Category: forgiveness

Posted in Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, loving others, pride, Scripture, thankful

Drop the Rocks

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

It kinda made me mad.  I know there are a multitude of things in the world that make us mad and there are also degrees of madness—boy is that a play on words. There is a little mad, some mad, half mad and downright mad.  Well, anyway, I was just a little mad.  When the weather is bad in January—like all the time—I will use the treadmill to walk.  It isn’t as good as the outdoors but you sure can work up a sweat.  So, whenever I decide to be healthy, I have my date with “the mill.”  I have a television mounted right in front of me to keep my mind busy while I walk. With all the new streaming services there is a lot to watch.

One of my favorite things is something called “Aerial America.”  They take a particular state and with a drone and/or helicopter they fly all over the state and shoot video.  It is very interesting and stunning but there was a problem. Because it was filmed from the air, I had a hard time staying on the treadmill.  They would go up and down, left, and right and I was all over the place with them.  It was then I decided to find something else to watch.  I decided it would be a great opportunity to get some good Bible teaching, so I started watching services from some of the guys I like.  It has been very profitable.

Different guys have different styles and I always try and pick speakers that stay close to the Bible and there are a couple that have large ministries and by and large do a great job teaching.  Now, I never agree with everything that every speaker says.  In fact, I teach every Sunday and guess what? I don’t always agree with me. It’s just a fact of life so if you teach publicly get ready for someone to say something.  I get that.  But then there was this morning.

As I was looking for something to watch from one of the guys I follow, I saw something that just about made me mad.  Some no-name guy, a pastor, teacher posted a video calling this nationally known speaker a “false teacher.”  Well, I didn’t watch his video because it wasn’t worth my time.  But I wondered exactly what caused him to say that this guy wasn’t the real deal.  Now again, I don’t always agree with everything this teacher says nor how he says it but “false teacher?”  I don’t think so.  He leads one of the largest evangelical churches in America.  He teaches the Bible and at the end of every service he has a time for people to act on what they heard and specially, to act on an invitation to accept Jesus’ invitation to follow Him.  He gives an old-fashioned altar call.

Oh, and one of the amazing things.  Everything this church produces, sermons, curriculum, music, you name it—they give it all away for free.  His church could make a zillion dollars but instead with incredible generosity they just give it away.  I find that amazing.  So, what’s up with the dude who made himself judge and jury?  If I were to take a guess it would probably be jealousy.  When someone is successful some people just assume that they are fake or false.  It seems the more successful a ministry is the more people cast stones.  Cast stones…hmmm.  It seems like Jesus had something to say about there.  Remember?

There was a woman in the Bible taken in the very act of adultery.  The Pharisees (we won’t go there) dragged her out in public in front of Jesus and declared, “Moses said we should stone this woman.  What do you say?”  First, and always, don’t mess with Jesus.  You will lose.  But Jesus stooped down and wrote something in the sand, we don’t know what, and then said, “Okay.”  Well, that wasn’t all He said.  The rest rattled their bones.  He said, “Okay, but the person without sin needs to cast the first stone.”  You could hear a pin drop, but you would have heard something else—the sound of rocks falling to the ground.  And, beginning from the oldest to the youngest, they left—all of them.  Jesus looked at the woman and said, “Where are your accusers?”  They had skedaddled. And here’s the best part.  The One who was left, Jesus, the One who could condemn her—didn’t.  Amazing.

I know it is our natural tendency to be rock chucker’s, but don’t you think maybe it is time to let the rocks fall.  If you are a Jesus follower or not, chucking rocks is a dangerous game.  Those rocks can act like boomerangs—and that will leave a mark.  Should we practice a discerning spirit?  Absolutely.  But rock chucking has nothing to do with a discerning—it has to do with a judgmental spirit.  Those rocks can be hard to drop sometimes but I know someone who is good at dislodging them from sticky hands.  His name is Jesus, and you can take it to the bank, He’s got that too.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in fear, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, Integrity, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Fog Free Living

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10

Well, it was one hot mess.  Well, actually, that is not exactly accurate.  Last year, right before Christmas, we had this arctic blast come from up north and give us a week or so of bone chilling temperatures.  We were all so glad when it moved on.  This year it happened again but not before Christmas but several weeks after.  Once again, the window up north opened, and the cold air poured south like water in an empty bucket.  The temperatures weren’t quite as cold but trust me there isn’t a big difference between three degrees and three degrees below zero.  What was different was the cold lingered a few days longer.  Slowly, the warm earth succumbed, and it too became cold.  Chapter two.

