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Darkness followed by sunrise

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It’s not been an easy week.  Britton, our nine year old, has a friend that lost his mother to a long battle with cancer.  It was a difficult situation to explain to our young child.

Several good friends have experienced a loss these past few days.  Some were expected, while others were sudden and quite unexpected deaths.  Regardless of the situation, death is difficult to handle.  We experience a wild range of emotions.  Shock. Sadness. Anger. Loneliness.  We can barely reconcile our own sad thoughts, much less help others manage their grieving.

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.  Philippians 3:20-21

But there is one sure thing we can know about death.  Death is followed by a new life.  We can be assured that Jesus died for us, so that we may have a hope for eternal life.  Death is a product of the flesh…of the earth.  Death is temporary for those who have faith and believe.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Jesus paid a sacrifice for us, as He committed himself to die the cross.  What a precious gift.  We are undeserving of this great act of grace and forgiveness.  I’ll never be able to fully understand the magnitude of this gift- but I am thankful for it.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.   Ecclesiastes 12:7

Death is temporary.  Life with our Heavenly Father is forever.

O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?  1 Corinthians 15:55

Remember those in prayer who have lost loved ones recently.  The holidays can be difficult for all of us, but especially those dealing with a loss.  Let’s commit to reaching out to those in need this season.  Call them.  Invite them to your home.  Take them to dinner.  Be with them.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2

They’ll need it.  God commands it.

God bless you.

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The Drive to 55…a political approach to prayer

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I’m a proud Tennessean.  I love everything about our great state…from the beautiful mountains in East Tennessee to the cotton fields over in the west.

Recently our Governor announced a tremendous initiative called the Drive to 55.  It’s a plan to get 55% of our state’s population equipped with a college degree or advanced certificate by the year 2025.  The goal is ambitious and forward-thinking.  Let’s educate more Tennesseans and – and more importantly- make an investment in the future of our state and our children.  I’m happy to be working in a field that can assist the Governor’s efforts.

I’d like to take this in another direction for those of us who are believers.  What if we developed a Drive to 55 plan for our prayer lives?  What if we dedicated 55 minutes each week to focused, targeted prayer?  Think about it…that’s approximately 8 minutes a day.  It’s less than 1/6 of an hour.

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

There are many of you that are already participating in a regular, scheduled prayer routine.  8 minutes might be just a fraction of what you are currently dedicating to prayer.  But many of us aren’t intentional about our prayer time, even though we have been instructed to utilize prayer.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.  James 5:16

There are many ways to focus your prayer time, but I want to suggest two simple steps.  First, create a record.  Keep a 3×5 note card with you at all times.  Put it in your wallet, coat pocket or your purse.  On one side of the card write “Thanksgiving” across the top.  All through the day be sure to record all the things that you are thankful for on this side of the card.  Your family.  Your job.  Your health.  Your relationship with Jesus.  Anything that comes to mind, write it down.

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.  Colossians 4:12

Write “Requests” on the other side of the card.  Use this side to collect the thoughts, ideas and requests you would like to take to the Lord in prayer.  How many times a day does someone ask us to pray for them…or for a family member?  Write it down.  See someone struggling at work or at school?  Write it down.  It will ensure that you never forget an item that needs prayer.

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  Luke 11:9

The second step is to select a quiet time to reflect on your prayer list.  It might be early in the morning- or in the evening.  It doesn’t matter…just make it a consistent, regular and planned effort.

Get going.  You’ve dedicated 8 minutes of time to pray- so silence your cell phone and turn off the television and radio.  Focus.  Clear your head and work your way through your prayer card.  Thank God for those blessings that have come into your life.  Pray for the blessings that you’ve witnessed in others.  Be thankful for Jesus and His sacrifice for you.

Then flip the card over and offer your requests to God.  Don’t just read this list…pray over it.  Give yourself some time to meditate on each item.  At the end of your prayer list- don’t immediately jump into your normal routine.  Take a few extra moments to reflect on what you’ve just completed.  Listen to see what God might be placing on your heart.  You might be inspired to keep on praying.

Date your card, and then put it away for safekeeping.  Keep them handy so you can review them from time to time.

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

My challenge to you is this:  Let’s all participate in the Drive to 55 prayer journey for four weeks.  This will get us through Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) and into the Christmas season.  8 minutes of directed prayer every day…for at least 55 minutes a week.  I think that you’ll see a difference in your prayer life…and in your relationship with God.  Maybe this will start a prayer habit in your life…a new routine.  The whole purpose is to be intentional about our prayer time.  We need it.

Send me suggestions for creating a good prayer routine that you’ve found useful.  I’ll compile them and share them at the end of our month of prayer.

I love you all.  God bless…and let me know what I can put on my prayer card for you today.

Keith

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Driving solo

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Our daughter, Carson, received her drivers license last week.  This was a milestone moment, similar to her first steps, the first day of kindergarten and beginning high school.

While Hollianne and I were anxious, Carson was confident.  She had studied and prepared for a year- completing a driver’s safety course, taking quizes on the basic mechanical functions of automobiles and dutifully driving Hollianne and me around Knoxville with her learner’s permit.

