God’s House

by   April 9, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            We had a workday at church last Saturday. A group of people worked inside the church and another group of people worked outside. I always choose outside work because I love being outdoors. Well, I should clarify that. I don’t like being outside in the freezing cold or when we have high humidity, like many summer days around here.

            The leaders of our church had decided that we would tear out all the landscaping from in front of our church. The shrubs have probably been there for thirty years and they needed to be replaced. We pulled them all out and got things ready for our new shrubs, which we are planting this weekend.

            We had some liriope plants scattered along the front that I decided to dig out and plant in some other places. I let some of the younger backs dig and pull the old shrubs from their places. I helped out with some other things, including sweeping and blowing off the parking lot at the end. My body had a pretty good workout before I headed home, but nothing compared to what some of the younger guys experienced.

            The church looks a little bare when you pull into the parking lot now. I asked the pastor on Sunday, “Did you notice that someone stole all our shrubs from in front of the church?” We have a clean slate ready for our new plantings. Now we need our members to show up this week to help with the planting and putting out the pine needles to complete the job.

            There was plenty of work going on inside the church as well. I saw people making trips to the dumpster with all kinds of stuff. I know they were cleaning out closets and storage areas. It is amazing how much stuff can pile up around a building. I am sure the kitchen got a thorough cleaning. I imagine there was stuff from the refrigerator and freezer that needed to go, too. There are always lights and things that are broken that need to be repaired.

            The crew working inside was working hard to spiff up the church so we can all enjoy it. It takes a team effort, all of us pulling together, to keep the church in good shape. Although it was hard work, we still had lots of laughter and plenty of fellowship while we all worked toward our common goal.

            In case you haven’t noticed, I love my church family. We are a diverse group of people who are in love with Jesus. While we all like to have fun and laugh, we are also there for each other when the chips are down. Our pastor is committed to challenging each of us to grow spiritually and to find our place of service in the body of Christ.

            Part of serving includes maintaining God’s house. I believe that God really cares about what our church looks like inside and out. I believe that Jesus comes and sits in our pews on Sunday morning. He looks around to see if we have made our church building a place where the lost and hurting can come and find Him. Is the facility inviting and welcoming to all the broken people who need a Savior?

            Does the outside look attractive, not just for the members but for visitors and passersby? Does the building and place represent Him well to the community? Would someone driving by think, “That place looks nice, I wonder what the people are like inside there?” We only get one chance to make a positive first impression. The way our church looks is important.

            Easter is just around the corner and people will be visiting our churches. We need to be prepared for them to feel welcomed. Many people who have been away from church since the beginning of the pandemic may decide to return to church. What will they experience if they choose your church? How can you play a part of making them feel welcome? God really does care about how our church looks and feels because it represents Him to the world.

            I want to encourage you to think about how your church looks and feels to a visitor. God wants every person to come to heaven. The way that people connect to God is through His churches. Easter gives us the opportunity to reach out to the lost and hurting and give them a place where they can connect with Jesus. Let’s work together to make our churches places of hope where people feel welcomed and can connect with their Savior.

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

Do It This Way

by   April 8, 2022 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

Pastor Clarence Jordan showed us how.

In November 1942 he and Martin England, a Baptist missionary to Burma, placed a $2,500 down payment on a run-down farm eight miles southwest of Americus, Georgia. They named the scarred and eroded acres Koinonia Farm and began living the Sermon on the Mount as they worked to turn their purchase into a place guided by Jesus’ message in Matthew 5-7.

As a doctoral student in Greek at Louisville Seminary, Jordan did not just read the words of Jesus, but he began to use them as his guide for living each day. It was his firm  belief in those words that guided him to begin Koinonia Farm as a place for justice and equality during the days of a world war, the Ku Klux Klan, Senator Joe McCarthy, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, civil rights struggles, and more. His world, like ours, was divided. However, he remained loyal to the best sermon ever spoken and withstood attacks by the KKK and harassment by the FBI and local churches. In fact, because he brought a black man to a Christmas Eve service at his own Baptist church, the church told him not to return.

Pastor Jordan lived the words of Matthew 5:44 that tell us to love our enemies and at Koinonia Farm he showed us that it is not only possible, but better for us, to follow the Sermon on the Mount.

Koinonia Farm still operates today, and many scrumptious food items may be ordered from its website. I recommend Clarence Jordan, Essential Writings, edited by Joyce Hollyday, (Orbis publication) as a good primer on this man who showed us how to live during difficult times.

Just Desserts

by   April 5, 2022 with No Comments

By Lynna Clark

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” -KJV


The Lord looked happily on as I discovered the banquet. All my favorites were there. Rather loudly I exclaimed, “Wowee! Look at all the food! Did you fix all this? Wait. You didn’t leave a big ol’ mess in the kitchen for me to clean up did you?”


