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Devotional Thoughts from Fresh Start Writers

The Picture by Thomas W. Long

The dark clouds split as sunlight painted their edges with pinks and golds. The pure blue sky peeking through the doorway of the departing clouds promised an end to the domination of the dark clouds. Ever since Adam, sin had obscured man’s relationship with God. With the death and resurrection of Jesus, that dominance was split apart and hope shone through.
Against that opening sky, a cross, stained black with the sins of the world, spreads its arms as a central focal point for all who gaze upon it. At the top of the cross, a sign is attached that reads, in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.” (Luke 23:38b) The white streamer depicts the cloth used to lower Jesus’ body from the cross. Beneath the cross, a vine spreads down over the side of Golgotha, seeming to reach for the empty tomb. Jesus tells us, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” (John 15:5a)
On either side of the black stained cross are two other crosses. The cross on the left is light in color and stands out in sharp relief against the dark clouds behind it. The vegetation around the cross is a lively green, indicative of the life in paradise that the thief obtained by accepting Jesus as the Son of God. Beneath the cross is a white rock protruding from the green grass, signifying the rock of our salvation. The cross on the right, less defined, seems to almost disappear into the clouds and the vegetation has a dried and dying appearance. Between it and the central cross, a crack in the rocky topography separates the two, for upon this cross a crucified thief rejected the Messiah who could have taken him to paradise, too.
The lower right quadrant depicts Golgotha, the place of the skull. This geological feature, located in the northern side of Jerusalem, is the only part of the picture that is purposely depicted from a photograph.
Nearby was a garden that had a newly hewn tomb with a rolling stone to close its entrance. Jesus’ body was placed in this tomb, the stone rolled in front of the entrance, and guards placed to guard it from disturbance. The stone is rolled back and the tomb is empty. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5b) This empty tomb reminds us that Jesus is alive and wants us to live with him. The vine growing from the cross reaches toward this reminder of eternal life.
Along the garden path are tiny flowers to remind us that we are not to worry. “See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.” (Matthew 6:28b) The narrow path leads into the world with the good news of the resurrection.

I Am Thankful by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Psalm 75:1 We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks to you! We proclaim how great you are and tell of the wonderful things you have done. Good News Bible

Julie and I were discussing the changing seasons and I told her that I loved this time of year. Now, I don’t like it getting dark so early, but everything else is great: the cooler weather (football weather we call it), the changing leaves, adding a blanket to the bed, and many other things. I am thankful we don’t have just one season. What else am I thankful for?
I am thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ and the price He paid to give me salvation.
I am thankful for my health and the 54 years I have enjoyed His wonderful creation on this earth.
I am thankful for my wife, Julie, that I saw feeding chocolate chip cookies to a dog at a car wash when I first arrived in Houston.
I am thankful for a love that has lasted 34 years this December 27.
I am thankful for the hard times we went through raising Aaron and Rachel in North Carolina. I am a better man, a better Dad, a better husband, and a better man of God for having sold silver dollars for baby food, or pawning my senior class ring, or buying kerosene a gallon at a time, or working on the septic lines in the dark while mom and dad were visiting!
I am thankful for Aaron and Rachel and how they have impacted my life and have been an integral part of my ministry. I am thankful they love me and Julie, God, and music. I am thankful for our family traditions like ice cream and brownies as we watched movies we checked out from the library.
I am thankful for answered prayer. We prayed for our children’s spouses as they were growing up. We are thankful for Luke. We are thankful that God’s way is best and His timing is perfect. I am thankful for Georgia Ann and the new one that is due in April.
I am thankful for the last thirty-one years of ministry; eight of which have been here at Fresh Start.
I am thankful for all that God has in store for me, my family, and Fresh Start (you!). I am thankful.

Thanksgiving By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Thanksgiving is what we should do every day of the year, not just one Thursday in November! In elementary school we would reenact the first Thanksgiving dinner held in the New Land. Some of us would be the Indians with a feather headdress and some of us would be Pilgrims with funny looking hats and big buckle shoes. We would retell the story of coming through hard times and bleak winters. We would tell of friendship and giving a helping hand. We would tell of coming together for a meal and celebrating the goodness of God.
Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church and told them a very simple formula for living:
Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Imagine this -- God’s will for us is to rejoice, pray, and give thanks; rejoice, pray and give thanks; rejoice, pray and give thanks!

Peace By Thomas W. Long
They have treated My people's brokenness superficially, claiming: Peace, peace, when there is no peace. –Jeremiah 6:14 (HCSB)

Just as Jeremiah talks about the people in their brokenness claiming peace, peace, we today, in our brokenness, claim that what we are doing brings us peace, yet, somehow it is never enough. Isaiah talks about peace being a path: They have not known the path of peace, and there is no justice in their ways. They have made their roads crooked; no one who walks on them will know peace –Isaiah 59:8 (HCSB). Have you ever driven a winding mountain road? The constant braking, turning, and wondering about what lies around the next curve falls short of being a peaceful drive in the country. By taking the truths of God and twisting them to meet our own desires, we are subverting peace into a crooked sham of peace.
Since they have led My people astray saying: Peace, when there is no peace, for when someone builds a wall they plaster it with whitewash, --Ezekiel 13:10 (HCSB). No matter how many coats of paint one puts on rotten wood, underneath the fresh paint is old rotten wood. In trying to gain peace, we pile on coat after coat of things that will bring us peace: a new car, a new house, new clothes, plastic surgery, a weight-loss diet, and on and on. When the storms of life beat on our ‘whitewashed’ coats of peace, they peel quickly away from the rotten ‘wood’ in our lives and we are faced once again with the cancerous holes in our lives.
So, how then, can we have real peace? We can only have real peace when we obtain it from Jesus. Jesus proclaimed, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful” –John 14:27 (HCSB). Jesus’ key? “I do not give to you as the world gives.” His peace is not of this world. True peace is not of this world. It is not the superficial things of this world that give us peace; it is the spiritual gift of God, His only begotten Son, Jesus that gives us true peace.


The Power of a Crew by Pastor Chuck Whetstone

One of my favorite leadership quotes from Dr. John Maxwell says, “Never do ministry alone.”  Think of it this way:  Fred Astaire was a great dancer, but some of his best dances and movies also showcased his partner, Ginger Rogers.  The Lone Ranger really wasn’t alone.  His partner was Tonto.  Batman had Robin. Burns worked with Allen. And don’t forget the Marx Brothers, The Three Stooges and Martin & Lewis. You can be great alone, but there is power in a Crew!
The Old Testament preacher said, “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him. If it is cold, two can sleep together and stay warm, but how can you keep warm by yourself? Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 GNB
Jesus, the Savior of the world, had a three man crew of Peter, James, and John. He also had the Twelve Disciples. And Luke 10:1 tells us, “Later the Lord chose seventy-two other followers and sent them out two by two to every town and village where he was about to go.” CEV
Acts 15:22 says, “Then the apostles, the spiritual leaders, and the whole church decided to choose some of their men to send with Paul and Barnabas to the city of Antioch. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, who were leaders among the believers.  GW
Besides just the numerical benefit of not working alone, there are other things to consider.  Ministry can get tiring emotionally.  A crew can help encourage you to keep doing the right thing.  Barnabas was called the Son of Consolation.  He brought encouragement and hope to those he worked with.
And lastly, there is safety in a crew. In the early days of Billy Graham’s ministry he would have a trusted associate go into every room of the hotel he was staying to make sure there were no women “planted” there to disgrace his reputation. 
So, this week as we assemble our Crews in various ministry opportunities let’s remember the joy of working with others and not alone.

