JANUARY 2016 EDITION

There is the story of a man on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. One day as he was walking the beach, he came upon a fisherman sitting on his porch relaxing.  His boat was at anchor just off shore.  On the beach was a large catch of fish. It was still about midday. The man on vacation noticed the large catch and the man just sitting and relaxing.  He approached the gentleman and inquired about the fish. “Is this your catch from this morning?” “Why, yes it is. Why do you ask?” “Well, with such a large catch for only a half a day, there must be a huge supply of fish for the catching out there.” “Yes, I suppose there is”, replied the fisherman.  “Well, why not take advantage of the great fishing here? You could probably do so much better by buying more boats and hiring other fishermen to help you build your business.” “Why would I do that?” the wizened veteran of the sea replied.  “So you could make more money, of course!” retorted the obviously frustrated visitor. “So I could do what? Retire early and sit on my front porch and relax in the noonday sun!”

This story rather reminded me of the story found in Luke 12:16-18:

Luke 12:16-21 (NIV)

16  And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.

17 He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

18 “Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

19 And I will say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'

20 “But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

21 “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

It strikes me that we can accumulate possessions that eventually will be passed on to the next generation. Some of the things we valued so highly will be disposed of in either an estate auction or neighborhood garage sale!  I believe that God blesses us with material possessions to enjoy but also to be used to honor our Lord. I think that God blesses us in order that we might be a blessing to others, particularly those less fortunate than ourselves.

Additionally, an accumulation of possessions can be a source of ungodly pride. If we say to ourselves, “Wow, look what I have done! I am truly a self-made man. Look at what I have accomplished by “the sweat of my brow!” It may be true that through your own hard work, perseverance, and good decision-making, you have succeeded in building a great business, but the question is…Who imbued you with the gifts and talents you possess?  As the old hymn, “The Doxology “says, Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Let us never forget that!

MINISTRY NEWS

I am excited to begin a new year of ministry with men their families. It is going to be a great year! Thank you for helping to make it possible with your support, encouragement and prayers.

The Friday Morning Men’s Group will begin a study of the book of James.

I had the opportunity to share my testimony to a men’s Bible study group at Marietta Country Club.

I will continue to meet individually with men to offer counsel, encouragement and support.

I am also excited about expanding my role as Chaplain to the Staff of Young Life in the Southeast Region. There are almost 100 staff members in the region in approximately 50 cities throughout Georgia and Alabama. I have set up several monthly meetings with staff members and look forward to setting up many more.

 I pray that God would richly bless each of you and your families in surprising new ways in this new year.