After All, It's Christmas!

Have you noticed the way Christmas affects people?  This is the time of year that you see such peculiar behavior.

What makes people totally redecorate their houses with trees, candles, lights, and outdoor displays?  Grown men will risk life and limb to put lights on the roofs of their houses, just to out do their neighbors.  Families will trek out to the woods to cut down a perfectly healthy tree, cover it with fake snow, rearrange furniture to put it up in their house, decorate it with lights and ornaments, as it slowly dies.  It doesn’t make sense, but after all, it’s Christmas.

Only at Christmas time, do you find people eating things like “fruitcake” and drinking stuff called “egg nog.” This time of year, people will fight traffic to go to the mall and park two times zones away, to brotherly shove one another, to stand in long check-out lines, to spend money they don’t have, to purchase gifts for people who don’t need them.  It doesn’t make much sense, but after all, it’s Christmas.

Over two thousand years ago, God sent His Son into the world, not as a King or mighty warrior, but as a baby wrapped in rags with a feed trough for a bed.  Jesus, was not born in a major city like Rome nor Jerusalem, but instead a small town called Bethlehem. His earthly parents were not royalty or rich, just an ordinary carpenter and his young wife.  His miraculous arrival was first announced to lowly shepherds and stargazers instead of the high priests or world leaders.  All this strikes me as a bit peculiar…but after all, it’s Christmas.  Only God would have ever thought of Christmas.

In the midst of the craziness of Christmas time, never lose sight that we celebrate the Incarnation of Christ. God gave the world, a gift wrapped in human flesh to dwell among men to reveal God to us.  He lived without sin but died for sinners like me.  He rose from the grave to prove that He truly was Lord of all and that everlasting life was His to give, as a gift to all who would believe. That doesn’t make much sense, but after all, it is Christmas.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son that whoseover believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life."…(John 3:16)

May the greatest gift of all be yours!

Have a Blessed Christmas,
Ellis & Jackie Hayden

A New Beginning...Cornerstone Church

"You can't teach an old dog a new trick," is an adage that describes how difficult and infrequent it is for mature, established, routine loving "old dogs" like myself " to try something new.  Admittedly, after pastoring four established churches with a combined history of over 300 years, I find myself "learning a new trick," starting a new church. On the 6th of December, we will have the first gathering of what we envision will become "Cornerstone Church."

Not since, Jackie and I loaded all our worldly belongings in a cattle trailer and moved to Ft. Worth, TX, to attend seminary, (without a place to live and no jobs), have we taken a greater leap of faith. We covet your prayers as we begin this ministry in Gladewater, TX, where we have lived and ministered for the past 11 years.  We have been promised some support, but until we become more established as a congregation, we are strictly going forward by faith.

 I am excited to be able to build a church from the ground up, piece by piece, which is what led me to the name, Cornerstone Church. The cornerstone, in ancient world construction, was more than a ceremonial stone which contained artifacts for future generations.  The cornerstone was the first stone laid to anchor and be the standard of the foundation for rest of the structure.  To have the opportunity to lead and equip a group of believer's who are willing to make Christ the cornerstone of their lives and his church at it's inception is a special privilege.

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become the holy temple in the Lord.  And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in God lives by His Spirit."  (Ephesians 2:19-22)  

In Frances Chan's book, "Crazy Love," he asked, "How many of you have read the New Testament and wondered if we in the church are missing it?"  That thought inspired me to seek God and His word to know what He desires His church to be. Out of that search came the vision for Cornerstone Church to be "a group of believers who are committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ and who resolve to display an accurate picture of God to believers and unbelievers in the community of Gladewater and around the world."  It's not original, because that is what every church ought to be.  The foundation of every church must be Christ and truth of the Scriptures. He is the chief cornerstone upon which everything is built. That's where we must begin.

I invite you to become prayer partners is this new work.  I would like you to acknowledge that you will be a  prayer partner for the launch of Cornerstone Church, by commenting on the blog or facebook entry.  Your intercession is the most important way that you can support us.  As you pray, these are some specific needs:
Core group of people who grasp the vision of Cornerstone Church to join us
Worship Leader and musicians
Nursery and Children's workers
Video Projector and sound system
Website and someone with the know-how to make it top notch
Financial Support (rental of meeting place $200 per month, resources, publicity)
A Sponsoring Church to mentor and support
Employment for me (I anticipate being bi-vocational)
Jackie's Photography Business
Our Family's protection from Satan's assaults

Our first gathering will be Sunday, December 6th at 10:00 AM at the Bailey's Community Building (next to the Ace Hardware Store) on Hwy. 80 in Gladewater, TX.  We invite you to come and join us for worship.

