Articles by Larry Davies at Heartlight

I'm Just a Businessman

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600

I run a profitable business. There are no tax problems, no accusations of fraud. I have nothing to be ashamed of, so why am I so upset and confused? Maybe it's because something has changed.

You see, it all started on a cold, dark night. My little hotel-restaurant was packed with out-of-town customers. The mood of the crowd at first was dark, with talk of rebellion. After all, no one likes being forced to travel just for a census! a head count. Yet time, a few drinks and the opportunity to renew friendships lifted traveler's spirits and the atmosphere soon became more festive.
Business was good -- almost too good. All my rooms were filled, so people were forced to sleep in the streets. With so many people eating, our supplies of food and drink were critically low.

Later that night, two travelers approached my gate: a young man and his obviously pregnant wife astride a donkey. They both looked exhausted. The young man was polite enough. "Please sir, we have come a long way and need a room. Can you please help us?"

I turned away many others without a thought, but the look of panic in the man's eyes and the young girl's condition made me pause. "There must be somewhere I can put them." But sadly, there was not and I was forced to tell them so. "I'm sorry. There is no room in the inn."

But something about the young woman's face made me pause! She looked so calm and serene. "Wait a minute!" I blurted out. "There's a stable around back with an empty stall. I can add a little fresh straw and you will at least have shelter." Why was I so concerned about the welfare of this young couple? After preparing their area, I left without even asking them for money.

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn" (Luke 2:6-7).

The frantic banging on the front door began just as I was finally falling asleep. One of the shepherds in a nearby field said, "You must come at once to see the child. She has sent for you."

"It's just a baby." I shouted. "I've seen babies before." But I was so wrong. Only the shepherds and a few animals surrounded Mary and Joseph. "Where did the shepherds come from?" I wondered. Then I noticed the child. He wasn't crying. He was smiling and looking directly at me. His eyes seemed to penetrate right through to my very soul. How could this baby affect me so?

Something happened that night. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a businessman, not a preacher, but seeing that child changed me, forever. Over the last few weeks I've done a lot of thinking and praying about where my life is going. With God's help, this is what I will do:

Become more generous in my giving and look for opportunities to help others.

Treat my employees with more respect and pay what they earn, not what I can get by with.

Maintain a stricter accounting of my ledger books and with my customer bills.

Spend more time at home with my wife and children.

Go back to church and look for ways that I can become involved in their ministry.

Spend more time in prayer for my family, for business, for others and for those in ministry.

What about you? How will seeing the Christ-child affect you this year? Peter said: "As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!" (2 Peter 1:3).

Seeing the Christ-child in a manger surrounded by animals and shepherds changed this innkeeper forever. How will seeing Christ change you? I pray that in 2007 you will see the Christ-child and be transformed! May God richly bless your journey of faith. Merry Christmas!

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

Is This On Your List?

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600

Let's see if I've got my Christmas to-do list done?

√ Put up the Christmas tree -- check.

√ Bought Christmas presents -- check.

√ Hung stockings with care -- check.

√ Children visited Santa -- Oops! too old!

√ Watched Miracle on 34th St 4 times -- check.

√ Heard, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" 400 times -- Ecch! check.

√ Confessed and repented of my sins! What?

"Confess and repent?" What a depressing way to think about Christmas. Larry, don't you know those old-fashioned terms are out? Codependency, dysfunctional, fetish, psychosis, neurosis and other excuses are the new terms for the 21st century. Why go back in time? Yet every year during Christmas and Easter, church leaders and pastors usually read from the Bible about a prophet named John the Baptist and his emphasis on confession and repentance. Why?

This is probably not the Christmas message you want to hear. Am I right? Don't lose hope; there is an uplifting ending, so stay with me.

In each of the four Gospels, you can almost hear the shrill voice of John the Baptist, the animal skin clad, bug-eating prophet who proclaimed himself as "A voice shouting in the wilderness; 'Prepare a pathway for the Lord's coming! Make a straight road for Him!'" (Luke 3:4).

His next statement, however, should get your attention: "You ungrateful pile of snakes! Don't just talk about being a follower of God, do something about it!" That's pretty strong language. Wait! There is more! "Even now the ax of God's judgment is poised ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire" (Luke 3:7-9).

You ungrateful pile of snakes!

Don't just talk, do something!