Altar Ego by Thomas W. Long
Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy. Psalm 99:5 NIV

Most of us are aware that Superman has an alter ego, Clark Kent. A person with an alter ego leads a second life. In Lead Like Jesus, Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges use two acrostics for EGO. The first is Edging God Out and the second is Exalting God Only. They tell us that, “When we altar our leadership EGO and begin to Exalt God Only, our perspective changes. Edging God Out separates us from God, from others, and from ourselves; compares us with others; and distorts the truth into a false sense of security. When we Exalt God Only, we move toward community and transparent relationships rather than separation and isolation, from comparison to contentment with who we are and whose we are, and from distorting the truth to seeking the truth as a basis of decision making” (pp. 69-70).
In a common way of Christian thinking, these two acrostics present the [a,l,t,e,r,] ‘alter ego’ approach to Christianity. In this approach the two EGO’s are constantly warring with each other and the ‘Edging God Out’ usually wins out over the ‘Exalt God Only’ personality. This constant warring brings about a no-win mentality to the Christian’s life. So, how can one swing the battle to the ‘Exalt God Only’ side? There is only one way to have ‘Exalt God Only’ win out and that is to [a.l.t.a.r.] altar one’s ‘Edging God Only’ ego. “Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.” [Psalm 43:4] Thus, one needs an ‘altar ego.’ The old hymn goes: “Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?”
One must remember that life is an on-going process and what was placed on the altar yesterday, last month, or last year is not what needs to be placed on the altar today. Even the ancient people of God knew that one sacrifice was not sufficient for all time; it had to be done periodically. Yet, how many of us think that because we went to the altar at some time in our lives that that is all that is necessary! Altar ego, like life itself, is an on-going process that needs one’s constant and vigilant attention. By doing so, then we, like the Psalmist, can exalt God “my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.”

Fortress of Solitude by Thomas W. Long
After he had sent them away, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. –Matthew 14:23 NIV

As a youngster I enjoyed reading comic books. Occasionally in the Superman comics, Superman would take some time off and go to his Fortress of Solitude in the Arctic. In this remote location, he was virtually assured of being uninterrupted. He yearned for complete solitude. Superman realized that there is something he feared more than kryptonite. He needed to get away from the drumbeat of humanity that told him he was an outsider, for he marched to the beat of a different drummer.
Like Superman, Jesus also needed to get away from the clamor and demands of the crowds that followed him. He needed to recharge his tired body and spirit. He needed to be completely alone with God away from all human contact.
Solitude is by far the most elusive areas in our 24/7 pursuit of happiness (busyness). Solitude goes against our culture and presents a challenging behavior. It draws us into the arena where most of our efforts effectively bar us from entering—being truly alone with God without a timetable. The Psalmist says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. [Psalm 46:10-11 NIV] Being still is one of the hardest disciplines for us to embrace. It is unsettling to stop doing and just—be. However, if one will take the time to do so, it is like sitting out in the back yard, under a shade tree, with a tall glass of lemonade, and allowing the frantic life of to-do lists and relationships to take a deep breath of fresh air. Solitude is being rejuvenated and reconditioned by the natural pulses of life, unaffected by one’s struggles. Sometimes, your doing nothing is the best thing that can happen for those around you…and for you! Not only does God exhort us to “Be still, and know that I am God,” but he promises us that “the God of Jacob is our fortress.” One could say that God is our ‘Fortress of Solitude.’ We just need be still and make use of that fortress.

Rejoice by Pastor Chuck Whestone

Jon Gordon has written a book called The No Complaining Rule. His webpage description includes this statement: For managers, team leaders or anyone looking to turn negative energy into positive solutions, The No Complaining Rule shares powerful principles and an actionable plan to win the battle against individual and organizational negativity.
I’m guilty! There. I’ve said it. Are you? Why is it so much easier to complain and moan and be negative when things go wrong, or not the way I want them to? But is that the way we are supposed to live? No.
There was a book written 20 years ago entitled When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner. Guess what? I’ve found that bad things happen to everybody. The millionaire, the drug dealer, the housewife, the college student – we all have bad days. We all have cars that won’t work, hot water heaters that leak, paint that is peeling, and babies that are sick. But, in all this and all other scenarios of life we have a choice; a choice to complain or a choice to rejoice. How will you choose to live?
Jesus said, Happy are those who are attacked on account of righteousness: for the kingdom of heaven will be theirs. Happy are you when men give you a bad name, and are cruel to you, and say all evil things against you falsely, because of me. Be glad and full of joy; for great is your reward in heaven: for so were the prophets attacked who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12 Bible in Basic English
What about Paul and Silas after they were severely beaten? What did they do? Did they complain and say, “Gloom; despair! I’m just trying to live for God and look what happened.” No! About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Act 16:25 Good News Bible
And lastly, our brother James tells us, Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort; Because you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope; But let this power have its full effect, so that you may be made complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4 BBE



Forgive Yourself and Move On by Pastor Chuck Whestone

John Maxwell wrote a book called, Failing Forward.  I've always been told that if I fall I should try to fall forward.  In high school band we were taught, "If you're going to make a mistake - make a big one!"  I've tried to use those type sayings in my life.
Mistakes will be made.  You will fail from time to time.  People will be disappointed in you.  You will have regrets.  The one thing you need to do is forgive yourself and move on.  When I was a young piano student [I took for about 10 years] my teacher, Mrs. Ford, would say, "Charles, if you play a bad note don't stop.  Keep going to the next note."  But do you know what?  I would many times go back and repeat the same note, or measure or section until I got it right, but I would usually go back to the beginning to do it. It's one thing to practice a portion of music to get the skill and the fingering just right, but it's another thing to punish yourself by going back to the beginning of the piece every time you made a mistake.  Move on!
Here is a situation that Jesus was in.  The religious people brought him a woman who was caught in the very act of doing wrong - committing adultery.  Here is the portion from John 8:3-11 KJV.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
The one thing I see in this story is Jesus' willingness to forgive this woman who obviously did wrong.  When I make a mistake I don't want to be condemned. I want to be forgiven.  Jesus told her, "Neither do I condemn thee."  Then he said something very important, he said, "Go, and sin no more."  I believe He was telling this woman, "I have forgiven you, now go and forgive yourself and move on.  Don't live in the past regrets, past failures, past sins -- move on in love and forgiveness -- and, oh, don't do it anymore." Let us all do likewise - forgive yourself and move on.

 

The 4 R’s of Calvary by Thomas W. Long

They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha

 (which means The Place of the Skull).     Mark 15:22 (NIV)

                When Jerome translated this verse into Latin, he used the Latin word for skull, calvarium, which was later transliterated into the English word Calvary.  The Romans preferred to crucify ‘criminals’ on high hills near well-traveled roads as an example of their authority for all to see.  Although the actual location is not truly known, the hill at Gordon’s Calvary, outside the ancient Crusader fortress walls north of ancient Jerusalem, has an uncannily, skull looking, indentation in its side.  While most scholars would deny the tomb discovered by Gordon as being Jesus’, I do like the locale as being a possibility for the crucifixion.

                Finally, we get to the first three R’s of the cross.  Two criminals were crucified with Jesus—one on either side.  Upon one of the crosses, Rejection of Christ was uttered.  Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: "Aren't You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!"--Luke 23:39 (HSCB)  Therefore, the person who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who also gives you His Holy Spirit.--1 Thessalonians 4:8 (HCSB) But, on the other cross Reception of Christ was acknowledged.  But the other answered, rebuking him: "Don't you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we're getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong."  Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!"--Luke 23:40-42 (HSCB)  He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.  But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.--John 1:11-13 (HCSB) The third was on the center cross.  There, Redemption was made for our sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.   God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed.--Romans 3:23-25 (HCSB)  The hill of Golgotha reminds us that Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV). 

                The fourth R is actually the outcome of the cross—Jesus’ Resurrection from the grave.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, uncorrupted, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by God's power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.--1 Peter 1:2-5 (HCSB)

This is How We Should Walk By Pastor Chuck Whetstone

            During our Summer Fun Days the staff had the assignment of bringing a morning devotion each day before the children headed off on their trip around the world.  Each pastor brought a unique message and approach to telling that message.  Some used eggs, Walmart sacks, walking sticks and flashlights.  Here are some of the scriptures I used on the last day as I challenged the children on how they (we) should walk.

 Walk in Newness of Life

Rom 6:4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Walk in the Spirit

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.  Gal 5:25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 Walk in Love

Eph 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.

 Walk in Wisdom

Col 4:5  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

 Walk in the Light

1Jn 1:7  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  

Walk in Truth

3Jn 1:4  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

The Wind By Thomas W. Long

At that moment, the Lord passed by.  A great and mighty wind was tearing at the mountains and was shattering cliffs before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. 1 Kings 19:11b (HCSB)

            The wind can shout God’s power or whisper His love with the softest breath.

