She’s a sweet lady that she has a physical ailment. She has had to have a few surgeries in recent years, but her wounds just will not heal. She has struggled with infections in her incisions now for a couple years, because the “simple” healing process so many of us take for granted just will not begin for her wounds.
She may never heal, completely, from any of her wounds. And even if she does achieve healing, her scars will remain. The place that was once wounded will be slightly thicker and tougher than everywhere else. And so it is for you, the wounded heart.
You feel like this emotional wound will simply never heal. Friend, I have good news for you today! I serve a God that not only heals wounds, but He repairs scars, too. Not only will He bring healing to your hurting heart with time, but He will also make that scar tissue tender and moldable again. How on earth do I know? I’m glad you asked.
He has brought much healing to my wounds that I once thought would never be the same. I, too, thought that after my hurt I would never be the same man I once was. That was true, to an extent. I’ll never be who I was before, but that’s okay with me. As I’ve journeyed through the scars and healing, I’ve become a new man, a grown man, that is still growing in Him.
Are there scars that remain? I think so, but that’s not necessarily a negative thing. There are areas of my life that are slightly tougher and stronger than they were before. And God continues to heal the scar tissue daily, but much of what He has done in my life through the pain will hopefully stick. I want it to stick. I want it to stay. I want to be more like Him than I was before.
He led me through the pouring rain to bring me into the sunshine of His plan, and He can and will do the same for you. So you’ve been hurt, and the pain is deep? Come to the Great Physician, Who is more than able to fix you right up. It may not, and probably will not, happen overnight. But the journey to healing is one that will lead you, step by step, closer to Him. And speaking from some experience: that, my friend, is well worth the ride.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Watch or Warning?
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Watch or Warning? There are two phrases that are familiar to those of us who live in what has become known as “tornado alley”: watches and warnings. We all know the difference, too. When the weatherman says there has been a tornado watch issued for our area, for example, we know that means that conditions are right for a tornado though one hasn’t been spotted yet. When he says that there is a warning it means that rotation has been spotted and though we don’t know where exactly it is or when it will hit, there’s a very good chance we could experience a tornado.
Though watches and warnings are both serious, a warning itself usually strikes more fear into our hearts. With the development of modern technology, we can actually be told where the tornado is based on satellites and radar. They can tell us where it is headed, and even how long it should take to get there. The path and speed can still change, but the science has become pretty accurate.
Jesus issued both a watch and warning about His return before He went back to His Father. He told us what conditions would be like before He came back, and He told us that it would happen. There’s a guarantee that He’s returning, so make no mistake about that. He even told us how it would happen. But He didn’t tell us exactly when.
As a matter of fact, He even said He didn’t know, and that only God the Father did. I guess that’s why it has been so troubling for me when a man claims the knowledge of the exact date and more specifically the TIME when Jesus will return. I would think it would be slightly dangerous to elevate yourself to a higher position than Christ as it relates to knowledge, wouldn’t you?
Jesus didn’t come back on May 21st, 2011 at 6PM. He is coming back, though. His Word says it will happen “like a thief in the night.” We won’t know the precise moment, but we can know conditions are ripe and it will most likely happen soon. The one word His return should drill into our hearts can be in the form of an exclamation or question: Ready.
If you ask me about His return I can tell you that I’m not perfect by any stretch of the wildest imagination, but I’m forgiven. So if you ask me how I feel about the rapture I’ll simply reply: Ready! But the same word is my closing for this blog. He is coming back, and all signs point to soon. Ready?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Watch or Warning? There are two phrases that are familiar to those of us who live in what has become known as “tornado alley”: watches and warnings. We all know the difference, too. When the weatherman says there has been a tornado watch issued for our area, for example, we know that means that conditions are right for a tornado though one hasn’t been spotted yet. When he says that there is a warning it means that rotation has been spotted and though we don’t know where exactly it is or when it will hit, there’s a very good chance we could experience a tornado.
Though watches and warnings are both serious, a warning itself usually strikes more fear into our hearts. With the development of modern technology, we can actually be told where the tornado is based on satellites and radar. They can tell us where it is headed, and even how long it should take to get there. The path and speed can still change, but the science has become pretty accurate.
Jesus issued both a watch and warning about His return before He went back to His Father. He told us what conditions would be like before He came back, and He told us that it would happen. There’s a guarantee that He’s returning, so make no mistake about that. He even told us how it would happen. But He didn’t tell us exactly when.
As a matter of fact, He even said He didn’t know, and that only God the Father did. I guess that’s why it has been so troubling for me when a man claims the knowledge of the exact date and more specifically the TIME when Jesus will return. I would think it would be slightly dangerous to elevate yourself to a higher position than Christ as it relates to knowledge, wouldn’t you?
Jesus didn’t come back on May 21st, 2011 at 6PM. He is coming back, though. His Word says it will happen “like a thief in the night.” We won’t know the precise moment, but we can know conditions are ripe and it will most likely happen soon. The one word His return should drill into our hearts can be in the form of an exclamation or question: Ready.
If you ask me about His return I can tell you that I’m not perfect by any stretch of the wildest imagination, but I’m forgiven. So if you ask me how I feel about the rapture I’ll simply reply: Ready! But the same word is my closing for this blog. He is coming back, and all signs point to soon. Ready?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Seek.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Seek. This morning will be brief. Each day as I sit down to write this blog it is after God has laid some idea upon my heart. As I sit and begin writing it flows into a page long blog from my heart to yours that first comes from His heart to mine. Today there’s simply one word.
God tells us to seek Him, and He promises that if we seek Him we’ll find Him. So today, spend the time you’d normally spend reading this blog in seeking Him. Ask Him, right now where you sit, what He wants to do in your life today. Then commit to allowing Him to do it. He wrote us a love letter that can lead us into His presence, so might I suggest picking It up and reading John 1 for starters. You’ll be amazed what you’ll find when you seek.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Seek. This morning will be brief. Each day as I sit down to write this blog it is after God has laid some idea upon my heart. As I sit and begin writing it flows into a page long blog from my heart to yours that first comes from His heart to mine. Today there’s simply one word.
God tells us to seek Him, and He promises that if we seek Him we’ll find Him. So today, spend the time you’d normally spend reading this blog in seeking Him. Ask Him, right now where you sit, what He wants to do in your life today. Then commit to allowing Him to do it. He wrote us a love letter that can lead us into His presence, so might I suggest picking It up and reading John 1 for starters. You’ll be amazed what you’ll find when you seek.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, May 23, 2011
Too Much?
Monday, May 23, 2011
Too Much? Last night I got to hear a song that has become one of my very favorites as of late. You’ve no doubt heard it on the radio if you listen to Christian radio much at all. Its message is one that sticks with you, especially if you’ve ever walked through a valley that’s of any size or length at all. “What if Your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know You’re near?”
I’ve loved this song from the first time I heard it. It challenges me to think through some passing thoughts I’ve had in recent years, and settle them in my heart. One pressing question that lingers in the back of my mind is a simple, yet so profound one: How much is too much? Where is the line drawn? Is there a point that I could ever reach that would cause me to give up? What about you?
There’s this heretical idea being taught by some in the world of "Christianity" that when you come to Christ you’ll always have everything you want, and you’ll never experience any pain or heartache. You’ll be “healthy, wealthy, and wise” because, after all, God would never allow one of His children to experience hurt and suffering, right? Wrong.
Haven’t you ever read the story of Job? There’s never been a more righteous, Godly man on this earth except Jesus Christ (speaking of suffering). Yet God allow Job to be sifted, losing basically everything this world saw that he had. He lost his own family; all but his wife, who was full of good advice by the way (“just curse God and die, Job…”). He saw his livestock, his living, and his entire life’s empire crumble within a matter of moments before his eyes. And God allowed it. And Job never reached that “line.”
Paul had a great deal to say about hurting in this life. As a matter of fact, Paul said that through all of his suffering and hardship that he had “learned to be content in whatever state” he was in. Whether he had an abundance or lived tiny meal to tiny meal; whether he was roaming about preaching the Gospel and establishing churches or sequestered in a small, damp, cold dungeon jail cell, he would be content and give praise where praise was due. Even as he was being led to the gallows to literally lose his head for Christ, Paul never reached that “line.”
So what about us? How much is too much for us? It’s sad to say, but many of us complain about the “cross we bear” already, yet we’ve come nowhere near the suffering or heartache of many of our patriarchs in the faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” doesn’t just apply to every mountaintop God allows us to climb – it works in the valleys too.
There are some inescapable truths that come to light when we are in the valley. First, what we truly believe about God is put to the test. Second, whether we serve Him for our glory and renown or His is brought to the surface. And one more of many: what we believe about heaven becomes weaker or stronger – there’s no middle ground. The truth is simple: no matter what we face in this life, we simply aren't home yet.
