Superman!!??

Superman!!?? I think not!  Ministry in this culture has taken a real toll on me in the past 30 years.  Oh please, I'm not the victim by any means.  I recognize mistakes I've made along the way and the ever changing attitudes, healthy and unhealthy in many churches.  Edward Bratcher wrote a book several years ago called The Walk on Water Syndrome.  He addresses some of the pitfalls in ministry.  He postulates two problems. 1.  People can put pastors on pedestals to only be let down when that "human" fails to walk on water, and 2.  Pastor's sometimes start to believe all the hype and get themselves in deep water and discover they cannot walk on water.  It's a frustrating venture to say the least.

There have been and are today some great ministers and preachers of God who are doing a fabulous job of reaching a lost and dying world.  God has richly blessed them.  I am, however, concerned about a new phenomenon of the "celebrity" pastor.  It is very real in the area I live.

I'm reminded of Matthew 20:21

"What is it you want?" he asked. She said, "Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom"

Wow, I suppose this has always been an issue for a long time when we cast our own will and desires into what we think ministry should be and including God in our plans as an afterthought.

I'm no hero by any means - I have learned my lesson.  I have been pastor to several congregations, both large and small.  All I want to do now is just serve Him everyday in whatever way HE wants to use me.

Oh, by the way -- concerning the above scripture verse...this mother wanted her sons to be equal to Jesus...Is that what a generation of "celebrity" pastors are doing?  Pastor friends of mine...come down from the left side and the right side and sit with me at the FEET of Jesus and let's learn of Him together.

Blessings,

Charlie W.

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: Becoming a Better Person

The mission statement for Zaxby's is one that carries over to more than the back of house and front of house, and as such it bears a closer look for me today.

"Consistently Create Encore Experiences That Enrich Lives One Person At A Time"

Every once in a while we get to participate in the BIG events in life.  You know those things that make a huge difference in one swoop. Oh, they don't come often, and for some of us, those BIG events just elude us completely.  "ENCORE" is a huge undertaking if we really grasp its full meaning.  We are asked to create this enormous task and do it consistently?

In over 30 years of ministry, I have always been overwhelmed with the responsibility of trying to enrich lives, create life altering experiences for people, and make a real difference.  It is and has been an exhausting task to say the least.

Today, I share a few nuggets with you that not only will enrich others, but we will also experience that "Encore Experience" if we put them into practice daily.

• It's the small events we create that make the real difference. (A sincere, encouraging word for example. Or maybe just being there for someone is all that is needed).
• Help the person who comes to do your job next. (It's the do unto others...teaching. Leave everything better than you found it).
• Swallow your pride! We're all on the same side.
• Attitude, Attitude, Attitude! It's contagious! (Both good and bad)

"Encore," what does that mean?  To me it means the best possible everything for the sole purpose of making lives better.  When we reach out to help others (to create encore experiences) a funny thing happens without realizing it.  Our lives are enriched, because we dared to make a difference.

Blessings,

Charlie W. 

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: Work with All Your Might!!

I continue my journey in ministry recognizing, of course, ministry is not limited to the pulpit of my church.  As a reminder to my few readers, I am a bivocational pastor who works at Zaxby’s.  Needless to say, there are many real life opportunities to do ministry while there 40 or more hours per week. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

I continue to learn much at Zaxby’s and really want to succeed.  The job, for me, is very physically demanding.  Sometimes it can take up to a day and a half for me to recover from a full shift in the kitchen.  I have truly learned to depend on God for strength on those tough days and continue to work at it with all my heart.

Honestly, there are times I feel so very inadequate doing something I have never done before. Especially, when there are those at work who remind me constantly of all the things I need to do better or “Charlie, you’re making progress but it will take you a few years to get to where you need to be.” It is very disheartening to say the least.  Then I am reminded of Paul’s word to the Colossians – “work for the Lord…  Do my best…Not for human praise…but for the Lord.”