God's judgment is poised like an ax!

Every tree not producing fruit will be chopped down and burned!

Ouch! No wonder John the Baptist was beheaded. But he is right. We need to hear the voice in the wilderness crying out to "Prepare a pathway!" which describes three basic tenets of our faith:

Sin is anything that separates us from God. We all do it. We all must face it.

Confession is the courage of admitting we are flawed human beings in need of help.

Repentance is our willingness to ask for and accept God's power to change us.

A recent Gallup poll showed that Americans believe in Christ, but few translate that belief into action. Studies show as much dishonesty and unethical behavior within those claiming to be church members as among those who do not. Divorce rates are as high within the church as out. When surveyed, people described religion as a balm for overcoming depression rather than a call for serious change. Yet the voice of John the Baptist rings loud and clear: "Don't just talk; do something!"

The crowd responded to John the Baptist by asking, "What do we do?" (Luke 3:10-14). He said:

Share: Not just with your family but anyone in need. Give some of your blessings away. Learning to give is not just putting more money in the offering plate; it's a foundation of your faith.

Play Fair: Be honest in your relationship with others! Employers -- treat workers with genuine respect! Employees -- earn your pay! Take a stand for what is right but with an attitude of love.

Be Content: We all want to be successful but God often has different ideas on what success really means. It may be time to ask: "Am I where God wants me to be?"

This kind of preparation applies to all, from preachers to pew-sitters to sleep-in-and-forget-about-it believers. "Making a straight path" may be the most important Christmas preparation we attempt.

What about you? Does your Christmas list include an old-fashioned straight talk with God about your sinful behavior? God promises to listen with compassion, offer total forgiveness, enable you to change and continue loving you. Isn't that great? The "Good News" is about listening to John the Baptist now so you will really appreciate what happens on Christmas Day. "Prepare a pathway for the Lord's coming!"

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

Thanksgiving and Walking the Boundaries

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600

There is an annual custom in Switzerland called "walking the bound." Everyone in the village takes a ceremonial walk around the boundaries so they can check the markers. Afterward there is a celebration to express gratitude for the blessings handed down to their community.

What a great way to enjoy Thanksgiving! Check your boundaries, line up the markers and celebrate.

What are the boundaries of your church? How do you practice your faith? If someone were to walk inside your church doors, what would they discover? Does your church practice what it proclaims?

One study of successful churches discovered five ingredients common to all of them:

The central focus is on prayer.

A strong emphasis upon Bible study.

Consistent lay testimony and involvement.

There is concern for the needs of others.

All of the members are in ministry.

Paul once gave this advice to a young preacher named Timothy:

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true, and everyone should accept it (1 Timothy 4:7-9 NLT).

According to Paul, every church should emphasize "training for spiritual fitness." How is your church doing? Obviously, I don't know the answer but I can give you a few examples.

Emphasize spiritual growth:
There are many Christians looking for answers or looking for a Bible study, a support group or prayer group. Offer a wide variety of opportunities to strengthen people's faith whether they are just beginning their Christian journey or well along the way.

Seek to be in ministry:
Are you involved in a ministry or serving on a committee? Replace your many committees with teams, each with an emphasis on ministry: Here are four examples -- see also the lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament for other ideas (Romans 12:3-8 for example).

Congregational Care includes prayer, health concerns, and visitation.

Nurture includes Sunday school, Bible studies and age-level ministries.

Ministry and Missions includes your ministry in the community and around the world.

Administration keeps your church building, staff and finances running smoothly.

Promote spiritual leadership:
Voting usually means somebody wins and somebody loses. Spiritual leadership means helping everyone listen to the voice of God. Experiment with basing decisions on consensus so that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and everyone listens.

Offer continual encouragement:
Good churches welcome new ideas wherever they appear. Great churches create a contagious enthusiasm of involvement and encouragement. Foster an atmosphere of "spiritual boldness" believing if you are doing God's will, anything is possible.

Specialize in comfort:
Ships lost in stormy seas seek light from a lighthouse to guide them to the safety of the harbor. When visiting our church, you may notice lighthouses everywhere to reflect our mission statement: "A Light to Guide You Safely Home." We pray you will find comfort here.

Include fun and fellowship:
How often does your church offer a meal? Are there celebrations being planned? Do you know how to have fun? Is joy a regular part of your time together?

