Jesus – Page 12 – Grits with Grace

Family, food, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, travel

Looking for Grits

Posted on October 5, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I went and searched, and we were out. You all know that food and I go way back. One of my favorite rooms in my house isn’t the biggest—not by a long shot. In fact, it is one of the smallest. It is so small, when they built that part of our house shortly after World War II, they had to custom make a little door for the little room. I find myself using that door a lot. And where does that door lead? It leads into our pantry.

Not every house even has a pantry but ours does. It is where we keep all our food stuff. Of course, the cold stuff goes into the refrigerator, the frozen stuff goes in the freezer, and just about everything else goes in the pantry. So, when you need something that has to do with food…it is the “go to” place. There are cans and boxes and bags and containers that all share one thing in common—they all contain food. When Judy is cooking, she will often go there to get what she needs. Most times she will find it sitting right there on the shelf but sometimes it is empty, sometimes we have used the last of the last and then it is time to go to the store.

Well, I think it is time for my wife (and graphic designer) and me to go the store and get some more Grits. As you know, our stories are taken from everyday life and after three and a half years, the shelf is getting just a little bare. So, we are going to take a little break and go to the store. For the next couple of weeks, we are going to be “out of pocket” on a mission trip and a week of vacation. We are certain between those two we can surely come back with a fresh supply of adventures and stories. So, what does that mean?

After today, if you want to find Grits, you will need to visit our Facebook page and scroll back and pick a story to read. Even better, you can visit our website, http://www.gritswithgrace.com and you can either scroll or search by topic or even scripture. Virtually every story we have written and used or reused over the last three years is there. I hope you will make that your Grits pantry for the next couple of weeks.

If you are into praying, you might ask our Father to help these two weeks to be profitable and peaceful—filled with service and purpose. As you look for Grits each morning, take a moment, and ask God to guide our steps. We are hoping it will be a time when we can recharge our batteries and come back with a bag full of Grits’ ideas. Jesus told His disciples that when they grew a little weary, they should come to Him and He would give them rest. As we go, we are looking forward to spending some time together and with Him. But don’t forget the big thing we have learned over these months and years that no matter what, we know for certain that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, Grace, gratitude, life, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, travel, Trials

Construction Zone Ahead

Posted on October 2, 2023October 1, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

It was a long time ago, but I remember it well. Way back, before I knew anything about Harrisburg or Dorrisville Baptist Church, I made a trip to this small town in Southeastern Illinois. I was pastoring in Cobden, a smaller town by far. A person associated with our church there was having some mental health issues that required admission to a clinic. Somehow, they ended up at the center located at the Harrisburg Medical Center.

I wanted to go over and visit them but had no clue how to get there. This was a time, gulp, before GPS, so I had to rely on directions and an old-fashioned map. I made it to Marion on the interstate and followed the signs to the Harrisburg exit. Before long, I found myself on a long and winding road (wait… isn’t there a song that goes like that?). It was the kind of two-lane road that you got to play like a race car driver on. There were plenty of curves and practically no passing lanes. I remember coming upon a gigantic crane…I mean HUGE…that was abandoned by one of the coal mines.

Well, the long and winding road was about 24 or 25 miles but because I was blessed to get behind several slow, like really slow, drivers, it seemed like forever. In fact, when I got to Harrisburg, I had to stop to get a haircut. You ask, “Well, why didn’t you get one in Cobden?” The answer is “I didn’t need one then.” Smile. Anyway (I must be careful not to get distracted) I made my visit and then reversed the route. I remember thinking how isolated Harrisburg was. I mean you had to be going there to get there. I kinda reminded me of the wagon trains and the Oregon Trail.

Now, fast-forward years…I’m not sure how many…but lots. My daughter Jennifer was going to try out for the Illinois Baptist State Association All-State Choir and her audition was at Dorrisville Baptist Church in Harrisburg. When I heard that, I mentally blocked off two days for the trip (ok, I’m being facetious). But I still remember that long and winding road. Now, imagine my surprise when we exited off the interstate again and followed the signs for Harrisburg and there before us was a four-lane divided highway. No winding road, no 45 mph speed zones, no no-passing zones—just smooth sailing. What a change. What a blessing. What took the better part of an hour now took 25 minutes.

