Is there a God? Proof from a Klutz.

I've been accused of a lot of things but being graceful isn't one of them. And  my nickname is not Lucky. It has been Cletus for good reason. Imagine a four-eyed, overweight, redneck who can't walk and chew gum at the same time, that would be me. Over the years I have had some really crazy, downright dangerous, occasionally hilarious episodes . I cannot count the times I tripped on, dropped, or spilled something. Like the time, 20 years ago, when I ran into a cement post, while talking to a girl, knocking myself out cold. Or just this past week, when I managed to throw my eyeglasses out the truck window. While hydro sliding, I managed to lose my bathing suit. I shot a hole in the molding in my bathroom.. Once I jumped into the ocean, losing my wallet with a fifty inside. I could go on. If it can happen, it will happen to me. They say the truth will set you free so let's face it, I'm a klutz and a little weird.  It used to bother me but now I've learned to embrace it. Like the song says," I'm not cool but that's okay my God loves me anyway." I've learned to turn my liability into an asset. Actually, multiple  assets.
 asset number 1: Falling well
Nobody can fall as well as I can. I believe in failing forward. Falling down has taught me how to get back up quickly. I love the song Pissing the Night Away's chorus" " I get  knocked down but I get up again and your never gonna keep me down."
 asset number 2:Determination.
 It is  rare for things to work out for me on the first time. This has allowed me to see opportunities where other see obstacles. Finding the silver lining in the darkest of clouds had served me well through my failures. It has kept me sane (that's debatable) 20 years ago, the embarrassing episode with young lady blossomed into  beautiful friendships with at least a half a dozen people, who are still important to me today. One of my favorite bible verses is Romans 8 : 28. This was the first bible verse I memorized after becoming saved. It is a game changer. It reduces, no eliminates the power of the enemy. "God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose."
asset number 3: Making friends easily
 I am in touch with God's sense of humor. It plays out in my life.  Making people laugh helps make friends. I love to make people laugh, even if it is at my expense.You can never have enough friends and they are a most important asset to any christian. Don't just have friends. Be the kind of friend you would like to have.
 asset number 4: Dependability
Because I depend on Him, I have learned how important it is to be dependable. One of the highest honors I ever received was being voted most dependable of my senior class. People will be more dependable to you, if they know they can always count on you. (they will be afraid of losing your commitment to themselves)
asset number 5: Faith
 My near death experiences has enhanced my prayers thereby creating a strong belief in an almighty God. . How else do you explain a lifetime of clumsiness with no stitches and no broken bones? After prayer that wallet washed back on shore. After another, so did the fifty. Finding my glasses in the middle of Carolina Forest Boulevard, unscratched, during rush hour traffic, is nothing short of a miracle. Again I could go on. Those are just minor miracles. I have seen bigger, and the best are yet to come. Some people rely on luck, but as long as I am this accident prone, I'll have to depend on Jesus.

You Know Nothing of The Book

At Terry's hardware anyone can come in the front door. It could be your new best friend or your worse enemy. Since Jesus requires us to love our enemies, and since the economy is in the tank, it doesn't much matter. You gotta love who's walking in the door. So when the new guy with the Romanian accent walked into the store, naturally, I was excited to see him. He had a balding head, with long grey hair on the sides. His face was dark and covered in a heavy beard. He was wearing a dirty, wife beater tank top. With a smile, I met him at the bolt aisle.
 "Where are you from?, I asked anticipating adventurous stories from his home land. Perhaps, a lover had led him to America, I thought. Could the promise of a better life have led him to the land of the free and  home of the brave? What is it like at his home. What does he like about the US?  What does he dislike about the US.? I am always ready people's stories of other far away lands, but I wasn't ready for this.
 " I am from Christain" he replied.
 Assuming he misunderstood me, I said, " I did not ask you what your religion was.
(I should have quit while I was ahead). I ask where you're from?"
"Lord Christ is a king of a kingdom, I am of that kingdom, therefore, I am from Christain." he stated. "do you know Lord Christ?
"Yes sir", I answered quickly. He looked me right in the eyes, and I will never forget this, pointing his finger in my face said, "I take one look at you and I know you nothing of the book."
    Stunned and shocked, I listened as he ranted about Levitical law. He asked biblical questions and demanded immediate responses. When I offered no quick answers, he would say "see you know nothing of the book". He said if I was a Christain, I would have long hair and beard. I thought that was funny since it took me years to overcome the bible-belt teaching you had to be clean cut, shaven, piercing free and tattoo free to be a Christain. Thank God for His grace and a church like the Rock, cause now I know better. He went on to say that " you can't read the bible like a novel. OK, I'll give him that one, at least not cover to cover as a novel. There are some great short stories. But when he said " you no go to church, you go to synagogue of Satan ", my love for my enemies was wearing thin. By the time he said, " one day you will hang your pastor by his tongue, the sky split open, it not be good for you", it had worn out. Finally, he left. I was exhausted. I quickly began analyzing the encounter.
 
