Leadership Thought: Do You Have a Spiritual  Battle Buddy in Your Life?

Dear Friends,

"Battle Buddies" are what they are called. They are men who commit to building each other up through a one-on-one relationship that is built on honesty, openness and accountability.

Unfortunately, in most churches, men's bible studies, men's fellowship, men's outreach events, men's prayer meetings, and men's retreats, are the most sparsely attended events in the local church.

It's not that men don't have time for such meetings or gatherings; it's that they won't make the time.

Men are far less inclined than women to develop such relationships, but they need these kinds of relationships every bit as their female counterparts.

As a result of attending a recent Stand Courageous Men's Conference, some of the men in our church were encouraged to develop a "Battle Buddy," a one-on-one relationship with another man, and a few of us have started building such relationships with the hope that other men will do the same.

There were no more powerful pair of warriors in the Bible than Joshua and Caleb. They were a dynamic duo.

"Then the people of Judah came to Joshua at Gilgal. And Caleb, the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite  said to him, 'You know what the Lord said to Moses, the man of God in Kadesh-barnea concerning you and me." (Joshua 14:6)

"Don't miss those words "You and Me." They are important. It would be these two seasoned warriors who  with God's help would enjoy victory after victory as together they prepared for their people's entrance into the Promise Land. They were truly the first biblical spiritual and military "battle buddies."

They both knew they needed each other as they faced the future challenges before them. Serving together for almost 50 years, they fought many battles before they would set foot in the Promise Land.

As I thought about these "battle buddies," I was once again reminded of how important it has been for me to have had men in my life with whom I could be honest and open.

For many years before I even learned about the idea of having a "battle buddy," I had a friend whom I had come to know while pastoring in another church. Today we still remain close friends and meet for breakfast each Wednesday morning, and we have done so for many years. I can't imagine what my life would be like without this dear friend. 

However, more recently, I have begun to develop another "battle buddy" relationship in our church. My new friend is one like me who recognizes the importance of providing encouragement and accountability for one another.

Did not Jesus tell Peter in Luke 22:32 to " strengthen your brothers"? Men who are strong in the faith are usually that way because they have had men in their life who have strengthened them.

As the Scripture reminds us, "As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another." (Prov 27:17)

John reminds us, "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:7)  

As "battle buddies," we encourage one another "to walk in the light," and as we do so we enjoy the wonderful promise of fellowship while also experiencing a cleansing from sin, and how badly we need both these qualities in our lives.

If you don't presently have a "battle buddy" in your life, why not start praying today for God to reveal that special person, so that like Joshua and Caleb you might enjoy all those personal and spiritual victories God has in store for your life?"

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom

Leadership Thought: Two Umpires Relate and Collaborate and Provide a Template to Solve More Than Baseball Issues.

Dear Friends, 

"Collaboration is the secret sauce that transforms organizations from mere entities into what I like to call dynamic organizations of  innovation of success." Chris Goede, from the podcast, "Minute with Maxwell"

I love to umpire baseball. Part of the reason why is because it gives me an opportunity to meet and make new friends. Relationships are particularly important to me, and I have developed some wonderful friendships over the years of umpiring on the baseball field.

But a second reason I love to umpire is because it provides an opportunity for collaboration, and I have learned that whenever people come together to solve a problem or achieve a common goal, they almost always get better doing so.

Yes, cooperation is important in any working relationship, but collaboration is even more valuable. 

A few years ago, I had the privilege of working with a 39-year veteran umpire. He had traveled Europe teaching umpiring to those  in the international Little League program, and I was excited to hear of his travels and how his experience had culminated in his umpiring a Little League World Series game in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the home of the Little League World Series. 

After the game, we headed to Dunkin Donuts to spend some time talking about the game. We discussed one situation where we collaborated on a particular call and how that collaboration helped solve a potential issue. 

In umpiring, collaboration is a vital resource in solving problems and helping to make the right calls. 