A church should pursue spiritual growth, ministry and leadership while offering an atmosphere of encouragement, comfort, fun and fellowship. Well, we've walked the boundaries and checked our borders and hopefully discovered a lot to improve and much to be thankful for. Now, let's celebrate!

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

Igniting People's Passion

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Fall seems to be the season when we begin to think seriously about new beginnings. After all, a new school year started. Church programs and small groups are beginning.

Yet to many people, churches seem intimidating and self-sustaining. "They don't need me. What could I do to really help?"

You could not be more wrong. There is a tremendous need for you. Jesus called you!

I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:18-20 NLT).

I hear four important commands and a potent promise.

Here are the four commands!

I've been given complete authority: A command to trust.

Go and make disciples: A command to reach out.

Baptize them: A command to include them in our church family.

Teach the new disciples to obey: A command to pass on what we learned.

This is the potent promise:

I will be with you always, even to the end of the age: The promise of eternal hope.

George Barna in "Growing True Disciples" says it another way: "Ignite and nurture people's passion for God."

What if we as the church were to focus on the four out of every ten adults and one out of every three teenagers who have already become Christians and do everything we can to help them grow to be productive disciples -- help them live out the four commands?

In other words: "Ignite people's passion for God and then simply get out of their way."

George Barna gives many examples of how as a church we could "Ignite people's passion --"

We worship not just on Sunday but every day of the week.

Constant efforts to convert knowledge of faith into personal application.

Complete submission to the Holy Spirit and hearts sensitive to sin.

Joyfully share our resources -- time, money, skills, information, etc.

Deep commitment to building a life-changing community.

Spontaneous demonstrations of selfless compassion toward those in need.

Sharing our faith in natural and unforced ways based on relationships.

We live different from the norm because of our faith.

Your church projects an image of love, care and compassion.

Would you like something more specific? Here are a few things you could do right now:

Host a small group in your home: teaching is often provided by video.

Donate a few Saturdays to help churches fix up houses for the needy.

Participate with a church that is feeding meals to the needy.

Help the Salvation Army by ringing their bell during the holiday season.

Be a New Member Mentor -- Help new people feel welcome and find their niche.

Become a Children or Youth Volunteer -- During Sunday school or at other times.

Building and Grounds -- Help your church or volunteer agencies look their best.

Meals on Wheels -- Bring a hot meal to those who need it most.

Christmas Child -- Provide Christmas for a needy child chosen by our local schools.

You will find no greater joy than to trust in the authority of Jesus and reach out to others, help them feel included, and teach them to pass on what they've seen and experienced through knowing you. Are you nervous? So am I, but I take great comfort in Jesus words just before ascending to heaven: "I will be with you always, even to the end of the age."

I pray this will be part of igniting your passion for serving God and then may we all have the wisdom and courage to "simply get out of your way!"

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

When Tragedy Strikes

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The shrill wail of the fire engine sirens pierced the early morning air on Election Day years ago as I stood outside a voting area to help a church member running for office. As the ambulance and two fire engines sped by they were heading for a neighborhood where many church members lived, so I followed the rescue vehicles only to find a catastrophe too horrible to ever forget.

The flames were still leaping from the windows of the small house as firemen and police officers scurried in every direction. A young couple with three small children lived inside. Two firemen ran out of the house towards the waiting ambulance clutching one of the children. Another child was already inside the vehicle along with his mother. The third child, a baby was still inside the house.

As the ambulance sped away with sirens blaring toward the nearby hospital, I followed knowing my place needed to be with the family. I found the young mother by herself in the waiting room and sat with her while helping contact her husband who had gone to work earlier that morning. During that time, a doctor entered and solemnly informed her of the loss of their baby who died at the scene. Thirty minutes later a nurse came to break the news her next youngest son also died.

In just a few short moments this poor young woman lost two of her three precious children.

She asked to visit her child. What could they say? We walked down the hall into bay three of the emergency room. The curtain was drawn to give us privacy. The mother tenderly picked up her little boy who merely looked asleep and soothingly cradled him in her arms as she began to sing his favorite lullaby. The nurse, overcome, ran out of the room crying but the mother seemed oblivious as she gently combed her child's hair with her fingers and continued quietly singing.

Years later, I still vividly remember the scene.

