Articles by Steve Higginbotham at Heartlight

Sometimes the Hard Choice Is the Right Choice

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Yesterday, several good friends and I were sitting in the office of a neurosurgeon. We listened to him as he explained why he left a thriving practice in a large metropolis to come to a much smaller hospital in our area of the country. He said it was all because of a letter he received.

You see, he had been so busy with his job, he told us that he literally had not seen his little girl in three weeks. Then one night when he came home from work, there was a letter by his bed from his 11 year-old daughter. It was a letter in which this little girl told her daddy that she missed him and wanted more of his time.

In the letter, this daughter acknowledged to her daddy that he had an important job, but she said, "Daddy, doing the 'right' thing is sometimes the 'hard' thing to do." It was at this point that this successful neurosurgeon decided he wanted to be a father first. So he left his practice and moved his family to South-Central Kentucky.

I couldn't help but be touched by this doctor's story. Before me was a man who knew that there are things in life that are more important than fame, ego, work, and money. It doesn't take a "brain surgeon" be able to identify proper values and priorities in life. Sometimes, little 11 year-old girls who miss their daddy can discern those things.

The question I have for you is have you discerned these same truths?

Give it some thought.

Steve Higginbotham is a native of West Virginia. His father also preached. Steve serves the South Green Street congregation in Glasgow, Kentucky. Steve & Kim have four children, Kelli, Michael, Matthew, and Anne Marie.

Website: MERCeMAIL

A Moron?

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The blog title read, "Moron turns in $140,000.00." What this title references is the news story that broke last month. Eli Estrada, a 40 year-old Palm Beach resident found a bag containing $140,000.00 in unmarked $20.00 bills.

Mr. Estrada certainly could have used the money. About six months ago, he opened a landscaping and artificial-grass business and is in debt; he says his child support payments are tough to make; and he supports his mother, who moved in with him last year after she lost her house to a fumbled refinancing plan. Yet, Mr. Estrada went straight to the police and turned in all $140,000.00.

Apparently a Brinks armored truck somehow lost the money. Brinks rewarded Mr. Estrada for his good deed by giving him $2,000.00.

So now, was Mr. Estrada a really a "moron"? Only if one views such values as honesty, integrity, and the "golden rule" as foolish. But what about the cheap reward that was offered? Some on this blog said that if they knew the reward for turning in the money would have been so small, they would have kept it. But do we have to be financially rewarded for doing the right thing? Are our values so degraded that we feel we deserve a "reward" for doing what we're supposed to do?

A moron? Hardly. Here's a man who has demonstrated that he had sufficient intelligence to know that some things are more valuable than money ... things like integrity, honesty, and doing the right thing. Thank you, Mr. Estrada, for your example. May your tribe increase!

Now then, truthfully, what would you do if you found money? Give it some thought.

But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
Redeem me, and be gracious to me (Psalm 26:11 NASB).
© Steve Higginbotham

Steve Higginbotham is a native of West Virginia. His father also preached. Steve serves the South Green Street congregation in Glasgow, Kentucky. Steve & Kim have four children, Kelli, Michael, Matthew, and Anne Marie.

Website: MERCeMAIL

Love Letters

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life (Psalm 143:8 TNIV).

Not long ago, my wife and I were cleaning out one of our closets. On the top shelf, in the back of the closet was an unmarked box. So I pulled it down and was surprised to see that inside of it were all the "love letters" that I wrote to her while we were dating.

Well, I had forgotten what I had written, so I pulled out a few to read. Oh my! Talk about corny and embarrassing! Someday my children will get a kick out of reading Daddy's love letters to Mama.

But as I took a break to read some of these letters to my wife, I found that she remembered them. They weren't strange words to her. While I had no memory of these letters, and was busy analyzing handwriting samples to make sure I indeed wrote them, my wife needed no such analysis. She knew the letters were from me, and she remembered the very words I had written.

The fact that she remembered my letters so well indicates that those letters were cherished by her.

Now here's my point: How well do you cherish God's love for you? You do know that he has written several "love letters" to you, don't you? Have you forgotten their content? Have you even taken the time to open and read what He had to say to you? I might go so far as to suggest that the way we cherish -- or fail to cherish -- His words is an indicator of the depth of our love for Him. Give it some thought.

Website: MERCeMAIL

Impulse Buyer

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Hello, my name is Steve Higginbotham and I am an impulse buyer. There, I feel better now. But it's true, I'm the kind of guy for which they make commercials and design eye-catching packaging. When I go shopping, if I see something on the shelf I like, I put it in the buggy. Consequently, my children never miss an opportunity to go shopping with me, and my wife rarely sends me.

But this "impulse buying" has sometimes led to some very poor purchases. You see, I don't check the price like I should, and it's not until I'm at the checkout that I realize how expensive some items are. Well, at this point, I'm too embarrassed to say anything. I don't want to hold people up in the line behind me by putting it back. So I proceed with the purchase that has now lost its luster.

