Sandpaper People

I know this may not interest many of you in the least, but I recently worked at restoring an old deer skull I have that had broken. No, I’m not into collecting weird bones or anything, just a relic that is representative of the old west. In the restoration process, I rebuilt the upper jawbone with a strong epoxy. After working the pliable putty I was able to reshape it to the bone’s original shape using small sanding blocks and a rotary grinder. The grinder gave me no problems, but sanding blocks can be sort of rough on the hands. The sandpaper not only sands off the unwanted parts of the epoxy, but it can also sand off your skin if you don’t wear gloves… Well, I didn’t wear gloves. So I lost part of the first layer of skin off of my right hand and a few knuckles. Of course, I was glad to go thru the pain. Now I have a bleached white, completely restored deer’s skull. If I hadn’t put up with the inconvenience and nuisance of tender hands and raw knuckles I wouldn’t have completed the project.
Have you ever noticed that some people in your life are like sandpaper? They can rub you the wrong way and if you’re not careful, they can rub your emotions raw. One thing I have become more and more convinced of is how committed God is in developing His character and nature within us. The “sandpaper people” in our lives aren’t there by accident. God uses their abrasive and coarse words and actions to grind away our rough and unfinished parts… smoothing the edges and making us more resemble the character and nature of Christ. It may result in our suffering hurt feelings, shot down dreams, rejection, and a little tribulation. But regardless of what may happen, God’s purpose is to keep us strong enough to endure the pain, yet weak enough to have to totally rely on Him. That’s not always a desirable place to be, but the pain and inconvenience will be worth it…
As a child, I broke my leg. I still remember the excruciating pain and the inconvenience of wearing a cast. One thing I discovered about a broken bone is that it grows back stronger at the place of the fracture than it was before. On the FDA website, Doctor Yahiro describes the healing process this way: “Inflammatory cells rush to destroy, dilute or isolate invaders and injured tissue. Tiny new blood vessels called capillaries begin growing into the site. Cells proliferate. The injured person usually must endure pain, swelling, and increased heat at the breakage site for one to three days. [But] new tissue bonds the fractured bone ends with a soft callus, a mass of connective tissue and… remodeling begins. Once restoration is complete, the healed area is brand new, without a scar. Usually thicker, the new bone may even be stronger than the old… if the bone should break again it is unlikely that it will break at the same place. And children's bones have a healing boost: They're growing.”
I can tell you that the strength I have found to persevere has always been developed during the times of brokenness in my life. And God has used every event to spiritually grow me thru every one. That’s what Jesus said in the Bible… “My strength is perfect in your weakness… for when you are weak I am strong…” God has a plan for your life… And His purpose for you will not be thwarted. He will complete what He has started in you. Be thankful for His remodeling and restoration work in your life… even the work He accomplishes thru “sandpaper people”.