Here is what I learned:

because you follow Christ expect some criticism. Even, no especially, from other "Christains".

knowing the bible is important.  There is always more to learn about the word of God, but I did know it well enough to know he was wrong. But what if I hadn't? Imagine the impact of this conversation without being armed with this knowledge. God looks at the heart, not the outside. That is biblical.  Lucky for him. Even though, I am not what you would call a handsome man, if one of us is going to hell over how we look, or how much hair we have, anybody's money is on him...bless his heart.

 knowing Jesus is more important. Thank God, His grace is not dependant on our understanding of scripture but on our relationship with Christ. Jesus is the word made flesh. Not the other way around. You must meet him before you can recognized him in the word. God does not love me more because I know more bible verses. The extension of God's grace towards me requires me to extend it towards others. Especially, to those who are hard to love. I am sure God has found me hard to love sometimes. It is why I still want to be this guy's friend.

Spiritual arrogance is ugly. I started to wonder if  I have come across to someone like this guy came across to me. I could think of once. It was to a pastor, I twenty some years his junior, questioned his character based on his marital status. I had just met him and he showed me grace in spite of my arrogance. We became friends. He taught me so much. So, being the slow learner I am, I recently called my customer my friend. He promptly told me, " I not your friend, I'm your brother not your friend." Here is the truth: I am his friend. He is just not my friend. I hope he gets over it but frankly that's his problem. Being friendly sets a tone. The more friendly you are, the less arrogant you appear. If our goal is to win those farthest from God to Christ, this is important. There are no words more beautiful than those of Christ to the would be stoned adulteress. "... where are your accusers? Neither do I condemn you..." Until you get that,  I say with as much humility and humbleness as God will grant me, " you know nothing of the book, little of the kingdom, and less of the King. Until you get that you'll never pick up a cross to follow Him.

Living the Nativity Beyond the Manger.

 Nothing gets me into the spirit of Christmas like a nativity. Especially a live nativity like the production "The Gift" at Langston Baptist Church.  No doubt it is a fine reenactment of the first Christmas. Complete with live animals, realistic props and costumes. Even a real baby portrays Jesus. I remember as a kid getting to play Joseph in a smaller version. How excited  I was to land a leading role in a small country church. How easy it is to act out the part of characters of the bible in those touching tender moments. Maybe a little too easy.  Amidst the oohs and the awes it easy to miss the real struggles the characters of the first nativity.  Mary an unwed teenager, pregnant with the only hope for mankind. Joseph, taking on the role of protection and provider of God. What an awesome responsibility to carry and raise the messiah. Gabriel, who was entrusted with the most awesome message ever known to man, had the enormous task of convincing Mary and Joseph. There is the seemingly insignificant animals. God chose to create them before man, to witness the birth of man. Here they witness the most significant birth of God's only son. The angles announcing to shepherds, a savior is born, meant drop what you are doing, find and worship Him. The angels left their home and asked the shepherds to leave their only livelihood. Although biblical timing suggest the wise men came later, no nativity is complete with out them or the star they follow to a greater light. They remind us, of the great journey it took just to present their gifts and how we should offer our best to Christ. The Christ child, the source of all power in the universe reduced to a baby. Then there is the the unseen character, never mentioned but of most importance to the story.  Chosen from the foundation of the world that character is you. (Ephesians 1:4) Christmas is all about God's plan to rescue you.

 Wise men of today still follow Bethlehem's star but instead of a manger they find an empty tomb. Instead of a child they find a friend. Like the wise men, after your encounter with Christ, you too will travel on a different road.  A road to more difficult scenes of Christ's life. The scenes of  His sacrifice and service to others promoting peace on earth and goodwill toward men.  A road that will have you in the shadow of the cross, portraying Christ's life beyond the manger.

Do You Understand? Thankfully I don't.

                                             Do you Understand? Thankfully I Don't

Of all the things, I am most thankful for things that work that I don’t understand.

Honestly, aren’t you glad so many things we take for granted work even though we can’t explain it? Better yet, that it is not dependant on us to work at all. Imagine having to design and to explain why the following examples work: Like, how they get all that music on one little Ipod.(I am still not over 45 records or 8 track tapes).  Look how fast the microwave cooks. How do the leaves on a tree know when to fall and when to come back? Why does burning produce light? What keeps the moon from crashing into earth? What keeps my wife from choking me to death? I don’t know and it’s not my problem. Thank you very much. Know what else I don’t understand? Grace. I don’t understand why an all powerful, all knowing, perfect God had to send His son to die to save me. I know it is too important to leave up to me.I know its enough. Cause He said it was. (2^nd  Corinthians 12:9)   I don’t have to understand something to know it works and to be thankful it does.  Honestly, I am thankful I don't. I don't think we could handle knowing all that.  I am just so glad it works. Just like everything else God provides and is in control of.