Now, if I can change subjects, is that not precisely why we choose to sin? Impulse. If we fully comprehended the cost before the transaction was made, we wouldn't make it. But we go on our impulse. Immediate gratification. And we don't worry about the price until we get to the checkout.

Well friends, let me remind you that there will be a "checkout" some day, and we will have to pay for our "purchases." Therefore, I would encourage you, as well as myself, to learn self-discipline, and make life-choices based, not upon today, but upon eternity.

[Jesus said] "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:19-21 NASB).

Website: MERCeMAIL

Who?

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Have you ever found yourself in a situation in which you were totally out of place and useless? To put some of you on a sports team and ask you to contribute would be expecting too much. To give some of you some tools and ask you to work on the engine of a car would be useless. Or to put some of us in the kitchen would simply result in our "being under foot."

Well, how useless do you think Bezalel must have felt? You don't know who Bezalel was? He was an artist during the time of the wilderness wandering (Exodus 31). Well, how much use do you think there was for an artist during a time when the people were living in tents and always on the move? A hunter, a soldier, a cook, a shepherd ... these would have been much needed occupations. But an artist? Who would have needed an artist?

Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills -- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts." (Exodus 31:1-5 TNIV)

Who would have needed an artist in the rugged and brutal times of the wilderness? The answer to that question is "the LORD." You see, the LORD had need of someone to make the Ark of the Covenant, the other pieces of sacred furniture, the utensils to be used in the Tabernacle, and to make the ephod worn by the priests of the One True God. Some of the most holy relics in the history of Israel were made by the hands of one who is virtually unknown and all but forgotten. But, who would -- or for that matter, who would dare -- downplay his contributions?

Then there's your talent. What do you have to offer the Lord? You say you can't preach, serve as an elder, teach a Bible class, or lead in the Sunday worship? Do you really think these are the only avenues through which we can serve the Lord?

Listen, if God can find use for an artist during the wilderness wandering, then he can find use for your talents as well. Give it some thought and then offer who you are and what you are made to do to the Lord!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Website: MERCeMAIL

Breakfast in Bed

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500

This past week was Bible camp for us. For the last fourteen years, I've spent a week of the summer serving as a counselor and teacher at Taylor Christian Camp. Each morning during the devotional period, I tried to impress one thought upon the young people, and that thought was "Jesus went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Each morning, I would remind the young people that Jesus went about doing good and challenge them to go do likewise.

By Wednesday night, my little seven-year-old girl got homesick for her mama. So we gathered up her things and I drove home at midnight. Bright and early the next morning, I was awakened by the noise of my bedroom door opening. What I saw was my little girl walking gingerly with all her concentration upon two bowls of Cheerios which she held one in each hand. Anne Marie had decided not only to make me breakfast in bed, but also her older sister down the hall.

After I ate her Cheerios, she climbed up in bed next to me and I asked her what made her think to do something like that. Her response was, "Daddy, you've been telling us all week that 'Jesus went about doing good,' and I want to be like Jesus."

Friends, I may someday dine in some swanky restaurant that serves only the best foods, prepared by a great chef, but I'll never have a better breakfast than the bowl of Cheerios my daughter served me this week.

"Jesus went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). What about you?

Website: MERCeMAIL

I Was Robbed!

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0600

I've often heard the title of this article spoken by a losing team following a ballgame with poor officiating. However, yesterday this phrase took on a whole new meaning for me. Allow me to explain.

I was invited to present a seminar on Internet Safety at the Memorial Parkway Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. My good friend and former co-worker, Reed Swindle is one of the preacher's there. I left Glasgow immediately following Sunday worship service and arrived in Huntsville, Alabama at 3:30 p.m. Since the building doors were unlocked upon arrival, I entered and went to Reed's office. I sat and talked with Reed for approximately 5 minutes when a wide-eyed man suddenly appeared in Reed's doorway.

The guy who appeared in the doorway had on a hooded sweat jacket, a cap, and a bandana covering his face like in the old Western movies. He pointed a gun at both of us and demanded all our money! Reed and I both laughed at him at first. I thought it was one of the kids in his youth group and he thought I had brought someone with me who was playing a joke. As he pointed the gun at our heads, it eventually dawned on both of us that this wasn't a joke, and that he was serious.

We gave him all the money we had and as he kept the gun trained on us, he said as he was about to leave, "I'm sorry I have to do this." At that point, I didn't know whether he was sorry for having robbed us, or if he was telling us he was sorry for what he was about to do. Fortunately, it was the former.

The young man then fled the building, and Reed called the police. Fifteen minutes later I had to begin presenting four lessons on Internet Safety. Actually, I don't remember much of what I said. I probably owe the good brethren at Memorial Park a do-over -- but good luck getting me back down there ... Ha! (By way of side note, when the detective asked me what kind of pistol the man had, I said, "Pistol? From what I could see, it looked more like a bazooka!)

It is amazing how many thoughts flash through your mind while an event like this happens to you. I can't begin to share all of them with you, but I'll share a couple of thoughts that occurred to me immediately following this incident.

