Author Archives: kcarver1970

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Weeds

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Weeds.

Hollianne and I spent several days doing some landscaping last spring. We added some annuals and perennials to our existing plants around our house. It was fun to be out digging in the earth with the kids- beautifying our yard in the process.

Last weekend the boys and I decided to do some touch up yard work. Jack T. mowed while Britton and I cleaned up some of the areas that needed additional mulch.

There is one landscaped area in the far back corner of our yard that we rarely visit. Oh- you can see it from the patio and the pool, but we rarely get up close to that area. It’s a beautiful spot, with sunflowers, begonias and some knock-out rose bushes.

Once inspecting this area up close, however, we discovered that it was overrun with weeds. They weren’t detected from far away, but a closer look showed that these weeds had overtaken the once beautiful flower bed. It took us 20 minutes to eliminate all the weeds from this very small patch of ground.

Isn’t my life the same way? I have an appearance that I want my friends and family to see, but closer examination of my own life reveals my own set of weeds- a human tendency for sin.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. I John 1: 8-10

We often keep these sinful areas of our life hidden…not wanting others to see. We maintain strong exteriors while our inner thoughts and behaviors are flawed.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1: 14

Just like that area in the very back of my yard, sin left unaddressed can cover our hearts like the weeds that cover beautiful flowers and plants.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5: 19-21

But there is hope for all, including me. While we are sinners, Jesus paid a sacrifice for us- so that we do not have to remain slaves to sin.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3: 16-17

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. II Corinthians 5: 21

Don’t let the weeds of sin cover your heart.

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” II Timothy 2: 19

Accept the saving promise of our Lord and Savior.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6: 23

Let’s all commit to an examination of our hearts for unwanted weeds. I need your prayers- and let me know if I can pray for you.

God bless.

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Mentors

I had the great opportunity to spend some time with a good friend over the weekend.  My friend Danny and his daughter, Candy, made the trek over from West Tennessee to visit my family for a couple of days.

Danny is one of those folks that immediately makes you feel comfortable.  I might not see him but once or twice a year, but the conversation picks right back up as if we just visited yesterday.

I met Danny at church several years ago.  He invited me to go with him on Thursday evenings to visit the sick, former church members who had quit coming, and other people in the community that had the need for Christ.  We traveled the back roads and byways of Weakley County for the better part of a year.  While Danny talked and ministered to those in need, I listened and soaked it all in.  I can honestly say that I learned and benefited more than any of those good folks we visited.  Danny changed my life.

Danny is a true spiritual mentor for me and countless others.  What makes a good spiritual mentor?

Spiritual mentors hold you accountable.

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.  Ephesians 6:7

Danny not only sets a great Christian example, but he gently challenges me to do more.  He encourages me to be a better husband, father, employee and servant.  He asks about my daily walk and provides encouragement when I need a spiritual boost (or a prod).  He reminds me that it’s important to continually grow my faith…and that I need to give back to others as I have benefited from them.

Spiritual mentors are transparent.

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  I Thessalonians 5:14

Danny is one of the most encouraging and authentic men I’ve ever met.  He is quick to point out his own struggles, which makes him that much more approachable.  When you talk with him about your obstacles, you know that Danny is actively listening and cares deeply about your situation.  He’s an incredible example of what it means to have a healthy, growing faith walk.  He lives his faith, and he works daily to have a better understanding of the Bible and its teachings.

Spiritual mentors pray for you.

The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  James 5:15

Danny is an incredible prayer warrior.  When you ask Danny to pray for you- you can rest assured that your request will be lifted up.  His prayers are thoughtful and concise…and always seem to lift your burden.  Danny and I prayed together three times over the weekend- and I wish that we had prayed even more.  Over the years Danny has built and maintained a healthy prayer life.  His confidence and sincerity during his daily prayers are a comfort to all who hear.

Accountability.  Transparency.  Willingness to pray.  Simple concepts that take great discipline, practice and time to master.

I’m grateful for good mentors and teachers that enter our lives.  I hope that you will take the time to reach out to your spiritual mentor and thank them for their investment in you.

And maybe someday, hopefully….we can be a mentor to someone too.

God bless.

 

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Be a rebel

Our high school football team, the West High Rebels, hosted the Maryville Rebels in a Thursday night match up. It was a festive sight, as Maryville is a perennial state championship contender and winner.  We aren’t too shabby ourselves.  All that being said, it was a colorful mixture of fans- students and adults dressed in blue, red and black.  All fans.  All Rebels.

Our daughter Carson is a sophomore at West High.  Because of her athletic involvement in soccer and basketball, we find ourselves at many of the West High athletic events.  My boys are especially fond of the football games.  So there we were last night- decked in our red and blue gear- watching our team try and upset the visiting Rebels from Maryville.

My youngest son, Britton, was talking about the Rebel mascots for both schools.  “What does it mean?”, he asked as we rode to the game.  I explained that rebels are generally known as people that go against the established order.  They are fighters, often in opposition to the government or other rules and established guidelines.  He asked if that was a good thing…as it sounded a bit devious to him.  I explained that- in the case of our West High Rebels- he could be assured that it meant our student athletes are strong and fierce…not afraid of anything.

