Pavement Ends Ministry

Send us Fan MailWhen Seeing Jesus is Enough This morning, my daily Bible reading took me to Luke Chapter 2 and the story of Jesus’ birth. As I read about the shepherds being visited by angels and then going to see the baby Jesus, I found myself wondering, “What happened to the shepherds after this?”We know they went away praising God and joyfully sharing what they had seen. But did their lives suddenly become easier? What do you think? Did they leave shepherding for speaking tours, book deals, and synagogue invitations? Or did they remain shepherds—only now, after seeing the Christ, wolves no longer attacked, the grass stayed green, and tending the sheep no longer felt like hard work?Probably not. Most likely, their lives did not change after they saw the Christ Child. People still looked down on them and considered them second-class citizens. Green grass was still hard to find, and wild animals still attacked their flocks. I don’t think seeing Jesus made their lives any easier at all.All too often in today’s world, a false promise is presented. People are led to believe that when they follow Christ, their lives will suddenly become very easy. They think that once they encounter Jesus, their addictions will disappear, their bills will be paid, and their sicknesses will be healed. But this is not what Scripture promises. The true promise of salvation is not that life on earth will become easy, but that life in Christ is eternal.Now, did the shepherd’s lives change after they saw Jesus? Yes! Now they had hope. They knew that God considered them first-class citizens of Heaven, and when the wolves attacked, they could fight with the power from on high. They had seen Jesus, and that was enough.Now I challenge you. Come to Jesus. The addictions may still be there, but He will walk you through them. The bills will still roll in, but Jesus will never roll out. Sickness may linger, but Jesus will linger longer. Come to Jesus. Life on earth may not get better, but life in Heaven is eternal and far better than anything this world has to offer. Come to Jesus. When you see Him, you will realize that He is enough.Douglas & Deborah HuffFrom Down Where the Pavement Endswww.pavementendsministry.comemail-douglas@pavementendsministry.com

Send us Fan MailThe Bird in The Shop            One day, a bird flew into the shop. As soon as it came in, it shot up to the ceiling. Mistaking the white ceiling for the sky, it kept flying against it. Not wanting him inside, I tried to shoo him toward the open door. But to get out, he had to fly low, while his instinct told him to fly high. Instead of escaping, he kept bumping against the artificial sky—the ceiling. All day, he flew back and forth, trapped, because he would not lower himself enough to go through the door.            Do you know how I finally got the bird out? Well, I turned the lights off and shut the door. Birds will not fly in darkness. Then I opened the door a tiny bit. This caused a thin sliver of light to shine on the ceiling. The bird began to flutter in that small patch of light. He was afraid of the dark and drawn to the light. Taking a ladder, I climbed up to where he was and caught him in my hand. Then I took him outside and released him to real freedom! The bird reminds me of human nature. So often we become trapped by our own foolishness. Refusing to humble ourselves, we keep bumping against an artificial sky of our own making. We rush back and forth, trying to find freedom, but on our own, we will never succeed.      God will show you the way, but you must humble yourself and kneel in prayer. Freedom can be yours, and your problems can be overcome if you are willing to do things God’s way. Jesus is the light. If you come to the light, He will take you into His hands and lead you into true freedom.           “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  John 8:12 NKJVDouglas & Deborah HuffFrom Down Where the Pavement Endswww.pavementendsministry.com         Email- [email protected]

Send us Fan MailCall Out to the Father            I saw it at a Middle School football game. The offense ran a sneak play. After it was over, all of the players got up but one. This one boy seemed to be in a lot of pain.  Lying on his back, he rocked back and forth, holding onto his leg. The coaches and trainers all ran to where he lay. We all hoped it was just a cramp, but it looked serious.              We were sitting not far from the boy's parents. Now, football parents know that you trust the coaches and don't rush to the field every time your child appears to be hurt. So, I watched Mama and Daddy anxiously, waiting and watching.            But then, raising his head, the boy let out a piercing cry that was heard all over the Granite Bowl, “Daddyyy.” Before the last echo faded, his father had jumped the wall separating the stands from the field and was at his son's side. Because that is what Daddies do. When our children call, we come!         This isn’t a parable. I actually saw it happen. But it is an earthly story that illustrates a heavenly principle.  In Luke 11:13, Jesus teaches us that if ordinary men can be good daddies, then how much better is our Father in Heaven? Throughout the Bible, we are told that all we have to do is call out to God and He will answer. In times of great distress, He says, “Here I am.”   Those times when we are confused, He says, “Call to Me and I will answer you and teach you things you do not know.”             The bottom line is this. While men on earth can be good daddies, we have a God in Heaven who is a truly great Father. God is good and loving. Like the football parents in the stands that day, He waits for us to call out to Him. Yet even before we call, He will answer, because that’s what God does. When His children call, He is already there. Douglas & Deborah HuffFrom Down Where the Pavement [email protected] 

Send us Fan MailThe Corn has Turned Brown             In the cool of the morning, I sit on the back porch. My thoughts this morning are on the goodness of God. At the edge of the porch, a swarm of hummingbirds competes for sugar water. In the woods, squirrels are chattering about whatever is important to squirrels. Now, a slight breeze brings a rustling sound from the dried-up corn stalks. A few days ago, I was pulling corn. The patch below the house produced a lot this year! We put a lot of corn in the freezer. Then we told all our friends and neighbors to get some corn. I took a lot of corn to people who couldn't come and get it. We were blessed with an abundance of corn this year. But now the corn has turned brown.              Yes, July was hot and dry. But the fact is, when the corn is ready, you only have a few days to gather it. If you don't get it when it is ready, it will get hard. The stalks will go from bright green to brown. Then it's over until next year.            The dried-up corn reminds me of my late neighbor Dan. Every year, he planted corn. Most of the time, he produced a lot of corn. One year, it was extra hot and dry. When the corn did not grow, all of Dan’s money, time, and elbow grease were wasted. But Dan didn’t worry about it. He just grinned and said, “I will plant corn again next year.”             Dan’s attitude about raising corn reminds me of Proverbs 28:25, which says, “He who trusts in the Lord will prosper.” Sometimes it rains, and sometimes it doesn’t. Some years the corn grows, and other years it won’t. So, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart because anyone who trusts God will not be disappointed..            God has shown kindness by giving us rain from heaven. Because of His wisdom, the crops grow in their seasons. This is why listening to the rustling of dried-up corn stalks fills my heart with joy.Douglas & Deborah HuffFrom Down Where the Pavement Endswww.pavementendsministry.comEmail-douglas@pavementendsministry.com

