What a joy as rain returned to North Texas this week. The effect of this blessing is felt universally - both to nature and to us - and we are certainly grateful for this needed nourishment.
Today I sit in my study putting the finishing touches on my message for tomorrow. One that will focus on a Third Core Value of our church - that of Learning About God through the study and application of His Word. As I think about this, and gaze out my window, I cannot help drawing a parallel with what I am witnessing in nature. Precious rain upon a parched earth is incomparable as to effectiveness. Likewise, the same may be said concerning the effect of God's Word when read, studied (meditated upon) and applied to the lives of His children.
The Psalmist wrote,
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." Psalm 1:1-3
Belinda awakened early this morning and blessed our household with a feast of scrambled eggs, fresh biscuits and a variety of fruits to enjoy. It is nearly noon, now, and I am still satisfied. How many mornings have I grabbed a bagel, a roll, or simply rushed down a cup of coffee only to find myself back in the kitchen in a hour or less, scrounging around for something more? But not today! I am totally satisfied.
My prayer for life is that I will feast on the table prepared for me by God - one founded in Christ and nourished by time in His Word.
Till Sunday, then
Pastor Sam
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
The Peace of God, from Brasil
The peace of God comes to us in diverse ways. Sometimes I witness this in the sheer magnitude of His power, as mountains are moved and strongholds are broken down. But, at other times, His peace is revealed to me personally, in the calming of my spirit, or shall I say an overriding sense that comes as I am about my duties, my day, or involved in worship.
Last night such peace flooded my soul. The worship team was leading preceding my message, and they led us in a song that brought to me a wonderful sense of the deep blessing of God. The song was about the 'blood of Jesus" and it sang in Portuguese, "Sangue de JESUS." As I repeated these words, and thought about the cleansing power of God brought to be by the precious blood of Christ, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and ushered into the very presence of Christ through my own worship of Him. In that moment I forgot about the cares of my day and of the worries and concerns of the mission we were on. I forgot about the size of the crowd, even my own message I was about to bring, and found myself in the very arms of Christ expressing my own love and gratitude back to Him.
Today it is Saturday and I am yet in Brasil. A festival is occurring in our village. People are on the streets and there is hurry everywhere, but I am rejoicing that my Saviour has me in the palm of His hand, and that 'nothing can pluck' (John 10:28) me out of it. His blood is sufficient for my sin, and, for the sins of all who call upon the name of LORD. I have been bought by His great price - His sacrifice, and nothing can separate me from His love.
Where are you today? Perhaps you are traveling and far away from home like me. Or, perhaps you are right in your own home, concerned over the worries and the hurriedness of your day. Look to Christ! See how great a Saviour He is and know the peace with God that only comes by turning your life to Him so that that you might experience the peace of God by living a life in Him.
Last night such peace flooded my soul. The worship team was leading preceding my message, and they led us in a song that brought to me a wonderful sense of the deep blessing of God. The song was about the 'blood of Jesus" and it sang in Portuguese, "Sangue de JESUS." As I repeated these words, and thought about the cleansing power of God brought to be by the precious blood of Christ, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and ushered into the very presence of Christ through my own worship of Him. In that moment I forgot about the cares of my day and of the worries and concerns of the mission we were on. I forgot about the size of the crowd, even my own message I was about to bring, and found myself in the very arms of Christ expressing my own love and gratitude back to Him.
Today it is Saturday and I am yet in Brasil. A festival is occurring in our village. People are on the streets and there is hurry everywhere, but I am rejoicing that my Saviour has me in the palm of His hand, and that 'nothing can pluck' (John 10:28) me out of it. His blood is sufficient for my sin, and, for the sins of all who call upon the name of LORD. I have been bought by His great price - His sacrifice, and nothing can separate me from His love.
