I Love America!

Recently, on a Sunday night after church, we had a great experience at Peoples Baptist Church. We had a service to retire our flag. This was so worshipful. I had never seen this done before, but it was a great time for God and Country. The local high school ROTC was invited to our evening service. Everyone gathered in the parking lot as our 18' by 25' flag was lowered. Each of the young people involved made sure that the flag never touched the ground. Then each of the thirteen stripes was cut from the flag and given to one of our soldiers who had served our country in the military.

One by one these soldiers walked to the microphone with the stripe in hand to tell what America meant to him. Then he placed that part of the flag into a prelit barrel and the flag was burned. Later the ashes were buried on the property. It was so wonderful to hear the old men talk about their love for our country.

I especially enjoyed it when Bro. Aubrey Steele had to set his oxygen tank down to walk to the podium. My dad was the oldest soldier present. He was on Saipan in World War II when the Japanese surrendered. Most viewers present had tears in their eyes when these men spoke proudly of America.

I love America and I appreciate the soldiers of our church so much. It is because of these men and women that we enjoy the freedoms that we have. I want to say thank you for being brave soldiers for our country.

"O Ye of Little Faith"

About two years ago, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. My older brother and I were present with him when the doctor told us the news. The prognosis was not good. In fact, we were told that unless he started the treatments of chemotherapy soon, he would be in a lot of trouble within six months. We left the meeting somewhat stunned with such a dismal outcome. My dad had cancerous tumors in his abdomen, his neck, and under his arms. We all tried to be positive, but none more than my dad. He told us, and I quote, "I believe that God is going to heal me." Truthfully, I respected his faith but questioned its validity.

For thirteen months, my dad chose to eat right and to do everything he could to help his health, while opting out of the path of chemotherapy. Within the year, the tumors grew and were very noticeable. The one under his arm had gotten huge. It was the size of a cantaloupe and could be seen protruding from his shirt. Then the one in his neck began to inhibit his breathing and swallowing. After trying his best for over a year to help himself, the doctor then convinced him to take the chemotherapy. He had six treatments. He always had them on Wednesdays and yet never missed a Wednesday night service. The first five treatments he suffered very little problems, but the sixth one nearly killed him. He was sick and his body was weak.

About a month after his last treatment, an appointment was made with the doctor to tell him if his cancer was in remission. The next day he stood in front of our church and told them that the doctor told him that his cancer was not in remission. In fact, he told him that he could not find any trace of cancer and that he was cancer free. You should have heard the church! They applauded, shouted, and leaped for joy! Then my dad lifted both of his hands above his head and sang the little chorus, "Somebody Touched Me." It was a tremendous boost for our church.

The one here with the "little faith" was not my dad; it was me. I tell you all this to give you hope and understanding. God is still God, and He is on the throne. Let's not sell Him short. God told Moses to tell the people, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord." Not every case is like this, but this one is one for the record books. It has increased my faith. Will it increase yours?

Money . . . Money . . . Money!

Do you ever ask yourself this question, "Where did all my money go?" Are you like most people who always seem to run out of money before they run out of month? Is the only light you see at the end of a tunnel a train coming toward you? Money troubles are real and can cause much pain in our lives. By the way, money is not a four-letter word. God never condemns money, but He does condemn the love of it. Some people live their lives in pursuit of more money. J. D. Rockerfeller, when asked how much money he wanted, was quoted as saying, "Just a little bit more." That attitude is forbidden in scripture. But, money is a useful tool.

We need money to support our families, build buildings, buy buses, hire staff, and much, much more, and all for the cause of Christ. But you might say, "Preacher, there is no way that I can do any of that; it is all that I can do to survive." This is the cry of most people that I see today. The economy is struggling, gas prices are escalating at an alarming rate, and the housing industry has seemingly crashed. What can we do? The Bible has some amazing things to say about our finances. There are things that we can do to help ourselves. One of the biggest no-brainers is what we are doing to ourselves with credit cards. Some are paying bills with plastic, and only to find that they are getting deeper and deeper in the hole. You can and should STOP THE MADNESS! Clark Howard says that you will spend 37% more on the average by using a credit card than by using a debit card.

