Water, water everywhere. Three inches of it, anyway. That was what met our deacon when he walked into the church office late yesterday afternoon. We installed a new water fountain a couple of weeks ago, and Friday afternoon something went wrong— evidently. At some point, a connection broke allowing who knows how many gallons of water to spill into the east wing of our church building.
That is where our offices are located with the computers, copier and our secretary’s brand new really fine looking desk and office furniture. While there was plenty of water in my office, my desk has pedestal-type legs so it was okay. A couple of pieces of electronic equipment and a box of books didn’t do too well.
After finding all the water extracting companies in town were busy, we spent the next three and a half hours vacuuming water and moving furniture and equipment. We did the best we could and then after setting up as many fans as we could find, we closed up for the night. When I opened the door this morning, I was met with the recognizable smell of heavy humidity and wet carpet. Things still had not dried out. If the humidity lingers, I am now wondering if people in the service in the morning will think they are worshiping in a chapel by the sea. All that would be missing would be the cry of the sea gulls. However regardless of the circumstances, being in the presence of God is always wonderful, and in that case all will be okay. Pardon me now while I go and locate my galoshes.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Recently, I talked with a young preacher who expressed to me his discouragement about his ministry. I shared with him an article I wrote in 2005 to the church I pastor. The article was on the anniversary of my fiftieth year in the ministry. I pointed out to him that the blessing of ministry far out-weigh the discouragements that come along the way. I want to share an updated version of that article here.
August of 2005 represented a milestone for me, so indulge me in a little reminiscing. One night in August of 1955, I walked down the aisle of the Missionary Baptist Church on South 15th Street in Corsicana, Texas. I took Bro. Riely Dale by the hand and said, “Bro. Dale, God has called me to preach.” That was [now] fifty-four years ago and it began a journey that has been exciting, occasionally disappointing, sometimes downright discouraging but always fulfilling. I tried to think of a song that would reflect on my ministry. As hard as I tried, nothing came to mind at first. Then I remembered a children’s song that sums it up very well. It says, “Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him in the morning, praise Him at the noon time. Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him when the sun goes down.”
As I think of my life and my ministry, I can easily divide it into the same segments mentioned in this song. I surrendered to preach as a young man. When I publicly announced my call, I was preparing to enter my senior year in high school. God’s Word played an important part in my life even as a young boy. A lot of years have come and gone, so all the details are a bit fuzzy, but perhaps I can remember some of the outstanding ones accuractly. Even before I felt God’s call, I had a special interest in studying the Bible. When I was a freshman, in the evening after I finished my homework, I would turn the radio on and listen to a broadcast that originated from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I remember it quite clearly because the program began with the announcer quoting Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The program was called “It’s Dynamite.” The speaker was Dr. Lee Robertson, then pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga. I did not know who he was. In fact, I was not even a Baptist then, but his messages were powerful, and I would sit with my Bible and follow along while he preached. His messages aroused my interest in a more than casual study of the Scripture. It was then that my friendship with Joe Evans led me to begin attending the youth fellowship at the Missionary Baptist Church in Corsicana. The youth minister was Kenneth Bazzar, who was then, as I recall, a recent graduate from the Seminary in Little Rock. Bro. Bazzar’s teachings enlarged my understanding of the Bible even more and introduced me to the scriptural precepts of Baptist churches. I was saved when I was nine years old, but I did not start attending a Baptist church until I was about fifteen. I joined the church and was baptized by Bro. Dale. It was not long until I could not put my questioning off any longer. I went to Bro. Dale and ask the classic question, “Bro. Dale, how does a person know he is called to preach?”
I will never forget Bro. Dale’s answer. It is one I still give men who ask me the same question. He said, “Weeks, if you can see yourself doing anything besides preaching and if you can get by without preaching, then get by without preaching.” That’s all he said.
I remember it as plain as though it were yesterday. I went home and literally threw myself across my bed. I had never felt God’s call stronger. Oh, it wasn’t an audible voice, but it might as well have been. I covered my head with my hands as though I was trying to shut it out. My mother saw me and asked what was wrong. I told her “I think God is calling me to preach.” All she said was, “I’m not surprised. Just make sure.” I don’t think I ever tried to run from God’s call. However, I just couldn’t understand why He would call me. I got sick just thinking about getting up in front of the class at school to give a book report, but to get up before a congregation of people seemed impossible. However, I told the Lord that if that was what He wanted me to do then I would do it, but He would have to be responsible for the outcome.
