Reflections from a Father’s Heart!

Lately I have been pondering a lot of things. Maybe because it is coming up on the end of the year or maybe it is because when you turn forty you start really reflecting on your life. This particular reflection is about being a dad, a good dad.

I remember when my son was little he would walk beside me. I would be so self-absorbed I would not notice his little hand reaching up to hold mine. What a missed opportunity to provide security for his little heart. I remember another time when he woke me up while we were staying in a missionary apartment in NJ. I was so tired and angry that I was ugly to him. Maybe my blood sugar was high. Maybe I was just having a bad morning. Whatever the case, he got something he did not deserve. Lastly, I remember when he was five and I was working full-time and planting Open Arms Baptist Church. I was tired, angry, and frustrated with the world. I tucked him in one night and he said, “Dad, you do not like me, do you?” My response, “Bud, I like you and I love you, Dad is sorry for making you feel this way.”  

That was enough! I decided that I would never, ever hear those words from my child again. I had to make some changes. Over the last six years I have made those changes. I take every opportunity to hold my children’s hands & I try really hard not to take my moods out on my kids (or my wife for that matter). I give myself to them so they have no doubt that the D.A.D.D.Y. not only loves them, but genuinely likes them. How did I do it? One word: Christ!

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” I sought the face of God and I begged Him to give my wife and my kids a better daddy and a better husband.

I asked God to forgive me and then I asked Noah to forgive me! They both forgave all. Why is it I have had such a hard time forgiving myself? This morning I figured it out. My sin has been covered by the blood of Christ and God no longer sees it. However, the enemy tugs on my past and tries to get me to uncover it with a thick film of guilt.

That is not what God has for me or for you. He wants us to ask for forgiveness from Him and those we wronged, even our children. Reconciliation is God’s plan! Stagnating in a pond of guilt and shame is the devils plan.

God always has His hand ready to grab ahold of ours. Because of Jesus we will never get what we deserve! Finally, He not only loves us, He desires a relationship with us. Do you get it? He likes you and wants you!

Maybe you are like me and are living with relational regrets and are wondering what you do about it.  Humble yourself and seek forgiveness then cover it with the Blood and walk away from it. It no longer belongs to you it belongs to Christ!

Windows to the Soul!

Jude 22, "And of some have compassion, making a difference"

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul! Well, when I first looked into their eyes I saw despair, loneliness, and hurt. They looked as though no one cared for them. They wanted hope so desperately but the world had pulled and tugged on their lives until all they could see was their situations. Then we knocked on the door and something changed.

The sadness in their eyes turned to joy as we  walked in bearing food and gifts. The despair on their faces turned to hope as we shared the love of Christ, and the loneliness in their heart turned into fellowship as we sat and visited with them. I have to believe this is what Christ calls ministry: giving of yourself  to touch someones life!

Concentration camp survivor Corrie ten Boom once said, "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation." CCA, thank you for giving, not just financially, but for giving of yourselves. We made a difference in the lives of 12 families this Christmas!

Hope

“Hold on to Hope”

Romans 5:3-5, “And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Are you going through something right now? Do you feel like it will never end? Do you wonder where God is in the midst of all your junk? Do you say to yourself its Christmas and where is God? Where was he when I lost my job? Where is he while my marriage falls apart? Where is God while my love one suffers from cancer?

He is there! Hold on to Him! The beautiful baby whose birth we celebrate on Christmas day is the same Savior who gave His life for our sins. Where was God at His death?  The same place He was at His birth, and the same place He is right now in your life. Right by your side! Giving you the strength to endure. When you get to the other side of your trial will you be ashamed? Or, will you be able to say I held on to hope?

Corey

Reflections of Thanksgiving

25 Things I am Thankful For!

1.       My Salvation – The fact that Jesus would die for a sinner like me leaves me speechless!

2.       My Wife Kasie- I have not always been a good husband or even friend to her, but she never gave up on the man I could be! I love you, Babe, more than there are grains of sand in the desert!

3.       My Kids – The fact that God would entrust these precious children into my care amazes me.

4.       My Ministry – I do not look at what I do as a job. God has given me an opportunity to minister to students, parents, and teachers. I am forever grateful!

5.       Denise Waters – For encouraging and believing in me! Clinton Waters - Teaching me not to quit! Our motto in my house is Waters do not quit!

6.       My Brothers – Keyan and Cj, you are a part of me wherever you go.

7.       My Father-in-Law- I love you, Wayne, you are a good man!

8.       My Friends – You know who you are! I could not be where I am without your love and support.

9.       Coffee – Laugh if you will, but it is the little things in life we take for granted. Imagine a life without coffeeL

10.    My Home – To see my kids run and laugh and feel safe and secure in their home brings comfort.

11.    Hal and Bonnie Elrod – Thank you for reaching out to us and loving on us and our kids!

12.    Pastor David Perdue – You set an example of spiritual leadership for me I have never forgotten.

13.     Milford Christian School – You allowed this church planter with no formal teaching experience to invade your world and it changed mine forever! Thank you for never forgetting me!

14.     Fairwinds Christian School – Man, I love you! You allowed me to be used of God in one of my darkest moments. You let me be real and transparent and you in turn did the same. I will forever be grateful for the three years I spent with you!

15.    Cornerstone Christian Academy – You embraced my crazy family with such love that it overwhelms us. You also allow me to be real and transparent. Chad, thanks for taking the time to pray about the Campus Minister position and who would fill it. I am here because of prayer! Thank you, Lord, for this new chapter in our lives.

16.    Trinity Baptist College – It was there I was trained and came out of my shell!  Hard to believe I was once very shy!

17.    Failure – While failure stinks it also allows opportunity for growth! Failing forward hurts like the dickens, however it has been through a veil of tears that I have seen the most spiritual and emotional growth occur.