Send us Fan MailNo Shoes in Heaven              I'm a tenderfoot. I have never been comfortable going barefoot. Even when I was a little boy, I wanted my shoes. Growing up, I spent a lot of time rambling through the woods and pastures. Often, you could find me splashing in the creek, chasing crawfish and minnows. But I never took my shoes off.             As an adult, I still resist going barefoot. In Northeast Georgia, we are infested with fire ants. If you go outside without shoes, the fire ants will find you, and they will bite you. Their bite feels like fire! But even when I walk around in the house, I feel more comfortable wearing shoes.              I think it is wise to wear shoes. And it is Biblical. When the prodigal son returned, his father put shoes on his feet. In Ephesians, we are told to put on shoes as we prepare to spread the gospel. John the Baptist wasn't even qualified to untie Jesus’ shoes. And in the Song of Solomon, we read that women's feet are beautiful in sandals. So yes, it is wise and Biblical to wear shoes.             However!             I have concluded that there will be no shoes in Heaven. After all, when Moses approached the burning bush, he was told to take off his sandals. He was standing on Holy Ground. When Joshua met the Commander of the Lord’s Army, he was instructed to, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy.” Joshua did as he was told, because he was standing on Holy Ground.             So, when we reach Heaven, to borrow a phrase from Uncle Jed, I think we will “take our shoes off and set a spell.”  Maybe we will run barefoot on the streets of gold and dip our toes in the Crystal Sea. And when we raise our hands high to glorify Jesus, we will feel the wonder of God flowing from our fingertips to our tippy toes. Because there won't be any shoes on our feet to keep us from feeling the Glory as we stand on Heaven's Holy Ground. Douglas & Deborah HuffFrom Down Where the Pavement Endswww.pavementendsministry.comEmail-douglas@pavementendsministry.com  

Send us Fan MailThe Last Mountain              The old man stands at the foot of the mountain. The way ahead is very steep. This is not the first mountain he has climbed, but it will be his last. As he looks up the path, he is leaning on a staff that he has carried for many years. He will carry it one more day.             He is not familiar with the trail on this mountain. But this is not a problem. God has always guided his steps. This journey will be no different. He has always been faithful to his God. The Great I Am has always been faithful to him. Now, with his staff in his hand, he takes the first of his last steps.          Moses was a true hero of the faith. He had climbed many mountains for God. In Deuteronomy 34, we read about his last mountain. On that day, his eyes were undimmed, and his strength was unwavering. And yet the steps he walked that day would be his last steps on earth. However, because of his obedience and faithfulness to God, his last step on this mountain was his first step in Heaven             When Jesus invites us to walk with Him, He doesn’t promise an easy life. Instead, He calls us into a journey filled with challenges. Jesus is urging us to embrace the adventure of faith. Life is filled with many mountains. And one day, like Moses, we will come to the Last Mountain. On that day, with Faith in Jesus as our Staff, we will begin a climb that will end in the Heights of Glory.             Today, I am thinking of a precious preacher friend of mine. Obediently and faithfully, he has climbed many mountains for his God. But today, the relentless nature of time has left his eyes dimmed and his mind confused. Now he stands at the base of his last mountain. It will be a difficult journey, but his spiritual strength is unwavering. God has always directed his path, and today is no different. Soon, with undimmed eyes and a clear mind, he will step onto the summit of The Last Mountain. Douglas & Deborah HuffFrom Down Where the Pavement Endswww.pavementendsministry.comemail-douglas@pavementendsministry.com

Send us Fan MailDead Last Week             Jairus stood by her bed watching as she slept. His heart was so happy it almost hurt. At twelve, she was still a little girl yet so close to being a young woman. Also at twelve, he had almost lost her.  He listened to her breathing as she slept and saw a sweet smile on her beautiful face.  He closed his eyes and whispered a prayer of thanks because he knew that before Jesus came, she was dead last week.             His sisters were raising a ruckus. They did not think he should be working in the hot sun. But working in the vineyard is what he wants to do. Rocks have fallen from the wall and need to be replaced. Vines have to be pruned and briars must be pulled. At the end of the day Mary and Martha will continue to nag him about taking it easy.  But his sore muscles and his sweat-soaked clothes are trophies of life. There was blood trickling from a scratch on his arm. Lazarus looked at it and chuckled. He said, “Just think, before Jesus came, I was dead last week”!             The church people are skeptical and his friends think he is crazy. But he knows the truth.  He had been sitting under a bridge with a bottle of alcohol and a bag of pills. He had a plan. He was going to drink the alcohol, swallow the pills and die. Then a hand touched his arm and he heard a voice saying, “There is a better way, come follow Me. I will make you whole again.” Yes, down at the church they are skeptical, and his friends call him crazy. But his children are no longer afraid of him and his wife now stands by his side. The bottle is broken, the pills are trampled in the mud and he is alive. And he knows, if it had not been for Jesus he would have been dead last week.             Jesus is right here. He has power over death, hell, and the grave and is victorious over modern demons like drugs and alcohol. In John chapter 6, we hear Him say “I tell you this, and you can be sure of it. If you believe in Me, you will have everlasting life.”  He has shown us that he can bring hungry little girls back from the dead and call a friend out of the grave.  Life is but a vapor and death is but a shadow. Put your faith in Jesus and the fear of death will be gone like last week. Douglas & Deborah Huffwww.pavementendsministry.comEmail-pavementendsministry@gmail.com

Send us Fan MailTrust              The other night, we ordered takeout from a local restaurant. When I arrived to pick it up, the order wasn't quite ready, so I had to wait a few minutes. As I stood waiting, I could see the kitchen area and watched the cooks prepare the meals. Seeing how the food was handled made me wonder about their cleanliness and hygiene. Despite my concerns, I was hungry and decided to have faith in the restaurant and eat the food.            Have you ever considered the various people and things in which you place your trust? When you sit down, you trust that the chair was built strong enough to support your weight. When you drive a car, you trust that the oncoming traffic will stay in their lanes. Eating at a restaurant reflects your belief in the restaurant's ability to prepare a healthy meal.             But often, the things we trust in can fail us. Chairs have broken, causing people to fall on the floor. Automobile accidents often happen due to mechanical malfunctions or driver errors, and people have gotten sick because of poorly prepared food. However, we still place our faith and trust in people and things every day. The truth is to function in life, it is necessary to place trust and faith in others.           Every day, we trust things that might prove untrustworthy. Yet, many people refuse to live for Jesus because they don't trust Him. They struggle to place their faith in a Savior who can never fail them because they don't believe He is trustworthy. In Psalm 37, we are told that if we trust the Lord, we will thrive in His faithfulness. If we commit our way to Him and trust Him, He will fulfill all His promises for us. You must trust Him. If you can trust a man in a restaurant to make you a pizza, you can surely trust Jesus to make you holy.             Douglas & Deborah Huff            www.pavementendsministry.com            [email protected]