In the third inning of our game, the batter attempted to bunt the ball, but being blocked by the catcher, I couldn't discern whether the ball had hit him or hit the bat. I immediately called, "Out! Dead ball. It hit him, take first base." 

The opposing coach screamed out, "It didn't hit him, it hit his bat, and it should be a foul ball."

Now umpires are taught to collaborate in situations like this, so I called time, signaled a meeting with my new friend and asked him, " What did you see?"  

He told me he saw the hitter offer at the pitch that hit him, but even though the ball hit him, because he had made an attempt to bunt the ball, it now became just a strike, and he was not awarded first base. 

We apparently got the call right for both coaches were satisfied, and both umpires had avoided in early rhubarb. 

Collaboration had solved the problem, and the way we had handled it had gained the respect of both coaches.

Someone said. "Collaboration is nothing more than cooperation on steroids." 

Cooperation is 'having' to work together, while collaboration is 'wanting' to work together. Cooperation is good, but collaboration is even better. 

When people intentionally determined to collaborate, a number of things happen. Problems get solved, the participants learn from each other, and respect for one another increases. Simply put, "You get better together."

When collaboration takes place, whether it is around the family table, in a corporate boardroom, or in a church conference setting, problems get solved. We learn from each other, and we grow to respect one another. There is a synergy that is developed as thoughts and ideas are shared and almost always those involved come away with a better solution to the problem being discussed. 

That Saturday was a good day for two veteran umpires.  A common responsibility forged a new friendship, and two umpires were both reminded that collaboration is not only of value in the family, church or corporate world, but it is of value even on a high school baseball field. 

Yes, it is true as the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds us, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Yes, we really need each other, and it is important that we learn from one another, for when we do, we can solve major problems that might not otherwise be solved alone. 

And best of all, when this happens, we can walk off the baseball field, as we did, to the welcome sounds  an umpire loves to hear "Good job blue."

Yours in faith and friendship, 

Tom.

Leadership Thought: Leaders Need Encouragement for It Can Be Lonely at the Top

Dear Friends.

The other night at bible study I was attending, our discussion centered around how we can encourage and build up our church leaders.

As a pastor for over 50 years, I sat back and listened quietly as I was interested in hearing people's thoughts on this subject, and they were many.

We often assume that those at the top don't need encouragement, but pastors and others in leadership positions need and appreciate it every bit as much as  anyone else. 

Leaders are constantly in the crosshairs of criticism, and by virtue of their position, they can be easy targets for angry people. 

A number of years ago, I was watching a PBS television presentation in which the curator of the Library of Congress revealed the contents found in the wallet of Abraham Lincoln on the night he was assassinated. 

Included among the items found in President Lincoln's wallet were a handkerchief, embroidered with the words A. Lincoln, a pen knife, a spectacle's case, a five dollar Confederate bill, and a torn newspaper clipping of an article of a speech given by John Bright, a historian, in which he had referred to Abraham Lincoln, as "one of the greatest men of all times."

Lincoln must have cherished those affirming words, as he dealt with the hatred and criticism of those who opposed him and his leadership.

If anyone knew loneliness and needed encouragement, it was President Lincoln. If anyone needed someone to come alongside him with a handshake, a hug, or an encouraging word, it was the President. If anyone needed to know that there were people who loved him, cared about him, and deeply appreciated the sacrifice he was making as president amidst such tumultuous times, it was President Lincoln.

Yes, it can be lonely at the top, and Lincoln knew it, and so does every other person who holds a position of leadership. Leaders often pay a price for being at the top, and it's called loneliness. 

The Apostle Paul knew loneliness. He writes to Timothy "Everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me" (Timothy, 1:15).

And who can forget the anguished cry of separation screamed out on the cross by our Savior: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

A. W. Tozer has written, "Most of the world's great souls have been lonely," and a Jewish proverb declares "Loneliness, eats into the soul." Quotations for the Christian World, Edith Draper, p. 390. 