You see, in Job’s story, on the last page of the last chapter God blessed Job exponentially. And I believe, with all my heart, that on the last page of the last chapter of our life He’ll do the same. Why do I believe that? Because I’ve read the end of the Book – we win.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Too Much? Last night I got to hear a song that has become one of my very favorites as of late. You’ve no doubt heard it on the radio if you listen to Christian radio much at all. Its message is one that sticks with you, especially if you’ve ever walked through a valley that’s of any size or length at all. “What if Your blessings come through raindrops? What if Your healing comes through tears? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know You’re near?”
I’ve loved this song from the first time I heard it. It challenges me to think through some passing thoughts I’ve had in recent years, and settle them in my heart. One pressing question that lingers in the back of my mind is a simple, yet so profound one: How much is too much? Where is the line drawn? Is there a point that I could ever reach that would cause me to give up? What about you?
There’s this heretical idea being taught by some in the world of "Christianity" that when you come to Christ you’ll always have everything you want, and you’ll never experience any pain or heartache. You’ll be “healthy, wealthy, and wise” because, after all, God would never allow one of His children to experience hurt and suffering, right? Wrong.
Haven’t you ever read the story of Job? There’s never been a more righteous, Godly man on this earth except Jesus Christ (speaking of suffering). Yet God allow Job to be sifted, losing basically everything this world saw that he had. He lost his own family; all but his wife, who was full of good advice by the way (“just curse God and die, Job…”). He saw his livestock, his living, and his entire life’s empire crumble within a matter of moments before his eyes. And God allowed it. And Job never reached that “line.”
Paul had a great deal to say about hurting in this life. As a matter of fact, Paul said that through all of his suffering and hardship that he had “learned to be content in whatever state” he was in. Whether he had an abundance or lived tiny meal to tiny meal; whether he was roaming about preaching the Gospel and establishing churches or sequestered in a small, damp, cold dungeon jail cell, he would be content and give praise where praise was due. Even as he was being led to the gallows to literally lose his head for Christ, Paul never reached that “line.”
So what about us? How much is too much for us? It’s sad to say, but many of us complain about the “cross we bear” already, yet we’ve come nowhere near the suffering or heartache of many of our patriarchs in the faith. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” doesn’t just apply to every mountaintop God allows us to climb – it works in the valleys too.
There are some inescapable truths that come to light when we are in the valley. First, what we truly believe about God is put to the test. Second, whether we serve Him for our glory and renown or His is brought to the surface. And one more of many: what we believe about heaven becomes weaker or stronger – there’s no middle ground. The truth is simple: no matter what we face in this life, we simply aren't home yet.
You see, in Job’s story, on the last page of the last chapter God blessed Job exponentially. And I believe, with all my heart, that on the last page of the last chapter of our life He’ll do the same. Why do I believe that? Because I’ve read the end of the Book – we win.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, May 20, 2011
Childlike?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Childlike? I maintain that there is just nothing quite like driving a busload of 1st graders to the zoo. This time of year that is a popular destination for field trips at school, so we spend a lot of time driving there. Yesterday I drove a group from one of our elementary schools here in Cabot, and it made me smile more and more the closer to Little Rock we got. Let me explain.
Everything was a big deal! When we crossed the Arkansas River the excitement in the air was thick. Not only were they enthused because we were driving over the river, but they could see the River Market District, which has an amphitheater area just on the bank of the river. One little boy shouted out, “Is that a beach?!?”
The “sky scrapers” were a hit, as well. Granted, Little Rock doesn’t have any true sky scrapers, but the buildings there are much taller than the ones in Cabot. So a building of 25 floors or so was massive to them. And then we passed the State Capital Complex, and you would have thought we had taken them to Washington DC. “That’s where the Governor works everybody!” They were taking it all in, that’s for sure.
And then we took our exit and they realized we were at the zoo. It was as if an “energy bomb” had been detonated on that bus. To give you an idea of how excited they were, just imagine the average person’s reaction if they were told they had just been given $100 million. I’m not exaggerating, either.
Why were they so excited? You see, they are children, and the things that we take for granted as adults are still new and exciting to them. We cross the Arkansas River so much that we don’t even give it a second thought. The tall buildings of Little Rock are nothing to us compared to the buildings of New York City or Chicago. The State Capital Complex is familiar to us. And the zoo, to most adults, is just a smelly animal shelter.
Maybe that’s why Jesus said that we had to come to Him “as a child.” He spoke much of “childlike faith.” The longer we live, the more routine life becomes. When we see someone sick, many times we just pray for comfort for them when a child will pray for them to be healed, and believe it can happen. When we see someone saved we rejoice, but a child wants to throw a party because that person is going to heaven now. When we hear that someone loves us we are often skeptical, but a child accepts that because they have a natural desire to love and be loved.
Get it? When we come to Jesus, we have to come like them. We have to let ourselves be wide-eyed and enthusiastic about the things of God. We have to take in the little things, and take joy in them. Life is more fun as a child, and our life with Christ can be so much more enjoyable if we live it through the eyes of children.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Childlike? I maintain that there is just nothing quite like driving a busload of 1st graders to the zoo. This time of year that is a popular destination for field trips at school, so we spend a lot of time driving there. Yesterday I drove a group from one of our elementary schools here in Cabot, and it made me smile more and more the closer to Little Rock we got. Let me explain.
Everything was a big deal! When we crossed the Arkansas River the excitement in the air was thick. Not only were they enthused because we were driving over the river, but they could see the River Market District, which has an amphitheater area just on the bank of the river. One little boy shouted out, “Is that a beach?!?”
The “sky scrapers” were a hit, as well. Granted, Little Rock doesn’t have any true sky scrapers, but the buildings there are much taller than the ones in Cabot. So a building of 25 floors or so was massive to them. And then we passed the State Capital Complex, and you would have thought we had taken them to Washington DC. “That’s where the Governor works everybody!” They were taking it all in, that’s for sure.
And then we took our exit and they realized we were at the zoo. It was as if an “energy bomb” had been detonated on that bus. To give you an idea of how excited they were, just imagine the average person’s reaction if they were told they had just been given $100 million. I’m not exaggerating, either.
Why were they so excited? You see, they are children, and the things that we take for granted as adults are still new and exciting to them. We cross the Arkansas River so much that we don’t even give it a second thought. The tall buildings of Little Rock are nothing to us compared to the buildings of New York City or Chicago. The State Capital Complex is familiar to us. And the zoo, to most adults, is just a smelly animal shelter.
Maybe that’s why Jesus said that we had to come to Him “as a child.” He spoke much of “childlike faith.” The longer we live, the more routine life becomes. When we see someone sick, many times we just pray for comfort for them when a child will pray for them to be healed, and believe it can happen. When we see someone saved we rejoice, but a child wants to throw a party because that person is going to heaven now. When we hear that someone loves us we are often skeptical, but a child accepts that because they have a natural desire to love and be loved.
Get it? When we come to Jesus, we have to come like them. We have to let ourselves be wide-eyed and enthusiastic about the things of God. We have to take in the little things, and take joy in them. Life is more fun as a child, and our life with Christ can be so much more enjoyable if we live it through the eyes of children.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Shattered Self.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Shattered Self. Last night was a particularly special night for me with our student ministry. Occasionally you have a Wednesday night that God uses in a pretty powerful way to touch your heart. Last night was such a night for me.
My message last night for our students was about “Steps to Selfish Destruction.” We dug into the book of Esther, and looked at chapter six which is all about Haman and Mordecai. Haman hated Mordecai, and it all stemmed from Mordecai’s refusal to bow to anyone but God. Haman got angry, and decided within his heart that he would destroy Mordecai. He was so intent on this that he even had a gallows built specifically to hang Mordecai on. The reason: Haman was selfish at the core of who he was.
You can read the story for yourself, but the bottom line is that God ended up rewarding Mordecai and He used Haman to do it. Haman was humiliated, and ultimately lost his life at the very gallows he had commissioned built to hang Mordecai on. Mordecai lived, and was blessed of God, along with the rest of the People of God in the nation. Selfishness was Haman's demise.
So last night I had tables at the back of our meeting room with plates and markers set out. We had worship, and I delivered my message. At the end of the message I issued a challenge. I asked each student to spend a moment praying, and ask God to reveal to them the most selfish area of their lives. We sang, “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone” for the response time. And during that time I told them to go get a plate once they’d heard from God. On the front side I asked them to write “Selfish.” On the back side I asked them to write that thing that God had revealed to them from their lives that was selfish. I told them to bring the plate back to their seat with them, and continue to worship.
When everyone had returned to their seat with the plate, I explained the next step. Across the front of the room were hammers laying on the floor. I asked each student to look at the back of their plate and give that area of selfishness to God right then. Once they’d done that, I asked them to come up and break that plate with a hammer, signifying that their selfishness had been broken by Christ.