Send us Fan MailEverybody is a Nobody Who Can Be Somebody             In Mark Chapter 5, there is a story about a woman who was a nobody.  We don’t even know her name.  If we had been there on this day, she would not have been in our field of vision.  Seeing her would have made us uncomfortable, so we would have chosen not to see her.  If we had seen her, we would have assumed her problems were her own fault, because that is the way we think.              She was a nobody. Most people would have avoided her. She was not supposed to be there. For twelve years she had suffered with an issue of blood. This made her unclean. Because she was unclean, she could not be around others.  She could not even worship God. In her shame and grief, she spent everything she had seeking help. She has suffered all sorts of abuse and indignities.  Hopeless and helpless, she spends her days and nights lonely and untouched.             She felt like a nobody. But one day she overheard people talking about Jesus. I say “overheard” because since she was a nobody, why would anyone bother to tell her about the Savior?   She considers herself a nobody so she cannot even face Jesus. She hopes that maybe she will be healed if she can just touch his coat. To the world and herself, she was a nobody. But to Jesus she is somebody.  He stops everything and looks for her. He finds her and calls her  daughter.  Her faith in Him has made her well. She was a nobody, but now she is somebody.  She is a child of God.             Do you feel like a nobody?  Have addictions caused you to spend all you have seeking relief from your demons?  Are you broken and abused?  Do you stand there weeping?  Is your life filled with loneliness? Are your days and nights spent untouched and unloved?  Maybe it seems that no one sees you, because no one offers help.  It seems that no one cares. To the world you are nobody.             Today I hope you hear about Jesus.  I hope you will push through the crowd and reach out for Him. Have faith only in Jesus.  He will stop everything to reach out to the ones the world ignores.  Everybody is somebody to Him. The Bible tells us that God is rich in mercy.   Because of His great love, even when we are nobody and dead in our sin, He makes us somebody alive in Christ. Wow, look at the love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Anybody can reach out to Jesus because everybody is somebody to Him. Douglas & Deborah Huffwww.pavementendsministry.comEmail- [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThat's What Daddies Do             Daddies fix things. They fix flat bicycle tires, start stubborn lawnmowers, repair leaky commodes, troubleshoot washing machines, and get swings swinging again. Most of the time, they may not know exactly what they're doing, but they always do their best because that's what daddies do - they fix things.             My daughter called me one day and told me the battery was dead and her car would not start. At the time she lived across the state. It was at least a three-hour drive. So, I told her that I was on my way. She said Daddy, I don't want you to come and fix it. I just want you to listen to me. So, I listened to her. After all, that is what daddies do.            But if she had wanted me to drive three hours to fix her car, I would have. I believe that is my job as a daddy. No matter how busy or important a man is, his children come first. Whether his son or daughter is five or fifty when they say “Daddy, I need you.” He will drop what he's doing and go to them. Because that's what daddies do.             For years, sitcoms have denigrated fathers. The government has tried to replace dads, and social groups have attacked men. In doing this, they have caused great suffering in this world. The world would be a better place if more men were real daddies. You see little girls need a daddy to be their first love, and little boys need a daddy to teach them how to be a man.                        So, guys step up and be the Daddy your family needs. Give your life to Jesus. Cherish your wife and keep your vows. Read the Bible to your family and take them to church.  Love God with all your heart because a man who loves God first loves his family best. You may not always know how to fix things. But if you lean on God, you can do the things a Daddy does. Douglas & Deborah Huffwww.pavementendsministry.com

Send us Fan MailMemories          I remember Gin Creek. I assume it was named Gin Creek because at some point in time and someplace in its travel it must have powered a cotton gin. I remember a smooth path alongside this creek where I would walk. I remember crawfish running backward and minnows threading the quick current.           Long before cell phones and computers, there were creeks with elm leaves and water snakes floating in them. Long before boys entertained themselves with video games, they kept themselves busy damming up creeks to make swimming holes. They also rode bikes with no brakes down steep hills. And now old men have scars and aching bones as a result of the glorious crashes that occurred at the bottom.           I remember cane poles and catching bream. In those days there was nothing to worry about. As we rambled through the woods, ticks did not bite and people were good. Also in those days, flat screens were used to keep the bugs out of the house and the net was used to catch fish.           I remember going to church. And preachers who gave out bubblegum and the love of God to children. I remember Vacation Bible School with white-haired ladies and crafts. I also remember Kool-Aid, cookies, and the gospel being served. This is where I decided to follow Jesus.         I remember Sunday School and a teacher who took his boys squirrel hunting. I remember a pastor who walked with Jesus daily and modeled humility. And the legend of Brother Jack lives on today. He and others like him are the type of preacher that I hope to become someday.         Memories. I don’t press them in the pages of my mind. Instead, they are running on the screen saver of my heart. They tell of simpler times and sweeter pleasures. They remind me of places and people who have shaped my life. But most of all they remind me of how much Jesus loved that boy who used to play in the waters of Gin Creek. 

Send us Fan MailMemorial Day             3,000,000. If Google is correct, this is the approximate number of American Soldiers who have died in service to this great country. These are the ones we honor on Memorial Day.            Now this may shock you, but listen carefully. The sacrifices of these great heroes were not made in defense of our freedoms. In their Oath of Enlistment, every American soldier swears to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and bear faith and allegiance to it. You see their great sacrifice was made for a document. Oh, but what a document it is.            In its preamble, we read that the Constitution was ordained and established in "Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity."  So yes they did die for our freedom because they died defending the Constitution and the Constitution secures our Blessings of Liberty.            Now consider this. The Constitution is not the source of your rights, no it only secures them. When we read about "The Blessings of Liberty,” we must understand that blessings can only come from a Gracious God. The Declaration of Independence says; "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” This truth is evident. Our rights are declared by the Declaration of Independence, secured by the Constitution of the United States but they are given to us by our Creator and God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.             On Memorial Day I pledge to remember and honor over 3,000,000 great men and women who sacrificed greatly in defense of the Constitution and for my Blessings of Liberty. Also because I am free, I will never stop glorifying my God and Savior Jesus Christ. He has given me the Rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness found in the Hope and Promise of Eternal Life. 

Send us Fan MailCall Your MamaAmong the last items of business that Jesus took care of, even as He hung on the cross, was to make sure that His mother would be cared for. His mother’s life was turned upside down at His birth. She was there while He grew, changing His diapers and kissing His skinned knees. She worried when He was left behind in the temple and tried to understand when He said, “I must be about my Father’s business.” For this reason, before Jesus said “It is finished,” He looked at John and said, “Behold your mother.”            Jesus was His Father’s son, but He was His Mama’s boy. In the Bible, it seems as if He performed His first miracle to please His Mama. Like Jesus, we should always try to please our mamas. Just like all Mary, all mothers make great sacrifices for their children, and like Mary, all mothers should be honored and loved by their children. Here are a few ways that you should love your mother.Love her verbally. Tell her how much you love her. Love her physically. She needs and deserves your hugs. Love her patiently. Goodness knows she was patient with you. Love her with your ears. Remember all the time she stopped what she was doing to listen to you. Take the time to sit and listen to her. Love her generously. There is nothing too good for your mama. Remember all the sacrifices she made for you. Be generous with your love and money, but most of all be generous with your time            It does not matter who you are, what you do, or how much money you make. If you honor your mother, she will be proud of you. Love your mother with all your heart. Love her so that she will be thankful for all the time she invested in you and all the sacrifices she made for you. Remember whoever you are, you owe a lifetime of love to your mother.So, call your Mama!              Honor your father, and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.  Exodus 20:12 

Send us Fan Mail           How magnificent is the Power and Authority of the Lord my God! His shining glory illuminates the highest heaven. From the mouth of children, He ordains strength. A bloodthirsty fool may rise against Him, but He destroys the enemy with vengeance.            On a blustery day, I hear the wind howl and watch the tree sway back and forth. When the sun goes down, the light abandons the sky and the moon rises, to stand guard over the night.  In the distance a whippoorwill cheers as the stars begin to decorate the purple sky. All of this makes me wonder who are we that God would have us on His mind. He made us a little lower than the angels. Yet, He has given us a crown of glory and honor.            He is the great and awesome God and He has given us authority over His creation. He has placed all things in our control, the cattle in the field, the beast in the woods, the birds in the air, and the fish in the water. We are just sons of men and yet the Son of God has visited us to give us the right to become children of the most high God.             How magnificent is the Power and Authority of the Lord my God! His shining glory illuminates the highest heaven. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth! Psalms 8