Having said this, what can we do about it? We can encourage those who are our leaders. We can write letters of encouragement in which we tell them that we are praying for them as we are reminded to do in 1Timothy 2:2.

There are a myriad of ways to express our encouragement to those in leadership positions, and if we are intentional about it, the Spirit of God will show us how. 

As our meeting drew to a close, I remembered a message told at a pastor's funeral. 

After many glowing tributes were given by those in the congregation, one pastor stood up and said, "If only your pastor could have heard those encouraging words today, for if he had, he might still be alive, for your pastor died of a broken heart."

And then the pastor concluded by saying, "More pastors die from broken hearts than swelled heads."

Enough said.

Yours in faith and friendship

Tom.

Leadership Thought: A Conversation with My Grand Daughter About Memorial Day.

Dear Friends,

Yesterday as my nine-year-old granddaughter and I were planting little American flags in our front lawn, I asked her if she knew why we were doing it. 

She didn't seem to be real sure, so I told her as best as I could that we were doing it as a way of remembering all those fallen soldiers who died to preserve our freedom. 

I am not sure  how much of what I said sunk in, but as we talked, I found myself wondering how many of those in our nation really understand or appreciate the significance of Memorial Day.

This past Friday I sent out a Leadership Thought reminding us of ways we can celebrate today, and if you didn't read it, I hope you will.

Please don't let apathy or indifference steal away the sacredness of this day.

Enjoy the day with your family and friends, but don't let your celebrations overshadow the reason you gather for each of us is called to care for each and every soldier who fought to preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

Yours in faith and friendship.

Tom 

P.S For a powerful three-minute reminder of why we celebrate this day, please click on the    link  below.

 www.youtube.com › watchMEMORIAL DAY | We Will Remember - YouTube

Leadership Thought: How Will You Celebrate Memorial Day in a Way That Recognizes Its Meaning? 

Dear Friends,

I am late in sending this Leadership Thought, but I am early in suggesting what you should do after reading it.

This Monday we will celebrate Memorial Day. To me it is one of the most important calendar days of our year, and yet sadly, for many who celebrate it, it has become just another day off, an excuse for parties and family get togethers.

Every year I was a high school history teacher, I always showed my classes the first twenty minutes of the movie Saving Private Ryan to visually communicate to them the read cost that was paid for our freedom, a freedom which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives as our fighting forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, Omaha, Juno, Utah and Gold. 

Although I was never in the armed forces, I have a great appreciation for those who have served. My dad was a colonel in the army, my brother-in-law was a captain in the Marine Corp, and I have many close friends who served and risked their lives in Viet Nam.

Today, whenever I see someone in uniform, I am quick to express my thanks to them. I am truly grateful for those who have  served and are serving today.

As we gather this Monday to celebrate this holiday, let me encourage you to take time to think, talk, and pray for those men and women who have served or who are presently serving in our nation's armed forces.

I send this devotional two days ahead of Memorial Day in hopes that you will take time to prepare your hearts to celebrate this significant day in a way that honors its true meaning.

To help you do this, I have included a message below, as well as a six-minute video to watch. I warn you ahead that you might need a box of Kleenex around as you watch it. 

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom 

 

 