Obviously, barring a road building fairy, a long and complicated construction project had taken place and replaced the two-lane, long, and winding road with a modern highway. I’m sure it involved multiple construction zones. I’m sure it involved inconvenience. I’m sure it involved frustration—though I’m not sure what could have been more frustrating than the original two-laner. But I bet it all was worth it when the new highway opened, and the miles flew by. It had to be a game changer. Yup, the construction zones had to be worth it.

Well, I was praying this morning and something like this came out of my mouth, “Lord, help me to be patient in the construction zones of my life.” I paused when I said it because it really grabbed my heart. The construction zones of my life. Hmmm. You see, it made me realize that I am like a construction project, and it can be frustrating. But God oversees the project, and He does have a plan that He is working out in my life. I know I use this a lot in my writing, but it is just too good. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” One day, someday, it will be worth it. It might be years down the road, or it might even be heaven, but I will see the big picture and I will know that no matter how painful or costly, it was worth it. It.Was.Worth.It.

There’s an old song (my apologies to my younger readers) that says, “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. One look at His dear face all sorrows will erase.” I believe that. So, as you tootle down life’s road and you hit one of those stinking construction zones—hold on and throttle back. It could be that God is working in one of His mysterious ways. It might be to bring you into His family, or it might be He is just trying to make you a little bit more like Jesus. One thing I know for sure…it won’t be wasted. God doesn’t waste time and He doesn’t waste suffering. I like that. If you find yourself in stopped traffic on this road called life, just hit the pause button, and breathe deeply. Then repeat this as many times as you need to, “I choose to rest in Him. He’s got this.” There you go. Now, don’t you feel better already? Bro. Dewayne

* Signpost photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Family, food, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials

“Eat Mor Chikin”

Posted on September 25, 2023September 24, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

It should be every church’s goal. Y’all know I am partial to food. We have been friends for a long time. I think I was probably one of those kids that was born with a craving for homemade mac and cheese with fried chicken. “Hey mom, can we skip the milk and go straight for the grease and carbs?” Yup, sounds like me. One of my favorite fast-food places is Chick-fil-A. Have you ever noticed something unusual about this place? Well, let me help you…there is always a line. Period.

It seems that no matter what time you go by to grab your chicken fix, people are lined up and being served. If you have ever been to one, you also know they are a very unusual place. First, the food is really good. Their chicken, mac and cheese, milk shakes, waffle fries—even their salads are off the scale. Now about their salads…I must take that on word of mouth since I avoid anything green! Every time I see the commercial for their creamy mac and cheese, I start drooling. One day, when the line isn’t insanely long, I’m going to get some. But the bottom line is that they make sure they have something to sell, and they sell lots.

The big thing…even bigger than their food…is their service. I have never seen a friendlier team of employees. Every person who works for them seems to be genuinely glad to work there and genuinely glad that I stopped in. Every time I have stopped, I have felt like I was the most important customer in the place. One time at a Chick-fil-A at the airport the person who waited on me wasn’t quite up to par, but truth be known they were still far and above most places. And it doesn’t stop there.

Remember I mentioned those long lines? It is just amazing how organized they are in processing their customers’ orders. In the drive thru, they have employees out in the parking lot taking orders even before the customers get to the window. They value their customers’ time and prove it by making sure they don’t have to wait any longer than necessary. By the way, it is a Christian based company, and a lot of their business principles are straight from the Bible. People first. And have you noticed that they choose to be closed on Sundays? Do you know why? God first. Love God…love people.

All of this caused me to wonder something. What if, we, the Church, did business like Chick-fil-A? What if we “marketed” our message like they market their products? What we have to offer is the best news ever—the Gospel or Good News that broken people can be healed—that forgiveness is available for any man, woman or child who is willing to place their trust in what Jesus has done. I mean that is valuable. Chick-fil-A believes in their product, but do we really believe in ours? I think we should.