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A True Friend

The older I get the more I realize the importance of true friends. I also realize that I have far fewer true friends than I may think. That’s the raw reality of life. My dad used to tell me that, but I never accepted what he said. I argued with him then, but I now see that he was right.
One thing I have learned over the years is that my best friend on this earth is my wife, Lynn. And one of my goals for this stage in my life is to be a true friend to our young adult children - Jess and Hunter. My dad has set a good example for me in that respect. His relationship with mom and all of us “young’uns” has been exemplary. Even when we didn’t see eye to eye, he has remained a true friend. I go to him often for advice and counsel. And he always tells me the truth, no matter how painful it might be to accept. A fellow pastor once told me, "Kevin, when you leave your church, in 10 years you'll be lucky if any of the people remember your name. Don't sacrifice your family." Wise advice for all of us...
True friendships are an important part of life. When troubling times come upon us, it is easy to isolate ourselves and feel as though no one really cares what we’re going through. During times of trial, our “fair-weather” friends often run away to avoid getting caught up in the strife. But a true friend is just the opposite. A true friend runs to you instead of away from you. A true friend is there to support and defend you regardless of the adversity you may be facing. One thing I have learned over the years is that the only way to gain true friends like that is to risk being disappointed. You have to risk a certain level of trust that may very well involve being hurt somewhere down the line. But, I can tell you from experience, the risk is worth the reward.
Several years ago Coach Pepper Rogers was having a really tough season at UCLA. Friends were few and far between. It seemed as if everyone was down on him, including the administration, the media, the alumni, the fans, his coaching staff and players, even those he considered to be his close friends. One evening he was feeling sorry for himself after a disagreement with his wife. He told her, “I think the only friend I have in this world is my dog. And that’s just not right. A man should have at least two friends." So the next day she went out and bought him another dog.
Job once found himself worked up emotionally into that same state. He felt as if no one was his friend, including his wife. Everyone seemed to be against him. While he was experiencing this time of darkness, He made an interesting comment. In Job 6:14 he said, "A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty." That’s a great description of a true friend. During the time of Job, forsaking the Almighty could result in immediate death – either from the religious authorities or directly from heaven. Have you ever heard someone say, “I need to stand away from you because God is liable to strike you dead”? Well, that’s the same kind of belief Job probably had. Yet he viewed the devotion of a friend as such that he would stand beside you even if fire and brimstone rained down from the skies. And isn’t that when we need true friends most - when we’re at our lowest point? I believe that’s one huge reason God blesses us with friends – not just for the good times, but also for the bad times.
This past weekend, my Mamaw, my dad’s mother went to heaven. And while she may have struggled with a lot of illness and physical ailments these past few years, losing your mother is never easy. Her death, although understood, has caused grief and sorrow for my dad, his brothers and sisters as well as our entire family. It’s during times like these that true friendship is most important. And it’s times like these that I’m glad I can wrap my arm around my dad’s shoulders, not just as a son, but as a friend, and tell him I love him – in good times and bad. That’s what friends are for. Solomon said, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17) I’m glad to say that I have friends like that… And I also have many opportunities to be a friend like that to others.
But the greatest friend like that is Jesus. He loves at all times. As one person said, “There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more; and there is nothing you can do to make Him love you any less.” The Bible says, [He’s] “A friend that sticks closer than a brother.” For some people, He may seem to be the only true friend they have. And while He is the all sufficient Lord, life shouldn’t have to be lived without other friends. We can each do something about that. Let’s be intentional about being a true and loyal friend to others. Not only will we help make life more bearable for others, we will also most certainly gain loyal, true friends in return. And the best place to start being a true friend is at home… with your brothers, sisters, parents… And all of us could also reach out more intentionally in being a true friend to those in the family of faith.

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Farmers And Hunters

You might not be aware of this, but the Mountain View Family of faith is involved in numerous charitable organizations around the world. One of the newest ministries with which we have become associated is Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH), an outreach ministry of the people of God called upon to help feed venison and other big game to the hungry among us. In just a short six years, this organization has been responsible for the processing of 1,600 tons (nearly 12,800,000 servings) of venison and other big game for soup kitchens and food pantries across America, to include many places in North Carolina. Venison provided from hunters has served to be an abundant and nutritious source of protein desperately needed by feeding programs. From the beginning of time farmers and hunters have been the members of society called to provide food for others. FHFH allows hunters to do that in an ethical and meaningful way in our modern culture.

The Volunteer coordinator for FHFH from Mountain View is Billy Stewart (828) 337-5195 . Billy has personally conducted several fund-raising efforts outside the church in order to get this ministry started. The money he has raised goes directly to the FHFH fund and pays for processing and packing of meat products which are provided to shelters and feeding stations across the state.
We can help fund this vital ministry in a couple of ways. First of all, if you are an “outdoors person” who purchases a state license, you may elect to give an optional $1.00 to FHFH. A second way you can help is to give “Bucks” for “Bucks”… Donating dollars for processing fees to FHFH. For the next 30 days, I want to encourage each of you to give an additional “love offering” of $10.00 to this worthy ministry. You can give the money to the office in the form of a check written to Mountain View, with a notation of FHFH in the memo box. If you give cash, place it in an envelope designating that the money is for FHFH. All the money will be collected and one check will be written from Mountain View to FHFH. If you would like to take your involvement to another level, you can become a fundraiser for the ministry. If you raise the below listed amounts, you will qualify for the gifts listed (See Billy Stewart for details).

