Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV
It may seem strange to use this passage of Scripture to begin writing about a loved one who has departed, but everyone whose life has been touched by my Grandmother, Ruby Tinsley can Proclaim with the Psalmist; “Bless the Lord, O my soul for the Benefit of having Ruby Tinsley as a part of our Life!
Ruby Tinsley was born in 1925. In her 84 years, she was a daughter, sister, devoted wife and widow twice over, she was a mother of five of her own and five step-children through her second marriage. A Grandmother to 20 and Great-Grandmother to 25 more.
She was a true Mother-Hen. She said to me once; “You never stop being a parent, no matter how old your children are.” She lived by that motto. And she didn’t stop at being a Mother-Hen to her own children and Grand-Children; she also was a Mother-Hen to her neighbors and fellow Church members.
She was also a Prankster. She had a mischievousness streak. She loved to play a good prank on somebody. As a child I would listen for hours at her telling stories of walking Ethel, her sister, through mud puddles on their way to church, or pulling practical jokes on her other sister Ider. She told me a story once of when her children were young and a new family moved into the community. The new neighborhood children would come over to play and were not allowed to eat meat. Mamaw thought that was awful. So can you guess what she did when those kids came back over? That’s right! She fed those kids bologna and Ham and Cheese loaf. She said those kids gobbled it up. No wonder that family moved shortly after that.
But most importantly, she was filled with the Love of God. She knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
A true witness of a Christian is not how loud they shout, but how much they Love others with God’s Love. A tree is known by their fruit and a Christian is known by the fruits of the Spirit – the first Fruit that the Bible lists for a Christian is LOVE.
1 Cor 13:1-3: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. NKJV
Ruby Tinsley lived by this passage. In everything she did, she did with the Love of God.
For me, my memories are many – and they are wonderful. But to give you a snapshot of how she helped mold me to be who I am today, let me share with you just one of many things she did. Mamaw had a good sized Dogwood tree beside her house with a patio table and chairs sitting under its shade. Mamaw would often sit at that Patio table with me and simply share how Jesus loved me, that He would always be there for me, that He wanted to be my Best Friend, Helper and Guide and how I could talk to Him any time I wanted as if He was sitting next to me. Long before I went to Seminary and learned Theology, Mamaw taught me to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus. I am truly grateful for that.
This week I was blessed by my Executive Pastor and his wife as they purchased a Dogwood tree and gave it to me in memory of my Grandmother. Today, I planted that tree in my front yard. As it grows and produces shade of its own, perhaps God will give me the opportunity to continue my Grandmother’s legacy and share Jesus to my Children and Grand-Children under the Dogwood.
As I was driving home on the Interstate Friday after learning that Mamaw had just gone home to see Jesus, I began to think of the one song that she sang in Church as a Special. That song was… “Highway to Heaven.” And as I thought back to her singing that song a smile crossed my face and I hope it will yours too. She would sing;
“I’m on the Highway to Heaven; Nothing can go up there, but the pure in the heart; It’s the Highway to Heaven; walking up the King’s Highway.”
On Friday, June 19th, Jesus took Mamaw Ruby’s hand and together they began walking down the King’s Highway.
Are you walking down the King's Highway? You can, if you too receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Storm Lessons from our Heavenly Father
We seem to have had our share of Storms recently. The other day during one of the storms, Clarissa, our three year old, was watching a cartoon in the Living Room when a loud clap of thunder rolled. She ran into the other room where I was and wanted me to go into the Living Room with her.
Clarissa wanted me in the room with her because she was scared and took comfort having her Father in there with her. We have many storms in life and not all of them deal with thunder, lightning and rain. If we are honest, we all want to feel our Heavenly Father near us during those storms. Someone has rightly said; “You are either in a Storm right now, You are just coming out of a Storm, or you are about to enter a Storm."
In Acts chapter 27, the Apostle Paul has been arrested for preaching the Gospel of our Lord and he is being placed on a ship with many other prisoners. He is being sent to Rome to stand before Caesar. He was in a storm, but nothing like the storm he was about to encounter.
Lesson #1: Our Heavenly Father will Warn Us of Approaching Storms.
Have you ever heard the Alarm of the National Weather Service? That has to be the most annoying series of beeps mortal man has ever composed. Today Meteorologists and Weather Service Alerts can warn us of approaching weather, In like manner, God warns our heart of approaching spiritual Storms.
In verse 10, Paul has an unsettling in his heart. The Holy Spirit burdens him, takes away his peace concerning the trip. Storms are out of our control, they are going to come. 1 Peter 4:12; “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;”NKJV Storms are coming and God warns us that they will.