Daily Devotional

Be a Hero to a Hero: 5 Ways to Support Families with Fallen Soldiers May 25

by Mara Rose Memorial Day often signifies the start of summer. Maybe it’s a day to find good deals at a furniture store or car dealership. Some might even look forward to having a day off of work, grilling outdoors with family or friends, and maybe catching a baseball game. But what is Memorial Day really about? I am a proud military wife to an American soldier. Each year I develop a deeper appreciation for this holiday because of the many sacrifices our military makes for our freedom. This year it takes on a new meaning for me - along with many others that have ever lost a loved one in the service. We’ve stood at the grave site of a fallen soldier. We’ve seen the American flag draped over the coffin. We’ve watched as their brothers in arms carried the casket. We’ve shed heartbroken tears at the funeral of a veteran, brother, daughter or friend. And we have felt the unbelievable pain from loss. Today is the day that we honor the memory of all our service members that are no longer with us today! Memorial Day is separate and very distinct from other holidays like Veteran’s Day - although they do have similarities. So, what is the difference?  According to PBS, “Since the earliest ceremonies in small American towns following the Civil War, we have gathered on Memorial Day to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. As in those early days of laying wreaths and placing flags, our National Day of Remembrance is often felt most deeply among the families and communities who have personally lost friends and loved ones. The mission of Memorial Day is to reach out in support of all the soldiers and their families who have sacrificed so much for us.” On this day, we pay our respects and give thanks for those that have passed away on the battlefield and at home. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the men and women that served and paid the ultimate sacrifice. So before you start the grill and prepare your famous potato salad for the Memorial Day cookout - pray for the families and loved ones that are missing someone at their picnic table today. Pray for the ones that have lost someone special and might be hurting today. In light of those that given so much and lost their lives for our freedom, what can we do to support the families left behind and other living veterans? 1. Honor and remember those that have gone before us. Visit a war memorial in your area. Place flowers at the grave or honor their memory by paying your respects with family members of the fallen. 2. Donate your time, talents or resources to local reputable veteran organizations. Find an organization that honors and advocates for veterans and families that have lost loved in service to their nation. Some families will often hold a bake sale, cookout, and other events to help offset financial costs or raise awareness for veterans. Genuine support and reverence really go a long way. 3. Support local Honor Flights. These flights provide the opportunity for older Veterans of WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars to visit the national memorials to remember their fallen comrades. Check to see if there are Honor Flights in your area. 4. Volunteer at a cemetery or visit a Veteran home. You can volunteer to lay flowers or flags at a veteran or local cemetery. Maybe visit the aging Veterans in your communities to hear them tell their stories. Also check the VA website for specific Memorial Day needs by state. 5. Fly an American flag at your home or wear patriotic colors. Keep in mind that flags are typically flown at half-staff today in honor of the service members. Also, if you see a flag that is damaged or not displayed correctly, please kindly inform the business or neighbor so they may properly show respect. Learn more about properly displaying the flag with the American Legion. Providing real and tangible support now may even help prevent further loss of our nation’s finest before next Memorial Day. Your support can make a difference in the lives of those who are still serving today. Remember to thank God for the brave men and women that gave us all the freedom to enjoy simple luxuries like outdoor picnics and a Monday off work. Thank God for all of those that have served and are currently serving today. Watch a video featuring “The True Meaning of Memorial Day”, featuring a song that will always bring me to tears, “Amazing Grace”. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (NIV)

Leadership Thought: Eternal Security

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in the opening verses of 1 Peter 1: 3-5. It is God's great salvation guarantee. 

Our brother Peter writes, " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

If you are looking for a sure proof guarantee of your security in this life and in the next than, you don't have to look any further than these verses. 

Our brother Peter tells us that Jesus provides us with a guarantee that our hope for heaven is protected and that it will never perish, spoil or fade," 

When we lived in Philadelphia, we lived in a fairly dangerous area, and yet we seldom locked our doors at the manse. We didn't worry a lot about anyone breaking into our home because inside that home lived our great big old  English Sheep dog, "Huggy." 

Now while Huggy, as his name indicates, was one of the most gentle and loveable dogs you could ever possess,  any thieves trying to break into our home would not know it.

Our security depended on the size of our guard, and that guard was sufficient to prevent anything from being taken from our home.
Peter reminds us that we are kept and guarded  by God's power.

Ask me why I believe in the doctrine of the "perseverance of the Saints"....... once saved, always saved, I believe it is because of 1 Peter, 1:5. when Peter reminds me that our security depends not on ourselves but on God who guards me and who holds me in the in the palm of his hand.