Those early years were filled with many blessings. My friend, Joe Evans (who has just recently gone to be with the Lord), had also surrendered to preach, and often we would travel to appointments together. He would usually preach, and I would lead singing. We attended seminary and roomed together with his brother-in-law Dr. Ray O. Brooks who is now the president of Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary. During my seminary years, I would drive home every weekend to preach at Providence Missionary Baptist Church where I served as pastor. I call those years “the morning of my ministry” and I give God praise for them.
After I graduated from Texas Baptist Institute in May of 1960, I was called to pastor a young and fledgling church in Alvin, Texas. If I remember correctly, there were twelve or thirteen people counting myself who attended the first Sunday I preached there. I feel the ministry at Alvin was a fruitful one, and I still treasure the friendships I made while I was there.
In the years that followed, I became the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. God blessed in those years as well. In 1968 I was called to pastor the historic Union Avenue Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana. I was humbled and honored for that privilege because many notable preachers had preached from behind that pulpit. While at Union Avenue, I had the honor of being the president of the Bogalusa Bible School. The school served the southeast Louisiana area and offered a full range of Bible studies taught by a number of very capable pastors. Following my ministry at Union Avenue, I became the pastor of Ardella Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. While there, I was asked to join the faculty of Florida Baptist Institute and Seminary. It was while I was at Ardella that I was introduced to the Faith Promise plan of missionary giving. God blessed me in a very special way by giving me the opportunity to share this principle with churches all across the country. The calls from churches inviting me to hold mission conferences became so numerous that I felt God was leading me into this ministry on a full time basis. In 1974 I resigned Ardella Baptist Church to start a ministry I called MISSION POSSIBLE which continued until about 1980. With more and more pastors and churches becoming familiar with the Faith Promise concept, the requests for my services gradually diminished until in 1980 I accepted the position of Music Minister and associate pastor of Alvin Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Bro. Darrell Streeter. It was during these years that God gave me two fine sons and a wonderful daughter. These years I call the “noon-time” of my ministry, and though there were some heart-breaking disappointments during this time, I praise God for His blessings.
In 1990 God called me to pastor Westwood Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas. This has been a wonderful period of my life. I have had the privilege again of teaching in a seminary and receiving my doctoral diploma, continuing to serve as a writer for the Baptist Sunday School Committee of the American Baptist Association and being allowed by my church to continue holding Faith Promise Conferences when invited. During these years God has blessed my wife, Mary, and me with four grandchildren and others here at the church who call us Papa and Granny. I am aware that the morning and noon time of my ministry have come and gone, but I can truthfully say that I am still praising Him even as the sun goes down. I am in no way intending to be negative or gloomy by saying this. At seventy, and after fifty-four years in ministry, I fully realize that I have more years behind me than I have in front of me. If that is not the case, then I am certainly going to live to be a very old man. However, I am not looking for the undertaker, I am looking for the Upper-taker.
Someone asked me when I planned to retire. The thought of retirement is not something I am entertaining. Oh sure, there are times when I get tired in the ministry, but I can honestly say I have never gotten tired of it. Yes, I have been hurt a number of times. I have been disappointed quite a few times. I have never gotten rich, and I don’t think I have ever been over-paid (although the jury may still be out on that). But through it all, God has always provided. After experiencing a Sunday or two of disappointing attendances, there might be a fleeting moment when not having to worry about empty pews or tight budgets might look awfully tempting, but then I think of what Bro. Dale said so many years ago...”Weeks, if you can get by without preaching, get by without preaching.” Then when I think of what it would be like not being able to stand behind that sacred desk and deliver a message from God’s Word, I realize I am not ready for retirement. But if or when the time comes that I cannot function properly and become more of a hindrance than a help, I will step aside and find another way to PRAISE HIM WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.