What if every person who came through our doors felt like they were the most important person in the building? What is every person felt they were valued—both by God and by the church regulars? You can take it to the bank that God indeed values every person regardless of race, social status, or sin list. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should be redeemed. It says it in the Book. Perhaps the most important working team (think committee) in the church is the hospitality team. Their job—to make every person feel welcomed, accepted, and wanted. Yup…that would work.

Well, I do like a good chicken sandwich and a good helping of mac and cheese, but I love the way these folks do business. I do think it should be the goal of every local church to love God…love people and make it obvious that is what we are about. The God we serve is worthy of more than “good enough” …He deserves our very best. Why? Because He gave His very best for us. He is for us and through Him anything and everything within His will and purpose is possible. In these days we have an opportunity to show off our love for God and others. It can happen…it should happen…because He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, priorities, Scripture, thankful, Trials

Too Late

Posted on August 21, 2023August 20, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

What do you mean food doesn’t fix everything? Well, I don’t know if it is because I am from the South or because I am a Baptist, but I just know food makes everything better. There is nothing like a healthy (uh, perhaps unhealthy) dose of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, well-seasoned (hog jowl or some other appropriate grease source) green beans and a large portion of bread) to make everything better. And, of course, don’t forget dessert.

One evening, I came home from “one of those” meetings. I walked in the door and my wife Judy, who can read me like a book, instantly said, “do you need to self-medicate?” I love her…she knows. Off to the Dairy Bar we went and in just a few minutes I was feeling better thanks to a salted caramel concrete. Yup, the saying used to be “take two aspirins and call me in the morning.” Now it is, “eat two chocolate cookies with a glass of cold milk and call me in the morning.” Oh, the joy.

So, we had this rose bush in our incredibly beautiful yard—which by the way is also due to Judy and her green thumb. This rose bush was on an arbor by our back door which used to be a great spot. It bloomed and as you walked through the arbor you were immersed in their sweet, lush smell. It was good. But over time the bush became not as healthy and didn’t bloom nearly as much.

Judy and I were sitting in the yard one morning and she made the comment that the rose bush had a single bloom. So, I casually mentioned that maybe she should feed it. Remember, that fixes everything. A good shot of rose bush food and bam here come the blooms. But she told me I was wrong. The problem wasn’t that the rose bush was starving for food—it was starving for light. Here’s what had happened.

Just to the east of the rose bush where the morning sun comes in, two trees have grown—a dogwood and a redbud. Both are great trees, and they seem to be really happy. But in the process of growing, they have shut off a lot of the morning sunshine from the rose bush and that is why it was suffering. Judy said that the rose bush could survive that way but without enough sunlight it won’t and can’t bloom. What we ended up with is a rose bush that is just getting by and that will never really be what it was intended to be—a source of beauty with the sweet aroma of a new day.

So, somewhere in the future there was a good chance that the rose bush would probably have to be moved to a place where it can thrive and that means more sun. It will mean a dramatic change and it might even be difficult but unless we do something the rose will never be and do what it was meant to be and do.

I wonder if that is the problem with me—with you? I wonder if we are growing in a place where the soil might be right but there just isn’t enough light? I wonder if we need more Son-shine? You see, we might believe that if our lives just had more stuff, more toys, more of this or more of that, we would be happy. But the truth of the matter—we just need more of Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” Wow. First, He affirms He is the light we are looking for. It might seem easier, even logical, to just put a light bulb out by the rose bush, but that light would be insufficient and could never replace the light of the sun. And trust me, the light we need in our lives can never come from religion, denomination or some other “self-medication.” We need the true light that can only come from Him.

But He says something else. He declares that if we walk with Him two things will happen. We won’t have to just survive in the darkness or starve for light and in fact we will have the light that brings life. Bam…just what we need…just what the doctor ordered. And if that isn’t enough, since we walk with Him there will never be the need for a transplant because we walk with the Light—we move with the Light. Because of that, no circumstances will ever be able to hurt us.