Send us Fan MailA Call for KindnessI am committed to treating everyone with kindness, regardless of their background or lifestyle. I believe that good manners can revolutionize society, and as such, I will always use polite language when speaking to others. Even if I don’t agree with their views, I will use words like "yes sir," "no sir," "please," "thank you," and "excuse me." I'm also convinced that crude, vulgar, and offensive language has no place in a civilized society. People who persistently use such language are to be pitied, as it can give others a low opinion of them. Also, using good language can go a long way toward improving one's standing in life. The Bible teaches us that we should put away bitterness, wrath, and evil speaking, and instead be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving. It also tells us that the meek shall inherit the earth and that a gentle answer can turn away wrath. Despite the foolish celebration of rudeness, cruelty, and vulgarity in today's world, I believe that true goodness lies in being kind, tenderhearted, forgiving, meek, and gentle. These are the qualities that God is pleased with, and as someone who loves God, I am compelled to treat everyone with kindness. God has commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So, Because I love God with all my heart, His love compels me to be polite to everyone.  So, it does not matter who you are, what color your skin is, or what lifestyle you have chosen I will treat you with kindness.Douglas & Deborah Huffwww.pavementendsministry.comemail-pavementendsministry@gmail.com 

Send us Fan MailThe Last Star            It is early. The sky is clear. The night is fading as the darkness gives way to the rising sun. There is one last pinpoint of light in the southeastern sky. Is it a stubborn star or a distant planet?  I don’t know. But I do know that as the sun rises it will disappear.               God has appointed the moon and stars the task of being lights in a dark sky. Their beauty and brightness silently sing of His Majesty. But they always give way to the rising sun.However, this last stubborn star seems determined to hold its place in the night sky. Why? I don’t know. Maybe God is using that star to teach me a lesson.             I am a child of God and a preacher of His gospel. He has appointed me to be a light in a dark world. My calling is to let my light shine before all men and glorify my Father in Heaven. Jesus has promised that soon He is going to return. When He does, His light will shine in the darkness and the darkness will be overcome. Then my little light will no longer be needed.             Some people have tried to tell me where, when, and how my light should shine. The opinions of these people mean nothing to me. I have committed my way to the Lord. I trust Him. It is His Holiness that makes my light shine in the darkness. His glory is my purpose.             It is late. The future is clear. This dark world is going to give way to the coming Day of the Lord. My prayer is that like that last star, I can continue to shine my light in the darkness. I will give way only to the coming of the Son of Righteousness.

Send us Fan MailThis Old House             On April 16, 1978, Deborah and I were married. In 1979 we purchased a house and it has been our home ever since. In this house we have laughed and cried, fought and made up, celebrated and mourned. This is where we live. In this house, we raised our family, and every inch of it is coated with memories. It is our home, but it is not us, it is not our marriage            This house greatly reflects our personalities. We are familiar with all the creaks and pops and every crack in the walls. There is contentment to be found in its every flaw and there is no more comfortable place than our house. But if it is taken from us tonight and if tomorrow we are homeless, we will still have each other. You see this house is our home, but it is not us, it is not our marriage.            All over this land, there are buildings that people call churches. Some are beautiful brick-and-mortar structures, while others look more like metal warehouses. In these buildings church members have laughed and cried. They have fought and made up and they have celebrated and they have mourned. In these buildings, the family of God has grown and they are filled with memories. But we would still gather if all these buildings were destroyed today and we had no place to gather. We would still worship God. These buildings are not the church, they are not our salvation.             The church is the bride of Christ, and Jesus is the Bridegroom. He loves the church and He gave His life for her. But when Jesus said," I will build my Church” He was not talking about brick and mortar. No. He was talking about us. We are His bride, and we are His church God has chosen us to be precious, living stones in the spiritual house that Jesus is building.             One day all these buildings that people call churches will rot and burn. They were never meant to be permanent. However, the church that is the bride of Christ is built on a firm foundation and will never fail. Christ loves the church and gave Himself for us. He has sanctified and cleansed us. One day we will be presented to Him as a glorious church, holy and without blemish. Because we are the Church that Jesus is building. 

Send us Fan MailA Tale of Two Men             In the fourteenth chapter of The Gospel of Mark, we find the story of two men who betrayed Jesus. One of these men betrayed Him for money, and the other one was afraid. One of these men betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and the other one denied Him with an oath. The first one had maliciously schemed to sell Jesus and the second one had boldly proclaimed that he would never deny Jesus. But he did. They were both guilty.             Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Peter denied Jesus because he was afraid.  Both men felt shame and regret for what they had done.  The name of Judas will always be synonymous with treachery and deceit but Peter will always be remembered as a saint. What was the difference?              When Judas saw that Jesus was to be crucified and he was sorry for what he had done. So, he tried to fix it. He tried to take it back. But a sin that has been sinned cannot be unsinned. It cannot be taken back. Judas could not live with the devastation of his sin, so he took his own life.  Thus, he will always be remembered as the man who sold the Savior for thirty pieces of silver             Peter also was devastated by his sin. But he did not try to fix it himself. He knew, that His sin could not be unsinned and it could never be taken back. But unlike Judas, Peter received forgiveness for his sin, not because he was sorry for his actions but because he repented of his sin.  Later as they shared a breakfast of fresh fish Jesus forgave Peter and cast his sin as far away as the East is from the West.              At some point in time, we have all betrayed Jesus. Don't say you haven't, that would just be a lie. We are all sinners, and the sins that we sin cannot be unsinned. But Jesus has promised that if we repent of our sins, He will have compassion on us and will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.              Our sins cannot be taken back and you and I cannot fix them. But when Jesus forgives us He also forgets about our sin and it is just as if we had never sinned. The Bible says “Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. Happy is the person whom the LORD does not consider guilty." Psalms 32:1-2 NCV 

Send us Fan MailThe Tomb Was Not Empty            In none of the Gospels are we told that the borrowed tomb of Jesus was empty. If someone had stolen the body of Christ, the tomb would have been empty. If the body of Jesus had been left to rot, the tomb would have been worse than empty. If the tomb had been empty, then Christ would not have risen and we would be most miserable. But Christ is risen and the tomb is very full.             On that Sunday morning, the ladies came to anoint the dead body of Jesus. Instead, they found the tomb full of the Glory of God. They were met by angels who said “He is not here. He is risen.” When Peter ran to the tomb, he did not understand what had happened. But later he would realize that the tomb was permeated with peace and forgiveness for his troubled soul.  Indeed, on Resurrection morning the tomb was enveloped in the settled hope of eternity and saturated with the power of God that brings salvation.                         So often we find ourselves in a field of headstones. Heartbroken we watch as a loved one is lowered into the grave. But when we are in the valley of the shadow of death we are not without hope. Without a doubt, we can find comfort in the knowledge that our Savior has already traveled this way. Fear not. Jesus’ tomb is filled with victory. Death has lost its sting and the grave has lost its power. The stone was rolled away proving that the grave could not contain the Son of God and will not hold the child of the King.              On Resurrection Sunday we celebrate our risen Savior. An angel rolled the stone away to give us a look inside the tomb. There we see a folded napkin and crumpled grave clothes. But that is not all we find. You see the tomb of Jesus is filled with a promise. This is the promise Jesus is alive, death is not final and life in Christ is eternal.