August of 2005 represented a milestone for me, so indulge me in a little reminiscing. One night in August of 1955, I walked down the aisle of the Missionary Baptist Church on South 15th Street in Corsicana, Texas. I took Bro. Riely Dale by the hand and said, “Bro. Dale, God has called me to preach.” That was [now] fifty-four years ago and it began a journey that has been exciting, occasionally disappointing, sometimes downright discouraging but always fulfilling. I tried to think of a song that would reflect on my ministry. As hard as I tried, nothing came to mind at first. Then I remembered a children’s song that sums it up very well. It says, “Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him in the morning, praise Him at the noon time. Praise Him, Praise Him, Praise Him when the sun goes down.”
As I think of my life and my ministry, I can easily divide it into the same segments mentioned in this song. I surrendered to preach as a young man. When I publicly announced my call, I was preparing to enter my senior year in high school. God’s Word played an important part in my life even as a young boy. A lot of years have come and gone, so all the details are a bit fuzzy, but perhaps I can remember some of the outstanding ones accuractly. Even before I felt God’s call, I had a special interest in studying the Bible. When I was a freshman, in the evening after I finished my homework, I would turn the radio on and listen to a broadcast that originated from Chattanooga, Tennessee. I remember it quite clearly because the program began with the announcer quoting Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The program was called “It’s Dynamite.” The speaker was Dr. Lee Robertson, then pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga. I did not know who he was. In fact, I was not even a Baptist then, but his messages were powerful, and I would sit with my Bible and follow along while he preached. His messages aroused my interest in a more than casual study of the Scripture. It was then that my friendship with Joe Evans led me to begin attending the youth fellowship at the Missionary Baptist Church in Corsicana. The youth minister was Kenneth Bazzar, who was then, as I recall, a recent graduate from the Seminary in Little Rock. Bro. Bazzar’s teachings enlarged my understanding of the Bible even more and introduced me to the scriptural precepts of Baptist churches. I was saved when I was nine years old, but I did not start attending a Baptist church until I was about fifteen. I joined the church and was baptized by Bro. Dale. It was not long until I could not put my questioning off any longer. I went to Bro. Dale and ask the classic question, “Bro. Dale, how does a person know he is called to preach?”
I will never forget Bro. Dale’s answer. It is one I still give men who ask me the same question. He said, “Weeks, if you can see yourself doing anything besides preaching and if you can get by without preaching, then get by without preaching.” That’s all he said.
I remember it as plain as though it were yesterday. I went home and literally threw myself across my bed. I had never felt God’s call stronger. Oh, it wasn’t an audible voice, but it might as well have been. I covered my head with my hands as though I was trying to shut it out. My mother saw me and asked what was wrong. I told her “I think God is calling me to preach.” All she said was, “I’m not surprised. Just make sure.” I don’t think I ever tried to run from God’s call. However, I just couldn’t understand why He would call me. I got sick just thinking about getting up in front of the class at school to give a book report, but to get up before a congregation of people seemed impossible. However, I told the Lord that if that was what He wanted me to do then I would do it, but He would have to be responsible for the outcome.
Those early years were filled with many blessings. My friend, Joe Evans (who has just recently gone to be with the Lord), had also surrendered to preach, and often we would travel to appointments together. He would usually preach, and I would lead singing. We attended seminary and roomed together with his brother-in-law Dr. Ray O. Brooks who is now the president of Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary. During my seminary years, I would drive home every weekend to preach at Providence Missionary Baptist Church where I served as pastor. I call those years “the morning of my ministry” and I give God praise for them.
After I graduated from Texas Baptist Institute in May of 1960, I was called to pastor a young and fledgling church in Alvin, Texas. If I remember correctly, there were twelve or thirteen people counting myself who attended the first Sunday I preached there. I feel the ministry at Alvin was a fruitful one, and I still treasure the friendships I made while I was there.
