Day Before Christmas

Well, it's the day before Christmas
And all around town
Nothing is white
Everything's brown

While up in the north
They're layered with snow
But right here in Texas
It's drab but still cold

Jesus is living
and Santa's a myth
So you keep your Santa
It's Jesus I'm with

For New Years I'm praying
That God bless my church
That I'll love the people --
love til it hurts

I'll start the New Year
Clear-headed, no fog
And make daily entries
In this, my own blog
(at least I'll try)

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year 2008

He Gives and Takes Away...Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

It's sad when someone you love suffers a loss, especially one like losing an unborn child. If you're a prospective grandparent, you feel the loss on one level -- a significant level. But the greatest pain is watching your children suffer while you possess a sense of helplessness.

A parent always wants to fix things for his kids; kiss it and make it feel better; put a band-aid on it. But some things are out of a parents reach. All they can do is pray and just be available if needed.

You know the kids will grow spiritually if they respond to God's offer of love and comfort -- even expand their ministry and joy for serving. But right now, in the present, these words are not needed. They already know the Word promises that "all things work together", but right now, in the night of despair and through eyes filling rapidly with tears, recitation of this verse is not profitable.

Sometimes people do not realize that a pastor is "people", too. Every pastor has experienced heartache, personal failure, and family tragedy. We have cried ourselves to sleep and barely staggered our way through the day in sadness. Every believer should know that their pastor knows exactly what it's like to have a broken heart, a pain-riddled experience, and dark days. And all the while, trying to be the strength and rock for the rest of his family, friends, and church.

This is the kind of loss you don't get over -- but you can get past it....in time.

On the way to the hospital early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, a song came on the XM station we were listening to. "He gives and takes away...Blessed be the Name of the Lord." It makes for an emotional experience when you've had such a loss. But it serves as a reminder that God is still good; He sees the big picture; He hurts when we hurt; and He will still be God long after this day is past.

If God is the same today and tomorrow as He was yesterday, then He's still in charge and we just have to trust Him on some things. I remembered that old song today: "We'll understand it better by and by." The fact is, I don't care to understand it -- I don't ask "why?" anymore. Why a tragedy occurs is not nearly as important as knowing God is still God. I can't give up on Him now -- He's come through too many times before. I'll get past this...we'll all get past this. God will heal our broken hearts yet one more time.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

Losing the Wonder of Worship

“His Name shall be called Wonderful….”

It seems like nothing impresses us anymore. I can remember the absolute wonder I felt while watching our astronauts go into space and return again. Today, space shuttles fly into space and return with no more fanfare than a commercial airplane flight. The wonder is gone. Familiarity with the spectacular has robbed us of the wonder of space flight.
Worship has become the same way to many of us. We’ve heard the music and sung the hymns a million times. We have listened to hundreds sermons and even have our own favorite super-preacher. We have refined all the techniques of worship so that nothing is new. But now, the wonder is gone.
Children are impressed by the simple things around them. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples to become as little children. Recently, I was with some people that began to notice the shapes of the clouds overhead. As they imagined what the clouds looked like, I remembered how I used to do the same thing when I was younger. Over the years, however, I had grown used to the clouds always being overhead. They weren’t special anymore.
What had changed? It certainly wasn’t the clouds. They still had funny shapes that looked like one thing or another. It was me that had changed. I had just lost the wonder of the clouds until I was reminded by my friends.
There is a marvelous wonder that accompanies true worship. Many of us, however, have come to depend so much on the props of worship that we’ve lost sight of the real Person of worship. The wonder and magnificence of worship has been lost in the familiar rudiments of the weekly church service.
Get back to Jesus this Christmas season, for He hasn’t changed. If you come to Him as a child you will experience the wonder once again. Perhaps it is time you reacquaint yourself with the Wonder of Worship.

