An Odd Day in the Life...

Today is just a rather odd day. I’m still reeling from the news of Janice Francis’ unexpected passing yesterday, plus was informed by Facebook that it’s been two years since Karen Bell passed away. It seems that I’ve have so many dear friends that have gone on, but I am just trying to stay hopeful and positive to inspire those that are still around to live for Christ and know that when each of our time here has gone - that, we too, fly to the arms of Jesus.

I’ve just returned from what is probably the last motorcycle ride I’ll ever take. I rode my bike up to the Drasco Trading Post to put it on their sales floor. It was a beautiful day for a ride and the ride was, thankfully, uneventful. But by the time I arrived my arthritis had caused nearly every joint to feel as if it were on fire. That just helped make the decision to sell the bike easier. It’s been a good 10 year run as a biker, a few broken bones and road rashes that all healed, but I’m just not willing to gamble with my physical well-being any longer. I appreciate my buddy, Walter, following me up and giving me a ride back home. Now if the bike will sell, and my house will sell, we can get on with the relocation project to Benton where we minister at Sharon Baptist Church.

I was also reminded today that 16 years ago I began serving Faith Baptist Church in North Little Rock. What a great 14 1/2 years that was. I was so blessed to work with some awesome people and serve an awesome church. We’ve been at Sharon a little over a year and a half and we continue to be so blessed to be able to minister in one of the Lord’s churches.

Life on this earth can be hard, what with saying goodbye to those who go on before us, and with the physical challenges of getting older, but I’m planning to “go until He comes and serve until He stops me.” I’m about to head to Benton tonight to share Sharon church (and more importantly to share Jesus) with those who I see at “Spook City” in downtown Benton, then another wonderful Sunday tomorrow. 

God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good. I hope you know Him! If not, won’t you let me introduce Him to you?

Drinking from the saucer, ‘cos my cup has overflowed,

Jeff Hulsizer, worshipper

Home!

My what an interesting couple of weeks! The challenges fade in the face of the blessings (if you’re patient and wait to see what can happen!)

Last Friday (July 29) I left the house to head to Bogg Springs for Kidz Kamp Staffer Training Weekend. It was a great weekend complete with a couple of cooler mornings Saturday and Sunday. Both sessions of Kidz Kamp were awesome as well with over 60 souls coming to know Jesus (including precious Leasie Baxter!) 

I had the honor to sing at Bro. Carl Wright’s funeral service on Wednesday morning, August 3, so I came home Tuesday night. Who knew that would be the last time I would sleep in my own bed until last night (Thursday night, August 11)! Our A/C at the house had been acting up and laid down completely on Wednesday (as I was making it back to the Bogg!). My poor wife had to deal with the service call declaring the compressor “beyond repair” and the long wait for the new part to be be shipped. She moved in with our daughter and son-in-law in Ward and upon the completion of camp (Saturday, Aug. 6), I moved in with our youngest daughter in Benton (with super dog Lucy in tow). I saw my wife at church Sunday, and not again until last night when I finally got to move home! I so appreciate our kids putting up their parents during the time the a/c was broken.

During the adventure our youngest daughter faced the daunting task of turning her classroom (complete with a ceiling link right in the center the room) into a classroom fit for new first grade students, no small task. She stayed busy, and kept me busy, every spare moment between Saturday’s return to the Open House last night. Let me interject how grateful we are to Mrs. Jana Brumbelow for all her help on Thursday (and beyond!).

I finally got home about 9:30 last night and literally fell into the bed in a nice cool house. I woke up this morning and took Miss Lucy outside and listened to the beautiful sound of an air conditioning unit starting and running smoothly, what an awesome sound! I’ve got lots to do, finally unpacking from camp and getting the lawn mowed. We’ve got to keep the house in tip-top shape as it is for sale and a prospective buyer could schedule an appointment to see the house at any time!

While we are anxious to finally get moved to Benton to live in the same city as the church in which we serve, I’m trying not to be impatient with the process! I have been heard to say, “God is teaching me patience, but I wish He'd hurry!”

As John Denver used to sing, “Hey it’s good to be back home again”! Amen to that! But I’d sure love to sell you this house I love (as well as a fine motorcycle!) Life is never boring around the Hulsizer family!

Jeff Hulsizer, comfortably air-conditioned!

Just Breathe

I sit here tonight, like last night, heart-broken, angry, sad, confused. So I listened to “Just Breathe” by Jonny Diaz, again. It’s my go-to song right now and I’m trying to take the advice given in the song. I think it’s good advice. We are all sinners, some saved - some lost. Jesus is the difference. Jesus is the example. 

Jesus didn’t apologize, He didn’t need to, He never sinned. People didn’t understand Him. He didn’t do what they did, He didn’t react like they did, like we do. That’s the example. 