            When I was twenty-one, I spent a few days in Hawaii on my way to Japan and the Philippines.  The people I stayed with took me to the top of Pali Pass in the middle the mountains of Oahu.  They parked while I walked further down the road.  I should say … tried to walk.  The wind was blowing so hard that I could not stand upright without being blown over.  Talk about power!  That was the strongest wind I ever tried to walk against.

            As strong as the wind can be, it is infinitely less powerful than God.  If He wanted to, He could force us to do whatever He wanted us to do—but He does not.  He lets us chose obedience or disobedience.

            As we read further in 1 Kings 19, we find that neither was God in the earthquake or the fire.  But after the wind, earthquake and fire, God spoke in a gentle whisper.  A whisper is a soft breath that does not even vibrate the vocal chords.  It is so soft that one has to listen carefully to understand what is being said.  The noise of life often drowns out the communication God wants us to hear.  That is why He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10a, NIV).  David had earlier admonished, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7a, NIV).  David is telling us to find a quiet place where the noise of the world does not intrude and wait without fidgeting, listening for the whispered voice of God to talk to us.  All too often, we cannot keep silent, thinking God enjoys hearing us talk to him … and He does.  But, we are so busy talking that God cannot get a word in edgewise.

            So, the next time you spend time alone with God, try spending five minutes with your mouth closed and your ears open, listened for ‘a gentle whisper’ from God.  You may be surprised at what He has to tell you!

The House of Mirrors By Thomas W. Long

 We all, with unveiled faces, are reflecting (as in a mirror) the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit. –2 Corinthians 3:18 (HCSB)

            Do you remember going to the amusement park and visiting the FUN HOUSE?  At least part of it was devoted to a House of Mirrors.  As you walked in, your reflection was everywhere and there were several mirrors that were bent and rippled to give you a funny distorted reflection of yourself.  As you went past the entry it was difficult to get to the exit because all the walls were mirrors and clear glass.  Just as sure as you thought you saw a passage, you would wind up walking into a mirrored wall.  Some of the mirrors had smudges where others had felt their way along or come up against what seemed to be a hallway.  It was fun, until you realized how long you had been in the maze and you still had not found your way out.

            Can you imagine the church as being a ‘House of Mirrors?’  Can you imagine Jesus walking into his house and looking for his reflection in our mirrors?  There are mirrors and then there are mirrors.  Some reflect his image clearly.  But there are the others: 

Ø     The ones whom the pressures of life have bent and his reflection is squat and ugly or tall and unreal. 

Ø     Those who are smudged and streaked with touches of the world. 

Ø     Those who are so dust covered with inactivity that Jesus can barely discern his reflection. 

Ø     Those who have rubbed up against the world so close that the mirrored surface is nearly worn away. 

Ø     And, those who reflect nothing at all.  They are in need of having a mirrored surface applied to their lives.

            As the world comes into visit the church, God’s ‘House of Mirrors,’ will they see the true reflections of Jesus Christ?  Or will he be distorted, smudged, dust covered, worn away, or not even be seen when they run into barriers on their search for the exit from their sinful lives?

The Parable of the Bucket By Thomas W. Long 

            A student asked his teacher how he could keep from losing the knowledge he was being taught.  The teacher replied with a parable.

            A certain man went to the market to buy a water bucket.  He found a bucket that was made into a beautiful work of art with the wood grains matched to make it appear to have been carved from a solid piece of wood.  Its beauty appealed to him, so he purchased it and took it with him.  As he was going along, he came upon a spring of water and decided to see if he had purchased a good bucket.  He dipped the bucket down into the pool of water, and as he lifted it out, water poured out of every seam.  Thinking he had been tricked, he cast the bucket aside and continued on his way.  Another man, passing by the spring, saw the bucket lying near the pool.  He too was fascinated by the workmanship, dipped it down into the water and, like the first man, all the water leaked out of the bucket in a short time.  However, the second man, knowing the nature of wood, put the bucket back into the water and left it overnight.  The next morning, when he retrieved the bucket from the water, it did not leak at all.  During the night, the wooden staves had absorbed water and swelled, closing the cracks between them.  Now, not only did he own a beautiful bucket, but it was also a serviceable container.

            The moral of the story:  If you only take the knowledge in without staying in it and thinking about it, like the first man, the knowledge will flow right back out.  If you want your spiritual bucket to hold the water of life, like the second man, you have to immerse it in the well that never runs dry and then it will hold that water without leaking.

Hold firmly the message of life.  Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run in vain or labor for nothing.  –Philippians 2:16 (HCSB)

            Immerse the bucket of your soul in the living water.  Then you can say when you meet Christ, that you did not let the water of Life leak out of your bucket.  You arrived with a full bucket not a leaky, dry, empty bucket! 

Love Bugs By Thomas W. Long

             Several years ago, while driving through East Texas, we encountered swarms of love bugs.  There were so many that it began to be difficult to see out the front windshield.  I decided to use the windshield wipers to remove their splattered remains.  Big mistake!  Even with liberal use of the windshield washer and wipers, it only served to make things worse.  The only alternative was to pull over and clean the windshield.  After using a can of Coke to cut the scum on the windshield, we were soon on the road again. 

            That story parallels how we often face life’s problems.  When problems start flying at us like a swarm of love bugs, the first thing we do is try to solve them with the same old weak solutions we have used before.  As the problems fly at us, we try to wipe them aside and discover we are only making a bigger mess of things.  If we fail to clean up our problems, eventually our lives are going to end up in a wreck.  The best thing we can do is pull to the side of life’s highway and remember to use “the real thing,” Jesus Christ, to clean up the mess we have gotten ourselves into.

            The apostle Paul says, “… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to will and to act for His good purpose” (Philippians 2:12a-13).  What he is saying is, “… clean up your own messes with anxiety and shuddering.  It is only God through Christ, working with you in your problems, who makes it possible for you to clean up your life so you can see what His good objective is for your life.”

A.N.T.S. By Thomas W. Long
Proverbs 6:6-11 (The Message)
You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. Nobody has to tell it what to do. All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stock piles provisions. How long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed? A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back tack it easy—do you know what comes next? Just this: you can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest?

    Did you ever lie on the grass beneath a shade tree and watch ants as they labored away down a path invisible to the human eye? If you place an obstacle in their path, they will do one of three things: climb over it, go around it, or remove it. The main thing to observe is that they never abandon their task. The obstacle may slow them down or cause them to ‘portage’ to get back to the invisible stream, but they will get back on track.
   In The Equipping Church by Sue Mallory, throughout the book, tells of equipping heroes. One such church is the Oak Hills Church of Christ, pastured by Max Lucado. They have a special team that has the following set of guidelines (p. 79):

ANTS Team = A Need To Serve
We are the ANTS Team because:
• We work underground, behind the scenes.
• We work as a team.
• We are persistent and hardworking. We don’t give up.
• Our specialty is overcoming obstacles.
• We serve a King, not a queen.

    Aesop’s Fables tells the story of the ant and the grasshopper. The ant worked all summer long, storing up food for the winter months, while the grasshopper fiddled the summer away, taking it easy. When winter arrived, the ant took it easy with plenty to eat while the grasshopper starved to death.
    The church, like Aesop’s Fable, has its ants and grasshoppers. The grasshoppers come to church for the music and camaraderie and fail to store up spiritual nourishment for the lean times in their lives. When spiritual winter comes, they starve spiritually and drop from sight. The ants, on the other hand, seem slow and plodding to the bouncing grasshoppers. But when spiritual winter comes, they have spiritual nourishment and spiritual friends to rely upon.
    Thus, we all need to be A.N.T.S. team members in the service of the King.
 

First Stone By Pastor Chuck Whetstone

    In John 8:2 – 11 we find the story of a woman who was found doing something inappropriate and sinful. According to the Law the people had the right to stone her to death. So, they brought this woman to Jesus to get his opinion before they actually did the work of collecting stones for throwing.
    Here is what the Bible says:
They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger. They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, "If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!" John 8:6-7 CEV
    Then he did something that blew their religious minds. It says “he bent over and began writing on the ground.” We don’t know what he wrote, but here’s the rest of the story:
The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone. Jesus stood up and asked her, "Where is everyone? Isn't there anyone left to accuse you?" "No sir," the woman answered. Then Jesus told her, "I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don't sin anymore." John 8:9-11
    Now, here is the point I see. If Jesus doesn’t condemn us, then we should not condemn ourselves. Many times we are our toughest critic. Hey, if Jesus has the power to forgive our sin, then we need to also learn to be forgiving of our selves. As I say, keep looking up and moving forward. “Go now, but don’t sin anymore.”
 