A gentleman once wrote Marilyn vos Savant with a question about life. Ms. vos Savant is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records Hall of Fame for highest IQ, and has a regular column in Parade. This particular inquirer said his life was "more exhausting than he ever imagined" and wanted to know, "Is this normal?" Marilyn told him his life was indeed normal and then gave the following analogy about life. She said, "Much of the time, life is like going through the airport steering a loaded luggage cart with one bad wheel. Sometimes you just feel ridiculous, sometimes you actually look ridiculous, and sometimes all you can do is just try to push it in generally the right direction." (Parade, Oct. 12, 1997, p. 8)

So…What now?  I will march in the other room, get my shower, shave, put my Zaxby’s uniform on with my manager badge..go to work, smile…knowing I have an opportunity to honor my Lord by “working at it with all my might.”

You too, get up… stop pouting, and moping about your job…go show people Jesus in you…

Blessings,

Charlie W.

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: Fail to plan, plan to fail and all that jazz

The third “C” to success is Coordination – I learned at a very young age the importance of planning and getting organized to be successful in just about everything.  I remember the life-changing statement we all have heard throughout, well, almost forever.  “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  This has been the drumbeat in church administration since I can remember.  My denomination came up with “the church council” consisting of church department heads and pastor to plan calendars and committees, deacons, and the combination of both to plan direction and future for ministry, etc…back in the 70’s and 80’s.  Maybe it’s just me, but I never could get it to work effectively, and plans seemed to derail half the time. 

Of course, it’s a given, as you have guessed, I have relearned the concept of planning and coordination in my job at Zaxby’s.  I am a manager now, and it is especially important to be able to coordinate a plan that will produce the best results on the shift.  Sounds good, huh? Looks great on paper, huh?  I have seen and experienced writing down the lineup for a shift, placing the best possible people on stations, people that in normal circumstances are exceptional at their jobs, go haywire. Why? Was it because there was no plan in place? Maybe. Was it because the best people were not in the right places? Maybe.

There is one factor in this idea of planning and coordination to be successful. THAT IS FLEXIBILITY! 

 I learned that in over 30 years of ministry and now I’m reminded of it again that most days are not normal and people are ever changing and growing.  Coordination is not a static thing. It is dynamic (ever changing and moving). 

So!  Now what? How do we coordinate and plan?  Start out with a plan, and be prepared to adjust the plan along the way. Most importantly, and this is critical!  Involve people in the plan and help them to own it too.  All three "C"s must be in play at this juncture.  Communicate your plan, Encourage Cooperation and remember encouragement goes a long way!!

Besides, in the long run, God’s plan is ultimately the only great plan for our lives!

Trust Him today!

Charlie W.

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: "Together" is Not a Bad Word

We do indeed love our committees.  Years ago, I listened to arguments by committee members for over two hours to determine how much money the church should spend on flowers for funerals.  There was a motion to increase the amount by $10.00 early on in the meeting.  Needless to say the meeting was “mind numbing” with no real results other than hard feelings.  It’s no wonder people say and believe a committee of one gets more accomplished.  Hind sight is 20/20 and I have learned much through the years as I grew and matured in Christ. The basic problem in that particular meeting was there was no real mission statement to guide the actions of the committee to work together toward the same goal.  It was a meeting of several different opinions and trying to accommodate everyone’s preferences.

The second part to the “three Cs to success” is Cooperation.  Cooperation is critical to the work I do at Zaxby’s.  I am fortunate to work with some great people from different walks of life.  They all bring their own personality and experiences to the mix.  Do we all get along all the time? No.  Do we all agree on everything all the time? No. Does everyone like everyone at work? I would like to think so, but probably not.  So, what is it that brings about cooperation? I believe it is the continuous drum beat of the “ENCORE” culture within the Zaxby’s store. It is not something that is taught, but lived out daily. The mission statement for Zaxby’s is “Consistently Create ENCORE Experiences that Enrich Lives, One Person at a Time. 