$50.00 – FHFH Mug or Cap
$75.00 – Venison Cookbook
$100.00 – Shirt, Blanket, Briefcase or Blanket
$150.00 – Buck Knife with Case
$200.00 – Dozen XX75 Easton Arrows
$300.00 – Signed Print (20x28)
$500.00 – Knight Wolverine Muzzleloader
$600.00 – Complete Scent-Lok Suit
$5000.00 – Woods & Water Plotmaster for ATV

As an avid outdoorsman, I urge you to get involved in this wonderful ministry. It has been independently certified as one of the Best Charities of America. Almost every week we meet families that could benefit from FHFH. They don’t have the money to buy adequate groceries to provide proper nutrition for themselves or their children. One wonderful aspect of FHFH is that most of the meat that is donated, is provided back to the shelters and food banks in the communities from which it came. What a wonderful way for all of us to join together to give back to our communities. Let’s join together and bless this great effort!

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Slings and Arrows

Not the 'Slings And Arrows' or outrageous fortune... but the "Slings and Arrows" of hurtful words...
I never cease to be amazed at the power of words. Unfortunately, the way we usually experience the power of words is in the negative. It’s amazing how words have the power to destroy, tear down, create distrust, disunity, disrespect and hurt. The reason this issue is very ‘raw’ with me at the moment is that I have experienced it in a very real and personal way recently. This isn’t a gripe session and I’m not ‘slamming’ anyone. But when something happens that can teach a lesson or exposes a tactic of Satan, we need to talk about it. And that is one reason I attempt to write this blog.
Recently, a very important staff member and dear friend has departed the ministry team. He and I have worked together on and off for twelve years. Granted, there is no way two type ‘A’ personalities can work together that long and not have disputes. We have faced many, many disagreements and worked through them together. But the disagreements of our past weren’t the reason for his departing. I have nothing but love and blessings in my heart for him and I am certain God will continue to use him in a powerful way. The problem is all the people ‘standing around’ the situation, speculating that something else has happened other than what was said and there has been a huge cover up of some sort. Friends, the reason my friend and I parted ways boils down to two very reasonable things. First of all, we have developed a difference in opinion over a few fundamental things that began to affect our ability to keep going in the same direction in ministry. Secondly, and certainly not the least important reason, is his family. A member of his immediate family is struggling thru a very serious, life threatening illness. Being able to devote more attention to his family during this critical time in their lives is the reason he wrote in his letter of resignation. He also stated that is daily commute to the office is a 2 hour trek, and that fact alone continues to hamper his effectiveness. (Oh, and by the way – a letter of resignation was not demanded from him.) Many of you are thinking… Okay… Reasons understood and accepted… You would think that his own words could assuage the critics and those with conspiracy theories – WRONG! And the slings and arrows of harsh attack continue. And although the handful of people who are flinging the accusations and planting innuendo have left the church, their damage remains.
I’m reminded of what Blaine Allen wrote in his book “When People Throw Stones”, “I don’t see how I can go on. I am so weary. I am so empty. And the critics just will not stop. They are on me like white on rice. The things I need to do, I just cannot do. Ministry needs… responsibilities beyond. The assault is just unbearable…”
“It’s been said widows fit one of two classes: the bereaved and the relieved. So it is with those who are widowed from ministry. Either you’ll really miss it, you hate to say goodbye; or you can hardly wait to shout, “Thank God, I am out!”
But what do you do if God chooses for you to stay there and continue to serve in ministry? “And conceivable it’s an impossible situation that right now is about to maul you to an emotional death. With a sharp eye for your faults and a blind eye for your strengths, your critics are dog determined to chew on you until there is nothing left to chew. Calvin Miller said, “Animosity cloaked in piety is a demon even if it sits in church praising the Creator.” No matter which way you turn or what direction you head, it’s right there in your face: “Hard pressed on every side… perplexed… persecuted… struck down.””
I’m sure our situation developed to this level, but the sense of hurt and woundedness is the same.
