The Biggest Loser

“Winning isn’t everything…it’s the only thing.”

This quote is often attributed to famous football coach, Vince Lombardi, and has seemingly become the mantra driving American sports, and is arguably the kind of attitude that has permeated all of American society. Everything seems to revolve around this concept – that is until the inception of “The Biggest Loser”, a TV reality show where contestants win by losing weight. Who would have ever imagined that losing is the path to gaining happiness, health, and a new lease on life? What a concept!

Well, to be honest, this concept is not original. You see, it is actually thousands of years old. No, really! Let me explain.

I’m not talking about losing weight, or money, or sporting events, or whatever silly contests we dream up. I am talking about losing everything! I know I sound a bit crazy, but I’m not suggesting we pass around the Kool-Aid and everyone take a drink. No, but I am suggesting that we must give up our lives! The only way to do this is for us participate in the blood sacrifice…not a sacrifice of just any blood, but THE BLOOD of the one and only Lamb. Jesus said it best and most succinctly when he told Peter, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8)

The only way to do that is to give up everything. Jesus says in Mark 8: 35, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it.” Wow! What a tough command! God does not ask for our possessions (although we are called to do that in 2 Corinthians 9:7 and Acts 2:45), or our intellect, or our cooperation, or our careers, or our families, or our time. He asks for one thing and one thing only – our very lives, all of it, every part of it. And if we do this one thing for Him for a very short lifetime, He promises that we will be the biggest winners throughout all of eternity!

This will be our focus at Tallgrass Christian Camp this week. We directors, counselors, teachers, nurses, cooks, staff and volunteers wish to dedicate our lives for this one week to help these kids understand that being a living sacrifice in all areas of our lives and that putting God and others first makes us the WINNERS!

Thank you all for making this possible through your generous gifts of time, labor, talents, finances, encouragement and love. After all, it is your sacrifices that set the examples and that show these kids what living for Jesus is all about.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

~ The staff at Tallgrass Christian Camp

"Imitation" Christian

Ever had one of those “moments” where someone looks a certain way, or does something quirky, or when you just catch a glimpse and they remind you of your family? Once, when Heather returned from some trip, she wanted me to sit down and watch a DVD she had purchased but not yet been able to watch – “The Blue Collar Comedy Tour”. If you are not familiar with this particular comedy troupe, it includes the likes of Jeff Foxworthy, Ron White, Bill Engvall, and Larry the Cable Guy, all “down-to-earth”, back woods, red neck comedians. After the show, when Heather could finally pick herself up off the floor and stop holding her sides, she noted that I hadn’t laughed as much and asked if I enjoyed the show. My response was, “you know, that might be funnier if they weren’t describing MY family!”

My family may have many faults, but the greatest thing about us is that we are an extremely “huggy” bunch. We always greet each other with a hug, and often a kiss, and we always hug everyone in sight before we leave (sometimes we can’t be sure if they are family members or not – and we really don’t care). Being the youngest of 8 children, and with my mother having about 30 grandchildren, saying goodbye could last quite a while (I learned early on not to leave the car running while making the rounds). I remember once as a teenager when I went to a museum with some of my family, I turned from an exhibit, saw my short sister-in-law behind me, and turned around and gave her a big hug…only to find that I had never seen this person before in my life! I guess I am lucky that Texas is a friendly place.

Now, I am part of a much bigger family – God’s family – with brothers and sisters far and wide. (I must say that I am glad that this family is an extremely huggy bunch too.) Just like the Wheelers, we Christians have plenty of faults too, but we are truly the most loving people I have ever met. I often feel unworthy to be a part of the Central family because I know about all my faults. I want to be a better person…a better Christian…but I just can’t help but focus on my shortcomings. So I find myself asking, “how can I be a REAL Christian?” I have been reading more of the Old Testament lately and I have found that ALL of the great heroes of the Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament, had plenty of faults too. So how do we overcome our deficiencies? One way is to become an “imitation” Christian. I know this is seems to be an oxymoron (and you probably think I am a moron at this point), but please bear with me.