In the years that followed, I became the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. God blessed in those years as well. In 1968 I was called to pastor the historic Union Avenue Baptist Church in Bogalusa, Louisiana. I was humbled and honored for that privilege because many notable preachers had preached from behind that pulpit. While at Union Avenue, I had the honor of being the president of the Bogalusa Bible School. The school served the southeast Louisiana area and offered a full range of Bible studies taught by a number of very capable pastors. Following my ministry at Union Avenue, I became the pastor of Ardella Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. While there, I was asked to join the faculty of Florida Baptist Institute and Seminary. It was while I was at Ardella that I was introduced to the Faith Promise plan of missionary giving. God blessed me in a very special way by giving me the opportunity to share this principle with churches all across the country. The calls from churches inviting me to hold mission conferences became so numerous that I felt God was leading me into this ministry on a full time basis. In 1974 I resigned Ardella Baptist Church to start a ministry I called MISSION POSSIBLE which continued until about 1980. With more and more pastors and churches becoming familiar with the Faith Promise concept, the requests for my services gradually diminished until in 1980 I accepted the position of Music Minister and associate pastor of Alvin Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Bro. Darrell Streeter. It was during these years that God gave me two fine sons and a wonderful daughter. These years I call the “noon-time” of my ministry, and though there were some heart-breaking disappointments during this time, I praise God for His blessings.
In 1990 God called me to pastor Westwood Baptist Church in Odessa, Texas. This has been a wonderful period of my life. I have had the privilege again of teaching in a seminary and receiving my doctoral diploma, continuing to serve as a writer for the Baptist Sunday School Committee of the American Baptist Association and being allowed by my church to continue holding Faith Promise Conferences when invited. During these years God has blessed my wife, Mary, and me with four grandchildren and others here at the church who call us Papa and Granny. I am aware that the morning and noon time of my ministry have come and gone, but I can truthfully say that I am still praising Him even as the sun goes down. I am in no way intending to be negative or gloomy by saying this. At seventy, and after fifty-four years in ministry, I fully realize that I have more years behind me than I have in front of me. If that is not the case, then I am certainly going to live to be a very old man. However, I am not looking for the undertaker, I am looking for the Upper-taker.
Someone asked me when I planned to retire. The thought of retirement is not something I am entertaining. Oh sure, there are times when I get tired in the ministry, but I can honestly say I have never gotten tired of it. Yes, I have been hurt a number of times. I have been disappointed quite a few times. I have never gotten rich, and I don’t think I have ever been over-paid (although the jury may still be out on that). But through it all, God has always provided. After experiencing a Sunday or two of disappointing attendances, there might be a fleeting moment when not having to worry about empty pews or tight budgets might look awfully tempting, but then I think of what Bro. Dale said so many years ago...”Weeks, if you can get by without preaching, get by without preaching.” Then when I think of what it would be like not being able to stand behind that sacred desk and deliver a message from God’s Word, I realize I am not ready for retirement. But if or when the time comes that I cannot function properly and become more of a hindrance than a help, I will step aside and find another way to PRAISE HIM WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wooo hooo !
Yea! I received a comment, and it was a nice one too. My problem now is, I don’t know how to respond with a comment to the comment sender. So to the dear person who left it, thank you, I appreciate your kind words.
I had planned to write something for the blog tonight, however, that won’t happen. Instead, I finished writing a Teen Discovery lesson. As a result, I have experienced a brain-drain and there is nothing extra left. Maybe tomorrow.
By the way, since I am new at this blogging thing, if anyone drops by and reads my tid bits, be they serious or inane (the tid bits, that is), let me know. I would like to know who actually takes time to read what I have written.
Oh BTW, Westwood has a web stie. It is www.westwoododessa.org. I invite you to check it out.
I had planned to write something for the blog tonight, however, that won’t happen. Instead, I finished writing a Teen Discovery lesson. As a result, I have experienced a brain-drain and there is nothing extra left. Maybe tomorrow.
By the way, since I am new at this blogging thing, if anyone drops by and reads my tid bits, be they serious or inane (the tid bits, that is), let me know. I would like to know who actually takes time to read what I have written.
Oh BTW, Westwood has a web stie. It is www.westwoododessa.org. I invite you to check it out.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT LOVE AND VALENTINE’S DAY.
So many people today are hurting. Regardless of whether its marital problems, financial difficulties or impaired health, they all contribute to the hurt so many feel. Another source of pain comes from the lack of love. This kind of pain eats primarily at one’s emotions. Lack of love is so overwhelming that it can even contribute to a number of physical ailments.
