The Deep Freeze of 2013 - and how I survived, and learned!

Inclement weather in North Texas is not unusual, but I can recall few times, if any, that caused greater havoc or disruption than this 'Deep Freeze of 2013.'

In February 1989, the year we started the church, the few families who had come together to begin ParkwayHills were also caught in a similar 'Ice Day' Sunday - but with this dilemma - we couldn't find a church to attend (during this period of our 'organizing' we were visiting area churches each Sunday to formulate our ideas and make ourselves ready).  Anyway, the weather was horrible but we still wanted to meet. As a remedy we opted for the local Pancake House, one near Beltline and the Tollway. There we enjoyed our 'together' time over hearty breakfast and with our rowdy kids in tow, tolerating them and organizing what we were about to do - start a new church.

On Saturday I was watching football wanting so desperately not to deal with the issue of 'should we cancel church?'  Of course that was not to be.  So, while my team, the OSU Cowboys were 'blowing it' - and the rest of our churches 'team', the Baylor Bears, were taking it to the house (and deservedly so), I was on the phone. From a safety standpoint the decision was easy. I knew the roads were not safe to drive upon, and I was concerned over the condition of our church parking lot and walkways, as well as the power issues we'd been experiencing in the neighborhood. Indeed, ONCOR did report a power outage along our stretch of the Tollway from 3:30 Sunday afternoon into the early evening.  Still, I confess to having to fight temptation to say, 'all may come who want or will, for I'll be here, and we can pray and worship together."

Now at 2:45 am on Friday, our daughter, who is 32 weeks pregnant, lost power in her home in North Dallas. She and husband, Matt just purchased their first house, one built in 1956, and, suffice it to say, power line issues and conditions of Dallas compared with our newer areas of Plano and Frisco are quite challenging.  And that's putting it politely.

As Friday afternoon passed, Taylor and Matt were still without power - and freezing. Ours was back on (down from 5:00a to 3:00p), and so we insisted they come to Plano and wait out their repair in the warmth and safety of our house. At approximately 4:45 they arrived.  Taylor, Matt and their two dogs - Stigler and Norman. Has anyone seen Christmas Vacation? (Just kidding) And from there, well... you get the picture.

Now we all know that one of the great temptations for failure in a pastor is to put 'being with the church' over 'family'. Through the years Belinda and I have talked about this a lot - working to keep things in balance.  And, thanks mainly to her and the good grace of God, I have resisted this temptation for the most part, and grateful now to be blessed with children and a wife that do not resent the church in any way. Still, here I was in 2013 finding myself with a classic lesson on correctly balancing family and ministry right under my nose. My daughter, son in law, and grand-baby to-be were in my house. On Sunday morning! And yet, I found myself pining for the church.

As the household awakened and we gathered in the kitchen to share a meal, I looked over at my Belinda who'd prepared for us a feast. She was beaming in her usual, joyful way. I looked across at my son-in-law and was grateful for his temperament and steady consistent ways and means of expression. Then, I looked at Taylor, and she said, "dad, I can't believe you canceled church today."  I smiled and said, 'yeah, I think that this is a first in 25 years." No one said a thing. Then, we bowed our heads and joined hands for me to pray - 'LORD, I thank you for my family, for Taylor, for Matt and for Trey safe at school - for Baby Butler about to be born, and for Belinda - the love of my life - and this opportunity you have given me to be with them today. In that moment, my Sunday worship was begun.  A worship that has continued into today.

Yes, God knows the things we 'need' even before we pray for them (cf. Matt. 6:32) and His spirit intercedes on our behalf with 'groanings too deep for words.' (Rom. 8:28)

And THAT'S how I survived the Deep Freeze of 2013.

With love,


Pastor Sam

Where Faith and Passion Meet

Over the years I have met many inspiring people.  One such is Taylor Field, the founder and pastor-leader of Graffiti Church and mission in New York City, NY. This past weekend Taylor and his wife Susan were in Plano for a night and I was privileged to spend time learning more about their exciting work and ministry. Taylor is bright, gracious and easy to be with. He is a prolific writer and excellent communicator. A pastor who could have graced any pulpit in our land, he has chosen, instead, a path less glamorous by ministering to those at the fringe.