So, when the air did finally move on the ground remained cold…or at least colder than the air and that led to the hot mess…metaphorically speaking.  What followed was several days of yucky, icky days.  It was still quite cold, upper thirties—low forties, misty and rainy and ok, let’s just say it—miserable.  So, with the air warmer than the ground, the inevitable happened.  Fog. Now we all know there is fog and then there is FOG.  Well, this mess definitely deserved the capital letters.  It was the kind of fog that you see in those scary mystery movies—you know, the one filmed in Transylvania or in the backwoods of some remote place where banjos play.  Anyway, it really was a mess. Well, after several days, things equalized, and the fog went wherever used fog goes. While it was still misty and still cloudy at least you could see your hand in front of your face.

This was one of those things you could see coming (great play on words) and the reason is simple. When cold ground meets warm moist air with not much wind—you are probably going to get fog—and usually lots of it.  And guess what? What is true there is also true in principle.  When we get sloppy in faith and allow some sin junk to exist, things are going to get foggy, get a little more difficult…more challenging. It is just inevitable. Remember, when the air and ground are about the same temperature…well, the fog is held at bay.  And, when we choose to keep our faith and actions balanced—we usually keep the fog—the mess—at bay too. And when that happens—you guessed it—better circumstances and less regrets and that is always a good thing.

So, we can’t control the weather.  That is bigger than even The Weather Channel—that is up to the Master of the Wind and the creator of it all—our Dearest Daddy.  But when we control our actions and attitudes, that keeps the “fog monster” at bay. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  That verse isn’t just about keeping rules—it is about showing our love for the One who loves us most AND living and enjoying life here as He intended.  Remember He also said, “I have come that you may have life—and have it to the fullest” and that spiritually means fog free living.  Need a little help with the weather in your life? Just determine that you are going to leave it to Him.  He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne 

Posted in Family, food, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, school days, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, wisdom

Dinner on the Grounds

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

There’s lunch and then there is dinner on the grounds.  Church and I were a good fit from the get-go.  The schools I attended were always large and it was easy for someone to get lost in the crowd.  The bottom line seemed to be you had to be either really good or really bad to get recognized.  If you were really good at sports, for example, then a lot of people knew your name.  If you were really bad at life, well people knew your name, but it was the wrong people.  You might remember the categories in your yearbook that named people to be the most likely to do something.  Some were just destined not to be remembered. That was probably me.

I was one of those guys who just wandered around in the gray social midst at school but not so at church.  The churches I attended were like the three bears and their beds. One was too big; one was too small, and one was just right.  They were big enough to have fun, and I suppose learn a little about Jesus, and yet not too big.  I managed to be accepted by my peers and even the adults thought I was cool. So church was a good fit but that isn’t the main reason why I liked it.  I was grateful for the social acceptability, and I even appreciated the Bible stories and learning about Jesus, but in those days, I was in it for…the food.

You see, several times a year we would have meals at church. There were two things that you could count on.  First, they were always potlucks.  Now, in case you don’t know what a potluck dinner is, first, where have you been?  No seriously, a potluck is when everyone brings something for dinner.  It is one of the greatest inventions in the food world.  Imagine the world’s best buffet—meats, casseroles, vegetables, breads, starches, and the motherlode of all motherlodes—dessert. I can still remember there being tables—as in more than one—of nothing but desserts.  It was like food heaven. We still do this every once in a while, at our church so if you ever hear of this happening, even if you don’t like God, you need to come to church that Sunday.  One word says it all—cowabunga! If you need more than one word—here’s three “shoot that thing.”

The second thing that was just cool was in the old days’ churches would build permanent tables outside to hold all this food.  Often, they would have a tin roof over them.  You could line up on both sides and let her rip.  We always had those big plates, and you were obligated to fill them up.  Then, you would just go find yourself a place in the grass and sit down and eat…and eat…and eat.  It truly was one of my favorite times at church.  The food and the fellowship (being with all the people) was just amazing.  We have a ministry at our church where if a member of a family dies, we provide lunch for them on the day of the funeral. It is like a mini potluck and our ladies do such a wonderful job.  I’ve already asked them if I can have my dinner before I go so I can enjoy the meal.  I’m still working on that one.

