Two of a kind, this Elisha and Dr. Bloom

“Those that would be fit to teach must have time to learn; and those that hope hereafter to rise and rule must be willing at first to stoop and serve.” Matthew Henry

Kay Mills our Office Manager of the school and church and I spread out all kinds of materials and pictures collected since 1941. We just looked at each other and said, “What in the world have we gotten ourselves into?” We were overwhelmed by the “stuff” as we have now entered a journey of preparing for Central Baptist Church's 75^th Anniversary. What fun it was to look back and think on those people and families who have served under each Pastor but especially under Dr. Jesse Bloom and now his son, Dr. Andy Bloom.

 Ro 12:1 ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Ro 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Ro 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Ro 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

Dr. Jesse Bloom will turn 96 this January 14, 2016! How old are you? Dr. Bloom preached Sunday night and when he finished, the people filled the altar not because of him, but as a direct result of God's Holy Spirit working in people's lives.  He was just God's vessel used at that particular moment as he preached TRUTH. I watched him "shuffle" off the stage, I wanted to cry. The man of God is STILL the man of God! As I read the calling of Elisha, I just wanted to cry again. It seems I do a lot of that lately while reading about God’s chosen people of the Old Testament and those with whom God has allowed me to serve. Will you allow me the privilege of reminiscing today?

Elisha, you are in heaven with my God. You didn’t have a Mercedes to drive while on earth, and not even a Ford! You just ran wherever you went. You chased Elijah around like a maniac. No motels, no steaks, no bologna sandwiches…..just whatever God gave you at the moment. What faith! No alarm clock, no wife to pamper you, no Joseph A. Banks’ suits, no Sears or even Pennys. No Mission Board, no paycheck every month, or week or after preaching…….sounds pretty scary doesn’t it? I see Dr. Bloom in the same light. I want to be that light, folks, don't you?

Elisha was just plowing away helping his mom and dad with "life" trying to survive. 
He served those he loved. I'm sure he was like we are and maybe had his own opinions, but there was just something about him that caused him to see and to obey. Dr. Bloom was in his 40's before answering the call to go back to school and preach. Already married with children, he saw and obeyed God's command. I want to see and obey for as long as I can, don't you?

Elisha had a great example when he picked up and ran after Elijah, a crazy man, according to those who knew him, and yet these men walked so closely with God. At times we need someone to look up to, someone who is flesh and blood, someone we can touch and sit at their feet asking questions about God, wouldn't you agree? They are just as human as we are and will make mistakes, but for me, it helps seeing Dr. Bloom stand and preach. He can't run up and down the stage anymore. Matter of fact I have asked him if he wanted me to pick him up and throw him over my shoulder and take him back to his office. He just laughs but I believe I could if he needed me too. Dr. Bloom tells stories that are real causing us to hear every word. He gives examples that we can relate.......... kind of like sitting down in his living room and all the while pointing us to the perfect one, Jesus!

Look around you. Do you have an Elijah to run after? Do you see and are you obedient as God gives you the opportunity to learn from His people in leadership? As we close out 2015 it might do God GOOD if we just take more time to thank those who have an influence on us to do MORE GOOD. Let's see Jesus today and obey! My Preacher would say to not look at people, but look at God because people will let you down and I agree, but bless God for those who stand for right and who keep fighting to keep the high standards!

Until next time, Lord willing,
Sharon

God is in us!

Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God.

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

1 Corinthians 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

My mom gave me some great advice that I want to pass on to you today.  She and I were discussing changes and she said this, “Don’t believe in yourself, believe in God IN you.”  Boy, I tell you something, those 9 words stopped me in my tracks!    I can’t rely on Sheri, but I do know for a fact God’s Holy Spirit resides in me and I CAN believe and rely on Him, come what may!

This whole entire blog has been about getting to know God better.  Not man’s definition of a god, but the One True and Living God, Jehovah.  I have enjoyed every post and the Scriptures and thoughts we have meditated on about Him, haven’t you?  I feel as I have gotten to know Him better.  But mom’s advice pushed me even one step closer!  He is in me and if I will let Him, He can handle everything tomorrow holds. 