Father’s Day By Pastor Chuck Whetstone

    Jesus told one of the most amazing parables about the relationship between a father and a son. You can read it in Luke 15:11-32. But in verse one and two we find why he told the three parables in this chapter, including the one we call The Prodigal Son.
One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus, the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law started grumbling, "This man welcomes outcasts and even eats with them!" Good News Bible
So, knowing that Jesus welcomes outcasts, what can we learn from this story about a father and son?

S – Sin leads to separation
15:13-14 After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. He spent everything he had.
O – Obedience leads to restoration
15:18 I will get up and go to my father and say,
"Father, I have sinned against God and against you.
N – Never burn all your bridges – One leads home!
15:20 So he got up and started back to his father.

D – Don’t ever give up hope
15:20 So he got up and started back to his father.
"He was still a long way from home when his father saw him;
A – Always love
15:20 . . . his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity,
and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him.
D – Don’t live in the past
15:22-24 But the father called to his servants. 'Hurry!' he said. 'Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.' And so the feasting began.

One Thousand Words or Less By Pastor Chuck Whetstone

    Remember last week when I wrote: “In the next few days and weeks I am going to experiment with the 100 words or less idea. I look forward to sharing the good things God has done and is doing – in one hundred words or less!” I can’t do it!
    I can’t limit my vocabulary of what God has done for me to one hundred words or less; maybe a thousand words or less. But, I’m not going to restrain myself from praising him.
    Charles Wesley wrote a hymn that commemorated the one year anniversary of his conversion. He expressed the dilemma I have in trying to sing praise to God. Oh, the version I found had 19 stanzas!

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
Tis life, and health, and peace.

One Hundred Words or Less By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
 

    Julie and I were gone last week. We did three days of ministry in Louisiana at the Mature Citizen’s Retreat which is held at Camp Pollock near Pineville, LA. I have had the privilege to lead music there for at least nine years. From there we drove on to Lake Charles and visited Pastor Dave Dooley and family for a few minutes before driving down to Galveston, TX for two nights of R & R.
    We left the beach and drove south to the place I grew up, Ingleside, TX. Our hotel was in Corpus Christ right on the bayfront overlooking a beautiful marina. Julie and I met up with three guys I sang with during High School. We had a group called H.I.S. which stands for He Is Savior. The four of us guys and our spouses ate together and reminisced about the past for several hours over the course of the weekend. On Sunday morning we were asked to sing at the Bethel Baptist Church in Ingleside. We shared a song that we hadn’t sung in thirty-five years. We sounded better today than we did when we were teenagers! I was also able to sing a couple of songs that I had written.
    We left my hometown following the worship service and headed toward Julie’s sister’s house in Hilltop Lakes, TX. This was our last, short stop before heading home.
When I got home and checked my emails there was one from Pricline.com that wanted me to complete a survey about our recent stays. You see, I try to use this service and get a nice hotel for not a lot of money. I also love William Shatner! One question asked was, “What was your overall rating of this hotel in one hundred words or less.”
    That statement got me thinking: “What else can I talk about in one hundred words or less?” In these five short paragraphs I’ve already used over three hundred words trying to recap the story of our eight day excursion. So, in the next few days and weeks I am going to experiment with the 100 words or less idea. I look forward to sharing the good things God has done and is doing – in one hundred words or less!
Psalm 103:1-5 God’s Word [79 words!]
Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise his holy name, all that is within me. Praise the LORD, my soul, and never forget all the good he has done: He is the one who forgives all your sins, the one who heals all your diseases, the one who rescues your life from the pit, the one who crowns you with mercy and compassion, the one who fills your life with blessings so that you become young again like an eagle.
 

Memorial Day By Thomas W. Long

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings dating back to the end of the Civil War. 

Each Memorial Weekend, racing enthusiasts attend or tune in to watch the Indianapolis Five Hundred.  It began in 1911 and, except for war times, was held each May.  Eddie Rickenbacker raced three times in the 500, set a speed record of 134 MPH, became one the most successful race car drivers of his time—earning $40,000 per year (an astounding amount for the time), and was a part owner of the facility for a time.  During WWI, Rickenbacker became America’s ace pilot.  During WWII, Rickenbacker and seven other men rode rafts for twenty-two days before they were rescued.  A Testament was their comfort, with the twenty-third Psalm and the Sermon on the Mount being the most comforting.

Rickenbacker wrote: “With the New Testament as an inspiration, we held morning and evening prayers. The rafts were pulled together making a rough triangle. Then, each in turn, one of us would read a passage. None of us, I must confess, showed himself to be very familiar with them, but thumbing the book we found a number that one way or another bespoke our needs.”

            --Houston Baptist University October - December 2006, Vol. 4, No. 1

As we remember those who have died in the service of our country, remember that the Bible was the source of help and comfort in troubled times.  We, as a nation, need to return to the source of our help, God’s Word, the Bible.

I love You, Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was rescued from my enemies.  --Psalm 18:1-3

It’s Darkest Before the Dawning

By Thomas W. Long

Their firstborn had been taken to the operating room some hours before.  They did not know what was wrong but they knew their eight year old son was seriously ill.  As they prayerfully waited in the hallway, it seemed as if twilight had invaded it.  A wave of hopelessness had washed over their spirits and darkened even the lights of the hallway.  Then, as if in answer to their prayers, the darkness was dispelled and the light returned.  A spirit of hope had replaced the gloom. 

The doctor came to the parents waiting anxiously in the hospital hallway to inform them that if they wanted to see their son one last time they should come with him to the operating room.  The father looked the doctor in the eye and said that it would not be necessary.  The Lord was going to heal him and he would be OK.

Another operation to remove more gangrened intestine and thirty-three days later, the son was released from the hospital.

That dark moment in nineteen fifty-eight may have been the darkest in my parent’s life.  If not for their faith and the prayers of saints across the United States, I would not have been the recipient of that miracle and lived to tell you that story today.

Jesus’ disciples also had one of those dark moments.  One evening Jesus told his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side.” In the middle of the lake, a sudden storm blew up and they thought they were in danger of sinking.  In spite of the wind, the spray from the waves against the side of the boat, and the shouts of the frantic disciples; Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat.  The disciples awoke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”  Jesus “rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet!  Be still!’  Then the wind died down andit was completely calm.”   Their dark despair turned to bright amazement.  “Who is this?  Even the wind and the waves obey him!”  (From Mark 4:35-41, NIV)

So, when you are experiencing dark gloom—despair—hopelessness, remember, it’s darkest before the dawning.

The Lamb By Thomas W. Long
Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. --

Psalm 100:3 (NIV)
    Sheep are the most labor intensive of all livestock; requiring more individual attention from a caring shepherd than any other animal. Occasionally, a ewe will lose its lamb and will be in pain with a full udder. On the other hand lambs may be orphaned by the death of their mothers or be born a twin that is rejected by its mother. A good shepherd will try to bring the lambless ewe together with the orphaned lamb. Trying to do so without knowledge of a sheep’s nature will end disastrously. The ewe knows the smell of her lamb and, in spite of her pain, she will refuse to accept the orphaned lamb. The shepherd must skin the dead lamb and tie the skin to the body of the orphan. When she smells the familiar oder of her lamb, she will then allow the orphan lamb to nurse; thus saving its life.
    In the same way we are orphans that smell so sin-offensive to God that he cannot accept us as his own—that is, until we are covered by the life sacrifice of his own beloved son. Then God happily and fully accepts us as His own.
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—I lay down my life for the sheep. --John 10:14-15 (NIV)

Better Than I Deserve by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
     Aren’t you glad you don’t always get what you deserve? Think of the times you should have received a speeding ticket, but the OHP officer nailed someone else. Or have you ever done a “rolling stop” in your neighborhood? Somehow “rolling” and “stop” don’t go together.
     When Dave Ramsey answers the question, “How are you doing, Dave?” he often answers, “Better than I deserve.” Isn’t that the truth? Even if things aren’t going our way all the time each of us could find someone in our city who is going through a more difficult situation.
     I am so thankful that God doesn’t give me what I deserve. Consider this:
 I deserve to pay for my sins BUT God let Jesus do it!
The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life

found in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 God’s Word
 I deserve a spiritual death BUT Jesus gives me life!
I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message and has faith
in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned.
They have already gone from death to life. John 5:24 CEV
 I deserve eternal darkness BUT Jesus gives me light!
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: 1 Peter 2:9
 