                                                                Thanksgiving Praises

From the mountains to the coast, praise the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The heavens tell us His story, of His majesty and of His glory. From the sky to the Ocean floor, we lift Him high but He loves us more. In garden or dessert places, He gives pardon to many faces. Though we still ask for more, when we have so much to be thankful for, this day we set aside to battle with our selfish pride. Thanksgiving day we should know to praise God from whom all blessings flow.

clinthardwick@2011

How Romans 8:28 works In South Carolina to South Africa

How Romans 8:28 WORKS

I have never considered myself lucky. I am blessed. I have been blessed to have born into a good family, to have married into a good family, and to have grown up in the Aynor area. So many blessings I cannot list them all. However, one blessing stands above all the others. Friends.
I have never believed in luck. Probably because I don't believe the creator leaves anything to chance. My favorite verse in the bible is Romans chapter eight verse twenty-eight. " God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose." I prefer to believe that God is in control and that he has a plan. Somewhere in his infinite wisdom God planned for me to become friends with Bob Cody.
About seven years ago, on one of the worst days of my life, I met Bob. At a jobsite, I got a phone call telling me my wife, Jill, was in the hospital. Additionally the contractor was really pressuring me to finish before I left. As I was packing up to leave, Bob came up and asked for my help with a temporary power pole. I was reluctant, since I needed to get to the hospital right away, but something told me to help him. After helping him for only about 20 minutes, I left for the hospital expecting never to hear from him again. A week later, to my surprise he called me to do some electrical work. Since then, he and I have done many projects together. Besides being one of the best business relationships I have ever made, we have become great friends. He, along with his wife, Mary have treated me like family every since I have known them. This past year as I built my home, Bob helped me every step of the way.
Around Christmas of 2006, while we worked on Tan yer Hide, (Bob and Mary's state of the art tanning salon), he told me I would have to wait on my Christmas present. When Bob called me in January and told me he wanted tell me what my Christmas present was, I had almost forgotten about it. He told me to clear my calendar the first week in February we were going to a hunting and fishing show. I said " Wow what a great gift". He told me that was not the gift. The gift he said was an African Safari. I was beside myself. After going to the Harrisburg , Pa sportsman show, we went to Bob's parents home in Williamsport, Maryland. Again I was welcomed as one of the family. If there is a sweeter than Bob's mother I have never met her. His father and brother are the salt of the earth. Here we meet Chris Bolton of Zungah Safaris. Chris assured me I would have the time of my life in South Africa. Now exited, all I had to do was wait, a year and half. Our trip was set for April 23 through May 9 2008. It would not come quick enough. All I think about was Africa.
On April 23 we had traveled to Dulles International airport, Washington, D.C.
As we boarded the South African Airline jet, I hoped I was prepared for the journey .Bob, Mary, his father, mother, and brother all seemed to be. One comfort was that Bob's father is true outdoors man. He had successfully hunted dangerous game like Brown bear. He had been to South Africa before. My plan was stick close to Bob's dad. It woorked I am still alive. Without being sure of what to expect, I set out on a 14 hour, 9000 mile trip across the Atlantic. It was funny to think as we left at 6.00pm on Wednesday it was already Thursday where we were going. Since South Africa is in the Southern hemisphere, we were leaving spring to go into fall. As the sun came up, I could see the desert below us. What seemed to be a sea of sand went on as far as the eye could see. It almost two hours before we went out over the ocean again. Finally we landed in Johannesburg. The next flight was only one and half hours to Port Elizabeth. Chris Bolton and Arnold Slabbert from Zungah Safaries picked us up. I remember feeling exceedingly fortunate to live in America, as we passed the worst living conditions I have ever seen. Complicating this matter was the fact that gas is better than $6 per gallon. Many businesses and some homes were surrounded by razor wire for fear of thieves. Arnold gave us a brief summary of the history and current events effecting Africa as we headed out of town. I don't think we passes another vehicle for 50 miles. We arrived at the lodge at about 11 pm Thursday night. Secluded would best describe the area we would be hunting.
