Hospitals…

The first church I served was West Corinth Baptist Church in Corinth, MS.  I wasn’t “fresh out of college” when I went there…I was “fresh in college.”  However, they called me as their part time Minister of Music and Youth.   The pastor was Wayne Campbell.  Bro. Wayne took the time to take me under his wing and teach me some valuable lessons about ministry.  I am sure I was much more trouble than I was worth, but I believe he saw some potential in me. J   One great lesson he taught me was how to make hospital visits.  More precisely I should say he taught me “to” make hospital visits.  He mentored me by taking me with him and I literally use those lessons on an almost daily basis.  Recently however, I was at the hospital in a different capacity.  I was there as a dad, not as a pastor.  Normally I am in and out pretty quickly, but on the day Alex was born we were there something like 19 hours straight.  Our lengthy stay gave me a greater sense of compassion for those who have extended stays, but it also afforded me the opportunity to experience something unique.  Every time a new baby is born at Methodist Germantown Women’s Pavilion, you hear the sweet opening strands of Braham’s lullaby being played over the intercom.   All day long it was a signal that new life had come into the world.  Shortly after 10:39 pm, we at last heard it heralding the arrival of Alexis Grace.  It was a precious sound.  Signaling the birth of new life is certainly not something new, in fact the scripture reminds us that when someone comes to know the Lord that heaven rejoices.  Let’s join in the celebration and do our part in helping folks experience “the Prince of Peace” this Christmas season.

“…there will be… rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”  Luke 15:7

Growing Older Has Pluses!

Growing up in the 60’s, commercial jingles were a way of life.   They reflected their times by being very light hearted and I guess, even a little corny.  However, they were catchy and had a tendency to stay with you.  I remember one for Double Mint Gum that always featured twins and a jingle that said “…double the pleasure, double the fun….”  That jingle could certainly be the theme song for the Lewis family these days as we finally are able to celebrate the arrival of granddaughter # 2 Alexis Grace Carver.  She was born on 11-12-11 at 10:39 PM weighing 6lbs 10oz and was 20 inches long.  She is already taller than her mom. J   I will tell you that so far, Riley is less than impressed with her, but we feel sure that this will soon change for the better.  There is plenty of love to go around and you know BoBo will not let either one of them feel slighted in the least.  Riley was especially concerned when her mother was holding the little one, so I scooped her up and headed down the hallway of the hospital trying to explain the situation to her.  I am not sure she was buying it, but at least it distracted her for a while.  Thanks to all of you who have been praying for Alex’s safe arrival.  So far we are 2 for 2 with grandchildren coming on the weekends.  I missed being with you last Sunday, but I was exactly where I needed to be.  It is a great time in life for us as we gather with our growing family and give thanks for all the Lord continues to do.  I am also thankful to be your pastor and don’t intend to let the grandparent status (x2) slow me down too much.  Growing older definitely has some pluses.

Amendment 26

Well, the results are in and it was not what many of us had hoped it would be.  I guess more precisely, I should say not what some of us had hoped it would be.  The “many” have spoken and Amendment 26 was soundly defeated.  I must confess that I went to bed on Tuesday night after hearing the returns feeling disappointed, discouraged, and quite frankly, a little disgusted.  I was disgusted with the voters of Mississippi who were so worried about the “what if?” that they did not choose to speak out on the “what is!”  For decades now, America has been ignoring the fact that life is precious and does begin at fertilization according to the Scripture.  The majority in Mississippi chose to do “that which was right in their own eyes” Judges  17:6.  I am also disgusted with myself and other pastors who perhaps did not speak out early enough, fervently enough, or clearly enough on this issue.  I am disgusted with politicians who seem to intentionally cloud the water.  I am disgusted with those who drafted the amendment for not wording it a little better in order to head off some of the opposition.  However, in the end I am reminded that the real battlefront is not at the voting polls, but rather in the human heart.  Our calling is to fervently and consistently point people to Him.  We must continue to speak out on issues that affect our world, but also we must speak about the One who
“…so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever   believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life”
John 3:16

Jesus is still the answer.

