Don't Do God Any Favors

    Each month, I reflect on the greatest lesson God has taught me the past thirty days. This past month, I have had an education. I could have told you about some serious problems I was having, until a tree landed on Bob's house, destroying it. Then all my problems seemed small. As soon as I got the news, I went straight to Bob. I did not see a tree, or a disaster, I saw an opportunity. We prayed. We quoted ROMANS 8 :28.
^28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose." And the scripture was proven true right then and there.  Bob believed God caused that tree to fall on that house for his good, then God called me to His purpose... to help Bob.
      Our church family has really stepped up and answered the call. Pastor Kevin connected with Bob and made sure his immediated need of shelter was met. Chris Fulmer first gave Bob tarps to protect his home's contents. Jill and I have given him a place to stay. Andy Howell and John Lowes helped remove the tree. Jim and Michelle Worley, Jim Brown, Aaron Langston, Mike Ailshie, and Julie Alesie all helped move Bob's valuables to a safe place. Jodi Outlaw has built and maintained Bob's facebook page. The Rock staff, especially Debbie Richardson, have been an awesome help. Kevin Sansbury has researched county records. David Deitz has drawn and engineered the house plan. Other's have given or pledged their time and money from inside and outside our church. Especially Bob Cody, a contractor outside our church, who itemized a list of what we need for this project. Four local churches have donated to Bob. Together, we have raised over $7000. We have three fundraisers planned. We are on the way to building Bob a home with God's help.

Here is what I have learned, so far:           

God works in mysterious ways.  I know it's cliche, but can it be a coinidence, because a tree fell on a house, I got a talk with an agnostic atheist friend, while we are studying how to defend the faith?

God's call comes with two guarantees. All needs supplied.CHECK. Opposition from the enemy. CHECK.

People will disappoint you. as I am sure I have and will. I welcome any spiritual correction for myself. I need it. Please know that my heart is in the right place as I share this. I have asked several close personal friends,who are pastors, to help with this project. Most have flat out ignored my request. They seemed indifferent about it, giving no conversation to it at all.  In my opinion, this cause is a no brainer for believers based on James 2: 14-17. By the way you know who gets this? A man, poorer than any of you monetarily and spiritually bankrupt. He's my atheist friend ,who has and will continue, to help out the homeless. However, no, would have been my second favorite answer. What you left me was a wondering mind because you ignored me, Bob, and possibly someone else far more important (see Matthew 25:44-45) Here is a suggestion on how to respond in matters such as this: No, I am sorry we can't. We are already involved in ministries and have obligated ourselves.

Not answering the call means you miss out. Bob has been at our home for 21 days.  I have taken Bob to a my group for almost a year. He has rode to church with me many Sundays. He stayed with me when he did not have any heat  in the winter. Although I thought so at first, I'm not doing God any favors. He was always going to take care of Bob. He was just blessing me in the process with a special friend. I am sure the same goes for any call. I have ignored some, regrettably. Each and every time I say no to God, I've said no to something wonderful and better.And that goes for all of us.









     

A Little Snip Never Hurt Anybody.

Long before Rick Warren joked with presidential hopeful, Barak Obama, during the 2008 debates, often I would say, " it's not about about me." Like all great words of wisdom, they are trifling harder to do than to say. As humble a servant of Jesus I would like to be, I fail. I fail both constantly and consistently. I fail monumentally. I fail in all areas but none so hard and fast as in humility. Man could sooner unravel the fabric of time and knit it back again than to be conscious of his own humility. The moment he becomes aware of it, instantaneously he is seduced by his vanity. It is horrifying, once you understand any and everyone's best attempt at being charitable is an extension of their selfish motives. It would be a viscous, never ending cycle except for God's grace.

 God's grace is so beautiful to those who know it. Parents name their daughters for it. Developers name roads for it. Singers sing about it. Preachers preach about. You can't earn it or get more of it, but you can learn more about it. The more you learn about God's grace, the more addictive to it you become. After my recent surgery, and throughout the recovery process , I have been reminded the free gift of God's grace comes the less palatable free gift of God's discipline.

Just a few days before the operation, my mother came to visit me. In her attempt to calm my anxieties about my health, we surveyed my lawn. Her lawn looks like a picture from Better Homes & Garden magazine and she has helped make my landscaping a success. As she pointed out my problems and progress we stopped at my rose bush. My rose's were picturesque. Surely my mother would praise my efforts. Instead, she predictably informed me on how to improve them. " They are beautiful son, but they need pruning if you want them to produce more blooms". She went on to explain that the growth had maxed out the bush. Since the light could no longer penetrate the plant, the existing blooms would exhaust the plant and stifle new growth. So the next day I began to do as she suggested. I have never seen a more pitiful rose, but I trusted her. I new she wanted to help me and knew her knowledge of roses surpassed mine, immensely.