Well, this story has a sad ending. We never got around to moving that rose bush and this past spring, it died. We didn’t mean for it to happen…we just got busy while it got sicker. The transplant would have been hard…we would have had to dig him up and prune him back, but it would have been for his good—even his survival. After the initial pain he would have bloomed again and that would have made it worthwhile.

So, what do you need to do in your life to once again walk with the Son? What things need to be pruned back or what needs to be given up so you will be free to walk with Him again? Yup, it might be painful but just imagine your life as you are blooming once again. Imagine the fragrant smell of life with Him. Make that decision today. Go ahead and rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

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

Rooms

Posted on August 16, 2023August 15, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!” Matthew 6:8

I read it…and I just didn’t like it. We live in a house with what seems like a lot of rooms. I heard Pastor Andy Stanley say that we know we are blessed because we even have rooms for our cars. They are called garages. I suppose my favorite room is the kitchen because that is where my wife Judy cooks our delicious meals. She is a very good cook, and I am a very good eater! My second favorite room is my home office or, you could say my, “Man Cave.”

While it is true that it is where I do a lot of my studying and writing, its walls are full of memories. The walls are filled with different things and all of them spark different emotions and memories. Over here is a map with red pins that shows all the places where Judy and I have travelled. Over there is a shotgun that belonged to my Daddy. On another wall is a picture of me and group of friends praying for a man in Africa. And finally, on two other walls are two large pictures—one is a print of a family in their southern yard just living—playing and working. The other is a beautiful mountain scene that we purchased during our time in Germany so many years ago.

Rooms can be very special for various reasons. I was reading this week and by way of illustration a writer told a story of a young boy who had a dream that he was in heaven. Someone showed him a room filled with cars, boats and other toys but piled on the other side of the room were arms and legs and other body parts. I know…it sounds gruesome. When the boy asked his guide what it meant he was told that they were answers to prayers that people never prayed. I guess it makes for a good story but honestly—I didn’t like it.

“Why” you ask? Well, the idea that the God that loves me and cares for me would let me walk around blind or crippled only because I didn’t ask just doesn’t work for me. I mean He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me…for the whole world…and then would allow His kids to remain broken and lame only because they didn’t ask just doesn’t work. Oh, and then, Jesus said that He knows what we need even before we ask. No, I think God is an opened handed, loving Father who cares for us.

Of course, I also believe that prayer is far more than a wish list. I believe the scriptures teach about prayer being more about fellowship and an intimate relationship between God and His children. Prayer isn’t about changing God’s mind or persuading Him to do this or that. No, prayer is about changing us…to believe…to trust…to love the One who made us. I know there are a lot of scriptures in the Bible about prayer, but we only get a clear picture when we put them together. Like a giant jigsaw puzzle comes to life when all the pieces are in place…so it is with prayer.

Well, I don’t think there will be those kind of rooms in heaven but if there were…I know one I do think would be there. And that room would be a gallery of pictures of all the things our Dearest Daddy did for us that we never even knew about. It would be a room filled with unnoticed miracles, love notes, and blessings and it would have to be a big room because He is a busy God…loving, blessing, and caring…for each of us.

I’m grateful for the open-handed love of our great God. If we take the time to pause and look, we will see more and more of what He does for us every day. Judy and I are learning that so often joy is in the journey, and do you know what? I am learning that the power of prayer is in the intimacy, the relationship that can only come from time spend together with the One who made me…made us. Oh, and when we are talking, and I’m sharing my concerns, I just know He is there listening and sometimes whispering…telling me not to worry because, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, love, loving others, Military memories, prayer, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful

Unexpected Gratitude

Posted on August 9, 2023August 8, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

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

I made a random turn…into the cemetery. One evening my wife Judy and I were out on a mission. One of our ladies had given us some homemade ice cream and we were returning the container. Oh, in case you are wondering, it was way beyond delicious. It was peach and it was just peachy. I’ve already put in a request for strawberry next. We returned the container and just kinda started driving randomly. As we went down the street the entrance to the cemetery came up on the right—and I turned right in.

