The SBC Blog

Do Not Be Led Astray

Deuteronomy 4:19 - "When you look to the heavens and see the sun, moon, and stars - all the array of heaven - do not be led astray to bow down and worship them. The Lord your God has provided them for all people everywhere under heaven."

When I read this passage I can't help but think about the solar eclipse that happened on August 21st. It amazes me at how much hype and media coverage this event received. I am not saying that this was an insignificant event, but I was surprised at all the hoopla. There were special eclipse shirts, donuts, moonshine, and the ever so important eclipse ISO 12312-2 glasses. People stood in lines for hours to get glasses; they traveled from all over the world to experience  two minutes of "totality." Schools let out, and the world seemed to come to a standstill during the actual event. People all across our nation were expectantly looking to the sky. Leigh Ann and I sat on our back deck and watched the event as well. It was what I had expected. The sun became smaller; it got darker and cooler. Then the sun got bigger and it became brighter and hotter. I thought about how this event captured so much of people's interest, time and money. I was reminded of this verse, and I wondered about how many people actually acknowledged the One who made this event possible. I also thought about Isaiah 51:13 - "But you have forgotten the Lord, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth."  I thought that it would be wonderful if people and media would give God the same publicity and focus as they did this event. As believers, we should be "looking to the skies" expectantly awaiting the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Until that day, let us make much of King Jesus in our lives, homes, and churches. Let us not forget the One who gives us life, abundantly and eternal.

God Bless
Pastor Chuck

Finding "It"

As I “pen” this, I have just returned from a week of vacation.  It has been a busy summer with a week of youth camp at Crossings followed by a week of Bible School.  Both were a spiritual blessing AND physically draining.  So, I was ready to have some time away.  It was good to get out of the routine and have some new experiences.  Many friends said, “Get some good food”, and “enjoy your time away”.  They also had recommendations for places to go at our destination.  We listened and planned with great expectations.  Then, expectations did not match reality for much of the trip.  The food was not great at the places we chose but the prices were still steep.  The weather was super-hot and muggy.  The mosquitoes seemed to enjoy our good ole Tennessee flavor, and the traffic was hectic.  I remember telling Leigh Ann that this trip seemed like a waste of money and time.  I was just reacting out of a feeling of emptiness.  It was discouraging to spend time and money and feel disappointed.  Then I found “it”.  “It” is the feeling of satisfaction, peace, and contentment.  “It” is that long, slow sigh of relief.  “It” is that moment of clarity and that feeling of well- “it”.  “It” wasn’t found in an expensive meal or at a tourist spot with other people purchasing tickets and adding on extra tickets for a better and more complete experience.  In fact “it” was found during our last night walking on a pier that was completely free.  It was sunset, and we walked along the pier with a slight breeze blowing.  The smell of the sea water was in the air, and the waves were rolling gently across the water.  The sky was painted with amazing colors, and I had my wife’s hand in mine.  It was at this location and during this time that I found “it”.  It is hard to describe but “it” is real.  Now the trip had a sense of fulfillment and I regretted not having more time to spend here.  It was when I found myself admiring God’s creation and reflecting on His awesomeness with my wife that I found “it”.  I am thankful for the vacation we had an opportunity to take and experiencing the blessings of God during our time away.  I pray you have many “it” experiences on your journey.  I close this time with the words of Jesus found in John 15:11 – “I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

God Bless,                                                                                                                                                                Pastor Chuck