As our meeting was ending, Taylor offered time for questions and I asked how his particular call to ministry had come. "What moved you, Taylor? How did you sense a calling to minister in New York's Lower East Side?" Without hesitation he replied - 'it came to me at the intersection of faith and passion. My faith in Christ and my passion for what I like to do - which, for me, was when I could meet someone's most basic need.' 'Anytime I found myself doing that,' he continued, 'I would realize my greatest joy - and that was the easiest, most natural place for me to share the gospel.'  

Now I have thought about that phrase for most of this day - 'where faith and passion meet' - by turning those words over and over in my head. I like both their meaning and sound. Faith I know about - it is my confession in Christ.  But passion, well, I confess this is more difficult to know. Of course when passion is absent I know that -  and when it is present I know that too.  But... to know it everyday and at all times ... well, that's another story altogether.

Have you been to this intersection?  Not just today, but ever?  I have. When I drive onto the parking lot of this church, I am there. When I stand before a couple at a wedding, or pray with a family about to bury a loved one, or ask folks to stand with me in the honor of reading God's Word, I am there. When I serve the LORD's supper at communion, or counsel a young minister as he is stepping out in faith, I am there. For me, serving as a pastor is the intersection where my faith in Christ - my witness and confession of His gospel - and my passions, gifts and desires meet. It is a place like no other, for it is that place where the very best of my service unto God is found.

Taylor reminded me of this, last night - and God is reminding me of it, again, today.

So take your own inventory.  Do you know Christ as your Savior? If so, where is it that you find yourself most comfortable, most joyful in sharing this news?  Think of it right now. In your mind, go there!  For this is the place where your faith and passion meet! And this is the place where your best, unto Him, will be found.

Blessings,


Pastor Sam

At Sixty Three (and 5 mos.) - but who's counting

Today I performed a funeral and witnessed the turning of life - yet one more time.  So that I feel I must write, at least something, before I reach that age so famously opined by Paul, as in McCartney, (64).

With a song he asked a question. For me - today - there is simply a list. A list of things that...

I never thought I'd be...

1. This young when I got this old
2. Someone who'd misplace his reading glasses this much

When I got this old, I never thought I'd still...

3. Have ambition
4. Deal with anxiety
5. Be tempted with greed

When I got this old, I never thought I'd want...

6. More time
7. More money
8. More leisure

When I got this old, I never thought I'd need...

9.   More time
10. More money
11. More leisure

Yet, now that I am "this old," I realize...

12. How blessed I am to know and live the grace of God. To deal with both my age and lost glasses by His grace. To enjoy my time, His money and some leisure (as/when it comes)  - by His grace. And to discover all I will ever need in facing today and forever - by His grace!!!!

Indeed, e'en at 63!    


Pastor Sam

Twelve Years Ago

Twelve years ago today I awakened from sleep just as New York City was starting to buzz. I took my jog around the streets of East Village, as I was staying in a building within her heart. I was in the city with a handful of others from ParkwayHills, on a mission trip, and we were staying in a building less than a hundred yards from the corner of 7th and B Avenue. Tompkins Square Park was to our west, just across the street, providing respite for a diverse crowd of passer's by, homeless, druggies and the 'new young' moving back into the neighborhood.

After a shower and breakfast, I walked back outside. Seated on the steps was fellow missionary, Brenda Fish, and we engaged in small talk about the beauty of the azure, September sky. As we looked toward the south and west, a cloud of smoke was forming. I pointed to it and Brenda returned, "I just heard a boom, not more than two-minutes ago, I wonder if the smoke has anything to do with it?"