Justice vs. Mercy By Thomas W. Long

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.— Jesus (Matthew 6:12)
How shalt thou hope for mercy, rendering none?— William Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice
     Have you ever visualized God as being like the statue of blind justice holding a scale, weighing justice and mercy, in her hand? Some think God holds such a scale and good deeds combine to outweigh the bad deeds. In fact, even if all the good deeds were combined with the bad deeds onto one side of the scales, they could not outweigh the justice of eternal darkness that sin has place on our lives. However, the opposite is true when God’s grace is place over our good works and evil deeds. Sins retribution cannot begin to budge the scale from the mercy side of the scale. Only by rejecting the free gift of God’s amazing grace can the scale swing from the mercy side to the justice side of the scale.
     In a group of Christians, Jews, and Muslims “… an articulate Jewish woman, who had been active in prior attempts at reconciliation with Arabs, turned to the Christians and said, ‘I believe we Jews have a lot to learn from you Christians about forgiveness. I see no other way around some of the logjams. And yet it seems so unfair, to forgive injustice. I am caught between forgiveness and justice.’” (p. 91, Philip Yancey in What’s So Amazing About Grace?) Later, Yancey says that “… in the final analysis, forgiveness is an act of faith. By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out. I leave in God’s hands the scales that must balance justice and mercy.” (p. 93)
     The vs. of Justice vs. Mercy is forgiveness. Paul exhorts us to “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) Don’t be, like king Nebuchadnezzar, “… weighed on the scales and found wanting.” (Daniel 5:27)

The Example By Thomas W. Long
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  (1 Corinthians 11:1)
     Years ago, in places, the Trans-Canadian highway was little more than a dirt road. At the beginning of one such section a sign was posted that read, “Choose your rut carefully—you’ll be in it for the next seventy-five miles.” I suspect that the deepest ruts were the ones most traveled, however, that does not mean they were the best; they may very well have led to the biggest mud hole. In the poem Road Less Traveled, Robert Frost ends it by saying,
     I shall be telling this with a sigh
     Somewhere ages and ages hence
     Two roads diverged in a wood
     And I took the one less traveled by
     And that has made all the difference
Thus, the rut less traveled on the highway may have been the easier one to negotiate.
     What did Jesus say about the most traveled road? “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV). Christian, be careful in whom you are following. Make sure they are following Christ and not the ruts of others or their own thinking.

Coincidence By Thomas W. Long
     Have you ever started to call someone on the phone, only to have it start ringing and answer it to find the person you were going to call is on the phone? “What a coincidence. I was just getting ready to call you!”
We were traveling through Kansas (pre-Interstate 70), when a tire began going flat. It took about ten minutes for Dad to change the tire and get us back on the road. A few miles up the highway, the twisted wreckage of two cars blocked the road. Amongst the carnage were several deceased teenagers. Another wayfarer, who had seen the accident take place, told Dad it had happened about ten minutes before we arrived. If not for the flat tire, we could have been involved, too. Coincidence? Dad never thought so.
     Was it just a coincidence that Caesar declared that the entire Roman world should register at their ancestral cities and that Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem in time for Jesus, the Messiah, to be born just as had been prophesied? (Cf. Luke 2:1 ff.; Matthew 2:1-6) The answer—no! But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, (Galatians 4:4, NASB).
     God is not a God of coincidence. He is deliberate in all he does. A flat tire or a government decree—neither could be viewed as good—but, both were used deliberately for His purpose. So, the next time something that appears to be bad (or even good) happens to you, remember what the apostle Paul said: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 NASB). That “God causes” is no coincidence!
 

Do You Want to Be Right or Holy? By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
    There is an old saying that talks about the relationship between husbands and wives. You may have heard it for the husbands like this: “So, do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?”
    There are times to stand your ground and “fight” for what you believe in. There are times to be unswerving in your zeal and adamant about your position, particularly in morals and ethics. But in relationships, especially marriages, just because you may be right in an argument doesn’t mean you win. In fact, I’ve found that you can be totally correct (or so you think) and still lose. Here is an example from my own life recently.
     I stated my opinion on a certain matter and in my mind and heart I was 100% right. I didn’t consider Julie’s feelings and at that moment didn’t care. I was right – she was wrong. No question. So, a short while later when it’s time to go to bed it’s a little harder to say “I love you,” and pretend that nothing just happened between us less than an hour ago!
     I went to read my Bible. As I was minding my own business and reading the Holy Spirit (didn’t I just preach about Him the other day?) spoke to my heart and told me I was wrong. Ouch. I didn’t expect that from reading the Bible; not on a Monday night! So, this is what I read: Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; Exodus 35:5 How could He speak to me through that? Three words – a willing heart. I want to be right in my heart. I don’t want to just sing about it or preach about it.
     Anyway, I promptly got up and went to Julie and apologized. I said, “In my flesh I think I’m right, but I would rather be holy, so please forgive me for offending you and not thinking of your feelings.” Then I went back to my reading. It’s a lot more important to be holy (right with God and right with others) than to just be right. Right?
 

God’s Blog By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Here is the new agreement that I, the LORD, will make with the people of Israel: "I will write my laws on their hearts and minds. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Jeremiah 31:33 CEV

    Did you know that Jehovah God was the first Blogger? He didn’t need the internet because in the verse above He went straight to the hearts and minds of His people. Talk about efficiency! He was totally wireless and was able to network with everyone. Praise God.
    The word Blog is a shortened form of Web Log. According to Wikipedia, many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic.
    I have just recently begun to Blog some of the articles I write for Fresh Start. It is a way to share my thoughts with anyone who may find my web site and read them. It’s almost like writing a journal and posting it online.
    I have enjoyed reading other’s Blogs. My friend, Rev. Bob Cole has written some interesting articles. I also remember reading the blog Troy Cox wrote about watching his dad pass away. It prepared me for dealing with my own father’s death. Thank you, Troy.
    Oh, Hebrews 12:2 KJV says that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Like Father, life Son! All we have to do now is read their Blog!
Links: www.whetstonepublishing.com       www.bobcole.org

http://life.currenttoday.com/2006/04/07/i-just-watched-my-dad-die/

http://www.mychurch.org/churches/OK/Moore/170777/Fresh-Start-Community-Church

What Can God Do? By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
     There was a children’s song I used to sing that said:
God can do anything, anything, anything; God can do anything but fail.
He's the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
God can do anything, anything, anything; God can do anything but fail.
He can save, He can keep, He can cleanse, and He will,
God can do anything but fail.
     Many have asked the question, “Can God ___?” (you fill in the blank). I have asked Him, “God, can you heal my baby?” or “Can you help us in our finances?” or “Can you show me what I’m supposed to do with my life?” When you don’t know what God can do about a certain situation it would be good to review what He has done in the past, in your own life, the lives of others, and in the scriptures.
     God Can:
Create by speaking!
    And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3
Make man out of dirt!
    And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
Raise the dead!
    Jesus went over and touched the stretcher on which the people were carrying the dead boy. They stopped, and Jesus said, "Young man, get up!" The boy sat up and began to speak. Jesus then gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:14-15CEV
Supernaturally pay taxes!
    However, so that we don't create a scandal, go to the sea and throw in a hook. Take the first fish that you catch. Open its mouth, and you will find a coin. Give that coin to them for you and me." Matthew 17:27 GNB
Ask or think!
    Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
 