When a room full of students start breaking plates with hammers you would think it would be chaos, but not last night. These students (and their leaders) were reverent and silent as they laid their broken selfishness at the feet of Christ. One by one they came and shattered their life of self at the front of the room. The only sounds you could hear were those of plates being broken. But if you listened close enough as I did, I’m positive you could hear something more – I heard lives being put back together in a way that shows the world Jesus.
We’re going to use the broken pieces for a mosaic work in the shape of a cross to hang in our room. It will be a challenge for me, because I’m not very artistic. But the work will be worth it, because every time these awesome students see this hanging on the wall they’ll remember: from my brokenness comes something beautiful when God is in charge.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Shattered Self. Last night was a particularly special night for me with our student ministry. Occasionally you have a Wednesday night that God uses in a pretty powerful way to touch your heart. Last night was such a night for me.
My message last night for our students was about “Steps to Selfish Destruction.” We dug into the book of Esther, and looked at chapter six which is all about Haman and Mordecai. Haman hated Mordecai, and it all stemmed from Mordecai’s refusal to bow to anyone but God. Haman got angry, and decided within his heart that he would destroy Mordecai. He was so intent on this that he even had a gallows built specifically to hang Mordecai on. The reason: Haman was selfish at the core of who he was.
You can read the story for yourself, but the bottom line is that God ended up rewarding Mordecai and He used Haman to do it. Haman was humiliated, and ultimately lost his life at the very gallows he had commissioned built to hang Mordecai on. Mordecai lived, and was blessed of God, along with the rest of the People of God in the nation. Selfishness was Haman's demise.
So last night I had tables at the back of our meeting room with plates and markers set out. We had worship, and I delivered my message. At the end of the message I issued a challenge. I asked each student to spend a moment praying, and ask God to reveal to them the most selfish area of their lives. We sang, “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone” for the response time. And during that time I told them to go get a plate once they’d heard from God. On the front side I asked them to write “Selfish.” On the back side I asked them to write that thing that God had revealed to them from their lives that was selfish. I told them to bring the plate back to their seat with them, and continue to worship.
When everyone had returned to their seat with the plate, I explained the next step. Across the front of the room were hammers laying on the floor. I asked each student to look at the back of their plate and give that area of selfishness to God right then. Once they’d done that, I asked them to come up and break that plate with a hammer, signifying that their selfishness had been broken by Christ.
When a room full of students start breaking plates with hammers you would think it would be chaos, but not last night. These students (and their leaders) were reverent and silent as they laid their broken selfishness at the feet of Christ. One by one they came and shattered their life of self at the front of the room. The only sounds you could hear were those of plates being broken. But if you listened close enough as I did, I’m positive you could hear something more – I heard lives being put back together in a way that shows the world Jesus.
We’re going to use the broken pieces for a mosaic work in the shape of a cross to hang in our room. It will be a challenge for me, because I’m not very artistic. But the work will be worth it, because every time these awesome students see this hanging on the wall they’ll remember: from my brokenness comes something beautiful when God is in charge.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Quenched.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Quenched. Have you ever been so thirsty that you just didn’t think you would survive another minute without something to drink? Your mouth was dry and your head was even starting to hurt a little bit. It seems like your energy level is already beginning to drop by the time you feel that desperate for some liquid to refresh you. When you finally do get something, it just doesn’t seem like anything does the trick quite as well as a tall glass of water. And you can’t get enough of it.
When I came to Jesus that was my condition. The night I fell on my face and cried out for the forgiveness of my sin I was so thirsty I couldn’t go one more step without the Quencher. I felt like my energy was depleted. I knew He was exactly what I needed to fix my need. And the very moment He came into my life I was changed forever.
Jesus had a unique conversation with a woman at the well in John 4. She wasn’t “like Him.” She was a Samaritan, and in the eyes of every other Jewish person she wasn’t worth talking to. But Jesus did. And not only did He talk to her, He gave her something that would last her for the rest of eternity.
You see, she was at a well to do what you did at wells: draw water. She was collecting the life sustaining substance that she and her household needed to survive. Little did she know that when she went home that day, her soul’s thirst would be quenched as well.
Scripture says that this woman had been chasing relationships to fill the void in her heart. She had been married 4 times and was currently living with a man that she wasn’t even married to. Though she didn’t know what the need was, she had sensed all her life that something was missing. That’s why she had been searching for fulfillment through other means.
We are all born with a void. Many try to fill that emptiness with relationships, or money, or hobbies, or even religion. The only problem is that the void in our lives is God-shaped. Just like trying to put a square peg into a round hole, trying to fill the God-shaped hole in our heart with anything but Him is useless and will leave us feeling empty.
But today, Jesus stands and offers to quench our thirst forever. He can fill that void and make us new. A relationship with Him not only brings forgiveness of our sins and peace with God, but it brings a satisfaction and contentment that nothing/no one else can.
So what about you: are you thirsty? Come to the One who gives Living Water, and you’ll never thirst again.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Quenched. Have you ever been so thirsty that you just didn’t think you would survive another minute without something to drink? Your mouth was dry and your head was even starting to hurt a little bit. It seems like your energy level is already beginning to drop by the time you feel that desperate for some liquid to refresh you. When you finally do get something, it just doesn’t seem like anything does the trick quite as well as a tall glass of water. And you can’t get enough of it.
When I came to Jesus that was my condition. The night I fell on my face and cried out for the forgiveness of my sin I was so thirsty I couldn’t go one more step without the Quencher. I felt like my energy was depleted. I knew He was exactly what I needed to fix my need. And the very moment He came into my life I was changed forever.
Jesus had a unique conversation with a woman at the well in John 4. She wasn’t “like Him.” She was a Samaritan, and in the eyes of every other Jewish person she wasn’t worth talking to. But Jesus did. And not only did He talk to her, He gave her something that would last her for the rest of eternity.
You see, she was at a well to do what you did at wells: draw water. She was collecting the life sustaining substance that she and her household needed to survive. Little did she know that when she went home that day, her soul’s thirst would be quenched as well.
Scripture says that this woman had been chasing relationships to fill the void in her heart. She had been married 4 times and was currently living with a man that she wasn’t even married to. Though she didn’t know what the need was, she had sensed all her life that something was missing. That’s why she had been searching for fulfillment through other means.
We are all born with a void. Many try to fill that emptiness with relationships, or money, or hobbies, or even religion. The only problem is that the void in our lives is God-shaped. Just like trying to put a square peg into a round hole, trying to fill the God-shaped hole in our heart with anything but Him is useless and will leave us feeling empty.
But today, Jesus stands and offers to quench our thirst forever. He can fill that void and make us new. A relationship with Him not only brings forgiveness of our sins and peace with God, but it brings a satisfaction and contentment that nothing/no one else can.
So what about you: are you thirsty? Come to the One who gives Living Water, and you’ll never thirst again.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Scoot Over.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Scoot Over. On my school bus the students have assigned seats. That means they don’t get a choice of where they sit each day, but rather sit where I’ve assigned for them to. However, on Fridays we have a little tradition we call “Free Seat Fridays.” If we’ve had no major problems that previous week, I allow the students to pick their seats. This causes some issues, sometimes.
Without fail, at least once each Friday someone will be the last to sit down and no one will want to scoot over to let them into their seat. Maybe it’s because they already have 2 people sitting in their seat and a third would make it cramped. Maybe it’s because they are trying to hog the seat to themselves and a second would ruin their plans. Or maybe it’s because they just don’t get along with or like the person too much. Regardless, they don’t want to scoot over because it would inconvenience them. It usually upsets the person standing up, and I have to intervene.
How many times do we allow our own personal desires and comfort to prevent us from making someone else’s day a little better or easier for them? Many times we have reasons that we think are noble and worthy. We say we are too busy and don’t have time to stop and check on that crying person on the street. We are on too tight of a schedule to slow down to allow that other person to go ahead of us onto the elevator. Our mind is on something else, and that’s why we don’t offer a “Hello” or “Have a good day” to the people we pass in Wal-Mart.
We are so wrapped up in our own comfort and routine that we leave someone standing up, waiting to see the love of Christ in us.
To make life easier for everyone involved all it would take is for the students to simply scoot over and let the other person sit with them. Often, to bring some light to the dark, scary world of many around us that need Christ all it would take is for us to scoot over – to find a way to lay aside our own agendas for just a moment so they can see Him in us.
So today – will you scoot over?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Scoot Over. On my school bus the students have assigned seats. That means they don’t get a choice of where they sit each day, but rather sit where I’ve assigned for them to. However, on Fridays we have a little tradition we call “Free Seat Fridays.” If we’ve had no major problems that previous week, I allow the students to pick their seats. This causes some issues, sometimes.