All that happened in the next hours are not for this blog, but I remember them in great detail. Our walking north to Midtown as the chaos grew worse. Frantic calls to and from family and friends in Texas.  And, finally, our decision to return to the place we were staying, below police lines, knowing that once we were there we could not leave - not till tomorrow, at least, and more than likely not for several days.

Watching TV this morning, I reflected over 'that day.' Like many of you I remembered not only where I was but how I felt. I remembered my fear and resolve, as well as conversations of Christ with those who'd not seemed interested just one day before. I remembered my sense of sadness over evil, and my encouragement in witnessing the enormous kindness of others. I remembered my sentiments regarding New York and her citizens, and how it was changed on that day forever. New York really is an American melting pot. A city holding an eternal optimism born by decades of immigrants and the hopeful moving in. Something understood only after standing in her midst with sleeves rolled up.

But this morning I had other thoughts. Thoughts beyond the present crisis with Syria, Al Qaeda, air travel security and despondency over how America has changed. I thought about the effects of time and how that event is now - unbelievably - 12 years in our past.  I thought about how the once young children of the victims are now grown up - and, as I watched these young adults reading the names of father's, brother's, Mom's and Dad's, I realized both times power and its brevity.

We live life in moments but we remember life through relationship and events. Moments change with the current of our day, capricious and fast - not respecting of feelings or desire, but relationships give our moments their meaning and a signature. 

As I drove across the US that September - through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas and home - I thought about all I had witnessed and what God had called me to do.  Driving my rented car, I looked over the American landscape - observing her beauty in houses, barns, rivers and cities.  I did not see as many people as I might have a week before - and things were eerily quiet. For though people were courteous and kind, they were subdued - thinking, no doubt, much of the same thoughts as me.

After two days of driving, I pulled my car in front our home and, stepping out, my emotions and thoughts came together as one. Across our front porch was a banner, drawn by the hands of my wife, daughter and son. It read simply, "Welcome home, Dad, we love you!" And standing on our front lawn, kissing my wife and holding our son and daughter in my arms, I was in my place. I knew who I was and what I was to do. So we went into the house and had dinner together as a family. I turned off the TV and turned my head and heart to God's Word to prepare for Sunday and my message. There I realized that my moments, like those who once were children and are today 9-11's grown-up, young adults on my TV, had come together.

I gave thanks to God that night, 12 years ago, and I did the same today.

'So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' Psalm 90:12

Amen, indeed!


Pastor Sam

  


        

Santa Barbara, California

I will likely never come here again but how I will remember this view of coastline and sea. For this perch has been my place of respite these last four days. A shelter in the cliff and a place for me to sit and wonder over the majesty of God.  But a few feet away, it was reached by a stepping path from the back of our host's home.  And though here I am near the others, I feel as if I'm in another place. The shrubs and foliage shield me from view - and protect me from wind and cold.  Yet, I can peer over their tops, joyfully nestled in my perch, as a bird would from any sanctuary high in a tree. Indeed, it has been my solace - a perfect place for these days in Santa Barbara, CA.  

So that I wondered this morning of the hands of God.  When knowing my place there - I really am in 'sanctuary.' His hands form my refuge and from His hands I have my best view. Here, I am but a step away - yet safe and secure. For from His hands I see both the beauty of God and danger of sin, while knowing - all the while - the sheer joy of His perfect peace.  (Psalm 91) 

Blessings, 

Pastor Sam 

 

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Life has been 'fast and furious' since returning from Brasil on the 23rd of July. Two weddings, two funerals, more meetings than I care to count - coupled with delivering the last 3 messages of my summer preaching series, "the Accountable Church," has kept me 'running'.  But... at the completion of Sunday last  (Aug 11) I walked from the pulpit and up the east hall where waited a car to usher me to the airport. Two planes and a car ride later I was in shorts, at the beach - and, frankly, I have not moved since!

This year B and I have returned to Pawleys Island, South Carolina. http://www.townofpawleysisland.com/ This slow, quaint but beautiful place was first introduced to us in the early 90s, and over the last 20 years we've vacationed here at least 10 of those.  With us is our family - Taylor, Matt and Trey - along with Belinda's sister, her family and her mother and husband. Needless to say our beach rental is full - not just with people but with the comfort family brings. So that it has all been good, and I am grateful - and... not kidding.

