What's Your Excuse? - Don't Miss a Blessing!

In 1986 I had an opportunity to do something I was scared to death to do.  Until that point I had taken some short mission trips within the U.S.   But, when my pastor approached me about joining him on a 17 day mission trip to Argentina, I had a lengthy list of reasons why I couldn't do it.  As I spelled out all my reasons including finances, never flown before, no passport, a young wife who didn't need to be at home alone that long, and the big one - I had never actually shared my faith with anyone to this point, he was able to reason away every excuse I gave.  I'm so glad he did because my life was impacted forever.


Mate cup and straw




The flights were definitely the worst part of the trip for me.  To this day, I'm not real keen on flying; or should I say, my stomach isn't.  But, once we arrived in Argentina, I saw God do things that I couldn't have imagined.  Our work consisted of knocking on doors all day and talking with people about what Jesus had done in our life and what He wanted to do in their life.  At night we would conduct evangelistic worship services in churches where I would lead the music and my pastor would preach.  Following each of the services we would go to a home of a church member and sit around the table and share a cup of mate and fellowship.  Mate (pronounced Mah-tee) is a strong tea in a wooden cup with a metal infusion straw.  The cup and straw are shared by everyone and passed around the table.  That took some getting used to; but, hey, when in Rome....  

There are so many memories I could tell about that impacted my life and amazed me, but one particular night changed me forever.  We had finished an evangelistic service at the church and an elderly lady came to me and asked if I would go to her house and have dinner with her family.  I believed she was inviting me, the pastor, and my translator, but that was not the case.  I was the only one on the team who was invited.  When I arrived, she had arranged for a translator who had previously lived in California to join us and be my communicator.  In addition to the translator, there were 7 other people around the table, and they all had their attention focused on me the entire evening.  I was pretty uncomfortable with all of the attention.  We finished a wonderful meal and my host, who invited me, looked at me and just nodded.  I looked at my translator and she communicated that it was now my turn to tell everyone why I was here.  So, I began telling my story.  I told how Jesus Christ had changed my life and how I had been sharing that with people in the community.  I asked if that had happened for them.  I asked them individually with the help of the translator.  One-by-one I watched as the translator would ask the question to each individual for me and they would respond "No".  I was just about to go to the next part when I sensed that the Holy Spirit said "Ask the translator".  When I asked her, she said "No", that had never happened for her either.  My next question to each of them was "May I tell you how Jesus can do for you what He has done for me?"  One-by-one they eagerly said "Yes", including the translator; all except for one old man who acted like he thought this whole discussion was stupid.  I felt so sorry for him but I pressed on for those who wanted to hear.  I explained about how all of us have sinned against God and deserve eternal punishment for our sins.  I shared that He loved us too much to let that happen so He provided a way of forgiveness when Jesus died on the cross in our place.  I told them of the resurrection of Jesus and how he ascended to heaven to prepare a place for us.  I told them they can be with Jesus one day and they can have real joy right now if they would repent of their sins and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and their Savior.  It took a little while, but that night 7 people repented of their sins and became followers of Jesus Christ; including the translator.  I was forever changed. 

That was 27 years ago and I remember it like it was yesterday.  I'm done with excuses now.  I have seen that God is far bigger than any little excuse I can come up with.  If we are obedient to do what He has instructed us to do, He will be faithful to bring fruit from it.  I have seen it work over and over again since that time and I know that if I don't share with people, I'm missing a blessing.  Are you missing a blessing or are you being obedient?  God wants to use you in His kingdom work.  He may not send you to Argentina; or He may.  He may just send you next door or even to someone who is attending your church.  I thank God for Dr. Joseph Anderson and what he did for me.  I'm thankful that He and God didn't take my excuses.  The Great Commission is for all of us; no matter what our circumstances may be.  In the words of David Ring, the preacher with cerebral palsy, "What's your excuse?"  It really doesn't matter, does it?