Whenever we want to improve ourselves, whether it is fitness, weight control, or some other goal we desire, we turn to the “experts” who have been there and have overcome. We see their success and want to do the same things so that we can achieve the same results. That is why the “self-help” industry is raking in millions every day. So, why shouldn’t we do the same with our Christian walk? John says to be careful of what we imitate. He warns, “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” (3 John 11). The apostle Paul was a staunch advocate of being an imitator. He often urged the churches to imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2:14 ; Hebrews 13:7). So in our struggles, perhaps we should pick out the most faithful Christians (like the Elders) and strive to become more like them, just as they strive to be more like Christ. To be more like Christ, it will take some study, prayer, observation, and action. When we practice what we preach, we can truly become an “imitation Christian”.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)

To Boldly Go...

I am a MAJOR Trekkie! (For those of you unfamiliar with the term – shame on you! Not really, a “Trekkie” is a Star Trek fanatic.) I have always loved the entire franchise: the concept, the characters, the future, the not-so-veiled attempts at political statements, and especially the gadgets! Cool gadgets! I would love to try the “replicator”, a gadget that can make things out of nothing by rearranging the energy molecules in the air (I am still not sure about the transporter, which rearranges YOUR molecules in order to move you from one location to another...Oh, come on, it’s science fiction!) Now that would be progress!

While I like to credit many of today’s conveniences to the ideas first shown on Star Trek (how many of you actually remember when you had to pull the doors open at the supermarket? Or where would we be without our cell phone communicators?), the most exciting – and most terrifying – aspect of the show is the overriding theme...”to boldly go where no one has gone before”.

Central church of Christ is now poised on the edge of the final frontier, to “boldly go” where Central has never gone before... well, not exactly, but Central is on the verge of an exciting era which will stretch the limits of faith and family. As the possibility of the sale of our building looms larger, more and more possibilities are raised and each scenario breeds a thousand questions: where will me meet for worship; where will we hold classes; how soon can we get started on the new building; do we have enough money for a new building; how long before it will be finished; can we fill a new building after it has been built; will we have to re-allocate the budget; will we still be able to play softball (no worries there)?

As we venture forth into the great unknown, we can take great comfort in knowing that the Church is not constructed of “brick and mortar” and is not covered with paint nor filled with pews or pulpits. Our church – God’s Church – is comprised of flesh and bone, connected by heart and soul, and covered by the blood of Jesus. (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 2) Regardless of where we are physically, we know that we must be about our Father’s business. (Luke 2:49) And though we sojourn to a different place, we can be certain that our path will be bright as we walk in the Son-light, and that God will provide all our needs. (Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:19)

So as we weather these winds of uncertainty, remember the words of a very wise man who said, “keep a good attitude in time of change - let the Lord continue to lead us as He has in the past”. (Jerry Myers, 02/17/2008)

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3 (NIV)

Keys to Having the Best Life Ever!

What a great weekend! Two firsts in the same place at the same time! Last Friday night, our brand-spankin’ new youth minister, Nathan “Twig” McBroom, planned the first Central teen retreat at the brand-spankin’ new (not yet ready for prime time) Tallgrass Christian Camp. We had about 15 kids attend to learn how to show our Christian faith and put it into practice. It was a great time of bonding – and no one complained about not having hot showers in the morning!

Even though he probably didn’t realize it, as part of Twig’s preparation, he astounded me with his simple, yet profound wisdom (something we have grown accustomed to from those Texas raised boys). In his instruction packet he included a sheet called “Keys to Having the Best Retreat Ever!” I thought that we could take his simple, common sense tips and adapt them to our Christian lives. So, here we go…

Spend Time Alone in Prayer
What a powerful concept. There are literally hundreds of passages in the new testament alone on prayer. If it was the cornerstone of Jesus’ faith and relationship with His Father, how could we possibly ignore it?! (“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16; “…pray continually.” 1 Thess 5:17.)

Read Your Bible
It’s not just an instruction book. God’s word is filled with mystery, intrigue, suspense, surprise, romance, adventure, and even a bit of comedy. What novel offers all of that. Not to mention that it is His last written will and testament, in which He tells us everything necessary to inherit eternal life.