Friday morning Chris woke us for at about 5 am. His staff had prepared delicious breakfast complete with fresh baked bread. Afterwards, I watched a spectacular sunrise above the mountains. This awesome view of God's beautiful creation overwhelmed me. I did not miss a sunrise or sunset while I was in Africa. Although we were supposed to be hunting, I must admit the view distracted me for the first couple of days. Bob's hunting guide, Noel Ross, repeatedly keep telling me that I was not on a photographic safari.
This was not a bait and ambush style hunt. The hunting was very exciting. It was nothing if not physically challenging. Windy conditions, treacherous terrain, and incredible cover all made stalking these animals a challenge. Coupled with their extraordinary senses and intelligence stacked the odds definitely in the animals favor. It was four days before I would take my first trophy, an impala. The first of three trophies I would take, the impala had broken the ice. I was the last person would had not made a kill. With the pressure finally off, I was able to concentrate on the hunt from this point on. The next two days brought me two nice trophies. The bushbuck, considered the most dangerous antelope of Africa actually charged me after my shot. I was mighty happy to see it fall. The cape kudu, one the most sought after trophies in Africa, proved to be the hardest animal. Finally, I took the animal nicked named "the gray ghost", on the most adventurous hunt a man could ask for.
At the lodge Chris's staff prepare a feast from the game we had killed. The food was to die for. At night, I enjoyed sitting around the fire and listening to the hunting guides. They told the most amazing stories. Noel told of how he once had tracked a leopard for three days. In order to explain my commitment to a hunt, I told how I had tracked Jill for eight years. We laughed alot, shared stories, and made memories that will no doubt last a lifetime.
The night sky was utterly magnificent. Being far from all artificial light sources, gives one an added appreciation for the stars. I could see much more depth into the galaxy. It was my first opportunity see the Southern Cross and Centarus ( not visible in the Northern Hemisphere) . I remembered that Psalm 19 said," the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. The nights were incredible.
After hunting both the cape and coastal plains of South Africa, we toured the country. Our first stop was Addo National Elephant Park. We saw many wild animals in their natural habitat. Next we visited an ostrich farm. Where Bob, Mary and myself all tried our hand at riding an ostrich. Bob, by far, was the best rider. However, we all equally enjoyed the ostrich steak. Along our 1000 mile trek across the country we passed many waterfalls. We also visited many of wineries South Africa is so famous for. We enjoyed sampling the wine. Many of the wineries were surrounded by beautiful gardens. Each night we stayed in a different bed and breakfast. My favorite was at Lands End, were the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The surf came about fourteen feet from my window. It was the best nights sleep I have ever experienced. The views were nothing short of spectacular. The food was remarkable. I felt as if I was on the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Bob, feeling the need to be adventurous, decided to book us on some more exciting activities. "You only live once," he said. So we visited the dunes on the coast of Capetown where we went sand boarding. We all took turns down mountains of sand. Despite all our mishaps we made it without injury. Due to the weather, our plans to skydive over Cape Town was cancelled. Disappointing as it was, I was determined to find another exciting memory to create. I suggested we go shark cage diving. Bob and Mary answered the challenge but there was only room for one. Since they knew I really wanted to go they let me have the spot. I left for Seal Island in South Africa's False Bay long before the sun came up. Seven miles from the shore in an area dubbed as the " ring of death" , I watched the great whites breach in aerial acrobatics attacking cape fur seals. Then after the crew lured them closer to the boat, I entered the 47 degree water into a cage for an up close viewing. The largest sharks was 18 feet and came within arms reach of the cage. The shark cage was the absolute highlight of my trip. A memory I will always treasure.
We boarded the plane to return home, I was anxious to see Jill, and my girls. I wanted to tell them of the beauty and splendor I had seen. That night I looked out the window of the jet. I could see the ocean briefly below me, only when the distant the lightning flashed. I was still searching for a tid bit of the excitement and beauty I was leaving behind. I watched the sun rise above the clouds from my window. I knew it was a final spectacle for a once in a lifetime adventure but I would always have memories of Africa in my heart . I thought how fortunate I was. how blessed I had been, and how differently I would look on life now. I wondered how different things might have been if I had not taken the time to help Bob seven years ago. I thought about how happy I am God leaves nothing to chance.