Where are you today? Perhaps you are traveling and far away from home like me. Or, perhaps you are right in your own home, concerned over the worries and the hurriedness of your day. Look to Christ! See how great a Saviour He is and know the peace with God that only comes by turning your life to Him so that that you might experience the peace of God by living a life in Him.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Romans 15:13
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Indeed,
Pastor Sam
Friday, July 20, 2012
From Brasil
Since the summer of 2007, missing none but one, I have been privileged to travel to Brasil and work with our ParkwayHills Foreign Mission Partnership, called P-70. This partnership of our church is for the purpose of planting and strengthening Baptist churches in the state of Minas Gerais, and we work here with a missionary and friend whom ParkwayHills supports -Jairo Campos, the ministries founder. The region of Minas Gerias that we cover is huge, and over 20 churches have been planted by our efforts since we first began. It is a wonderful work, one well worth our support.
This year we are working in 2 new cities. These cities, which form the seat of 2 municipalities (counties) are small in terms of size, with populations within the cities themselves of less than 3,000 persons - but... the cities are growing. Their names are Itacambria and Francisco Dumont, and neither of them have an evangelical church faithfully sharing the gospel. Our sister church - started by Jairo - is actually traveling to these cities on a weekly basis, in an effort to win some adults to Christ, that they may be the beginning of a new church plant. In other words. this is a 'from the ground up' work we are engaged in.
We have several teams working with us in reaching these two cities. There is a visitation team, which this year features our own Glenn Sampson and Carla Cox, along with others. And there is also a Vacation Bible School team, which is led by Debbie Irons and also has Claire Davenport and Taylor Dennis Butler, my daughter, as key leaders/teachers. Dave Davenport is our logistics person this year, and he has been a major translator for me and others as we have witnessed to persons on the street and in the market.
In the afternoons we divide into two groups, and travel to villages in outlying areas of the municipalities - most of which have less than 1,000 persons, and often less. In these villages we 'round up' the children by passing through the streets with music, games and Bible Stories, and - of course - with clowns. Then, if a crowd of adults are gathered, as well, I or another Norte Americano will preach. In the evening we hold evangelistic services, and I am privileged to preach in these. Already we have seen over 200 persons come to faith in Christ, as a result of these efforts, and we give praise to GOD.
Pray for our continued safety and success as we complete our work in these villages. Then, pray for us as we travel back to Montes Claros, where we will participate in a service, which will be the 'admission' of our ParkwayHills mission, the P-70 Church of Montes Claros, being admitted into the Baptist Association of Churches for Minas Gerais, as a fully accredited and participating church within the Baptist Convention of Brasil. It will be a great day for ParkwayHills, and for P-70, in completing this step.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Sam
This year we are working in 2 new cities. These cities, which form the seat of 2 municipalities (counties) are small in terms of size, with populations within the cities themselves of less than 3,000 persons - but... the cities are growing. Their names are Itacambria and Francisco Dumont, and neither of them have an evangelical church faithfully sharing the gospel. Our sister church - started by Jairo - is actually traveling to these cities on a weekly basis, in an effort to win some adults to Christ, that they may be the beginning of a new church plant. In other words. this is a 'from the ground up' work we are engaged in.
We have several teams working with us in reaching these two cities. There is a visitation team, which this year features our own Glenn Sampson and Carla Cox, along with others. And there is also a Vacation Bible School team, which is led by Debbie Irons and also has Claire Davenport and Taylor Dennis Butler, my daughter, as key leaders/teachers. Dave Davenport is our logistics person this year, and he has been a major translator for me and others as we have witnessed to persons on the street and in the market.
In the afternoons we divide into two groups, and travel to villages in outlying areas of the municipalities - most of which have less than 1,000 persons, and often less. In these villages we 'round up' the children by passing through the streets with music, games and Bible Stories, and - of course - with clowns. Then, if a crowd of adults are gathered, as well, I or another Norte Americano will preach. In the evening we hold evangelistic services, and I am privileged to preach in these. Already we have seen over 200 persons come to faith in Christ, as a result of these efforts, and we give praise to GOD.