Slowly we started driving down the lanes and just as slowly I started reading some of the headstones there. First, though, on the left was Harrisburg’s “Little Arlington.” It was dusk and the lights were on, and I was so impressed with all the work that went into honoring those who had served their country. It represented sacrifice. For some the ultimate sacrifice…the kind of sacrifice that means you don’t get to come home from the war. I love what is often said, “All gave some, but some gave all.” For that, I was moved, and I was grateful.

Just down the lane was a grave that caught my attention. It was a young soldier who went to Korea to fight for his country in what has been called “the forgotten war.” He was 27 years old when he died on some battlefield, on some hill in a country for away. He was fighting and ultimately died for the cause of freedom. I was moved and I was grateful.

In several places, Judy and I would stop as we saw a headstone that was personal because we knew, we loved, the ones buried there. Sometimes both of the names were etched there in the stone, and it symbolized two lives joined into one story. And for both the story had concluded. Sometimes though only one name had the start and finish dates. The other story was still being written and there was a heart longing for heaven and a long-awaited reunion. One stone declared and celebrated 72 years of marriage. So many of those story writers had touched our lives. I was moved and I was grateful.

There were also stones of tragedy. There stood the stone marking the grave of two brothers tragically killed one night by a drunk driver. Several other stones showed lives cut short by a tragic accident. Over there was the headstone of one of the victims from the 2012 tornado. Everywhere were stories of people who touched the lives of others. One stone showed an American flag engraved in full color—the grave of a proud veteran. One grave was that of a pastor and a veteran of World War II. So many stories, so many lives, so many contributions. I was moved and I was grateful.

As we continued around the lanes inside the hallowed grounds, we noticed there were places where whole families were buried together. Generations of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters lay in eternal rest together. The stones often bore nicknames and tag lines of the one who lay there. On one grave was a tattered flag that said, “#1 Dad.” Some graves though were barely marked. The only indication that someone lay there was a rock or a stone. In another part of the cemetery were the pauper graves. I have been at the graves of some where there were only two people, me, and the funeral director. No one else came. I was moved and I was grateful.

“Wait,” you say. “How can you be grateful?” Well, the reason is simple. Whether it was a family plot of many generations or a solitary grave of a person when no one came—Jesus was still there. He is the unseen attendee of every funeral. For many He is there as Savior and Lord. For others He is there as the Sovereign Lord who wishes all to believe but knows not all will. But He is there. He is always there. When we need Him, when we want Him and yes, even when we ignore Him. I am moved and I am grateful.

When you get some time, take a slow drive through the cemetery. It is anything but morbid…it is in fact one of the most meaningful things we can do. You will be touched, you will be moved, and yes, somewhere along the way you will be grateful. Let each headstone with a start and finish date be a reminder that for you there is still time. Still time to make a difference, still time to mend a relationship, still time to finish well. But most importantly…there is still time to believe and trust in Him. The Book says that if anyone will call on His name…they will be saved—forgiven—rescued. No story is so bad that He can’t change the end. Once again, I am moved, and I am grateful.

Many see the cemetery and think death. For those who truly understand grace and Jesus they know the cemetery isn’t about death it is about life. You learned it in Sunday School but now hear it again…like the first time. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (that is you and me) calls on His name will not perish but have everlasting life.” So, trust in Him and rest in Him. For He has all of this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, missions, prayer, priorities, Scripture, sovereignty of God, thankful, Trials, wisdom

What’s Your Worth?

Posted on August 2, 2023August 1, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

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

Well, it happens every fall and that year was no exception…we got to pay the first installment on our property taxes. There is a first installment because there is a second installment and there is a second installment because taxes are well, really steep. All this reminds me of something that came in the mail a year or so ago and it was from the tax guy—the assessor to be specific.