Send us Fan MailTriumphant            “A great multitude, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!”  John 12:12            Most triumphal parades are for the benefit of those who understand them the least. This one included. Most of the people along this parade route did not know why they were there. They just happened to be there and a parade broke out.  The people who enjoyed this parade the most understood it the least. They would shout “Hosanna” today, but cry out, “crucify Him” next week.             Someone asked, "What are we here for?" Well, we are here to see Jesus, the Messiah. He is going to be the national Liberator, and that is why we are waving these palm branches. You see, Jesus is going to save us from the Romans.        I believe Jesus had tears flowing from His eyes that day because these people were looking for the wrong thing. You see, Hosanna means save us now, with an emphasis on “now”. The freedom they wanted was temporary and fleeting.  But Jesus came to give us eternal peace. He came, not on a great white horse as a conqueror, but on a lowly donkey as a Suffering Servant.             The Suffering Servant on a donkey brings peace and drives away fears. He says to us today, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27).              Things taught by men are often wrong but things revealed by God never are. What is revealed to us by this story of Jesus riding on a donkey?  This simple truth, kingdoms won by victorious conquerors are temporary but Life given to us by the Suffering Savior is eternal. 

Send us Fan MailPreacher Jack’s Kids            Their age is around the half-century mark. They were raised in a small country church called Falling Creek. Some are in heaven today, but most are still making their mark on the world. They are a small but highly privileged group. They were and are Preacher Jack's Kids.             During the Sunday morning worship service right after the offering, Brother Jack would call his kids up. Then he would sit on the edge of the platform while the children gathered around him in a wonderfully unorganized fashion. Using his homespun wit and some object he had found that week, he would tell them about Jesus.            Jack and his children were unpredictable. You never knew what he might say. But you especially could never tell what the kids would say. Many times, Jack and the parents would end up red-faced and embarrassed. But the congregation would howl with laughter.            It seems that today our churches have lost something precious. Most preachers are too dignified to sit on the floor and teach kids. Most congregations don’t want the flow of the service to be interrupted by a bunch of children. Meanwhile, the bulletin contains an order of Service that does not have space for the Holy Spirit or Kids.              Jesus hinted at a true worship service when He said, “Let the little children come to Me, for such is the kingdom of heaven.”  Do you wonder why church attendance is dwindling? Maybe we need more pastors who have time for the children. Maybe more children need the opportunity to learn like Preacher Jack’s Kids did.            Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:2 

Send us Fan MailTime Ain't on Our SideTime slips away. How often do we look at the clock and say, oh no,  I'm late.? How often do we wish that we could manage our time better? But then, who can manage time?  Like a great threshing machine, time is mowing down the days of our lives.  Time marches on and it has no concern for our plans or desires.  No, we cannot manage time.  But we can manage our actions. We can learn to make better use of our energies and activities.  The important thing is to prioritize. Decide what matters and don't waste time on things that don’t.I have found that the energy spent trying to impress people is energy and time wasted.  Entertainment can also be a stealer of life.  The hours squandered in front of the TV, on video games, or even reading meaningless books are gone forever. And I know this is true because I often wish that I could have my hours back.Yet these are not the only time thieves. Sometimes things that are good and important steal our time.  Jobs are important. But there are times when a job will rob us of valuable family time. Hobbies and sports often take us away from the more important things and yes, even church can have a detrimental impact on the wise use of time.  But know this,  God has a plan for us. We need to seek His will for our time. Every minute of it. We are not here to please ourselves or others. We are here to glorify God.  Think about this we don’t know the number of our days!  Any second now our life here on earth could end. When it does you will answer to God for, “among other things” your use of Time.   If He calls you today, would you be ashamed of how you spent Time?

Send us Fan MailGod Still Says, “It is Good”In the first chapter of the Bible, we read about the creation story. It is a simple yet magnificent record of God, who came from nowhere, stood on nothing, and spoke everything into existence by the power of His Word. After creating everything, God created rest. On the day of rest, He looked around at all things and said, "This is good."Deborah and I once spent a weekend on Lookout Mountain. From the top, we could see the beautiful and majestic world that God created. The grandeur of the river and woods is a testament to the goodness of God's creation.From the top of the mountain, we could also smell the smoke of a distant fire and hear the lonesome whistle of a faraway train. Looking at the cities and towns with their busy factories and highways, I realized that this was God's plan. After creating all things, God turned to man and said, "This is yours to have dominion over." I believe when God looks at the works of man, He smiles and says, "This is good also."Sometimes it's good to go up on a mountain because from down here the world looks messed up. Wars, rumors of wars, and the wickedness of man make this world look hopelessly bad. But on the mountain, you can see the world as God sees it. He is The Great I Am. He has said, "I am God and I change not." Because He does not change, His creation is still good. Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, and God the Father still says, "It is good." 

Send us Fan MailThere is No Fear in Love             The Bible says; "There is no fear in love; for perfect love cast out fear, --- he who fears has not been made perfect in love."The words, “There is no fear in love” may conjure up images of white doves fluttering away in the sunset while violins play in the background. But really, what does this verse mean? How is it possible that love can drive away fear?            Love, what does this mystical word mean? The Greek language has many different words which translate as love. There is erotic love, brotherly love, and then the word “agape” which translates as Godly love. This is the word that is used in this text which we read. The word “agape" has a fascinating meaning. The love it describes is a love that drives away fear. It is a love that is not victim to whimsical human nature; it is a love that conquers all. This love has a unique origin. Its origin is God Himself.            This love is based on a Godly decision that overcomes all fear and anguish and is not made on emotions or feelings. For this love is not a feeling, it is an act of your will. Love is a decision made by your will, which goes over into deeds. I will repeat it; love is a decision leading to action and deeds.            Yes, love is a choice to be made. Make the choice to trust God, follow God, and be obedient to God. Choose to love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your might. And choose to love your neighbor as yourself. Do this and you will find that love will cast out all your fear. Douglas & Deborah Huff 

Send us Fan MailValentine’s Day            February 14th is Valentine’s Day. It is a day of celebrating the romantic love between men and women. It is also a day when Jared, Hallmark, and FTD Flowers celebrate an increase in their revenue. I do not think many people know the real story behind all the candy, flowers, and heart-shaped cards. While it is good that we celebrate love and marriage, we need to remember the man who was Saint Valentine.             Valentine lived during the time of Claudius II. This evil Roman emperor persecuted the church and outlawed marriage. The time in which Valentine lived was much like today in that it was a very permissive society. All lifestyles were permitted and encouraged, except traditional marriage. Valentine refused to submit to laws that subverted the will of God. He was eventually imprisoned and tortured to death for performing marriage ceremonies against the commands of Emperor Claudias.             We know that there are many similarities between the time of Valentine's life and ours. In the permissive society that we live in, traditional and Godly marriage is under attack. Today the government and the court system have proven to be anti-God and anti-marriage. For this reason, now more than ever, we need people like Valentine who will stand and say no to an evil and corrupt culture. Remember this, when loving righteousness and serving God becomes a crime, being an outlaw will be honorable.    