Pray for our continued safety and success as we complete our work in these villages. Then, pray for us as we travel back to Montes Claros, where we will participate in a service, which will be the 'admission' of our ParkwayHills mission, the P-70 Church of Montes Claros, being admitted into the Baptist Association of Churches for Minas Gerais, as a fully accredited and participating church within the Baptist Convention of Brasil. It will be a great day for ParkwayHills, and for P-70, in completing this step.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Sam
Friday, July 6, 2012
Mayberry, Andy Griffith and Fourth of July
The news this week that Andy Griffith had passed away brought a flood of memories to my mind. Memories of my own family, life in they early 60s, and the lone TV sitting centered in our Living Room and from which perceptions for our day and time were fed. My nostalgia was so strong that Belinda and I unpacked a DVD featuring a few of the old "Andy Griffith Show" episodes - and played it through the family room TV throughout the day. Andy was 86, and his passing has marked myriad of comments - especially from my generation - concerning the character's he portrayed, the man he was and the times he seemed to represent. As far as the 'Andy Griffith Show' was concerned (CBS, 1960 -68), each story - presented through the comically natural, homespun humor of characters from the fictitious town of Mayberry, North Carolina - brought a simple but poignant message of love, kindness and the ways of encouragement. They (Andy and the Gang) helped us laugh at the presumption of our own circumstance, and left us with a hope that good guys really can win - not just in Mayberry, but in our own life and town too.
Now this week we also celebrated our nations 236th birthday - and I wondered, how can it be possible that 36 years have passed since our nation's Bi-Centennial? And, more, what do the youth of our nation think of that past event now? Do they think of 36 years ago as ancient history? Could that be? The answer, I realize, is 'yes' - today's young are no different than I was when I used to listen to my High School History Teacher tell of the Great Depression, which, by the way, preceded my Sophomore year by the same span of time - 36 years.
And what does all this say to me, now? Well, I suppose it says in the very least that 'story' is important. Even more, it says that the 'why' of our story is important too. Passing to each generation there must be those cherished parts of our story that are true and honest. Both the good and the bad. Today, as I reflect on past times - both the Andy Griffith part of America and the deeply-rooted prejudice part - I must be careful with my responsibility of sharing this story to those who come behind me, telling of both the what and the why. Likewise, as Americans we must all be careful with our past. We must know it and teach it within our present day context - so that it might come to bear upon the issues of our times. We must not so lionize our past that we don't tell the whole truth, but we must also not be ashamed to call to mind the things that were right about it, so that they may call into legitimate question those things which plague us today. To forget our past is dangerous, to worship it is foolish, but to remember and apply it to the applications of our times is to achieve the betterment of us all.
Pastor Sam
Now this week we also celebrated our nations 236th birthday - and I wondered, how can it be possible that 36 years have passed since our nation's Bi-Centennial? And, more, what do the youth of our nation think of that past event now? Do they think of 36 years ago as ancient history? Could that be? The answer, I realize, is 'yes' - today's young are no different than I was when I used to listen to my High School History Teacher tell of the Great Depression, which, by the way, preceded my Sophomore year by the same span of time - 36 years.
And what does all this say to me, now? Well, I suppose it says in the very least that 'story' is important. Even more, it says that the 'why' of our story is important too. Passing to each generation there must be those cherished parts of our story that are true and honest. Both the good and the bad. Today, as I reflect on past times - both the Andy Griffith part of America and the deeply-rooted prejudice part - I must be careful with my responsibility of sharing this story to those who come behind me, telling of both the what and the why. Likewise, as Americans we must all be careful with our past. We must know it and teach it within our present day context - so that it might come to bear upon the issues of our times. We must not so lionize our past that we don't tell the whole truth, but we must also not be ashamed to call to mind the things that were right about it, so that they may call into legitimate question those things which plague us today. To forget our past is dangerous, to worship it is foolish, but to remember and apply it to the applications of our times is to achieve the betterment of us all.