Surely you remember this line from a once popular song, “All the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Love is a needed commodity in the human family. Generally speaking, the world has a distorted view of what constitutes real love. We say we “love” new clothes, new cars, certain songs or junk food. The world even refers to illicit sex as “making love.” The world does need love, sweet love, true love, but it needs the kind of love that comes from God. Without a doubt, the greatest “love” verse in the Bible is John 3:16 that says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” While Valentine’s Day is not a biblical observance, none the less February 14 continues to be celebrated as a day for expressing love. With all the attention that is given this day, what better time to consider some thoughts about the greatest love mankind has ever known— the love of God.
How exciting it is to know we are loved by the creator of the universe. The One who scattered the billions and billions of stars and planets into space is not only aware of you and me, but also He passionately loves us. The truth is that we are not mere carbon-based sentient life forms. We are living creatures made in the image of God. God’s great love for us is seen in how intimately connected He is to us. He knew us before we were born. The psalmist wrote, “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret...Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:15,16). Luke 12:7 informs us that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7). John tells us that He first loved us (1 John 4:9).
Though we should cherish God’s love all the time, in all likelihood, the time we appreciate God’s love the most is when we suffer disappointments and feel dejected and forsaken. If it were not for the reassuring love of God, more people probably would drop out of the Lord’s work and pull away from His people just to lick their wounds. When troubling times come, God in tender love reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb.13:5). Isn’t that just like God? It should not be surprising, because His love in an everlasting love. In the Old Testament, Jeremiah wrote, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).
Don’t misunderstand me, experiencing God’s love will not automatically turn your life rosy, but knowing that you have a God who loves you and is concerned about you will make your life worth while.
As exciting as knowing and experiencing God’s love yourself is seeing it manifested in the life of someone else. Seeing others change from a life of disobedience and running from God to one of learning and growing close to God is truly an amazing sight. When a person experiences God’s love, his life should change. He should begin to attend church regularly. He should begin reading his Bible. His relationship with his family should start falling in place. The more he experiences God’s love, the more he will want to become active in the Lord’s work. When we do not see these characteristics in a person’s life, we have a right to wonder whether or not that person has actually experienced the amazing love of God. Jesus said that those who love Him will keep his commandment (John 14:15).
We have a loving God. We enjoy the benefits of His love. As we think about these benefits, how often do we stop and consider the million others who have not experienced it. Why then are we guilty of not spreading that love around? I hope it’s not because we are so selfish or greedy that we want to keep God’s love to ourselves. We may let many things that keep us from actively sharing this love. Things like pride and selfishness sometimes get in our way. Activities may take precedence in our lives and our priorities get out of kilter. We simply must not let selfishness rob us of the joy of sharing God’s love with others.
How do we share God’s love? One way we share God’s love is by being a friend. Regardless of who they are, everyone needs a friend. A friend is someone who stands by you through the most difficult times. A friend is someone who will be by your side when everyone else goes away.
Another way to share God’s love is by sharing your faith. Remember the public service commercial that say, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk?” Spiritually speaking, “Friends don’t let friends go to hell.” We share God’s love by introducing others to Jesus. You also share God’s love by praying for others. On two occasions, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to pray for him and for his companions (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1).
As Valentine’s Day approaches and people think more and more about the subject of love, Christians should think of the greatest love mankind has ever known, and formulate ways they can share it.
Surely you remember this line from a once popular song, “All the world needs now is love, sweet love.” Love is a needed commodity in the human family. Generally speaking, the world has a distorted view of what constitutes real love. We say we “love” new clothes, new cars, certain songs or junk food. The world even refers to illicit sex as “making love.” The world does need love, sweet love, true love, but it needs the kind of love that comes from God. Without a doubt, the greatest “love” verse in the Bible is John 3:16 that says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” While Valentine’s Day is not a biblical observance, none the less February 14 continues to be celebrated as a day for expressing love. With all the attention that is given this day, what better time to consider some thoughts about the greatest love mankind has ever known— the love of God.
How exciting it is to know we are loved by the creator of the universe. The One who scattered the billions and billions of stars and planets into space is not only aware of you and me, but also He passionately loves us. The truth is that we are not mere carbon-based sentient life forms. We are living creatures made in the image of God. God’s great love for us is seen in how intimately connected He is to us. He knew us before we were born. The psalmist wrote, “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret...Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:15,16). Luke 12:7 informs us that “even the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7). John tells us that He first loved us (1 John 4:9).