Write Encouraging Notes
A little praise goes a long way…it keeps us going when we get discouraged. (“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Heb 10:24)

Get to Know a Mentor
Pick out one or more members whom you admire for their Christian walk and learn their “secrets” of keeping the faith. (“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” Heb 13:7)

Have a Positive Attitude
After all, what can be better than having the God who created the universe on your side? (“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom 8:31)

Don’t Hate, Participate!
Get involved! Thee is lots of work to do. (“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22; “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…” Eph 6:7)

Smile
If you are happy and you know it…then your face will surely show it! (“Be joyful always” 1 Thess 5:16)

Make a New Friend
Share the Gospel. Spread the love. Befriend someone that Jesus would befriend. (“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” Rom 12:16)

Tell an Elder Thank You.
There is no harder or more agonizing responsibility in God’s church. Give them the double-honor they deserve. (“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Tim 5:17)

Sing Loud!
It ain’t the quality of the sound, but the quality of the heart! (“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” Eph 5:19; “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.” James 5:13)

Get to Know a Visitor
Be hospitable. Invite them to lunch. (“Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Rom 12:13; “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Pet 4:9)

Get Your Sleep
Jesus promised us rest…take advantage of it. (“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matt 11:28; “The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32)

Finally, Don’t Be Shy!
“Go ye…” doesn’t mean sit back and wait for them to come to you. Be proactive in sharing your faith. Jesus has saved us from a fate worse than death. – Shout if from the mountaintops!

Lord, Speak to Me

What a Great evening! We gathered together at the Central building last night to listen to New Reign, seven very talented young people who travel the country promoting Oklahoma Christian University by lifting their voices and hearts to God. Afterwards there was a time of fellowship (and of course, food) which culminated in a trip to the theater to watch the new movie, “Evan Almighty”, a good, clean, family film. The premise behind the movie is that God appears to Evan and asks him to build an ark – in the middle of one of Washington DC’s upscale developments. At first Evan is somewhat reluctant, but through a series of events, is convinced that this really is God who has spoken to him. I’ve heard folks say that God has “called” them to do certain things, but…WOW!

Throughout the film, I wondered just what would happen if God appeared to me and asked me to perform some seemingly outlandish act. Would I believe that He was really God? Would I be reluctant to take on the task and risk being ridiculed and ostracized by family and friends? Would I be embarrassed and ashamed to announce to everyone that God spoke to me and to relay His message? OR, would I be thrilled that God had chosen me to be His ambassador? Would I proudly stand before the world and proclaim the Word of God? Would I gladly forfeit my job, my dignity, my status to carry out God’s will? Would I boldly go where no one has gone before? (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

I like to think that I would be willing to do whatever God asked of me, but I thank God that he doesn’t ask such extraordinary things of us today like building an ark, being cast into a fiery furnace or a den of lions, or conquering a giant in battle. Then again, when God does “speak” to me, am I willing to listen and obey? He asks such simple things of us…to live a life worthy of His calling (Ephesians 4:1); to love Him with all I have and to love my neighbor; to be devoted to my fellow Christians (Romans 12:10); to be kind and compassionate and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32); to be encouraging (Hebrews 3:13), peaceful (1 Peter 3:8), humble (Philippians 2), and serving (John 13); and to tell others (Matthew 28).

If God asks so little of me, why do I have such a hard time stepping up to the plate? I pray each day for God to give me the courage to commit my life, my speech, and my actions to Him.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Let Jesus Speak

How do you react when someone asks for your help? How do you respond when you hear a tragic story from an acquaintance? I’m not talking about the “major” tragedies as recounted and reported by the major news stories (i.e., the Greensburg tornado, the New Orleans hurricane, the Topeka flooding), I’m talking about your neighbor whose child or grandchild has died, or the friend of a friend who has lost their home to fire or flood, or your co-worker whose child has become involved in drugs or alcohol. Do we ignore the topic altogether or do we politely acknowledge the situation and move on to other trivial, less uncomfortable subjects?