At first glance, we assume the statement is totally directed to taking care of our customers, but that is only part of it.  There are so many opportunities to enrich lives of those we work with every day!  How does this work?  For me, it is consistently being an example to show others how it is done.  It is simple math 1+1=2; 2+2=4; 4+4=8, etc…We can teach others by being consistent ourselves.  Cooperation is working together toward the same goal – ENCORE Experiences that Enrich Lives…

It all connects for me in ministry, because is this not the way we share faith in Christ? BY EXAMPLE!

It is easy to cooperate with someone who is cooperative!

“Together” is not a bad word!

God is good all the time!

Charlie W.

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: HEARD

I have had so many experiences and have learned so much since March 31^st that it is difficult to know where to begin. 

Like many pastors and colleagues in ministry, I was privileged to further my education and complete college and seminary many years ago.  God has allowed me to pastor some wonderful churches, but through the years I had to relearn many things over and over again.  Early on in training to do my job at Zaxby’s, the General Manager shared with me three C’s to success: Communication, Cooperation, and Coordination.  Actually, there’s a sermon outline in there somewhere.  I’ll investigate that later…

This article will address the practice of communication.   There’s a practice in the kitchen at Zaxby’s that works really well when everyone is on board.  It is the practice of saying “heard.”  Here’s how it works: There are various stations where one person is assigned for a shift to complete a specific job. 

Example – George’s job for the day is to salt the pickles and he is on the “pickle station” and Susie is preparing the plates to be served to customers. A customer orders two dozen salted pickles.  Susie calls for the pickles and George says “HEARD.”  (Note: Zaxby’s at present does not serve salted pickles and there is no pickle station).

Since George heard what another has asked for and communicated that he heard the request, now he must act to fill the request. He then salts two dozen pickles and places that on the preparation table for Susie to fill the order. 

REQUEST IS MADE (communication)
REQUEST IS HEARD (communication)
REQUEST IS ACKNOWLEDGED (communication)
REQUEST IS ACTED ON (communication fulfilled)

If you are thinking at this point, this sure is silly, or you already know this stuff, you are probably right. However, I do have a point to make in this article.  Many people are crying out and making requests in our churches, our communities, and in our world.  Can we not say “HEARD” and either fill that need or point people to where their need can be met? 

Application: I have relearned how to really listen in the past several months!  HEARD!!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!

Charlie W.

Note: I will be cautious in these articles as to not inadvertently give away any trade secrets so I will make up fictitious stations, etc… (It’s not as though I’m entrusted with the secret recipe or anything that affects the national chicken industry – I just have a very strong respect and support the Zaxby’s brand). 

From the Pulpit to the Fryer: Introduction

It’s been almost ten months since I stepped away from fulltime ministry as a Southern Baptist pastor of more than thirty years. The following articles, beginning with this one as a way of introduction, is intended to encourage and challenge all of us who accepted and pursued that “calling” from God whether it be recent, many years ago, or maybe you are at the very beginning of your journey in ministry.  In any case, my focus is to honor God by sharing how He has stirred in my life a deeper sense of “calling” to ministry that goes beyond and reaches farther than the modern day pulpit. Calm down, and take a deep breath!  I am not saying there is no power or effectiveness in today’s pulpit ministry.  There are many spirit led preachers who faithfully proclaim God’s word from the pulpit every Sunday.  The preaching ministry brings the message of salvation to the masses every week. I, too, still preach from a pulpit every Sunday as a bi-vocational pastor.  Remember, I am writing to share with you how God has moved in my life to transition from where I was to where I am now.

In March, 2014 I began a new career in the food industry. I became a brand new 52 year old employee of Zaxby’s.  When I began there, I was terribly overweight and out of shape.  Needless to say, my first few months there were very painful.  But I just knew in my heart that was where God placed me.  I still remember the day I learned how to cook chicken fingers, and the franchise owner called me the “poultry preacher.”  We still get a few laughs when the title finds its way into conversation today. 