Pastor Sam
2nd Peter 1:12 ‘Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.’ (NASB)
Thursday, June 7, 2012
All the pools are green (all the pools are green)
If you are too young to remember the Mama's and the Papa's, then chances are you did not get the pun in my title. In fact, unless you - like me - are constantly singing scores of obscure tunes in your head as you take in people, scenery and dialogue, then you likely STILL didn't get it. But... that's just me. It's who I am (as they say) and, well... I just can't hide it! (Oops, there's another one - I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I want you).
But - back to my title - and my plight. Belinda and I have spent the better part of our short summer thus far trying to get the 'green' out of our pool, and we've tried everything. Everything, however, EXCEPT calling in a professional. So today I called one - and complained of my pool's condition. Urgently I told the poor pool guy over the phone, "my pool is green!!!" And that's when I heard this line from him - sir, "all the pools are green." So that I added - and couldn't help it - I know, "and the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)." And, though my mind was busy singing, I was adept enough in this moment to realize that the conversation - as far as my pool was concerned - was going nowhere. In order to fix my pool, I had to have the professional come out - so that, HE (the professional), could actually see it. Just saying my pool was green wasn't going to be enough! Whether sung or not.
Now - are you ready for this? - on the same day - today - I sat in the office of a service advisor for Belinda's car and happened to listen in as he talked on the phone to another client who had called him just as I'd walked in. "Sir, I think you need to bring the car in." Then silence as he waited for the voice on the other end. Then, "what?" "You want me to listen." "Well, sir, I'll try." Followed by silence as he tried to listen to the man's car over the phone. Then, "No sir, I can't hear anything." "Really sir, if you will just bring the car in!!!" And on, and on, and on they went - with me hearing it all - most incredulously.
When he finally hung up I said to him, "I can't believe someone would actually want you to diagnose a car problem by listening to their engine over the phone!" And he said, "Yes, pastor, you wouldn't believe what all I get asked to do. It's like someone wanting me to fix a pool without ever looking at their water." And... you guessed it, as I sat there looking at him I wanted to hide. I'd been found out. Had he been reading my mail? Had he talked to my pool guy?
Now I've discovered that we are all like this at times. We want an instant fix to what ails us, and we'll usually call everyone before calling that someone who can really help.
One of the questions I often ask my parishioners is, "have you prayed about this?" And I can usually tell by their response whether they have or haven't. To take something to God - to really ask Him for guidance and leadership - is a rare thing, even among we Christians. It seems we'll talk to almost anyone before we will the Real ONE who both cares and can help.
In our Bible God is pictured as many things - but one of the more consistent and comforting images is that of Shepherd. In John's gospel we have Christ describing himself as the 'Good Shepherd' (John 10) - One who 'knows' His sheep. So that an abundance of our difficulty in our real, everyday relationship with God seems to stem from us not practically realizing Who God Is, What He Does, and What this Means - to us. He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep! Amazing!
David wrote - "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want" - and he was able to write and know this because of how and what he learned as he trusted in God - often from a cave. David saw God as his care-giver, and this changed his heart.
So the next time you have a 'green pool', like me, let's both try calling in a professional. What do you say? Perhaps if we do, this will change the tune we ALL sing.
(Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)
Pastor Sam
But - back to my title - and my plight. Belinda and I have spent the better part of our short summer thus far trying to get the 'green' out of our pool, and we've tried everything. Everything, however, EXCEPT calling in a professional. So today I called one - and complained of my pool's condition. Urgently I told the poor pool guy over the phone, "my pool is green!!!" And that's when I heard this line from him - sir, "all the pools are green." So that I added - and couldn't help it - I know, "and the sky is gray (and the sky is gray)." And, though my mind was busy singing, I was adept enough in this moment to realize that the conversation - as far as my pool was concerned - was going nowhere. In order to fix my pool, I had to have the professional come out - so that, HE (the professional), could actually see it. Just saying my pool was green wasn't going to be enough! Whether sung or not.