The real question is, “how do I reach those for Jesus?” Talk about uncomfortable! I am not a great speaker. Evangelism has never been one of my strong points. I never seem to know just how to broach the subject of salvation or to tell them of Jesus. Just how do I convince someone to believe in Jesus?

John 4 tells of how one woman spread the news of Jesus to her entire town. After a brief encounter with Jesus, the Samaritan woman went back into town and simply told the people of her experience and they flocked to see Him. While many believed because of the woman’s testimony, many more believed when they actually listened to Jesus.

The verse that recently struck me in this story is verse 42,

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (emphasis added)

Simple enough: if we simply let Jesus speak, they will know that He is the Savior! Paul said it this way, “…but we preach Christ crucified…When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 1:23a; 2:1-2). You have heard the expression, “You may be the only Jesus someone sees today”; well, if we let Jesus speak through our words and actions, people WILL come to know the Savior. So how should we react? How should we respond? If Jesus is truly the Lord of our lived, our actions and our speech will draw people to Jesus. Let’s be a people that practices what we preach.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Daddy's Little Girl

Wow! It’s hard to believe 18 years are almost gone. Lavon, you are no longer my “baby girl”. As we’ve watched you grow and mature, you have brought much joy to our lives. Your determined resolve and infectious smile have brightened the lives of all those who have come in contact with you. Your love of life and commitment to service have helped to develop friendships which will last a lifetime…and you love for God and dedication to His commands and His compassion for others have made a lasting impression on many…including me.

I am proud of all that you have accomplished. We have watched you develop physically, academically and musically – but the most fun has been to watch you grow and increase in your faith. I am most proud of the young woman of God you have become. As you embark on this new and exciting journey, I pray that you will continue to grow and mature in the wisdom and knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that God will guide you in the direction where you can best serve Him. Trust in Him during good times and hard times. Don’t be afraid to ask your Father for anything, big or small. Most of all, remember to put Him first in ALL you do and never forget His sacrifice for you.

Always know that your Mother and I will be there for you – anytime night or day. No matter where you are, what you do, or how old you are, you will always be “Daddy’s little girl”.

I love you and look forward to the coming years.

Dad

Commencement

Well, it’s that time of the year again…Graduation! The time has come, or is soon coming, for many to say goodbye to high school –goodbye to teachers and friends, cafeteria lunches, gym classes. Each graduate should feel a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment (and relief) in the completion of one of the most important phases of their life. They have reached the end of an era.

But if this is the end, why do they call it “commencement”? There will be many speeches in the next few weeks about “new beginnings” and “bright futures” and “the first day of the rest of your lives”. As William Shakespeare said, “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” (and you thought you would never have to read Shakespeare again!) Ah, the possibilities that lie ahead. This truly is the start of a new life. Full time jobs, a new school, new friends, new subjects, new roommates, having to make new decisions, new responsibilities, (for some even a new state) but for all, new experiences. For those who continue their education, they will enter the world of student loans and financial aid, Greek clubs and intramural activities, laundry (you can’t come home every weekend!) and even cleaning your own bathrooms. Parents will have to relinquish some control and allow their children (now “adults”) to steer their own destinies. Parents and children may not get to see each other or talk to each other as often as they would like – new challenges bring time constraints. (A word to the kids: don’t call often to ask your parents for money. You are in college…they don’t have any!)

Yes, change is at hand. No one likes change…it’s too unfamiliar. Graduates and parents alike will face new challenges; intellectual, financial, social, and especially challenges to their faith. How do we survive the daily attacks on our faith and hold steadfastly to the promises of God? I humbly offer a few suggestions:

1) Pray hard! Why not seek guidance from the Wonderful Counselor? God has promised that He will answer. (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2; Matthew 21:22; Mark 11:24; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:12)

2) Read your Bible daily. There is no better text book for life. You can’t know what the Book says unless you read it. (Hebrews 4:12; Colossians 3:16; Philippians 2:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 2:5) By the way, take your Bible classes seriously. You won’t get this opportunity very often and you will wish you had years later.