Mom, We Applaud You

At the age of 49, I completely understand that it's not easy being a parent.  My mother had a little more difficult time of it than most.  She had to raise me, which was no easy task.  There were times she had to simply sit back and pray that I would get through it alive and without any permanent damage.  I know God heard those prayers.  At the time I really didn't understand how much praying she was doing, but as a parent, I understand now that she was praying hard.  In fact, she still is. 

Mom is an avid reader of God's Word.  I admire her dedication to the reading and study of the Bible.  At times she has taught children in Sunday School or in after-school programs at her church.  She has discipled many children who have decided to become followers of Jesus Christ.  She has ministered to many of her friends who have experienced a loss in their life.  Most exciting to see is the peace and joy that she has in just having a relationship with the Lord.  She absolutely enjoys being saved. 

Mom, entered a new stage in her life about 22 years ago.  She became a grandmother for the first time.  Turns out she's good at that too.  She has five grandchildren and loves them all dearly.  Although distance makes it difficult to be with the grandkids all of the time, Mom (Memaw) makes sure that these grandkids know they are loved and that she is praying for them.  She is one of their greatest cheerleaders; something she was also good at back in high school.

I love my mother and I thank God that she is one of my best friends.  The greatest lessons she has ever taught me have been by her example.  She taught me to always trust that God will provide and no matter what, we can depend on Him.  One of my mother's very favorite verses is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  Prov. 3:5-6  She quoted it often and as I grew up God sank the truth of those verses very deep into my heart. 

Mom, thank you that you pointed my heart to Jesus.  Thank you that you prayed for me and that you still do.  Thank you for praying for my children.  Thank you for being a Godly example to me and Valerie and our children.  Thank you for being an encourager to all of us.  We love you and we thank God for you.  Mom, we applaud you!  Happy Mother's Day!

Where Do I Go To Find a Hero?

I heard a man called a "hero" the other day because he came out and explained to the world that he was gay.  Really?  Have we really taken the word "hero" down to that level?  When I was growing up, a hero was someone who saved lives, even if it cost him his.  An airplane pilot who does everything in his power to save his crew and his passengers at the risk of his own life has the right to be called a hero.  A soldier who risks his own life trying to save his fellow soldiers could be called a hero.  A fireman who runs in to a burning building that will soon collapse so he can save the children inside has earned the right to be called a hero.  But the word has certainly been brought to a new low in the last couple of weeks.

The greatest hero that has ever walked the earth was Jesus Christ.  He never sinned, yet He took upon Himself all of the punishment that we deserved for all of the sin in our life.  He did not lash out at His accusers, but instead loved them right to the point of death; the death they orchestrated.  He chose to do this for you and for me.  He was brutally beaten, treated worse than a criminal, and mocked by those He came to save.  He didn't have to come, but He fulfilled the plan of the Father to redeem us back to God.  He left heaven where He had always been and came to this place of sinful wicked people who didn't deserve what He would do for them.  Now that, my friends, is a hero.  He ran to me and saved me from eternal hell so that I could be in relationship with Him for eternity.  I deserved to burn, but He loved me too much to leave me there.  That's MY hero.  That's my KING.  He knew my sin and loved me anyway.  Oh, by the way, He did the same for you.  He wants to restore you to God, but you must die to your own desires and living your life your own way and turn to this HERO, this KING, this Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.  He is ready to receive you if you will turn your life over to Him.   "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."  Romans 10:9

I think the lyrics to the song "Hero" by Abandon say it all:

And there He goes, a Hero, a Savior to the world
Here He stands with scars in His hands
With love He gave His life so we could be free
The Savior of the world

It's my prayer that you will follow THIS Hero. 

Why Does A Vision Statement Matter?

There's an old saying, "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." For the church, we know where we are going; or at least we should.  However, we don't necessarily know which road to take in order to get there.  A vision statement for a church can provide that road.  Our mission, "The Great Commission", is the "WHAT".  Our vision statement becomes the "HOW".