The Plane Ride

The Plane Ride

It's not every day I think about dying. To be honest, most days it is the furthest thing from my mind. Except for the occassional death of a friend or family member, it is something most of us just don't think about. Most of us don't want think about it. We believe that death will somehow pass us by, if we don't talk about it or think about it. Even though we know it is inevidible. It is only when we come so close to death, so close we brush against the sickle in the grim reaper's grasp, we realize how fragil this life is. Some days, most days, I live in fast forward. Bouncing in and out of bed, putting my duties somewhere in between. So when Bob asked me to go to see his mom and dad, I excitedly accepted the invitation. It was the opportunity to slow down pace and reflect for awhile. I was happy to be flying in his newly purchased plane. I am always welcoming a new adventure.
I have flown about 13 times commercially. I'm comfortable in the air. I am pretty comfortable anywhere. Though this is my first time in a small plane, Bob is the pilot. I have all the faith in the world in his capibility. I am seated beside him in his 1970 Piper Arrow. It is a single engine turbo prop, seats four. His lovely wife, Mary, is in the back. We take off smoothly from Conway, S.C. I stare out the window in a state of awestruck wonder. The view is great. Visibility is near perfect. The next three hours during our flight to Hagerstown, Maryland are the best I have ever spent in the air. We circle Bob's parent's house so Mary can take some photos. We land at Hagerstown right on schedule. We are met by his parents followed by his brother, Billy. We enjoy each other's company over a meal. Stuffed lobster, delicious, all is well with the world. Bob's dad tells his favorite story about the time he survives a plane crash while hunting up in Alaska. I've heard it at least ten times but I love it and he loves to tell it. I listen like some long lost grand kid of his.
Only this time he asks, " Clint, you were'nt afraid of flying with Bob?"
" You gotta die of something", I replied. Of course we chuckled about the possibity of us crashing but failed to believe in any real danger. We said our goodbyes and boarded the plane. Bob's parents looking on as we attempt to start the plane. The plane doesn't start right away. Between start attempts, Bob's dad is still making wise cracks about flying with Bob and his non-starting, thirty- nine year old, plane We're laughing. We're laughing to hard to see the signs. The signs are all around. Once the engine fires up, we tell that little voice inside it's okay. We take off smoothly from Hagerstown at 7:45 pm.
The view is more spectacular than before. An awesome sun sets to my right. I take some photos, As twillight comes, we fly over some mountains. The lights on the ground begin to shimmer in the distance. The time is now 8:30pm . I am relaxed and soon fall asleep. At 9:45, I am awaken by smooth upward motion in the plane.
Still nodding, I hear Bob's voice in my headset say, " That was scary".
" What was scary?" I asked unconcerned, and yawning.
Mary asked, " Babe why does the plane feel like it keeps going up and down?"
"Because it is" Bob replied promptly. " I have taken it off auto pilot incase I have to ..."
"What was scary ?", I interrupted again.
" We lost avionics for a while, but there back up now." he answered calmly. I checked out the instrument panel. Although I am no pilot, everything seemed to be working properly. I glanced at the GPS it was working when Bob radioed the Potamac tower.
" Potamac, this is piper arrow 5013sierra we just lost avianics. They're back up now. Can you do a flight following all the way to Conway? Over", asked Bob. There was a muffled response, followed by a weird static noise. The kind you always hear on those disaster movies.
" Bob did we just lose the radio?" , I asked.
" Yep", he promptly replied, as he frantically tried pushing puttons to bring the radio back online. I knew we could not get air traffic control updates but we had lights. Other planes could see us. I reasured myself we were not in any real danger. I sat up in my seat. I was finally awake. At this point, I was not afraid but I might have been. If I had known what Bob knew. Without the radio, we couldn't turn the runway lights on at Conway. Ignorance truly is bliss.
I was staring at the instrument panel when the GPS flashed.
" Bob, we just lost the GPS", I stated.
" I know ", he quickly replied. I focused on the positive point, the engine is still running. Then it started. One by one, all the instuments, began to systematicly shut down.With each failing device, I felt more fear swelling inside me. The cockpit was now dark. The strobe lights on the wings would alternate red then green. The flashing reminding me of a haunted house at the carnival.Only for me the horror was real. I recited Bible verses to try calm myself. I remember silently praying the twenty-third Psalm. I keep repeating second Timothy chapter one verse seven. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." I watched as the strobe on my wing faded. Then turned to see the one on Bob's wing flash one last time. We were flying in the dark and there's no radar and no lights. No other planes can see us. I tried to talk but realized my headset was not working.
Taking off my headset, I shouted over the engine, "What can I do?"
" Hold the flashlight," Bob ordered,"look for an airport, we gotta set this baby down". As I was taking hold of the flash light, I tried to hide my hands were shaking.
" Be looking for a green light followed by a white light rotating," Bob's actions were calm and calculated but I could sense the urgency in his voice. I never felt so helpless. There was nothing I could do. Nothing to help myself. We were 4500 feet, cruising at 140mph and all I had to hold onto was Jesus. My heart was beating so hard it ached inside my chest. I had so much energy my skin was tingling.I could only do one thing. Pray.
" God," I said, " I know you got me. If it is your will for me to die today, then thy will be done. Can I please go without being scared out of my mind".
Instantly, my heart began to slow. The grip of fear released me. Though I was still excited, I was totally trusting the Lord. There was no doubt he'd save me or welcome me into his kingdom. I focused on this thought. It was the best feeling in the world. I had trusted Jesus as my savior, enjoyed the Christain life, but never understood the awesome way of a Christain death. You can exercise your faith anyway you want but until you've had your faith tested this way it's hard to imagine. I looked at Bob, my friend of nine years, I remembered he doesn't believe. We have agreed to disaree on the subject of Jesus but that did not stop me for reminding the Lord he was not ready.
"Please God, save Bob, he's not ready.", I pleaded. I never asked God to spare my life but if he wanted to, right along with Bob's, that was alright by me.
" There it is ", Bob shouting as he pointed to the becon. The beautiful, rotating, (my new favorite color) green beacon. At 9:55 we began our decent. My mind was filled with all sorts uncertainty, but my heart was'nt.
" What about the landing gear?" I questioned.
" It's down", Bob answered quickly. I felt he was hoping instead of confident. Since we had no landing lights, we couldn't tell how fast we were coming towards the ground. In the cover of darkness, Bob made a textbook landing that I hope will always be my favorite. I 'm not interested in a more exciting landing anywhere in the near or very distant future.
The airport was abandoned. Other than being safely on the ground, I didn't know where we were. I called to tell my wife and mother about the ordeal. The police soon arrived. After the police searched the plane, we decided to stay overnight in Henderson, N.C.
The next morning, airport mechanics fail to find a problem with the plane. Realizing the only dangerous element was the darkness, I decided to fly back to Conway with Bob. After all, no height, no depth can keep us from the love of Christ. He is God no matter where I am.He's the God of the universe. I cannot draw one breath he doesn't give me. Flying in the back seat headed for home, it comes to me. Life is like the airplane ride. Quickly cruising along, sailing into the wind, thoughtlessly progressing towards the destination. All is well until the darkness comes. Once all the devices you thought kept you safe are gone, no radio no radar, you finally realize you are not in control. All you can hold onto is your faith, if you have any. The plane can go down at anytime. All you can hope for is an expert pilot and a soft place to land. How long I live, does not determine how much I live. We are all dying. Some people are just dying faster than others.Facing life without fear of death is the only way to truly live. We spend most of our time chasing dollars to save for some special occasion. This moment is that special occassion. With the fundumentals of our nation eroding away, it is time to put our faith in assurance instead of insurance. On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand All other ground is an airplane destined to crash, a ship certain to sink and a hell to pay. It's not every day I think about living but most days I do.pre take off in Conwaywe dineHow funny the plane wont startthe calm before the stormput us back together so we can go again