When tragedy occurs we ask: Where is God? There is no easy answer but I found comfort in Isaiah's words from God:

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you." (Isaiah 43:1)

"I will be with you."

God was there as people in the community gathered to pray, offer comfort and provide temporary shelter for the family:

"When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!" (Isaiah 43:2)

God was there as our church helped provide clothing, appliances, furniture and even money toward a scholarship fund for the surviving son:

"When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." (Isaiah 43:2)

God was even there as I went back to the charred ruins of their house looking for mementos that might have survived the fire. Everything was destroyed, or so I thought. But, on the coffee table in the living room amidst a smoldering pile of ashes lay a family Bible. Other than a few burn marks on the cover, the Bible was in nearly perfect condition. A fireman came by, whistled softly in amazement, and said, "Larry, nothing should have survived this."

Isaiah continues:

"For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:3)

God was there several weeks later as mother and son attended our Sunday church service to thank us for the many kindnesses extended to her. During worship, she became flustered trying to read an unfamiliar bulletin while holding her hyperactive son. I cringed for her, but could think of no way to stop the service and help her. But, a kind older woman near the back of the sanctuary stood and quietly moved forward to sit and help the distraught mother and child.

Is this a perfect ending?

Of course not, but real life seldom supplies perfect endings -- which is why instead of answers, we discover comfort in the midst of tragedy.

"When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."

When tragedy strikes, remember this: God will always, always, always be there!

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

Jerks and the Secret of Sturdy Faith

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600

Imagine driving to work on a busy highway, minding your own business. Suddenly, to your right, someone runs a stop sign, and with squealing tires, zips in front of your car, forcing you to slam on the brakes and pull off to the side of the road. As you try to calm your nerves, the jerk in the other car never seems to acknowledge his mistake, and speeds on down the highway.

How would you react?

Would you scream, cry, shake your fist, curse him and all of his ancestry?

Would you spend the rest of the morning, describing what happened to your coworkers?

Would your day be ruined, all because of the senseless, irrational, act of a stupid jerk who thinks the open road is paved for him?

And another thing; you are sick and tired of being the patsy?!!! (Calm down, Larry.)

(Okay! I'm calm now.) Yet, the other driver ... the jerk who caused all of your suffering, is merrily going on with his life having no knowledge of what he did to you.

Think about it. The other driver was responsible for the near-accident, but your reaction was not his fault. It was yours. The real damage was entirely self-inflicted. In a word, it is called: resentment.

One definition says resentment is "to re-feel the pain." Resentment is like accidentally cutting your hand with a knife and then deciding to avenge yourself by stabbing the other hand. Ouch, that hurts!

The disciples were asking Jesus how to strengthen their faith. Jesus said:
I am warning you! If another believer sins, rebuke him; then if he repents, forgive him. Even if he wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, forgive him (Luke 17:3-4 NLT).

Something inside of us screams, "Does this mean we have to forgive the jerk that tried to run over us? No way! Anyway, what does this have to do with faith?"

This is exactly what the people listening to Jesus asked and He answered them:

If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, `Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you (Luke 17:6 NASB).

What? What does that mean?

The mulberry tree has extensive roots that run deep into the soil. It's nearly impossible to uproot. Resentment has extensive roots that run deep within our soul and is nearly impossible to overcome. Forgiveness is a process that begins as a tiny mustard seed. As the mustard seed of forgiveness grows, the roots of resentment, like the mulberry tree's roots, are loosened and our faith is strengthened.

Do you want to strengthen your faith? Then, learn to forgive. Forgive ...

A spouse or former spouse who hurt you deeply.

Maybe a boss or fellow worker who stepped all over you.

A trusted friend who violated your confidence.

A parent or relative who abused you.

And usually, you need to forgive yourself.

Does this kind of forgiveness sound impossible? Sure it is ... without God. Yet, one psychiatrist wrote that 75% of his patients could walk out of the hospital if they could truly understand what it means to forgive and be forgiven. Such is the power of grace. Let me give you an example:

In 1660, John Bunyan was thrown into prison just for being a Christian. He could have let the experience ruin him but instead chose to forgive everyone involved and used the isolation as an opportunity to write Pilgrim's Progress, one of the most influential Christian books ever written. The power of learning to forgive can produce that kind of sturdy faith within you.

Does an attitude of forgiveness ever come easy? Never! It's a process that we must work at continually, but God makes a clear promise that your willingness to forgive will give you a faith that will move mountains and change your life.