18.    Open Arms Baptist Church – Our little church plant and the many people we reached for Jesus Christ. While our time together was short ( just four years) I learned a great deal about faith!

19.    Fairwinds Baptist Church - For your love and encouragement!

20.    Dr. Charles Shafer, Bro. John Cash, and Dr. Charles Shoemaker – These men invested in me more than they will ever know!

21.    Bed Time Laughter - Making memories with my wife & kids that will last a life time.

22.    Dr. E.L. Brittain – For following the voice of God and starting the church that led me to Christ!

23.    Phyllis Lemmon and Cindy Armstrong – My secretaries at FCS who had patience with me as I grew into my position and trusted that even if I seemed crazy that I was being led by God!

24.    Adoption – Because of this special gift I have three more precious children!

25.     Grace – Heavenly Father, you have changed my life! You gave me a new life, a new career, and a new passion!

Choices!

Choices!

My father is dying of cancer and I am mad! I am not mad at God. I am mad at my father. Wow, I said it. Some of you will judge me for that statement, but I don’t care. My feelings are valid. My dad chose alcohol, drugs and cigarettes over his family. Sounds harsh, I know because it is. When we make choices to engage in things that are harmful to us despite the pleading of those who love and care for us, we tell them they are not nearly as important as________________ (you fill in the blank).

We can all be guilty. While I am sitting on my high horse of indignation there are things in my life, my family has asked me to give up on behalf of them and I struggle. Maybe the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Maybe I need to inspect what I expect. I expected my dad to love my mom and his children enough to give up the alcohol. My wife and kids expect me to love them enough to take care of my blood sugar! I need to inspect what is in my heart.

The same insecurity and selfishness that caused my dad to sink into a pit of self - destruction for all those years, I see in myself. Man that stinks!  The very character flaws I see in him are in me! What hope do I have? What hope do my kids have? The answer to both of those questions is Jesus! He is my hope, my strength, and my shield! The Bible says in Joel 2:25-26, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten… And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

Wow! My God promises to restore the years that were lost and remove our shame. My dad’s sin doesn’t have to be mine! My kids do not have to be held captive to my sins! I choose to change! I choose to love my kids and my wife more than my insecurity and selfishness. I choose to beg God to change me into the man He has called me to be. How about you? What choice will you make?

Humble or Proud!

Matthew 12:34b, “… for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

 Have you ever said something that you shouldn’t have? As soon as the words glided past your lips you gasp in regret! What did you do? I had this experience recently. Now remember, when I started this blog I said I would be honest, so here it is. My son was being difficult, as many preteens can be. He pushed a button and I yelled at him for what seemed like an eternity. In my verbal assault, I called him a “smart you know what.”  I couldn’t stop! I know me, a pastor, leader, Bible teacher, how could I say that?  I was filled with rage at him for his behavior. I was upset with myself for my behavior and then to make it worse when my wife tried to speak to me about it, and I ripped her head off! I was out of control. I was outraged by his smart mouth and lack of respect. Certainly he had it coming! Unfortunately, he did not deserve what he got.

Chances are the person you gave it to did not deserve what they got either! Maybe the problem does not lie in them, but in you. What is it that makes you respond the way you do? What was the trigger that set you off? What do you do once you have fired that verbal bullet? You cannot take it back no matter how sorry you are. Those words will always ring in the atmosphere. But, you can make it right

I had to humble myself and apologize not only to my son, but to his siblings and his mom. I told myself be humble or proud Corey, humble or proud. Well, my flesh wanted pride, but my spirit wanted humility. This time the spirit won the battle.

 I wanted to be humble and teach my children that when you mess up and sometimes you will; you can humble yourself and seek forgiveness. So I will ask you the same question I asked myself, “Humble or proud (fill in your name), humble or proud?”

Corey

I Love You More Than Coffee

John 3:16, “For God so loved…”

I love you more than coffee!

My wife and I play a little game when one of us say’s “I love you,” the other will say, “How much!” A couple of mornings ago I was leaving early and there was one cup of coffee left. Those of you who knew us understand we both need COFFEE!!! I could have taken it and felt just fine. After all this could be the only chance I have for hours to get my fix! But, I left her a note that said, “I love you more than coffee,” and next to the note was her coffee mug filled with the last cup of coffee!

How much do you love Jesus? Do you love Him more than yourself? Do you love Him more than your money? Do you love Him more than your personal interests? Do you love Him more than your comfort zone? He loves you more than His own life! Hebrews 2:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,…” So I will ask again! How much do you love Him? Are you willing to leave Him a note on your heart saying, “I love you more than…” and then leave your… at His feet!

Corey

Why a blog!

October 13, 2011

I have been feeling in the past few months like God has been tugging on my heart about writing. I really do not consider myself a writer, however, God has put a few things on my heart and this blog is my way of sharing. I will be talking very candidly and very honestly about what I have learned in the past few years.

 This blog will touch on spiritual issues, parental issues, and marital issues. I will endeavor to be very real in what I say and how I feel. It is my intention to not just give my opinion, but to give God’s Word. I believe that God has called me to serve Him with my life: every aspect of my life!

If you know me, you know I desire to live my life by faith! I Corinthians 2:5, “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” This is my life verse. I have learned that no matter what, I need to keep my faith in His hands. I am hoping that as I take this journey that whoever reads this blog will see that my desire to honor my God, and will decide to take the journey with me! The Bible says “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This blog is not about me. I recognize I am nothing and He is everything! It is all to honor my Savior!

So, I invite you to join me on this spiritual journey, as I open my heart and share what God has given me!I hope it will be an encouragement and a blessing to you.

God bless,

Corey