He threw His head back and laughed. He smiled as he teased. “Maybe…”


He turned to pull out my chair beside Him at the head of the table. “Before you sit, let’s put on your robe.” He held out the most beautiful garment I’ve ever seen. As he slipped it over my old clothes I fingered the fabric. So soft and luxurious. Nervously I requested.


“If I’m gonna wear something this nice while I eat, I probably need a bib… or a raincoat.”
Again He laughed and shook His head. When I added, “This is way too nice for the likes of me,” He tipped His head and added.


“Feels like royalty doesn’t it. That’s because you were anointed to be My own daughter so many years ago when you answered My call. It’s finally time for the honor that comes with obedience.”
Quietly I took the seat beside Him. I was stunned when He held my hand and whispered part of a favorite Psalm.


“You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.”


He drew my attention to those that stood on the fringes. They cowered and I knew they were required to be there but they sure didn’t like it. Again he whispered.


“See the one in yellow? His name is Fear. He has plagued you all your life. Often he pulled you back from your purpose. But you forged on.”


He pointed to the one in blue. “He is Insecurity. How many times did you feel worthless as you struggled to serve? That came from him.”


Around the space He went, naming each of my enemies, explaining why I felt so inadequate in my lifetime. Eventually He came to the largest, most intimidating demon of all. I waited for the Lord to explain. Quietly He lifted my hand to His lips and gave it a kiss. It seemed as if He wanted to assure me that I was finally safe. He nodded his head toward the demon who appeared as dark as the deepest night.


“He is Darkness and is very powerful. Remember when you were shrouded with such a heavy cloak of despair that you could hardly breathe? That was him. I heard you ask for help. I knew you didn’t know what to pray, so I begged the Father for you. And He answered.”


With wonder, I met the Lord’s gaze. There were tears in His eyes as together we recalled those darkest times. He hugged me and added. “You came out better daughter. I love that about you. You never gave up though you wanted to. Instead you just kept asking Me for help. That’s why today your enemies are gathered here to witness your victory banquet. At my command they will be face down in the dust, never to bother you again.”


The presence of the Lord surrounded me and comforted me as never before. I didn’t know whether to clap or sing or shout. Instead I just hugged the Savior and laughed with joy. He laughed too so I dared to ask.


“Can we have dessert first?”

The Missing Piece

by   April 4, 2022 with No Comments

By Ann Farabee

     We knew it would be a masterpiece because we were working our first mystery puzzle. Instead of dumping the pieces on the table and looking at the picture on the box as our guide, we had taken on the challenge of NOT looking at the box and not knowing what the puzzle picture would be.

     Slowly – and after much longer than a puzzle normally took – it was brought to completion – almost. We were missing one piece. Yes – one piece. The puzzle maintained its residence on the table much longer than our previous puzzles, because without that one piece, we knew it was not complete.  The puzzle would remain there until it was.

      A mystery? A puzzle? A mystery puzzle? Yes, not only had the picture on the puzzle been a mystery, but now puzzle piece Number 1000 was missing.

      The words mystery and puzzle both can be defined as something baffling or perplexing, because it cannot be fully understood. Life sure can feel like that, can’t it? As our puzzle of life is put together piece by piece, a beautiful picture is formed. It is a mystery – a beautiful mystery.

We are all different.

We all have a story.

We are all an important part of God’s handiwork.

We cannot see how our story will look when it is finished – but God can.                                                                                        

Sometimes, it feels as though we are just moving pieces of our ‘life puzzle’ around, trying to force them into places where they do not fit.

Why do they not fit there? 

They do not fit there because they were not made to fit there.

Yes, a piece of our puzzle had gone missing.

That was not okay.

The puzzle would never be complete – unless we found it.

     Did we search for the missing puzzle piece? Yes – diligently! We searched chairs, cushions, tables, drawers, furniture, cabinets, under the carpet, in the washing machine, and in the dryer. We searched everywhere we thought a piece of puzzle would hide. Finally, I suggested a search through the dirty vacuum cleaner bag – and there it was! I happily dusted it off and used it to bring about the completion of the mystery puzzle.

     Matthew 18:11-13 tells of a shepherd that had 100 sheep. One wandered away – and was lost. Would the shepherd leave the 99 to search for the 1? He sure did. When he found the 1, he rejoiced more over it than over the 99 who did not go astray.

      That is how we felt when we found the one missing puzzle piece. Without it, the puzzle would not have been complete.

      The Shepherd came looking for us when we went astray and rejoiced when He found us.  Without the 1, the flock was not complete.

      Some things I cannot understand. Why, Jesus, would You come looking for us?  Why would You go searching for the 1? We are not worthy.

      But I know the answer – Jesus came to save that which was lost – that was us. He formed us. He loves us. He has prepared a place for us – and heaven would not be complete without us.