During the process, I knew that God was about to do the same thing in my life. Both spiritually and physically , He was removing things that were hindering my ability to grow. He was going to snip off of me, ( no pun intended) whatever needed to go, in order to get more of His light to penetrate. Jesus says it like this, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ²  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit John 15 :8." I knew His knowledge surpassed mine and that I must trust Him. Here are a couple of revelations:                                                      

No pain no gain. The moment I awoke from the surgery, I was in less pain than before. I knew I was on the way to recovery. Still, I would not have chosen this path for myself. Now the pain from the surgery is almost a memory. Looking back, this time afforded me time with my girls during the summer. Also, I was able to study, reflect, and  meditate, in capacities I never had before. I would not trade this time to pain free. 

Sometimes it is about me. So I can glorify Him of course. My feeble efforts in humility are only matched by nearsighted logic. In my wholehearted willingness to convey to the world Christ in my life, I would say, "It's not about me." Unknowingly, robbing God of praise for His love of me. Maybe it was the attention I got during my hospital stay and recovery but seeing all this equipment set up for my benefit, and so many people working on me, and some many people praying for me, got me to thinking. God had planned all this for me. The Holy Spirit brought my name to my praying friends. He planned and  provided for me. He even made time to prune me.He will do the same for anyone. St. Irenaeous said," The glory of God is man fully alive." Likewise, Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John10:10" My life is about Him, because his death was about me. If He loves me enough to die for me, I can trust Him with the pruning and with the results.

Where the Mountain Meets the Valley.

There are many mountains and valleys along every christain journey and mine is no exception. I don't think I have ever experienced as many highs and lows in any one month as May of 2012. The surprise birthday party with 50 + members of my family and friends was just awesome. If you had a part in that, let me say thank you. Still, turning 40 does something psychologically to you, and it ain't pretty. Coupled with that, I have been fighting my first ever long lasting infirmary, epididymitus, ( look it up later, for now take my word for it it's painful) for the last three months. In just a few days, my Dr. will decide if surgery is the answer. Between the pain, the uncertainty, and the incapitations that comes along with it, I  have been battling more than just a medical condition. I have been wrestling more than flesh and blood. I have tried to keep an open mind.  It is true what they say, " idol hands is the devil's workshop". Keeping busy, has afforded me easy victories in spiritual battles but during this ordeal , keeping " an open mind" has been my greatest enemy. Frankly, I have had some pretty sinful  thoughts, lately. Spiritually speaking, I  am exhausted. It goes without saying, I want nothing to hinder my relationship to Christ. Let me share some specifics of what kept these sinful thoughts from becoming sinful actions.
First things first, My GOD. Understand this is a honest opening of my heart and not an attempt to be self righteous. My problems are minute compaired to other people. But I know they are important me and  to God. It seems too easy to say God helped me.To simply admit to the fear of God, as real as it is, does not do justice to a relationship with Him. I feared a strain in our relationship just from the thoughts I was having. I recognized these thoughts were sins. Trying to channel self serving thoughts is futile in your own strength, I asked for His help and God interviened. Here is how.
My church. This isn't an advertisement for my church, but it is a great church.  God's plan involves it. For my protection and His purpose God has used this church. Get yourself to a Bible teaching church!!!I can't tell you how many one liners from sermons I thought I had forgotten came back as I contiplated. I never really cared what people thought of me but as a volunteer there, I felt a certain responsibility to walk the walk. My church lead me to my MY group.
MY Group. Here is where the story gets interesting,  I have never been a part of a close group like this before. I will never be without one again. Something happens in a my group. I can't explain it but there is a connection.You share your weaknesses and somehow the group gets stronger. Nothing helped me through this more than my group. Partially, because some of these same issues we had discussed at one of the meetings. And just by chance (right) I found that particular study guide at my lowest moment. Additionally, these personal connections were so strong, I could not possibly bring myself to shame infront of these godly men and women. I thank God for my MY Group.
Last things last, My God.  He is the first and the last. I had to force myself to pray and read the bible throughout this.I had to remind myself of many things God word says. Like Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. The key being take delight in Him.( that means He will be what your heart desires)
  One of the passages I came across was Proverbs 3 . The whole chapter was like water to a parched thirst but verses 7-8. really stuck out.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. 
   Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
⁸ Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

Charles Stanley once said" God did not call us to an open mind but to an open book." I'd do better to remember that.  
.  From the peaks you just enjoy the view of the valley.Mountains are appreciated from the valley. All mountain climbs begin in the valley.I am convinced that the deeper the valley that God brings you to, the higher the mountain He is preparing you to climb.  I am not sure this battle is over. I am sure God has already won the war. I am sure I don't have to climb this mountain alone.