The Goldilocks Syndrome

“True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”

Most of us are familiar with the fairy tale about a young lady named Goldilocks. I’m assuming from her name that this fictional character had long blond hair. We also know she was hungry and sleepy. And she entered her neighbor’s house, uninvited, when the family wasn’t home.
Putting the breaking and entering aside, what else do we know about Goldilocks? I think if she were really starving, she would have eaten the first bowl of soup she came to. And if she were really that tired, she would have been able to sleep on the couch.

But we all know the first bowl of soup was too hot, the second was too cold, but the third was “just right” – at least according to Goldie’s taste. The same is true for the beds. One was too hard and another was too soft. But she finally found one that was “just right”.

Does Goldilocks remind you of anyone? I mean, it all seems to be about her. She doesn’t seem to consider the family that lives in the house or their personal property. And when she finds what she’s looking for – food and furniture – it’s rarely good enough. She is driven more by her own preferences and tastes than anything else.

One reason some people don’t find joy in worship is that they approach church the way Goldilocks approached that cabin. They don’t bring anything of value to it, but only see what they can get out of it. And even then, they aren’t satisfied with everything that’s available to them.

The tabernacle, and later the temple, was not built so people could come and get something. It was God’s way of providing His people with a place where they could come and bring something. The books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy are all about how the people were to bring things to God, not get things from Him.

That would be a fresh approach to worship for some people – see what they could bring to the experience, not see what they could get out it. It’s usually not the sermon, the style of worship, or the length of the service that makes or breaks the church service. It’s the attitude of the worshiper. When we actually bring something of value to the “temple” we are in a place to experience the presence of God and what true worship is.

The Battle for Kaufman

The battle is against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens… so resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. *

In the early 1800s settlers came from Mississippi to make a new home in east Texas. Difficulties would accompany their efforts, and it soon became clear that having a peaceful home would not come without conflict. So the first settlement, that later came to be known as Kaufman, was originally called “King’s Fort”. It served as an outpost to protect the residents along the east branch of the Trinity River from enemy attack.

Later cotton became “king” of east Texas, but again there were battles with the elements and the dreaded “boll weevil”. The boll weevil was an insidious foe, attacking the livelihood of hard working families – silently, often without notice – until the damage was done.

The days of Indian attacks and king cotton are gone, but Kaufman faces another battle. And like the other battles in our history, unless we recognize it, and address it, we could wake up one day having lost the most important battle of all…the battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of our children.

A community the size of Kaufman that has teen suicides every year, drugs readily available to our youngest kids, families in constant crisis, ongoing abuse and alcoholism happening at home, and with the vast majority of youth indifferent to God and spiritual things, has a battle on its hands. Christians, of all people, should be more united in this conflict. It’s not about our individual churches or whatever flavor and style we prefer in worship. It’s about taking ground from an enemy that is far more insidious than the boll weevil. Instead of protecting our ecclesiastical turf, we need to be protecting the weakest, dearest, and most vulnerable among us.

We have a great school system with many fine Christian teachers, administrators, and support staff. And while they constantly impress us with the labor of love in which they are engaged, the schools are not called to be the front lines of this struggle. The church is supposed to be the front lines. Our law enforcement agencies see the devastating results of this battle every day. But the promise of victory in the battle is given to the church, not the schools, not the city government, nor local law enforcement agencies. The victory is promised to an obedient, aggressive, united church!

This is the “Battle for Kaufman” that we need to recognize. It won’t go away if all we believers do is pursue our own interests, protect our own turf, and ignore the real battle that rages around us. I urge every believer and church to join the battle, unite in prayer, resist divisions, extend a hand of fellowship, and join together in the Kingdom work. Then Kaufman may once again be the “King’s Fort”!

*From Ephesians 6:12-13 HCSB

Copyright 2007 Darril Deaton

Final Day - NYC

The team certainly deserved a little "R & R" after working so hard during the week, so we took a day trip to New York City and arrived around 1:oo PM. Jerry and Karen had taken the train in the night before to stay the weekend. They met the other 15 of us at Statin Island Ferry where rode over and back (it's free!). By the way, we found a garage that could take our van - now that's a miracle. The ferry is a great view of the city, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. A subway ride to Times Square came next where we ate a late lunch/early supper. Then back on the subway to the south end. We drove through Manhattan on the way out of town.