Great! Now if I can only forgive that jerk on the highway that almost killed me!

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

Hear the Echo?

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Deep in the mountains of West Virginia, there lived a young mother, Ellen and her little boy, David. One day, David was playing basketball in the living room. He knew it was wrong, but nothing would happen, right? Wrong! The basketball hit the crystal lamp, a precious heirloom from Ellen's parents, and the lamp fell off the table and shattered on the floor with a loud CRASH!

David knew he was in trouble and needed to do something quickly. Ellen came running into the living room, looked at the scattered pieces of her precious lamp and then looked at David. Before she could say anything, however, David suddenly began screaming: "I hate you! I hate you!"

David knew this was a really dumb thing to say, but he couldn't stop screaming, so he ran out the back door through his back yard, toward a ledge overlooking a huge canyon that stretched out for miles below, still yelling at the top of his lungs, "I hate you. I hate you!"

Suddenly a loud, booming voice answered, "I hate you! I hate you!"

David stopped, looked around in terror and then flew back toward the house as fast as his little legs would carry him and into his mother's arms crying, "Mommy, mommy, someone hates me!"

Ellen quietly comforted her little boy and then walked with him to the ledge. "Now David, I want you to yell as loud as you can, 'I love you! I love you!'"

David hardly finished shouting the words when the booming voice replied, "I hate you!" (Oops, I just wanted to see if you were alert.) The voice actually replied, "I love you! I love you!"

You don't need to be an expert on atmospheric conditions to know that David heard an echo. Funk & Wagnall's Dictionary defines echo as "the repetition of a sound by the reflection of sound waves from an opposing surface." Definition two broadens the meaning of echo to include our relationship with others: "The repetition or reproduction of the views, style, etc., of another."

People often respond to our attitudes much like an echo. If we are surly and mean, then we can expect much of the same from anyone with whom we come in contact. Of course, the same is true when we treat others with genuine love and respect.

Our greatest challenge as Christians is to live a life others would want to echo. What sort of echo are you creating? Jesus said, "This is what I say to all who will listen to me: Love your enemies, and be good to everyone who hates you. Ask God to bless anyone who curses you, and pray for everyone who is cruel to you." (Luke 6:27-28 CEV)

Isn't this the real challenge for each of us? Aren't we to live as an echo of Jesus Christ?

There is an old story about a visitor inquiring of a pastor if his church was a decent place to attend.

"How do you like where you are attending now?" asked the pastor.

"The people are arrogant. The minister is boring. Frankly, I hate the place!" the visitor replied.

"Yes," sighed the minister. "You'll find this church can be the same way!"

Several weeks later, another visitor came and asked the same question about the church and the pastor replied with the same question: "How do you like where you are attending now?"

"The people are kind. The minister is interesting. I absolutely love going there!" this visitor replied.

"Yes," sighed the wise pastor. "You'll find this church can be the same way!"

Wait a minute: Did you just hear an echo?

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

The Miraculous Influence of a True Lighthouse

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500

[Jesus said,] "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 NRS)

Drayton Hawthorn, a good friend, recently wrote describing tense moments experienced while waiting for his wife's surgery.

It was ten o'clock at night and she was outside looking at the stars! I thought it was settled and done. Robin's surgery was a few short days away and although the doctors assured her this was a routine procedure, she was still looking as if they were going to amputate something! As her husband, I assumed my duty was to hide concern while showing a strong front. Like most men, I substituted statistics and reason for assurance and thought it was enough. Now she was worrying again. I walked toward her ready to offer more of my male logic.

That's when the miracle happened ...

Everything I planned to say vanished. Unknown words came from my lips, as I silently wrapped my arms around her waist and kissed her cheek. "God loves you. Everything will be all right. You will see a shooting star as my promise that you will be ok." In an instant the most spectacular shooting star we ever saw blazed across the sky from horizon to horizon. A surprised and delighted, "Ooh!" came from Robin! For a long moment neither of us spoke. What could we say?

Moments before, I was an insensitive, scolding husband walking towards a fearful, anxious wife. Somehow, God miraculously intervened and changed us both into vessels of His gracious love.

