Waiting and Trusting

I have been thinking about my daughter Meri. Meri is in the window to give birth to her second child, our sixth grandchild, and second grandson. She is well on the way. Marlane and I sit patiently waiting for “the” phone call. Okay, I sit and wait but not patiently. Every time my phone vibrates, rings, chimes (for a text or voicemail), I immediately check the caller ID. When I see it say “Meri Arthur,” the adrenaline flows, heart rate increases, and I scramble to see what the message or word is from the expectant daughter. In fact, my heart is racing right now!

I cannot wait for that moment when we head to Las Colinas Medical Center with the family…two grandfathers and grandmothers, along with aunts and uncles, to see the birth of a baby boy. Even my daughter, Meri, is ready but reminds me again and again…”We don’t have control, Dad.”

I is comforting that no matter how much we believe we are in control, or even think we are, events such as a birth of a child reminds us who is in control. Let me clarify, even with planned procedures for moms to have babies (inducing labor, c-sections, etc.) we do not know the exact time of a birth till the baby takes his or her breath. So then, let’s face it, being in control is one thing that many of us want or practice.

However, in times like these, it is comforting to know that God is in control. It is comforting to know that no matter what, God is in control. God calls us to trust Him in all things; easier said than done. Yet, may we remember Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

It will be great when our grandson, Frank IV, Li’l Tankie, arrives, but in the mean time, I will trust. In the mean time your life, I hope you will trust.

Grace and peace,

Jack

Whatever You Do!

Yes, we are in the season of resolutions and I declared in a round-about way this past Sunday that Colossians 3:12-17 is a prescription for a resolution of our lives. When Paul the Apostle says, “Whatever you do, in word and deed, do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” I believe he is stating the template to bring long-lasting resolve that is transformation of our lives.

Reflecting on this template recently made me realize two ministries that Marlane and I participated in our marriage that brought about long-lasting resolution (not saying these two are the only ones or the cure-alls of our relationship, nor we practiced them continually in our lives). Furthermore, these two ministries affirmed what I experienced as a Master Chief in the Navy, as a pastor in the United Methodist Church, and as a husband for almost 37 years. These two ministries helped resolve the relationship struggles caused by two major areas, namely financial difficulties and marriage communication difficulties. I believe that these two major reasons for couple and family struggles which in turn affect the wellbeing of both our society and our churches.

In order to address the financial difficulties, the first ministry is becoming a proponent of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. I discovered that those who understand the biblical precepts for financial management and giving, and place them into practice, experience financial peace. This financial peace positively affects a couple’s relationship and the dynamics of the associated family, church, and society, one family at a time.

By the way, a Financial Peace University class is beginning again on Sunday, January 11th, for 13 weeks at the church and it truly blesses those who participate. You still have time to sign up with Duane Boone at 940.783.3850. Give him a call today!

In order to address the marriage communication difficulties, Marlane and I discovered a long time ago the effectiveness of Marriage Encounter. A Marriage Encounter weekend away applies biblical precepts of communication and gives the marriage partners the insights and tools to truly communicate with one another out of love. This ministry was just what the doctor “Jesus” ordered for our lives some time ago. We enjoyed the time away from our kids and spending one-on-one time with one another. We found that when we communicate with one another in effective and loving means, life is so much better. The encounter of Christ in our encounter with one another helps us solidify our marriage together with Christ.

By the way, a Marriage Encounter Weekend is coming up February 20-22 in Dallas. Call me today about the weekend at 214.212.6090 and/or see more information in this newsletter.
I guess what is on my mind is this, “Whatever we do, in word and deed, may we do it in the name of the Lord Jesus” and I guarantee you that you will have resolve and transformation in your life.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Jack

First Sunday After Christmas Devotional December 28, 2008

Connected Each Day
John 15:1-17

[Jesus said]"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. — John 15:5 The Message

This may be the case for you – the Year 2007 moved by so quickly. I just got comfortable with writing the date, celebrating the birthdays and anniversaries of the year, and another year is two days away. The first day of the New Year is around the corner.

Yet, is not each day the beginning of a new year? It was once said, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and today may be the last day of your life.” Yes, each day is the beginning of a new year for each of us.

This was true for my dear mother. Even when life was hard and waning, especially in her last few months, she would always approach each day as the first day of the rest of her life. She lived by the psalmist’s words, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

My mother took on each day by connecting to Jesus, The Vine. She knew to nurture her relationship with the Vine to remain spiritually healthy, bearing fruit, regardless of the weather of life.

What an example to follow.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the vine of my life. This being the first day of the rest of my life, may I begin it with remaining connected with you. Amen..