More importantly, the first numbers coming in reflect that around 15 people prayed this week to receive! A number of good people were contacted for a new church, too. More on this later. Praise the Lord as your mission team returns home.

ILMHP

Busy, Busy Day - Thursday, Day 4

I can't tell you how tired the team is tonight. We started at 9:30 AM as usual. We had the crafts, Bible story/lesson, games and refreshments. Everyone gets better everyday -- more perceptive, more alert, and more courageous. Most team members, especially those on the evangelism team, hav not fear of witnessing to anyone. The adult Bible study went well, too.

Later, in the afternoon, we added another element to our day -- a carnival complete with bounce house, inflated obstacle course, popcorn and snow cone machines, and face painters.
This went from 3:00 to 7:00. At least 3oo children and parents showed up and stayed for hours. We made many contacts for the new church called New Beginnings.

We are tired, but have a day for ourselves tomorrow. After sleeping in an extra hour, we'll prepare to return home, then take a day trip to New York City. It's a short drive and some on the team have never seen the Big Apple. They deserve the break...they're an awesome team.

Oh, did I say that we've seen many people pray to receive Christ?

ILMHP

God is Good - Wednesday, Day 3

Well, we're really tired...been busy.

First, let me report that Glada, our key reference and attendance person, was taken by ambulance to the hospital. She's home tonight, diagnosed with a viral thing, and awaiting some other test. We'll have to keep her going to work tomorrow.

We had more people in our adult bible study today at the Park. About 3 ladies came and studied with us.

I'm going to say it again, all of our team is doing a fantastic job. You would be proud.

Our team led worship for the teens at Friendship Baptist Church tonight. It was great as youth and adults from both churches united in worship.

I have to get to bed -- falling asleep as I type. Sorry, no picture today...no time to take one \o/

ILMHP

Day 2

We had about 50 kids again today...at least that many. 4 adults attended the adult Bible study -- that's the one I get to do. We talked about John 14:6 where Jesus claimed to be the only way to God, and that He was the Truth.

The team is worn out tonight. They've been staying up late preparing for the following days and having a worship time together. I have to tell you, the team performed like a well-oiled machine today. The transitioning of kids from one location to another was flawless. Our team is much more aware of their surroundings and where the kids are. They show these kids how much they care about them.

The accompanying photo is Jerry helping with refreshments. Each step along the way, kids are in touch with people that know Christ, and that are able to help them find Jesus.

ILMHP

Day 1 - Monday

We had over 50 kids today...the exact number is not known until we count enrolment forms. Our team was great. They did their jobs with servant's hearts. They worked like a highly trained, well-oiled machine. This picture is of the registration table where kids are enrolled, given name tags (different colors to identify their age/grade), the taken to their first activity.

The camp is divided into a Bible story/study section, a craft section, a game/rec section, and a refreshment area. The team members stay at their stations while the groups are all rotated every 25 minutes to another section anc activity.

We even had several adults that came and we did a Bible study for them. Sharing the gospel, of course. At least 2 people were identified as being interested in coming to a home Bible study group. The character building theme for the camp tomorrow is truth, or honesty. So, for an adult study we'll use "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life..."

I thought it went surprisingly smooth for a first day. We'll see what God has in store for tomorrow.

ILMHP

Praise and Preparation - Sunday

It has been a busy day. Our team of 17 joined Friendship Baptist Church in their morning worship service. It was a delight to see old friends still faithful to the Lord and His church. I had the privilege of speaking for a few minutes, or giving a "testimony", regarding Grace Fellowship. We have much to be thankful for at GF. The Lord will bless the church that "keeps its eyes on the prize of His calling...forgetting what is behind and reaching out for what comes next." DRT*
Preparing for the testimony helped me get a fresh look at our church. Other team members gave me some positive and helpful ideas the night before in our devotion time.