Without fail, at least once each Friday someone will be the last to sit down and no one will want to scoot over to let them into their seat. Maybe it’s because they already have 2 people sitting in their seat and a third would make it cramped. Maybe it’s because they are trying to hog the seat to themselves and a second would ruin their plans. Or maybe it’s because they just don’t get along with or like the person too much. Regardless, they don’t want to scoot over because it would inconvenience them. It usually upsets the person standing up, and I have to intervene.
How many times do we allow our own personal desires and comfort to prevent us from making someone else’s day a little better or easier for them? Many times we have reasons that we think are noble and worthy. We say we are too busy and don’t have time to stop and check on that crying person on the street. We are on too tight of a schedule to slow down to allow that other person to go ahead of us onto the elevator. Our mind is on something else, and that’s why we don’t offer a “Hello” or “Have a good day” to the people we pass in Wal-Mart.
We are so wrapped up in our own comfort and routine that we leave someone standing up, waiting to see the love of Christ in us.
To make life easier for everyone involved all it would take is for the students to simply scoot over and let the other person sit with them. Often, to bring some light to the dark, scary world of many around us that need Christ all it would take is for us to scoot over – to find a way to lay aside our own agendas for just a moment so they can see Him in us.
So today – will you scoot over?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, May 16, 2011
Forever.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Forever. We often use the word “forever” lightly. How many times have we said, “Traffic is awful – it’ll take me FOREVER to get there.” “Oh man, I stood in line and waited FOREVER for my food.” “It seemed like FOREVER for her to get here.” Have you ever stopped for a moment to consider how long forever is?
Every day that we wake up we are one day older. As you add enough of those days together, you get months. Add together enough of those months and you get years. Add together enough of those years and you get decades. Add together enough of those decades and you get…well…old!
With time our hair turns to gray (or turns loose!). As time marches on our skin becomes wrinkly and our eyes obtain bags. The muscles we are so proud of when we’re young slowly begin to droop and sag as we grow more aged. And often with the deterioration of the body also comes a slipping of the mind. It becomes harder to remember things that used to be so natural to not forget. We just don’t live, in this form, forever.
But there’s a place called eternity where forever is the rule. Once you breathe your last breath here, your first is in that time where there is no time at all. Your hair will never turn, and your skin will never wrinkle. You’ll never become older, because eternity has no age. Your mind will never slip away from you, and your body will never fade away either. But there’s a catch.
There are two options as it relates to eternity: eternal joy and happiness and eternal torment. The Bible tells us much about both, though it says so much more about the latter. Heaven is a place infinitely more amazing than our human minds could ever comprehend. It makes our absolute best day on earth seem but nothing. It’s a place of forever smiles, forever joy, forever happiness, and forever love. It’s amazing just to ponder.
To the same degree, hell is a place of unimaginable torment. Take your absolute worst day on earth and that will be a dream in hell. Scripture says it’s a place where the fire is “unquenchable.” You’ll not be with your friends there, for it’s a place of “eternal separation from both God and man.” Death will never come to relieve you of your horrible existence. It’s forever, remember?
So today, would you take a moment and consider this idea of “forever?” Think about where you’ll spend it if you enter it at this very moment. If you’re prepared through a relationship with Jesus Christ, consider how many people you’ll have contact with today that aren’t. And if you aren’t ready, would you take the next moment of your right now and get prepared? Ask Jesus to forgive your sin and be your Savior and Lord. He’ll gladly oblige, He never says no to that prayer.
Forever is a long time to live in regret. Are you ready?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Forever. We often use the word “forever” lightly. How many times have we said, “Traffic is awful – it’ll take me FOREVER to get there.” “Oh man, I stood in line and waited FOREVER for my food.” “It seemed like FOREVER for her to get here.” Have you ever stopped for a moment to consider how long forever is?
Every day that we wake up we are one day older. As you add enough of those days together, you get months. Add together enough of those months and you get years. Add together enough of those years and you get decades. Add together enough of those decades and you get…well…old!
With time our hair turns to gray (or turns loose!). As time marches on our skin becomes wrinkly and our eyes obtain bags. The muscles we are so proud of when we’re young slowly begin to droop and sag as we grow more aged. And often with the deterioration of the body also comes a slipping of the mind. It becomes harder to remember things that used to be so natural to not forget. We just don’t live, in this form, forever.
But there’s a place called eternity where forever is the rule. Once you breathe your last breath here, your first is in that time where there is no time at all. Your hair will never turn, and your skin will never wrinkle. You’ll never become older, because eternity has no age. Your mind will never slip away from you, and your body will never fade away either. But there’s a catch.
There are two options as it relates to eternity: eternal joy and happiness and eternal torment. The Bible tells us much about both, though it says so much more about the latter. Heaven is a place infinitely more amazing than our human minds could ever comprehend. It makes our absolute best day on earth seem but nothing. It’s a place of forever smiles, forever joy, forever happiness, and forever love. It’s amazing just to ponder.
To the same degree, hell is a place of unimaginable torment. Take your absolute worst day on earth and that will be a dream in hell. Scripture says it’s a place where the fire is “unquenchable.” You’ll not be with your friends there, for it’s a place of “eternal separation from both God and man.” Death will never come to relieve you of your horrible existence. It’s forever, remember?
So today, would you take a moment and consider this idea of “forever?” Think about where you’ll spend it if you enter it at this very moment. If you’re prepared through a relationship with Jesus Christ, consider how many people you’ll have contact with today that aren’t. And if you aren’t ready, would you take the next moment of your right now and get prepared? Ask Jesus to forgive your sin and be your Savior and Lord. He’ll gladly oblige, He never says no to that prayer.
Forever is a long time to live in regret. Are you ready?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Misunderstood.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Misunderstood. “Second floor is fully involved. We have heavy smoke on the A, B, C and D sides. First floor still occupied!” That was the report the first engine company on scene gave over the radio upon arrival. The 2 story home was going up in flames extremely fast. Yet through the dining room window the entire family could be clearly seen sitting at the dining table, enjoying supper. They were laughing, enjoying each other’s company, oblivious (whether intentionally or not) to the firestorm just a few feet above them.
As the firefighters begin staging the hoses and getting a dependable water supply hooked up and ready to pump, 2 brave firefighters gear up and go inside to rescue this family of 4 who are in very immediate danger. As they pull them from their home, they are amazed at the anger and resentment these people very obviously have for them.
“How dare you judge us like this!” “I’ve worked hard to build this house with my own 2 hands, and now you’re just going to condemn it like that?!?” “You don’t even know us – how do you know we’re about to die?!?” “Who do you think you are – some perfect saint for being safe from the fire and we’re not?!?”
That’s a silly story, right? So why is it when people who know Christ have a heavy burden to share the Gospel with someone that hasn’t yet believed they get the same reaction many times?
We who have been rescued now see the immediate danger awaiting those who haven’t yet been rescued. We have been told about the certain death that awaits them, and the eternally consequential flames to follow. We don’t think we’re better than them at all. We have just already been rescued, and now want the same fate for them.
Yet many times we are accused of being judgmental, close minded, or of condemning them. The firefighters in the above story weren’t judging, close minded, or condemning the family. They just saw the reality that the family couldn’t see yet. And their conscience and their calling dictated that they do something about it. So do ours.
“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” “For it is by grace you are saved, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift from God, and not of works so that no one can boast.”
The 2nd floor is fully involved with heavy smoke showing from the A, B, C and D sides. The family is sitting comfortably downstairs unaware of what is to come for them. What will you do?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Misunderstood. “Second floor is fully involved. We have heavy smoke on the A, B, C and D sides. First floor still occupied!” That was the report the first engine company on scene gave over the radio upon arrival. The 2 story home was going up in flames extremely fast. Yet through the dining room window the entire family could be clearly seen sitting at the dining table, enjoying supper. They were laughing, enjoying each other’s company, oblivious (whether intentionally or not) to the firestorm just a few feet above them.
As the firefighters begin staging the hoses and getting a dependable water supply hooked up and ready to pump, 2 brave firefighters gear up and go inside to rescue this family of 4 who are in very immediate danger. As they pull them from their home, they are amazed at the anger and resentment these people very obviously have for them.
“How dare you judge us like this!” “I’ve worked hard to build this house with my own 2 hands, and now you’re just going to condemn it like that?!?” “You don’t even know us – how do you know we’re about to die?!?” “Who do you think you are – some perfect saint for being safe from the fire and we’re not?!?”
That’s a silly story, right? So why is it when people who know Christ have a heavy burden to share the Gospel with someone that hasn’t yet believed they get the same reaction many times?
We who have been rescued now see the immediate danger awaiting those who haven’t yet been rescued. We have been told about the certain death that awaits them, and the eternally consequential flames to follow. We don’t think we’re better than them at all. We have just already been rescued, and now want the same fate for them.
Yet many times we are accused of being judgmental, close minded, or of condemning them. The firefighters in the above story weren’t judging, close minded, or condemning the family. They just saw the reality that the family couldn’t see yet. And their conscience and their calling dictated that they do something about it. So do ours.