You see, there are lots of reasons to attend church and like I said in my early years’ food was a good reason.  I have another reason now too. I’m the pastor.  It’s kinda expected that I will attend. But here’s the truth.  I don’t go now for the food…I go because I want to go. Yup…I don’t have to go to church, I get to go to church.  It is so good because some of the people I love the most are there.  And guess what? Some of the people that are a little harder to love are there too but that doesn’t matter because we have one thing in common—we all are pretty fond of God.

But wait, it gets better.  Guess what?  He is really fond of us.  He loved and loves everyone so much that He sent His Son to earth—we call that Christmas.  He also loved and loves everyone so much that He allowed Him to die on a Roman cross—we call that Good Friday.  It was bad for Him that day, but it was good for us because that day He paid the price for all the things all of us have done that offend His Father.  But wait…that isn’t the end.  After three days, He came back to life—we call that Easter, and it is a documented fact that it happened.  Pretty amazing.

Well, I am grateful for all the good food and other things that happen at church.  But I am so grateful for God, my Dearest Daddy, loving me that much and remember, He loves you that much too.  If you want to know more, I hope you will get a copy of His Book the Bible—it’s been a best seller for centuries—really.  Something I have learned is that it is a great idea to have God on your side.  It’s just good to know that He is there and will be there no matter what.  No, He isn’t Santa Claus just waiting to give you everything on your list.  No, He isn’t a Genie just waiting for you to rub His lamp.  He is God, He is real, and He wants to make a difference in your world.  Why not give Him a try?  You’ll find that no matter what you face, He will face it with you. I’ve learned that every day, no matter what, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, love, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Remodel or Rebuild

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

It happens frequently and I still don’t understand it.  It is a common practice today for a company to purchase a piece of land with a rather nice building on it.  Then, to my surprise and dismay, they promptly tear down the building just to build a new one.  The reason this always surprises me is because I don’t see the big picture.  I remember a time when a friend of mine bought a piece of land and it had a nice two-story house on it.  I was a little surprised when they tore the house down—until I saw what they built instead.  It was then that I realized the old didn’t line up with the new.

The story is told of a businessman selling a warehouse property. The building, left vacant for months, suffered damage from vandals – doors broken, windows smashed, and the interior strewn with trash. It was a mess.

After it was put up for sale, a potential buyer came by to see the property.  During a tour of the property, the businessman reassured the potential buyer repeatedly that he would clean up the property and do any repairs that were needed.  It was then that it happened. The buyer dismissed the repairs, saying, “When I buy this place, I’m tearing down the building and constructing something completely new. I don’t want the building; I want the site.” Once again, that might not make sense until the new was built for the new far outweighed the old.

In the same way, before we come to Christ, we resemble that lot with an old warehouse. With all our sin and all its scars, we find ourselves in a dire spiritual state and our first thought is to get better—to get religion, to get church, to stop this and start that before we let God in. The truth is we don’t need a remodel…we need a resurrection. Our temptation is often to try and fix everything before surrendering to God through faith in Christ.

Well get this. God isn’t interested in our repairs; He desires our site, our lives, our heart. He wants to take us as we are and create something entirely new. Paul, one of the writers in the New Testament said it this way, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Get that—He makes it all new. There’s no need to clean ourselves up before approaching God. Instead, we just need to come and let Him do a total rebuild.  Just place your trust in Jesus and allow Him to transform you into something new. Trust me, His rebuild is always much better than our remodel.  Let Him have His way—He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, Integrity, life, loving others, prayer, pride, Scripture, Southern born, Trials, wisdom

Oops, Your Slip is Showing

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Luke 6:45

Honey, your slip is showing. Change is a constant in life, and I vividly recall my mother preparing for church back in the day. During those times, women wore a couple of additional “accessories.” First, she was a devoted user of what I believe were known as girdles – contraptions designed to keep things in check around a lady’s waist. Although I never witnessed her putting one on, I could tell when she was wearing one when I playfully poked her in the side during church. It felt as hard as a rock, suggesting the presence of the infamous “girdle.”

The other item was called a slip. A slip was worn beneath a lady’s dress to prevent anything from being visible through it. My mother was particularly concerned about her slip being visible, emphasizing the importance of keeping it a couple of inches shorter than her dress. Without a full-length mirror, she’d often ask, “Dewayne, is my slip showing?” prompting me to inspect and report. Even in the early years of my marriage, slips were still fashionable, and I’m pretty sure Judy also sought the occasional “slip report.”