The afternoon was spent mostly with lesson, craft and logistical preparations for tomorrow. The team is divided up into smaller teams that specialize in some area of the mission. But the fact is, all of them are capable of stepping into any area of service and doing the job. The kids are showing a good deal of maturity and passion for the things of God. I love being with this team and being a part of this effort, but the truth is, they could do this without me. They've got the drive, experience, and heart to do this without me being there...and that's a good thing!

Late in the afternoon, however, things started to happen. One of our team was sick enough to go to the emergency room and be looked at. Some attention was paid to the issue, a prescription written, and we're on our way. It's important that you pray for us. About the same time the vehicle the women will need for tomorrow began experiencing trouble -- you know the routine: Check Engine light comes on; it starts to run funny; and seems to overheat. The van belongs to Janet Faccinto, our host, who called her husband. Several guys from Friendship came out, looked it over, and figured a vapor lock or something occurred. Anyway, restarting the car was like rebooting a computer -- we never know why, but rebooting mysteriously fixes a lot of things.

While at the hospital (the women of our team was there) the team prayed for a patient in great pain, on morphine, and waiting anxiously to be seen. Soon after praying for him they called him in. On mission, all the time.

I anticipate a "God-thing" to happen tomorrow. Stay tuned.

ILMHP

* DRT - Deaton Revised Translation

On the Way - Saturday Afternoon

Well, we got to Chicago. I'm writing this in the airport as we await our flight in a few hours. Keeping 17 people together has proven interesting.

It seems a person can't find anyone to witness to if he tried to. On the first leg of our trip I was all set to witness to a young woman sitting next to me on our flight from Dallas. I talked to her for while, you know, trying to "pave the way" for more conversation. Well, she overheard someone call me "pastor" and assumed, guess what, that I was a pastor. It turns out that her father is the pastor of a church in Dallas! Is that cool or what. I gave her a couple of our Mini-Bibles and offered to make some for her dad's church. Oh, she's from Africa, and her abbreviated name ('cause the Lord knows I couldn't say her full name) is Mude... pronounced Moo-day. We talked about heaven a while and how it would be even brighter and whiter than the sundrenched clouds. She's a junior in high school and was really sweet. We both hoped we find someone just as nice to sit next to on our next flight. She's going to Washington D.C.

Then, after eating lunch, and losing complete touch with the rest of the group, I settled in by our gate to do some work on the laptop. But I started talking to a couple next to me and once again got my Mini-Bible ready for a witness. But alas, Alice Mills teaches English at a Christian college in California, and her husband Spencer has started teaching there part time. They're on their way to Las Vegas for a "Holy Spirit Conference". He reads D.L. Moody books and they've both been to the Holy Land. We talked about Israel and our experiences there. We all almost teared up at some of the stories we shared together.

Before we were done, we prayed together. They laid hands on me right there in the airport and prayed for our mission trip and for the whole team (which at the time was no where to be found). We were surrounded by several hundred people about to board a plane for fun and sin in Las Vegas! "For I am not ashamed of the gospel" is the motto on the T-Shirts we'll wear next week. We can't be ashamed in Texas, Connecticut, or the Midway Airport of Chicago! That attracted another Christian couple who came over and joined the prayer for our team.

So, I keep running into Christians. I suppose the Lord is really into this mission trip. God is so good. I hope I have time the rest of the week to keep blogging. Stay tuned.

ILMHP

Preparing to Go - Friday Evening

Sometimes I wonder if going a mission trip is leaving home or going to the field. I guess it's both. In order to go to the place of service you have to leave your home. It dawned on me that serving Christ, I mean, really serving Christ is always like that. To really be a disciple means leaving our comfort zone and going where things are unfamiliar.

We can get comfortable, even complacent, in our Sunday morning routine. We like our comfort zones. But the mission field is not inside the church walls. It's out there, beyond the routine and safety of "home".

We don't have to go far to be on mission, however. Every day, every where we go, we could be on mission if we would follow Christ out of our comfort zones.