“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” “God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” “Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” “For it is by grace you are saved, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift from God, and not of works so that no one can boast.”
The 2nd floor is fully involved with heavy smoke showing from the A, B, C and D sides. The family is sitting comfortably downstairs unaware of what is to come for them. What will you do?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Strong.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Strong. I’ve been blessed with some amazing people in my life. Occasionally I have one of those “Aha moments” when I realize how special some of them are. I was born into a family that is second to none, and both my parents and grandparents are and were amazing people. I’ve written about many of them before, and will no doubt again in the future. But today I’d like to focus for a moment on my family in Christ and one particular lady that is the picture of strength.
Though I don’t know her entire life story, I am familiar with enough of it to know she is strong. In her lifetime she’s survived a lot of loss. When I first got to know this sweet woman of God it was not long after I first came to Victory Baptist Church as the Youth Pastor in 2003. Her husband had been sick for some time and had just gone on to be with the Lord. I remember being impressed by the strength I saw exhibited in her as she seemed to offer comfort to her family while she was no doubt hurting immensely herself.
In her lifetime she has faced the ultimate of heartbreaks for any mother, as she has mourned the loss of all of her children. Just this past year I saw her shine yet again as she offered quiet strength to her daughter in law, grandkids, and the rest of her family at the passing of her last remaining son. She was hurting, immensely. Yet even in her pain, she still couldn’t help but to nurture others who were hurting. That’s strength – that’s unheard of strength.
God has brought her a best friend and husband in Randall. I always enjoy visiting at their house. They are both characters, and with the two of them combined you’re guaranteed to spend some time being entertained. It has always amazed me how God can take two wonderful people, put them together, and somehow make them even more amazing. He did it with these two.
I’ve seen her cry. I’ve seen her lift her hands in praise. I’ve seen her laugh…a lot. I’ve seen her offer encouragement both in person and over the phone to me in times when I needed it so much. I’ve seen her inspire. And most of all, I’ve seen her do what she does best: love.
Both of my grandma’s are in heaven, and I look forward to seeing them again someday. In the meantime, God has seen fit to send some adopted grandmas into my life, all of them special in their own amazing ways. So today, I tip my hat to one such grandma, and thank her for loving God, her family, her church, her community, and even me. I know she’s reading this, because she reads every day and encourages me in my writing.
Mrs. Marietta, you mean the world to me and everyone that knows you. Whether you know it or not, you are strong. Thank you for being you. And know this – you are loved.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Strong. I’ve been blessed with some amazing people in my life. Occasionally I have one of those “Aha moments” when I realize how special some of them are. I was born into a family that is second to none, and both my parents and grandparents are and were amazing people. I’ve written about many of them before, and will no doubt again in the future. But today I’d like to focus for a moment on my family in Christ and one particular lady that is the picture of strength.
Though I don’t know her entire life story, I am familiar with enough of it to know she is strong. In her lifetime she’s survived a lot of loss. When I first got to know this sweet woman of God it was not long after I first came to Victory Baptist Church as the Youth Pastor in 2003. Her husband had been sick for some time and had just gone on to be with the Lord. I remember being impressed by the strength I saw exhibited in her as she seemed to offer comfort to her family while she was no doubt hurting immensely herself.
In her lifetime she has faced the ultimate of heartbreaks for any mother, as she has mourned the loss of all of her children. Just this past year I saw her shine yet again as she offered quiet strength to her daughter in law, grandkids, and the rest of her family at the passing of her last remaining son. She was hurting, immensely. Yet even in her pain, she still couldn’t help but to nurture others who were hurting. That’s strength – that’s unheard of strength.
God has brought her a best friend and husband in Randall. I always enjoy visiting at their house. They are both characters, and with the two of them combined you’re guaranteed to spend some time being entertained. It has always amazed me how God can take two wonderful people, put them together, and somehow make them even more amazing. He did it with these two.
I’ve seen her cry. I’ve seen her lift her hands in praise. I’ve seen her laugh…a lot. I’ve seen her offer encouragement both in person and over the phone to me in times when I needed it so much. I’ve seen her inspire. And most of all, I’ve seen her do what she does best: love.
Both of my grandma’s are in heaven, and I look forward to seeing them again someday. In the meantime, God has seen fit to send some adopted grandmas into my life, all of them special in their own amazing ways. So today, I tip my hat to one such grandma, and thank her for loving God, her family, her church, her community, and even me. I know she’s reading this, because she reads every day and encourages me in my writing.
Mrs. Marietta, you mean the world to me and everyone that knows you. Whether you know it or not, you are strong. Thank you for being you. And know this – you are loved.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thankful Much?
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thankful Much? I hear so many people using the word “hate” so much every day. Yesterday I heard it 7 times on the bus as soon as the students got on, and that’s when I stopped counting. “I hate this…I hate that…” It made me begin to think about gratitude…
So you hate your house? Go find a homeless person about your age and ask them how it feels to sleep on the street night after night. Ask what it’s like when the cold rain comes and you have nowhere to go. Ask what it’s like for people to walk down that street staring at you, as if you’re some sort of circus side show because you are homeless. Thankful much?
So you hate your parents? Go find someone who has grown up in an orphanage. Ask them how it felt to not have parents. Ask them how it felt to not have a mom, dad, or both to run to with questions about life. Ask them how it felt not to have a parent or parents to correct them when they were wrong, and to love them when they were hurting. Thankful much?
So you hate your school? Go find someone in a part of the world where they don’t have any education. Ask them how easy it is to feed their family. Ask them how much fun it is to not have the ability to read or write. Ask them how great of a life it is to know their children will face the same fate as well. Thankful much?
So you hate your life? Go find that Savior that hung on Calvary’s cross for you. Ask Him how it feels to die for someone that’s totally ungrateful. Ask Him how it feels to hang there knowing He’ll never hear a “Thank You” from many of those He’s hanging there for. Ask Him how it feels knowing He came to give “abundant life” yet so many will turn away from Him. Ask Him how it feels to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the world when so much of the world will doubt your very existence. Ask Him how He can face all that and still be defined in one word: LOVE. Thankful much?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thankful Much? I hear so many people using the word “hate” so much every day. Yesterday I heard it 7 times on the bus as soon as the students got on, and that’s when I stopped counting. “I hate this…I hate that…” It made me begin to think about gratitude…
So you hate your house? Go find a homeless person about your age and ask them how it feels to sleep on the street night after night. Ask what it’s like when the cold rain comes and you have nowhere to go. Ask what it’s like for people to walk down that street staring at you, as if you’re some sort of circus side show because you are homeless. Thankful much?
So you hate your parents? Go find someone who has grown up in an orphanage. Ask them how it felt to not have parents. Ask them how it felt to not have a mom, dad, or both to run to with questions about life. Ask them how it felt not to have a parent or parents to correct them when they were wrong, and to love them when they were hurting. Thankful much?
So you hate your school? Go find someone in a part of the world where they don’t have any education. Ask them how easy it is to feed their family. Ask them how much fun it is to not have the ability to read or write. Ask them how great of a life it is to know their children will face the same fate as well. Thankful much?
So you hate your life? Go find that Savior that hung on Calvary’s cross for you. Ask Him how it feels to die for someone that’s totally ungrateful. Ask Him how it feels to hang there knowing He’ll never hear a “Thank You” from many of those He’s hanging there for. Ask Him how it feels knowing He came to give “abundant life” yet so many will turn away from Him. Ask Him how it feels to pay the ultimate sacrifice for the world when so much of the world will doubt your very existence. Ask Him how He can face all that and still be defined in one word: LOVE. Thankful much?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wakeup Call.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wakeup Call. I have a friend that lives in Oklahoma that I talk to on FB or text occasionally. They are also an early riser, and this morning when my alarm went off at 4:30 I realized I had a text from them. They sent it at around midnight, which is why I didn’t know I’d received it until this morning. The message was asking if I could give them a call at 5:30 this morning to give them a wakeup call, just in case their 3 alarms didn’t wake them up. That’s what friends are for, right?
Now dive into this idea with me for a moment, would you? Spiritually speaking, we need each other. After all, there’s a natural tendency to get slightly drowsy in our relationship with Christ, don’t you think?
When you first get saved there’s a certain level of excitement and energy that you feel when it comes to serving Christ. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people that have just come to Jesus say that they’ll do anything He calls them to, no matter the sacrifice. And I truly believe they mean it, at the time. The problem is, as time passes many seem to lose that zeal – that passion – to stay awake in service to Him. And we get drowsy.
We may even doze off somewhat. You know what I mean: your relationship with Christ assumes “auto-pilot” or something. You seem to just be going through the motions or routine. I believe that much of what many believers do today could be done by the lost all around us just as well. The truth is, much of our “routine” as believers could probably be done without the Holy Spirit’s presence at all, because much of it is simply a rut and routine. We need a wakeup call!
