"Say It Ain't so!"

Say It ain't so! Tell me that on the eve of the celebration among Baptist Churches of the life and work of Lottie Moon, that the Georgia Baptist Convention didn't kick out one of our best known, mission minded, and Christ serving churches because they have a woman pastor! A few years ago, the First Baptist Church of Decatur was looking across our nation for a new pastor to lead their church as they moved forward proclaiming the gospel in the years ahead. Their search led them to call Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell as their new pastor.

Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell is an outstanding pastor. My wife, my daughter, and I have heard her on several occasions. We have witnessed the personal connection she has with her congregation. She is one of the best preachers that I've heard in Georgia and perhaps the nation. She brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and leadership to that historic church in Decatur, Georgia. That church is most fortunate to have Julie Pennington-Russell lead them during this challenging era.

Say it Ain't so! Have we forgotten the essence of Galatians 3:28 which declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, their is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Have we given up on the precious Baptist distinction of the "autonomy of the local church?" Are we replacing autonomy with conformity - Say it ain't so! I am proud to serve alongside both male and female pastors all under a larger umbrella which is described as the "call of God."

Lottie Moon was a courageous, determined, commited lady who would not take no for an answer. In February, 1873, after hearing a sermon entitled: "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest," she voluntered for missionary service. Her legacy is an outstanding one that stands as an example to everyone to go and share the good news of Christ. Lottie Moon spent her life as a missionary to China. Lottie Moon would face new challenges if she were alive today. It is doubtful that she could receive appointment from our Baptist body only because she is a woman.

I want young people today to know that God does call them for many places of service. If God should call them to be a pastor or a missionary, it is my hope that they will not be hindered by denominational politics or anything that would alter their service and devotion to follow God wherever that might lead. I'm proud of Lottie Moon, Julie Pennington-Russell and so many more who have given their lives to follow the "Will of God!"

"Staying Connected"

Some months ago, I was introduced to a young, energetic, outgoing, and personable businessman. He was serving as president of the McDonough Lions Club at the time. As I learned more about him, I learned that he was employed by Edward Jones. I must admit that I had never heard of Edward Jones before meeting my new friend. All of a sudden, I started seeing Edward Jones locations all over the place. As I traveled into a new city, there was an Edward Jones location. I started seeing television commercials for Edward Jones. This investment corporation was everywhere. In fact in 2009, this company was named by Fortune magazine on their list of the top 100 places to work. Interestingly enough, this company has been around a long, long time. They were created in the same year I was born which was 1955. How did I miss seeing this vibrant business located in so many places

My answer is that I never made any connection to this business until I met my new friend. It was through his identify and affiliation with this company that the words "Edward Jones" had any slice of meaning. When I drive through a city and see the words of this company, I think about my friend. Just maybe there is something important, significant, and worthwhile about making good connections.

I wonder how many people drive up and down Highway 138 going toward Stockbridge or Conyers. They pass right by Faith Baptist Church but what kind of connection do they make with this place of worship? If someone has a neighbor who attends this church, there is a connection and a relationship to build upon. If someone hears about someone who attends this church, a new connection is made. New connections are important if other people are going to find an entry point into a place that can enhance their faith and help them on their journey to know Jesus.

Connections are not only important as someone enters church, but we need to make connections if church is going to be something that can meet our needs and have staying power with us. Small groups like Sunday School can provide such a connection where relationship building can occur. Let us not minimize the vast importance of the connections we make.

Connections are important! You may be the only connection someone has to church or to faith in Christ this week! Don't take it lightly!

Do you ever feel burned out?

Do you ever feel burned out? Are there times when you just don't feel like there is any gas in your tank? Is your energy level at an all time low and you just don't feel like doing much? If so, take heart, because you are not alone. We all face this kind of feeling at one time or another.

It was graduation night and celebrations took place all over the community. I was awakened at 2:00 in the wee hours of the morning to witness a car that was on fire in a neighboring community just behind our home. As I looked at the burning car, it was difficult in the darkness to realize all that was happening. Although it happened on graduation night, it might not have any connection to graduation. I looked at the situation more clearly as the light of day came over us. Here was a car burned from the inside out.

This car sat in the same location for days. What do you do with such a piece of junk? It looked so bad I'm not sure a junk dealer would want it. After a few days, this burned up car was hauled off somewhere and somebody needed some new transportation. It's time to count your losses, put the past behind, and start over again!

Have you ever wanted to start over and you just didn't know how to do it? Where do I start and how can I get a new beginning in my life. At times, we feel worn, discouraged, alone, and noboby seems to care. We search for new direction and news that someone really does care. Just maybe we can start one day at a time to rebuild our lives over again. Focus on today and give it your best. Try to find good things happening in your life and in the lives of those around you. Leave the past and cleave to a new day full of meaning and purpose.

The good news is that we are not alone! Our God has walked where we walk and understand our pain and our struggles. It is here that we can find comfort, strength, and help! This is just a thought for those days when we feel all burned out!

"When Community Comes Together"

It was a busy day in May when a flurry of activity took place to put the final touches on the 32nd Annual Geranium Festival located at the historic square in McDonough, Georgia. Some were putting out directional signs while others directed early vendors and exhibitors getting setup around the square. This is a festive gathering sponsored by the McDonough Lions Club. The money raised goes to support local charity.


The morning was busy as people gathered from far and wide. There was an excitement about the Geranium Festival and seeing all the vendors. Geraniums were in full bloom and for sale. Strawberry ice cream was in great demand along with a host of other foods. You could get burgers, pizza, nachos, vegetables, and almost anything you could imagine. Over 400 vendors lined the streets around the McDonough Square with some of the most unique items you will ever see. The skies got dark and we feared that the rain would come, but fortunately the rain held off and it was a great day for such a gathering.