Nobody, and I mean nobody, wanted to attend church with their slip showing. It was a social faux pas. However, as time passed, slips fell out of fashion, and with them, the need for slip reports disappeared. Yet, the saying lingers only with a twist. When someone tells you, “Your slip is showing,” it implies that something intended to be hidden is now visible for all to see. This phrase is applicable often in our conversations but even more so in the realm of social media today. Although I am not really a Facebook user myself, I’ve been made aware of the numerous slips on display.

The revelations on Facebook no longer shock me. People seem to blur the line between the privacy of a personal journal and the public nature of Facebook. Hurtful words are carelessly thrown around, much like a bad case of stomach flu. I vividly remember a church member writing un-Jesus like words on Facebook, only to justify it with, “Well, I didn’t know the whole world would see them.” Really? Duh.

So, when we witness unkindness on social media, perhaps it’s time to adopt a gentle approach and say, “Excuse me, but your slip is showing.” Unleashing unkind words is never justified. Momma used to say, “If you can’t say something nice…don’t say anything at all”.  She was always smart. So, whether following the golden rule of saying something nice or abiding by Jesus’ wisdom that words reveal the heart, the message is clear – choose kindness.

In the secular world, unkindness is sometimes almost expected but for followers of Jesus, such behavior is labeled as sin, irrespective of justifications. Instead of expressing displeasure with someone, why not try praying? God is always receptive to sincere prayers, and you won’t find yourself being told, “Your slip is showing.”

I admit, I’m someone who occasionally speaks without thinking, but I’m learning to hit the pause button. As they say, the older you get, the more you lose your filter. Uttering and writing things that are unkind or just not right may lead to regret and the need to apologize to God. Let’s start an “Excuse me, but your slip is showing” campaign – a subtle way of letting someone know that their communication, whether on social media or spoken, is, shall we say, embarrassing. They might not appreciate it now, but perhaps they will later. And if, like me, you struggle with putting your foot in your mouth, ask God for help. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Military memories, prayer, pride, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Wrong Pew–Wrong Girl

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

It was an oops…a big oops.  I was in my early twenties and life was good.  I was enjoying my first enlistment in the Air Force, I was stationed not far from my hometown of Jacksonville, Florida but more importantly, smack-dab in the middle of the land of grits.  I was engaged to the prettiest girl in town, and we were both Jesus followers and involved in a local church.  And that’s where it happened.

I have always loved music, and most would say that I have a pretty good singing voice. Starting when my Momma forced my oldest sister to let me sing “I Love You, Truly” at her wedding, I have had multiple opportunities to sing publicly—at least in my limited world.  Later I would be a part of a couple of singing groups and so it probably isn’t surprising that I would provide special music at our church.  So, here’s how it played out.  Things are always predictable in the services of Baptist churches.  There would an opening song, someone would give a welcome and make some announcements, we would sing two more songs, take the offering (and sometimes the word “take” was very literal), there would be a special song and then the preacher would preach.  After he got done (which could take a while) there would be a closing song and prayer. These things were so set in stone they were printed every Sunday in the bulletin.  You didn’t mess with the “order of worship.” If it wasn’t in there—we didn’t do it.

A couple of times a month I would be the one who sang right before the message.  I was usually comfortable in front of people and that turned out to be a good thing because later I would become the guy who talked for a long while.  Now even though I was comfortable singing in front of people, each time it was a little nerve racking. While I could be the life of the party, I sure didn’t want to embarrass myself in from of a couple of hundred people.  Well, one day I did…but not like you think.

On that Sunday, at the appropriate time, I went up to the stage and sang my song. I don’t remember the name of the song, but I do know it went well.  I know because it was one of those times, I left the stage smiling.  The people enjoyed the presentation, and I enjoyed presenting it.  All was well.  So, off the stage I bounded. Truth be known, I was probably feeling just a little cocky.  I should have remembered that the Bible says, “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”  But I didn’t.