And that’s why God designed a thing called the Church. Truth is we need each other. I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to wake me up when I start dozing off. When I begin to simply go through the motions, and my passion and fire are beginning to flicker, I need someone to come along beside me and say, “WAKE UP!” We simply cannot be all that God wants us to be without the Church, it’s just that simple.
So what about you today? Are you asleep on the job? If you don’t already have one, make it a priority to find a Bible believing, God fearing, Spirit moving, Jesus proclaiming, disciple growing church. We all need accountability and, from time to time, a wakeup call. Now I’ve got to sign off…I have a call to make.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wakeup Call. I have a friend that lives in Oklahoma that I talk to on FB or text occasionally. They are also an early riser, and this morning when my alarm went off at 4:30 I realized I had a text from them. They sent it at around midnight, which is why I didn’t know I’d received it until this morning. The message was asking if I could give them a call at 5:30 this morning to give them a wakeup call, just in case their 3 alarms didn’t wake them up. That’s what friends are for, right?
Now dive into this idea with me for a moment, would you? Spiritually speaking, we need each other. After all, there’s a natural tendency to get slightly drowsy in our relationship with Christ, don’t you think?
When you first get saved there’s a certain level of excitement and energy that you feel when it comes to serving Christ. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people that have just come to Jesus say that they’ll do anything He calls them to, no matter the sacrifice. And I truly believe they mean it, at the time. The problem is, as time passes many seem to lose that zeal – that passion – to stay awake in service to Him. And we get drowsy.
We may even doze off somewhat. You know what I mean: your relationship with Christ assumes “auto-pilot” or something. You seem to just be going through the motions or routine. I believe that much of what many believers do today could be done by the lost all around us just as well. The truth is, much of our “routine” as believers could probably be done without the Holy Spirit’s presence at all, because much of it is simply a rut and routine. We need a wakeup call!
And that’s why God designed a thing called the Church. Truth is we need each other. I need my brothers and sisters in Christ to wake me up when I start dozing off. When I begin to simply go through the motions, and my passion and fire are beginning to flicker, I need someone to come along beside me and say, “WAKE UP!” We simply cannot be all that God wants us to be without the Church, it’s just that simple.
So what about you today? Are you asleep on the job? If you don’t already have one, make it a priority to find a Bible believing, God fearing, Spirit moving, Jesus proclaiming, disciple growing church. We all need accountability and, from time to time, a wakeup call. Now I’ve got to sign off…I have a call to make.
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, May 9, 2011
Stiff As a Board.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Stiff As A Board. Occasionally I have these strange muscle spasm episodes in the left side of my neck. When they start, my neck starts to stiffen up, and the pain worsens steadily as it goes on. I had to make an ER trip several years ago because of one of these things. And by the time it runs its course, I’m just almost unable to move without hurting pretty severely. One such episode began Saturday evening.
When I woke up Sunday morning I was hurting, and already starting to stiffen up. But I got out of bed and went to church because I absolutely hate missing a chance to worship with my family in Christ. I came straight home afterwards and hit the recliner to relax, hoping that would lessen the pain and cause this thing to ease up a bit. Boy, was I ever wrong. Turns out, sitting down and being still for very long only made things worse. By the time 5pm rolled around, I could barely move and had to miss the evening service because of it.
But in moments like those, I begin to ask God the question, “What are you trying to teach me?” And He began to answer in a pretty straight forward way, “This is what happens when you sit.” Let’s ponder that for a moment.
In our walk with Christ, there are a lot of us who accept Him and never hit the ground running for Him afterwards. Though we may not admit it outwardly, deep down inside we have this idea that we've gotten our “fire insurance” and we’re okay now. We don’t allow the Holy Spirit to convict us to the point of choosing to go to work for Christ, we just go about our life happy that we’re saved and leave it there. And as time goes by we begin to get spiritually stiff.
God will allow things to come into our lives to challenge us to serve Him. The problem is, if we’ve been sitting on our blessed assurance in our spiritual inactivity for too long, trying to get up and move for Him hurts. It’s painful because it may require us to sacrifice some things or other priorities to make room for His. So, instead of plowing on ahead and working through the pain to begin living in the life He wants for us, we bow down to the pain and stop. And our life continues the same cycle.
I’m not hurting as badly as I was yesterday afternoon right now, but I am hurting. However, I’ve made the choice that I’m not going to let this hold me down any more. I’m up and at ‘em, and have a full day ahead of me. I’m going to push through the pain and stiffness, and I know God has things in store for my day that will definitely be worth it.
So what about you? Are you going to stay stiff and inactive in your walk with Him? Or will you rise up, push through the pain of sacrifice and change, in order to experience the real life, the true life, the FULL life that only service to the King can give?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Stiff As A Board. Occasionally I have these strange muscle spasm episodes in the left side of my neck. When they start, my neck starts to stiffen up, and the pain worsens steadily as it goes on. I had to make an ER trip several years ago because of one of these things. And by the time it runs its course, I’m just almost unable to move without hurting pretty severely. One such episode began Saturday evening.
When I woke up Sunday morning I was hurting, and already starting to stiffen up. But I got out of bed and went to church because I absolutely hate missing a chance to worship with my family in Christ. I came straight home afterwards and hit the recliner to relax, hoping that would lessen the pain and cause this thing to ease up a bit. Boy, was I ever wrong. Turns out, sitting down and being still for very long only made things worse. By the time 5pm rolled around, I could barely move and had to miss the evening service because of it.
But in moments like those, I begin to ask God the question, “What are you trying to teach me?” And He began to answer in a pretty straight forward way, “This is what happens when you sit.” Let’s ponder that for a moment.
In our walk with Christ, there are a lot of us who accept Him and never hit the ground running for Him afterwards. Though we may not admit it outwardly, deep down inside we have this idea that we've gotten our “fire insurance” and we’re okay now. We don’t allow the Holy Spirit to convict us to the point of choosing to go to work for Christ, we just go about our life happy that we’re saved and leave it there. And as time goes by we begin to get spiritually stiff.
God will allow things to come into our lives to challenge us to serve Him. The problem is, if we’ve been sitting on our blessed assurance in our spiritual inactivity for too long, trying to get up and move for Him hurts. It’s painful because it may require us to sacrifice some things or other priorities to make room for His. So, instead of plowing on ahead and working through the pain to begin living in the life He wants for us, we bow down to the pain and stop. And our life continues the same cycle.
I’m not hurting as badly as I was yesterday afternoon right now, but I am hurting. However, I’ve made the choice that I’m not going to let this hold me down any more. I’m up and at ‘em, and have a full day ahead of me. I’m going to push through the pain and stiffness, and I know God has things in store for my day that will definitely be worth it.
So what about you? Are you going to stay stiff and inactive in your walk with Him? Or will you rise up, push through the pain of sacrifice and change, in order to experience the real life, the true life, the FULL life that only service to the King can give?
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Friday, May 6, 2011
Run!
Friday, May 06, 2011
Run! There are times when walking just isn’t enough. There are those moments in life when walking makes you feel like your feet are in concrete. From time to time, you have something within you that just screams, “RUN!”
God had sent a messenger to Pharaoh telling Him to let His people go. They had lived in slavery in the nation of Egypt for about 400 years. God wasn’t pleased with His chosen people living as slaves to a pagan nation, so He sent Moses to lead them out. After some pretty dramatic plagues, Pharaoh reluctantly agreed to let them go. But as soon as the millions of Jews left his country, he changed his mind. He sent his army running after them, only to be swallowed alive by the Red Sea. Remember: we have an enemy that’s pursuing us 24/7. But the day is coming when satan will be destroyed and taken care of by our God.
He had broken his father’s heart. After all these years as living as his father’s son, he decided he’d had enough. We told his dad, “I want my share, and I want it now.” So his dad obliged, and off went the son. He blew all his money before long, and found himself at the lowest point any Jewish boy could imagine: a hog pen. Now he’s decided to come home and beg for mercy. As he rounds the corner to his dad’s place, he sees the dust trail ahead. Could it be? Yes – it’s true! His dad is running to him! An embrace and celebration await him back home. On the cross of Calvary as Jesus was nailed for your sin and mine, God was running to us. Will you accept His gift?
They were headed to the tomb to anoint His body properly. As they slowly mourned their way up that hillside path, they couldn’t help but remember how their Bestfriend had agonizingly carried that old rugged cross up that same path just a few days earlier. They were heartbroken as the tomb came into view. They found the tomb, but they didn’t find their Savior. The words they were told were profound, “Why do you seek the Living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen!” Simply walking back to town to tell the others wasn’t good enough – they RAN! We have a message to tell a lost world, believer. It’s the message of the love of God, proven in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the victory of Christ at the tomb.
