JUST ONE DAY

Living multiple days at a time is impossible, but sometimes we try. Some live in the past and let bad memories condemn the present. Some carry the burden of worrying over the future and freeze the moment they live.

Jesus said that today is the day we should give attention. I don't believe our Lord was against planning and preparation, but He knew that it is too difficult to carry the burdens of unreal time. The past is the past, and the future is uncertain.

Years ago I heard someone ask what was it that I worried about 10 years ago? I couldn't remember. The point is that our worries of tomorrow are futile and will pass.

So, here is my admonition for the day.

Live today. Tomorrow will take care of tomorrow. Most of what we fear will not come to pass, and regardless of what the morrow brings, our Lord will be there.

So, it is just one day at a time for me. I can't change the past, and I cannot let tomorrow ruin today.

WHAT IS YOUR STORY?

Every believer has a testimony. If God has saved you and if Jesus is real and alive in your heart, then there is a story to tell. My testimony is long, real long. I accepted Christ into my life around the age of 5-6. That goes way back.

It was a life changing moment that I still remember very vividly. I know children can be saved because I got saved. I had not committed major, news making sin, but I did need to be saved. Jesus came into my heart and He has lived in me ever since that moment.

From that first moment of conversion until today, Jesus has walked with me and lived in me. He is a friend, a helper, a deliver, and all I need. My testimonies of His faithfulness could fill several blogs.

In my Tuesday morning staff meeting at church, I asked each of the staff to share a personal testimony of a time when God had done a remarkable miracle for them. Each one shared wonderful stories, but the consensus was that we too often fail to remember what God has done. Our memories fade and we lose sight of past victories.

So today I challenge you to remember, reflect, and renew your faith. Let God arise as you give Him glory for what He has done. Trials turn into testimonies if we let God arise. Remember what He has done for you and then look forward to a new victory and a new testimony.

What is your story?

OVERCONFIDENT?

How do you explain having a 24-0 lead and losing the game? Alabama led Auburn by 24 and did it. That just doesn't make sense, does it? You are supposed to win games that you are spotted 24 points.

How did it happen?

Auburn put more points on the score board. They won the second half of the game. They didn't quit. They played with passion. They believed.

What did Alabama do?

Well, they did get up by 24, but after that it was all down hill. There were too many bad plays, too many dropped balls, too many missed tackles, too many wasted moments.

Was Alabama overconfident? I don't really think so, but they might have been. I think that they just didn't play the whole game. It has 60 minutes. The only score is that matters is the score when the game is over, not the one when the first quarter ends.

There is a lesson in life in how Alabama got beat by Auburn. It is not how you start the game, but how you finish. That is one of life's greatest lessons.

FOR SALE!

Everything has a price, they say. The day after Thanksgiving everything is on sale. The lines are long. The shoppers are eager. Christmas is around the corner. Lots of shopping is ahead.

But I won't be in those long lines. It will take more than saving $20 for me to get into that rush the day after Thanksgiving. Some people were waiting in lines of up to 1500 people or more to get into Kmart and Toys R Us. Not me. I'll just pay the extra.

What do I want for Christmas?

Peace on earth.

Good will.

Health.

Good times with family and friends.

Not much else.

You can't buy that. It isn't for sale. Not at Kmart anyway.

LET'S COMMUNICATE

Communication capabilities today are astounding. Twitter, Facebook, emails, texts, snailmail, Iphones, telephone, TV, and on the lists goes. I get all kinds of communications from everywhere. It keeps one up-t0-date in the moment. It is real life.

Tuesday night I did face to face on an 4G Iphone. Amazing, as I talked with Julie, Alex, and Nic from Tampa. We could see each other on handheld Iphones as we talked. Too much!

I wonder what the next five to ten years will bring?

Thursday we'll celebrate Thanksgiving and will do face to face on an Iphone with Jennifer in Puerto Rico. Can't wait. I wish she could be here, but this will make it better.

We're traveling today to see family. Everyone be safe. Eat smart. Be thankful.

$35 FOR A $184 TICKET

Mark, Wanda's son, and I went to the Jags game yesterday after church. We had a wonderful service of worship, thanksgiving, praise, and testimonies. Several were baptized and the music was outstanding. I spoke briefly, but the primary part of the service was thanksgiving testimonies.

After church, Mark and I headed down to the Kings Ave. parking garage and caught the bus to Everbank Stadium. I didn't have tickets, but with a little wheeling and dealing, I bought tickets that put us on the 20 yard line.

The weather was gorgeous and the game went back and forth. It looked as though the Jags were destined to lose. The Jags had six turnovers and were behind with less than three minutes to go. But our running back caught a short pass and ran it 75 yards to the half-foot yard line. Two plays later we scored and won 24-20.

Mark and I had a great time at a great game.

Oh, Mark shared a few moments in church. He did a super job.

When we arrived at the stadium, I found a seller who wanted $60 bucks for a $84 dollar ticket and I got him down to $50. That wasn't as good as a ticket I bought two years ago for a Dallas Cowboy game. I went to the stadium hoping to get a ticket, but there were no tickets to be had.

As I was leaving, I overheard a guy walking behind me mention to his buddy that they should sell their extra ticket. I turned around and asked him how much he wanted for it. He said that it was a ticket on the 45 with a face price of $184. He said that he would take $50 for it. I asked if he would take $35. He said yes.

It pays to ask. You have not because you ask not.

ACTIVE AND BUSY

One of our grandchildren came for a visit some time back and could not get over all the things that we do as pastors. I guess people just really don't know all that goes into serving as a minister. I love my work and enjoy it for many reason. First, I know it is what God has called my to do. It has eternal purpose. I can see the change God makes in peoples lives and that is rewarding. The day of a minister is filled with so many varied and amazing things.

What have I done this week?

Prayed and spent time with God.

Visited the jail and hospitals.

Counseled and prayed with hurting people.

Studied and prepared sermons.

Baptized believers.

Overseen numerous planning sessions.

Written articles.

Preached.

Taught.

Attended a senior's dinner and spoke.

Took all kinds of telephone calls.

Helped host a preacher's meeting at our church.

Prepared to preach a funeral.

Studied and prayed some more.

And the list goes on.

Wednesday night just as church began, one of the little boys of the church came running up to me with a gleam in his eye and a note in his hand. I have something for you he shouted out. Everyone around was watching him. He had a special appreciation note for his pastor that he had personally made. Now I have been blessed by untold notes of kindness through the years, but this one was special.

That makes it worth it all. It was homemade and

from the heart. Special.

I think I'll try harder to be a good pastor.