The Quiet Place

So ...

Christmas has come and gone and Happy New Year celebrations are next on the calendar.

The Big Ball will drop in New York.  The Moon Pie will drop in Mobile, AL.  The Who Dat will march and dance in The Big Easy.

Meanwhile, here in sleepy little Pascagoula, many are longing for quiet.  And for the most part we get to enjoy our fair share of it.

Quiet. Solitude. Rest. Peace. Rare commodities in today's crazy mixed up war-torn world.

One of my favorite 90s worship song lyrics reads, " ... in the secret, in the quiet place, in the stillness, You are there ...".  (*Andy Park, In The Secret)

Scripture reminds me, " ... be still, and know that I am God ..." (Psalm 46:10)

My beautiful precious wife has nearly mastered the art of stillness.  She is the steady rock in our family.  She is very much an emotional creature, but her emotions are very much in check and disciplined.  On the other hand, I am the spontaneous, ADHD, all-over-the-map emotional roller-coaster.  Only by God's amazing Grace has she survived our 31-years of marriage, prefaced by three years of lovesick courtship!  (( I owe you honey-- BIG TIME! ))

As the year 2016 quickly approaches, I am seeking the heart of the Father more intentionally than ever.  Part of my seeking will need to include more stillness.  Quiet.  Solitude.  And, that will be one of my most difficult challenges.

You see, I am a Producer by nature.  It's in my DNA.  Give me a project -- and, it's ON like a chicken bone!

I probably inherited this behavioral and genetic code from both parents, who grew up on farms near small-town America in the heyday of the 1940s and 50s, following the horrors of the Great Depression in America.  Their parents had learned to make something of nothing.  Live off the raw land.  Work, work, work ... all day from dawn to dusk ... and then some!  The trait has passed on into my bloodline, and thus, the challenge of Quiet stares me down.

The Producer in me finds in almost sinful to ... rest, take solitude, and be still.

Something about the Puritanical influence of early America seemed to drill into our forefathers and mothers the idea that WORK, in and of itself, is somehow spiritual and noble.  And, those who cannot, or will not work are simply ... unfit, unbecoming, and certainly undeserving of the privileges and liberties provided to those who pursue happiness.  I mean, that's downright un-American!  Right?!

But, what about Sabbath rest?  Isn't there a godly place for rest?  Of course, the answer is a resounding YES.

Today, in our sleepy little hometown, it's the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day.  Some are tying up end-of-the-year deadlines and loose-ends.  Many who can afford to, have deserted sleepy-little-town for more luxurious surroundings where they might toast the New Year with loved ones, friends, or associates to the delight of party and pizazz.  Yet others, like me, are simply longing for ... Quiet.  Rest.  Sabbath.

Whatever might be on your plate today, I urge you to embrace the challenge that God Himself issues to everyone of us ... especially, Producers.  Be STILL.  And KNOW Him.

Here's to a Happy New Year filled with blessing and prosperity.  But first ... find your Quiet Place.

Thanksgiving

For nearly 400 years, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving in some fashion, based upon historical records, presidential declarations, and good old-fashioned traditions.

Today, we find ourselves in a 21-st century maze of information overload, prosperity beyond belief, and luxuries that our forefathers could have only fantasized about from their humble beginnings here.

The menu of foods is mind-boggling. The Black Friday marketing machine has become the dream of billionaires.  The fans-gone-wild sports industry is bigger than ever.  And somehow, amidst the craziness of life as we know it in America, we are challenged to stop, bow, humble ourselves, and show gratitude and thanks to a God who rarely gets a nod from us throughout the busyness of our lives.

Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do." (CEV)

Whatever happens.  Really??

There are parts of scripture that I really just don't like.  I don't understand.  I find myself struggling to agree with.  This is one of them.  Whatever happens ... keep thanking God.

But, what about the painful losses that I've suffered.  What about the unfair treatment I have endured.  What about the nasty rumors that have been spoken about me.  What about the acts of terror that are committed against innocent people around the world, and now even in my own beloved America ... the land of the free?!

I must read on.  The wise apostle says to keep on thanking God ... because of Jesus Christ.

Because.  Because of Who He is.  Because of What He has done.  Because of His suffering.  Because of the great price He has paid for my sin, and that of all humanity.  Because He is to be praised and glorified.  Because of His great salvation that His blood purchased.  Because of the epic battle that He has won over death, hell, and the grave.  Because He now sits at the right hand of The Father ever singing over me, interceding for me, pouring out His Spirit on me.