Be Still and Know By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46.10
    That verse from Psalm 46 is a comfort to many people. In my two weeks of voice rest I have pondered this Scripture many times. If you read it closely you’ll see an admonition for us busy people to get still so that we can realize who God is. You should never take a verse out of context so as you look at the whole Psalm verse ten will mean even more to you.
    He begins by saying “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." The writer begins by declaring Who God is and then he says “Therefore will not we fear.” What a powerful thought. We need to know that God IS. He’s not just a “Spirit in the Sky.” He’s not just watching us “From a Distance.” He IS and therefore we don’t have to be afraid.
    Pastor Jamie taught us last week that Adam and Eve were made in His image, but they sinned and what did the Adam say? “I hid myself because I was afraid.” God is for you, not against you. Don’t be afraid, be still and know that He is God.
    The rest of the Psalm describes things that can make you afraid such as earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanic eruptions and even upheaval in the political systems of the nations of the world. What are you afraid of? Disease? Cancer? The up and down stock market? Your retirement? Terrorists? The Democrats? The Republicans? Other races? War? Global warming? The Psalmist declares to the reader twice more that “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (verse 7, 11) One translation calls Him “the Lord All-Powerful; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (CEV) What does a fortress do? It protects those who are inside from the enemy! Count on it! God IS your fortress!
     I encourage you to read all of Psalm 46 this week and be encouraged that with all that we have to fear we CAN “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Listen to the Quiet By Thomas W. Long
    Our guide opened the door to a set of steps that descended into the depths of the earth. As we stepped through the doorway, the temperature dropped from the sweaty eighties to a constant fifty-five degrees. An electric conduit cable connected electric lights every few yards. As we reached the cavern floor, we were amazed by the magnificence of the stalactite and stalagmite formations. About halfway through the tour, our guide told us to hold on to the rail in front of us because she was going to give us the experience of total darkness. As the lights went out and darkness surrounded us, another phenomenon took place.      No one spoke or made any noise and we were able to listen to the quiet. In the quiet, we could each hear ourselves breathing and our hearts beating. Both actions seemed abnormally loud. Then as quietness prevailed, we could hear the far off drip . . . drip . . . drip of mineral laden water seeping from above, gradually adding to the stalactites and stalagmites of the cave.
    In the busy, noise-laden world we live in, we seldom take or find time to listen to the quiet. When the darkness of the world surrounds us and we wonder what happened to the Light of the world, we need to hold on to the security of God’s Word and instead of complaining—listen. In his Word, God exhorts us to, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). If we obey this and listen—the drip . . . drip . . . drip of God’s words will add to the growth of our souls.
 

Sincerely by Thomas W. Long
    We commonly finish a letter by writing ‘Sincerely yours’ before we sign it. Do you know where the word sincerely comes from? It comes from two Spanish words sin and cera. The two word combination is a sculpturing term. Sculptors used wax to fill in the minor cracks and flaws of their marble sculptures. A perfect, unblemished sculpture was finished without using wax and thus the Spanish words sin cera (without wax). The English language grafted it from the Spanish to our English sincere and thus our letters end with the phrase sincerely. Thus, we are saying we are not writing untruths or covering up anything.
    This is one of the toughest admonitions for us as humans to follow. Pride pushes us to fill those cracks and blemishes in our expressions of love with the wax of outward appearances. We present ourselves as having virtues or qualities we do not have. Peter tells us to “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:16). In other words, live a Christian life, but do not use your Christianity to wax over evil. Jesus had another word for wax. He used the word whitewash. He was talking to the Jewish rulers and called them whitewashed sepulchers. He was telling them they had waxed over their religion, made it look good on the outside; but underneath that beautiful exterior was the stink of death, the malodorous smell of sin.
    The good . . . no . . . the great thing is that Jesus is our sculptor and as long as we allow him to shape us in his image; he will be able to present us to his father as sin cera!
 

2008 - The Year of New Beginnings by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
    I love the NEW car smell! There’s just something about having a product that is brand new. New means it’s not old, it’s not the same as before, and it’s not worn out or damaged. 2008 is a NEW Year! Let me relate to you some stories that have helped me get excited about this NEW Year.
    Several weeks ago a friend in Austin, TX called me out of the blue. We talked about several things including the changes that had happened at FSCC in the last several months. Before he hung up he said something like this, “God is going to do a new thing with you.” I thanked him and we hung up.
    I was praying on January 1 or 2 and thanking God for the NEW Year. The Holy Spirit witnessed to me on the word “NEW.” “Witnessed” means that I felt encouraged, inspired, excited and motivated when I said the word “NEW.” If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit He should be able to witness to us in His own way.
    I was relating these stories to Rev. Bob Cole. He said, “Chuck, you know the number for man is 6; the number for God is 7; did you know the number for new beginnings is 8? 2008 is the Year of NEW Beginnings.” The Hebrews first recognized the association with the number 8 with the eight souls who were saved on the ark. Here’s what is says in Genesis 8: And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him. Genesis 8:18 So, these 8 people had a NEW beginning when they stepped off the ark. It was a NEW world!
    I am so excited about what God plans to do and wants to do for you, for me, for Fresh Start and for His Kingdom. 2008 – the Year of NEW Beginnings!

Life’s Highway by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
You call out to God for help and he helps--he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. 1 Peter 1:17 The Message
    Our white Lumina was traveling nicely along the highway with our family tucked inside. We had been having a nice trip – so far! I’m not even sure where we were driving to, but I believe it was Siloam Springs. None the less, we had left Louisiana in the day time and now it was dark. I noticed the fuel gauge dipping lower and lower toward empty. Being “the man in charge” I had calculated in my mind how far I could go before I needed to fill up again. But I didn’t realize the rural route I was taking (to shave off a few miles!) didn’t have a lot of gas stations. Well, my blood pressure was going higher and higher and I was getting more nervous by the minute. The family didn’t help much. They kept saying, or at least were thinking, “I told you so. . .” And the worst part about running out of gas is doing it at night – in the country – where it’s really dark.
    Have you noticed how things seem to get worse at night when it’s dark, including fear? I have. Children who are sick seem to get sicker at night. Your house, or even a church building, creaks and groans and makes different noises at night. “Lions, tigers and bears, oh my!”
    Now, back to the story. The needle of the gas gauge was buried behind the E symbol. Fear was taking hold of me. Fear of the unknown. Fear of “What if?” Fear of humiliation and embarrassment in front of my family. Fear of walking down a dark road to a stranger’s house hoping to borrow a gallon of gas. Besides feeling sick to my stomach I was doing a lot of praying! Finally, we found a gas station that was open in a small town and I was able to purchase the fuel we needed.
    The moral of this story: Going down Life’s Highway can sometimes be scary! Many times your journey will seem dark, full of the unknown and “What ifs.” Take a lesson from me and keep fueled up. Stop in weekly at God’s House to stay “tanked up.” Take the time to “fill up” [reading the Word and Prayer] regularly. Also, stay on the main path, the one of His choosing.
 

The Sounds of Christmas by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Do you hear what I hear? The sounds of Christmas are everywhere. Radio stations devote 24 hour programming to Christmas songs. Choirs are singing; carolers are caroling; and the Salvation Army has faithful bell ringers in many locations.

In the Scriptures we notice that God not only uses “light” but also “sound” to get our attention. Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind; Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: Psalm 77:17 The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound. Look at what happened to the shepherds.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Luke 2:13 - 20

God desires that we see with more than just our physical eyes. He wants us to hear with more than just our physical ears. Listen to the sounds of Christmas in your heart.

The Sights of Christmas by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Georgia Ann looked up and saw the lights hanging off the garage. She loved them. Her eyes flashed with excitement. She smiled and laughed as only children do. It was honest. It was joy. She was delighted with the lights.

At that moment I knew that it was worth it: going to the store, purchasing the lights, untangling them after they had been stored away, standing on the ladder, hanging the lights up with the plastic clips and plugging them in. It was worth every penny spent and every hour invested to see the joy on this one child’s face.

That’s the way it is with our Heavenly Father. He delights in seeing us respond to Him, to His creation, to His Son, and to His plan. It makes Him happy. Sometimes He puts on awesome light “shows” just to get our attention. Just look at the shepherds.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:8-14

The Smells of Christmas by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Julie and I have a pre-lit Christmas tree at our house. In fact, we have two, but we only display one. It is so nice to be able to take it out of its box and have it set up and looking pretty good in just a few minutes. In the “old days” we would go to the woods and cut out the top of a cedar with a chainsaw. Then we would take it home and have to cut off some of the trunk to make it fit the tree stand. And, of course, it would hardly ever be level. I remember one year I had twine attached to the tree and then I tied it off to a nail on the baseboard. Not the prettiest sight, but it helped to stabilize the tree. But with the pre-lit “artificial” tree I don’t encounter hardly any of these problems. Sadly, you don’t get the smell of a real tree, either.