We'll be in Connecticut soon and really beg for your prayers. You can get a copy of our itinerary in the church bulletin this week or from the office. Use it to pray for us. I've inserted an aerial photo of the park we'll be serving in Meriden, CT.

ILMHP

Where In the Bible Does It Say...

Where in the Bible does it say that Christians should leave a church and not try every avenue of peace and unity?
Where is the example in the Bible where Christians are encouraged to be disgruntled, dissatisfied, and critical of their pastor and church?
Where does the Bible condemn gossip and backbiting except in the case of getting other members to see things one's own way?
Where in the Bible does it say it ain't worship unless it's Traditional music? Or Contemporary music? Or Southern Gospel? Where does it say there has to music at all?
Where in the Bible does it say the pastor is an employee of the church and not the leader to be followed? Where does it say that the sheep rule the flock?
Where in the Bible does it say that deacons should rule as an administrative board and oversee the pastor's role?
Where in the Bible does it say that corporate worship and submissive humility is not required of every member?
Where in the Bible does it clarify that the Great Commission only applies to the pastor and other staff, but not to all the believers in the church?
Where in the Bible does it say that worship attendance is optional, Bible study is only for the teacher, and tithing is only for Old Testament Jews?

One way or another, at some point in their lives, some believers have come to believe that the church is theirs -- to use, abuse, love or leave, as they see fit. It's an infectious sin that crosses denominational lines. Big churches, small churches, traditional churches, blended and contemporary churches, new churches, older churches ... they all suffer from self-centered Christians. It's what the Bible calls carnality.

Christ will not let His Bride be trifled with forever -- especially by those who should know better. Let us worship in spirit and truth, not carnality and dishonesty.

Our Cultural Mandate

God made the world and said, "it is good." There is nothing inherently wrong with nature. God made man and said, "it is good." As a matter of fact, humans were made in His image. Nothing bad about that!

Then, God told man to multiply and subdue, or harness, the natural order. I think God cares for His creation through the agency of man! That's right. He may sustain the life and principles of nature, but He works through us to improve, invent, design, and run what He made.

If that's true, then it follows that all men have a Cultural Mandate from God to work and achieve -- to harness the created order. It follows, then, that every job is equally important and is a calling from God. Hairdressing, mowing, factory work, administrative/office work, cleaning, driving a truck, policing, farming, selling hardward, etc, etc...are all a part of the Cultural Mandate, and therefore, a calling from God.

It also follows, then, that every person's place in the world is just as important as the "full-time minister". Everyone is a "full-time minister"!! What do you think?

Being God's Messenger

Hey,tonight in a parking garage in San Antonio I witnessed to a man and a woman on the elevator. I was wearing a name tag that says "Messenger" on it, (I’m a Messenger at the Southern Baptist Convention) and she had been praying for God to give her a message on how to change her life. When she saw my tag saying that I was a Messenger, she asked me how she could change her life.

Her husband was with her. They want to give up some bad things for their children's sake. So, I was their "messenger" tonight. Told them about a relationship with Christ and how it starts there--I explained the cross and how their past was behind them with Jesus. She was in tears as I expressed the hopefulness there is in knowing Jesus. I clearly explained the gospel, but I think they need to digest it, so I gave them each a booklet/tract I was carrying about Eternity.

Anyway, I got their names, phone, and email to follow up. I'll find a good church here in San Antonio tomorrow to follow up.

Note: sent an e-mail to them from my hotel room and look forward to hearing from them.

Living in Texas...Living in the World

In Texas we go for months wondering if it will ever rain again. Then, we go for periods of time wondering if it will ever stop! Then we fight against the bugs and little critters that try to invade our homes and businesses all summer. And how about the storms that roar through with hail and tornadoes that wipe out a block of homes or a small town in just minutes.
But these “problems” were here before Texas was settled. I guess that’s what we can expect when we build our homes and cities on the frontier! As long as we’re living in Texas we’ll be faced with these nuisances and inconveniencies.
It’s the same with just being a Christian in a fallen world. Sin, violence, hatred, unfairness, and road rage…it’s all a part of being on the planet. As long as we’re living in the world we’ll be faced with these nuisances and injustices.
Thank God for His redeeming love. He sent Jesus to redeem us from this and give us a real future. As long as we live here now, let’s live for Jesus each and every day. The world needs what have, and needs to know what we know.