They told me they had driven by my house, and they really liked it—a lot. And, since they liked it so much, they thought it was worth a lot more than they had previously thought. A whole lot more. They blessed me with a reassessment and the grand prize was I got to pay more property taxes. Yay. Well, not really but it did give me a great opportunity to learn about how much God loves me. Here’s what happened.

If you have been here before you probably know my day job is being a pastor. It is something that I really enjoy. My favorite thing is sharing THE story but also sharing stories. I love to take big truths and present them in a way that anyone can grasp them. I think that is what Jesus did and I figure if He did it I should too.

A while back I was sharing the story from the Bible how four guys take this paralyzed guy to see Jesus. When they got there, the house was stuffed with people. There was no way they were going to get in. So, they decided to take this guy up on the roof, dig a hole in the roof and then lower him right in front of Jesus. It was crazy, it was radical, and it was different, but they believed two things. They believe that Jesus could heal their friend and that the friend was worth the effort. We all could use friends like that.

They began to haul this guy up the ladder to the roof. Can you even imagine how difficult and challenging that was? I mean how do you keep a paralyzed guy from falling off his mat while climbing a ladder? Well, somehow, they pulled it off. When they got to the top, they began to remove the thatch first and then break apart the mud and tiles. After they had made a hole big enough to get this guy through—they lowered him down and He landed right in front of Jesus. I bet there was more than one person who wondered what in the world was going on. I bet too some people were grumbling about tearing up a perfectly good roof to get some poor, paralyzed guy in front of Jesus. I mean if he had been some rich guy maybe, but a nobody? And that’s what rang my bell.

You see to those four guys and to Jesus—this guy wasn’t a nobody—he was a somebody. He was worth way more than a hole in the roof. In fact, through the eyes of Jesus every soul if incredibly valuable, including yours. And that’s when the reassessment thing came into focus. Remember, when the tax folks drove by my house they liked what they saw and they increased my assessment. Their assessment really only means I get to pay more taxes. It really doesn’t tell me what my house is really worth.

You see, I learned a while back that anything you or I own—our house, our car, is worth only what someone is willing to pay for it. That’s the bottom line. So, here’s the deal. God drove by your soul, my soul and assigned a value to it—what it was worth to Him and what He was willing to pay to redeem it. Do you know what that was? Well, we find it in the Bible. It says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Get that—everlasting (as in eternal) life. God’s assessment of our value to Him was the life of His very own Son. He allowed His Son to die on a Roman cross because He counted us as somehow worth it. He just loved us that much.

Well, the end of the story for the paralyzed guy was pretty amazing too. Jesus first calls him Son—not worthless, not broken, but Son. Then He forgives the guy’s sin—not what he wanted but what he needed—and finally, He tells him to stand up, take his mat, and go home. Three seemingly impossible things but with Jesus, as you can probably guess, nothing is impossible when He shows up. The guy jumps up, takes his mat and leaves as the crowd is standing in disbelief. They said they have never seen anything like that—and they hadn’t. The key thing is that the guy had to not only believe but also act on what he believed and each one of us must do the same. We must believe that Jesus is Who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. When we believe that—we are forgiven, and God becomes our Father.

Truth be known, I wasn’t too happy about my reassessment, but I was glad it taught me a new way to look at how much God loves me…and you. When we are down on ourselves, when all I can see are failures and warts, when I want to give up and quit, I remind myself that my Heavenly Father thinks I am worth a lot. You see, I’m also learning that His opinion is the only one that matters. So why not take a rest in Him today. Because you know—He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, love, loving others, prayer, Scripture, thankful

Where’s Brett?

Posted on July 31, 2023July 30, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

It was a long time ago and, in a galaxy, far, far away or at least it seemed that way. It was so long ago that the semi-local mall was still a mall with stores that were open. Anyway, we were at Target to get a dining set for my daughter Jen and my almost son-in-law Matt as a shower gift. When we found it, the box clearly said it was a “team lift” item. Now what that means is that unless you are just dying to have a hernia, you need to have a person help you load the box. I wasn’t…so I did.