Through the years there have been powerful, life changing testimonies by those in ministry who have come from “the world” to the “pulpit.”  Those wonderful preachers who have had a past of sin that would make a sailor blush and now proclaim the Word of God from the pulpits of great churches.  However, God has moved me from the pulpit to the fryer!  How strange!  Did God fire me?  Absolutely not! I believe He promoted me to a time of renewal and much needed change in me and my family.  His tool for change for this “burned out,” “washed up,” “heart broken,” “out of shape,” “dying preacher”? Zaxby’s! 

Stay tuned for my next articles as I share those nuggets of wisdom in my training as I have moved “FROM THE PULPIT TO THE FRYER!”

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME,

Charlie W.

CHEESE!!!

There's an old story about a man who inherited a million dollars.  However, the lawyers had to hire private investigators to find the man who had disappeared many years before only to discover he was homeless and living on the street.  When they found him to give him the good news, he refused to believe it and did not accept the inheritance.

This is my last installment of the "Who Moved My Cheese" blogs.  I end it by discussing the "Cheese" itself.  As I said in an earlier post, "cheese" is different for everyone, but everyone is searching for it. (That which makes them happy and fulfilled).

I have been on a journey for over six months now and have gone through a gamete of emotions from anger to joy and from  fear to peace!  I'm healthier now with much needed weight loss.  The "maze" was very difficult to navigate and through it all, I rediscovered the "cheese."  The fact is it never moved or was taken by anyone. It was me!!  I moved and lost sight of that which brings me much happiness and joy.  I was like the man in the story, I became destitute and homeless and refused the inheritance that has always been mine and lost my joy because I lost my way.

My friends, that which brings me true joy and happiness and peace is JESUS!  Oh, don't get me wrong, I never lost my salvation or even my calling to preach the gospel.  I just allowed the world and people to dictate to me who or what I should be.  I tried to please everyone, and took it to heart when someone disapproved.  It was a long and slow journey to get to that point of no joy, but by the grace and mercy of God, through hard work (physical labor), and being humbled and most importantly waiting on the Lord, He has truly strengthened me.  My "cheese," is not working at Zaxby's, nor is it the church I attend.  My cheese is a strengthened relationship with Jesus, who is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!!

Soon, I will begin a new series of blogs titled, "From the Pulpit to the Fryer." It promises to be a good series!!

Have a great day,

CW

The Maze!!

It's been quite awhile since I have posted on here.  I have been utilizing Spencer Johnson's, Who Moved My Cheese, as a spring board for my blogs and what has been going on in the world of me.  Well, suffice it to say, I have been in "The Maze" looking for new "cheese."  It truly has been an "amazing" experience. (No pun intended, well maybe a little).  The maze to say the least has been extremely difficult to navigate.  There are rules and regulations that were not there the last time I ventured out as a young man.  Many of the paths have been boarded up, and some even have disappeared completely.  In the past several weeks I have cried many tears in frustration and fear.  All of this because of looking for "new cheese."  (I will discuss "the cheese" in my next blog) For now, however, here are some lessons concerning the maze itself:

1.  Any direction you may take effects others (family, friends, colleagues, etc...)  Life is not a "lone ranger" journey.  There will always be others who depend on you, and care about you.  Going down the wrong path to find "the ALMIGHTY cheese" is selfish and self-seeking and not always healthy.

2.  Expect signs in the maze that will deter you from selfish pursuits.  Eg. "You're too old," "You're too young," "You're over-qualified, etc...

3.  Life is hard and can be cold - But know there is also joy and real happiness.

4.  Never ever compromise your convictions for a piece of "cheese."

Well, my list could go on.  Suffice it to say it is an adventure and attitude is everything.  The most important thing I have been reminded of again and again.  DO NOT LOSE FAITH IN GOD!!  No matter how bad it may get, no matter how much I wanted to give up and sit down, God has been and is today the source of my strength and life.  YES, God is also in the "maze."

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  Psalm 119:105

Have a great day!  Happy Easter!