This is what God wants me to do.  This is what God wants you to do.  This is what we MUST do ... if we are to find any sense of true joy in this sin-sick world.

So, today ... I give thanks.  Jesus, thank You for the Cross.  Thank You for the price you paid.  Thank You for not quitting.  Thank You for defeating sin.  Thank You for my family, for my health, for the luxuries that we enjoy in America.  We are not worthy, and yet You have blessed us tremendously.

O God, I want to please you ... so, today I will give thanks.

House Church

So, my family and I are worshiping together in 'church' service this past Sunday and the pastor teaches from Philemon. You know, that little bitty one chapter letter from Paul in the New Testament.

Now, Philemon was evidently a wealthy guy in his day, possibly a bishop in the Church, and a slave-owner.  Read it for yourself and discern the facts.

Back to last Sunday ... 

So, as the pastor is reading the scripture, this phrase from verse 2 pierces my brain, " ... the church that meets in your house ...".  What?  Huh?  (( nudging my wife )) Did you hear that?  The church that meets in your HOUSE.

House Church.

So, how 'large' is this congregation that meets at Philemon's house?  30 people?  60 people?  100-or more??  Just how big a house are we talking here?!

TWO major thoughts cross my mind as the pastor continues and brilliantly delivers a challenge to his congregation from this quick memo penned by Apostle Paul.

1.  WEALTH attracts people.

Americans are infamous for criticizing and ostracizing wealthy, famous, and notorious people in society.  If you seem to have more than me ... the jealousy in me rages and I have to criticize what I don't believe I can personally accomplish, as compared to you.  So, really -- it's a comparison game.  And, an unfair one at that.

Philemon was obviously a wealthy guy from all accounts.  He was highly regarded in his community, owned slaves or servants [employees?], and had enough influence, or notoriety, to attract large numbers of believers to his HOUSE for church services.

I once heard a financially successful and quite wealthy Christian businessman say, " ... one thing's for sure, when I was broke, living in a double-wide, and barely paying my light bill, NOBODY was beating down my door to find out how I was succeeding in life!"

Wealth -- in whatever way one might measure wealth -- is sure to attract people.  Healthy, wealthy, and wise is a principle taught straight from scripture.  Refer to 3 John 2

2.  A HOUSE should be a HOME.

I know of many houses -- or, structures which house people -- that are far from being considered Home.  Home is that feeling of safety, security, belonging, and acceptance, where one can simply BE.

When I'm 'at home' ... I kick off my shoes, put my feet up, relax, and enjoy the loved ones who live in my home with me.

My beautiful wife is the driving force of Peace in our home.  She sets the tone.  Her beauty, her spirit, her attitude, her discipline, her intuition, her wisdom, and her spiritual discernment flow into every nook and cranny of our home.

Our amazing children are fruit of our love and our labor, displaying natural gifts and abilities, and excelling in the skills they have acquired.  They prove by their actions that they love us, even when they goof; and we prove our love for them by maintaining a standard of Love, Forgiveness, Acceptance, and Discipline.  Everyone does their best to model Christ ... but, even when we miss the mark ... we always go back to Love.

When everyone is BEING who they are created to BE ... it's HOME.

Back to Philemon's House Church ...

For many reasons, the Church in 1st-century Christianity was meeting predominantly in Houses -- or, in the Homes of believers, and non-believers who were seeking Truth.  Politically, this was necessary due to dangerous rulers who were murdering and martyring Believers at every opportunity.  I'm sure that somehow in God's Grand Design ... He intended it.


21-st Century House Church ...

Here we are in 21-st century America, Europe, Asia, and beyond ... and it seems that the cycle has nearly come full circle.  Is it time to return to House Church?  Are we prepared to gather, belong, and care for one another at that level of intimacy and compassion?

Pride will throw temper tantrums in that atmosphere.  Selfishness will suffocate.  Hateful and prejudicial attitudes will be fully exposed.  Only the Law of LOVE will survive.  Only COMPASSION can be the Rule of that Law.

I welcome your thoughts and comments.  Love God ... and Love People.