Send us Fan MailBut God Did         It was Friday morning. The last day of Vacation Bible School. On this day, before we could eat our cookies and drink our Kool-Aid, we had to listen to the Preacher. Pastor Suttles talked about how much God loved us. He asked us to trust Jesus and give our lives to Him. That day I decided to follow Jesus. I asked Him to save me. I was only nine years old. I didn't understand everything about salvation. But God did.            It was a Sunday afternoon. The middle of April. She and I stood at the altar in a crowded church. Her Pastor and my Pastor stood before us. Preacher Jack prayed and Preacher Charles officiated. He asked us if we would love and honor one another until we were parted by death. We both said we would. I was 21 she was 18. We were just babies. We didn't know everything about love or marriage. But God did.            It happened twice in the next few years. I stood in a hospital delivery room. I knew she was a maker of miracles as I watched my babies being born. I felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of fatherhood. I didn't know much about being a daddy. But God did.             I was 29 when I was called to preach. Shy and backward, I was afraid to speak in public. I asked God, “Are you sure you know what you are doing?”  He said, “I do.” I told him, I don't think I can do this. He said, “You can't, but I can.”            My life has been full of situations where I did not know what I was doing. Because I am hard-headed, I often make a mess of things. At these times, I learned to say to Him “Lord, I did it again, and I can't fix it.” That is when God says, “Just give it to Me and I will.”            I have found that when I am afraid, the Lord is with me. When I am weak, God is strong.  If I stumble, it is He who catches me. Sometimes in the darkness, I cry out, “Who is my help? “Then God whispers loudly in my ear, “I AM and I will.” 

Send us Fan MailHe Is Enough             Last night before I went to bed, I stood in my front yard looking up at the sky. It was a clear night. As always, the stars were beautiful and awe-inspiring. Now, I have a limited knowledge of the science of the stars. I know a little bit about light years, galaxies, and solar systems. However, I often imagine the stars I see are pinpricks in the floor of Heaven. I think of these pinpricks as a gift from God that allows me to see tiny glimpses of my home in Glory.             Later as I lay in bed, this simple phrase came into my mind “If you have everything, you have nothing and if you have nothing, you have everything.” What does that mean? As I lay on my pillow, I tried to parse this thought out. Eventually sleep took over with the thought still unresolved in my head.             Today I am reminded of a truth that I learned as a result of my ministry. Serving as a pastor I was often called to minister to and pray for people approaching death. Sometimes I would go into the homes of relatively wealthy people. At other times I would go to people who lived in extreme poverty. The truth I learned is that wealthy or poor it does not matter, death treats everyone the same way.             Life on earth is as permanent as the frost on an early autumn morning. It is going to melt away. When you were born you had nothing, when you die everything, you own will immediately belong to someone else. Those who live only to gain wealth will find their wealth to be a destructive trap. The greatest thing you can gain in this world is the contentment of living a Godly life.             If you have everything this world can offer but don’t have Jesus, you have nothing. If in this world you have nothing, but Jesus is your Savior, you have everything. The bottom line is this, wealth and poverty are only temporary but God is eternal, and He is enough. 

Send us Fan MailDo The Right Thing “Today is the sum total of all your yesterdays and today is the common denominator of all your tomorrows.             What you are today is a result of all your past decisions. The things you said or did not say, the things you did or did not do have shaped your life today. Everything you have seen or heard and everywhere you have been or refused to go has been working in your life to form the person that you have become.  Listen to the local news. You will hear how illicit drug use and alcohol abuse is fueling the foolish choices that people make. No doubt most people will say they cannot help themselves. Most will try to blame others for their actions. They will say their lives have been shaped by their circumstances.              That is bull. Circumstances do not shape anyone’s life. Circumstances do not cause people to be what they are. The course of a person’s life is determined by what they choose to do with their circumstances.  History is filled with stories of great men and women we all admire and call heroes. However, our heroes became heroes only because they overcame their circumstances. Ordinary people become great when they reject drugs and alcohol. They become great when they make wise and good choices. Great men and women do not do great things, they simply make it a habit to do the right things.             Now it is a sad fact that you cannot change yesterday. You have to live with the consequences of your past. But God in His mercy has given you a gift. He has given you today. And today is the common denominator of all your tomorrows! Today you will impact your future, so this is your chance to make good choices. This is your chance to speak good words and see good sights. This is your chance to do the right thing. Your actions yesterday may have made you a loser today, but your actions today could cause you to be tomorrow’s hero. And here is the first right thing you can do, trust God! He is the one who made you and He knows about your future. If you ask Him, He will forgive you for your yesterdays, and be your guide for tomorrow. 

Send us Fan MailThe Door            The door separated the waiting room from the examination area of the doctor's office. As he stood there looking out, there was a look of confusion on his face. She saw him standing there and her heart broke. Wise, gentle, and strong, she had always leaned on this man. But now, fear was on his face. A nurse spoke to her and said, “The doctor wants to see you.”            After several visits to the doctor, the issues were worse. This morning he had been adamant that she did not need to go with him as he talked to the doctor. Watching as he followed the nurse back, she began to pray. Now he stood at that door looking so scared and small. She already knew what the doctor was going to say. She whispered, “God, I love you but I don't like how you answer my prayers.”            It was Alzheimer's. This explained the memory loss, confusion, and flashes of anger. There was medicine to take. It would slow the progression of the disease but not stop it. It was going to get worse. Ahead of them were years of heartache and tears. The disease would rob him of many things. But it would never take away her love. Ronald Reagan had rightfully called it, “The Long Goodbye.”  This was only the beginning.             Now he stands at the last door. He is almost home. The journey had been long and hard. She had been by his side the whole way, praying and crying. She whispered, “God, I love him, thank you for hearing my prayers.”         His family was gathered around him as the struggle became a victory.  Clouded eyes became bright. Confused thoughts suddenly became clear as his tangled memories were unraveled. With tears of grief and joy, his loved ones said goodbye. But all of heaven stood and applauded when he stepped through the door that separated Heaven and Earth

Send us Fan MailThe Speed of Yesterday              At five years old, the days seemed to crawl by. He didn't think Christmas would ever get here. As a seventeen-year-old senior, he couldn't wait for graduation. At twenty-two, she said yes, but the year-long engagement seemed to last forever. In his twenty-fifth year, the nine months he waited to meet his baby was interminable. As a young man, his tomorrows were always slow in coming.            Then middle age breezed in. While his children grew, he often attempted the impossible task of being in two places at once. Forty-hour work weeks often required fifty-five hours. Vacations, when they were not postponed, seemed to be something to endure not enjoy. Today, well today it seems like the beginning and end run together. He hasn't noticed it yet, but he's not waiting for tomorrow anymore.      Old! He wonders, when did I get old? He remembers things he did yesterday, but wait, that was twenty years ago. Now, he watches as his children try to be in two places at once. His house is not one of those two places. High school reunions, well they happen mostly in the funeral home these days. And last week was their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary. He celebrated by putting flowers on her grave. He knows now that life travels at the speed of yesterday.             From Psalms 39 we are taught to say “Lord, make me to know that my end is near. Teach me the length of my days so that I may know how frail I am. You have made my days short. And my age is as nothing before You. Every man at his best state is but a vapor. Every man walks about like a shadow. We busy ourselves in vain. We pile up riches, but we don't know who will gather them. So now Lord what do I wait for? You Lord. My hope only is in You.”