     Thank You, Heavenly Father, for looking for the 1.

     I am the one.  So are you.

I’m Praying for You

by   April 2, 2022 with No Comments

By Doug Creamer

            The other day someone I know was talking with me about a situation she was facing. I told her I have been praying for her. We talked about other things before we parted company, but I could tell this need weighed on her mind. I asked if I could pray for her before we parted, and she agreed. We stopped right where we were and said a little prayer.

            Have you ever been that person that needed prayer? I have. I can’t count how many times I have pulled the pastor or assistant pastor aside and said, “Have you got a minute?” Something was on my mind and I needed to share it with a friend. It’s always nice when the pastor takes a minute to pray, speaking directly to the need.

            I remember talking with three previous pastors when I was facing big decisions in my life. I felt stuck, afraid, and unable to move forward. Two of the pastors had me laughing at myself before we parted. They told me there was no way I would make a wrong decision because they had too much faith in me. They didn’t pray with me, but they prayed for me, and those prayers in conjunction with their faith in me made all the difference.  

            Sometimes we need prayer and words of reassurance. I am thankful for my brother and sisters. They have called me to ask that I remember their children in my prayers because of situations they faced. I have called them with questions about health concerns or seeking advice about other life changes, and they have been there not only to listen, but to offer their help, encouragement, and prayers. Words of encouragement can be so powerful and life-changing.

            I saw a good friend and several former colleagues last week. It was so good to see each other in-person and to catch up on life. I loved hearing about their children, how work has changed since the pandemic, and especially how they were doing spiritually. What I enjoyed the most about the time I spent with my friend was the opportunity to encourage and be encouraged by him. We never really know the impact of our words and prayers. Their positive impact can fuel people’s fire and passion for life.

            I have always made it a point to pray for my supervisors. Some have received more prayers than others. I have also shared words of encouragement or laughter with my supervisors. I will never forget two situations when my supervisors prayed for their teachers during a meeting. When your boss prays for you, that is huge.

            There is a difference between praying for someone and praying with someone. Praying for someone is very important because we all will find ourselves in the place of needing prayer at some point in our lives. Letting a person know that you are praying for them is important because it lets them know that they are not alone in their struggles. We have to remind ourselves that our prayers really do make a difference in the spirit realm.

            I believe that there is an extra release of power when we pray with someone. You can literally watch burdens lift off people’s shoulders when you pray with them. We have to be vulnerable enough to ask and then take the risk to actually pray out loud. We have to get past the feelings of our own inadequacy and put the other person’s needs ahead of our own. Praying with someone always has a powerful and profound effect on them.

            I know that every situation doesn’t allow us to pray together. Praying with someone over the phone can be very powerful. I have prayed for and received prayer over the phone and felt the power of the Spirit present. Sometimes we may need to find a quiet place, or pray together in spite of the noise and distractions.

            I want to encourage you to look for opportunities to pray with someone this week. If you are aware of a tough situation someone is facing, make some time and take the effort to pray with them. Don’t worry about your words; let the Spirit work through you. Trust that He is reaching out to bring the comfort and healing. You are just the vessel that He wants to work through to bring a great blessing to another person. Your prayers and words of encouragement will be the spring rains on the parched soil of their life.   

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com

A Lake Norman Day

by   April 1, 2022 with No Comments

By Roger Barbee

            This last day of March 2022 arrives clothed in a delightful mix of warm, wet wrappings of flowering trees, grasses, and flowers. The dogwood trees in the back garden hold not yet fully opened blooms of their soft white petals as if not wanting to release them to onlookers. Cardinals, nuthatches, doves, Carolina Chickadees, and many more birds take residence as they build nests or hunt for food in the azaleas and grass. A small gathering of the boat-tailed grackles visit the ground beneath one of the feeders which encourages a grey squirrel to move away, but only for a moment because the grackles find the offerings lacking, so they flew away in a flush of black purple sheen towards the lake and the tall pine trees. Next to the white fence the gardenia spreads its deep green leaves which, in its time, will grace the garden with a sweetness of scent unlike any other save the Ligustrum. Next to it are the three Lyda roses which will bloom in concert with each other to add a blush of pink to all the color.

So much life in such a small space. Yes, more birds, flowers, bushes, trees, and grasses would be found in a larger space. But here, in this small back garden, a visitor can hear the wind travel through the tall pine trees near the lake and feel the brush of air as a bird flies by. The fragrance of gardenia is captured here in this air as if held for ransom, and even the scent of freshly cut grass lingers long after the mower has finished his work.

Hours later another day has passed, and the rain travels to other lands. A bright spring-blue sky hovers above and Nick the beagle puppy sleeps on one bed of pine needles. To paraphrase the town crier, “Late afternoon and all is well.”

1 … 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 … 200