My fiancée Judy and I always sat over by the wall and about halfway back in the pews. We were as predictable as the sunrise. So that is where I headed.  It was a “zippy do dah” moment and when I got to the place, I sat right down and threw my arm around the girl I loved.  Only it wasn’t. I sat there for about four seconds and realized something didn’t feel just right.  I glanced over to my right expecting to see the face of my fiancée but instead I saw the face of the preacher’s daughter. Her face was doing two things at once.  First, she was smiling and second it said, “Why are you here and why do you have your arm around me.”  Oops. I had missed my landing zone by one pew.  There’s an old saying, “Right church, wrong pew.”  It means you had the right general area but not the right exact spot. Well, in my case I had the wrong row and the wrong girl. I sheepishly stood and moved back one row.  Right row, right girl.

Are you wondering what happened? Well, gratefully Judy wasn’t mad.  I mean she could have given me the “what for” but she didn’t.  The crowd, well, as you can imagine they were laughing and if I remember correctly, it all warranted a comment from the pastor who happened to be the father of the girl. Well, it all turned out fine, but it was definitely one of those times you don’t forget.  As I think about it—I have had lots of those moments which means I have had lots of learning opportunities.

The lesson that day was, “be sure you know where you are supposed to land.”  In my “zippy-do-dah” moment I had landed at the wrong airport.  It was no deal because it was an honest mistake.  No harm—no foul.  But that’s not always the case.  Sometimes our oops, especially the intentional or semi-intentional ones, can leave a mark or two.  When you are the life of the party kind of guy it is too easy to have a laugh at someone’s expense.  I’ve learned that in life it is easy to do something on the spur of a moment that can have a long lasting “oops”.  Can someone say, “I bought a new car.”  Can someone say, “Seven years of payments.” Smile.

Well, Judy and I have been married coming up on forty-eight years and when she reads this she will remember, and odds are she will smile.  I am grateful we have lots of days that cause us to smile and far fewer of the kind that cause us to wince in pain.  That is called grace—extended and received.  So, as you navigate through life and you’re preparing to land at your selected airport—make sure it is the right one.  You might want to contact “the tower” and confirm His opinion of your intended landing site.  It might save you some embarrassment and pain.  You can always count on Him…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

Donut Heaven

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Two things you need to know. First, stepping into Ralph’s was like stepping into a donut paradise. Second, it has been too long since our last visit. A while back, Judy and I decided to take a trip to middle Tennessee for some hiking and to marvel at God’s creation. We chose Cookeville, a small city about an hour east of Nashville, as our base. Although we had driven by it numerous times on our way to other destinations, we had never stopped. This time, however, it became our destination, and it turned out to be a wonderful decision.

Within a short drive, we encountered some of the most stunning waterfalls, including Fall Creek Falls, the tallest east of the Rockies, standing at 256 feet. Burgess Falls, with its three separate falls, each more spectacular than the last, and the cascading waterfalls at Rock Island State Park left us in awe. Amidst all this natural beauty, we stumbled upon Ralph’s.

When staying at an Airbnb, we always explore the host’s literature to enhance our visit. The guest book mentioned Ralph’s, a mom-and-pop donut shop in downtown Cookeville, recommended by three previous guests. It became a must-visit for us. Unfortunately, on Monday morning, we discovered they were closed. Our anticipation had to wait another day.

On Tuesday morning, after planning our hikes, we headed to Ralph’s Donut Shop to fuel up with calories for our journey. Established in 1962, Ralph’s had been delighting customers with donuts for 58 years. As we opened the door, we were greeted by a sight that truly resembled donut heaven.

The interior was simple, with a horseshoe-shaped counter filled with locals enjoying coffee and pastries. A long glass case and a wall adorned with pastries and donuts tempted us. The enthusiastic donut salesman welcomed us and shared the highlights of Ralph’s menu. The fried apple fritter, a massive treat covered in glaze with a delicious apple filling, was our first choice. Then, he introduced us to the butter twist, voted the number one donut in Tennessee, brushed with butter before frying. We ordered two of those. For Judy’s chocolate craving, a butter twist with chocolate frosting was the perfect choice. Finally, he threw in a broken spice bar for free, describing it as a blend of Little Debbie and gingerbread. I couldn’t resist.

Ralph’s surprised us further with its operating hours – three shifts of bakers kept the shop open from 5:00 am to 11:30 pm. They were thriving, listed among the top 20 donut bakeries in the entire United States. It truly felt like “holey” ground.