It caused me to think about the approach to our fight against what’s wrong on this earth.  God calls us to be rebels….nonconformists.  We are to resist the pleasures and delights of this world.  I struggle with this concept, even though the message is clear.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  Romans 12:1-2

“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”  We are to not settle on what the world offers.  It’s temporary fulfillment.  God asks us to transform ourselves to focus on delights of a spiritual nature.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.   I John 2:15-17

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.  James 4:4

Being a christian rebel can cause trouble.  Be prepared.

If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  John 15:18-19

What should you fear?  Nothing.  We’ve been given the promise of eternal protection and the hope of a heavenly reward.

Don’t be afraid to be a rebel.  God expects it from us.

God bless you.

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Rest

What did you do last Monday?  We rested.  While originally recognized by the Central Labor Union to give a holiday for workers in 1882, Labor Day has evolved into a day of rest for everyone.  It’s one of our favorite weekends of the year, as it traditionally marks the first full weekend of the college football season, a three day weekend on the lake and the last full-scale cookout of the summer.

We run too hard and too fast today, and I’m as guilty as anyone.  I let my phone, calendar, kids and family activities and work take priority over needed down time.  Our busy schedules leave us stressed and preoccupied.  We need more rest.

Rest allows us to recharge and focus on what’s important in our lives.  It doesn’t have to involve an extended vacation or even a deep sleep (although always welcome).  Rest might just involve some quiet time- away from the phone, work and family- to reflect on what’s truly important.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:28-30

The Bible asks us to rest.  “Come to me, all who labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest.”  God knows that we are tired and worried.  He knows that we have concerns.  He gives us a simple command in that passage.  Come to Him.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31

Unlike us, God never tires.  He never grows weary of lifting us up.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”  Psalm 46:10

We need to rest and be still…reading God’s word, meditating on its meaning for our life and bringing our concerns and celebrations before God in prayer.  In order to do this, we need times of quiet reflection.  Rest.

I hope that you can all find time to rest each day this week.

God bless.

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Prayer

One of the funniest stories in our house over the past few years involved a fight. Yes, a scuffle among brothers.

 Hollianne and I were out for dinner. We received a frantic call from JT, who excitedly claimed that Britton had broken the bracket on one of his braces. A few questions from Hollianne revealed that the boys were having a boxing match with some oversized gloves. Britton had connected with a punch that- while not hurting his brother- did manage to break the appliance on JT’s tooth.

 Hollianne told the boys that we would deal with the situation once we got home. After getting off the phone we laughed about ‘boys being boys’ and recalled times from our own youth when similar accidents happened.

 We witnessed a humorous sight once we arrived home. JT rushed to the door to show us his broken braces and let us know that Britton was upstairs in his room- waiting on us.

 We climbed the stairs to talk with Britton. As we entered his room we saw our six year old kneeled down on the floor! He had his hands clasped and was praying the most fervent prayer I’ve ever seen him pray! Britton was scared of what might happen in terms of punishment.

 While we got quite a chuckle out of this situation, it was a good reminder of how I often approach my own prayer life.

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

 How often do we intentionally pray? I’m not talking about a quick prayer as we get out of bed in the morning. Nor am I referring to having a brief prayerful thought before we go to sleep at night. I mean a REAL prayer. A conversation with God.

 And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Matthew 6:7

 Prayers should be thoughtful. Prayer gives us a direct line of communication with God. That’s humbling to think about, isn’t it? It’s our opportunity to thank God for our blessings and to tell Him our concerns and requests.

 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

 I was given a tip several years ago by someone that I consider to be a prayer warrior. He carried around an index card in his wallet. When a thought crossed his mind about a blessing, concern or request during the day, he would simply jot these thoughts down on his index card and then meditate over these written ideas during his prayer time.

 Whatever your method of prayer, try to make it more intentional. We’ll all have times (like Britton’s desperate plea for mercy!) that prayer will be spontaneous. Let’s also encourage one another to make prayer a daily priority…one that we don’t take for granted.

 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12

 Please pray for me. And let me know if I can pray for you.

 God bless.

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What’s your Goliath?

My youngest son, B, is a huge football fan.  B has always been fascinated by linemen.  He likes to watch the guards and tackles pull and block…opening up holes for the running backs or protecting the quarterback.  He likes to think about these massive men as protectors.  Men that provide obstacles to the defense and keep the offense clicking smoothly.

Unfortunately, we don’t always have guards and tackles in our daily lives- instead we feel like we are being blocked and pushed around.  We are all burdened by obstacles.  Whether it is a real, physical challenge or something that’s in our head…and only we know about it.  These challenges are real for all of us.

It was a scary situation.  A rough group of Philistines had settled in across from the Israelite camp for a battle.  A nine-foot mountain of a man, Goliath, had come out and challenged God’s people to a fight.  For forty days straight Goliath had taunted and insulted the Israelite army and nation- and every soldier was terrified to take Goliath on in combat.  It took a young shepherd boy…David…to answer the challenge.  David was insulted by Goliath’s taunts and threats.  He volunteered for the challenge wearing no armor, and protected by only his shepherd’s staff, a sling and some stones.