3) Get involved in a local congregation. It is too easy to be too busy and to have too many other responsibilities to get involved, but the love and fellowship and support of a local family is priceless. It helps to shape the servant you will become and you will develop lasting relationships in the process. After all, they might even feed you on occasion. (Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3, 7; Hebrews 10:25)

4) Be careful who you date! It seems silly to say, but you marry the people you date. Be sure that those you date are kind, compassionate, selfless, God fearing Christians whose goal it is to help you get to heaven! Remember that this is the same person with whom you will spend the rest of your life and be sure that he or she will be a good father or mother to your children. (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33; Psalms 128; Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:14; Proverbs 31:10)

5) Don’t forget you parents! The command to honor them doesn’t stop when you reach 18, or 30, or 65. (Ephesians 6:2)

Most of all, remember that, although the world around you is changing at a rapid pace, God is the one constant in the universe. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Revelation 22:13; Hebrews 13:8) He will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) He is always on our side! (Romans 8:31)

Congratulations and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

There Never Was a Pulpit Like the Cross

Do you ever have trouble telling someone else the gospel? I know I do! My knees get weak, my palms sweat, and I have trouble catching my breath. I am not so much afraid of them rejecting me, but what if I say the wrong thing? If I am not a very studious person, what if I tell them something that is not God’s Word? What if I anger them and drive a wedge between them and God so that they never want to listen? What if my efforts create a hostile work environment? What if I lose that person as a friend and thereby lose my opportunity to witness to them forever?

All good questions, right? But, you see, that all these questions, although they seem to be concerned for the “hearer”, are really all about me and my insecurities. I am reminded of what God told Moses when he was concerned about the very same thing…”Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:11-12). If we try to “go it alone”, we are likely doomed to fail. Instead, I am reminded that the power is in the cross, not me. If I simply tell THE story, there can be no greater authority.

Listen to the words of this song, and be encouraged and strengthened in your resolve to preach only Christ and Him crucified. Spread the good news everywhere you go!


There Never Was a Pulpit Like the Cross
The Vocal Union
Words and music: Sam L. Sullivan

© 1984 Anthony K. Music (ASCAP)

Jesus climbed the hill of Calvary
And they nailed Him on a cross
Though He had no sin my friend, like me and you
He submitted like a gentle lamb and let them nail Him there
And prayed "Forgive them, for they know not what they do"

Chorus:
Oh, there never was a pulpit like the old rugged cross
And there never was such a meeting place as Calvary
There never was a greater lesson preached on love by mortal man
And there never was a pulpit like the cross

What a crowd was gathered on the hill of Calvary that day
Not long before Christ's victory was won
As His own mother watched and wept beside a friend whom Jesus loved
Christ said, "Dear mother, when I'm gone, he'll be your son"

Repeat Chorus:

A guilty man was hanging on another cross that day
Convicted of some thievery, his sin
And suff'ring Jesus saw some good in him and he forgave that man
And said, "Today, into My Heaven enter in"

Repeat Chorus :

As you sit and pray in comfort, and in finery adorned
Without a thought of shame, regret, or loss
Just think of Jesus on that hill in pain, to awful to be born
And remember that old pulpit called the cross

Repeat Chorus :

No, there never was a pulpit like the cross

Honor to Whom Honor is Due

“Render to all men their dues. [Pay] taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due.” Romans 13:7 (Amplified Bible)

To “honor” someone is to show them great respect and hold them in high esteem… to recognize their accomplishments…to let them know that they possess special qualities… and that they are special. Our world tells us to recognize those with special talents and abilities. If you can throw a ball farther or harder, or if you can run faster or out perform others in the athletic arena, you are worthy of “honor”. If you can make more money, or are prettier, or can entertain the masses, you are worthy of “honor”.

Ask yourself, “when was the last time an actor or an athlete made a difference in my life?” In today’s society where we are constantly encouraged to focus on ourselves – our needs, our desires, our wants, what brings us pleasure – we often forget to honor those who are most dear to us…those who have truly had a real impact on our lives. Parents, family, teachers, true friends, the Elders of the Church (see 1 Timothy 5:17), ministers; those who care more about you than themselves. These are the servants who exemplify the very meaning of the word “hero”, and these are the people who are worthy of our respect, our admiration, our honor.