We are safe and secure in His presence who protects us and watches over us both now and for all eternity.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom

I am Indebted to Steve Brown and his commentary on these verses in a sermon he preached, and which are contained in a sermon manuscript.

Leadership Thought: A Recent Church Newsletter from Alan Kahn on the Power of Letter Writing 

Dear Friends

I love writing and receiving personal letters.

Before dealing with neuropathy which has impacted my fingers and my ability to grasp a pen, I used to regularly set aside time each week to write personal notes to people. However, I stopped this endeavor when I got a phone call from a friend, who said, "Tom. thanks for your recent letter, but do you mind telling me what you said."

Although I still do write a few personal letters, they are a lot fewer and shorter now. Now, most of my notes are typewritten, computer-generated e-mails which are not quite the same as a personal handwritten note.

Personal letters have significantly impacted my life. In fact, it was a personal handwritten letter from a pastor named Sam Tatem that resulted in my decision to attend seminary when I had planned on pursuing a career in teaching and coaching.

Just this week I received a newsletter from Alan Kahn, a friend of mine who is a church planter in Brooklyn, New York. Alan shared a story in his church newsletter that caught my attention. It once again reminded me of the power of  handwritten notes.

"I went to see Richard Dawkins, maybe the most famous atheist in the world, speak at an event held in Brooklyn."

"Dawkins, who wrote the anger-filled book The God Delusion after 9/11, has been known as an inflammatory and outspoken critic of Christianity."

"One of his atheist colleagues: Ayaan Hirsi Ali, also an outspoken critic of Christianity, actually became a believer this past fall."

"Times certainly have changed, and although Dawkins still isn't a believer, he was willing to concede many beautiful things about Christianity."

"What was really intriguing to me was a comment Ayaan Hirsi Ali made:"

"As someone who was abused growing up in a radical Islamic culture, she received many death threats as she left the religion and began to speak against it. She would have 6 bodyguards follow her in order to shield her from attacks. However, she mentioned she never feared Christians because they wrote letters to her. And specifically, the Christians wrote powerful letters that said they were praying for her."

Today I still have Sam Tatem's letter in an old Bible that has become a personal repository of especially meaningful or memorable letters I've received. 

Sam had read a newspaper article about our college Fellowship of Christian Athletes group which spent weekends sharing our faith in children's and senior citizen's homes

Seeing the article on our ministry in his local newspaper, he decided to write and thank me for what we were doing. His letter was such an encouragement to me that I wrote back to thank him, and this exchange commenced a two-year period of letter writing between the two of us who never personally met.

In one of those many letters we exchanged; Sam encouraged me to think about attending seminary following my college graduation. This retired 85-year-old pastor whom I knew only through his letters, played a significant role in leading me along the pathway to my future ministry. 

Without his letter would I have entered seminary instead of teaching and coaching, I don't know, but I do know his encouragement had a profound impact on my decision and my vocational direction, and for that I will forever be grateful 

Alan closed his newsletter with these words: "Never dismiss the day of small things and the impact that you can make by being faithful to follow the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, prompting you to act" (perhaps writing some small letter of encouragement). 

"Who knows the impact we could have on souls from one such simple act of obedience?

Yours in faith,

Tom

P.S. Sadly Sam Tatem and I never got to meet personally. Three months before I graduated and before I could visit him on my way home following graduation, the Lord took  Sam home.

Leadership Thought: How Are Your Listening Skills?

Dear Friends,

Who among us has not heard the expression, “God gave us two ears and one mouth, so that we could listen twice as much as we speak”? Unfortunately, while many of us know the truth of this little axiom, there are all too few who practice it.

From time to time, I am reminded of my need to be a better listener, and over the years I have clipped and filed away some stories and quotes on the importance of listening.  I have kept them as a reminder of my need to continue developing my listening skills. I share them with you in hopes that they may be of help and encouragement to you as well.