I was reminded of how quickly and unexpectedly life can be taken from you. I can certainly tell you that when I woke up Sunday morning, I didn't think I'd have someone pointing a gun at me before the day was over, but I did. It caused me to reflect on how many people awaken every morning, having no idea that this day will be their last day on earth. Some day we will all awaken to our last sunrise. Will we be prepared when the day arrives?

Also, moments after this man ran from the building, I recalled the words written by the Bible commentator, Matthew Henry. On one occasion in his life, he was robbed. That very evening, he recorded the following words in his journal as he gave thanks to God. "I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed." As bad as things may be, there are plenty of reasons to give thanks if one chooses to do so.

Well, I'm certainly thankful that things worked out as they did. Reed and I are both fine. I'm back safely in Glasgow with a renewed appreciation for a lot of blessings I take for granted.

How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog -- it's here a little while, then it's gone. (James 4:14 NLT)

Website: MERCeMAIL

What's Your Price?

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500

When I was a boy, I grew tired of my bike. There wasn't anything wrong with it, I just wanted something better ... a 10-speed. So I took my fire-engine red, Huffy bicycle with a white banana seat and slick back tire to my friend's house and asked him if he wanted to buy it.

He said, "Sure, I'll give you $5.00 for it." The bike was worth 10 times that, but I took it.

Needless to say, after my parents discovered what I had done, I realized the "error of my way" and regretted my decision, but it was too late. My bike was gone and all I had to show for it was a meager $5.00.

Long ago, Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob for a mere bowl of soup (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:12-17). After Esau's hunger subsided, he regretted his bargain, but it was too late to change what had been done. Esau's birthright was gone and all he had to show for it was an empty bowl of soup.

Then possibly, there's your story. The God of heaven has called you his child because of His grace and your obedience to the gospel of Christ. And yet, you failed to cherish such a standing and relationship and choose to sell it for what?

The contents of a liquor bottle?

A moment of illicit passion?

A grade on a test?

A grudge we won't give up?

Hurtful gossip?

________ (put your "pet" sin here)?

And if we engage in this sort of bargain, what will we have to show for it? Such choices lead only to regret.

Jesus once asked, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26 NASB)

My bike was worth more than $5.00, and your soul is worth more than anything this world might offer you. Give it some thought ... then go read about someone who threw it all away and then decided it would be better to get only what the slaves got in his father's house. (Luke 15:11-24) He changed his heart. He re-committed his life. He went home. He found his true treasure ... before it was too late!

Website: MERCeMAIL

Perfectly Honest

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Maybe you've heard about the man who came to a country church building one afternoon and asked to speak to the preacher. The man stated that he and his family were poor and hungry, and he confessed to stealing a hog to feed his family.

However, the guilt of his action pricked his conscience, and he said he couldn't eat it as much as he would like to. So he offered to give the hog the preacher.

The preacher said, "Why sir, I don't want it. You need to take it back to the man you stole it from."

The poor man said, "I tried to take it back to him, but he said he didn't want it."

The preacher then said, "Well, then you should keep it, feed your family with it, and have a clear conscience."

The man thanked the preacher for his time and left his office. It was only later, at the end of the day that the preacher discovered that his hog had been stolen.

Friends, there's a difference in relating "true facts" and "telling the truth." The Pharisees of the first century had developed quite a system that salved their consciences while they were being less than honest with people (Matthew 23:16-22). I'd also say that our society isn't far behind in the way that "a lie" is frequently manipulated to be "the truth."

Jesus calls us to a more noble way of life. Our lives should be the epitome of integrity. Speaking the truth, without deception and deceit is liberating! No games, no need to remember what was said to whom, no fear, no contradiction, etc. Just the truth! Give it a try! After all, for the Christian, honesty is not the best policy, it's the only policy!

Website: MERCeMAIL

A Time for Every Purpose

shigg@glasgow-ky.com (Steve Higginbotham) — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Friday, May 26, was a day of contrast. It was a day full of contradiction. Sorrow and joy. Tears and laughter. The past and the future. You see, yesterday I performed the funeral for a dear Christian lady, 91 years of age. Then a couple hours later, I watched as my oldest daughter graduated from High School.

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven ... "(Ecclesiastes 3:1-15). Life's changes are constant reminders of the brevity of life, and the speed at which life passes. How could I have a daughter who graduated when the memories of my own graduation have not faded in my memory? How could the little girl that I carried in my arms be old enough to, in a couple months, venture off on her own to college?

Of course, James was right. "Life is but a vapor that appears for a short time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).

Life's lessons from yesterday were ...

Use your time well.

Cherish the moment.

Don't wish your life away.

Don't lose sight of your goal.

Finish what you set out to accomplish.

Remember you're being graded.

Whether you're eighteen, forty-four, or ninety one ... it doesn't matter. Those lessons, if remembered, will serve you well.

Website: MERCeMAIL