On such occasions, it's good to eat, shop, and browse the festivities. The greatest thing I observed that day was community coming together for a common good. They gathered for conversation and food, but there was a wonderful spirit that filled the festival. I've noticed that same feeling in such events like the Peachtree Road Race. Thousands and thousands of people are all focussed upon a common goal and enjoying the opportunity to be together.


We shouldn't take lightly positive times when we can come together and celebrate the great heritage and opportunities that are ours. Make the most of this day and every day. Make it count as you add blessings to the lives of someone you meet!

"Wow - I just can't believe it!"

One of the most stirring moments I have seen recently came while watching the segment: "Britain's got talent!" It is the British version of American Idol as Simon and the judges witness those who are coming out of obscurity in hopes of making it big. It is their big moment and they must make the best of it. A large number of the contestants become the laugh of the audience as they think they have more talent than they actually do.

I watched as Susan Boyle took the stage. Here was a plain, 47 year old, unemployed woman who seemed un-impressive at first look. Nobody in the whole auditorium expected anything big or impressive as she came to sing. As she began to sing, there was something wonderful that happened in that place. She had an outstanding voice and everybody was just stunned. It was one of the "Wow" moments in life when you just couldn't believe what you were seeing. It was amazing. In the end, Simon told this woman that she could go back to her village with her head held high, because she got three votes of yes by the judges. It was a spectacular moment and one she will always remember. From unemployment, she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Just maybe we give up too quickly on other people around us. Have we written them off thinking that they have little or no potential? Have we treated others like they are undeserving of their chance? Thank goodness that our Lord didn't write us off. He came to give us hope that we didn't deserve and could not earn. Our future is bright because our God cares for us.

Just maybe this week, we might look for ways that we can care for others. Let's give them a break and who knows --- they might just "Wow" us through the powerful and wonderful gifts our Lord has given them.

"Big Time Renewal"

There is something about the freshwinds of the spirit that moves us toward renewal and taking seriously the commitments of our lives. We need to spend some time and reflect on what is really important to us. Such times of evaluation and contemplation, can lead us to re-discover our own purpose in our lives.

I was amazed, refreshed, and uplifted by something I witnessed recently. Vince Skidmore, a former member of the greater Faith family in our church came to me one day asking if he and his wife could come back to Faith and use the facilities for the renewing of their Wedding vows. Vince and Darlene were married at Faith many, many years ago. Vince came with an enthusiasm and excitement. His level of excitement was virtually contagious! He had a date in mind, we looked at the date, and later added it to the church calendar. This was going to be such a special time as he and his wife would renew their Wedding vows in the same place of their marriage. Pastor Calhoun, former pastor of our church, would be coming back to perform the renewal ceremony. Everything was set except one important detail: Darlene didn't know anything about it. In their family, this would be the "secret" of the decade. He wanted this to be a wonderful, wonderful surprise and a great moment in their lives.

Vince checked back with us from time to time and had everything in place. He bought his wife a new dress and all the children were involved in the process. He rented a limo to come to their house on a Tuesday Evening and the limo stopped at our church. Darlene had no idea she was coming to our church and she certaintly had no idea about a renewal ceremony. It was a marvelous surprise! The church was full of family and friends. Everything was in place and every moment was planned. A reception was ready when the service ended in the church fellowship hall. The music began to play and the service began without a hitch. Vince had his guitar and even sang to his bride in the ceremony. They used the lighting of the unity candles to once again symbolize the commitment of their lives. Pastor Calhoun led them in a wonderful service of renewal and re-affirmation of their marriage vows together. After the reception, they left for supper in an Atlanta restaurant. What an Evening and what an experience!

I did not know the family very well and as I was present as a caretaker of the facilities. During the Evening, I was moved by such an act of compassion, love, and diligence. What a wonderful thing took place that Tuesday Evening.

These are days in Lent when even greater contemplation, renewal, and commitments can be made. Maybe it's time to re-evaluate why we do what we do. Maybe we can be led to prayer (talking with God) and ways to let God know just how important he is in our lives.
Get ready for renewal that can grip our lives and strengthen our relationships. There couldn't be a better time for renewal to come than right now!

"Shortcuts to Nowhere"

It was a Monday Evening when all seemed calm and a Ladies Group at Church was getting ready for their Monday Night Bible Study. All of a sudden, a lady traveling east on Highway 138 left the road and headed through our Church Yard. She was traveling at a high rate of speed and there were no signs of braking. Interestingly enough, just last year, a man left the road and destroyed our Church Sign. The new sign was moved due to impending road work and changes in the right of way. If the sign had not been moved, this lady would have blowed right through it.

She kept going and going and going. She barely missed the Fellowship Hall as she traveled past a Bradford Pear tree on one side and a light pole on the other. She continued across the field and ultimately ran into a tree that borders on a neighbors property. Immediately the calm Evening was replaced by the frenzy of a busy moment. Fire Trucks, Ambulance, and Police lights were lighting up the Evening sky. All of this because of a wrong turn and going in the wrong direction.

I can remember times in the past making wrong turns. I've traveled many miles out of my way simply because I was not on target. How blessed we are with the advent of GPS devices that help us along the way. Even with great devices and good directions, we can still get off the course of our lives. How many young people have you known that were blessed with potential only to mess up their lives and get sidelined by things that would get them off the course of progress?

If we are not careful, our lives can hit a snag and in the case of this lady - a tree. We are called to be alert, diligent, and watchful because we just don't know what is coming next. It doesn't take very long for a beautiful Evening to turn into one big mess.

Let's be open to new opportunities and so that we might not get off the track of what God has in store for our lives. These are exciting days to live and experience the freshness of God's love!