“There are times when nothing a person can say is so powerful as saying nothing.” Ruth Perry.

“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would rather be talking.” Aristotle

“I remind myself every morning that nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I am going to learn, I must do it by listening.” Larry King

“A wise old owl lived in an oak.

The more he saw, the less he spoke.

The less he spoke the more he heard. 

Why can’t we be like that wise old bird?”

And one of my favorites comes from the martyred German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who reminds us that we can discover a neighbor’s needs by becoming better listeners.

He writes: “Listening can be a greater service than speaking. Many people are looking for an ear    

that will listen. They do not find it among Christians, because these Christians are talking when      they should be listening.”

“There is a kind of listening with half an ear that presumes already to know what the other person has to say. It is an impatient, inattentive listening that despises the brother and is only waiting for a chance to speak and thus get rid of the other person.”

“Christians have forgotten that the ministry of listening has been committed to them by Him who is Himself the great listener, and whose work they share. We should listen with the ears of God that we may speak the Word of God.”

And finally, from Chuck Swindoll who once found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. He was snapping at his wife and children, choking down his food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated every time there was an unexpected interruption in his day. He recalls in his book Stress Fractures that before long, things around their home started reflecting the pattern of his hurry-up life. He said the situation was becoming unbearable. Then it happened.

After supper one evening his younger daughter, Colleen wanted to tell him something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, “Daddy, I ‘wanna’ tell you something, and I’ll tell you really fast.”

Suddenly realizing her frustration, Swindoll answered, “Honey, you can tell me - and you don’t have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly.” He has never forgotten her answer: “Then listen slowly.”

The above are all good reminders for us, as we continue to develop our listening skills. Let’s be sure each of us takes the time to listen a little more slowly to the people with whom we interact. Let’s slow our pace down a little. Nothing is too important to keep us from giving our full attention to the person with whom we are speaking. Let’s make them feel important by listening to them. Let’s help them to know that we really do care about them and let’s show them our love by being the best listeners we can be. We need to slow down and listen long enough to hear the real hurts of the people God brings across our path today.

And yes, don’t forget the words of one man who was inspired to pen the words that God wants every one of us to hear and never forget: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry . . .” (James 1:19)

Have a great day and be a GREAT LISTENER.

Yours in ministry,

Pastor Tom

P.S. I almost forgot to mention the classic words of Abraham Lincoln who was reported to have once said, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.”

Leadership Thought: Don't Let the Old Man in

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite country singers is Toby Keith. I first heard him sing "I Should Have  Been a Cowboy" a number of years ago which became one of my all-time favorite country songs.

Toby, who was one of the great country music artists, recently passed away  on February 5th, 2024, after a valiant battle with stomach cancer.

In 2019 Keith wrote and recorded "Don't Let the Old Man In" which was inspired by a meeting with Clint Eastwood. 

The two shared a golf cart at Eastwood's golf tournament in California, and the Oscar  winning director mentioned he was leaving the next day for a three- month shoot to make the movie called "The Mule." 

"How do you do it, man?" Keith asked.

"I just don't let the old man in," Eastwood (now, 95 years old) responded.

From there, Keith got to writing. After hearing the song, Eastwood wound up putting the song in his movie.

"Don't Let the Old Man In" is a song about how time comes for all of us, but we can't let it get to us. It's another way of saying we all should live life to the fullest while we're here. Information taken from the internet

[Verse 1]

Don't let the old man in, I wanna live me some more
Can't leave it up to him, he's knocking on my door
And I knew all of my life, that someday it would end
Get up and go outside, don't let the old man in
[Chorus]
Many moons I have lived
My body's weathered and worn
Ask yourself how old would you be
If you didn't know the day you were born
[Verse 2]
Try to love on your wife
And stay close to your friends
Toast each sundown with wine
Don't let the old man in
[Chorus]
Many moons I have lived
My body's weathered and worn
Ask yourself how old would you be
If you didn't know the day you were born
[Verse 3]
When he rides up on his horse
And you feel that cold bitter wind
Look out your window and smile
Don't let the old man in

Tomorrow I will preside at the funeral of an 87-year-old member of our church, and if I could sing, I would sing Toby Keith's song at the service for it would be a fitting tribute to my friend Ruth Donnelly.