The other night Julie and I were shopping for new lights for our house. We were walking past the “live” Christmas trees and Julie stopped to smell one. She commented on how there was nothing like the smell of a real Christmas tree. I agree. So, I am writing this article as a result of that statement.

This Christmas we all have a chance to be “real” and not “artificial.” The shepherds were real people, who had jobs, families, and bills to pay, but God’s message of the Messiah came to them. The Magi were real people, too, with jobs and families, and they were looking for the Messiah and finally found him. Real people live their lives one day at a time. Don’t let the busyness of the season or the commercialization of Christmas make you “artificial.” Be real. Enjoy the smell of Christmas.
 

Talent Is Never Enough by Thomas W. Long
In the parable of the talents, Jesus tells of one person who, upon receiving a talent, proceeded to bury it for safe keeping (Matthew 25:14-30). Talent is a God-given gift that has potential when used. John Maxwell in “Talent Is Never Enough” says, “Talent stands out. It gets you noticed. In the beginning, talent separates you from the rest of the pack. It gives you a head start on others. For that reason, natural talent is one of life’s greatest gifts. But the advantage it gives lasts only a short time” (p.5). All of us have talents, some, more than others. The choices we make about our talents make all the difference in the world, or at least have the potential to make a difference in the world if we but will. How can one achieve that potential? There are many steps, but the first is that one has to believe in themselves.
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you’d like to win, but think you can’t it’s almost certain you won’t . . .
Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can.
--Walter D. Wintle, “The Man Who Thinks He Can”
Do you remember the story of “The Little Engine That Could”? The other engines said he was not big enough, fast enough, or strong enough to pull his load over the big hill. As he huffed and puffed up the hill, he kept saying, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” Then as he topped the hill and started down the other side, he said, “I knew I could! I knew I could!” The trouble with the man in Jesus’ parable was that he was afraid and did not believe in himself when it came to using his talent, so he hid it. A talent unused is a talent abused and risks being lost! Talent is never enough—it has to be developed and used. Believe in the talents God has given you and put them to use.
 

Play, Musician, Play! By Thomas W. Long
My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.  Psalm 108:1

    Most of us could pick up a Stradivarius, draw the bow across its strings and not get one sweet note from it. But when a master musician tunes it and begins to play, we are transported beyond this earthly place. Low, slow, and minor, he brings tears to our eyes. Then with a toccata touch of the strings, joyous dance is placed in our step.
    Our “Stradivarius” may come from the hardware store: a pick, rake, or shovel; hammer, saw, or chisel; mop, broom, or something more. Our concert lasts life long, the notes are painstakingly won, and the culminating crescendo at the end is the high point of our musical masterpiece.
    In God’s orchestra, it is how we use the instrument our gift understands that makes the difference in the music our lives make. The melodious slop of the mop, the percussion of a hammer, the counterpoint of leaves being raked for a neighbor, or the stirring rhythm of the saw in your hand is music a musician might not understand. Teaching a group of children, who may appear to barely hear a word you are saying, may seem fruitless on the surface, but your gift may strike a note in that young life that will someday become a concerto. Doing the mundane tasks of the church and life may, at best, seem as if they are hardly worth the effort. But, if we do it with a song in our hearts, for God’s glory, and because of His grace, it is sublime music to God’s ears. Then at the end of life’s concert, as the angels applaud, we’ll hear God commend us, “Well done, you played your gift well . . . welcome home.”
 

Close Encounters By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
            God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. 1 Peter 5.7 CEV
    On Wednesday nights I have been teaching the Red Letter Edition – the words of Jesus in the New Testament. For three weeks we covered the personal ministry of Jesus, or as I like to call it Close Encounters.
    The Scriptures tell us that Jesus could get the crowds. He not only taught the Word of God to the multitudes, but He also would spend time healing them and on a few occasions feeding 5,000 or more.
We also find that Jesus had a group of disciples that learned from him and traveled with Him. At one time He sent out 70 disciples to spread the Good News. But most often we read about the 12 disciples who were closest to Him. And out of these twelve He had an “inner circle” of three.
    In my class I taught about 3 individuals who had Close Encounters with Jesus when He met and talked with each one. Zaccheus (Luke 19) was a selfish tax collector with very few friends and who could not even attend the local synagogue. Jesus had dinner with him. Nicodemus (Nic @ Nite – John 3) was a respected religious leader who had questions and wanted to know who Jesus was. Jesus met him privately not to embarrass him, or cause him trouble with the other religious people. And I taught about the Samaritan woman in John 4. She had quite a reputation having been married 5 times. The Bible doesn’t even mention her name, but Jesus took time to talk with her and tell her about the Living Water. She was so blessed that she went back to town and told the people “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4.29
Yes, Jesus could get the crowds and He had His own little traveling group, but He also cared for each person He met. And with that I know that He cares for YOU!

There Is A Season and A Time By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ASV)
For everything there is a season, and a time
for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
    I believe that God is on His throne. I believe that He is not surprised when things happen here on earth. I believe that He wants to intervene in the lives of the billions of people on this planet, more than the people want or allow Him to. I believe that when you go through a bad or difficult “season” of your life that He is not judging or punishing you. I believe that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23). I believe “For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God by us (2 Corinthians 1:20).” I believe that God wants the best for you! I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
    I believe it is the season and time for us to begin to live what we believe and trust God to be Lord over every area of our life. I invite you to begin today.

Are You Becoming? By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
    One of the most encouraging things a teacher or preacher can hear is that one of his/her students or members heard the lesson (or sermon) and acted upon it! The word disciple means, “One who learns with the intention of doing.”
    Last week, as we continued the series Becoming A Contagious Christian, Pastor Jamie said that we should Barbeque First! Remember that? She was talking about reaching out to people around us (those we knew before, those we know now, or those we’d like to know) without using a megaphone and shouting, “You better get saved or you’re going to hell!” She said we should throw a BBQ and invite some of the neighbors over. This might open the door to a spiritual conversation, or just allow you to begin a real relationship with one of the people that live next door to you.
    I was so encouraged that someone in our church had heard the message and the next day created some invitations on a computer and passed them out! This person invited several families over for a chili cookout! I believe this person is trying to become a contagious Christian. How about you? Will you take a truth from today’s sermon and begin working on it this week? Why not today?
    A friend of mine, Lawrence Chewning, wrote a great song back in the seventies called Real Christian Man. The chorus reminds me of what I want our community to say when they see members of Fresh Start “becoming.” Lawrence wrote: There goes a real Christian man!

The First Communion by Pastor Chuck Whetstone
    What would you do if you knew you had less than twenty-four hours to live on this earth? What would you do differently? How would you spend your time or your money? Who would you want to spend your last hours with?
    Jesus chose to spend the last night before his crucifixion with his small band of disciples. John 13.1 says, “It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.” CEV
    In a brief synopsis of that evening we learn that:
 Jesus taught them a lesson on being a servant. (John 13.13-14)
You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should,
because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet,
you should do the same for each other.
 Jesus revealed a traitor in the midst. (John 13.21)
After Jesus had said these things, he was deeply troubled and told
his disciples, "I tell you for certain that one of you will betray me."
 He told them to love each other. (John 13.34-35)
But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you. If you love each other, everyone will know that you are my disciples.
 Jesus told them about the new plan. (John 14.26)
But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will
send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything
and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.
 Jesus told them of the future. (John 16.33)
I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts
because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer.
But cheer up! I have defeated the world.
 Jesus spent time praying for his disciples. (John 17.9)
I am praying for them, but not for those who belong to this world.
My followers belong to you, and I am praying for them.