Though we should cherish God’s love all the time, in all likelihood, the time we appreciate God’s love the most is when we suffer disappointments and feel dejected and forsaken. If it were not for the reassuring love of God, more people probably would drop out of the Lord’s work and pull away from His people just to lick their wounds. When troubling times come, God in tender love reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb.13:5). Isn’t that just like God? It should not be surprising, because His love in an everlasting love. In the Old Testament, Jeremiah wrote, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).
Don’t misunderstand me, experiencing God’s love will not automatically turn your life rosy, but knowing that you have a God who loves you and is concerned about you will make your life worth while.
As exciting as knowing and experiencing God’s love yourself is seeing it manifested in the life of someone else. Seeing others change from a life of disobedience and running from God to one of learning and growing close to God is truly an amazing sight. When a person experiences God’s love, his life should change. He should begin to attend church regularly. He should begin reading his Bible. His relationship with his family should start falling in place. The more he experiences God’s love, the more he will want to become active in the Lord’s work. When we do not see these characteristics in a person’s life, we have a right to wonder whether or not that person has actually experienced the amazing love of God. Jesus said that those who love Him will keep his commandment (John 14:15).
We have a loving God. We enjoy the benefits of His love. As we think about these benefits, how often do we stop and consider the million others who have not experienced it. Why then are we guilty of not spreading that love around? I hope it’s not because we are so selfish or greedy that we want to keep God’s love to ourselves. We may let many things that keep us from actively sharing this love. Things like pride and selfishness sometimes get in our way. Activities may take precedence in our lives and our priorities get out of kilter. We simply must not let selfishness rob us of the joy of sharing God’s love with others.
How do we share God’s love? One way we share God’s love is by being a friend. Regardless of who they are, everyone needs a friend. A friend is someone who stands by you through the most difficult times. A friend is someone who will be by your side when everyone else goes away.
Another way to share God’s love is by sharing your faith. Remember the public service commercial that say, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk?” Spiritually speaking, “Friends don’t let friends go to hell.” We share God’s love by introducing others to Jesus. You also share God’s love by praying for others. On two occasions, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to pray for him and for his companions (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1).
As Valentine’s Day approaches and people think more and more about the subject of love, Christians should think of the greatest love mankind has ever known, and formulate ways they can share it.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
In my first blog I didn’t mention that in addition to writing, I also like to play the guitar. Actually, I just pick at it (a bit of guitar humor). A couple of years ago, I have found several guys who like to play, too. We get together just about every Tuesday night and jam for a couple of hours. It’s a therapeutic thing for me.
My parents gave me my first guitar for Christmas when I was about thirteen. During the next year, they may have thought it was the most unwise thing they had ever done. No instructions came with the instrument, so for about a year my “playing” consisted of striking the strings and pretending I knew what to do with the fingers of my left hand. I think it was out of desperation that my mother ordered a Wayne Raney Learn To Play the Guitar in Five Minutes book for me. From that little paper-back book, I learned the basic chords of C, F and G. Later, I learned G, C and D. However, I have to admit that after over a half-century I still haven’t gotten a whole lot better. Well, maybe a little better, and since I have not aspired to a career in Nashville, my present ability level will have to do. I enjoy playing, and if I don’t abuse the ears of others around me too badly, that is really all that matters isn’t it?
There is something I have learned these past couple of years playing guitar with these guys. Actually, I have known it all along, but let’s say the experience has made it more real. For many years, I played the guitar by myself. I never played with a group or with anyone else for that matter. It was just me. I would often get frustrated at what I felt was my lack of ability. However, when I started playing music with others, I found I could play better than I imagined. The other men helped me, encouraged me and challenged me to do better.
Life is like that. God made us that way. The Bible says, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” Because we are social creatures, we need association and fellowship with others of a kindred spirit. Through these associations, we gain strength and encouragement. Solomon said, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Together, the embers of a fire can burn white hot. They can cook a meal or heat metal until it is malleable. However, separate an ember from other coals and it will soon grow cold and useless. When Christians fail to associate with other Christians, they lose their warmth and usefulness for the Lord. Someone once made this observation to me, "It seems my life revolves mostly around my church and the people I know there." To me, that does not seem such a bad thing. We need fellowship and interaction with other Christians, especially those in our church.