Of course my prayer is that I'll be able to relax. To take a mental break from duties and task and move the focus of my creative energy away from the 'everyday' to place it, instead, on 'something other'.

Confessedly, I have never been good at walking totally 'away' from work and church - though long ago I quit fretting over this. It is simply who I am to think of parkwayhills - and what I love doing is to think of you.  But I have learned to change my pace, to slow down and relax - time permitting.  So this is what I am doing now - on this familiar isle called Pawleys.

As I do, I am praying some of the same for you. :-)


Pastor Sam
Eph. 3: 20-21
  

Saturday evening, Taiobeiras, MG, Brasil

God's work is not always easy, but it is what we are called to do. The 3 days in Taiobeiras were grueling as to schedule, but very effective for the people with whom we were able to share.  Frankly, having us Americans in town simply opened a door of opportunity that would not have been realized otherwise. To use a phrase, we were 'the candy.' So that our team was given oportunity to share the gospel with over 2000 children and teens in these 3 days. This was over and above our work with VBS, community visitation, and our medical-social team. And that was simply amazing.

Thinking of it all, we should give praise to God for what He has done through the parkwayhills relationship/partnership with the P70 church planting and strengthening initiative to Minas Gerais, Brasil. This relationship dates back to early 2006 when myself, Glen Sampson and Chris Davenport took a first tour of the area - joined by a host of Brasilian pastors and church leaders. The area 'surveyed' has now become home to our church's ministry and new church plants. And this week, in working with 2 churches from 'our' region of North Minas Gerais, we were able to record over 600 profeessions of faith and realize many more hearing the gospel and receiving Christ in our school presentations that were not counted, save by God.  So that eternity will tell that story - and what a great reunion it will be.  

So we do give thanks this year to those who were able to go from parkwayhills- Chris, Craig, Claire & Dave Davenport, Carla Cox, Debbie Irons, Glen Sampson, Belinda Dennis, Jim & Kathy Spalding, Joyce Gant - as well as to the many parkwayhills members who made and packed critical supplies, to those who gave over and above their tithes critical financial support - including this year's parkwayhills ph-kids VBS who gave, to the many who gave their prayer support and to parkwayhillls church as a whole for faithfully investing a percentage of each weeks general offering to fund this critical, life-changing, work.  

Pictured here is Miss Daniele Ferreria (Dany) 14 years of age. Dany accepted Christ in Indiabira MG, Brasil, when we were there 4 years ago.  She was only 10, then, but on Saturday evening, as we were leaving, Dany walked up and asked me for a picture - saying she had been saved one night as I was preaching in her town four years earlier.  I was thrilled to meet and see Dany, then learn she is now part of this very same work - taking the gospel to other young people of Minas Gerais. I smiled, said 'absolutely', and thought, 'How beautiful are the feet of they (those) who preach the gospel of peace.'  (Romans 10:15, cf. Isaiah 52:7)

Keep on Dany! And, ... Deus Abencoe, indeed - 

Pastor Sam 

Thursday evening, late, from Taiobeiras, MG, Brasil

We arrived in Taiobeiras at 3:00 am on the 18th of July, slept 3 hours, then went straight to work. It is now 10:53 pm the same day - and, needless to say, we are very tired. Yet, be certain we are each bolstered in spirit by the amazing response we have received in every place we served today.  

This same day I was privileged to address 2 schools of 150 and 300 teens respectively. Jairo Campos, our resident missionary and leader/founder of the P70 initiative, had prearranged this opportunity as part of our plans for this years mission. The subject and objective was sexual education and us leading a discussion over the issue of abortion. Here in Brasil, though abortion is illegal it is very common for those who can afford it, for those who can't, well... the debate rages on. As we shared, the teachers and director of each school informed us that over 70 percent of their students (13-15 year olds) are sexually active. 