CW

"Yes, there is NEW CHEESE to be found"

Spencer Johnson, MD, Who Moved My Cheese, says "Imagining myself eating new cheese even before I find it, leads me to it."  A good friend of mine once told me that the best way to catch fish is to go fishing.  I know, I know...it sounds shallow, but there is truth in the statement.

Many times it is just easier to give up than to go through the trouble.  I think the biggest tragedy is to live out our lives unfulfilled.

The secret is this and it's no secret at all.  Jesus said, "I am the way..." (John 14:6).  My discovery as of late is this one fact...The "Cheese" (that which makes me fulfilled and happy) is not new or different.  It's the same, JESUS. Jesus never moved or disappeared.  It was me who allowed myself to take my eyes off "The Way."  I do not have to imagine myself eating "new cheese" even before I find it.  I have found Him.  And more importantly, Jesus has found me.

I now feast at the banquet table of the Lord everyday!  My "job" or "career" does not define me.  It is the fact there is a personal relationship, and I am getting stronger every single day.

Trust in the Lord always,

Have a great day,

CW

FREEDOM

The bible teaches us not to worry!  Worry can in fact slow us down.  I have preached many sermons on the subject.  The thing about preachers (unfortunately, most will not admit it) is fear is and continues to be a plague of unlimited proportions.  And it is easy not to practice what you preach, and it is especially true of the subject of worry.
Personally, worry has been a major problem for me and still is at times.  The fear of people not liking me has been a driving force for many years.  It's no wonder I have crashed on occasion.  The bible is very clear we are not to be "men" pleasers, but to please God in all we do.  God is teaching me much during my "sabbatical" and I certainly do feel blessed.  I am spending much more time with God and am so thankful for this time in my life.

Those of you who know me know I am a big sci-fi nut.  (Some would say I'm a big nerd).  I'm reminded of the Star Wars movies at this point.  Yoda said this: Fear is the path to the dark side.  Fear leads to anger.  Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.

Spencer Johnson, M.D., Who Moved My Cheese? says "When you move beyond your fear you feel free."

So I adhere to the following promises from God's Word.  If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31) and The Lord is for me.  I will not fear: What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6)

Guess what?  I am feeling more and more free every single day!!  How awesome is that for living life? God is working a marvelous work.  You just wait and see!!

Have a great day!!

CW

New Direction to Find "Cheese"

You have heard the statement and I have made it too, "Change for the sake of change is never a good idea."  Guess what?  I don't believe that anymore.  There are times, I believe, change for the sake of change may be good for the soul. 

Not too many years ago there was a movie about making "bucket lists."  Wow!  Just about everyone was making their list of things they wanted to do before they "kicked the bucket."  It was a popular trend for a few years after the release of the movie.  However, I never made one at the time.  I surmise that many who did were unfulfilled in their lives and found strength to accomplish things they have always dreamed of doing.  In some ways I guess it's selfish, but I don't think it is completely.  As I said earlier, I believe change can be good for the soul.  Henry Blackaby, in his book Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God, says, you cannot go with God and stay where you are.  It means more than just physically - it means there must be a transformation or as Paul states, renewing of the mind.

I have found my running shoes and fixing to head down those paths in the maze.  Oh, I know I will not be by myself.  God is leading me to fulfillment and joy.

On my mark, get set......I'll keep you informed...

Have a great day,

CW

"Smell the Cheese Often"

"Smell the cheese often so you know when it's getting old."  I had always thought of myself as innovative and open to knew and "cutting edge" ideas.  Wow, when did I get old? Not in years, but ideas and methodology.  I never saw it coming because my "cheese" was gradually shrinking and getting old and one day it was gone.  What was left was the smell of "moldy," "old," and "rotting" "cheese." 