I don’t know if playing my guitar with these guys has really made me play better. However, I do know that being with them has made playing the guitar more enjoyable. When it comes to serving and worshiping God, I can worship any place, any time, however, I know that worshiping Him with fellow Christians in church makes it even more enjoyable.
I suppose anyone who reads this can tell that I am just experiment with this blogging thing. This particular entry is perhaps nothing more than an exercise in free writing. I hope to get better. IF THIS APPEARS TWICE IT IS BECAUSE I WAS EXPERIMENTING WITH EDITING A PREVIOUS POST.
If you will be kind, leave me a comment. Remember guitarists are sensitive creatures, and so are preachers.
My parents gave me my first guitar for Christmas when I was about thirteen. During the next year, they may have thought it was the most unwise thing they had ever done. No instructions came with the instrument, so for about a year my “playing” consisted of striking the strings and pretending I knew what to do with the fingers of my left hand. I think it was out of desperation that my mother ordered a Wayne Raney Learn To Play the Guitar in Five Minutes book for me. From that little paper-back book, I learned the basic chords of C, F and G. Later, I learned G, C and D. However, I have to admit that after over a half-century I still haven’t gotten a whole lot better. Well, maybe a little better, and since I have not aspired to a career in Nashville, my present ability level will have to do. I enjoy playing, and if I don’t abuse the ears of others around me too badly, that is really all that matters isn’t it?
There is something I have learned these past couple of years playing guitar with these guys. Actually, I have known it all along, but let’s say the experience has made it more real. For many years, I played the guitar by myself. I never played with a group or with anyone else for that matter. It was just me. I would often get frustrated at what I felt was my lack of ability. However, when I started playing music with others, I found I could play better than I imagined. The other men helped me, encouraged me and challenged me to do better.
Life is like that. God made us that way. The Bible says, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” Because we are social creatures, we need association and fellowship with others of a kindred spirit. Through these associations, we gain strength and encouragement. Solomon said, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Together, the embers of a fire can burn white hot. They can cook a meal or heat metal until it is malleable. However, separate an ember from other coals and it will soon grow cold and useless. When Christians fail to associate with other Christians, they lose their warmth and usefulness for the Lord. Someone once made this observation to me, "It seems my life revolves mostly around my church and the people I know there." To me, that does not seem such a bad thing. We need fellowship and interaction with other Christians, especially those in our church.
I don’t know if playing my guitar with these guys has really made me play better. However, I do know that being with them has made playing the guitar more enjoyable. When it comes to serving and worshiping God, I can worship any place, any time, however, I know that worshiping Him with fellow Christians in church makes it even more enjoyable.
I suppose anyone who reads this can tell that I am just experiment with this blogging thing. This particular entry is perhaps nothing more than an exercise in free writing. I hope to get better. IF THIS APPEARS TWICE IT IS BECAUSE I WAS EXPERIMENTING WITH EDITING A PREVIOUS POST.
If you will be kind, leave me a comment. Remember guitarists are sensitive creatures, and so are preachers.
Just giving it a try
Blogging. I have been reading about it and reading the blogs by others. This is a toe in the water for me--not that I don't have enough to do. Some preachers I know like to play golf, a passtime that is not my cup of tea...too much walking. Some like to fish, but unless the fish bite within the first 15 minutes, I'm out of there. Me, I like to write. I didn't say I was good at it, I just said I like to write.
I am not sure of all the ins and outs of the medium or this particular blogging site. I assume there are advertisements that appear some place nor do I know what those advertisements are about. If I feel they are unacceptable, I may just disappear.
.
It may take me awhile to figure out how to access this site. After I post this, it is very possible that I will forget how to get back. If that is the case, see the last phrase in the last sentence in the paragraph above.
Now to figure out how to let people know about it.
I am not sure of all the ins and outs of the medium or this particular blogging site. I assume there are advertisements that appear some place nor do I know what those advertisements are about. If I feel they are unacceptable, I may just disappear.
.
It may take me awhile to figure out how to access this site. After I post this, it is very possible that I will forget how to get back. If that is the case, see the last phrase in the last sentence in the paragraph above.
Now to figure out how to let people know about it.
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