THANK YOU!

Many of you probably remember a television series that ran from 1983—1987 about a group of ex-military personnel who were on the run from the government because they were falsely accused of crimes.  Along the way, these “bad boys” (who were actually “good guys”) were always helping folks out of jams that required some muscle.  They were called The A-Team.  Their leader, Hannibal, had a favorite saying, “I love it when a plan comes together.”  I want to paraphrase that today and say, “I love it when a church comes together.”  Thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for helping us pull off another very successful Fall Fest.  We literally could not have done it without you.  The lines were long as usual at the Cotton Candy so I didn’t get to visit with many of you, but I knew you were faithfully (and frantically) working your station.   It was a great afternoon.  I had one teenage boy come by and ask the question of all questions,  “Is this all free?”  I took great delight it telling him, “Yes, it’s all free”, even as he reached out for some cotton candy.  Perhaps that is the greatest lesson our Fall Fest teaches…it’s an afternoon of “giving” on our part, not “getting.”

I also want to thank all of you for praying for me during the Mississippi Baptist Convention.  It was an awesome experience and I felt your prayers as I addressed the messengers on Tuesday afternoon.   You would have been blessed and so proud of our choir and orchestra.  They hit a home run and filled the sanctuary at FBC Jackson with songs of joy and praise as they led us to the throne. I’m glad to be back home and looking forward to what the Lord is going to do among us.

Because He lives,

Mark Manning… 10 Years Strong

October is a month for commemorations at DHBC.  A few weeks ago, we celebrated our 5^th year anniversary on the Getwell property.  In case you haven’t heard, the church answered the challenge of paying off the side note that day by giving some $27,000.  Now we can set our sites toward other needs.  If you have been giving regularly toward debt retirement, please continue to do so.  We will use it to whittle down our other obligations so that we can move closer to expanding our facilities.   However, there is another milestone we should pause to remember today.  Mark Manning is celebrating his 10^th anniversary as Minister of Music for the DeSoto Hills family.  Five of those years were at Carriage Hills and five of them have been at this location.  We are so blessed to have some longevity among our staff and a cooperation that helps us continue to move forward.  Bro. Mark is never satisfied with the status quo, but is constantly seeking to enhance our worship through the avenue of music.  For those of you who may be new to our family, I just want to let you know that Bro. Mark is a Mississippi boy who grew up in the Delta.  He is a graduate of New Orleans Seminary.  He and his wife Celeste (also a Mississippi delta native) have two children.  Lyle continues to work on his engineering degree from Mississippi State University.  Their daughter, Calland, is working on her degree at The University of Mississippi, a choice her father has learned to live with, even though he is a dyed in the wool Mississippi State fan.  Please join me today in thanking them for their years of service among us.  I pray that we will all be together for years to come.

Are We Quick To Judge?

When it comes to family meal, I’m normally the first one through.  Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t think I shovel it in or swallow my food whole, but when it comes to eating, I just stay at it and clean my plate in a rather timely fashion.  I know it’s probably not good for me and I should learn to slow down, but old habits are hard to break.  However, I have discovered in recent days that being the first one through does have some benefits.  I typically work my way into holding my granddaughter, Riley, while everyone else finishes their meal.  Of course, Jennifer has become an expert at eating while dealing with her, but the older Riley gets, the more she struggles to grab everything on the table.  So every chance I get, I scoop her up and we basically do whatever she wants, which typically involves taking a walk.  I am such a pushover.  Every so often our bonding time will be shattered by someone at the table declaring that it is “their turn.”    Aunt Jami is particularly fond of using that phrase and expecting me to hand her over.  Of course, these days it is pretty interesting to see Jami  (who is great with child herself) wagging Riley around.  We often laugh about what people who don’t know the situation must be thinking when they see them together.  Some mistakenly think Riley is her child and here she is having another one so soon…and no wedding ring. (It won’t fit on the swollen hands).  The truth is everyday we probably make assumptions about people or situations that are not based on all the facts.  Therefore, let me encourage you today to think before you speak, look before you leap, and maybe even do a little research before you judge.