I followed the rules and called in the cavalry. A young man with bigger muscles than me loaded the box while I watched—now that’s what I call teamwork. So, with the box in the cart, off we went to the checkout area. When we got there, I wisely asked for some help loading the box into my car. The young man checking us out called for help and his supervisor came and took over the register while he loaded the box. I think it must have been his lucky day.

In the process, Sarah, a co-worker, helped and teased how she was used to “helping” Brett out. That seemed odd to me. “Why?” you ask? Well, the reason is simple—his name tag said David. So, I had to ask the obvious question. Speaking to the young man with muscles bigger than mine, I said, “So, why did Sarah call you Brett if your name is David?” “Well,” he said, “my name is Brett, but I left my name tag at home so I’m wearing this one.” Obviously, Target has a policy: you must wear a name tag at work—even if it isn’t yours. That made me smile then and even now.

I thought it ironic that any name tag would do…as long as you wore one. It seems that Target and the world have one more thing in common. You see, Target said that any name tag will do, and the world says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe—as long as you believe.” You know, it’s the old “all roads lead to Rome” theology. That saying comes from a time when there were very few roads, and at least in that part of the world, since Rome built them…they did indeed lead to Rome. That worked then but it won’t work for heaven.

You see, unlike Rome, God is the only One who made the road that leads to heaven. And that road leads right through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to my Father except by Me.” God, the Heaven Road builder, laid the rules and the way. Now you might not think that is fair except for this. He invites everyone and anyone to travel the road. No restrictions, no exceptions, no toll.

Remember this. I suppose you can wear a name tag with the wrong name on it if you want—after all, the only consequence will probably be some confused people. After all Brett wasn’t really David. But, when it comes to what you believe, the consequences are much, much greater. You see, it really does matter what you believe—believe the wrong thing and you can end up eternally separated from God and that is a bad deal all the way around. God loves each of us and longs for us to be able to call Him Dearest Father.

In a confused, upside-down world, in a world where yes is no, and no is yes, or right is wrong and wrong is right…well it is good to have a certainty we can lean on. Not certain about the whole God thing? Why not get a copy of the Bible and read it for yourself? Even today it remains a best seller…for a reason. In its pages you will find many great promises and among them is this. No matter what…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, forgiveness, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

Switches and Sand Spurs

Posted on July 12, 2023July 11, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” Hebrews 12:11

Well, I suppose it worked. Overall, I’m pretty sure I turned out ok. I’ve only had one speeding ticket, had one accident, and have never spent a night in jail. Of course, that may have to do with the fact that I am a pastor. That doesn’t mean I’m too good to go to jail, it only means that church people don’t take too kindly to their preacher being arrested and going there.

Recently, I told my oldest sister that the older I get, the more I appreciate my Momma and Daddy. I’m pretty sure that so many of the things I get right are because of my upbringing and of course, they were responsible for that. Momma and Daddy shared the discipline part of child rearing. Momma was more the “go get a switch from the bamboo bush” and Daddy was the more “wait a minute while I get my belt off” kinda guy. But you know, never was their discipline out of balance and more than once…I got off scot-free.

One time I chucked a rock at a car and Daddy promised me a lesson I wouldn’t soon forget. When we got home, I ran inside and hid under the dining room table. For whatever reason, he chose to extend a boatload of grace and I know two things. First, I was plenty grateful and second, I never chucked another rock at another car. Lesson learned.

Every once in a while, Daddy would get more creative. While I can’t remember the why or the frequency, he had one special way of helping me learn. You see, in Florida we had these prickly things called “sand spurs.” They could and would grow anywhere but they seemed partial to our front yard. Well, one of Daddy’s ways of dealing with them is also one of the ways he dealt with me. When I did something that was punishment worthy, he would take me to the front yard and have me pull the sand spurs up and out of the yard. Like a goat mowing the yard, I would work my way over the right side, it was always the right side of the yard pulling every sand spur I could find. I really, really didn’t like it and I am sure whatever crime I committed, I learned quickly to not do it again.