To start, Jairo spoke about the laws of man versus moral law, and, after a lot of music (me singing and playing on my guitar some good old American rock and roll) we ended our time with me having the privilege of sharing about the heart (conscience) of each person - and whether, and how, it can be changed. The kids agreed it could, and that's when I was blessed to tell them how. "Only God can change a heart', I said. "The same One who writes His law on our hearts, comes, in Christ, to redeem our hearts and give us a "new conscience." Needless to say, as each teacher thanked us for helping them with this issue, I shuddered thinking of how far our own country is fallen away in such things back home. Yes, it was an amazing day. But not just because we were able to talk about the choice of abortion or not, but because we talked about Christ - the answer that is sorely needed - and the One who saves. 

Please continue to pray for our team. Our first city registered over 390 professions of faith - and Glen Sampson presented to the pastor of the church, there, the names of all the persons he and his church members will follow up on. We prayed over the names - and over the pastor and church - then said  our goodbye - for now - joyful that heaven will be our next time to see each other again. 

Deus Abencoe, 

Pastor Sam 

July 17 - Last Day in Pedra Azul

When I come to Brasil It is always good to meet new friends but I am especially excited to see fellow church members do the same. Pictured here is long-time parkwayhills member, Joyce Gant, holding a new friend - a baby just 1 month old.  We are singing and Joyce is patting the child's back to the rhythm of God's praise. Heaven will be like this - where we make new friends not based on geography or age, but upon our common bond in Christ.

Thus far, in 2 days through last night, there are registered 191 professions of faith in Christ in Pedro Azul.  And we heard this morning from Boto Murim of near the same number of profession there. Many of these come from preaching points - either at the Praca, in Parks, or in our evening services - but a vast majority occur as our evangelistic teams go out, making conversation on streets and in the homes of any and all who will talk with them. 

As well, our VBS team - led by Debbie Irons - has worked in 3 different Escolas (schools) with amazingly full cooperation of local teachers and educators.  We have provided the children with games, crafts and the gospel - and many have prayed to receive Christ when given a gospel bracelet. And though we do not record their numbers in our decision counts - they will remain under the watchful eye of a local pastor, who will follow up with each child and their families in helping them on their way to Christ. How exciting it is to walk about the town, though, and see these precious children wearing their bracelets, and listen as many are able to explain what each color means - repeating back the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

As I close today, please pray for our final evening service in Pedra Azul, and for the 4 hour bus ride afterwards to our next town, Taioberas, where early in the morning the same hard, but marvelous, routine will begin again.  

Deus Abencoe, 

Pastor Sam

Tuesday Morning - Pedra Azul, MG, Brasil

There is so much to tell - but let me get a few things out of the way up front.  First, no, I am not mispelling Brazil, but prefer using the Brazilian spelling of this word because it is what I constantly see here. Plus, I like to say Brazil with the S sound - it's oh so Portuguese.  :-)

Second, the letters, MG, are simply an abbreviation for the state we are in - and in which we work,  In fact, we have worked here for the last 8 years - in the North most portion of this large state - developing our adopted 'micro-region' in which many P-70 (a word for the organization and movement) Baptist churches have now been planted. Needless to say, it is exciting for me to meet pastors and people, many of whom were converts from the earliest days of our mission, now serving Christ and the cause of this initiative.

Now each morning I teach our team from Paul's leter to the church at Ephesus. It is letter that is most applicable in helping our team understand the power they have been given in Christ and their calling unto good works - the principle of which is the gospel.  Of course we always sing, and it is good to see our fellow Americans enjoying this special time before we go out to serve our LORD for the day.

This year our team from ParkwayHills consists of 11 persons, and here in Pedro Azul we are joined with members from FBC Ft. Worth.  In addition, Pastor Brad Martin - one time worship pastor of ParkwayHills, and now the Senior Pastor of Shady Oaks Baptist church of Hurst - is leading a team from his church in a smaller city approximately 150 kilometers to our west and south.