Now - are you ready for this? - on the same day - today - I sat in the office of a service advisor for Belinda's car and happened to listen in as he talked on the phone to another client who had called him just as I'd walked in. "Sir, I think you need to bring the car in." Then silence as he waited for the voice on the other end. Then, "what?" "You want me to listen." "Well, sir, I'll try." Followed by silence as he tried to listen to the man's car over the phone. Then, "No sir, I can't hear anything." "Really sir, if you will just bring the car in!!!" And on, and on, and on they went - with me hearing it all - most incredulously.
When he finally hung up I said to him, "I can't believe someone would actually want you to diagnose a car problem by listening to their engine over the phone!" And he said, "Yes, pastor, you wouldn't believe what all I get asked to do. It's like someone wanting me to fix a pool without ever looking at their water." And... you guessed it, as I sat there looking at him I wanted to hide. I'd been found out. Had he been reading my mail? Had he talked to my pool guy?
Now I've discovered that we are all like this at times. We want an instant fix to what ails us, and we'll usually call everyone before calling that someone who can really help.
One of the questions I often ask my parishioners is, "have you prayed about this?" And I can usually tell by their response whether they have or haven't. To take something to God - to really ask Him for guidance and leadership - is a rare thing, even among we Christians. It seems we'll talk to almost anyone before we will the Real ONE who both cares and can help.
In our Bible God is pictured as many things - but one of the more consistent and comforting images is that of Shepherd. In John's gospel we have Christ describing himself as the 'Good Shepherd' (John 10) - One who 'knows' His sheep. So that an abundance of our difficulty in our real, everyday relationship with God seems to stem from us not practically realizing Who God Is, What He Does, and What this Means - to us. He is our Shepherd and we are His sheep! Amazing!
David wrote - "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want" - and he was able to write and know this because of how and what he learned as he trusted in God - often from a cave. David saw God as his care-giver, and this changed his heart.
So the next time you have a 'green pool', like me, let's both try calling in a professional. What do you say? Perhaps if we do, this will change the tune we ALL sing.
(Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)
Pastor Sam
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Jumping June-ipers
June is a wonderful month that I thoroughly enjoy. Like the Juniper tree named from the selfsame root (pun intended), it seems to offer hope, comfort and a certain kind of 'evergreen' grandeur. Why? Kids are out of school, graduation celebrations abound, and Pastor Sam finds himself with 'weddings a plenty!' All of which do keep me jumping.
Tonight I will perform a wedding in downtown Dallas - and next Saturday I will attend to another of the same in Highland Park. Both of these are events I look forward to for the couples who will stand before me are each deeply committed to a marriage that will honor Him. What joy!
This Sunday it will be our church's privilege to celebrate our High School Senior class of 2012, something I especially look forward to. In fact, I find it hard to imagine a Sunday with any greater, or more practical, 'church-family' significance. Graduating a class of young people whom we love and are committing to pray for before 'sending them off' - is a charge and responsibility of the highest order.
In both the recent days past as well as the near weeks going forward, I will speak, pray, address, attend and be seated as a honored guest at such events as graduation exercises, weddings, Eagle Scout ceremonies, company retirement receptions, et. al. At each I will have an opportunity to celebrate and/or speak on behalf of the person and their accomplishment, and share how they have honored God in such.
I once heard a pastor say that he dreaded such occasions. That he found them a waste of time and worked hard to excuse himself by sending one of his associates to cover for him. I did not say anything, but I wish I had. For I believe this 'pastor' to be quite wrong. It is our privilege to be with our people as they celebrate the days of their lives. In most cases they have not invited us out of duty but because they love us. As well, they have more often done so to acknowledge their love for God. So that attending is both a joy and fulfillment of our calling as pastors.