We will keep you posted on what God is doing.
In Christ's Love,
Ellis and Jackie Hayden

When the Answer Comes Knocking at Your Door...

I received this story from my brother, George who received it from a friend in an email.  I've tried to verify the story, but haven't been able to determine if its true or just another "East Texas Tall Tale." 

 A TEXAS BEER JOINT SUES A CHURCH.....   In a small Texas town, ( Mt. Vernon ) Drummond's bar began construction on a new building to increase their business.. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck the bar and it burned to the ground.  The church folks were rather smug  in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means.  The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply to the court.  As the case  made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork.. At the hearing he commented, 'I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.'

Whether this story is true or just another "preacher's story," it makes for a great parable about prayer.
Unfortunately, I believe there are many Christians who say they  believe in the power of prayer but who don't see it's power evidenced in their lives.  Too often, we seek God in prayer for miracles and then are surprised when they happen.  Do we really believe in the power of prayer?

In the book of Acts, we find an authentic story about real people, just like us, who were surprised when the answer to their prayers came knocking at their front door.  The story is found in Acts 12.  Here's the setting, the followers of Christ are experiencing harassment from the Jewish king, Herod and the religious leaders who are threatened by those who have proclaimed the gospel of the risen Christ.  Peter and the other disciples have become targets of this persecution are being arrested, beaten and released.  Some like Stephen, have been killed. Peter, one of the leaders of the followers of Christ, has been arrested and placed in chain in Herod's prison. The followers of Christ are deeply concerned for his well being.  In Acts 12:5, we find that..."So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."

At the very time that the church was praying, Peter was asleep, chained to the prison walls with soldiers guarding him.  An angel appears to Peter, releases him from his shackles, leads him out of the prison without his guards without be noticed. (It is important to note, that even Peter thought this may have been a dream. vs.9)  Once out of the prison, Peter made his way to the place where he knew he could find refuge, the house of Mary, which happened to be the place where many had gathered to pray for his deliverance.  Peter knocks on the door, and Rhoda, a servant girl, answers the door and recognizes that it is Peter.  In her joy, she runs to tell others without letting Peter inside.  She exclaims, "Peter is at the door!"

Now don't miss this...this group of believers who have been praying for Peter's deliverance respond, "You're out of your mind."  When little Rhoda kept insisting, they tried to convince her that it was Peter's angel.  While the church was trying to convince the servant girl that it couldn't be Peter.  Peter was still outside knocking at the door.  The answer to their prayers was knocking at the door. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. (Read it yourself in Acts 12:14-16)

It makes me laugh, not only because it's funny, but isn't it true of us as well?  Aren't we surprised when God answers our prayers?  Could it be that the reason that we are surprised is because when we pray, we believe that God can answer our prayers, instead of believing that God will answer our prayers.

Jesus said, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  Mark 11:24

The key to recognizing when God answers prayer, is not believing that God can, but that He will.  His word assures us of that fact.  Faith isn't believing God can, it is believing God will do just what he said He would do.  Let's start praying believing that the answer will come knocking at your door.





 

Hunting for a Trophy...

It's hunting season in East Texas and deer hunters have been preparing for months in the hope of bringing home a trophy buck. It's amazing to what extremes, hunters will go through in pursuit of their prize. They will mark the hunting season on their calendars months in advance. They scout their leases with motion sensitive cameras. They set out deer feeders to lure their prey and locate the ideal spot for their stands. They've been to Bass Pro Shop or Cabella's to purchase the latest in camouflage, guns and ammo for the season, which are not cheap. They will travel hundreds of miles with trailer in tow loaded with surplies and their ATV. They will get up before the crack of dawn and sit in their stands for hours in freezing weather in the hope of just getting an opportunity for a shot at the prize. You've got to admire their zeal and dedication.