Sometimes in life many of us, myself included, become comfortable with the status quo and accept things the way they are and always have been.  I took my eyes off that which has always brought me joy and everything changed when I looked again.  I should have saw the signs a long time ago.  Oh, I'm not beating myself up over this change, I am looking for my running shoes to get back out into the maze of life and begin searching for that which will bring me joy and I can make a difference.  Mazes are filled with many dead ends, but there are those pathways that go forever.  I'm glad I have Christ in my life because God's word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Ps. 119:105. 

2013 was a year of change - 2014 will be a year of discovery. 

Have a great day,

CW

"Who Moved My Cheese" 4

Fear can be debilitating to say the least.  It can lead to all kinds of problems in one's life.  Anything from fear of failure to fear of succeeding can freeze us in our tracks.  I have to confess there have been times in the past few months where "fear" was and still is at times overwhelming.  I have found myself very much afraid of the "what ifs."  What if I cannot find a job? What if I made the wrong decision?  What if I'm a failure?  What if I cannot recapture my self worth?  Then I am reminded there is nothing to fear except God and God says he will never leave me.  I take comfort in those words.  Change has brought about many emotions for me.  Some days I am at peace, but there are those times when I am anxious to the point of explosion.  Through the tears of fear I can see great possibilities for my future.  I covet prayers and pray continuously for God's comfort and strength. 

By the way, today is a good day!!  Going to get up and get dressed and meet my brother for lunch.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Have a great day!

CW 

"Who Moved My Cheese" 3

I have never been one who advocated "change for the sake of change."  With that said, I am reminded of Albert Einstein's definition of insanity, "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." 

This has been a time of sincere self reflection for me.  These are some things I have discovered:

1.  I cannot force others to change to suit my ideal person.
2.  Listen more and talk less.
3.  My opinion may be valid, but not everyone has the same opinion.
4.  Most importantly, trust God in all circumstances.  I'm not superman.

These are just a few of a long list, and there is one more thing that is so very important.  It doesn't matter what strangers think of me as long as those whom I love and care about love me and accept me with all my quirks. 

Now for the change.  I want to be more like Jesus before I disappear into the crowd. 

1.  Really really love God with all my heart and mind.
2.  Really really love others as myself.
3.  Always exhibit an attitude befitting of being Christ-like.
4.  Stop complaining to others about everything.
5.  Work on the fruit of the spirit in my life.
6.  Finally, let others see Jesus in me.

Change?  Yes!  With God all things are possible.

Have a great day,

CW

doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins133991.html#GpIRTyRCH7Ko1V6l.99

doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alberteins133991.html#GpIRTyRCH7Ko1V6l.99

"Who Moved My Cheese" 2

Like most, I have lots of "stuff" and have learned in almost 52 years how unimportant my "stuff" is to me.  Oh sure there's the comfort and sometimes security my stuff provides, but when it's all said and done, it's just "stuff." 

I have worked endlessly trying to protect, not "stuff," but my ministry.  I have held onto it tightly and spent much of my time trying to defend it and myself.  Now I can look back on it and know how foolish I was to think it was mine from the beginning.  I found much comfort and security in the role of pastor.  I liked the "position."  Many times I would look in the mirror with pride as though I was doing God a huge favor by being a pastor.  Yeah, yeah, I knew in my head that ministry belonged to God, but I still tenaciously held on to the role.  "Mine, mine, all mine!" 

I believe God placed a calling on my life, and it is still alive, but it's not well.  God has benched me for awhile.  I pray daily for forgiveness and maybe someday I will humbly find better "cheese."  May I be more submissive to His will and direction in my life.  Thank you, Lord for your patience and love.

Have a great day!

CW

"Who Moved My Cheese"

One of my favorite books is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D.  It addresses the issue of change in one's life.  The next several posts will be reflected in my blog concerning change.  I recently made a huge change in my life and stepped away from the "career" pastorate.  For 30 years I found tremendous joy as a pastor.  It was my "cheese."  I suffered at the hands of members in such a way that caused great distress and regardless of my best efforts, joy began to disappear.  My "cheese" was slowly disappearing. 