Send us Fan MailThere Will Be Hope            Except for using it as a marketing scheme, the world hates Christmas. Why? Because Christmas represents hope.  Hope, the national news media will misreport it, the entertainment industry will misrepresent it, and politicians will attempt to misappropriate it.  But there was, there is and there will always be hope.  God has promised that He will secure the hearts of all who are of good courage and place their hope in Him.              From the Bible, we are taught that long ago in Bethlehem a Child, a tiny baby was born to a virgin named Mary.  We are also taught that a Son, The Son of God was given to the world.  And now, because of the birth of this Child and the gift of the Son, the Light of Life is shining for people who once walked in darkness.   God became a man and dwelt among us. So now we no longer have to dwell in the land of the shadow of death.  The Lord’s promise of hope has been kept.              The Word of God tells us that He will multiply His people and increase our joy.   Indeed, we can rejoice because Jesus has silenced the accuser and broken the rod of our oppressor.   His name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and He is the Prince of Peace. We triumphantly celebrate Christmas because God’s promise of hope has been kept.            Yes, the world hates Christmas, because Christmas is about hope.  But it does not matter what the news media, the entertainment industry, or the politicians try to do.   Jesus Christ is King forever. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end.  God sits upon the throne of His Kingdom.   He will order and establish judgment and justice from this time forward, even forever.  The passion of the LORD of hosts has ensured that the promise of hope will be kept. 

Send us Fan MailPeace on Earth             The soldier has a few hours of downtime. He spends this time cleaning his weapons and checking his equipment. Christmas is coming. From his pocket, he pulls a picture of his family. He kisses his finger and touches his wife’s face. With a smile, he thinks about how excited his children will be on Christmas morning. He wishes he could be there to put their bikes together. It is hard to keep the sand out of his equipment. He wonders, "Will there ever be Peace on earth?"            The young mother drives home late at night. The brakes on her car have started making a squealing noise. Christmas is in a week. She thinks about the tip money she received tonight. It won't buy many gifts for her two children. Her heart still trembled from the fear she felt when that customer was so rude. She had wanted just to run and hide. But that other customer was so kind, he left her that twenty with a simple note that said, “God bless you”. She thought, "Maybe there will be Peace on Earth after all."                        A policeman sits in the backseat of a mangled car. He leans forward to hold the hand of a young man whose broken body is barely clinging to life. The policeman prays as the young man cries for his mama. As the jaws of life loudly rip the car apart a jolt brings the radio to life. As the radio plays, "Joy to the World, the Lord Has Come” the young man's life slips away. The officer continues to pray. He hopes that the young man has found the Peace that is not of this earth.             An old preacher sits on the back pew of a quiet country church. The worship service is over and the people have all gone home. In his heart, he still hears the choir singing and the children laughing. It was a good service tonight. Christmas plays are always special. His heart filled with pride when the youngest member playing the part of the angel said, " For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord."  When the choir sang, they really did sound like a chorus of Angels. Before he leaves for home the old preacher bows his head and prays that there will be peace on earth tonight.             Christmas is about hope. The soldier, the mother, the policeman, and the preacher all hope and pray for the same thing. We all hope and pray for the same thing. So, like the angels let this be our song, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.  

Send us Fan MailThe Sound of Christmas             When God delivered His final message through Malachi, (who wrote the last book of the Old Testament), He stopped communicating with man for nearly 400 years. It was a deafening silence in divine revelation. After 400 years God broke His silence by sending angels to speak to Zacharias, Mary, and Joseph. The angels brought this message; “The fullness of time has come and the promised Messiah will soon be born.” God had broken His silence with the sound of Christmas.             Another year is winding down. We have celebrated a day of Thanksgiving with our families. December has rolled in with a blast of cold air. The shopping season has begun with a vengeance and the Salvation Army bells are ringing. Someone is singing, “Do You Hear What I Hear” and on the radio, “The Little Drummer Boy” is playing.  Our hearts are now lifted because these are the sounds of Christmas.           There is a sound of laughter as people decorate the tree and a rustling of paper as the gifts are wrapped. Excited children are whispering: “Let me tell you what I want for Christmas”. Listen carefully and you can hear the sound of hope, especially if your hope is in Christ. Tune your ears just right and hear the sound of joy that is inexpressible and full of glory. Lift your heart with a song of praise. All around you are the sounds of Christmas.             I pray that the melody of joy will fill your hearts today. Let us have peace with each other as our hearts hum the songs of forgiveness, love, and charity.  I hope the song of God’s peace will rule in your heart. I pray you feel His hand on your shoulder as He guides you through life and may you hear His voice as He whispers words of comfort. Be still and listen to the heartbeat of Jesus. It is in His heartbeat that you will truly hear the Sound of Christmas. 

Send us Fan MailJoseph             His name was Joseph. His calling was the most important task ever given to a man.  Joseph was chosen to be the earthly daddy to the Son of God. He could have rejected this responsibility but He didn’t. Instead, Joseph chose to be the daddy he didn’t have to be.             If I asked you to tell me what Joseph said, you couldn’t do it. None of his words are recorded in scripture. From the Bible, we learn that he was a just, thoughtful, and patient man. Yet it appears that he was not a vocal man.  Being a righteous man, and knowing that actions speak louder than words, Joseph simply stood up and did as the angel of the Lord commanded.              The words of famous men are often immortalized, but the reserved and quiet man will not be remembered by many. His taciturn nature will frustrate his wife and children. But his love is revealed through his actions. God has created him as a quiet but faithful man. He does not seek to be noticed, he seeks to please God. Great men show their greatness not with words but with deeds.            Most men are like Joseph. God chooses them for an important task. They may never build great buildings or lead great companies. But God chose them to touch the world with the hope that is within them. That is the most important task.             Remember, I said the words of Joseph were not recorded in the Bible. Well, that’s not entirely right. One thing he said was reported in Matt. 1:25. In this scripture we are told that when Mary gave birth to her Son, Joseph called His name “Jesus”.  Now the truth is people may forget everything you say or do in this life. So, it is important to live your life in such a way people will remember that like Joseph, you spoke the name of Jesus.   

Send us Fan MailWalking after the Will of God            A carpenter goes to the wood yard to buy lumber. Because He has a reputation as an expert craftsman, he chooses his material carefully. Turning each board, he examines it from every side. It is important to him to choose boards that ideally suit the project that he is working on.               Jesus is the Master Carpenter; He is working on a great project. In John 15:16, He says; "You have not chosen Me but I have chosen you. “God has a plan and purpose for your life. He chose you because you are ideally suited for His project. So, therefore you can know His will for your future.             How can you know God's will?             You can find God's will in the Bible, so read it. We are also told in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. So look for and yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes God will lead you through circumstances. But always make sure that the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, agree with the circumstances. The will of God never contradicts the Word of God. If you feel that you are being led to do something unbiblical then you are not being led by God. If the Bible does not teach it, then it is wrong, flee from it.             Remember it is important that we walk in the will of God.  But two people cannot walk together unless they agree. So, adjust your direction to follow The Lord, don't think that He will adjust His path to suit you. He won't do it.  If you are going to walk with God you will have to take big steps, you cannot say that you are walking with Him if you are willing to lag behind.              You can tell what is in a man's heart by his walk, so always walk after the will of God. After all, He has chosen you for a mighty purpose. He has chosen you to be straight and upright.