Lesson #2 – Our Heavenly Father Will Extend Mercy During the Storm.
The shipmen did not heed to Paul’s warning of the storm and thus they put all 276 onboard in danger. However, God showed mercy even in the midst of the storm to those who messed up.
In verses 21-23, Paul says: “... "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
How often do we not heed the warnings of God and find ourselves in the midst of circumstances that could have been potentially avoided? Not all storms can be avoided, but there are times that we face more than we had too due to disobedience and sin.
But even then…
A) God Often Extends Mercy Because We are His Children. (vs. 21-22)
B) God Will Send a Word of Encouragement. (vs. 23)
C) And we must Face the Consequences (vs. 22)
a. “…but only of the ship”
Vs. 38 says they had to throw all the wheat off the ship – their food. And by the time you read through verse 44, you find that the entire ship has been destroyed and the men are swimming to shore and floating on boards.
Our Heavenly Father will Warn us of Approaching Storms, He will Extend Mercy During the Storm and He Will…
Lesson #3 –Teach Us Valuable Principles in the Storm.
The other night when Clarissa wanted me to stay in the Living Room with her because she was afraid of the storm, you know what I did? I did what most every dad does, and I did it without even thinking about it, I began to teach her about storms. Most dads try to find teaching moments in just about every situation. I believe it is engrained in our DNA.
When you and I are in the midst of the Storms of Life, Our Heavenly Father Will teach us Principles that we may not ever learn any other way.
Such as…
A) The Importance of Listening.
a. What do you think those men who did not listen to Paul back in verse 10 were thinking as the ship was being torn apart by the wind and waves?
B) The Value of Trusting Him.
a. You never truly understand “Trust” until your life in on the line.
b. These men had a choice to make when Paul in verse 22 stood up and told them that an Angel of the Lord said no man’s life would be lost. All the circumstances around them said that they were going to die. These men did not see the angel that Paul referred too. To believe Paul was going to take a “Risky Faith.” They were going to have to Trust God.
C) The Necessity of Obedience.
a. What would have happened if they soldiers and ship crew had of obeyed the Word of The Lord? The ship would not have been lost!
b. 1 Sam 15:22: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” NKJV
Luke 11:28: “ But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" NKJV
John 14:23-24: “ Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me. “ NKJV
Clarissa wanted me in the room with her because she was scared and took comfort having her Father in there with her. We have many storms in life and not all of them deal with thunder, lightning and rain. If we are honest, we all want to feel our Heavenly Father near us during those storms. Someone has rightly said; “You are either in a Storm right now, You are just coming out of a Storm, or you are about to enter a Storm."
In Acts chapter 27, the Apostle Paul has been arrested for preaching the Gospel of our Lord and he is being placed on a ship with many other prisoners. He is being sent to Rome to stand before Caesar. He was in a storm, but nothing like the storm he was about to encounter.
Lesson #1: Our Heavenly Father will Warn Us of Approaching Storms.
Have you ever heard the Alarm of the National Weather Service? That has to be the most annoying series of beeps mortal man has ever composed. Today Meteorologists and Weather Service Alerts can warn us of approaching weather, In like manner, God warns our heart of approaching spiritual Storms.
In verse 10, Paul has an unsettling in his heart. The Holy Spirit burdens him, takes away his peace concerning the trip. Storms are out of our control, they are going to come. 1 Peter 4:12; “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;”NKJV Storms are coming and God warns us that they will.
Lesson #2 – Our Heavenly Father Will Extend Mercy During the Storm.
The shipmen did not heed to Paul’s warning of the storm and thus they put all 276 onboard in danger. However, God showed mercy even in the midst of the storm to those who messed up.
In verses 21-23, Paul says: “... "Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
How often do we not heed the warnings of God and find ourselves in the midst of circumstances that could have been potentially avoided? Not all storms can be avoided, but there are times that we face more than we had too due to disobedience and sin.
But even then…
A) God Often Extends Mercy Because We are His Children. (vs. 21-22)
B) God Will Send a Word of Encouragement. (vs. 23)
C) And we must Face the Consequences (vs. 22)
a. “…but only of the ship”
Vs. 38 says they had to throw all the wheat off the ship – their food. And by the time you read through verse 44, you find that the entire ship has been destroyed and the men are swimming to shore and floating on boards.
Our Heavenly Father will Warn us of Approaching Storms, He will Extend Mercy During the Storm and He Will…
Lesson #3 –Teach Us Valuable Principles in the Storm.