If?, When? A Personal Testimony

Though I am not sure I know all the questions, I believe I have the answser. I must begin, by telling you, what I believe in.  More specifically, who I believe in. For, who is more important than why, why is more important than how, when, or if.  I believe in Jesus Christ.
  Jesus, is always the answer. Why? Because Jesus is Lord. He is the creator,  God in the flesh. Conceived by the Holy Spirit. Born from a virgin womb. Sinless. Perfect. Holy. Jesus, who took my punishment. Raised by God, the Father, from a hellacious death that belonged to mankind, Jesus saved  those who first rejected him.
 How? I cannot definitively answer. I can honestly say, I don't completely understand it . I just believe it. I can tell you of the cross and resurrection. I can tell you His power is limitless. I dare not simplify His great sacrifice for the souls of man. Likewise, neither shall  I complicate the suffiency of  the grace He has given freely.  Suffice it is to say, as Job ," surely some things are too wonderful for me to know".  Only God knows how.
 Which brings us to When? When, is up to you. When, will come for everyone. If not before, on the day of judgement "every knee will bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus is Lord."
 I  do not remember  the exact date. I don't remember exactly what the pastor said but I remember where my "when" came. It was not some blinding light, Damascus road experience. It was more miraculous than that. It happened in a church. On a pew. Where I had sat for 22 years .
  For 22 years,  I sat in that pew listening to God's word. Marinating in complacency, stewing in hiprocracy, convienced I was a christain, I sat. I sang. I said the Lord's Prayer. I worked in the church.  I memorized bible verses and creeds. I followed the ten commandments. I had been baptised. I was dependable.  I gave to charity. Honest to a fault, I was. I was squeeky clean. I never did drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. I was friendly...sometimes...to some people. I was a pretty good guy, when I was lost , dying, and going to hell.  Because for all I knew about Jesus, I still did not know him. It was like being a big fan of a celebrity, having back stage passes, and never using them.
I was so good at fooling people , I even fooled myself. I had always been aware of God. I knew about Jesus. I managed to somehow avoid Him personally , right up until a new pastor came to our church. I met the pastor , about a problem with the septic system at the parsonage. It is funny how God , can take the nastiest  job you can imagine to reveal himself. What started out as me making excuses for my poor attendance , turned into questions about repentance and salvation. As I listened , the stench of the septic tank reminded me of my sins. Suddenly, I  was having an encounter with Christ. At this point, I was sure that my sins was as foul  as the odor  of the septic system. If noone else could smell it, I  did and so could God.  Still I waited. For the next two weeks, I ran from God. Hoping that my new found convictions would subside, but  I was being pursued by a new God. A God, who chased. A God, who not  only saw the real me but was determined to make me see myself also. Miserablely, I ran until I could no longer. On my knees, at an alter , where I had knelt many times before, I  gave into Christ.
 Since then, my life has never been the same. He met me, knee deep in a sewer,  but He did not leave me there . From then on, He began to change me.   I have been involved in the outreach and prison ministries. I still stumble and fall. I have doubts. I sin. However, I no longer run from God. I now run to Him. I often fail but He never does.  He reminds me, He made us from the dust and I will always be a man in need of a saviour.  He continues to rewrite my life and adds to my testimony. Last year, I recieved a believer's baptism.  I am involved in a new church where I am part of a team. I no longer just sit.  There I am challenged and challenge others to reach a lost and dying world and to become the hands and feet of  Christ.
 Now on to if.  Endless possibilities that requires a choice, or an unforeseen circumstance that requires an action, if is a big word.  Becoming a follower of Christ will leave you with more questions. What you are doing now, is exponientally more important, than what you have done, or might do. If God is God , then we should treat Him as such. But that is not the question. The question is... it doesn't matter, "if " Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the answer.