Usually, our influence as a lighthouse is seen through a steady, consistent beam of light. People know and remember us by our day-to-day actions among our family and friends: We could be a family member continuously offering love and acceptance or a boss supplying encouragement when needed most or we could be the friend who telephones when others are at a low point.

But, occasionally, there are life-changing moments when God's extraordinary light suddenly shines where it's needed most and the only word that adequately describes what happens next is ... miracle. Drayton and Robin witnessed a miracle. Here is another:

What started, as a normal day at a local high school became a tragedy for a young sixteen year old boy full of enthusiasm and friendly mischief. During tennis practice, he suddenly dropped to the ground clutching his chest. Within minutes, this vivacious young man was gone. Lighthouses quickly appeared from all over the county. School officials opened up the high school auditorium and encouraged the students to gather. A minister's wife got word to fellow pastors. The students themselves began to gather in small groups sharing condolences, memories, and tears.

But, just as we were starting to leave, Russell, a father of one of the students stood and said: "Before we go, I think we should pray. Let's form a circle and hold hands. I'll start, and the rest of you join with me." Hundreds of crying parents, students, pastors and school officials formed a giant circle, bowed their heads and earnestly began to pray. For a few moments, we could all feel the Holy Spirit of God in our circle of mourners: Russell was a lighthouse of God amidst the grief.

As a lighthouse, we are given the opportunity to be a ray of hope in the midst of darkness.

Drayton Hawthorne went on to write:

Being an instrument of God's will at times may not be voluntary or even expected. I always believed God would use me as a prophet only if I asked and was spiritually clean. Sometimes, this is undeniably true but not in my case. God abruptly interrupted my mission and lovingly substituted His own. I wanted to comfort Robin with common sense and almost interrupted a miraculous moment of faith. No matter the reason for why it happens, when God uses you for whatever purpose, you will feel blessed because of it.

Thinking of the wonderful moment Robin and I shared with God is very emotional for me. Several times in telling our shooting star story Robin would need to finish because I became too "choked up" so once more I will let her finish ...

Robin smiled and then said: "After we stood there a few moments just soaking in what happened. I turned to Drayton and whispered, 'Do it again!'"

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

A Lighthouse

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500

A few years ago, I created a children's story called, "Christ and the Lighthouse." The kids were asked to imagine themselves on a ship, lost offshore in a fierce squall. To make the story more realistic, we added special effects. In my best storyteller voice, I said:

It is a dark and stormy night ... (The room becomes dark.)

Lightning flashes ... (Various lights begin blinking.)

The wind is howling ... (Sounds of a storm fill the room.)

The ship is tossed about ... (Everyone starts swaying from side to side.

Here is the best part:

Huge waves crash overhead ... (Using a spray bottle I start squirting.)

Can you picture what's happening? Children are squealing and laughing. There's total chaos in the room as the storm continues to rage. We shout: "We're drowning! Help! Who will save us?"

Then God gives us a miracle. Sill in my best storyteller voice, I shout: Look ... Up ahead! What's that? (In the far corner of the room a light begins to shine.) "It's a light ... from a lighthouse! We're saved! We were lost and now we are found!"

Wow! What a great children's lesson. After all, could anything offer more hope and direction to a ship caught in the grip of a fierce thunderstorm than the bright, steady beam of light from a lighthouse? What could possibly provide more comfort than the reassuring glow of a lighthouse promising to be, "A light to guide you safely home?"

Ships are not the only ones needing a lighthouse as recent newspaper headlines attest:

It is a dark and stormy night ... (Violence continues in Iraq ...)

Lightning flashes ... (Aids hits 25 year mark: 65 million infected ...)

The wind is howling ... (Teenagers face terrorist charges ...)

The ship is tossed about ... (Divorce rates at all-time high ...)

Huge waves crash overhead ... (Devastation blues: Destruction long after Katrina ...)

Can you picture what's happening? People are crying and dying. There's total chaos in the world as storms continue to rage. We shout: "We're drowning! Help! Who will save us?"

Then God gives us a miracle. Still in my best storyteller voice, I shout to anyone who will hear: Look ... Up ahead! What's that? (In the far corner of the world a light begins to shine.) It's a light ... from a lighthouse! We're saved! We were lost and now we are found! Wow! What a great promise! After all, what could possibly provide more comfort than the reassuring glow of a lighthouse promising to be, "A light to guide you safely home?"