Please continue to pray for our team - and for the team in Boto Murim led by Pastor Brad.  Yesterday over 25 persons confessed Christ as their Savior here, and we expect that number to be exceeded many times over before we leave here in 2 days for our next town.

Deus Abencoe,

Pastor Sam

Monday Morning from Pedra Azul, Brasil

We awakened this morning to a gloriously beautiful day. Outside, the very center of our sky was blue, and atop the mountains - on either side of our valley - was a covering of thin clouds about to clear away, as if the night blanket over this glorious landscape were being pulled back for us to enjoy. What a sight!

Last night we went to the Praca (town square) to sing songs and share.  I preached a brief and simple message about Zacheus.  I shared his story by telling the people that he was a little man with a great need, a curious man willing to climb a tree, and a blessed man who took Jesus home.

In many ways we are all like Zacheus - even those of us who are tall - for we ALL are in need.  Likewise, we often climb a tree to watch.  However, far too often, we simply ONLY watch - feeling safe in our tree called curious.  So... I called them to take Jesus home! Saying, 'today - salvation is come to their house!'

I wonder, today, if we might realize this in Plano, as well. Would WE come down and take Jesus home? That is certainly where the blessing is. Indeed, taking Jesus home, following him in all we do is where the blessing will always be found. That was true for Zacheus and it will be true for us.

Would you pray that our VBS team will be 'faithful' and have 'no fear' as they minister to hundreds of children today. And please pray for our service  tonight, as well - that the people we have invited to come, will.  Also, that many souls will come to Christ.  For Jesus has come to Pedra Azul, and He wants to enter many houses and hearts today - including mine and yours.

Deus Abencoe

Pastor Sam

D-DAY - June 6, 1944

On this 69th Anniversary of D-Day, June 6 1944, I remember my Uncle - Homer Van Dennis. He was my Dad's nearest, older brother by 7 years, and served in the United States Army. He was a good-looking man with ready smile, who survived the beach landing and invasion at Normandy, France.  In the summer of 1968 - the year I graduated from High School – Uncle Homer died after suffering a massive heart attack while mowing his yard in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas.  Before his funeral his wife shared that, though her husband appeared gregarious, carefree and successful in every way, he actually suffered from a recurring nightmare - even on the night before his death –and be startled awake dreaming of his army buddies falling around him as they stormed the beaches and struggled up the cliffs of Normandy.  It seems that like so many others of that experience, he lived under a constant struggle and eerie sense of guilt that he’d survived ‘hell’ while so many others did not.

Uncle Homer never had children of his own but always showed great love to his nieces and nephews.  He bought me my first store-bought suit - from Reynolds Penland of Dallas – a high mark of quality and pride for a boy from Garland, Texas.  He was one of my childhood heroes - and still is - and so I remember him and those other ‘boys’ today – both those who fell and those who survived a day that turned the course of World War, and history, forever!

Pastor Sam Dennis
http://www.army.mil/d-day/

"After the Storm"

A mile-wide thunderstorm cut through south central Oklahoma yesterday afternoon leaving in its wake devastation, destruction and loss of life.  Once again it was Moore Oklahoma, my wife's hometown, that seemed to suffer the storm's brunt.  As of this morning 24 are reported dead, and, today, sifting through the rubble stunned at the mass of destruction, residents can only be amazed this number is not more.

Belinda graduated from Moore High School in 1971.  She was a cheerleader and active in the community and at the First Baptist Church. She has many friends who live in Moore, as well as her sister, sister's family and Dad. So, needless to say, we were anxious last night as we awaited news from each of them.

As the evening dragged on we learned our loved ones were all safe, suffering but the loss of an office building to the brother of our brother-in-law. Unfortunately this was not the case for all else - as among the deceased were seven children who had futilely tried to take cover in their elementary school now destroyed.

Now today our forecast calls for the possibility of more storms - so that feelings among us are tenuous, at best.  How do the residents of Moore face this day?  Even more, how do those who minister there - pastors and counselors - help people deal with life events after one such as this, so dramatic and devastating?