All that work was complete last Monday as she took the wheel for her first unassisted drive to school.  Only she wasn’t driving solo- she had months of preparation and new knowledge in her head to assist with her safe passage.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

I’ve learned a great deal from Carson throughout this process.  Just like her preparation for driving, I can equip myself with knowledge that can help me navigate life’s difficult moments.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9

We don’t have to walk through life solo.  God is with us.  We have been given His inspired word- and what a blessing to have full access to all the lessons and instruction contained in the Bible.

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  Matthew 4:4

Everything we need to cope with hardships, learning about forgiveness and handling difficult situations is contained in those pages.

Reading.  Study.  Meditating on God’s word.  It’s an active process….an intentional pursuit.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  Psalm 119:105

We never have to drive through life alone.

God bless you- and let me know if I can pray for you.

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Finishing is the easy part…

Hollianne and JT preparing to leave for the NYC marathon starting line...November 2, 2014.

Hollianne and JT preparing to leave for the NYC marathon starting line…November 2, 2014.

I always consider myself blessed be married to Hollianne Carver, but forgive me this week if I’m just a little more proud of her than usual.

Hollianne ran the New York marathon yesterday.  Yes, she completed it with over 48,000 other participants…but her journey was special.  She accompanied me last year and tracked my (slow) progress through New York City’s five boroughs.  There were thousands of cheering people lining the 26.2 mile course-  and Hollianne got the fever to run it in 2014.  She had never done anything like this before.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.  Colossians 3:23

Hollianne wasn’t looking for any special accolades.  She HATES any sort of attention- even when it is deserved.  She simply wanted to do this for herself.  Hollianne also wanted to run it to be an example for our kids…to set a goal and to pursue it passionately.

It was tough.  She chose a 20 week training program.  She balanced a job, three kids, a traveling husband and a myriad of injuries.  Hollianne trained only when it was convenient for everyone else in her life…but not for her.

If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.  Proverbs 24:10

Despite a couple of weeks lost to injury and physical therapy, the training program worked.  Hollianne approached race day with confidence, and she finished the 26.2 mile course with a big smile on her face.

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 40:31

I am often inspired by my wife, but this effort to run, train and compete was an awesome sight to behold.  Finishing wasn’t the difficult part for her…it was the decision to begin.  She knew it would be tough, but she had the courage to start.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:14

We all need to have the courage to start…whether it involves a life or attitude change.  It’s often easy to think about the life we want to lead- especially when we think about giving our lives over to Jesus- but it’s difficult to take the first step to make a change or an improvement.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Please pray for me to have the courage to start.  And let me know if I can pray for you too- because an awesome prize awaits for all of us.

God bless.

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Too big for your britches…

My grandmother had some great sayings.  One she used often was to not “get too big for your britches.”  She knew an awful lot about youngsters getting out of order, as she raised two strong-willed (but good-hearted) boys.  Getting too big for one’s britches had multiple meanings…an inflated ego, a bad attitude or a smart mouth.  It was intended to tell a younger generation that they weren’t quite “grown” yet.

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5

This wise saying has stayed with me since youth.  We’ve all encountered those good folks who need the occasional, gentle attitude adjustment.  It might be pride – with just a touch of self-importance thrown in as well.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12

And sometimes (ok…maybe more often than I like to admit) I need those attitude adjustments myself.

I recently received a call from an old family friend.  He brought up an exchange from our recent past in which, in his words, I had been insensitive and dismissive.  In reflecting back on that time, I remember being in the midst of one of life’s busy, stressful periods.  Perhaps it was a lack of focus…or pride…but whatever the reason, I had gotten too big for my britches.  It was unintentional, but I had hurt his feelings.

All I could do was to humbly apologize and ask for forgiveness…and to thank them for being a good friend.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

I was grateful to have another chance with this friend.  It reminded me to be careful with words and attitude- as you never know how your response might impact another.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

Thank goodness for forgiveness.  And, for people who remind us to wear proper-fitting britches.

God bless.

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Electric blankets

Remember the electric blanket?  This device will forever be etched into my memory as a child of the 1970’s.

For a time in my life, my mother and I lived in a one bedroom apartment behind my grandparent’s country store in Frog Jump, Tennessee.  I have several vivid memories of my home on Highway 88.  First, the “front door” led right into the meat department of the grocery store.  I also remember that mom slept on a fold-out bed, giving me the only bedroom in the apartment.  Finally, the frigid winds would push through the roof line and windows of this old apartment, bringing a chill draft across our home when the daylight gave way to nighttime each winter.

This is my first memory of the electric blanket.  My mom would come in and plug this scientific marvel into the wall about 5 minutes before bedtime.  It had three settings…low, medium and high (I was never allowed to use the “high” setting…there were limits to this indulgence).  There was nothing like sliding into a warm bed during those cold winter months.  Instant comfort.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We all seek comfort.  Comfort from stress.  Comfort from our physical ailments and mental scars.  Comfort from the pain associated with this world.

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

We have a loving Savior that longs to take away our pain.  A generous God that loves us and invites us into His presence.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  Psalm 23:4

Seek relief from the pain in your life with the promise of comfort of our Savior.  It’s the ultimate electric blanket.