Thought for the Day

What spiritual discipline does God call me to practice to stay connected beginning in my New Year?

Prayer Focus: People developing spiritual disciplines.

Advent Devotion for December 21

Save Me

Matthew 1:18-25

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21 NIV

I still remember the day my wife and I went and saw the motion picture “The Notebook” in the theater. It was a difficult movie for me when I discovered it was about a wife who struggled with dementia. As my wife and I looked on, we saw my mother and father’s situation but in a role reversal to the characters.

While my family and I looked through our parent’s household effects after my mother died, I discovered the reason why my dad wrote a book about his life. It was not only for his family but it was his own Notebook for memory.

One of the chapters in his notebook described his struggles with faith (his young father died on Christmas Eve when Dad was fourteen). He wrote, “I tried to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior many times and I never had any lights or sirens go off or a drastic change in my life.” I responded to my dad, “Dad, accepting Jesus as your Savior is only necessary once. There were no lights or sirens when you came to Christ because there wasn’t very much God needed to change in you.” He gave me a big smile and hug.

I believe he silently read his Notebook to capture his faith, because Dad knew the Babe in the Manger who saved him from his sins.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being the Babe who is Savior in my life. Amen.

Thought for the Day
Who needs to hear about the babe in the manger who saves ?

Prayer Focus: People who lost a loved one around Christmas

Devotional for Third Sunday of Advent, December 14th

He Dwells Among Us

John 1:1-5, 14

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14 NIV


I will always remember the day my eighty-nine year old father, suffering from vascular dementia, came to visit my family and me for the last time before he died. He was a retired private pilot and RVer who traveled all over the United States. When he arrived at the DFW International Airport this last time, he had no inclination where he was; a location he frequented many times past.

The whole stay was difficult for him. His once familiar surroundings were now strange to him. Only after one hour or so being awake, did he recognize his wife, my wife or me. Dementia is so devastating for all.

During that stay, I drove my father and mother to the church I served to give them the opportunity to see the baby grand piano they donated in memory of my sister. Dad, in a rare lucid moment stood over mother’s shoulder as she played Jesus Loves Me. He sang along with her with tears on his cheeks, declaring that day, Jesus dwells among us! Emmanuel!

Prayer: Emmanuel, no matter what my state of mind, I know You are with me. Amen.

Thought for the Day
How can I help someone see and feel the presence of Emmanuel?

Prayer Focus: People suffering with dementia

Advent Devotion for December 7th

Whom Shall I Fear?
Luke 1:47-55
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. – Luke 1:50 NIV

The man came to the church office with fear in his eyes and he wanted to see a pastor. As I led him into my office I did my normal safety checks with people coming off the street who I did not know.

As we sat down, knowing the gentleman was high on drugs, he began to tell me his story with tears rolling down his face. I realized that he was a man who was desperate for help from God. He admitted he was high and he was running on the wrong path to destruction. He was afraid of what was happening and he said that he just felt his truck pull into the church parking lot.

He realized that he only had one thing to fear and that was fear of the Lord. He knew that he had run from God for too many years and it was destroying his life. At that moment, the prodigal came to his senses and rededicated his life to Jesus Christ. At that moment, he realized the necessity of the fear of the Lord, not a scared fear, but a reverent and obedient fear.

At that moment, one man came home to his Lord whose mercy and grace extends to those who fear Him.

Prayer: O Lord, help us who follow you fear you out of reverence and obedience this day and throughout our lives. Amen.

Thought for the Day
Who is God going to place in my presence who needs to fear the Lord?

Prayer Focus: Those who need to meet the Savior and Lord

Advent Devotional for November 30th First Sunday of Advent

He Gave His Word
Isaiah 11:1-11
The life-giving Spirit of GOD will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding, The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-GOD. – Isaiah 11:2 MSG

I still remember how disappointed I was when I discovered that my father was not perfect. I saw my father as God in my young life, one who never made mistakes. Even though I cannot recall the circumstances, I know that I was shocked and devastated.
However, that did not affect my love for my father. My dad always kept his word. I do not ever recall a time when my dad never followed through on a promise, whether it was a punishment for my bad choices or behavior, or rewards and accolades for good behavior. If my dad said he would do something for his family or a friend, he always followed through.
I must confess, along with many of us, that it is difficult to keep a promise like my father. In fact, our society seems to live on broken promises. Yet, we have God our Father who will never leave or forsake us, for “the life-giving Spirit of God will hover over [us].” That is the Spirit of a Promise-Keeping God.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to keep the promises I make to you and to others. May I learn to follow through. In Jesus name, Amen.

Thought for the Day
Where is God calling me to make and keep a promise today?

Prayer Focus: People who break promises