The Psalmist writes, teach us to 'number our days' (Psalm 90:12), meaning teach us, LORD, to treat them with care and not take them for granted. Certainly this is part of our answer.  Who wouldn't come away from a life event like that in Moore with a more sober reflection on life.  But... the Bible also teaches our days (times) rest in the hand of the LORD (Psalm 31:15), leaving us a conundrum. Are we to do both? To 'take care' and, yet, 'not' worry?  If this is so, how can we?

I think there is only one way we can be careful absent of worry, and it is through the Lordship of Christ. A vibrant relationship with Jesus births a preciousness to life that centers us on sharing His gospel. While doing so, this also lifts us from the burden of over-concern and worry.  In short, as His children we find our comfort by serving His purpose while absolutely knowing He is in charge with our best interest at hand.

To care about life as a Christian, then, is to be careful about our days so they might count for the sake of the gospel. This is the opposite of worshipping life for life sake, and it is a model freeing us from worry.  Indeed, we 'cast our care upon Him' confidently, knowing, 'He cares for us.'

Storms will come, we can be sure of this. But, as we suffer their tumult and help others with the same, let us remember to keep this perspective to life clear - that we be careful with our time without caring more for our time than Him.

Blessings,

Pastor Sam

   

"We thank the LORD" - a West, Texas Resident

I'm always pleased and proud to tell people where I'm from - that 'I'm from Texas.'  But, tonight, as I watched the national broadcast coverage of last evening's explosion in West, Texas, I could not help but 'well up' inside. A commentator asked a local resident if they were 'thankful' to have survived the ordeal, and his response was - 'oh yes, I thank the LORD.'  When I heard this, I smiled - for in the face of this horrific reality there burst forth the twang of his central Texas accent, in no way a distraction, bringing to sadness some joy.  So that I turned to Belinda to say, 'now THAT'S how we give thanks in Texas - and I pray to God that as long as we stand this might never, ever change.

Thank you, LORD, for your mercy and love.  God bless the people of West, Texas - and God bless America, too.  Not because we are good, or because we are better, but because you are God and we are not - and because life, love, blessing and promise always comes from YOU. (2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Pastor Sam

From the Mountains

Belinda and I have enjoyed the mountains of Colorado this week. What a glorious part of God's creation! We are grateful for our host's - and to God, whose beneficence has allowed us this restful time away.

This week has helped me, as well, with final preparations for a four week message series I plan to deliver at ParkwayHills, titled, "He Is Risen, Indeed!" The four messages - taken from the gospels - will deal with "Who Christ Is" (17th), "What Christ Came to Do" (24th and 31st), and "What His Resurrection Means To Us"- Christ followers and Church (April 7) for, if ever there was a time when our world needed to hear of our LORD, it is now.

All this is to say that I was 'caught' and 'in agreement,' by a quote yesterday from the newly elected leader of the Catholic church, Pope Francis 1.  He said, "We have to avoid the spiritual sickness of a self-referential church ...".  His point, that the Catholic church must not fall victim to self referencing but rather accept the reference point Christ has called us to, is well made - and I commend him for both his statement and the context. As well, we, the Church (made of all true believers in Christ) must never forget this, ourselves. By the same token we should not move to a culturally-referential view either, something equally as dangerous. By 'culturally-referential,' I mean something other than cultural relevance. For we certainly want to be relevant to our culture.  But, we must do so remembering our relevance comes from the gospel - then out.  Our point of reference, and my point, is that Christ - not the world nor even the Church, but Christ alone - is the foundation upon which we build - always.  Mankind is fallen, lost in sin, and Christ is the means whereby we must be saved. Therefore, we must never weary, then, both of looking out (beyond ourselves to others) and pointing up (referencing Christ to man and man to God through Christ).