How are You at Practice?

  Probably the most hurtful words I ever heard were, " Clint I didn't know you were a Christain."  They are also some of the most sobering. I know that Jesus  is the standard that we can never live up to. Thanks to grace, we don't have to, but it should have shown.  Somehow, I don't think adding a little  Jesus fish on my car and truck will make it all better. A gold cross around my neck doesn't help much either. What was I  doing wrong or not doing?

   The answer came from an unlikely source. I was complimenting a friend on how great his ability to play the piano. I said to him" I wish I could play like that. His reply, " Anyone can play like me. Anyone who will practice two hours a day."
    Suddenly it became clear to me. I did not want to be as good a piano player. I wasn't willing to practice.  People practice medicine, law, kung-fu and any other vocation they hope to improve but know they can never perfect.  While I had no interest in becoming a great pianoist, I wanted a closer relationship to Christ.  I knew I had to quit skipping practice. I had to pick up my cross instead of wearing it.
   My faith was the problem.  My faith was weak because I did not cultivate.  Salvation was just the begininig. God had planted , through His word, his seed of salvation into the soil of my soul. He had brought it forth with joyous resurrection. It had sprouted. It was alive. Would it bring forth a harvest? The seed was good. The harvest depends on the soil. The soul. If it is dry, then irrigate. If it is rocky, then dig out the rocks. Pull the weeds. Fertilize.
 If  you want a closer walk with Christ, then you must practice Christainty. Cultivation is the key. Continue to work the soil of  your soul so your faith with grow.
 James 2:22 says it like this Speaking of Abraham: "You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. " 
The more faith you have, the more you get.  The question really is, do I want more? Am I attending a bible teaching church?  Do I have a small group? Am I reading God's word? Am I giving to a ministry? Am I using any of my talents and resources to enrich the lives of others?  What is my next step? Am I  practicing Christianity ? I can't answer these for you. I can say  for myself ,  there is always room for improvement.   I can't tell you to wade in or jump in.  I will tell you to get in, stay in, and keep moving. Be prepared to fail sometimes but remember your ultimate success doesn't depend on your efforts but Christ's victory for you.  My prayer, is that noone ever has to wonder if you and I are followers of Christ.

Who is Knocking at the Door?

Those who know me, know of my good friend Bob Cody. I can't help but tell you about him. He is one of the most generous persons I have ever met. It was Bob, who took me to Africa. It was Bob, who helped me build my dreamhouse. He, more so than anyone, has been critical of me when I needed it ( even when I didn't)  He exempliflies friendship while being unfriendly. But the bible teaches that when it says in Proverbs 27.6

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

 Those who know both Bob, and myself, know that we are the most unlikely of friends. We have a few things in common but for the most part we are complete opposites. Although Bob and I disaree on spiritual things, God often teaches me things through my dealings with Bob. 
  We enjoy pulling practical jokes on each other. That much we do have in common. Bob, is much better at this than me. He always gets the best end of the deal. I am a easy target. I am easily scared and easliy fooled. I can laugh at myself.
  Now Bob, has recently become a county policeman. From time to time, he comes by the hardware store, where I work.  The other night, I was working late, and officer Cody made an unannounced visit to Terry's Hardware. He did not call ahead. Instead, he began beating voilently, on my locked back door.
 I ran to the door and said, "who is it?".  Answered only by more  beating. Harder beating.
 So I shouted,"WHO IS IT?"
 More beating. At this point, I drawed my pistol. I went to the office called 911. I told the dispatcher my story. She called the on duty officer for my area, who curiously, was already on the scene.
" It is ok, let him in. It is one of our guys", she said." an Officer, Cody".
I laughed.
 " He is laughing too, do you guys know each other?" she asked chuckling.
 "We do now." I laughed.
 I holsterd my weapon and opened the door. You can't imagine how glad I was to see that old familar friend. who had been keeping watch over me and my place without my knowledge. We talked, we hadn't done that in awhile. When he left, I knew that God was teaching me a lesson. Today, I realized that lesson.
 Today, with every head bowed, and every eye closed, ( I did not cheat and look) I listened to our pastor respond to a show of hands who knew they needed a relationship with Jesus Christ. When the prayer was over, I knew there were those did not stand, who had asked for prayer concerning salvation.( I can count with my eyes closed). I am praying for you. Jesus, is knocking on your door. I can't help but wonder, if you decided not to let him in today ,because you fear, as I did, what lies beyond that door. Put away your defenses. Open the door. There will be an old familar friend on the other side. Who you'll be happy to know has been watching over you all along.
  So permit me, to play the part of the dispatcher, and tell you, " it's ok, let him in".
  You can laugh, when I ask," Do you know each other?
  And you can say" We do now."  After that, you'll have a friend, who is so generous , you wont be able not to tell everyone about him.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the  door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Are You Ready For Christmas?