Are you facing a giant?  God is in you, He isn’t worried.

Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Are you depressed and filled with unrest?  The God of all Peace resides in you, let Him share that joy in your heart and mind!

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Are you facing an enemy? God is for you!

Psalms 56:9 When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.

Situation after situation, mountain highs and valley lows, none of it changes the fact that, as a child of God, HE resides in me and faces it all with me.  How I go through 2016 will be determined by how much I take the back seat and let God fill me and use me. 

Think on the fact He is there with you today.

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sheri

                                                                                                                                                                                             

Fly, Vickie, Fly

Vickie ran through one row of short pine trees and back down through another. With her arms stretched out, she was flying never seeing Aunt Alma at the end of the last row. I tried to get her to stop but once she was in her imaginary state, she would be checked out for a while. There were times when she seemed to be in a trance and once she came to herself, she would just sit and cry.  Aunt Alma had  one thing on her mind…..the wash. It had to be done and hung out to dry before the parents arrived for their children that afternoon. With one hand on her chubby hip and the other holding a stick of sorts, she waited for Vickie to land. I wanted to scream to awaken Vickie, but this time it wasn’t soon enough. I knew my sister was escaping in her own mind but the journey was short lived!

My knuckles burned with pain as I pushed the small clothing on the scrub board trying to avoid the next event but my heart burned with more pain for my little sister. I couldn’t help her right now and would have to watch this woman beat her, again. If only Daddy was coming today, but he wouldn’t arrive until Friday or Saturday…… “Why do we have to be here in this home and feel such pain?” I asked myself over and over. “We have to tell someone, somewhere, and soon.”  

Reading Psalm 57 gives us a picture of a man abused by the respected Saul. Saul hid his envy for a long time, but eventually that jealous hate turned to violence. It caught up with him, covered his outstanding character, chipped away at his healthy heart and caused a gross smell to cover him and follow him until his death. Now, others could see it and they, like David, became his victims as well.

Working with children day in and day out allows me the opportunity to be alert for those who may be abused physically, mentally and/or sexually. I JUST DON’T GET IT! It is a weak person who thrives on precious little children! My flesh cries out for their disgusting bodies to be tied, mouths taped with a tight rope placed around their necks for a slow certain death as the public watches while shopping in downtown Ocala!  They need to scream in agony of pain worse than the pain they inflicted upon God's precious little ones. An eye for eye, you say?

But God……who is this Wonderful Creator? I think I know, but then my mind goes back to that home of severe abuse and for a split second I relish the idea that “they” are all dead now! Oh my, people, where are they? Only God knows and only God cared enough for them, the abusers, to send Jesus to die for them as well. “God, who are you? Tell me. I look for you in the Holy Word. I see, I hear, I don’t understand the why of it all, but I understand that you LOVE us and will allow pain for Your honor and for Your glory.  HELP ME TO GET IT, BEFORE IT SLIPS AWAY AND I RUN INTO THE WALLS OF DEATH."

David had to tell God and the only way he could get it out was to complain and eventually he moved into deep prayer to the only One who could possibly help Him. Why do we complain in prayer when He is there already? Whatever it takes, God is there to help us sort it all out. Most of the time in our lives the coveted quick fix doesn’t happen, does it? We feel abused, unloved and left alone by God.

Not so……hang on, David, victory is near, and so it is for you, dear friend!

57:7 ¶ My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
Ps 57:8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Ps 57:9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
Ps 57:10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
Ps 57:11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

So, you're human, like me? We are learning a lot about God in this journey aren't we? If you have to complain, get it out. Just say it but before you finish get on your knees and give Him the glory and allow Him the opportunity to bring joy in he midst of the abuse.....whatever it is. He already knows it. Give it to Him and praise Him out loud. Rejoice in His strength, friend.

Until next time, Lord willing.
Sharon

Weekend Getaway # 50

God wants you to guard your heart!

Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Today I have to have a stress test.  My cardiologist wants a base read on how my heart functions.  I don’t have cholesterol problems, matter of fact I am a pretty healthy, albeit chubby, woman according to my blood work.  But I have chest pains and a family history of heart disease, so the doctor ran some tests and also wants me to get on that treadmill today. 

I love the challenge that I face today.  I love getting rated on my physical ability because I am the type of person who wants to win.  I may collapse after the test, but I want them to have to tell me to stop because their machines can’t go any faster.  I want to beat the best score ever given on this thing!  Who knows if I will be able to walk tomorrow because I am so out of shape that I will probably pull a muscle, but I will face today with a flint like face and conquer it.  (Ya’ll whom have done this are probably laughing because you know I will end up falling off and busting my head open or something)

Proverbs 4:23 isn’t talking about my healthy (or non healthy) heart.  It is talking about my inner Sheri.  Because who I am is what I will do and say.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:18-19 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

The inner man is fed by what we read, meditate on and spend time doing.  Proverbs instructs us to keep (preserve, watch over, protect) our hearts with ALL DILIGENCE.  That means it can’t be a passive act, it needs to be a decisive measure we take in order to guard what goes in our lives.  How is that for a basis for good morals?  People want to argue over what is tradition of men and what is Scriptural, but honestly, can’t we wake up and smell the coffee here?  Listening to music that speaks of adultery, filthy living and perversion is NOT keeping our hearts.  Rather it is corrupting it and if it is corrupt, what comes out of our lives and our mouths will be corrupt as well. 

Go listen to an album by a famous hip hop artist.  Not the clean version, but the explicit.  Memorize the lyrics and sing them to yourself and see if the next time you stub your toe if an expletive doesn’t fly out!  I know that sounds silly and basic, but you get my point. 

Listen, Jesus Christ is coming soon.  We don’t know when.  We need to be living for Him and in Him until that day.  We need to protect our inner man from anything that would teach us otherwise.  Set your sights on 2016 with a determination to guard your heart from wrongful influences so that the majority of what comes out of your mouth is to the edification of others and leading some to salvation!

Guard your heart!

Until next time, Lord willing,

Sheri

Listen to me!

“Son, listen to me. Just fill out this hard copy of the FAFSA, go to the computer after January 1, 2016 and pull up the website and fill it out. Look down at the paper and plug in the information. That’s all you do!”

“But Mrs. Loyd, I don’t have time right now. You see my family needs me to work after school and help with the bills. I am thinking about waiting another year before going to college, anyway. It is so stressful I don’t have time to think about it. Mom’s surgery is coming up, you know. They need me.”

“Son, listen to me…….fill out the FAFSA! More than likely you could receive a Pell Grant! That is FREE MONEY, SON. That will pay for so much of your schooling. Just do it over the Christmas break. Do you hear me? And by the way, you have another semester to bring up that grade point average and maybe you could qualify for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship!”

“Yes mam” and then he gives me a bear hug! “Mrs. Loyd, do you know that I have a 4.00 right now?”

“Son, listen to me…….that 4.00 covers only your first semester as a senior. I am proud of you, but you DO understand that your true GPA is cumulative and it all began back in your freshman year?”

He turned and looked at me like so many seniors have in the past, realizing that if they had just started doing what they do NOW, back in the 9^th grade, they could have received the benefits that come with a high GPA……MONEY…..for college and the opportunity for more scholarships!

AND…… so life goes with us as adults. Right? Right! We live and we learn sometimes by taking advice and sometimes by the hard knocks while traveling this road called “LIFE!”

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Listen to me…….take this hard copy of the Bible, open it up and read a chapter, two, three or more, every day and you will have enough power to live for God and have enough left over to spill into someone else’s life! Do you hear me?

But Sharon, I don’t have time. I have to get up, fix the kid’s breakfast, lunch, iron shirts, and get ready for work every day, come home and turn around and do the same thing.”

Listen to me….. take this hard copy of the Bible (not your phone or computer) open it up, feel the pages, smell the pages and read the Words…….His Words….which are quick….do you hear me? Quick. It’s time to have a love affair with God’s Word!

