Jeff Williams June 26th, 2008
It was about this time every year when me and my brother would be blowing up everything in sight with our ‘Black Cat’ firecrackers. From ant piles and grasshoppers, to the farm cats and chickens, nothing was safe from our barrage of tactical invasions with noisemakers and smoke bombs. Then, on the evening of the Fourth, we would light the ‘big ones’, saving the best for last. We anticipated the oooo’s and aaaah’s from our mother who always made our displays seem better than the year before and prettier than anything on television. All this surrounding a family gathering out at the farm pond where we enjoyed a wiener roast with homemade ice cream and fresh watermelon. The adults would laugh about old times and the kids would be into mischief, scaring the adults with an unsuspecting ‘pop’ or catching fireflies in a jar for who mom graciously acted as if she loved them. But one thing you could be sure of, we all knew what we were celebrating and why. There was a pride and patriotism that existed in the midst of every moment, knowing we were very blessed to have the freedoms our great country enjoys.
We will continue the tradition this weekend when all my family will be together around that same pond. I hope to impress the same truths and understandings to my children so that Independence Day can be viewed for the great holiday it is. And hopefully, we will never take these liberties for granted.
“Live like free people. But don’t use your freedom to cover up evil. Live like people who serve God.” 1 Peter 2:16 NIRV
Jeff Williams June 18th, 2008
A special thanks to all those who participated in the Wednesday night service at District Council at SAGU in Waxahachie last week. It was a great night of worship. I enjoyed ministering with you.Thanks as well for your prayers for Shawn & Brandee. I know it means a great deal to them and helps them to bear this difficulty know so many are standing with them.
Jeff Williams June 18th, 2008
How is a person supposed to deal with loss? Is there a manual for grief etiquette? Does opinion change according to experience? These questions and others weigh on my mind when I see God’s people suffer. We seem to judge proper conduct upon our own empathy toward a given situation. And although wisdom comes partly through experience, outside of faith, God’s Word does not provide the comfort our human nature looks for in bereavement. Maybe that’s why the Psalmist uses the analogy of a valley that we walk through during lamentation. The original meaning of this term denotes a steep, narrow gorge, not a beautiful lush bottom land. These type passes are dangerous because of rough terrain, falling debris and high waters when it rains. It is easier to be ambushed, robbed and taken captive in such a cleft. Yet He promises to be with us, finding solace in His provisions and promises.
“Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 AMP
Jeff Williams June 4th, 2008
“The Scriptures say that the Messiah must suffer, then three days later he will rise from death. They also say that all people of every nation must be told in my name to turn to God, in order to be forgiven. So beginning in
Jerusalem,
you must tell everything that has happened.” Luke 24:46-48 CEV
If we are to go to every nation, we must understand the reward that comes from our obedience is met with much risk. For when you go and meet people at their place of need, you also put yourself at the same risk they are involved in. For instance, if you feel led to go to a foreign land to present the Gospel, you face the same dangers, disease, etc. as those you are trying to help. Even in our own country, where practically every nation is represented, as well as the largest expanse of diversity found anywhere in the world, you make yourself vulnerable if you want to be Christlike – ‘Jesus with skin on,’ exposing yourself to criticism. There is also often a backlash of being taken advantage of, unappreciative response, and seemingly fruitless reward. Yet we were not promised happiness, only joy. Don’t forget the sacrifice of taking up His cross and quit before you receive the eternal reward.
Jeff Williams May 28th, 2008
Everybody has their own opinions, and those opinions, you own. In other words, if you share the views, they can’t be just someone else’s thoughts. If you adopt them, they are yours. The only opinions that carry any value however are those that reflect Truth. But where opinions impede upon our belief system is in those gray areas where Truth is not so black and white. In those instances, it is wise to share your opinions as YOUR opinions and not as Truth. Opinion has its demise in dogmaticalness and many times has served up ‘humble pie.’
“Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart and a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unfeigned) faith. But certain individuals have missed the mark on this very matter [and] have wandered away into vain arguments and discussions and purposeless talk. They are ambitious to be doctors of the Law (teachers of the Mosaic ritual), but they have no understanding either of the words and terms they use or of the subjects about which they make [such] dogmatic assertions.” 1 Timothy 4:5-7 AMP
Jeff Williams May 21st, 2008
Have you ever felt depleted? That feeling of being drained and needing to be replenished can make every task seem daunting. That overwhelming sensation can drive a person to quit if they aren’t careful. It is good to give out. Giving is the natural response to spiritual maturation and is Christlike, but one must be careful about getting filled back up healthily. The Scripture says, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19 NASB). I encourage you, when you get to that place of weariness from doing God’s work, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and find time to allow God to rejuvenate your spirit, soul, and body… I am.
“Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30, 31 NIV
Jeff Williams May 7th, 2008
Appreciation, an expression that lies dormant much of the time… especially toward others who deserve acknowledgement for their influence in our lives. That’s why the powers that be establish holidays designed to ‘appreciate’ those special people in our lives such as teachers, bosses, secretaries, pastors, etc. Our mothers deserve to hear our sincere laudations as we sing their praises. Bearing gifts are nice, but let your words carry the needed message. Our mothers deserve it! Happy Mother’s Day!
“You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.” 1 Corinthians 16:18b NLT
Jeff Williams May 7th, 2008
I sure was proud of our youth this past Sunday! Everyone did a fabulous job displaying their talents for the Lord. It blesses me deeply to see this kind of involvement. I know God will use each one of them greatly in the future as they continue to serve Him with their giftings. Please be in prayer for our team as they compete against other churches this weekend. I know they will strive to do their very best!
Jeff Williams May 2nd, 2008
Another one of my favorite restaurants, as well as my family’s, is Jinbeh, a Japanese Hibachi grill located in Lewisville next to Mardel’s Bible Book store. Now we have tried Shoguns and Oishi’s and they are good too. But what sets Jinbeh aprt is their ginger sause. We pour it all over our food. And if my kids will eat it because of that sause, it will keep me going back for more!
Jeff Williams May 2nd, 2008
Affirmation is not always considered unless you are the one needing it. Everyone likes to be confirmed, and really, we need those positive reinforcements to have healthy growth. Why is it such a chore to express it but a joy to receive it? Some would say they don’t need it, but I guarantee you that they still ingest it into their spirits when it comes their way. They may blow it off outwardly, but inwardly, it is attaching itself to the ego for self-confidence and pride. God has affirmed us time and time again through His Word. For example, “So he decided long ago to adopt us as his children. He did it because of what Jesus Christ has done. It pleased God to do it” (Ephsians1:5 NIRV). I encourage you to affirm those around you! Build up your children, speak positive reinforcement to your spouse, and ratify your friendships. We all need it, so let’s all give it.