New Seasons

I love the Israel Houghton & New Breed song, "New Season".  That song came into my life at a time when I was emotionally, financially, and spiritually depleted.  Today, nearly 20 years after that very difficult season in our lives, the Lord is moving us into yet another season of life that is filled with excitement, anticipation, and yes, if I am honest, a few trepidations.

With a heavy dose of #DaringFaith we desire to fulfill God's call on our lives and follow His commission to influence all who will to come into His Kingdom.

Sunday, April 19, 2015 will mark our last Sunday on staff as Minister of Music with Ingalls Avenue Baptist Church Pascagoula.  We joined the Ministry Staff in November 2012 with great joy and anticipation of God's blessing and vision, and He has certainly fulfilled many of our hopes and dreams for this dear congregation of folks and for His Kingdom.

Under our watch with Pastor John Turner, Pastor Jonathon Watts (Student Ministry), and a host of faithful volunteers in Choir, Praise Team, and Media Ministry, we have enjoyed a season of sweet worship, the joy of new souls birthed into the Kingdom of God, the celebration of baptisms and dedications, and of course the sorrows of grief and pain which this life will always contend with.

Beginning April 20th, I will enter into the business world once again, as a Financial Advisor with one of the most prestigious and well-respected banking institutions on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  I have many friends and peers in this industry, and I look forward to the learning curve as God moves me into a new season of work, career development, and friendships.

We are eternally grateful and thankful to our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and especially Prayer Warriors who have encouraged us, prayed over us, and carried us through life's turmoils.  God has a great and wonderful Plan for us all.  It is our desire to fulfill that Plan for Him through our careers, our family activities, our ministries, and even our play and recreation.  ALL for His glory.

More details ... coming soon!  Stay tuned. We LOVE you!

Robby & Sheryl

Mean

"... All you're ever gonna be is mean ..."

Taylor Swift captured the emotions of her teeny-bopper fans with her self-promoting catchy pop-country song.  Still, the message here is very real.

Some people thrive on cynicism, glass-half-full pessimism, and outright bad attitudes towards themselves, others, and life in general.  And, it seems we're at a peak moment in The Church.  That's right ... God's Church.

I'm a pastor's kid, raised in the deep South around fundamental conservative right-wingers who were unashamedly narrow in their views about our doctrine, about religion in general, and certainly about race and culture issues.  It truly is amazing that I escaped that sub-culture Christianity with any sort of worldview outside of the rural and racially bigoted 1960s Dixie-crat South where I was born.

The Bible clearly states that ALL of us have sinned.  Missed the 'mark'.  Strayed off course.  Broken God's heart.  And we all need salvation, redemption, and healing.  ALL of us.  Including the religious bigots, zealots, and hyper-spiritual meanies among us.  So, why so mean?  Really?!

You would think that those of us who have been born again, bought by the Blood, sanctified by the Spirit, walking with Jesus, could find it within ourselves to exhibit just a little bit of kindness, gentleness, meekness, and all those other fruity flavors of Holy Spirit living ... right?

I heard one of my great mentor-pastors say recently, " ... if you got baptized by the Holy Spirit forty years ago and you can't get through a week without being mean, angry, short-tempered, and just plain rude ... YOU LEAKED ... and you need to go GET SOME MORE ...".

How true!  If you are not choosing to live DAILY in an attitude of humility, forgiveness, understanding, and yes -- tolerance of others -- the truth is, you may have LEAKED and you need some MORE of the Holy Spirit's en-filling, as we say in the Church.

I expect rudeness, anger, and plain ole crazy behavior out of people who have chosen to reject God, the Gospel, and the Spirit-led purpose filled life.  Normal ... for anyone who rejects a moral compass and a compassionate reason for living ... is going to naturally become self-centered, mean-spirited, and outright dangerous to the community and culture around them.  Check out the Taliban!

But for those who say they have chosen to live for Christ and His Kingdom ... a NEW set of rules applies.  We are NEW creatures according to Scripture.  There is a NEW reason for living.  Old attitudes, behaviors, and agendas need to fade into the new creation that the Holy Spirit is forming within us ... IF we say we believe.  Jus' sayin.

So, Christians ... quit being mean!  Get over your SELF and start loving others for who they are created to become in light of God's love, the Gospel, and His Kingdom.  You'll be surprised at how refreshing, and how creative, and how holy it will feel to just be nice!