Send us Fan MailMany years ago, Rich Mullins declared in a song “Our God Is an Awesome God.” Today I will affirm that statement. The rising sun has not cleared the trees yet but a shaft of light has broken through. Like an ambassador of the day, it paints a portion of the tree in my yard with a golden slash. It is a beautiful clear morning. From eight miles away I can hear the rumble of a train. Nearby a bunch of crows are having a raucous debate. As the morning breaks and the blackbird speaks, God’s Glory is revealed and I do not doubt that He is an awesome God.Listen to this podcast to hear the rest of the story.

Send us Fan MailMy Own Stupid Fault             I have a food allergy. I won't go into detail but certain foods make me sick. There is no guessing about it. I know what I can and cannot eat. But last night I tried to cheat. I ate something I knew I shouldn’t. I rationalized that it wouldn't hurt me because it was just a little bit. Wrong!! For the next twelve hours, I was miserable. And it was my own stupid fault.             As I endured my self-inflicted torment, I realized I couldn’t blame anyone else. No, I was suffering the consequences of my own dumb decision. The truth is throughout the years I have made many foolish choices. Bad decisions almost always result in some kind of distress. Down through the years, my bad choices have caused me financial distress, mental anguish, and physical discomfort. And I could never blame anyone but myself.             And you are no different. If you are honest, you’ll admit that most of your problems are your own fault. We've all acted quickly when we should have taken our time. Now we are all haunted by bad decisions, words spoken too quickly, and things we wish we had not done.              The good news is this. God will forgive you of your sins and mistakes. The bad news is He will not erase the fact that those sins and mistakes were made. You see, God forgives you of your sin. But as long as you live on this earth there is the possibility that you will face the consequences of those sins and mistakes.             So, what now? Well, you can’t change the past, so give it to God and let Him do what He will with it. However, the choices you make today will impact your life tomorrow. The Bible says “There is a way that seems right to men, but the end thereof is death.” You need to stay away from that way. Big or small take every decision to God in prayer. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide. “And whenever you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you, This is the way. Walk in it.”   Isaiah 30:21 Douglas &Deborah Huffwww.pavementendsministry.comEmail- [email protected]

Send us Fan MailNinety-nine sheep are safe. Only one is missing. Outside it is cold and dark. The wolves are howling. It is dangerous to go out. Some shepherds would say, “Ninety-nine are safe, so I won’t concern myself with the one that is lost.” But not the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep by name and His heart trembles for the one that is lost. Listen to this podcast to hear the rest of the story

Send us Fan MailI was twelve years old and it was the opening day of deer season. It was still dark. The sun would not even think about rising for another thirty minutes. Daddy shined his flashlight on the boards nailed into the tree as I climbed up to the deer-stand. He watched as I got settled in then handed my new Winchester 30-30 up to me. Before he walked to his stand he asked me, are you scared ?  I said, no I’m alright. But I lied.Listen to this podcast to hear the rest of this story.

Send us Fan MailNo one has time to listen, that is no one but God! Yes, God in Heaven is leaning forward on His throne to listen to me. The Bible tells me that before I even speak God hears and answers my prayers. He promises that if I call out to Him, He will hear and show me things that are beyond my imagination.  When I ask for something, He gives it. When I am seeking something, He helps me to find it and when I knock, He opens the door and invites me in. God always has time for me and He will always listen to my prayers.

Send us Fan MailIf you are a child of God, He has a calling for you.  But His purpose for your life does not depend on what you have or don’t have.  Sometimes people resist God’s calling because they are afraid, uneducated, or don’t have enough money. However, God can turn poverty into plenty, fear into strategy, and a limited education into wisdom.  Place your confidence in Jesus.  He can do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you can ask or think because of the power of the Holy Spirit that works in you.   But don’t take my word for it, Go and See. 

Send us Fan MailSometimes we forget that God is sovereign. In our arrogance, we think that even God can be tamed. Here is the problem. We want God to suit us. We try to put a bridle in His mouth and turn His head to please us. We end our prayers with, “In the Name of Jesus, Amen” thinking that God can be manipulated. But you need to know, God is untamable.                                                                                                          This devotion is an audio podcast click the link below to listen.

Send us Fan MailIn the process of life, sometimes we all get broken. And sometimes we don’t even know that we are broken. When God begins the process of fixing us, we don’t understand why we are suffering. So, we cry out to Him for mercy. The truth is when God is grinding, cutting, welding, and hammering on us, He is being the most merciful to us. He is fixing us where we are broken.              If you are a child of God, you have this promise that is found in 1 Peter; “After you have suffered for a little while…. Christ Himself will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” 

Send us Fan MailGod dearly loves His children and that is why He chose us and set us apart. So, no one should ever be surprised by the kindness of a child of God. It is faith in Jesus that has saved us.  We are commanded to add goodness, self-control, godliness, and brotherly kindness to this faith.  With a gentle word, we can turn away anger. With a good word, we can give encouragement, and with a kind word, we can calm a troubled heart. For this reason, we should always clothe ourselves with mercy, gentleness, and kindness. If we do this, we will be dressed for success. in this episode I talk about the need to clothe ourselves in kindness.

Send us Fan MailWhen I think about the Goodness of my God I am overwhelmed with joy. I have to lift my voice and my hands to Heaven. And I often wonder why other people don’t do the same thing. You see, I am happy that I serve The Lord. When I am in His presence, I can’t help but sing. And even though my voice is not very good, the noise I make is full of joy.

Send us Fan MailThe Great Engineer of the universe tells us in Genesis Chapter 8 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night will not cease.” When I go to gather my tomatoes and have to wipe the sweat from my face, I will give glory to God because the sweat on my brow is a testimony that His promises will never fail.

Send us Fan MailThe powers that be hate it when people get along. They know that people who get along cannot be controlled by evil people. So let us make their lives miserable. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Lift each other in prayer. We can glorify God with our actions and make the world better with our smiles. Be like Jesus and say, I Love People.

Send us Fan MailGod is a master at bringing beauty from ashes and joy from suffering. In Romans 8:18 we are promised that “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Yes, droughts and fires may be worrisome and smoke and haze may cause us pain and suffering. But look at that sunset!

Send us Fan MailIn the Bible, God tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.” These days, wickedness abounds and evil is celebrated. So now, more than ever, we need to humbly bow our heads and experience His unmistakable sovereignty. At night the whippoorwill declares that God is good. In the morning the birds awaken to sing to the glory of the Righteous King. Just as the sunrise is inevitable, in the same way, we know that the Kingdom of God is unending.

Send us Fan MailA rich young man once asks Jesus how he could enter Heaven. Jesus told him to sell all he had, give away the proceeds, and follow Him. Sadly, the young man missed Heaven because he could not turn loose of his stuff. Does this mean that riches and wealth are evil? No! It means that we must understand that all we have comes from God. If you love your stuff more than you do Jesus, there will be no place for you in Heaven. If you don’t have time for God now, He won’t have time for you later.