The dedication at Ralph’s was evident. They believed in their product, knew it well, and wanted to share it with everyone. As followers of Jesus, we could learn a lesson from Ralph’s. We possess the best news in creation – the good news of Jesus Christ, who can make us holy. Unlike donuts, Jesus can make us holy enough to call God our Father and holy enough for eternal life. While Ralph’s had been making donuts for 58 years, God has been loving us since before the foundation of the world.

Considering how incredible God is, our response should be to be “all in” too. We should live as if we truly believe and share the Word about Him passionately. Leaving Ralph’s, I felt compelled to tell people about this amazing place. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we should wake up every morning eager to share the good news.

On this first day of the New Year, let’s figuratively get behind the counter, not to sell donuts, but to share the life-changing news that God, in His incredible love, gave His Son for us. This is the best news ever, and it comes with the assurance that, no matter what this year brings, He’s got it. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Christmas, Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, Holidays, Integrity, life, love, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials

Jesus Jars

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7

And just like that—it was over. The days and weeks leading up to Christmas are so exciting.  When I was a kid, it was almost unbearable. We’ve all heard the saying, “slower than Christmas.” Well, that was certainly true then, but as an adult who has seen a bunch of Christmases, they seem to come not only regularly but quickly. It seems we kick off the New Year and suddenly we are popping firecrackers in July and then getting ready for another Christmas. Amazing.

While Christmas comes quickly, it also seems to go just as quickly.  It seems just yesterday it was Christmas…oh wait…it was. Smile. But with all the anticipation, the last few days before almost seemed like hours.  Easy come and quickly go.  While there are many things I enjoy about Christmas, (not least being the food…can someone say, “ho, ho, ho) you must appreciate the kinder and gentler spirit most people express. If we are honest, most of us are usually just a little softer than we are the rest of the year. We smile a little more, laugh a little more, and show kindness a little more. That Christmas kindness can sure brighten an overcast sky or heart.  But as quickly the day itself comes and goes, so does that Christmas spirit.

A guy named Harlan Miller said, “I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” Well, Harlan, I’ve got some good news—we can.  You see Paul, the guy in the Bible, writing about Jesus followers says, “Now we have this treasure in clay jars.” Wow, we are literally jars of Jesus just waiting to be opened. And when a Jesus jar is opened guess what should come out?  You guessed it—Jesus! He is the treasure inside us. And the Christmas spirit is just the aroma of Jesus wafting through the season.

That same verse goes on to say, “so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.” In other words, we have the power to be like Jesus not just at Christmas, but each and every day.  It starts with Him and not with us. So let me encourage you on this day after THE day to go ahead and crack the lid and let some Jesus slosh on the people around you.  Who knows, it just might cause them to break into an out of season chorus of “Jingle Bells.” And remember, it’s not something we have to create, it is something we simply need to release and if you need a little help getting that lid off, just ask your Dearest Daddy for a little help. He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Christmas, Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, Holidays, life, love, loving others, Scripture, thankful

Christmas All Day, Everyday

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

I said it yesterday…Christmas is just six days away…and the time is quickly passing. If things go according to plan, it will be something like this.  It will begin with Christmas Eve service at our church.  This is one of the best things we do all year and yet it really isn’t anything we do.  Families come and fill the worship center. We have some wonderful Christmas worship and reading from the Word of God.  It is my privilege to share something from the Bible and from my heart.  We end the service by sharing “the light of Christmas” with one another…a simple candle lit and shared with everyone across the room as we sing “Silent Night.”  It always lasts just about an hour and then with anticipation, everyone goes their own way.

For Judy and me and the rest of the Taylor tribe that means gathering at one of our homes where we enjoy family, food, and fellowship.  Everyone gets a new pair of Christmas pajamas as we share some wonderful food.  Soon, too soon, our family disperses to their various homes.  The only exception is Judy and I spend the night with our oldest daughter and her family and get to wake up Christmas morning as the family opens presents and just enjoy being family.  Later in the day some of the family come back and we have Christmas lunch together with more laughter and more fellowship.  Soon, too soon, the day ends, and we go our separate ways, our hearts filled with gratitude for a day well lived.

It is sometimes hard to see the day end.  After weeks of anticipation and excitement, as the sun sets the reality is that we must go back to our routines.  Soon the Christmas music will be pushed to the end of our playlist and the decorations will be packed away for another year and all of us will soon be doing life as before…or will we?  I believe that we can and should carry some of Christmas with us right into the New Year.  I believe that is what Mary and Joseph did.  They didn’t leave Bethlehem the same way they arrived.  They left carrying the hope of the world in Mary’s arms and under the watching eye of Joseph.  They left with new purpose and new insight to care for and love the Baby placed in their care. Life wasn’t easy and neither she nor him knew all the curves and potholes this new road would have.  They simply decided to trust God for the day after Christmas…and the day after that.