Not too long ago, I too, went to the station where there was ample supply of "cheese" for many years.  "WHO MOVED MY CHEESE?"  It was gone.  My "happiness" had vanished.  Oh, it wasn't a quick "here today, gone tomorrow" event.  It was a slow process.  So now I have to find new cheese, and I find myself in the maze searching through tearful eyes and a broken heart.  Oh please don't feel sorry for me because I know my Lord has never and will never leave me nor forsake me.  Encourage me to have courage to strap on my maze running shoes and run the race I know my Lord has set before me.  Once my wounds are healed and my faith is strengthened I will proclaim the gospel.  I may not be a pastor, but my calling is sure as any born again believer in Jesus Christ.  "Go and tell, make disciples." 

My prayer for today, Dear God - show me where the "cheese" is and I will go there.



Have a wonderful day, I know I will --

CW

In God We Trust

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...I was thinking the other day about the impact of the "government shutdown."  I was thinking about those "little" phrases such as "for the people, by the people" and some of the basic tenants of democracy.  I remember as a child through my early 20's how secure I felt with "capable" people we placed in office to look out for the well being of our nation.  I remember believing those "patriots" would sacrifice their own agenda to do what was best for the country.  Clearly, that's not the case and a hard reminder for us all.  People will disappoint. 

However, I still believe "in God we trust," "one nation under God," and I know God is on His throne.  I take comfort in that very fact.  I know God will never ever let us down.  The bible teaches us we are to "walk by faith" daily.  Joshua challenges us to "choose this day, whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we are going to serve the Lord."

Trust God, He will never disappoint!!

Have a great day,

CW

My Most Comfortable Chair...

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...After several years of being without one, I now am the owner of a recliner.  It's really nice and comfortable.  I try not to sit in it during the day because I tend to fall asleep in it.  Well, I've only had it for a little over a year, but it's where I sit in the evenings.  We do enjoy our luxuries and comforts in life, huh? 

Unfortunately, that carries over to our "Christian" life as well.  It's easy to be a Christian as long as we "do it" on our terms.  Nice buildings, comfortable seats, heating and air.  We can go and sit and watch the "show" on Sundays.  If we don't like the preacher or music is not our flavor, we can just shop around until we find something that's going to keep us comfortable. 

For the past few weeks I have been really heart broken over our brothers and sisters in Christ being martyred for their faith in other nations.  Can you believe it? People are still being killed in 2013 because they are Christian.  Folks, we are going to have to get off our backsides and get down on our knees and pray, pray, pray.  Let's get out of the cushy "Christianity" mindset and "comfortable gospel" and proclaim Jesus Christ in our culture.  God wants our best, not our leftovers.  Pray diligently for our brothers and sisters around the world. 

Remember:  For God so loved the world...We do not have a monopoly on salvation.  I believe there is a real possibility, we too may some day deal with the loss of life and church buildings because we have taken up the mantle of Christ.

Pray, Pray, Pray...

CW

Where oh Where Were You...9/11/2001

The Ponderings of an Everyday Guy...I'm a day late with this posting, I just wasn't settled on what could be said that hasn't already been said concerning that fateful day. 

Where was I when I first heard the news?  I had just finished teaching my first class of the day at Spartanburg Methodist College and caught the news on the first tower and while watching I saw a second plane crash into the second tower.  There was a tv mounted on the wall just outside the professor's lounge.  All of us who were living then remember where we were when we heard the news.  I remember the events that followed the next week and the pictures displayed of the hijackers.  I remember our nation's leaders standing together (democrats and republicans) arm in arm. 

Twelve years have passed by now and our world has never been the same since.  However, I hold on to the fact as much as our nation and the world changes, and we may not feel as secure as we once did.  GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE!! JESUS STILL DIED FOR OUR SINS!!  JESUS WILL COME BACK AGAIN!! And I still preach the Gospel Message from the same Bible I did before 9/11/2001 and will continue to do so until the Lord takes me home.

Good News!  Our God Still Reigns!!

Have a great day!

CW