Worth Your Salt By Thomas W. Long
    Until recent times, salt has been a precious commodity. Today, we think nothing of picking up a box of salt at the grocery store at a relatively cheap price. In ancient times that was not the case. For centuries, salt was used as currency (it was even minted into coins as valuable as gold). Roman soldiers were partially paid with salt, a salarium (from sal dare—to give salt) from which we get our word ‘salary.’ Greek slave traders often bartered salt in payment for slaves. Thus, if the slave was not a very good one, he was ‘not worth his salt.’ Thomas B. Costain titled one of his books, Below the Salt, in reference to seating arrangements in medieval feasts, according to one’s rank. Food served to the vassals below the salt was not seasoned with salt.
    Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13a) In saying this, Jesus was declaring we are valuable—adding flavor to an unsavory world. Contracts were often sealed (earnest money) with salt in both the Old and New Testaments. In fact, the word salvation has its origin in salt (sal). Salvation is preservation or deliverance from destruction, difficulty, or evil. That is understandable in light of salt being used as a preservative in keeping food from spoiling. If one puts a little salt on one’s tongue, what happens? One’s mouth begins to salivate—another close relative to salvation. If we are truly the salt of the earth, the world will drool (salivate) over what we have.
    However, if we have lost that ability to cause the world to salivate, Jesus said, “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13b NIV) Do you feel like the world is trampling on you? Have you checked your saltiness? Jesus can restore the salt to your life so you can once again add flavor to an unsavory world.
 

Live Like You Were Dying By Thomas W. Long
     Perhaps you have heard the song by Tim McGraw called Live Like You Were Dyin’. In it he tells the story of a man who received news that he does not have long to live. He relates what he is doing with the time he has left to live. He went sky diving, mountain climbing, and bull riding. He loved deeper, spoke sweeter, and gave forgiveness he had been denying. He became the husband he should have been and the friend a friend would like to have. He took time to go fishing, read the Bible, and looked back at what he would do if he could do it again. The part that spiked my interest was in the chorus where he says, “. . . someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dyin’.”
     That last line really made me think about life and how we as Christians should be looking at it. All too often we get caught up in the day-to-day rat race of mere existence without looking deeper into our relationship with God. Too many are guilty of pursuing the merest of mere Christianity, which is, asking for forgiveness and accepting Jesus as Savior, then proceeding no further with that relationship. By the way, that is what the Christian life is—a relationship with God. For many that relationship has barely reached the point of friendship. Relationship means one wants to become more intimate with another. Josh McDowell, in The Relational Word, relates that the Bible is more than history, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, etc.—it is God revealing himself to man in a relationship with man. What we do with it is eternally important! The writer of Hebrews says, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (Hebrews 9:27-28 NIV) In the song, Tim McGraw penned, “Like tomorrow was a gift and you’ve got eternity to think about what you do with it, what could you do with it, what can I do with it, what would I do with it”? What will you do with eternity when you face judgment—be awaiting an eternal relationship with Christ or fearing his return? Live like you were dying to meet Jesus!
 

V I S I O N By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
    When our son, Aaron, was about three Julie took him and baby Rachel to Texas to visit her family. When they flew back into Greensboro, NC I was waiting at the airport terminal excited and ready to greet them. In those days you deplaned on the tarmac! I remember seeing my family come down the steps and onto the tarmac and make their way toward me. The terminal had huge glass windows and doors. Aaron saw me and starting running toward me before I could get to him – right into a glass door! He fell down and was crying by the time I made it outside to comfort him. Aaron had a clear vision of his dad but he couldn’t see the obstacle in his way – the door.
    Do you have a vision for your life, your family, your vocation or calling? A vision starts with a single thought. You see what could be, or maybe should be. You see how things might be better. Perhaps you are renting a house or apartment and you have a vision of one day owning your own home. You might be working a job and have a vision, or thought, of running your own business.
    A vision is the starting point, not the end. The question is “How do you make a vision a reality?” You’ve got to do like Aaron did, start moving toward that vision! And as you start moving toward your vision remember there will be obstacles, even closed doors. Don’t let that stop you. Keep moving!
    Brothers, it is clear to me that I have not come to that knowledge; but one thing I do, letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before, I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 Bible in Basic English
 

Everything I Ever Needed To Know About Life, I Could Have Learned From Noah's Ark...
From FishersofMan.com
 

One: Don't miss the boat.
Two: Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four: Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six: Build your future on high ground.
Seven: For safety sake, travel in pairs.
Eight: Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine: When you're stressed, float a while.
Ten: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Safe By Elizabeth Foster
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

    Do you remember playing Hide N Seek when you were a kid? I do, it was one of my favorite games to play. You had to hide and run away from the person who was "it" trying to get you. Running as fast as you could trying to reach base where it was "safe" and they couldn’t get you anymore. Once you reached base there was that big sigh of relief because you knew you were safe.
    It seems that real life is very similar to that. Naturally, as Christians we want to do what is right so we are constantly hiding and running from negative influences that Satan uses to catch us. We run until we reach our base and feel safe in the arms of God. Sometimes we get weary and tired from all that running and we end up getting caught and we feel we cant go on. The difference between real life and Hide n Seek is that we really don’t have to run to base to feel safe. All we have to do is stop where we are, reach for Him and He is right there.
    If we are tired and weary from running Jesus tell us in Matt 28:11 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Lastly, unlike in Hide N Seek when you lose and can’t go on if you get caught, in real life if you do get caught you can still go on. Just turn to Jesus and He will wipe your tears, smile at you and tell you "Go now and leave your life of sin" John 8:3

What is Important? By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
In Leadership I’ve always been told to “Keep the main thing the main thing.” As we are going through a time of change and transition I thought it would be helpful to share with you some of the things we deem important at Fresh Start.
FAITH
We believe that our Faith is of the utmost importance, therefore we offer growth classes on Sunday morning and Wednesday night for all ages. We also have a Discipleship program called Celebrate Recovery. And in the fall we will have several Community Groups available for you to be part of. Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 CEV)
FAMILY
We believe that Family is very important, therefore we plan programs and activities for all family units, whether that is a child, youth, single adult, single parent, family of six or a grandparent. In our upcoming Summer Newsletter you can read about what we have planned for the rest of the summer and fall. When we plan these events rest assured we are thinking of You! They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home." (Acts 16:31 CEV)
FRIENDS
People have commented how friendly FSCC people are. We should be! If we have found the best thing in the world (Jesus) wouldn’t we want our friends and guests who come to our services know about Him, too? And this is why we have had Summer Fun days for the children, the Back to School Bash (August 4), the After School Program starting in September, the CR BBQ, the 4th of July Concert & Tailgate Party, the Men’s softball team, the Women’s Fellowship (that meets tomorrow night), and many other things including Wildhearts for Christ, Family Fun Days, and student float trips and lockouts. We want our Community (our friends) to know that Fresh Start is not about us. It’s about Jesus and His love for the whole world. The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends. John 15:13 (GW)
In conclusion, keep the main thing the main thing!

Planting Time By Pastor Chuck Whetstone
Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant. If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life. So let us not become tired of doing good; for if we do not give up, the time will come when we will reap the harvest. So then, as often as we have the chance, we should do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to our family in the faith. Galatians 6:7-10

    Have you ever heard the expression “You are what you eat?” Some of us might have Krispy Kreme thighs or McDonald’s hips! In other words, what you put into your body will usually be seen in your health and quality of life. The same is true in our spiritual life.
    The Apostle Paul warns us not to deceive our selves. He says you will reap exactly what you plant! No surprises. If we plant watermelon seeds we should expect to see watermelons growing, not peaches.
    So, he encourages us to plant correctly – in the field of the Spirit. Do the things in your life that will help you reap the eternal harvest. The one thing he mentions is doing “good.” It was said about Jesus that He went about “doing good.” (Acts 10:38) Paul continues to say that a harvest will take time. Most farmers don’t plant on Monday and harvest on Friday. It is a process of time.
    Don’t give up. Keep planting in the field of the Spirit by doing good to everyone, especially to those in our family of faith.
 

Give Thanks by Elizabeth Foster
Give thanks in all circumstances.-1 Thessalonians 5:18

    This past week our family went on vacation to our lake house at Lake Texoma. If you have listened to the news lately, it wasn’t exactly our ideal vacation. Due to the rain, flooding, and the rising of the lake we were unable to spend our time soaking in the sun and playing in the water. There was no beach left, and because of the unidentifiable floating objects in the water, we were not even allowed to go in the water because you would get fined $250 if you were caught in the water. We were stuck at the house. I told the kids, "Let’s just make the best of it!"
    Our vacation did not go exactly as we planned -- whatever could go wrong, did. Despite the negatives that were going on around us, I searched and found something to thank God for everyday we were there. I thanked Him for the beautiful green trees that surrounded us. I thanked Him for the birds that sang to us every morning. I thanked God for the quality tim