Jesus once attended a wedding and as far as I know He was not even asked to speak, though he did aid in the celebration by performing a miracle. He gave them new wine! As a pastor I want to be the same for those over whom God has given me charge. Ministry is not performed from an ivory tower but out on the street - those painted in pain and those donned in celebration. So I think I'll just go ahead and 'jump into June' by celebrating! And, I'll pray for YOU! That you might know, as well - some...
of the very same!
Pastor Sam
Monday, May 7, 2012
Tom's Smile
One of the things I have always loved about Tom McIntyre is his smile. It is an indiscriminate smile - one shared freely, whether he knows you or not - and it is coupled with eyes that literally light up as he does. In fact, his eyes are part of his smile - they go together. In a way that leaves you wondering which of the two is most distinguishing. But then, that doesn't matter - because it's just the way it happens. It's Tom's smile.
I couldn't say how many times I have enjoyed Tom's smile, but I can relate it to years. Since the late 70s, or over 30 years. Back then, standing in the foyer of Northway Baptist Church, he used it on me a lot. In fact, the Sunday night I first 'flirted' with Belinda, Tom used it then. We were serving as ushers together, and I'd stepped in front of him to take her to her seat. I told Belinda I'd give her a nickel if she'd save me a seat by her (my line). Then, later, when I came back down the aisle to sit with her, there was Tom in my place - he used it on me then.
He used it on me recently, too! Standing amidst the back rows of ParkwayHills, while I worked the crowd. He had a tidbit, some story, some remark to remind me of days gone by, or something we once did, or some joke he'd just heard. His eyes twinkled and he looked at me with his grin, causing me to smile back at him - as a thanks for the humor and reminder not to take myself, or him, too seriously.
This morning, before I went to the church, I dropped by the hospital to check on he and Rita. I was pleased to hear he'd passed through the night without incident. Good news, I thought. As I hugged Rita, she motioned toward Tom in bed, telling me to take a look. When I did, Tom's eyes lit up. I said to him, "Hey buddy, I love you - and I'm so proud of you." Then, it happened, he opened his mouth as if to speak - and I said, "Tom, this girl (pointing at Rita) saved your life." "The day you decided to marry her was the best day of your life." Then I winked at him, and... he smiled back and mouthed the words, "I know." I started crying, and bent over him to pray, and Tom, smiling - with eyes lit up, squeezed my hand.
So it was a good day, today. I saw Tom's smile. And for this I say...
Praise be to God!
Pastor Sam
I couldn't say how many times I have enjoyed Tom's smile, but I can relate it to years. Since the late 70s, or over 30 years. Back then, standing in the foyer of Northway Baptist Church, he used it on me a lot. In fact, the Sunday night I first 'flirted' with Belinda, Tom used it then. We were serving as ushers together, and I'd stepped in front of him to take her to her seat. I told Belinda I'd give her a nickel if she'd save me a seat by her (my line). Then, later, when I came back down the aisle to sit with her, there was Tom in my place - he used it on me then.
He used it on me recently, too! Standing amidst the back rows of ParkwayHills, while I worked the crowd. He had a tidbit, some story, some remark to remind me of days gone by, or something we once did, or some joke he'd just heard. His eyes twinkled and he looked at me with his grin, causing me to smile back at him - as a thanks for the humor and reminder not to take myself, or him, too seriously.
This morning, before I went to the church, I dropped by the hospital to check on he and Rita. I was pleased to hear he'd passed through the night without incident. Good news, I thought. As I hugged Rita, she motioned toward Tom in bed, telling me to take a look. When I did, Tom's eyes lit up. I said to him, "Hey buddy, I love you - and I'm so proud of you." Then, it happened, he opened his mouth as if to speak - and I said, "Tom, this girl (pointing at Rita) saved your life." "The day you decided to marry her was the best day of your life." Then I winked at him, and... he smiled back and mouthed the words, "I know." I started crying, and bent over him to pray, and Tom, smiling - with eyes lit up, squeezed my hand.
So it was a good day, today. I saw Tom's smile. And for this I say...
Praise be to God!
Pastor Sam
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