How do we honor someone who is this important in our lives? We can, and should, always tell them how much they mean to us…not just at special times but as often as we can. More importantly, we can live a life worthy of their love for us. Paul tells us in Romans 12:9-13, how to honor others:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (NIV)

When we learn to honor others, then we too will become a servant, and God will honor us!

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26

TIS THE SEASON

Well, it’s that time of year again…the season to deck the halls, for jingle bells and mistletoe, snowmen and shoppers rushing home with their treasures. Everyone searches for that perfect gift that says, “this is to show you how important to me.” In a world of “black Fridays” and overextended credit cards, my biggest question each year is, “how much can I/should I spend.” As inflation takes it toll, it seems that it becomes more difficult to show just how much someone means to me with the limited amount of funds available, yet each year I am reminded that it is not how much I spend, but how much I give that counts.

How often do we ask ourselves and God, “How much do I have to give so that I have given enough?” In Matthew 19, Jesus told the rich young ruler that he should sell his possessions and give to the poor. So the real question is, “what if I give all?” Ray Boltz has written a song about a little boy that asks that very question.

What If I Give All?

Words by Ray Boltz, Music by Ray Boltz and Mark Pay

He heard the preacher say a single dime can feed a hungry boy or girl with nothing to eat.
So he pulled a dollar from the pocket of his jeans and he asked his mama how many will this feed?
She just smiled and when she told him ten he reached back again.

CHORUS:

What if I give all I have? What will that gift do?
My child, a gift like that could change the world, it could feed a multitude.

He didn’t close his eyes or turn away. I can see him standing tall.
He saw the need and I can hear him say, “What if I give all?

”Three birthday dollars could have bought a special toy,

but he reminds me of another little boy who gave to Jesus a gift of fish and bread.

I wonder if he said,

CHORUS (repeat)

And long ago a Father and a Son saw the children lost in sin.
Can you see the tears in the Father’s eyes as Jesus says to him,

"What if I gave all I have? What will that gift do?"
My Son, that gift will change the world; it will free the multitudes.

We cannot close our eyes and turn away when we hear His Spirit call.
We see the need, now let Him hear us say,

“What if I give all? What if I give all?”

©1996 Shepherd Boy Music/ASCAP (adm. by Word Music) and Screaming Toad Music/ASCAP (adm. by Addison Music).

Hearing this song, I am reminded of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. He gave up all the glory of heaven to show us how to serve. He became humanity to show us how to serve. He suffered ridicule, persecution, and even death at the very hands of those He came to serve. He gave all He had! During this time of year, in particular, when we are reminded daily of his sacrifice, we must now ask ourselves …

“What if I give all?”

Nearer, Still Nearer

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.
© Copyright 1996 by Vicky Boyd, from HymnSys, the Multimedia Hymnal System. All Rights Reserved.

All my life I have heard that anything worth doing is worth doing well…and although I strive to live up to that standard, I often fall horribly short. I tend to want to shy away from things that I don’t believe I can do well enough, and, although I am honored to serve and to be asked to serve, I sometimes do not feel worthy of that honor.

Occasionally, I get those feelings in worship and it is hard for me to feel like I have really worshipped. Worship is to assign and ascribe worth to the object of my affection. I want to give my very best to God, but I feel like I am inadequate to even come into God’s presence. I feel like my sin is so repugnant to God that I dare not even approach His throne, and as a result, I feel distant from God.

Tonight, while attending a worship conference in Nashville, TN, we were challenged to write down what this grand old hymn means to us. Here is my humble – possibly feeble – attempt:

My Lord. My Savior. My King. Father. I declare that You are the ruler of my life and that I put my complete faith and trust in You, and yet my sin disconnects my soul from You. In times when I struggle, when I hurt, when I despair, I ask that You forgive my indiscretions and weakness. I ask that You take me into Your lap and swaddle me in Your arms. Hold me close. Envelope me. Shield me. Protect me. Rock me. Comfort me. Help me feel secure, whole. Let me dwell in You and sustain my very soul with Your love.