Here we are again, in that same old familiar place. For the two thousand  sixteenth time. Right smack dab in the middle of Christmas. Ask ten people what they think about Christmas and you will get ten different ideas. Some will tell you how it's origins are from pagan holidays and why Christians should not observe it. Since the bible does not specifically teach us to celebrate Jesus's birth, they don't celebrate it. Others, will tell you, how it once was special but now it has been commercialized. Some despise it. Some hold it sacred and love it. Some don't know what they believe. Some say "I'll be glad when it is over".
 People will rush themselves, push
themselves, and wear themselves out. For all that Christmas is or isn't , was or wasn't, will or will not be, it is completely left up to the individual. The reason  is simple. Christmas, like many if not all spiritual celebrations, is a choice.
Choose Christmas to be a for Christ. God often changes man's intentions for His purposes.  Just as He changed the shameful design of man's cross from the cruelest of deaths to the ultimate symbol of  hope, and eternal life perhaps, He also changed the pagan holidays into Christmas and Easter.  Just as when He saved us, He changed you and I into a better reflection of Himself.  No matter the historical origin of the holiday, choose to celebrate the birth of your Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Although the bible does not require we celebrate Christ's birth it also does not forbid the practice. Jesus birth is recorded in the bible because it's important. If it was not meant for us to remember, would it have found it's way into the bible? The account of Christ birth does two incredible things at the same time.  It announces the arrival of a supernatural savior while documenting He was a man. The great creator sent angels from heaven to announce His birth, singing GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST! ON EARTH PEACE GOODWILL TO MEN, and we wonder should we celebrate?

 I find biblical peace with celebrating Christmas in Romans 14.click here for scripture  Celebrate it for replacing that old pagan holiday. Remember, Christmas is when the God of the universe, in His infinite wisdom, carried out the first phase of the largest rescue mission the world will ever see. Celebrate, the time our God came to ransom our souls. We have been bought by blood, heaven's joy, and pure love. He remembered his promises of old, and kept them. He always keeps his promises, celebrate. Rejoice, because for us, He left His throne in glory, for the womb of peasant girl, named Mary. Nine months before he lied between hay in  the manger, he had sat between the cherubs on the mercy seat. He traded being wrapped in light and rainbows for flesh and swaddling cloth. Christmas, is when our God, who carried all of us, decided to be carried by one of  us. Christmas was when Jehovah Jireh, the god who provides, took provisions from a man named Joseph. Christmas, you were just an ordinary night, until an extraordinary God made you shine forever with the light of Jesus. I can and will celebrate Christmas to the glory of God.
Are you ready for Christmas? In the south, it is a common question this time of year. The most common answer is "no." Another common answer is "about as ready as I am gonna be". Every once in a while, you will get a "yes" with a smile. We should always be ready for Christmas. We should be constantly, celebrating His coming into the world to save it. The real question is are you ready for Christ? Christmas, is a celebration of the beginning of forever. There is no resurrection without death, no death without a birth.  It is important to remember, that Jesus is no longer in the manger. Although many would have liked Him to remain there helplessly, the manger is empty. Bethlehem's star is no longer in the sky, but it still points the way to a brighter light. If you follow, it will lead you to a barren cross and empty tomb      vacated by a creator. If you follow Him, you, like the wise men, will take a different path. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, with all authority, pleading our case,  listening for His command to return. Then once again, He will fulfill God's promises. He will begin the final phase of the rescue mission. He will extract the troops then move to shock and awe.  Are you ready for Christmas? Will welcome his coming like the shepherds did over two millennia ago?  Are you one of the wise men who will risk it all to worship Him. He is ready to be with you. I am now standing at the door and am knocking. If any one listens to My voice and opens the door, I will go in to be with him and will feast with him, and he shall feast with Me. Revelation 3.20 

The truth is that first Christmas was the start of a celebration that never ended. Most people don't understand this because they think the Christmas story begins in second chapter of Luke or Matthew when it really begins in John chapter 1. Missions always have a plan and the manger was always in the shadow of the cross. The only question is what part will you play in the Christmas story?

Let every heart prepare Him room as we come to adore Him!
May love and joy come to you,
Merry Christmas,
Clint