Selling Christainity : a Salesman's Spin on Evangelism

     I remember it like it was yesterday. I was a new christian, sobbing at a friend's funeral, when I realized I did not know if he was saved. Would his soul be on my hands? From that day forward, I had a real burden for lost people, especially my friends. I promised myself that I would make an effort to evangelize.
I can honestly say I have bought into my church's mission of  doing " anything but sin to reach those farthest from God. After being at the Rock for three years, I believe in what we are doing now more than ever.
     Evangelizing, is tough but rewarding. It is a lot like selling a product. I know someone really spiritual is going to point out Jesus isn't a product and Jesus isn't for sale. I get that. I understand that for someone to get saved the Holy Spirit must draw them. I know salvation is a free gift, that cost heaven everything. I also know that Jesus sent out his disciples on what is known as the Great Commission. For a moment let's compare evangelism to selling Christianity. In essence, that is exactly what it is. Every time you try to convince someone of something it is selling.
      Evangelism is like trying to convince a person their house is on fire and they need to purchase a fire extinguisher, when they cannot see the flames or smell smoke. It is hard sale. One many ain't buying. Many people just do not see the urgency for salvation. Could that be because those who evangelize fail to convince those unbelievers we are different? If we don't act like Jesus is real and the most important thing in our lives what do we expect?  You can't sell a product you don't believe in or use. If you are gonna market Jesus Christ, you better believe in Him and you better know why. In short, you best use the product. Saying that's the way my grandma believed , just doesn't cut the mustard anymore. Only God could take the most gruesome symbol of despair, oppression, and death and change it into the greatest symbol of hope, freedom, and life. If God does that for a piece of wood, what will do for you? So to sell Christianity, your life should reflect your transformation. The new you.The ever changing you. As a professional salesman, I reinvent myself often. I study my products, my field, my market, my competition, and my customers. I try things. Some work some don't . Here are a few truths and tips from a salesman's viewpoint  that help me share my faith maybe they will help you.
Expect some difficulty: I can guarantee you that someone will come to counter sale. They'll claim your product doesn't work, or that they have something better. Christianity will be no different, except for you.
Don't expect demons to play fair.You are God's secret weapon.You are part of His plan. The same plan that ends with the destruction of  Satan.
 Psych yourself : I am not naturally positive, I am trained.  No one is going to believe you if you don't believe. Sell out. If you ask me how I am doing? I reply, " I am richly blessed, highly favored, and deeply loved. I forced myself  to say that for awhile. After three years saying it, I am now convinced. There is power in that . If you believe you belong to Christ, don't forget the victory, the joy, the love that ransomed you. Obsess yourself with it and it will transform you. Romans 12:12
.Don't worry about mistakes: Worry if you don't make some. In fact, work harder if you ain't making any. The Bible teaches us to forget about the past and to keep our eyes on the goal. Philippians 3:12-14
First listen, listen first. let them tell you everything about themselves before your talk to them about anything. Make a friend, be a friend, lead a friend. Remember, Christ is a shepherd not a cowboy. Cowboys drive the cows but a shepherd leads the sheep. Lead by example.
Prove your belief in Christ: by A. not compromising your integrity. B. not condemning others. We can't be perfect but at least do your best. Do your best for God, for others, and for yourself. Always remember, we are winning souls to Christ, not winning members to our church.
Be excited. Excitement sales. Ask the makers of oxyclean. Bicycle Bob says it best, "Jesus isn't boring". Focus on the closest happiest encounter you ever had with God. Tell that story.
Get over the fear of rejection.  God has accepted you. You belong to him and not them. This is hard, especially, if you are emotionally connected to your audience. Use the connection, love for others is never a liability. Picture them inside that burning house and try to talk them out of it. If you believe Hell is real this isn't that hard.
Create Urgency:Time is running out get in now. Realize this is life and death. Regardless of what people believe, the house is really on fire. We are not promised anymore time.  Today is the day of salvation. Confidence in what you are selling is the most important of all. People can resort to some pretty wild  gimmicks to sell a product. Churches are no exception, especially church people, who will do "anything but sin" to reach the target audience. Once the audience is captivated, salesmen can use tactics to close the sale, advertisements and promotional products help sell. Belief sales. Excitement sales. Urgency sales. In the end, the product has to be everything you claimed it was. Jesus Christ, is everything He claims to be. Jesus always over delivers. So sell out to Jesus, and buy into Jesus. No matter what mistakes we've made or will make, we always can have confidence in Him.



warning objects in mirror are closer than they appear.