Sometimes walking just isn’t enough. We are being pursued by a hateful enemy – be on the alert. We have been pursued by a loving God – accept His gift. We are going to be rescued by a risen Savior – get busy in the meantime!
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Run! There are times when walking just isn’t enough. There are those moments in life when walking makes you feel like your feet are in concrete. From time to time, you have something within you that just screams, “RUN!”
God had sent a messenger to Pharaoh telling Him to let His people go. They had lived in slavery in the nation of Egypt for about 400 years. God wasn’t pleased with His chosen people living as slaves to a pagan nation, so He sent Moses to lead them out. After some pretty dramatic plagues, Pharaoh reluctantly agreed to let them go. But as soon as the millions of Jews left his country, he changed his mind. He sent his army running after them, only to be swallowed alive by the Red Sea. Remember: we have an enemy that’s pursuing us 24/7. But the day is coming when satan will be destroyed and taken care of by our God.
He had broken his father’s heart. After all these years as living as his father’s son, he decided he’d had enough. We told his dad, “I want my share, and I want it now.” So his dad obliged, and off went the son. He blew all his money before long, and found himself at the lowest point any Jewish boy could imagine: a hog pen. Now he’s decided to come home and beg for mercy. As he rounds the corner to his dad’s place, he sees the dust trail ahead. Could it be? Yes – it’s true! His dad is running to him! An embrace and celebration await him back home. On the cross of Calvary as Jesus was nailed for your sin and mine, God was running to us. Will you accept His gift?
They were headed to the tomb to anoint His body properly. As they slowly mourned their way up that hillside path, they couldn’t help but remember how their Bestfriend had agonizingly carried that old rugged cross up that same path just a few days earlier. They were heartbroken as the tomb came into view. They found the tomb, but they didn’t find their Savior. The words they were told were profound, “Why do you seek the Living among the dead? He is not here, He is risen!” Simply walking back to town to tell the others wasn’t good enough – they RAN! We have a message to tell a lost world, believer. It’s the message of the love of God, proven in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the victory of Christ at the tomb.
Sometimes walking just isn’t enough. We are being pursued by a hateful enemy – be on the alert. We have been pursued by a loving God – accept His gift. We are going to be rescued by a risen Savior – get busy in the meantime!
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Fill 'er Up.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Fill ‘er Up. This past Saturday we loaded up 24 of us from our student ministry and headed to Vilonia to help with clean up efforts. It was a powerful and heartbreaking experience for all of us. It was especially tough for me as that is my hometown. It hurts to see your hometown hurting like that. I felt the huge burden to help in any way I can. The recovery and rebuilding are far from over, and I pray God allows us to help much more in the process of the coming days/weeks/months.
When we began helping to clean up one yard with the property owners, one of our students came up to me. This student has only been saved for a matter of weeks, and his perspective is refreshing because his heart is still very soft and compassionate. I wish we all had a heart like this young guy. What he said to me hit me pretty hard, and has made a lasting impression on me that I likely won’t ever forget. It was so simple yet so profound.
“Hey Blake, do you feel that?” “Do I feel what?” “Do you feel that?” I thought it might have started to rain or something. “Do I feel what, man?” And then he said it – words from a new believer that brought me close to tears: “It feels like something is filling my heart up.”
He gets it. We serve Christ by serving people, and that does something to us. When a person gives their heart to Christ by asking Him to forgive their sin and be their Savior and Lord, a change takes place. The Bible says that at the very moment of conversion, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the heart and life of that new believer. But having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and living a life full of the Holy Spirit aren’t necessarily the same thing.
God wants us to live FULL of Him every day! However, in order to be FULL of His Holy Spirit, we must be renewing ourselves in Him daily through prayer and Bible reading. We’ve also got to be “loving our neighbor as ourselves” while we “love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and strength.” You can’t separate those two commands – they are escapably linked forever.
Loving our neighbor is about more than words – it’s about action. It’s almost as if the lost world is saying to us, “So ya love me? Prove it.” And that’s just what Christ has called us to do.
So when we serve others, a filling does take place. It’s more than just an emotional moment. It’s more than just getting teary eyed. It’s more – so much more. And when we begin to live like that – well, that’s how the lost world gets found. Live full!
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Fill ‘er Up. This past Saturday we loaded up 24 of us from our student ministry and headed to Vilonia to help with clean up efforts. It was a powerful and heartbreaking experience for all of us. It was especially tough for me as that is my hometown. It hurts to see your hometown hurting like that. I felt the huge burden to help in any way I can. The recovery and rebuilding are far from over, and I pray God allows us to help much more in the process of the coming days/weeks/months.
When we began helping to clean up one yard with the property owners, one of our students came up to me. This student has only been saved for a matter of weeks, and his perspective is refreshing because his heart is still very soft and compassionate. I wish we all had a heart like this young guy. What he said to me hit me pretty hard, and has made a lasting impression on me that I likely won’t ever forget. It was so simple yet so profound.
“Hey Blake, do you feel that?” “Do I feel what?” “Do you feel that?” I thought it might have started to rain or something. “Do I feel what, man?” And then he said it – words from a new believer that brought me close to tears: “It feels like something is filling my heart up.”
He gets it. We serve Christ by serving people, and that does something to us. When a person gives their heart to Christ by asking Him to forgive their sin and be their Savior and Lord, a change takes place. The Bible says that at the very moment of conversion, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the heart and life of that new believer. But having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and living a life full of the Holy Spirit aren’t necessarily the same thing.
God wants us to live FULL of Him every day! However, in order to be FULL of His Holy Spirit, we must be renewing ourselves in Him daily through prayer and Bible reading. We’ve also got to be “loving our neighbor as ourselves” while we “love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and strength.” You can’t separate those two commands – they are escapably linked forever.
Loving our neighbor is about more than words – it’s about action. It’s almost as if the lost world is saying to us, “So ya love me? Prove it.” And that’s just what Christ has called us to do.
So when we serve others, a filling does take place. It’s more than just an emotional moment. It’s more than just getting teary eyed. It’s more – so much more. And when we begin to live like that – well, that’s how the lost world gets found. Live full!
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Running Ahead.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Running Ahead. One of the most difficult words in the vocabulary of my relationship with Christ is “wait.” I’m not good at it, at all. I’ve never been the kind of guy that’s good at waiting.
When I was a child and my parents would take me with them to Wal-Mart, I would immediately find that one toy I wanted. I guess the one good thing about me was that I would actually pick one, unlike some of my friends who wanted the entire isle in one trip. No, I was satisfied with just one at a time. But I wanted it then, not on my birthday or Christmas as I was often reminded was coming up before too long. I didn’t like waiting.
When I got a little older and started driving I found that it was really easy to go a little faster than the posted speed. In my mind, I already had my eyes fixed on my destination and the in between was just taking too long. So I got a few tickets early in my driving career. I didn’t like taking my time – I didn’t like waiting.
They tell me that from the time I was old enough to walk, I didn’t – I ran. Everywhere I went in the house was a dead sprint. I have scars to prove that, too. I have been walking through a store in recent years and been told by people I’m with that they can’t keep up. I’m a man on a mission, I tell ya. And I don’t like waiting.
Yet so much of my life now is spent doing just that which I don’t like to do – waiting. It seems that every time God hasn’t made His will clear and open and I run ahead thinking I know what’s best, I find myself in an awful situation. And so I wait, and as hard as it is for me, I try to find some joy in it. After all, I know my God is in control, He’s faithful, and He’ll never let me down. And so I’m waiting. And if past experience and the Word of God hold true as they always do, what He has in store is well worth the waiting – every time.
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Running Ahead. One of the most difficult words in the vocabulary of my relationship with Christ is “wait.” I’m not good at it, at all. I’ve never been the kind of guy that’s good at waiting.
When I was a child and my parents would take me with them to Wal-Mart, I would immediately find that one toy I wanted. I guess the one good thing about me was that I would actually pick one, unlike some of my friends who wanted the entire isle in one trip. No, I was satisfied with just one at a time. But I wanted it then, not on my birthday or Christmas as I was often reminded was coming up before too long. I didn’t like waiting.
When I got a little older and started driving I found that it was really easy to go a little faster than the posted speed. In my mind, I already had my eyes fixed on my destination and the in between was just taking too long. So I got a few tickets early in my driving career. I didn’t like taking my time – I didn’t like waiting.
They tell me that from the time I was old enough to walk, I didn’t – I ran. Everywhere I went in the house was a dead sprint. I have scars to prove that, too. I have been walking through a store in recent years and been told by people I’m with that they can’t keep up. I’m a man on a mission, I tell ya. And I don’t like waiting.