Let me know how I may pray for you.  God bless.

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Life lessons from next door

I was blessed to grow up next door to an incredible woman.  Katie Sue Fewell was my neighbor, my great aunt, and – most importantly- a tremendous role model.

Katie Sue was a high school history teacher in my hometown of Alamo, Tennessee.  She was the sister of my grandmother, Mary.  Katie Sue was the ultimate community servant.  Every blood drive, voter registration initiative and fundraiser that took place in our hometown had Katie Sue’s fingerprints all over it.

She was incredibly wise.  In looking back over her life, I recall four distinct leadership themes that Katie Sue demonstrated each and every day.  I’d like to share those with you.

Always wear the same size hat. (Humility) 

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.  Luke 14:11

Always wearing the same size hat means being humble.  Don’t let your accomplishments in life, family or career swell your head.  We need to remember that it can all be gone in a second.  Our lives…and our achievements…are temporary.  A humble, gentle spirit allows us to appreciate the gifts and talents we have received, and encourages us to use those talents to further God’s work on this earth.  Humility breeds a servant heart.

We are all turtles on a fencepost.  (Gratitude)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

You know the story.  A farmer and his granddaughter were walking across the expansive family farm.  They came across a turtle sitting atop a fencepost on the back of their property.  After surveying this sight for several minutes, the farmer looked at his granddaughter and said, “I don’t know how that turtle got up there, but I do know that it had some help.” Whatever we’ve accomplished in life, we need to realize that we’ve had help.  It may have been a parent, neighbor, youth minister or family friend.  And for this help- we should be grateful.  We should take the time each day to thank someone who has helped us along the way.

Bloom where you are planted.  (Perseverance) 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

Life has dealt all of us difficult circumstances at one time or another.  You can’t always predict what obstacles will come your way.  Life is hard, but we need to develop an attitude that looks for the best in any given situation.  Tough times will come, and we need to be prepared to dig in, work hard and make the best of these difficult situations.  Our attitude is the key to perseverance during difficult times.

Choose to be brave.  (Courage) 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

It’s easy to think about courage in a “Hollywood” sense.  We all dream about those life-or-death moments we see in the movies- and how we could be as brave as those characters on the big screen.  But how about everyday life?  What about those times at work or at home when we need to be courageous and take a stand- but we don’t.  It might be peer pressure or just avoiding a conflict- whatever the reason…courage is developed one small action at a time.  Being courageous develops integrity…and integrity comes from both public and private life decisions.  Be courageous- whatever the situation.

Humility.  Gratitude.  Perseverance.  Courage.

Katie Sue left this earth in 1999- over 15 years ago.  Her lessons and example live on.  I pray that all of us have the opportunity to be a”Katie Sue” for someone- someday.

God bless.

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Changes

Early fall is my favorite time of the year. The chill in the morning air and the brilliant colors in the trees signify a gradual change of seasons. Summer is a fading memory.  Lake trips and afternoons at the pool are replaced at the Carver home by backyard bonfires, football games and Hollianne’s famous white chicken chili.

Like the seasons, change is an inevitable part of our lives.  Whether it’s our health, job situations, family structure- the only certainty in our earthly lives is that our lives will change.  It’s sort of disconcerting, isn’t it?  What’s accepted as a reality today can be gone tomorrow.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8 We have a great promise from our Lord and Savior.  A promise of hope, forgiveness and love.  Jesus Christ is the constant in our lives.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

With change all around us, we can be comforted to know that we may always call on our Lord for comfort and strength.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  James 1:17

The Lord knows our past, our present and- most importantly- our future.  He knows our anxieties related to change.  Best of all?  He cares about us…more than we can ever imagine.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:6

Embrace change.  Wherever it takes us- God is already there. God bless.

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Winners and losers

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Ever notice how society paints us into two categories?  You are either a winner or a loser.

As a parent I see this illustrated often in the world of youth sports.  Hollianne and I spend quite a bit of time at fields or courts watching our children compete in a variety of activities.  The thrill of seeing them push themselves and improve is often diminished by the actions of other kids- but more often their parents.

It extends into our work lives too.  Office competitiveness often takes the place of teamwork and collaboration.  People need to “win” in order to succeed at a task- and in the process you will have to lose.  It might be taking sole credit for an idea or a project’s success, or it might be something more devious- as belittling a colleague behind their back to make themselves look better.

I win.  You lose.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

We are fortunate to have a presence in our lives that has leveled the playing field for us.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

We can take comfort that Jesus came to earth and achieved victory over this world.  Sin and worldly strife are all around us in our daily lives, but we have peace and comfort through the One who has the ultimate power over darkness.

One of my favorite visuals in the Bible comes from Deuteronomy:

When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.  Deuteronomy 20:1-4

Can you imagine how the Israelites  must have felt upon hearing these words?  Do not fear- the Lord your God is with you….and will give you victory.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  I Corinthians 15:57

We are winners through Jesus.  He has fought the battle for us.  Let us take comfort in His love and protection.

God bless.  Pray for me- and let me know if I may pray for you.

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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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