I do pray you each have enjoyed your week, just as Belinda and I have. Too, as we return, we covet your prayers.  Not just for us, but for this wonderful 'church on the parkway' about to celebrate her 24th anniversary of being part of His work pointing others to Christ.  May this be ever so - through to this Easter and beyond!

Till Sunday, then


Pastor Sam

A VALENTINE - "I'll Love You Forever"

When our oldest child, Taylor, was young, I enjoyed much father-daughter bonding centered around bedtime. Her joy, and mine, were evenings making ready for such by reading a 'bed time' story.  Two of her favorites were, "Good Night Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, and "The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear" by Don and Alice Wood.  She loved it when I would read these, and if ever I left something out, or handled my role with anything other than my usual intonation and expression, she'd correct me - insisting I read it over again until it was 'right.'

Thinking back, I realize that many of the messages taught by these stories were not just for children, but for parents, as well!  This was certainly the case with another of our favorites, "Love You Forever" by Roger Munsch. Do you know the book? The first 2 stanzas are as follows: (except in my case I'd modify words, to read as a father to daughter)

A FATHER held HIS new baby and very slowly rocked HER back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. And while HE held HER, HE sang:

I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.

What a wonderful message this book held - and how fondly I remember the comfort it gave to Taylor and me as we read of love lasting forever. However, in the book of Romans the Apostle Paul once wrote this:

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

Yes, paternal love and romantic love are truly amazing, but on this Valentine's Day I am grateful for more - I am grateful for the love that to us comes from Christ. One which is certain and can be counted upon for all found in Him. We can know that God's love brings joy in every circumstance of life, and... we can know one thing more - it really will last forever!

Happy Valentine's Day,


Pastor Sam






    

Why I 'appear' silent - about 'some' things

It's not that I don't have an opinion, but I have chosen to be quiet over some of the issues making popular news for a reason. I suppose the presidential election began this noticeable, non-response, from me - at least last year - and following this has come one juicy temptation after another to speak, write, or wax, you know, ...blah-blah-blah... 'eloquent' concerning all. Things like the economic prognosis of woe and dread, the fiscal cliff, the mass shooting in Newtown CT., and now the heated debate over gun control. Yes, some really 'good' stuff all.  But... from me? Seemingly nothing!

Now before you worry over me losing 'my salt,' take notice of my company! A close look will likely reveal the same from many pulpits and pens of other's who grace my call.  Not that we're not tempted, I assure you. Or, that we don't oft-times fail.  For who doesn't love preaching to the choir?  Or, put another way, who's not desirous to seek some 'amens,' or that craved 'atta-boy preacher,' especially if one's church is experiencing few, if any, converts, meaningful life-change and/or other such 'kingdom of God' stuff. Mmmm???

But then upon answering my "God" call I realize there is something begging for my preaching, and, thereupon am reminded why - why I might 'appear' silent, at times. Of course 'sin in the camp' will bring a strong and instructive word from me - I think most know this.  But... sin outside? Well, that will yield another message from me altogether.

Paul once wrote to a godless city, Corinth, and its church, this, "I determined to nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" 1 Corinthians 2:2 and I am earnest to remind us that this man was not lacking in knowledge, unaware of culture, nor in any way afraid! He was just absolutely focused! Focused on Christ and the gospel - the good news that holds the power to set people free and, as such, also free them from their miss-spent compulsion to make ANY thing secondary the main. No, Paul understood his world as lost and unredeemed, and that efforts towards improvement outside of a relationship with Christ were futile.

Oh, be sure this pastor does believe we are losing ground in our time and place (the US and the 'west' - western world) for heart-change toward, instead of away, from God - but I believe the problem in winning this battle may well lie with us messengers (the church) and not the world. We as Christ's church are conquerors called to storm the 'gates of hell' with the gospel - literally tearing them down, as it were, in order to set those in Satan's grasp free!  Yet, alas, we too often pick up the wrong weapons. And, most assuredly, I will not be silent about THAT!

For...
I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” 
Romans 1: 15-17

For more faith, then... both to live, to love and to preach,

Pastor Sam