Oak Hill Tragedy

My father and mother developed a brushy 60 acre plot of land in the 1980s into a park called Oak Hill Mobile Home Park. A few years ago they sold half of the development to investors who continued to operate the western section as Oak Hill.

I lived in the area and my wife, Dawn, was the office manager for my folk's business when they still owned the whole park. We are familiar with the streets and the homes that occupy them.

So it was a real surprise, a gruesome surprise, to hear on the news that a woman took her life and that of 3 of her children in the Oak Hill Park. Though I live about 60 miles away now, it still kind of hit close to home.

All around us are struggling families, single moms, and kids caught in the crossfire of life. We must tell them about Jesus and the reality of His love -- the hope we have in knowing him. Life is more than the immediate problems we struggle with. If we can only get people to see past their circumstances long enough to see and receive the Lord Jesus Christ.

I Remember Jerry Falwell

I've met, and talked, with Jerry Falwell on several ocassions, and I've been to Liberty University and have seen the student body that admires him. They would rise to their feet and cheer wildly every time he took the stage. But I remember some other things about Dr. Falwell.

I remember that he started in his hometown of Lynchburg and went door-to-door sharing the gospel with every single person in town. That's a lot of praying, a lot of shoe leather, and a lot of hard work. He was just trying to win his neighbors to Christ when he founded a small church on Thomas Road. If the media and secularists had a clue they would see that soul-winning was where Falwell started and it was always the heart of his ministry.

I also remember that he started sending out a Bible correspondence course to anyone wanting to study and prepare for ministry. That turned into Liberty University where lawyers, pastors, missionaries, politicians and business administrators are trained to impact the world for the Kingdom of God.

The media and secular commentators only remember his days with the Moral Majority and what they call political activism -- taking a Biblical stand on abortion, homosexuality, and religious freedom. They say he brought evangelicals into the mainstream of American politics and off the sidelines. There's some truth to that. But more importantly he was willing to take a stand -- he took a lot of bullets and barbs for the rest of us.

No one deserves to go home as much as Jerry Falwell. He looked forward to it all his life. Now it's up to use to carry on with the battle.

Not Acts 2, But Close Enough!

There we were, the "whole church was together." Just like Acts 2.

Then we prayed. Just like Acts 2.

Then there was "the sound of a mighty rushing wind." Just like Acts 2.

But alas, instead of tongues of fire we got lightening like crazy! And, we certainly got an outpouring!!

Of course it was a springtime Texas thunderstorm. A wallcloud rolled over the church with 60 MPH winds and horizontal rain. Awesome.

If you miss Wednesday night prayer meeting you may miss a lot of excitment.

Virginia Tech and Heaven's Gates

In the dramatic presentation, Heaven's Gates and Hell's Flames, there are examples of people, believers and unbelievers, dying and facing the reality of eternity. Some die of natural causes, others in accidents or drug overdoses. But the events at Virginia Tech this week remind us that many people die just as unexpectantly at the hands of violent perpetrators.

I wonder how many of those people that were gunned down in their classroom entered eternity to join Christ in Heaven. I wonder how many found themselves face to face with the reality that they would give an account of their sins -- without the benefit of Christ's blood to satisfy God's wrath.

Suddenly, in just a moment, people who rejected the witness of their college friends, or used to laugh at old high school buddies for their faith, found themselves remembering the opportunities that they will never have again.

In just a moment any of us can be gone from this natural dimension and find ourselves in the next, supernatural dimension. If you know Christ in this dimension you will find safety and security in the next dimension; but if you reject Christ now, all you will have are regrets compounded by eternal punishment for your sin.