It’s amazing how my friend and I parted on good terms, but other mutual friends – or maybe I should say those we assumed were friends – can’t accept the whole thing. If it weren’t so hurtful, the whole thing would be comical. This isn’t an issue that has pervaded the entire congregation – only about a half a dozen very LOUD people who freely share their opinions with anyone who will listen. For a while, it looked as if a few folks were ready to draw lines and take up swords and arrows. I experienced some of those swords and arrows with comments from these folks like, “I’ll don’t trust you any longer.” “I feel like you betrayed me.” “I won’t be sitting under your ministry any longer.” “You have made an ungodly decision…” “It’s a power thing with you…” “I disagree with your leadership…” It’s tough when you hear those things from those who said they loved you just the day before… Maybe the account my friend and I gave for his leaving wasn’t as ‘juicy’ as the ones being passed along on the telephone. I was absolutely amazed… And most if not all of this ‘hub-bub’ was caused by half-truths, lies, made up stories and suggested scenarios… I guess that’s to be expected. It just makes you very gun shy about those you call friends. It has been said that the leader is the one out front with the arrows sticking out of his back… Any one who leads knows that feeling.
Friend, if you’re caught up in the fray of gossip, talking to others in phrases like, “Well, we need to pray for them. I’ve heard that…” And what you are communication does not serve to build up and edify the body of Christ, you shouldn’t be talking. And even if you know the truth about a certain situation, and that truth does not bless and build up a person, and increase his or her ability to effectively minister… keep you mouth shut my friend. The Bible is very clear about this. We should choose our words carefully and not tear down and destroy, but build up and bless. God will not hold us blameless for the words we so carelessly fling around hurtfully at others.
Our tongue reveals a lot of things about us. It shows the true intent of your heart. The Bible says, “From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” If you say you love your brother or sister, you won’t say hurtful things about them or allow others to do that either. And the Bible also tells us that if we don’t love our brothers and sisters, the love of the Father is not in us. If someone were to tape record all the conversations you’ve had over the past couple of weeks, what would your words reveal about you? Would they show that you have a heart for God and want nothing less that God’s glory to be revealed in your life? Or would they say something entirely different? God heard all of your words this past week. James describes the tongue like a bit on a horse’s bridle or like a rudder on a ship. The person who has control of the bit and the rudder controls the direction of the horse and the ship. The only way we can gain control of our tongues is to let Jesus have complete control. Let Him direct your life and not the lurid, sinful, sinister motives of gossip and even misunderstanding. If you have been living a life of gossip, ask God for forgiveness and repent…. Make up your mind that you’re going to change the direction of your life. Maybe you need to apologize to someone you said hurtful things to in a moment of anger. The Bible says, “Brothers, out of your mouths come both blessings and curses. This should not be so…” Ezekiel says, "Get rid of all your offenses you've committed and get a new heart and a new spirit." Do that today as you hand over the reins to Jesus… Let Him take control of your tongue, your words and your life. Unbridled words are very damaging and destructive…
David experienced the wounds of such attacks. Eugene Petersen in the Message, Psalm 41, paraphrases David’s words, “My enemies are wishing the worst for me; they make bets on what day I will die. If someone comes to see me, he mouths empty platitudes, all the while gathering gossip about me to entertain the street-corner crowd. These 'friends' who hate me whisper slanders all over town. They form committees to plan misery for me.” That’s such a terrible, hurting and lonely place to be… I’ve felt that way these past weeks… because of the words of those I thought were allies yet turned out to be someone different. I am learning to pray like David went on to pray in the latter part of this Psalm… “GOD, give grace, get me up on my feet. I'll show them a thing or two. Meanwhile, I'm sure you're on my side -- no victory shouts yet from the enemy camp! You know me inside and out, you hold me together, you never fail to stand me tall in your presence so I can look you in the eye.”

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