   They say hindsight is 20/20. I was writing a check for $395.00. I am getting ahead of myself. Where were we? Oh yes, hindsight, before we get to that, you must first decide if God, reacts to situations or if He is in control and has a plan. Brace yourself,  you are embarking on a dangerous adventure. Once you truly head down this road, there is no turning back. No one can answer this for you but God. Salvation is not at stake here. What is at stake, is the finished product you will create, with the ingredients God has given you. Will you report to the all powerful creator of the universe, who has died in your place, put His spirit inside you with excuses?  With mediocrity? Have you thought, the same spirit inside you also created everything?   Here is what I believe, God never reacts to us, we react to Him. He knows what we are going to say and do right on into eternity. So let's get over ourselves, this has never been about us. This has always been about how we can glorify Christ by helping others. God holds us responsible for what we don't do ,that we should do, just as much as He holds us responsible for the things we should not do. Again I digress.
   I was in the shower, crying out to God. Not for salvation, but against desperation. Desperate to live a different kind of  life. A more successful one. Looking back now, it was more like my own personal pity party. Also I wanted to find some sort of purpose for the life He had given me. It is hard to believe your life counts for much running a hardware store. It may be Hank Hill's dream to sale propane and propane accessories but it isn't Clint's idea of shaping the world. I was reciting God's promise in Jeremiah "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11 ( When you can't hear God, remind Him and yourself what He has already said) I even wondered if God was listening. Like always, He was and just in time he answered me,  from an unexpected place.  What happened next, will forever mark a milestone event for my life. A man ,who I barely knew, called to reschedule an appointment to look at a network marketing program . Truthfully, I just wanted to get it over with,  I just wasn't interested , but I agreed to meet with him. He came. I saw. He was almost out the door when he lead us in prayer, reciting Jeremiah 29:11. Immediately, I heard God tell me " this is the answer to the prayer you prayed."

 That man was my friend Cliff Gilmer. Soon I  met Cliff's wife, Faye. She explained the program to me. I was writing a check for $395.00. I did not know why. I had to. God told me to. It took me a month to come up with the money. I just knew we would be millionaires by now. If you will pardon the expression, we ain't. But I would write that check again. There is not enough time and space to tell you why. Mainly, because I don't know how this story ends. I will tell you some of my top reasons now and let you know if any better ones show up later.

5. I made a little money. I thought it was about the money, everyone said it wasn't I just didn't believe that at first. Even though it was not about the money, there is a sense of satisfaction in some monetary success.

4. I got to meet a lot of people: Both good and bad. The truth, this business brings the best and worst out in people. That's true in life. Seeing others gives you insight on personal areas you need to change.I am able to see some of myself in all those people, it helps me to grow good habits and kill bad ones.
3. I learned more in a year than in ten years. $395  is mighty cheap for an education. Some things they just don't teach you in college. Like go for no. If you don't get that, don't worry that is a whole other blog The most important thing I learned, make an effort to never stop learning. Secondly, always take time to look, you never know what blessing you maybe overlooking if you don't. Third, If you can't fight learn to die well. In short, be willing to change or prepare to die. Trust me, knowledge can change your life unless you already know everything.

2. Results. Two  years later, I am measuring my success much differently. My goals have changed. My number one goal is to help people anyway I can. Because of this the hardware store is growing . We just had our best February in the middle of a recession applying success principles I learned networking. We kept two people from losing their job in the middle of the worse economic crisis in my lifetime. More importantly, I'm making a difference. I pray like it depends on God but I work like it depends on me. I'm blogging about being richly blessed, highly favored , and deeply loved. Something Charlie Burgamy, taught me to say that is still changing my life everyday.  I volunteer every Sunday, and financially support a church that is making a difference by loving God, loving people, and doing something about it.  I never thought I could change the world working from a hardware store but I could write you a list two years later. I helped change this life :  click here for Bob's story. I helped to kick this off. It was a big deal. I tell you this not glorify myself but to show you one person can make a difference.
1. I made a lot of friends.  Friends are the most precious ( that's for you Mary Ann) commodity ever known to any Christan.  They help mold you into what you will become. Wayne and Marsha Beggs,  Charlie Burgamy, Mary Ann and Chris Haggerty.  These are incredible people who I now call friends.  During the process, I got close to Andy Howell , who I sponsored, who I admire and trust.  Of course, Faye and Cliff Gilmer, who started it all.  Why I can count this as a spiritual lesson is because of this business adventure, I made friends, who brought me closer to God. You can't put a price tag on that.
 As for hindsight, it is 20/20 for you but God sees eternity in an instant.  Psalm 37 teaches us :
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
= =
It is not about the money, it's about the journey.

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.