We must find a way to get as many of our friends to know Christ as we can -- just in case another Virginia Tech, or car accident, or disease catches up with them. There's no time to waste.

After Heaven's Gates & Hell's Flames

The numbers after 3 a three day crusade: 74 Professions of Faith; 47 Recommitments to Christ. God has certainly been good to us. How? By allowing us to be a useful vessel in His service! What a blessing to see so many respond to the reality of eternity.

The show, Mission Impossible, always starts out like this: “Your assignment, Mr. Phelps, should you decide to accept it is…”

Mr. Phelps, the leader of a special task force, would receive instructions via a recorded message. Three things always struck me about this:
1. The goal of the assignment is clearly stated;
2. How the goal is achieved is up to Mr. Phelps and his team;
3. Mr. Phelps has the option of refusing the assignment.

Jesus clearly defined the goal of the church (that would be you and me): “Be my witnesses” and “make disciples”.

So now, after Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames, we have an assignment to complete. First, we will follow up and encourage them to stay close to Jesus, to be baptized, and to read their Bible. But we must also provide a loving, nurturing fellowship in which they can grow.

So, “Hello church member. Your assignment, should you decide to accept it is to take a loving role of service, support, and unity in order to help new, and not-so-new, believers become disciples.”

How you do that is up to you — but you must do it. \O/

The Wonder of Worship

It seems like nothing impresses us anymore. I can remember the absolute wonder I felt while watching our astronauts go into space and return again. Today, space shuttles fly into space and return with no more fanfare than a commercial airplane flight. The wonder is gone. Familiarity with the spectacular has robbed us of the wonder of space flight.Worship has become the same way to many of us. We’ve heard the music and sung the hymns a million times. We have listened to hundreds sermons and even have our own favorite super-preacher. We have refined all the techniques of worship so that nothing is new. The wonder is gone.Recently, I was with some people that began to notice the shapes of the clouds overhead. As they imagined what the clouds looked like, I remembered how I used to do the same thing when I was younger. Children are impressed by the simple things around them. Perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He told His disciples to become as little children. Over the years I had gotten used to the clouds always being overhead—nothing special. What had changed? It wasn’t the clouds. They still had funny shapes that looked like one thing or another. It was me that had changed. I had just lost the wonder of it all until I was reminded by my friends.There is a marvelous wonder that accompanies true worship. Many of us, however, have come to depend so much on the props of worship that we’ve lost sight of the Person of worship. We need to return to Jesus, for He hasn’t changed. Come to Him, as a child, in worship and the wonder will never end. Jesus is the Wonder of Worship.

Audience of One

In a far country lived a band of minstrels who traveled from town to town presenting music to make a living. Business had been bad. Times were hard. They didn’t charge much, but people just didn’t have enough money to come and pay to hear the minstrels. Attendance had been falling off, so early one evening the group met to discuss their plight.

"I see no reason for opening tonight," one said. "To make things even worse, it is starting to snow. Who will venture out on a night like this?"

"I agree," another disheartened singer said. "Last night we performed for just a handful. Fewer will come tonight. Why not give back their meager fees and cancel the concert? No one can expect us to go on when just a few are in the audience."

"How can anyone do his best for so few?" a third inquired. Then he turned to an older minstrel sitting beside him. "What do you think?"

He looked straight at his troupe. "I know you are discouraged. I am too. But we have a responsibility to those who might come. We will go on. And we will do the best job of which we are capable. The few that do come should not be punished with less than the best we can give."

Heartened by his words, the minstrels went ahead with their show. They never performed better. When the show was over and the small audience gone, the old man called his troupe to him. In his hand was a note, handed to him by one of the audience just before the doors closed behind him. "Listen to this, my friends!"

Slowly the old man read: "Thank you for a beautiful performance." It was signed very simply--"Your King"!

Remember, every day your life only needs to please one Person. \O/

Copyright © 2005 Darril Deaton