I’ve apologized…alot, but not enough. I’m an emotional creature - I get mad, I get hurt, I react. I say things, I do things I shouldn’t. I’ve hurt people with my reactions, my words, my actions. I fear God, I know (after I calm down and remember) there are consequences to my actions. 

Einstein was right (sort of), for every action there is a reaction, but he was speaking of the physical world in which we live. God is above that world. We, as God’s people are above that world as well. Yes, we live in it but that doesn’t give us the right to react, even equally or in an opposite manner, unless that reaction is the right one…the godly one.

Vengeance is mine says the Lord. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Forgive. Walk the second mile. These are God’s words, God’s commands. We, God’s people, must obey. Love is the answer and God is love.

I know Satan is celebrating another victory tonight and that makes me angry. But what do we expect from a sinful world? The only thing that makes any sense is love. Love one another. Yes, there are differences in people, ok—so what? We need to be broken-hearted over sin, I’m the son of a welder and I know that when something is welded together (or back together) the weld is the strongest part. I’m asking God to mend my broken heart and to give me wisdom, and strength and self-control.  I must have more love, more faith, more grace. We, God’s people, are God’s ambassadors in this world. That’s why we’re here. Not to fight for our rights, not to look out for ourselves, not to protect what is ours. Nothing is ours, everything is His. We need to empty ourselves of ourselves and give the empty place to Christ. God isn’t pushy, He only occupies what is offered. 

So friend, whether you are black or white, man or woman, or any other means of classification, the only important thing about us is that we are a creation of a Holy God. Let the things that divide us go, give them up, turn it all over to Him, then follow. Be a conduit of love, of grace, of mercy, of peace. Stop reacting, just breathe…breathe a prayer, then listen for an answer…and then be obedient. It’s our only hope. He’s our only hope. God…help us! No more words, action…not reaction. Reconciliation, intentionality…they are just words, until they’re not just words.

jh

Where is the Hope?

To say that today’s political climate is volatile would be an understatement. One doesn’t have to peruse Facebook, or any other social media, very long to be immersed into the fray. Talk at the water cooler, the barber shop, or on the courthouse lawn is dominated by political opinions and concerns. Although I try not to share too much of my personal political opinions on social media or in public conversations, I am certainly concerned about the upcoming presidential election and the ramifications that will follow.

HOWEVER, I am a follower of Jesus Christ and that should make a difference. I’m trying not to allow myself to become bitter or worried about the future of America, mainly because America is not my ultimate future. My ultimate future is in heaven with Jesus! But as long as I am here I am to follow the example set by my Savior.

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem there was a pretty gnarly political situation present. King Herod was large and in charge and didn’t want anything or anyone to stand in his way. That’s why he decreed that all baby boys below a certain age be put to death. Could God have stopped this? Certainly, but He didn’t and that’s important. 33 years later Jesus appeared before Pilate, another political situation to be sure! Could Jesus have turned things around in regards to His treatment at the hands of the Sanhedrin and of Pontius Pilate? Of course He could have! But He didn’t. Jesus had a plan that was far above the worldly political machine. God was, is and will ever be in control of everything that has happened, is happening and will ever happen and that should be where our confidence and hope is found.

I am often reminded of the words of Psalm 20:7 [KJV], “Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” Yes, I can be concerned about the political landscape and I must place an informed vote on election day. But my confidence is not in any elected official, rather my confidence is in the hands of the Holy God of all creation.

In the face of such negativity surrounding the apparent candidates between whom we must choose as the next President of the United States I cannot allow myself to be driven by fear or by anger. God is in control. In His Word God gives us very clear directions, not easy directions necessarily but clear.  Matthew 5:43-48 [KJV] says this: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so? 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

I am taking a stand, I am taking a stand and making a choice to fall to my knees. The only hope for America, for any political party, for any candidate is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The very best thing that could happen is for the hearts of those who lead, or will lead, our country to bow their knee and accept the salvation offered by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Who said it can’t happen? With God nothing is impossible! I am making a choice not to be a negative-minded, hopeless, hater of people but rather a positive-minded, hopeful, lover of people; a citizen who prays for his country’s leadership and someone who truly desires the fires of revival to burn brightly in our nation’s capital and the capitals of every state, county and parish in America.

Is America too far gone? Until there is no more America the answer is no! Let us share the love and the hope we have in Christ and ask Him to lead and guide. Let us be faithful to pray for those with whom we disagree, for those whom our flesh desires to hate or fear. Let’s put our conscious efforts into something that will actually do some good! Pray for our leaders, lead out in loving one another, share the message of the gospel! 

Many of those who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, including many of His chosen 12 were political zealots. It was the misunderstood mission of Christ to change the hearts of men rather than the heads of state that turned the cries of ‘Hosanna” to the cries of “Crucify”.  As much as I love America and as much as I am proud to be an American, my true desire is driven by my citizenship in heaven and by the One who will still be on the throne when the things we know now are all cast down and there is a new heaven and a new earth. What’s the best thing we can do today? Trust Jesus, follow Him and pray!

II Chronicles 7:14 [KJV], “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Because He Lives,

Jeff Hulsizer

More Thoughts on Worship

Disclaimer: It is not my purpose to perpetuate “worship wars” among the people, thus churches, of the ABA or any other group whose purpose is to love God first and love others as we love ourselves, and further to take the message of the Gospel to our own Jerusalem, Judea and the uttermost parts of the earth. My purpose is simply to attempt to change the focus and the passion from the earthly to the divine. For worship to become more about the object of our worship than the means or the methods.

God is good, God has been very good to me. He has blessed me with the opportunity to work with many awesome pastors, musicians, choirs and associated brothers and sisters on a church staff for more than 25 years. Additionally, I have been greatly influenced by God-honoring parents, pastors, teachers, and brethren in the years before God turned my heart toward ministry.

Music has always been an important part of my life, God’s music has been the greater part of that; from the children’s songs we sang in the basement of First Baptist Church of Bryant in Sunday School assembly, to the songs we sang on Teen Choir trips bedecked in pastel colors and butterfly bowties, to the songs we sang on Sunday night after church in homes of various friends (where Bro. Doug Swearingen would bring the milk crate of Heavenly Highway Hymnals out of the truck of his car), to the grand old hymns of the church that we sang every Sunday, to the music of the contemporary artists that filled my car as I drove to and from work and school. (That friends may be the longest run-on sentence in history!) But the point is that my foundation in worship music is quite varied and as a instrument player in Jr. High and High School band and a choir member in High School and the various organized choral groups growing up in the Lord’s churches, I gained an appreciation for almost every form, genre, of music. In high school I went through a phase where all I wanted to listen to was progressive jazz. My mother called it “Jeff’s Nervous Music”, because that’s what she heard in it rather than the non-standard rhythms, time signatures, chord progressions and improvisations that I enjoyed.

God continues to bless me, in that, I am able to enjoy and thus worship through quite a variety of musical types. The grand old hymns of the church are still very precious to me, as are the heart-pounding syncopations of 4-part Southern Gospel. I love to hear a soloist sing a song that has moved their heart as well as an instrumentalist use their God-given talent to bring a melodic offering of praise (be it a piano, a saxophone, a tuba, or anything else [see Psalm 150]).

I’ve employed that long introduction to say that I am blessed to be able to employ many different musical “vehicles” in order to bring worship to our Lord and not have the style of the music be something I cannot enjoy.

Since the word “vehicle” has been used, please allow me to develop/explain that illustration for a moment. My wife and I have two vehicles at this point; one is a 2004 Ford Expedition with over 200,000 miles on it, the other is a 2006 Toyota Avalon with nearly 200,000 miles. Thankfully, both of these cars are paid for and comfortable. Only a few short years ago I looked forward to owning a new pickup truck and/or a new sporty sedan [read Camaro]. But at this stage of my life I am hoping both of these vehicles that we own will continue to keep running for another couple 100,000 miles! Yes, my focus has changed! It is more valuable for me to save the money from a car payment(s) than to ride in a new vehicle. The goal is more on the destination than the vehicle.

I believe the same should be true in regards to musical worship. Everyone has their preferences and that, in itself, is not a problem, we are individuals - different from any and everybody else, but I believe the problem begins when we believe that our preferences should be considered above those anyone else. As a matter of fact, I believe that our focus during any and all worship is the object of our worship, Almighty God. I believe that if we were more attentive to bringing our worship and praise to God than “the vehicle” used to get it there, then these “worship wars” would become mute.

As I view postings, hear conversations, and read articles regarding worship styles, I see and hear lots of comments like, “I love the old songs”, “I can’t worship to these new choruses”, “I think church ought to be like it was back in the (insert decade)!”, and those on the other side of the aisle, "We should just let the old music die out", "The old hymns just don't cut it any more", and many, many more. What I don’t see and hear are questions and ponderings on what God might prefer, or even whether or not He might or might not approve of the non-participation during musical worship settings because of the “vehicle” employed (or not employed!)

This is not to remove any responsibility from the worship leader. Songs much be carefully chosen that are scripturally sound, able to be sung by the congregation, familiar (or at least properly introduced and taught) and an atmosphere of participation presented.

I wonder if our excuses for non-participation in worship, or worse - the complaints against the type of music that is used to encourage corporate worship are acceptable in the sight of the One we are to worship? We must guard our hearts and our minds so that worship is more about pleasing God than pleasing men.

Jeff Hulsizer, a worshipper

Bring Worship

I saw a quote by Pastor Adrian Rogers this week. It was “We don’t come to church to worship. We bring our worship to church.”  This is a very deep and very thought-provoking quote. My personal line of thinking leads me to define or explain this quote as follows…

To say “we come to church to worship” isn’t intrinsically wrong, but it would seem to suppose that there was something planned to occur at the church to bring about worship. 

While a local assembly of saints’ main purpose is to worship God, the assembly itself cannot bring about worship. It is the responsibility of the individual members of the assembly. 

The song service that happens during the services of the church (assembly) is certainly a time for where worship is called; however, to make the music or the lyrics responsible for whether or not worship happens is to place the responsibility on said music and not on the individual “worshipper”. Music is simply a vehicle through which worship can be expressed. There is much confusion and misappropriation of responsibility placed on the genre or style of music exercised by a church. These arguments involve so much personal opinion and preference that the ability, or disability, to worship is made contingent upon the type of vehicle (music) used.

The preaching of the Word of God is also a perfect time to worship the One who originated the Word. But the responsibility of the messenger is to “speak the truth in love”, not to entertain or tickle the ears of the listener. Whether the message was “good” or “boring” should have little effect on the “worshipper” if their heart was already tuned to worship in preparation for the hearing of the Word. The qualifier for a “good” message is the truth of the message.

I believe the portion of the quote that says, “We bring our worship to church” should be the practice for every worshipper. Worship is not limited to the services of a local church. Worship can, and should, occur on days other than Sunday. We should allow ourselves to be so aware of the presence of a Holy God in our lives that His praise is ever on our lips. We should worship privately and personally at all times. The services of the church we attend are opportunities to gather with like-minded individuals for corporate worship within a group of people whose lives intersect ours.

We bring our tithes and offerings to church in order to give them, why should our worship be any different? Let us begin to be continual worshippers and then bring our worship as an offering (or sacrifice) of praise to the One who is worthy of all praise. I am convinced this practice would alleviate the petty arguments between individuals regarding worship styles and tools and center the attention on the Worshipped welcoming the use of any vehicle that can carry our worship to the Throne.

Let it begin in me,

Jeff Hulsizer, Worshipper

There are Still Good Samaritans in this World!

Sitting at the table with my laptop this morning, very stiff and sore, but very thankful for the kindnesses shown by a group of strangers yesterday.

I have loved motorcycles all my life. I rode as a kid and have wonderful memories of “riding the power lines” with my dad and a group of men from First Baptist Church in Bryant. After car driving became legal for me the bike was gone until my children were nearly raised and I bought a big Kawasaki. I commuted back and forth to work, I rode missions with the Arkansas Patriot Guard Riders, I took sightseeing trips with great friends Lynn and Brenda Raborn, Jeff and Kelley Foster, and others. I even took the trip of a lifetime with my best buddy Tim “Grumpy” Mistric. 4,800 miles in 18 days out Rt. 66 to California and back home across I-10 to a cousin’s fishing camp in Pierre Parte, Louisiana. About 3 years ago I had to lay the bike down to avoid a pickup truck that had made a unplanned stop on Camp Robinson Rd. in North Little Rock and I broke a few ribs. That changed me. I wouldn’t admit it for a while but I couldn’t come to grips with the fact that I had become a scared rider. My wife and I made the decision a year ago that it was time to sell the bike and move on. I drug my feet for a while but I finally got the bike cleaned up and ready to sell. The decision to ride it to Benton and park it on the church parking lot wearing a big “For Sale” sign seemed the right thing to do but yesterday all that came to a close.

On Monday, I rode from Jacksonville to Benton and back with no problems. I was very cautious and aware of my surroundings. Yesterday morning’s commute in was uneventful as well. But about 5:00 yesterday afternoon I threw my leg over the beast and had just begun home when I went down again. 

I had just ridden up Shenandoah Dr. and was about to turn right onto Congo Rd. when I just touched my front brake and before I knew it I was on the ground with a 650 lb. bike on top of me. There was no slow-motion, no moment to prepare for the inevitable meeting with the ground, I went down quick. In that split second I was glad there was no traffic around but within just a few seconds, it seemed, I was surrounded by concerned citizens who had stopped to help a stranger. I don’t know any of their names and didn’t recognize any of their faces but I remember them. There was a respiratory therapist that immediately grabbed my hand and started talking to me. “What was hurt?”, “Did you hit your head?” [and yes I was wearing my helmet!” ] “Can I take off your gloves?” She took my pulse and stayed with me through the whole ordeal. Two men pulled the bike off of me, someone called 911, a blanket went into the air to shield me from the sun. When the Benton policeman arrived he was very nice. He was concerned about me as well as handling the situation. He spoke to me very respectfully and kindly and took care of the business that demanded his attention. The ambulance soon arrived and they went to work to get me ready for the trip to Saline Memorial. The policeman asked me if I had anyone close who could take possession of the bike. When I told him I worked down the street at Sharon Baptist Church a man volunteered to ride the bike to the church if someone would bring him back to his car. I turned my keys over to a complete stranger with an honest face. There were people who retrieved my phone from my saddle bag so I could call my wife. Those who took my backpack/computer bag off the bike and sent it with me to the hospital. I told my wife I had taken a spill but was completing surrounded by human angels.

I got to the hospital and after a CAT scan was released with just some bruised ribs and a skinned knee and elbow and a prescription for a muscle relaxer because “you’re gonna be sore in the morning”.

The staff that helped me at the hospital was wonderful, every one! Two of my pastor brothers, Bro. Michael Reese and Bro. Sean Collins came to check on me and offered very welcomed prayers.

So, I’ve decided that the bike will stay at the church until it is sold. I don’t think I will be doing any riding anytime soon. But I will always be thankful for a group of strangers who came together to help a man lying on the ground with a motorcycle. I am encouraged by the love of God that can flow through His people if we allow it.

I’m gonna move pretty slow for a few days but I can still move. It hurts to breathe deeply but I can still breathe. God is good! Now you all be careful out there and look for ways to be a blessing to somebody!

Grateful,

Jeff Hulsizer

Who's Helping You Think?

How many times a day do we say things like, "What do you think?",  "What were you thinking?", "Do you really think so?" or when we're asked a question we answer with, "let me think about it", or "I think so, I thought so, or I'm thinking"?

In my natural smart-aleck conversational style I often answer when someone asks me what I think about a certain thing, "Oh, thinking's not my strong suit!"

I would venture to say that "thinking" has gotten more people into more trouble than anything else.

Let me explain:

When we have a strong opinion or preference about something we naturally "think" we are right.

We often misunderstand someone and even get offended because we "thought" they said or intended something they may not have intended or even said.

Sometimes there doesn't even need to be a word spoken, we can jump to a conclusion and "think" someone is saying, signaling, meaning, or trying to say something we find offensive.

Have you ever thought about that?

A couple of weeks ago I met a man on the youth mission trip down in Monticello. His name is Lavon Cope. Lavon and I talked about a lot of things over those 3 long days but most of our conversations hinged around something the Lord had put on his mind that He's been contemplating. Lavon said the Lord put in his mind during a time of discouragement, "Just who is helping you think?" and he's been thinking about that ever since, and the Lord has been bringing me back to that question for the last couple of weeks. "Just who is it that's helping you think?"

[Matthew 9:4 NKJV] Jesus had healed a man who had been paralyzed but a group of scribes that were there accused him of blasphemy, but Jesus knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?" Jesus knew that these thoughts hadn't come to them from a close relationship with God.  God, through the leadership of His Holy Spirit leads us to think good thoughts, positive thoughts that edify and bring strength and grace. The ruler of this present world, Lucifer, and his demons are roaming around like roaring lions, trying to steal, kill and destroy everything that is good. That certainly includes  trying to get you to think wrongly.

I. Consider Lucifer's undoing in Isaiah 14

 [Isa 14:12-15 NKJV] 12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [How] you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.

He (Lucifer) thought he was equal to God and further, he thought he could take, or at least share, God's glory and God's throne.

II.  Then there's  Adam & Eve, they "thought" that maybe God hadn't told the truth when He told them about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Where'd they get such an idea?

[Gen 3:4-7 NKJV] 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 So when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make [one] wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked;

Then in verse 11, God asked them why they were hiding and they answered that they were naked.  I can just hear God saying, "Who told you that you were naked" or in other words, "Who's helping you think?"

III.  Then Abraham in Genesis 20 "thought" that Abimelech would kill him to get to his wife Sarah, he "thought" if they told him Sara was his sister rather than his wife things would work out better for them.

IV. King Saul did a lot of thinking and most of it got him in trouble. At one point he didn't get the answer he was looking for from the lord so he went looking for a medium, well the ole boy ended up with a XL helping of trouble.

V. the Disciples

[Mar 6:48-49 ESV] 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out,

VI.  People who "thought" they were saved

[Mat 7:21-24 NKJV] 21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

So...

 [Philippians 2:5 NKJV] 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

[Philippians 4:8 ESV] 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Breath of God

There are so many songs written about the breath that God has given each of us...

"Blow, mighty breath of God", "This is the air I breathe",  "It's Your breath, in our lungs, so we pour out our praise",  "Holy Spirit, breathe on me", etc. , etc.

In Genesis 2: 7 we see, "And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." 

Before the breath of life that came from God and was breathed into the nostrils of this dust-formation called man, that's all man was...a formation of dust, a mud-pie. But with the breath of God we become a creation of the Most High God, created in His Image, in His Likeness, the Crown Jewel of God's creative process--made for His glory, to give Him praise.

When our earthly existence is over, that breath leaves us. It is that breath that defines what it is to be alive. We cannot be alive without breath, it is the breath we breathe that oxygenates the blood that courses through our veins.  After we cease to breathe--we die, and we resort back to the natural state of where we were before God breathed life into Adam. Back to dust. Ecclesiastes 3:20 KJV,  "All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again."

But while we live, while we contain the breath of God, let us give part of that breath back to Him in praise.  It is for that purpose we were created.

Psalm 89:1 KJV,  "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 92:1 KJV], "[It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"

Psalm 95:1 KJV,  "O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation."

Psalm 96:2 KJV, "Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day".

Psalm 104:33 KJV, "I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."

Psalm 147:1 KJV, "Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely."

Notice, there is nothing in these versions about musical style, ability or talent. Just sing! While we still have breath!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Bro. Jeff

Coastal Confusion (Movies, Music & More)

I am a music lover and a musician so I decided to record the Grammy award show and watch it a couple of nights later. Oh my, where in the world has the music gone? Don McLean may have been a bit premature in singing about “the day the music died.”

The show began with old-time Rock n’ Rollers AC/DC and their hit “Highway to Hell”. Isn't there a better song/group to honor an era or to open a show? Flames, horns and gyrations flooded the venue. So no, Virginia, this isn’t a new problem.

Later in the show, Madonna performed a very graphic number glorifying horned creatures, death, excess, death, attacks on organized religion, etc. It looked very demonic to me as I fast forwarded through it. A one point I was encouraged when LL Cool J mentioned that we were “going to church” but alas it was the church of romance and sexuality, eros rather than agape. 

We’ve come a long way baby! All this made me think, how many “normal Americans” does the academy represent. I didn’t know Beck had a new album and I’ve never heard of Sam Smith or most of those who were nominated. (Sia, Iggy Azalea?)

This got me thinking, it’s the same thing with movies and television. We are letting those who see things though a completely different set of filters (read none) decide what we watch. I have seen wholesome family and children’s movies make millions and millions of dollars while those “experts” on the coasts push their agendas and behaviors on the unknowingly general public through “critically acclaimed” movies, music, books, television programs that make us blush, or worse, make us unable to look away, even though we know we should (kinda like a train wreck) but are far less than box office successes. 

The homosexual agenda is being pushed upon the general public. In America’s heartland (the area between California and New York) the percentage of those who claim the homosexual “lifestyle” is less than 10% , yet it seems that every television program and every Hollywood movie includes a homosexual character or plot twist, even this year’s SuperBowl Pre-Show. This is due to the fact that in those areas where these shows/movies are written/produced that percentage is much higher.

So what do we do? Continue to enjoy good music, wholesome movies, good television shows and reject the “acclaimed” offerings. Money talks friends, surely soon they’ll get the message. Additionally, flood the industries with Christ followers; writers, producers, actors, etc. We can stem the tide of worldliness!

Ad Nauseam

While I agree the last thing we need is another article on “Worship Wars”, I have had to learn and admit some things for myself over the last few weeks that I hope will be relevant in your life as well. 

To start, I have the great blessing to be able to play drums in our church orchestra. I will admit to you there are songs that are more fun to play than others. The musician in me likes fast-paced, rhythmic songs that are a bit challenging. But those songs satisfy something in me and, as such, are not offerings to Christ. Also, as a musician I have quite varied tastes in music, I love to listen to, sing along, and thoroughly enjoy many different kinds of music. While there is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying secular music (within reason), this type of music is also for my own entertainment, not a gift given to our Lord Jesus Christ.

I also enjoy music that might be classified as sacred, but in reality actually leans more toward entertainment like good old 4-part, syncopated, toe-tapping Southern Gospel but if my feet are all that is moved and if it gives more pleasure to me than it does God, then it too should be categorized as entertainment.

We all have our favorite Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, along with many other classifications of music. These could be our favorites because it reminds us of our youth, of our old home church, of family members, or of some other nostalgic chord within us. But to come to a corporate worship service and give our exceedingly worthy Heavenly Father a set list from a juke box of our personal favorites stops far short of a sacrificial gift of praise.

Church is not to be like American Bandstand where we “Rate a Record” and decide a song’s worth based upon our personal tastes and opinions. Nor is it that juke box of favorites just previously discussed. To refuse to lift our voices in worship because of the choice of song is to place our own opinions and preferences above God and we all know that is idolatry.

Have you ever noticed that the loudest protests regarding music selection in church are most often provided by those who hardly ever sing anyway?

“Father, forgive our selfish hearts and fill us with love and joy and a desire to express that, along with gratitude and praise, as a sacrifice of praise to You and You alone.”

Rather than complaining about the selections on the smorgasbord of the song service, let us raise our voices together using the music as a vehicle by which our worship and praise can be carried to the portals of heaven and the sincerity and genuineness therein received as a sweet smelling savor to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Isn't He worth it?

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”  Psalm 133:1 NKJV.

For He Alone is Worthy,

Jeff Hulsizer, Worshipper

Hulsizer Christmas Letter 2014

      It’s hard to believe that December has rolled around once again but, alas, here it is. We hope this letter finds you and yours happy, healthy and whole. Christmas is such a joyous time, the very first Christmas began with “good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people!” We hope you are able to slow down and thoroughly enjoy this season with all its trappings, but especially to take the time to consider the real reason for the celebration.

This Hulsizer clan has enjoyed another very busy year, but it has been a good one. We are grateful to God we can begin this letter like we did last year’s, with good news from Jessica’s most recent blood work. Two years after her stem cell transplant she is still cancer-free! God is good! She and Matt have their house up for sale and are hoping to build a new home just north of Cabot (one big enough for children, when that time comes!). They’ve had some interest but no real good bites yet, all in good time. They continue to do well in their jobs. They moved their church membership last year and have made themselves busy in their new church home. Matt teaches the 7th grade boy’s Sunday School class and serves as a greeter. Jessica sings in the choir, and they are very involved in their Sunday night small group program. We are very proud of them!

Little Miss Jennifer is getting ready to graduate! Her graduation day is 12/13/14, isn't that interesting? She has worked so very hard the last 4 1/2 years and we couldn’t be more proud of her. She is hoping to find an elementary school around close with an opening for a long-term sub (like a teacher out on maternity leave) to finish out this school year and then have a good opportunity to find the perfect teaching position at the beginning of the next school year. We would appreciate your prayers toward that end! Jennifer has caught the eye of a young man, named Matthew of all things! But he is a good Christian young man and her mother and I are both very impressed with him and with the way they are handling their relationship.

Shelia is officially a half-fanatic! Don’t jump to conclusions, that just means she is part of a group of runners who have run a certain number of half-marathons and then run a certain number each year. She has done very well with her running! She has lost weight, her heartbeat is strong and slow, she is dedicated to it, and she has some very close friends with whom she enjoys running.

I guess the big news with Jeff is that he’s picked up his paintbrushes again and has done several paintings for friends and even some customers! This is a good creative outlet and a form of recreation and therapy for him, and folks seem to enjoy his work. You can see several of his paintings at www.paintingsbyjeff.weebly.com. 

        June 29, 2014 was Jeff and Shelia’s 30th anniversary! To celebrate they took an Alaskan Cruise with good friends Marty and Sara Patterson, the first week of September. It was a dream come true! They saw beautiful scenery, wildlife, native arts and crafts, enjoyed some real King crab legs and fresh salmon. Jeff even caught some salmon and had it processed and shipped home for us to enjoy here. It was such a beautiful place, we would love the opportunity to go back someday!

We plan to enjoy a wonderful Christmas together with good food, good music, good movies, good times and maybe even a game of Monopoly! But, most certainly, a time of thankfulness and praise to God for the gift of His only begotten Son, sent to save the sins of the world. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebration with your loved ones as well. Merry Christmas!

                                                                        Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night,

                                 Jeff, Shelia and Jennifer Hulsizer 

We Thank God for His Abundant Blessings

Amidst the crazy busy-ness of the day yesterday a sense of wonder and blessing washed over me. Today (Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014) our youngest daughter graduates from college; the culmination of lots of work, lots of money, lots of new friends, many tears and lots of laughter. I couldn’t be more proud of her and I wait with wonder and anticipation at what God has in store for her as she begins the next step of her journey. 

In addition, I get the great honor of conducting my best friend’s wedding this afternoon. This has been a long time coming and a beautiful story of love. It’s going to be a great time of friends and family up on the Little Red River, celebrating love and God’s perfect provision.

This morning I will gather with my family, including my parents who drove over from Alabama to be here. What a tremendous blessing to have both of my parents still with us and in good health for their mid-70s! My oldest daughter, yes the one who with the Lord’s help conquered Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and is the picture of health and beauty, and her faithful and dedicated husband will be by our side. I'll proudly stand beside the wife with whom I’ve shared 31 Christmas’, the one God prepared especially for me who brought these precious children into the world. Friends, old and new, will share in this wonderful day, Matt Mitchell-a very special young man in Jennifer's life, even Jennifer’s best buddy Bill and his girlfriend drove in from Fayetteville for the occasion. What a tremendous blessing!

But in the midst of all these blessings, to realize that the King of the Universe, the Creator of all that is, the author of life, love and all that is good, loved me so much that He came to earth as a baby, the Creator lowering Himself to become one of His creations, yet still remaining in every way God the Creator, lived a perfect life and died the humiliating death of a criminal on a cruel cross, abandoned by those He came to save, bearing the sins of them and us. Yet suffering the shame, He died and was laid in a borrowed tomb. Yet after three days He rose victorious over sin, death, hell and the grave and awaits that glorious day when He will gather His children up and bring us into the heaven that awaits those who love Him. What a glorious day! Oh what a Savior, O hallelujah.

Merry Christmas to you all! We are so blessed.

Grace and Peace

The Apostle Paul used the same salutation in several of his letters. The books of Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, I & II Thessalonians and Philemon all contain these words, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

I think it is no coincidence that the word “grace” appears in the sentence before the word “peace”.  I believe that’s quite an important message in itself.

Grace has been defined as “unmerited favor”, getting something we don’t deserve. It is the amazing grace of God that forgives us of our sins, saves us and secures our place in the family of God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,” Eph. 2:8 NKJV.  You have probably heard the adage “Know Jesus, know peace—No Jesus, no peace?” You see where I’m going don’t you? Grace comes before peace because we cannot know peace until you’ve experienced salvation by the grace of God.

Peace is something for which the world is desperately looking, yet not finding. There we find our mission, to share the Gospel and all the grace and peace it brings, with a lost and dying world. We need not look very far to find those who know no peace. 

I hear the conversation over and over again, especially among those who have recently suffered the loss of a loved one. It goes something like, “I don’t know how people who don’t know the Lord get through times like this.” There is truly a great sense of peace that can be had when we know that our loved one knew Jesus as their Savior and has gone on to heaven to live completely peacefully for all eternity.

Yes that peace that passes understanding is a precious gift for sure. But we do wrong when we do not share this peace and the way the world can come to know it.

Like we saw Sunday morning, because of Jesus we have our revelation of God, (He is the image of the invisible God); our reconciliation to God (through Him those dead in sin can know life); and our relationship with God, (a personal, abiding relationship). Jesus died for the sins of all mankind, that’s the good news (the Gospel) and He has left us with the responsibility to share that good news with a world that is hopelessly lost in sin.

So let’s not be hoarders of the grace and peace of God, but rather take advantages of the opportunities that He will place along our path to share His good news! “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” —1 Peter 3:15 NKJV. Who can you talk to today about the peace you have? Then go do it!

God's Adoption

I believe there are few more beautiful pictures of love in this world than that of adoption. Accepting someone born outside a particular biological family and placing them as a son or daughter within that family. We have some wonderful examples of adoption here within the Faith family.

I have a beautiful sister, she is 4 years younger than me. We met when she was 3 months old. I am told that when she was brought out to us I immediately spoke up and said “Yep, that’s her!” My mother has always said to her, “You may not have grown under my heart but within it.” 

My sister is as much my sibling as my younger brother who was born to the same parents as me. Yes, my sister is adopted. We never shied away from that fact, we never hid it from her, but it was never a problem, it was simply a fact. My parents loved and continue to love her just as much as they did and do my brother and I. My brother and I love our sister as much as we love one another. “But she’s not ‘really’ your sister,” you may say. I beg to differ! I recognized her as my little sister from the moment I met her and have never considered her anything else. We are family.

Our loving Heavenly Father is very well acquainted with adoption. In last Sunday’s message we saw God’s amazing plan of adoption. In Ephesians 1:4-6 we see that God has adopted us as children. Adoption means ‘to place as a son’. That adoption is through, or by, Jesus Christ and Him alone. It is in Jesus because of His redeeming work on Calvary. You see, God accepts us because we believe in His Son Jesus. Jesus has provided, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins thus making us acceptable and because of Him we have the riches of His grace that abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence. 

God’s desire is to have many sons and daughters who will love and serve Him both now and forevermore. Therefore, when a person wants to live for Jesus so much that he entrusts all that he is and has to Christ, God adopts that person, making him a brother or sister to Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15-17). God’s purpose for adoption is that we, His children, will live forever to the praise and glory of His grace. We are sons and daughters in the family of God! What an act of love, what amazing grace! “Oh what a Savior, Oh Hallelujah!”

So then the question we must ask ourselves is this, are we living as children of the Most High God? Is there a family resemblance? Do we reflect His image in our lives? What are we doing to let others know of this blessed adoption that God offers freely to all? 

Let us decide to live lives full of joy, trusting God to lead us and guide us through this life abounding in the riches of His grace here and now as we are indwelled with and dwell within the Holy Spirit of God, ambassadors of His peace, provision and power!

God is good!

Reflections on Barnabas

I have just completed a very full week. I have been stressed and stretched. I've been frustrated and felt like a failure, but at the very same time I've been hugged and held the hands of some of God's most amazing children. Most of the children that we served this week were children with Down's Syndrome. While it is easy to feel sorry for them or be uncomfortable around them, after a week of hearing them laugh, watching them play, seeing them love and listening to them sing and pray, I have a whole new attitude. These children are not to be pitied or felt sorry for, they are to be loved and accepted and given their own place in the world God brought them into. They have such a capacity to love and to be loved, I think they are closer to heaven than those of us without the "syndrome" and they just want to live, laugh and love. Let's make them a place right in the big middle of us!