We know the outcome.  David, acting on faith, defeated Goliath with one accurate fling of a stone.  One swing of the arm felled an armored, angry giant.

It’s not that easy for us, is it?  Work, relationships at home, physical or financial stress and other daily concerns can create giant obstacles for all of us.  And the giants seem to move around.  Once one Goliath is addressed, another (perhaps bigger) giant appears in our path.

We have been given guidance on dealing with our giants.  Let’s consider Paul, our great missionary from the first century church:

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest in me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  II Corinthians 12: 7-10

Paul had a physical obstacle that he fought every day.  Paul also had to live with a horrible past- a past that included the physical torment of Christians.  But Paul found power in his challenges.  Christ’s power was “made perfect through weakness” in Paul’s life.  Weakness became a source of strength.  We have that same promise today.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1: 2-4

Giants create incredible stress, but we have been called to look at trials as opportunities to refine our faith.  We can re-focus and call upon God for strength to handle the challenge, and try to look past the battle for the lesson it can teach us.

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17: 20 

May we all seek the ultimate source of power when dealing with the giants in our lives.

God bless.

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Fishers of Men

The lake is one of my favorite places to visit.  We are blessed to live just a mile from Duncan’s Boat Dock on the Tennessee River, and within a few minutes our family can be fishing, kayaking, or enjoying a boat ride.  We do this often.

The water is a place where we can unplug and truly relax.  Fishing gives me time to think and reflect.

Do you ever think about the situation described in Matthew chapter 4?  Peter and Andrew were fisherman.  They made their living on the waters of the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus approached them from the shore and invited them to follow Him.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men.”  At once they left their nets and followed him.  Matthew 4: 18-20

Can you imagine the excitement Peter and Andrew must have felt?  Jesus was no stranger to these two brothers, as He had been preaching in the area and they knew of his life and message.  They immediately left their nets and boat and started their new work- fishing for souls.

I sometimes wonder what purpose God has for me.  We live in a busy, noisy society.  It’s often hard to focus on discovering God’s specific purpose for our life.  I struggle to focus on what God is asking me to do while here on this earth.  Discovering God’s purpose for my life is within my grasp, I just fail to truly seek the instruction.

Be still, and know that I am God.  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  Psalm 46: 10

Be still.

He has a plan for us.  We have been given gifts and we are called to use our gifts for the benefit of glorifying His holy name.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.  Psalm 62: 5

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8: 28.

This week I will try to earnestly seek God’s specific purpose for my life.  I will be still, ask and then listen for instruction.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last.  John 15: 6

May we all clearly hear our call to be fishers of men…and have the courage to accept it.

God bless.

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Good wisdom from the New Testament

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. — Colossians 4:5

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Fresh start

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the new academic year for Knoxville public schools. It’s a new feeling for Hollianne and me, as we now have a a child in high school, a middle schooler and our youngest in elementary school. School supplies are purchased and organized, new clothes have been bought and the backpacks are prepped. It’s off to school in the morning.

Our three are eager to get going.  The new year represents a fresh start.  New classes, new teachers and the opportunity to meet new friends.  Last year is a distant memory- any disappointments have been put away in anticipation of this new adventure.

All of us have this opportunity for renewal.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2 Corinthians 5:17

Fresh starts are made possible for those who believe in and walk with Jesus Christ.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… 1 Peter 1:3

Fresh starts.  And the confidence in knowing that the One who created the heavens and the earth is also concerned about us.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Tomorrow represents a big day for children and educators everywhere.  Hug your kids.  Pray for all teachers.

And be thankful for God Almighty.  Renewal is available for all.

God bless you.

 

 

 

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Election Day

“If I were President of the United States I would:  make some new laws, no drugs and no smoking, give soldiers medals, and make the world a better place.” Britton Carver- kindergarten (2011)

I am grateful for the opportunity to live in a democratic society.  It’s a blessing to be able to vote and participate in the election process.  Hollianne and I don’t take this for granted- and we stress the importance of voting to our kids.

As much as I enjoy the political process, I am happy that this election day has come and gone.  It was a particularly ugly campaign season in East Tennessee.  Negative ads littered our mailboxes, radio speakers and televisions.  Many candidates not only wanted to tell prospective voters about their credentials and accomplishments. but also went on the attack.  Anything to earn a vote, it seems.

Unlike this somewhat tough political realm, we are blessed to have already been elected.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.  John 15:16

Jesus elected to be persecuted and die on the cross to take away our sins.  His decision afforded us with the opportunity for the ultimate freedom.  Freedom to live with our Lord and Savior.

But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.  2 Thessalonians 2:13

We have been elected.  It is our choice whether to accept this appointment or not.  Will we accept or reject this generous gift?

Behold I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  Revelation 3:20

We have already been given the benefit of a win in the world’s greatest election event.  Jesus paid the ultimate price on that cross to give us victory.

Thank God.

 

 

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