There is a way out, but it can only be God's way. On Wednesday nights I usually take a theme and preach that theme for the month. In January I preached a series of messages on faith, and during that time the Lord really challenged my heart through my studies on that subject. In February I preached a series of sermons on the family, and for March and into April I am preaching all about finances. You are invited to come and be a part of what we are learning. In preparation for the messages, interviews with financially-minded people are being conducted, and research is being done from well-known authors on the subject of finances. You can come and glean from our work to better help you manage what you have. My staff and I hope to see you Wednesday nights at Peoples Baptist Church at 7:00.

The Love of My Life

Trish McCoy is the first lady of Peoples Baptist Church. She is beautiful, smart, and godly, and has such a heart for the ministry. We are a better people because of her influence in our lives. Our ladies respect her and love her, and I am so grateful that she is my partner and companion. On Friday, March 14, Trish will celebrate her 51st birthday. Already, she has received several cards and letters from many of our church family wishing her a happy birthday.

It was almost 30 years ago when I met Trish Rushing. We met after a church service on a Sunday night. I remember when I first saw her and how impressed I was with the way she carried herself. My future brother-in-law, Rick Nelson, set us up on a blind date and I will always be grateful for his intervention in our lives.

What makes my wife such a blessing is her walk with God. I live with her and know her better than anyone. She lives in her Bible and stays on her knees before the Lord. Meredith and Monica would be the first ones to tell you how they are indebted to their mother for what she has meant in their lives. It is my prayer and hope that Trish will have a great day on Friday and that we will have many more wonderful years together. Sweetheart, I love you with all of my heart.

Honey-Baked Hams

You are probably wondering what the title "Honey-Baked Hams" has to do with anything. Let me tell you a great story. One of my staff members, Eddie Correll, came to work for me a few years ago. After he had been here for awhile, Eddie made arrangements to bring his parents to the south from New Jersey. Soon, Eddie's parents would make a trip to Atlanta to get a scope of their future surroundings. I had the privilege of going out to eat with Eddie and his dad and several other staff members. Eddie's dad was rough, to say the least; it seemed that every other word out of his mouth was that of profanity. He would slip up and use a four-letter expletive, and say to me, "Sorry, Father." I told him that he didn't have to call me father, so he reverted to calling me "Rabbi."

In the course of time Mr. Correll and I became friends, because of the common ground we shared, and that being his son Eddie. A little over two years ago I was given a Honey-Baked Ham gift certificate for Christmas. Eddie had to go back to New Jersey for a funeral, and God began working on my heart about witnessing to Eddie's dad. My wife and I redeemed the gift certificate and headed to the Corrells with a ham in hand to give as a Christmas gift.

Both Mr. Correll and his wife were so impressed that the preacher and his wife would make a visit bearing gifts. After spending a few minutes talking about nothing, I made this statement, "Mr. Correll, I am one of your son's best friends, and I am so burdened for him about you. It would break your son's heart if you weren't ready to go to Heaven with us. Would you please allow me to take a moment and tell you what the Bible says about Heaven?" He motioned for me to proceed. In the next few minutes both of Eddie's parents trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior.

I will never forget the response of Eddie when I called to tell him what had just happened. He cried, he laughed, and then he shouted. When he returned from New Jersey he hugged my neck and kissed me on the cheek (it's what northerners from the Bronx do), and picked me up off of the ground. It was one of the greatest moments of my life. Shortly after that, Mr. and Mrs. Correll were baptized. Eddie's dad had to be helped into the baptismal pool by two men. When he came up out of the water, the whole church broke into applause. I don't think that there was a dry eye in the place. What a day!

I said all of that to say this, Mr. Correll went home to be with the Lord this past Friday. I was preaching in San Diego, California, when I got the call. Eddie and I reminisced, cried, laughed, and thanked God that he was saved and now in Heaven. That Honey-Baked Ham is the best one I have ever had, though I never got a bite. Another one of my staff men is Kenny Garland. It was my privilege to win his mother to Christ just recently. Kevin Soles, an executive for the southern region of Coca-Cola, is my friend; and it was my privilege to win his parents to Christ. I tell you there is nothing like winning someone to Christ, but especially the loved one of friend. Can you give a Honey-Baked Ham for Jesus?