It would be easy for us to slip into what is called the “post-Christmas blues.”  But I think we do have a choice.  While we do have to move on, we can carry Christmas with us.  You see Christmas isn’t just the music, the decorations, and the traditions.  No Christmas is a celebration of God becoming man and dwelling with us and among us and in fact…in us. Christmas is a celebration of Christ and that isn’t, nor should it be about a day or season on a calendar.  It is about the power of God’s love for this world…a love so great He gave His Son…the same one born on Christmas…for us.  How about that?

So today, why not go ahead and break into a chorus or two of “Joy to the World.”  After all, the good news of His coming is the best good news.  Why not do today what you did a couple of days ago when you chose to show a little kindness?  After all, there are no seasonal limits on kindness or love.  That is something we can and should do every day.  I think we can all agree, Christian or not, that the world could use a little more of each.  I know that is what Jesus did. He went around doing good…not in honor of His birthday but because that was who He was and what He did.

Paul, the guy who wrote a bunch of the New Testament part of the Bible said, “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs.” Now that is enough to make it Christmas every day!  Sounds a little challenging.  Don’t worry, the God who made all of this is just waiting to help you.  In fact, if you listen close you will hear Him whispering, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials, wisdom

Unclaimed and Expired

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are!” 1 John 3:1

First it was the scale…today something else. One Tuesday I wrote a story about a dusty scale and a season of regret.  Strangely, today, I find myself writing a story that is a little similar but totally different.  It is a story about neglect and loss. You see, I have always been a frugal fellow.  Some would say I am a little tight, but I prefer frugal.  What is frugal?  Well, according to the Oxford Dictionary when someone is frugal it means that they are sparing or economical regarding money or food and I guess that describes me.

Let me explain.  When we go to a restaurant and look at the menu, my wife Judy is totally motivated by what sounds good.  I, on the other hand, am motivated by the value of the menu. In other words, I want good value for my money.  Someone (my wife) has taught me a lesson about money (by the way, not the most important one but a good lesson).  She told me, more than once, remember you can only spend it once.  Good advice and so I make my choice carefully.

Now would be a good time to remember that money is neutral (not good or bad) and that it is just a tool.  It must never become an idol and must never be more important that a whole lot of other things like, God, family, and people. Its ok if money is your friend but don’t make it your best friend…reserve that spot to the three I just listed.  Now, with all that said, the Bible tells us that we are to be good stewards of the things that God places in our hands. So being frugal is not only ok…it’s Biblical.

So, what is this story all about?  Well, it is sitting on my desk staring at me while I write.  It is a red Visa gift/debit card.  I’ve had it for quite a while…in fact too much of a while.  At one time it had a value of $25 but today it is worth the grand total of zero.  What happened?  Well, when I received it, either as a gift or for going to some conference, I filed it away for another time and well…that time never came.  The expiration date says it all—08/21.  Since I am writing this on 12/23—well, you can see the problem.  Expired. Over. Finished.  Oh, I went to the website just to check.  I mean surely there was an exception.  There wasn’t.

Turns out I’m in good company since nearly half (47 percent) of U.S. adults have at least one unused gift card, gift voucher or store credit, according to a new Bankrate study. And those gift cards aren’t small change, the average is $187 a person—a total value of $23 billion nationwide.

I think the thing I hate the worst about all of this is the fact that whether it was a gift or something I got at a conference—it was wasted. The only one who benefitted was the company that issued it and they didn’t even send me a letter thanking me for the contribution. And as we just read is that a sizable portion of gift cards are never redeemed.  How crazy is that?  The only thing I can think of that is crazier than that is how many people never redeem the greatest gift ever—God’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life.

I can’t do a thing about that little red card laying on my desk, but it is not too late for you to do something with God’s great, big Christmas gift—eternal life through His Son.  If you never have, while not receive that gift today? With open hands and heart, He is just waiting to give it to you.  And with that gift comes the confident assurance that your days of facing life alone are over.  From now on, you can believe and know that no matter what—He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne