GIVE US THIS DAY......

Trust. It seems its the one thing that's the hardest to come by. Once you gain it, its another thing, entirely, to retain it. It involves a number of issues. Compassion, understanding, patience and, above all, love.

As a child, it never occurred to me that my parents didn't love me. Because of that assurance, the thought of not eating or being clothed never crossed my mind. I got up everyday knowing that everything I needed would not only be provided but done so in such a way that I knew Mom and Dad took pride in what they were doing. They wanted the best for their kids. Does that mean that I always got what I wanted? Absolutely not! (That being said, I was a little spoiled!) What if I had gotten the Yamaha 80 I always wanted? What if I had gotten the endless supply of comic books I always wanted? I was so short sighted, at the time, to understand how much money went into acquiring these things not to mention how much money, time and effort went into maintaining these things. Does that mean that I stopped asking for them? Probably not. I was still learning valuable lessons.

Fast forward. Very similar situation but with a different perspective. Now as an adult with children of my own, I'm given the task of being the provider rather than the provided for. My wife and I get up everyday and immediately start addressing needs for that day. Meals, clothes, baths, school, recreation, clean beds, etc., all vital parts of our children's existence that they take advantage of without a second thought. Chances are, if we are any sort of parents, our kids never have to ask for it. They just have an inherent trust that they will have what they need. What comes next makes your heart melt. "Thank you" or "that meal was great" or "these clothes fit perfectly". Gratitude has a way of making you feel appreciated or complete as a parent. Its the icing on the cake. Next level stuff. It just makes you want to improve your game that much more.

Again, different perspective. I would LOVE to have a recording contract. What if its not in my best interest? Better yet. What if its not God's will for my life? Do I keep on asking until I get what I asked for? It kind of reminds me of Verruca from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as she screams "I want a squirrel!" It sounds a bit hedonistic doesn't it? It makes me want to slap that spoiled little rich kid! How do you think God feels? I once heard Charles Stanley say "We start seeing action when our desires line up with God's will.". Ultimately, God's will for us is to be a reflection of His son Jesus Christ. Does He not know what we need exactly when we need it? Matthew 6:25-34 tells us to not worry about what we will eat or about our bodies or our clothes. (v26) "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

When was the last time you sat at your computer and said "Thank you, God, for this modern convenience....". (now for a moment of silence....) Do you get the picture? We get up everyday and begin our tasks as if we're the ones doing all the work. Seems a bit legalistic doesn't it?! You're not the one who grew the cotton that was used to make the underwear you're wearing! You're not the one who created the seed from which the apple you're eating was grown! Yes, we do a certain amount of work (you can thank Adam for that one!) but we're also given the strength to do that work not to mention the lessons we learn from that work. Again, you have to look at the imagery. Our heavenly Father puts us into parental roles (even though we're His children) so that we can teach our children (who are also His children) so that they can grow to be mature adults (still His children) and teach their children.

To get to the point, God wants us to communicate with Him, make our requests known and, when we get our answer (even if we don't like the answer we get) be thankful. He wants us to develop trust. We lack trust because we don't have a close enough relationship with Him and, as a result, have a lack of understanding. How do we expect to teach what we do not know? He is our father. He loves us. He will provide what we need for today.

GET REAL!

If I'm being completely honest, my reasons for wanting to write this started with selfish and defensive motivations. Hopefully, as you read on, it'll become clear that those kind of motives lead to nothing but a vicious circle of arguments and a very ugly display of a life unbecoming a Christian. What I would like to do instead is take this as an opportunity to encourage those who desire to walk the footsteps of Jesus to stay focused on the author and perfecter of our faith and not be distracted by those who, even with the best of intentions, have been tricked by the deceiver into this facade of religion instead of a relationship with Jesus.

Don't get me wrong. One thing that we don't have enough of within the body of Christ is accountability. Alot of times, we may question the actions of a brother of sister but, because we lack knowledge, we fail to "call them out". That's not to say we should be hanging our dirty laundry out for the world to see. God's word plainly states how we should go to that person, in God's love, and show them what God's word says about the situation at hand and pray that their eyes are opened to the Truth. Jesus said,"If you know me, you will be my disciples and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32) If a lack of knowledge is what's hindering you, the solution is easy. Pick up a copy of God's word, readily available, and begin to read. Personally, I've got several different translations. If I'm feeling scholarly, I'll pick up a KJV and try and decipher old testament lingo. Other times, I'll pick up a NAS or a copy of "The Message" and really enjoy the simplicity of it. Either way, Ask God to speak to you clearly. I believe He wants to.

Wisdom, however, is a different story. Wisdom is actually taking what we know and applying it properly. Sometimes its a lack of wisdom that compels us to speak what we have read but we lack the spiritual maturity to know when to shut up. I get all excited about something I've read or heard and, before you know it, I've opened my mouth and made a train wreck of things. Again, Jesus said,"If you KNOW me...". Not just His words but His heart! There's alot of Christians running around quoting what we all know to be true but, if our words aren't "delivered with grace, as though seasoned with salt" (Col 4:6) then it can have quite the opposite effect! Its like the "bull in a china shop" syndrome.
Wisdom is just one of those things that take time. You could memorize the Bible inside and out and, if you don't know the heart of the Master, you'll still mess up.

Finally, there's faith. Even if we had Solomon's wisdom, I believe God can and will ask us to do things that defies our finite understanding. Whether it be a command to build an ark or whether it be to follow Him straight into the heart of Samaria, as children of God, I believe we have a responsibility to obey first and ask questions later.

"Therefore as you have come to know Jesus Christ, SO WALK IN HIM, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude." (Col 2:6-7)

I WILL

Sunday morning started out the usual way. That was probably strike one! I started my day with my usual two cups of coffee and walked into church thinking about the usual order of service and how I was going to lead the choir as well as the congregation into the very presence of God. Problem was, I wasn't walking closely enough myself.

We started the service with "Our God Reigns" declaring "spirit of doubt, you have no place here!" Obviously, the enemy knew that I was spiritually deaf at the time because he attacked hard. I have been questioning "self worth" for a number of reasons. Am I being a good husband and father? Am I providing what my family needs? Should I go and take a "real" job for the sake of "taking a job" or do I continue pursuing what I believe is God's will for me? Often times our worship of an almighty God is determined by our circumstances. I think what happened next was based on the fact that I had failed the very test that I had been learning. I wept.

In the book of Luke (5:17-26) Jesus healed a paralytic that had been brought, through the roof, into the house where He was teaching. Jesus told the paralytic "Because of your faith, you are healed." and told him to get up. At that point, because of his faith in Jesus, he got up. When Jesus said "Get up", those words not only penetrated his ears but resignated within his soul!

I have been so paralyzed by a spirit of doubt and fear that I was useless! I hadn't taken into consideration the fact that, despite a failing economy, we haven't missed a meal, we haven't missed a bill and my family is clothed and fed! Last night, while thinking back to the song we finished Sunday's service with, it struck me. "Give us Clean Hands" kept referencing Jacob so I came home and did a little reading. Genesis 28:20-21 says "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's house, then the Lord will be my God..."

He will give us exactly what we need according to His will. It may not always be comfortable (just ask John the Baptist!) but the end result is glory. Lift your head up and step out of the boat and onto the water. Just don't take your eyes off of Him. The next time God says to you "Get Up!" what will your response be? As for me, I will.

REVERBNATION

Recently, I've started using ReverbNation which is a promotional site for independant artist. This site not only allows the user to hear my music, but has several applications that the listener can "click and grab" to help better promote the artists they support. Also, there are other features such as blogs and calendars to keep you better connected. Under "Links", click on ReverbNation and be sure and sign up for the mailing list. Thanks for your continued support. Kevin

Bridging The Gap

As many are aware, my wife has recently started a non-profit organization that reaches out to those in need in our community and not only provides food but, displays the love of Jesus Christ. As people witness this application of service the obvious question is "Why are you doing this?". The answer is simply "Love". So many scriptures come to mind:
-"Love thy neighbor as thyself"....
-"For God so loved the world that He gave"....
-"Whatever you do to the least of these, you have done unto me"....
God's love transcends our understanding of the word.

Every day food that has reached its sale by date is culled from the isles of local grocery stores. This food is still good if only for a short while. These foods include produce, meats, deli and dairy items, as well as non-perishables and toiletries. Instead of these items going to waste or being destroyed, Bridging The Gap picks them up and delivers them to the needy. Right now BTG is supplying 14 different organizations around Coweta County that know better how to serve their demographic. Along the way there are still individual families who receive assistance. At present there are over 450 people a week being fed and BTG is only two months into existence! If you don't think that God is still in the miracle business, I challenge you to come along for the ride and experience it first hand.

I recently heard someone say "People will care about how much you know when they know how much you care". Do you care enough to volunteer a couple of hours out of the week if only to stock shelves or maybe even hand deliver food to someone in need? Maybe you have other resources without the luxury of time. Be aware of the platform God has given you to glorify Him and BE the hands and feet of Jesus.

If you are interested in supporting this ministry, you can respond by e-mail to apowderwallace@hotmail.com.

Any monetary donations are appreciated. Make checks payable to

Bridging the Gap
PO Box 223
Newnan, Ga. 30264

COVER ME

Last year, about this same time, I was in middle of an uncomfortable situation. Unemployment. It was especially bothersome because I had lost my job as a worship leader. That's right. I got fired from a church. Not only had I been dismissed from what I do best, I felt like I had failed when it came to leading people into the presence of God. How was I going to face people and have them ask "What did he do to get fired from a church?"(Notice how many times the word "I" was just used?)

I came home that night, sat in my favorite recliner, and reached over for what would ordinarilly be the remote. Instead, there sat my Bible. It was as if God was saying "We really need to talk.". Fortunately, I had just heard an evangelist say something that corrected everything I was feeling. "We're so busy getting our prayers off the floor and through the roof. Make no mistake, if our prayers don't begin in the throne room of God, they aren't going anywhere!"

My ego had taken priority. Not intentionally, mind you. It never dawned on me that maybe God had placed a hurdle in my life to see how I was going to react. Was I going to stop and cower in fear? Was I going to recklessly barrell through it with no concern of how it might effect someone else? Wouldn't it have been better for me to pause, if only for a split second, to seek God's hand in His infinite wisdom to guide me?

Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane, capillaries burst with grief, praying that this "cup" be passed from Him. He didn't want to be beaten, scourged, spit on, crucified, or anything of the sort. He did, however, have the wisdom to say "nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done" because he understood that what He was to do was to glorify the Father.

In Mark 10:32-45 Jesus mapped it out AGAIN for the desciples and the command still applied. FOLLOW ME. After Jesus explained what was to happen, James and John were quick to say that they wanted to share in His glory. I dare to think that they probably didn't put alot of thought into what it was going to cost them. By the way, James was beheaded and John starved to death alone on the isle of Patmos! That being said, I believe they went to their death confident in knowing that their trials on earth were temporary. It was their eternity with the God that sacrificed his only Son for them that mattered most.

"Cover Me" was given to me in the midst of a terrible storm. It was only when I looked to Him that the winds and waves stood still and I found peace. My prayer is that this song speaks to you as it has me.

May God bless and keep you,

Kevin

For Who's Glory?

My wife and I donate alot of our time to a local organization that focuses on ministering to our community wether it be through finances, food, clothing, housing, etc. . Its especially humbling to see someone walk through the doors, who you know is used to making a six figure income, and ask for assistance. What makes it especially rewarding is when you make the effort to assist that person and, because they see a difference in the way you respond, they come back, this time, to volunteer their efforts to help others. Do you see a pattern?

Alot of times, when we are in a position of "giving a leg up", we elevate ourselves or lord it over the person who is in need of assistance thus revealing the true motivation behind our service. SELF GLORIFICATION. Ouch! Take a second and think about that. You may have, at some point, entered into a position of service with the best of intentions and, before you know it, someone walks through the door that looks or talks differently. You may not even agree with anything about them. The next thing you know, you're on a pedestal. After all, they came to you. Right? So how do we keep from being corrupted?

Colossians 3:22-24 (NAS) says "Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will recieve the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.". As Christians, we are not our own. In any culture where there is a king on the throne, no one does anything without the consent of the king for fear of death. Let the King guide your next word or deed. This requires constant prayer and devotion. Colassians 4:1-2 says "Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;....." vs 5 "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

The world would be a much better place if our actions weren't motivated by our reputation but by God's love. LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.