Humble By Holiness

Many years ago this resolve from a young South African pastor came across my desk.  It was found on the wall of his hut after he had been killed because of his faith.  I am challenged and at the same time convicted by it.  You may have seen it, but it is one of those things that is worth repeating.

I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  I have Holy Spirit power.  The die has been cast.  I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I’m a disciple of His.  I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.  My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.  I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.  I don’t have time to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded.  I now live by faith, lean on His presences, walk by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

 My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, by guide reliable, my mission clear.  I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate in the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.  I am a disciple of Jesus.  I must go until He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until he stops me. AND, when He comes for His own, He will have NO PROBLEM recognizing me – my banner will be clear!

Humble by holiness,

Safe In Him

Ten years ago an event took place that has both literally and figuratively changed the landscape of America forever.  The skyline of Manhattan changed, of course and although rubble can be cleared and buildings replaced, the task of helping folks rebuild their lives after such a senseless act can be a much more difficult task.  In addition, when the walls came tumbling down on 9-11, it affected so many whose feet were not planted on a firm foundation.  On this solemn anniversary of that tragic day the bottom line is this… the message of the church is still needed.  Faith based organizations may not be an official part of the memorial service being held in New York City, but faith in Him is still the answer. You may not face a storm of the magnitude of 9-11today, however be assured storms are a part of life. We need to be ready for them and help others do the same.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.”  Matthew 7:24-25

Safe in Him,

Guidance From The Gym

It’s Monday morning and I have just returned from my workout at the gym.  For the past three years, this four times a week routine has been a part of my weekly schedule.  However, after all this time, I must confess that I still don’t really enjoy it.  I can still find a million excuses why I should just hit the snooze bar and stay in bed.  I rarely give in to the temptation, but it is constantly there.  This morning I considered staying in bed because I had driven an hour and a half after work to preach a revival last night and was going to be repeating that for the next three nights.   However, in the end I crawled out of bed and made it to the fitness center with others who had probably struggled with the same thing.  The gist of it is that the gym is a means to an end.  I don’t necessarily enjoy the means, but I love the result.  I like the fact that I have less weight and more energy than I used to have in addition to helping keep my cholesterol down.  It is a win win situation with only one major draw back…exercising is HARD.  This is also true in the spiritual realm.  Being a disciple of Christ is not all easy fun and games.  It requires commitment and at times, sacrifice.  But in the end, following Him always results in being good for us and bringing glory to Him.  The route may be tough, but the result is ultimately good.

 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him ENDURED the cross…” Hebrews 12:2

Some guidance from the gym,

Another Lesson From The Yard

It’s August.  A note to all of you “would be” gardeners… what is planted in the early spring when temperatures are mild and rainfall plentiful must be watered in the late summer when temperatures are hot and rain is scarce.  Although I am a yard enthusiast, every year about this time I start saying, “What were we thinking?”  This almost daily chore of watering stuff stopped being fun weeks ago.  To make matters worse, the record heat we have experienced this year seems to have drained the color right out of our flowers. They are fading away quickly.  In addition to that, one of my plastic watering cans decided to spring a leak.  At first is was a manageable leak that allowed me to keep using it, but as time went on, the leak got bigger.  I was literally running from pot to pot before the precious water escaped.  I would fill it to the brim only to have the water run out on the ground before it reached its intended destination.   It must have been a comical sight for anyone passing by.  I finally just pitched the thing into the recycling bin.  To be honest, there are times when I feel my soul has sprung a leak.  I am attempting to be a good vessel for the Lord.  I know there are dry and thirsty people all around me and I want to help them.  However, the needs are many.  Like Elijah, I sometimes feel the creek is running dry.   Maybe today you are experiencing a leak due to some area of disobedience in your life.  Perhaps like my watering can, the problem is a result of use and a harsh environment.   Thankfully the Lord does not discard us during these times.  He is more than willing and able to repair the leak and restore the vessel.

“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 4:13
Another lesson from the yard,