Ruth  lived life well, and even in the midst of numerous hospital visits and difficult physical challenges, she never lost her joy nor hid her smile.  

And as I stood beside her hospital bed while talking with her about her funeral service, she manifested the joy and confidence of one who was unafraid of death, for she knew where she was going. 

For 87 years she had lived her life to the fullest-she had kept the old man out- and now she was ready to go home, and she was confidently looking forward to her new life with Jesus and with all those waiting to welcome her.

It has been said that only Christians can smile at death, and if I know Ruth she is smiling today in a way that she has never smiled before. 

Thanks be to God who gives us the victory.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom

P.S. Click on the link below should you wish to hear the song

Toby Keith - Don't Let the Old Man In

YouTube · TobyKeithVEVO

971.4K+ views · 3 years ago

Leadership Thought: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me about Live, Loss and Grace

I hope the story below will touch you the way it did me. It was written by Dave Burchette, one of the writers for a daily e-mail devotional I receive. Even if you are not a dog lover like I am, I think you will find something that will speak to your heart. The story is taken from Dave's book, Stay: Lessons My Dods Taught Me about Life, Loss and Grace

Dear Friends,

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing… I know my Master is there and that is enough.”  (Source unknown)

Charlie, our Golden Retriever, developed a large benign tumor under his front leg that made walking difficult. We took him in for what would be a rather serious surgery at his ripe old canine age of twelve. The vet did a masterful job in removing the growth and taking care of Charlie. My spiritual epiphany occurred when we were called to the animal hospital to pick him up. We waited as they brought Charlie out. He shuffled slowly out and I was taken aback by his appearance. Charlie was trembling, frightened, and appeared to be in some pain. His head was down and his perpetual motion tail was strangely still. He seemed confused and disoriented. Then I walked over to Charlie and simply touched him. Almost immediately he quit trembling and he made a valiant attempt to wag his tail. We carefully got him into the car and took Charlie home to heal.

As I reflected on that scene it struck me that Charlie’s reaction to my touch and mere presence was a wonderful illustration of how Jesus comforts (or desires to comfort) me. When I (his master) touched Charlie he was comforted. His pain was not gone. He was still a bit disoriented and unsure. Charlie’s circumstances hadn’t really changed at all. But he knew that his master was there and that made it better. What a picture that is of how the touch of Jesus enables us to respond when we are frightened, in pain, disoriented and confused. We need to remind ourselves that Jesus never promised that all trouble would vanish when we believe in Him. In fact the opposite often happens. Jesus did promise that He would be there and that would be enough. My prayer for myself and for you today is that we will seek, realize, and be comforted by the touch of the Master in times of difficulty. Paul realized that contentment is not found in good circumstances. He wrote these words from prison while chained to a Roman soldier.

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4, The Message)

I am so grateful that Paul did not write I “am” content and I “know” the secret. He was divinely inspired to honestly write that he had “learned” to be content and he had “learned” the secret of being content. It did come naturally or easily to Paul either. Don’t be discouraged. If you are following Jesus and desiring the touch of the Master then you are learning as well. Contentment is learning how to be present in the present with Jesus. Our nature is to not enjoy the moment at hand and the blessings that usually surround us. Satan would have us living in regret of the past and fear of the future. Jesus said to follow Him. He told us our past is forgiven and our future is in His Hands. Enjoy the moment. Seek the touch of the Master. And continue “learning” to be content. It will change your life.

Yours in faith and friendship,

Tom