Lord, you have brought "light" to my life; my God, you "light" up my darkness. (Psalm 18:28) Like a lighthouse ... God offers the light of direction to lead me out of the darkness.

The Lord is my "light" and my salvation -- so why should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) Like a lighthouse ... God offers the light of salvation to rescue you from the storms of life.

Jesus said, "I am the "light" of the world. If you follow me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the "light" that leads to life." (John 8:12) Like a lighthouse ... God offers all of us a strong steady light to follow that leads to life.

Have you been experiencing a few dark and stormy nights complete with lightning flashes and howling winds?

Do you often feel like a helpless ship tossed about with huge waves crashing overhead?

Maybe now is the time to turn toward the eternal light: "Look! Up ahead! What's that? (In the far corner of your soul a light begins to shine.) It's a light ... from a lighthouse! We're saved! We were lost and now we are found! What could possibly provide more comfort than the reassuring glow of a lighthouse promising to be, "A light to guide you safely home?"

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith

Lord, Teach Me To Pray!

LarryDavies@SowingSeedsofFaith.com (Larry Davies) — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500

"Does God answer prayers?" I asked a class.

"Of course ... yes ... always," were the quick and enthusiastic replies.

"Then, why don't we pray more frequently?" I answered. An uncomfortable silence filled the room.

Finally, the excuses poured out: "I'm too busy! There is no time! God's too busy to listen to me! I don't know what to say! I'm not worthy! I don't know how!"

Our individual reasons may sound different but our predicament is basically the same. We (confession time: including me) do not fully appreciate the importance and power of prayer. Prayer should be as critical and functional as the steering wheel on your car. "Without you, O Lord, I can go nowhere!" Yet, for most of us, prayer is actually more like the spare tire ... seldom used except when something goes flat. In other words: "Don't call us ... we'll call when we need You!"

Prayer is supposed to be an ongoing relationship with almighty God more than an opportunity to present a wish list to a heavenly Santa Claus. But any good relationship needs commitment and a willingness to invest time ... lots of time. Suppose you told a trusted spouse or friend the reason you can't spend more time with them is: "I'm too busy! No time! You're probably too busy to listen to me! I don't know what to say! I'm not worthy! I don't know how?" What kind of friendship is that?

Here is God's promise on the subject of prayer:

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. If you do this you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and mind as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Our tendency is to worry, isn't it? Yet we know worry solves nothing and often causes emotional, physical and spiritual harm. Prayer means giving your worries to God, who in return promises a supernatural peace: a peace far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. Could it really be as simple as that? Yes, it can; but you must make a commitment to pray regularly.

Here is a basic guide to help you in your prayer life:

Praise God: Praise sets the tone and reminds you who God really is. Try looking at some of the Psalms and reading them out loud to get you started. (Try, for example, Psalm 8; Psalm 19; Psalm 148

Confession: A good relationship strengthens with honesty. No sane doctor would offer a cure without hearing what hurts. Admitting your faults promotes spiritual healing.

Listen: Sometimes, it's easier to talk than to really listen. Easy, but not smart. Quiet times are often where you will find direction. Listening allows God to speak to your soul.

Ask for Help: This part becomes more meaningful when you take the time to praise, confess and listen. This is when you literally learn to stop worrying and start praying.

Give Thanks. Sometimes this step will not be easy; but giving thanks recognizes that God is looking out for you and has your best interest at heart. You are saying, "I trust you."

Keep a Journal: This may be the most important part of your prayer life. The journal is where disappointments, struggles, joys and miracles are recorded and remembered.

"Does God answer our prayers?" Yes, but are we doing our part?

Two people with similar difficulties begin to pray. One expects results and finishes his prayer frustrated and confused. Months later, the problem and the prayer is forgotten. Another prays looking to spend a few quiet moments with a trusted friend and completes her prayer feeling more content and at peace. Over the next few months while recording her thoughts in a journal, she notices progress with the problem itself and especially in her ability to cope. She thanks God.

Think about it. You have a unique opportunity to be in a relationship with God: One that can make an authentic difference in your life and the life of anyone who comes in contact with you. So, what are you waiting for? God? He's been waiting patiently for you a long, long time.

Larry Davies is a used-car salesman turned preacher. He serves at Timberlake UMC, and is the author of several books and the online devotional site Sowing Seeds of Faith.

Website: Sowing Seeds of Faith