The Bible, God’s book, also teaches us about discipline. It says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” We don’t know who wrote the book of Hebrews but whoever it was seemed to know a lot about switches, belts, and sand spurs. And do you know what else? They were certainly right. Discipline is never, ever pleasant.

So, looking back I am glad that my Momma and Daddy cared enough to try and raise me right. And I am glad that my Dearest Daddy in heaven does too. He knows when I’m wrong and He knows when and what is needed to put me back on the straight and narrow. And even better than my parents, He is never excessive and is always graceful. I like that…a lot. No matter the crime, His actions toward me have one purpose—redemption. I can trust Him no matter what and when I need some correction, like everything else, I know for sure, “He’s got that.” Bro. Dewayne

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

Same Kind of Different as Me

Posted on July 7, 2023June 29, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

Opposites attract. I’ve heard that all my life and I think it is true…well, at least sorta. I mean, take my wife Judy and me. In a lot of ways, we are similar. We both like to eat…though I prefer dessert and she prefers food. We both love traveling and adventures. We both love Jesus. We both love to serve people. Oh, and we both love each other. So, there you go…but wait, in some ways we are different. We recently went on vacation. She packed her bag, and I packed mine. Let me rephrase that. She put…some would say dumped, clothes in her suitcase, sat on it and closed it. As for me, well, I neatly organized each item and even sorted them by the function and when they would be used. We are sometimes different.

You can see that difference with our phones too. If you look at Judy’s phone you will see that the inbox of her email account has 28,246 emails…and I’m not kidding. On the other hand, my inbox has about 10 emails in it. In her case, it is a system for keeping and in my case, it is a system for filing. Hers is “Welcome home and stay as long as you like” and mine is, “In you come and out you go.” She invited the relatives to move in and I invite them to stay…for just a while. And then there are the little red dots.

On the iPhone, when there is something that requires action, a little red dot appears on the screen. The dot stays there until you do something about it. Well, Miss Judy’s screen on her iPhone looks like it has a case of measles. There is a red dot here, and here, and here, and here, and oh, here too. Now on my iPhone, dots are not welcome. When one appears I almost immediately stop what I am doing to find out what it wants me to do. You know how when you are growing up and some people get acne, and some don’t? Well, my phone is the one that doesn’t.

Now, all this is well and good and there really isn’t a right or a wrong…unless of course you can’t see the screen for all the dots. No, the Bible makes it clear that each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. Each one of us is a jewel…a masterpiece. Some like a full inbox and some like it empty. Some are organized and some, well, are not quite as much. Smile. But here is what we need to remember…especially in relationships…especially in marriage. Someone once said that if both people in a marriage are exactly alike…well, one of them isn’t necessary. In any relationship…and especially in marriage…diversity is a good thing…a needed thing.

But wait…it’s not just in marriage…it is true with the team at work. It is true with the people you worship with. It is even true with the team you play with. Diversity adds depth. Diversity adds richness. When we start feeling comfortable to associate with those who are different from us; when we start embracing others, even though we don’t always agree, a strength develops, and we all become better for it.

Judy and I have been married now for 47 years and people frequently tell us how much they appreciate the example we set in our marriage. Well, first, let’s be honest. That is largely because I married up when I married Judy. But beyond that, well, we have learned and are learning to appreciate our differences. There was a bestselling book and later a movie about two men from backgrounds that could not have been more different. And yet, over time, and with no small thanks to Jesus, they became friends. The impossible became possible. The book and later the movie were entitled, “The Same Kind of Different as Me.” Read the book, it will inspire you.

I think that means that in spite of the fact that they were incredibly different, there was something that overpowered their differences and that was love. They both discovered Jesus and that led them to share Christian love for each other. Paul, the guy who wrote a chunk of the New Testament said it like this, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” The common denominator of love strengthened their lives and their friendship. It worked there and I can tell you it will work in whatever world you live in. We will become stronger and better when we learn to accept ourselves and others for who God made us. Need a little help? No problem…He’s got that. Bro. Dewayne