Yet so much of my life now is spent doing just that which I don’t like to do – waiting. It seems that every time God hasn’t made His will clear and open and I run ahead thinking I know what’s best, I find myself in an awful situation. And so I wait, and as hard as it is for me, I try to find some joy in it. After all, I know my God is in control, He’s faithful, and He’ll never let me down. And so I’m waiting. And if past experience and the Word of God hold true as they always do, what He has in store is well worth the waiting – every time.
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Hacked.
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Hacked. Yesterday something terrible happened via my email account. For the first time since owning that email address which I acquired in 2005, I was hacked. An email was sent to basically everyone in my address book containing links to fake websites. When the recipients clicked on the link, a whole host of Trojan viruses began swarming their computer. This affected a lot of folks, who clicked the link because it came from a trusted source. I’ve apologized every chance I’ve gotten, but that doesn’t change what was done.
How many people trust you? How many people hold you in a place of high regard in their life? How many people hear you say something and just accept it without question? How many people consider you trustworthy?
I think if you’ll stop and think about it for a moment you'll see that there are a lot of people that God has placed within your scope of influence. I believe each of us has been entrusted with a certain amount of trust by others. That is a huge responsibility, and occasionally we will not uphold it too well.
Things happen. From time to time you may say something you regret, or do something you wish you could take back. And when it happens, undoubtedly there will be eyes and ears that observe it from within your small circle of influence. We are broken sinners, whether we are saved by grace already or haven’t made that decision yet. So we will fail (see Failure Pro from yesterday’s blog.) We don’t glory in our failures, or brag about our sin nature struggle. But it’s a very real part of the life we live here.
So what do you do when you fail? We can stick our chest out and refuse to admit we’ve erred. We can make up some excuses as to why we did it, never once admitting we blew it and asking for forgiveness. Have you ever known someone that was never able to admit when they’re wrong? Would your circle of influence say that is you?
So I got hacked, and some folks had major computer issues as a result. No, it wasn’t something I did on purpose or could even control. But I’m still sorry it happened, because it used my name and email address. But the train of thought it has led me down has forced me to a place of choosing: do I want to live a life worthy of being followed by folks trying to find my Jesus or not? The answer: I want my life to lead them to Him. What about you?
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Hacked. Yesterday something terrible happened via my email account. For the first time since owning that email address which I acquired in 2005, I was hacked. An email was sent to basically everyone in my address book containing links to fake websites. When the recipients clicked on the link, a whole host of Trojan viruses began swarming their computer. This affected a lot of folks, who clicked the link because it came from a trusted source. I’ve apologized every chance I’ve gotten, but that doesn’t change what was done.
How many people trust you? How many people hold you in a place of high regard in their life? How many people hear you say something and just accept it without question? How many people consider you trustworthy?
I think if you’ll stop and think about it for a moment you'll see that there are a lot of people that God has placed within your scope of influence. I believe each of us has been entrusted with a certain amount of trust by others. That is a huge responsibility, and occasionally we will not uphold it too well.
Things happen. From time to time you may say something you regret, or do something you wish you could take back. And when it happens, undoubtedly there will be eyes and ears that observe it from within your small circle of influence. We are broken sinners, whether we are saved by grace already or haven’t made that decision yet. So we will fail (see Failure Pro from yesterday’s blog.) We don’t glory in our failures, or brag about our sin nature struggle. But it’s a very real part of the life we live here.
So what do you do when you fail? We can stick our chest out and refuse to admit we’ve erred. We can make up some excuses as to why we did it, never once admitting we blew it and asking for forgiveness. Have you ever known someone that was never able to admit when they’re wrong? Would your circle of influence say that is you?
So I got hacked, and some folks had major computer issues as a result. No, it wasn’t something I did on purpose or could even control. But I’m still sorry it happened, because it used my name and email address. But the train of thought it has led me down has forced me to a place of choosing: do I want to live a life worthy of being followed by folks trying to find my Jesus or not? The answer: I want my life to lead them to Him. What about you?
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Monday, May 2, 2011
Failure Pro.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Failure Pro. I’m a professional. Paul said, “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” He didn’t know me. I know more about how to fail than anyone I know. I’m good at it – I’ve done it a lot over my 27 years of life. Don’t even for a moment begin to think I’m on a pity party, either. It’s actually quite the opposite.
I’ve failed in school a time or two...or three. I’ve failed in sports. I’ve failed in relationships. I’ve failed in friendships. I’ve failed as a son. I’ve failed as a brother. I’ve failed as a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a cousin, and even as a great-grandson.
The thing in my life that I have devoted myself to is also something I have tasted failure in – ministry. I’ve failed as a preacher/speaker. I’ve failed as a leader. I’ve failed as a follower. I’ve failed as a pastor and youth pastor. I’ve failed as a volunteer. I’ve failed as an advocate. I’ve failed as a counselor.
If there’s any area of my life that I haven’t experienced failure in I’m not aware of it. I know what failure feels like, because I’ve lived it from time to time. I am, by all accounts and definitions of the word, a failure. But He loves me anyway.
Did you see that? Did you see how quickly the issue turns around? I’m a failure. I’ve messed up so many times it’s not even funny anymore. I don’t deserve Him, let alone to know Him. But He loves me anyway.
And not only does He love me – He loves me enough to die for me. He loves me enough to suffer the most agonizing moments of anyone in the history of the world. He loves me enough to allow Himself to be temporarily separated from the Father He’s been One with for all eternity past. He loves me enough to submit to abuse at the hands of the men He created. He loves me enough to allow Himself to be buried in the ground He spoke into being. He loves me enough to get back up after 3 days there. He loves me anyway.
That’s why I can admit my failure – because the One who’s opinion counts the most has already accepted me! You see, this isn’t a pity party at all – it’s a “glory in grace party!” God loves me, and He knows me better than anyone.
So today, take a moment and realize that you may have hidden your past (or present) mistakes from everyone on earth. You may have everyone thinking you’ve got it all together. But God knows you best. And the great news is, if you’ll place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ by asking Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior and Lord, believing He died, was buried, and was resurrected for you, God will accept you. He already knows your failures. But He loves you anyway. And that, my friends, is reason enough to have a smile on your face on this dreary Monday morning.
(If you would like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please email pastorblakeman@yahoo.com for more information and to chat. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!)
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Failure Pro. I’m a professional. Paul said, “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” He didn’t know me. I know more about how to fail than anyone I know. I’m good at it – I’ve done it a lot over my 27 years of life. Don’t even for a moment begin to think I’m on a pity party, either. It’s actually quite the opposite.
I’ve failed in school a time or two...or three. I’ve failed in sports. I’ve failed in relationships. I’ve failed in friendships. I’ve failed as a son. I’ve failed as a brother. I’ve failed as a grandson, a nephew, an uncle, a cousin, and even as a great-grandson.
The thing in my life that I have devoted myself to is also something I have tasted failure in – ministry. I’ve failed as a preacher/speaker. I’ve failed as a leader. I’ve failed as a follower. I’ve failed as a pastor and youth pastor. I’ve failed as a volunteer. I’ve failed as an advocate. I’ve failed as a counselor.
If there’s any area of my life that I haven’t experienced failure in I’m not aware of it. I know what failure feels like, because I’ve lived it from time to time. I am, by all accounts and definitions of the word, a failure. But He loves me anyway.
Did you see that? Did you see how quickly the issue turns around? I’m a failure. I’ve messed up so many times it’s not even funny anymore. I don’t deserve Him, let alone to know Him. But He loves me anyway.
And not only does He love me – He loves me enough to die for me. He loves me enough to suffer the most agonizing moments of anyone in the history of the world. He loves me enough to allow Himself to be temporarily separated from the Father He’s been One with for all eternity past. He loves me enough to submit to abuse at the hands of the men He created. He loves me enough to allow Himself to be buried in the ground He spoke into being. He loves me enough to get back up after 3 days there. He loves me anyway.
That’s why I can admit my failure – because the One who’s opinion counts the most has already accepted me! You see, this isn’t a pity party at all – it’s a “glory in grace party!” God loves me, and He knows me better than anyone.
So today, take a moment and realize that you may have hidden your past (or present) mistakes from everyone on earth. You may have everyone thinking you’ve got it all together. But God knows you best. And the great news is, if you’ll place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ by asking Him to forgive your sins and be your Savior and Lord, believing He died, was buried, and was resurrected for you, God will accept you. He already knows your failures. But He loves you anyway. And that, my friends, is reason enough to have a smile on your face on this dreary Monday morning.
(If you would like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please email pastorblakeman@yahoo.com for more information and to chat. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!)
PS: If you’d like to donate to the tornado relief efforts one suggested group is the American Red Cross. I’ve seen first-hand that these folks will provide shelter and clothing to people who have lost homes in these types of situations. Visit http://www.redcross.org and click the link at the top of the page, “DONATE FUNDS.”
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!
If you’d like to receive “A Thought From Blake” in your email inbox every day, email Blake at the address below!
Feel free to write blake anytime at pastorblakeman@yahoo.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