For Canaan Baptist Church, we have had no lack of vision for the past year.  What we have lacked is a vision statement to huddle around and say "Okay, team, let's all go in this direction together."  Recently, the pastors met and labored over the topic of vision statement.  We knew it was needed but we knew it had to be something direct and to-the-point; something memorable that would be easy to communicate to one another.  After some time of talking and occassionally just sitting there staring at each other like we weren't sure if we could find this all important statement, God gave it to us.  The one statement that will drive everything we do going into the future at Canaan will be this:  "Canaan Baptist Church exists to multiply communities of Christ-followers."  After we had it, we felt pretty good; but you may be saying, "But what does it mean?" 

Stated very simply, we want to make a Christ-follower who makes a Christ-follower who makes a Christ-follower, etc.  We want to create a small group that creates a small group that creates a small group, etc.  We want to start a new congregation that starts a new congregation that starts a new congregation, etc.

No one is saved and left alone.  We want to develop saved people into true followers of Jesus Christ.  We expect them to go on to do the same for others.  Why?  Because Jesus expects that of us.  We don't just start a small group and then leave that group to just enjoy one another.  The small group is to reproduce itself as soon as possible.  Why?  Because Jesus expects us to keep reaching more people for more groups.  We don't just start a congregation and just leave it there to either grow or die.  The new congregation is expected to develp a strategy for starting other new congregations.  Why?  Because Jesus expects it of us. 

We feel that God has definitely given Canaan this vision statement.  We believe it will drive everything we do in the future.  We believe God will grow His Kingdom as we obey Him in this way.  We believe we will be called "FAITHFUL" by our Heavenly Father.  May God be glorified as He uses us to multiply communities of Christ-followers throughout the world. 

You - In Community

Dietrich Boenheoffer, in his book Life Together, writes "Sin demands to have a man by himself.  It withdraws him from the community.  The more isolated a person is, the more destructive will be the power of sin over him."  The truth that we need to understand from Boenheoffer and from the New Testament is Believers are strengthened and spiritual maturity continues when we remain in community together.

The word community can be broken down into two words: "common unity".  Therefore, a community is group of people united around a common belief system, set of values, and mission.  Followers of Jesus Christ are to be in common unity with one another.  This is very evident throughout the scriptures.  Jesus and his disciples had a common unity.  When the church was established in Acts, the believers continued to meet house to house and "had all things in common".

It is not natural for a believer to try and do life alone.  This is not God's plan for us.  We are brought together by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and we are meant to continue doing life together until He returns. Scriptures are full of "one anothers":

• Love one another (John 13:34) 
• Accept one another (Romans (15:7)
• Instruct one another (Romans 15:14
• Greet one another (Romans 16:16)
• Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)

You may have seen pictures of the giant Sequoia trees in Northern California; or maybe you have been fortunate enough to see them up close.  I would love to have the opportunity one day.  Did you know that the roots of a Sequoia tree do not go very deep at all; only about 4 feet?  Knowing that, you might wonder how such large trees can continue to stand tall and not be toppled by storms.  The key is what the Sequoia is doing underground.  The Sequoias will essentially hold hands and strengthen one another.  Of course I know that trees don't have hands, but don't tell the Sequoia.  They intertwine their roots and strengthen one another so that they can stand strong together.  You will never find a Sequoia growing alone.  That is the secret to their strength; community. 

We need one another just like the Sequoia trees.  If we will have a common unity with other followers of Jesus Christ, we will be strengthened.  But if we try to live life alone, we are likely to go the way of the large oak tree in my neighborhood.  It was a beautiful tree, but there was a problem.  The oak didn't have the support like the Sequoias.  When the storm came, the oak was toppled.  With the tree lying on it's side, you could see the problem; the roots were not strong enough to hold it in the ground when the strong winds blew.  No other trees were there to help.  Believers must stay in community with one another or we will go the way of the large oak tree.  We may look good on the outside, but underneath we are susceptible to the attack of the enemy who wants to topple us. 

The vision statement of Canaan Baptist Church is Canaan Baptist Church exists to multiply communities of Christ-followers.  We are united by our common belief system and values and our mission is to fulfill the Great Commission given to us by the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, please make sure you are in relationship with other Christ-followers and let's do life together.  We will be stronger for it.