The other night when Clarissa wanted me to stay in the Living Room with her because she was afraid of the storm, you know what I did? I did what most every dad does, and I did it without even thinking about it, I began to teach her about storms. Most dads try to find teaching moments in just about every situation. I believe it is engrained in our DNA.
When you and I are in the midst of the Storms of Life, Our Heavenly Father Will teach us Principles that we may not ever learn any other way.
Such as…
A) The Importance of Listening.
a. What do you think those men who did not listen to Paul back in verse 10 were thinking as the ship was being torn apart by the wind and waves?
B) The Value of Trusting Him.
a. You never truly understand “Trust” until your life in on the line.
b. These men had a choice to make when Paul in verse 22 stood up and told them that an Angel of the Lord said no man’s life would be lost. All the circumstances around them said that they were going to die. These men did not see the angel that Paul referred too. To believe Paul was going to take a “Risky Faith.” They were going to have to Trust God.
C) The Necessity of Obedience.
a. What would have happened if they soldiers and ship crew had of obeyed the Word of The Lord? The ship would not have been lost!
b. 1 Sam 15:22: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,” NKJV
Luke 11:28: “ But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" NKJV
John 14:23-24: “ Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me. “ NKJV
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Anointed Life
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” NIV
Do you live the “Anointed Life?” The anointed life is a life lived under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. Take just a moment and think about the parallel Paul makes between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Holy Spirit.”
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 NIV
A man drunk on alcohol doesn’t get that way by watching their snazzy commercials on television. No, he gets that way by taking the first drink – that leads to another – that leads to another until his body because saturated with the alcohol. The more he drinks, the more the liquor takes control of him. Finally, the person becomes; “Under the Influence.”
It’s amazing what alcohol can make a person do. It can take a quiet, gentle man and make him loud, abusive and boisterous. I remember watching a family member who had a drinking problem when I was a small boy. When drinking alcohol, he often thought that he was Superman. It seems that most of my childhood, this loved one was either in a caste or in the hospital. The alcohol coerced him to ride on top of moving cars and even jump out a third story window. Alcohol can and will take control. Never forget this; Alcohol will control how you think, how you talk, how you act and how you walk.
Now understand this; what alcohol is to the Body negatively, the Holy Spirit is to your Soul positively!
When you allow yourself to be filled up with the Holy Spirit, He will take control! He will change the way you think, the way you talk, the way you act and the way you walk. He will make you more like the Lord Jesus. Instead of spending our time trying to change who we are, we simply need to concentrate of being – and staying – filled with the Holy Spirit! That is living the Anointed Life!
Jesus said; “it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you”( John 16:7). After Jesus arose from the grave and ascended back to His throne in Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us - who have received Christ as our Savior and Lord. The power of God lives and abides in the life of the believer. May we let Him take complete control!
Blessings to You,
Pastor Chris
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” NIV
Do you live the “Anointed Life?” The anointed life is a life lived under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit. Take just a moment and think about the parallel Paul makes between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Holy Spirit.”
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:18 NIV
A man drunk on alcohol doesn’t get that way by watching their snazzy commercials on television. No, he gets that way by taking the first drink – that leads to another – that leads to another until his body because saturated with the alcohol. The more he drinks, the more the liquor takes control of him. Finally, the person becomes; “Under the Influence.”
It’s amazing what alcohol can make a person do. It can take a quiet, gentle man and make him loud, abusive and boisterous. I remember watching a family member who had a drinking problem when I was a small boy. When drinking alcohol, he often thought that he was Superman. It seems that most of my childhood, this loved one was either in a caste or in the hospital. The alcohol coerced him to ride on top of moving cars and even jump out a third story window. Alcohol can and will take control. Never forget this; Alcohol will control how you think, how you talk, how you act and how you walk.
Now understand this; what alcohol is to the Body negatively, the Holy Spirit is to your Soul positively!
When you allow yourself to be filled up with the Holy Spirit, He will take control! He will change the way you think, the way you talk, the way you act and the way you walk. He will make you more like the Lord Jesus. Instead of spending our time trying to change who we are, we simply need to concentrate of being – and staying – filled with the Holy Spirit! That is living the Anointed Life!
Jesus said; “it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you”( John 16:7). After Jesus arose from the grave and ascended back to His throne in Heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to live in us - who have received Christ as our Savior and Lord. The power of God lives and abides in the life of the believer. May we let Him take complete control!
Blessings to You,
Pastor Chris
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