Is it possible to live, not as the legalist who says, “I must do everything!”
Nor as the antinomian who says, “I don’t have to do anything!”
Bus as a graceful Christian who delights in the privilege of serving Him?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And be committed to loving those who view that gospel as license?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And give one another the freedom and the time to come to maturity?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And allow others to disagree without becoming disagreeable?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And be committed to another when he offers no commitment in return?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And not allow pettiness to cause division?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And demonstrate that relationships are more important than doctrine?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And actually hurt when another hurts and rejoice when another rejoices?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And remove your personal log before trying to remove another’s speck?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And choose to be wronged rather than choosing to have your own way?
Is it possible to live as one who believes the one true Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God,
And actually lay down your own life in order that another can live?
It is possible if you truly believe the One True Gospel,
The Gospel of the Grace of God!
Mac Goddard
10/20/1999
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Reminder!
I will be speaking at Friendship Baptist Thursday morning at 9:00 at at a prayer breakfast, to kick of a month long prayer emphasis for their upcoming 'Celebration of Revival'! Your prayers for me will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Mac
Thanks!
Mac
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Footprints: A New Version
I have no idea who wrote this but it is worth the read:
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road—together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling, His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.
You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends. Now you pray:
"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning, but You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."
"That is correct."
"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."
Very good.. You have understood everything so far."
When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."
"Precisely."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."
There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
"You didn't know?? It was then that we danced!"
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking down the road—together. For much of the way, the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace. But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.
For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord's, soon paralleling, His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus' are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.
You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends. Now you pray:
"Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning, but You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You."
"That is correct."
"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely."
Very good.. You have understood everything so far."
When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like You in every way."
"Precisely."
"So, Lord, was there a regression or something? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."
There is a pause as the Lord answers, with a smile in His voice.
"You didn't know?? It was then that we danced!"
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Do You Not Yet Understand?
Friday afternoon, April 18, 2008
As you know, it is Friday and Sunday is coming—FAST! I sometimes wonder how I ever preached three sermons per week, especially in light of the fact that weeks pass by so quickly. Even more, I wonder how any of the “pew sitters” ever assimilated so much material; I guess they were just gracious and patiently endured my insensitivity to their derrières.
Things have changed now and for the most part I am down to one sermon per week, which I think is a good thing! Actually, I literally LOVE to preach; it is what I was born to do. My loving to do it, however, does not mean that everyone else loves to hear me do it, at least not as much as I love to do it. The reason I think that “one sermon per week” is a good thing is this: it enhances the possibility that the “hearers of the Word” will become “doers of the Word” and not, simply, professional students of the Word.
Now don’t misunderstand me: for more years than I can remember, I have loved to study the Scriptures (another good thing!); however, if my doing so was merely to gain more knowledge, then I have missed the point altogether. If my study of the Scriptures does not result in my becoming a doer of the same, then what is the purpose?
One more thing: by becoming a “doer of the Word” I do not mean that we should embrace the Protestant work ethic and take on the responsibility of working our fool selves to death in an effort to please God and to help Him redeem the world. Please, please, don’t make that assumption! If you do, you will have really missed the point not only of study, but also of Christianity!
Anyway, as far as I know now, my text for Sunday’s sermon is from Mark’s gospel (Mark 8:11-21), with emphasis on verse 21: “And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?” As you might imagine, my response is, “Heck, no! I do not yet understand but I am trying (which is why I do all this studying; well, one of the reasons!).
The text does give me some hope, however, because His disciples had seen more than they ever deserved to see (the feeding of the four thousand and the feeding of the five thousand, both with many leftovers!) but they, obviously, did not understand.
I know that most of you will not be in attendance at GCF this Sunday but I do challenge each of you to meditate on this text, not just for the sake of studying, but in order to understand just enough to become a “doer” of this part of His Word.
Also, please take the time to pray for me as I continue to prepare to preach this message. Remember: Jesus does not need this message; this message needs Jesus! If He doesn’t say something, then nothing of value will be said.
Blessings and love,
As you know, it is Friday and Sunday is coming—FAST! I sometimes wonder how I ever preached three sermons per week, especially in light of the fact that weeks pass by so quickly. Even more, I wonder how any of the “pew sitters” ever assimilated so much material; I guess they were just gracious and patiently endured my insensitivity to their derrières.
Things have changed now and for the most part I am down to one sermon per week, which I think is a good thing! Actually, I literally LOVE to preach; it is what I was born to do. My loving to do it, however, does not mean that everyone else loves to hear me do it, at least not as much as I love to do it. The reason I think that “one sermon per week” is a good thing is this: it enhances the possibility that the “hearers of the Word” will become “doers of the Word” and not, simply, professional students of the Word.
Now don’t misunderstand me: for more years than I can remember, I have loved to study the Scriptures (another good thing!); however, if my doing so was merely to gain more knowledge, then I have missed the point altogether. If my study of the Scriptures does not result in my becoming a doer of the same, then what is the purpose?
One more thing: by becoming a “doer of the Word” I do not mean that we should embrace the Protestant work ethic and take on the responsibility of working our fool selves to death in an effort to please God and to help Him redeem the world. Please, please, don’t make that assumption! If you do, you will have really missed the point not only of study, but also of Christianity!
Anyway, as far as I know now, my text for Sunday’s sermon is from Mark’s gospel (Mark 8:11-21), with emphasis on verse 21: “And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?” As you might imagine, my response is, “Heck, no! I do not yet understand but I am trying (which is why I do all this studying; well, one of the reasons!).
The text does give me some hope, however, because His disciples had seen more than they ever deserved to see (the feeding of the four thousand and the feeding of the five thousand, both with many leftovers!) but they, obviously, did not understand.
I know that most of you will not be in attendance at GCF this Sunday but I do challenge each of you to meditate on this text, not just for the sake of studying, but in order to understand just enough to become a “doer” of this part of His Word.
Also, please take the time to pray for me as I continue to prepare to preach this message. Remember: Jesus does not need this message; this message needs Jesus! If He doesn’t say something, then nothing of value will be said.
Blessings and love,
Thursday, April 10, 2008
An Incredible Opportunity!
Today, I had lunch with Rev. Gary Horton, the pastor of Friendship Baptist Church near Lake Sinclair--a special time with a special man. Gary has invited me to preach at Friendship Baptist beginning Sunday morning, June 1 and continuing through Wednesday evening, June 4. Both of us really believe that this is a Divine Appointment and we are really looking forward to it.
At this point, I am simply waiting and watching for His leadership; consequently, I would really appreciate your fervent prayers.
I have included several pictures for your perusal.
Grace lavished,
Mac
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Luke Wicker Estate
I spent yesterday afternoon with Luke Wicker, roaming over his "Big Indian Creek" property. We had quite a time, as the property is beautiful. I think you will enjoy the pictures. I am hoping we can have a church picnic on this land, one day soon! Luke said it was fine with him!
Blessings,
Mac
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Covered Dish!
This Wednesday evening we will enjoy a time of fellowship around many covered dishes! I can only hope that each covered dish will be filled with scrumptious food, the kind we Southern boys like!
Please plan to be present and to enjoy!
See you tomorrow night!
Blessings,
Mac
Monday, April 7, 2008
A Major Incident!
Everything was moving along just fine, when for some strange reason the lawn mower went into the ditch! Was the driver under the influence? Indeed, he was under the influence of something; the question is what! From what I could see, the only thing that was hurt was his pride and it was deeply bruised, even had to be splinted!!
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