God’s Word is living. It jumps out and dances in your face. Join in the dance! “Change up” your morning time. If you don’t, you’ll never move on to the powerful part of Hebrews 4:12. Ruts, habits, same ole, same ole…….can be boring at times BUT NOT the reading and studying of God’s Word.  It is “living and quick and energetic” all of which you and I need to face the day, wouldn’t you agree? This kind of teaching is foreign to the therapists and psychologists. “Take time for yourself” is often the prescription and for certain we must do so, but NOT before giving time to God and His Word. He wants to hear from you more than your husband, your children and your friends! Listen to me!

Quick, Living, Energetic……..

I need “living” don’t you? Don’t die on yourself today. Live and be quick about it before you change your mind and slip right back into the same ole’ rut! Breathe His Words. Now, go change diapers, fix breakfast and whatever else you need to do today! 

For me, it is a half day of school as we look at one more half day of this semester. It will be my 51^st wedding anniversary tomorrow. It is the week my two grandchildren come home from Pensacola Christian College for Christmas break. Today, is LIFE! Praise the Lord to be able to breathe and walk and proclaim this Word of God!

Until next time, Lord willing!

Sharon

God wants you to ABOUND!

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

My basketball coach had our team memorize this verse when we were in high school.  At the time, I thought it was about being a good ball player.  On defense I would block my opponent and on offense I would not stop moving towards making a basket and scoring.  That is what my 17 year old mind processed.  But as I grew, my oh my, what a lifelong pep rally this verse gives me spiritually! 

God wants us abounding in His work!  He wants us to walk with Him, listen to Him and apply His knowledge to our everyday lives.  The Corinthians should have been growing and abounding, but Paul had to go in and instruct them in the basics.  Why?  Take a look at a few verses he wrote before ever getting to verse 58. 

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

These people knew the truth but had allowed wrong associations to change their minds about the resurrection!  Wrong teaching had warped their thinking!

Do you know what will keep us from abounding in the Lord’s work?  Evil communications.  What does that mean?  Bad associations.  They can corrupt our way of life and how we behave.  During revival meetings we are in church with other like-minded Christians, seeking to make any change necessary in our lives for God’s glory.  We are pumped during that week aren’t we?  That is because it is EDIFYING and not corrupt!  But go spend a week at the beach bar hopping and see how you feel. You will feel completely different.  Your mind will get calloused to the fact you are seeing parts of people’s bodies you have no business seeing.  Your thought life will be up for grabs for the devil.  Your senses will be dulled to the music, the debauchery that goes hand in hand with drunkenness and you will be corrupted.  Why?  The influences of the associations you kept. 

I know none of you are heading out to the bar scene, but it contrasts the church in such a way that I want you to see the difference.  Now, look at your OWN life.  Not someone else’s but yours.  Are there some bad associations there that make you doubt whether or not God loves you?  Be careful, it will corrupt you. 

The one thing that cannot be corrupted is real Truth.  By that I mean God’s Word.  So, if there is no corruption in It, THAT is what will help me ABOUND in the Lord’s work.  I need to be steadfast in It!  I need to be UNmovable in It.  The only way that is going to happen is if I read IT!

January of 2016 is drawing near.  You can make it a year of being rooted and grounded in the Lord or make the bad choice of being corrupted by evil communications.  Those things you may think are small and unimportant may be the very things that cause you to move away from God and His plans for your life this coming year.  Wouldn’t it be great to start it out right with your feet planted in the Word? 

So practically speaking, make a checklist in your life.  Ask yourself:

-        Are there any influences in my life that are contrary to the Word of God?

-        Am I basing my thoughts and life on sound Biblical principles? 

-        Am I abounding in the Lord’s work or have I turned around and faced the other direction?

Let the Word of God change you and let your testimony influence someone else to want to know the Lord!  Be steadfast, be unmovable and ABOUND in the work of the Lord!  Why?  It is NOT in vain…..He is paying attention!

Until next time, Lord willing!

Sheri