Isn't it a shame, that we don't go to the same extreme in our pursuit of God. Now, I include myself, in this assessment. It's not surprising that we will go to extremes in our jobs, our recreation, social and family life to be or have the best. We will spend time, money and push the limits of our endurance to pursue those goals. Often doing so at great sacrifice of other things. Yet, when it comes to our relationship with God, we give at best our leftovers.

Is the reason that the prize (eternal life; a relationship with Almighty God, the creator of the universe; the forgiveness of our sins) is insignificant compared to other prizes we pursue? Is the realization that God loved us so much that He gave His One and Only Son, to die for our sins and rose from the grave to provide everlasting life for us, something less than worthy of our very best offerings? Are the promises of His power, presence and guidance for daily living, just advice that is easily discounted, unless there is really a pressing need?

I find it somewhat ironic that the apostle Paul, who as zealous as anyone, wrote these words...

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him,... But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:7-14)

Too often we can become caught up in pursuing trophies to hang on our walls or put on a shelf and miss out on the greatest prize of all. The prize and privilege of knowing Christ and experiencing Him at work in and through our lives every day. That's the trophy worth pursuing at any cost.

Instant Replay

Last Sunday night, while watching a football game on TV, I saw a freakish play. It was a pass play to the tight end. The intended receiver reached back to catch the ball but didn't catch it. The ball fell towards the ground, apparently bouncing up into the arms of a defensive player, who then raced to end zone for a touchdown. The referee ruled the pass incomplete, believing that the ball hit the ground. But because there is "instant replay," the call was challenged and reviewed.

"After further review," the instant replay revealed that as the receiver reached back to catch the ball, it hit his hand. The ball, then dropped, bouncing up off his foot and into the arms of the defensive player. The officials ruled it as an interception. Thanks to "instant replay" there was an opportunity to take a closer look to see what really happened.

Did you know that "instant replay" is in the Bible? Check out 2 Kings 6:8-23. It was a time in the history of Israel, when the people of Israel were at war with the Arameans. The king of Aram was aware that the prophet Elisha was advising the king of Israel. His advice was thwarting the Arameans' war efforts (6:11-12). The king of Aram sent his army to capture the Israelites secret weapon, the prophet,Elisha.

In the night, the army of Aram surrounded the city where Elisha lived. The next morning, the servant of Elisha went outside to get the paper or fetch firewood. He saw the Aramean army with their horses and chariots encompassing the city. Fearfully, he reports the news to the prophet Elisha. Notice Elisha's response.

"Don't be afraid," the prophet answered, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:16-17)

Instant Replay! Sometimes we can become overwhelmed by our circumstances. We get fearful and worry about what we are going to do. We become pessimistic, thinking only the worse case scenario. We often rush to judgment and jump to wrong conclusions. That's why it is wise to follow Elisha's advice. Take another look. This times with our eyes wide open from God's perspective. Elisha was in no danger. He wasn't outnumbered. He wasn't being held hostage by his circumstances, because with God on his side, he was assured of the victory to come.

It is easy to get "tunnel vision" when things don't look or feel right. It's human nature to imagine the worse rather than think the best. It's easy to get caught up in the downward spiral of hopelessness when we become fixated on the problems. But if we, "... fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2)," we gain a different perspective. We see that God, who is all powerful, all knowing and ever-present, is on our side. We can count on Him to get us through the crisis.

It's been said that "seeing is believing." Yet, even our earthly eyes can deceive us. Take another look before you react or respond to life's circumstances. Look with eyes of faith, you might come up with another conclusion. Believing is seeing.

"After further review...God is on your side."

Buckled Up!

Last week, Jackie and I went out on a dessert date which led to a late night visit to WalMart. While on the way to WalMart, the seat belt warning alarm went off. What was strange about this was we were both already buckled into our seat belts. With the strict "Click it or Ticket" laws in Texas, "buckling up" has become a matter of habit for both of us.

With warning bell ringing and dashboard light flashing, we checked our seat belts to be sure they were secure. Mine was secure alright. In fact, it wouldn't release at all.

I keep pushing the release button and nothing is happening. At stop signs, I'm putting the car in park, and with both hands working to set myself free. Oh, by the way, did you know that 2005 Ford Mustangs are equipped with the most annoying seat belt alarm, especially after you have heard it every minute for last fifteen minutes.

By now, I am not only frustrated but I'm getting a little claustrophobic. I start having paranoid thoughts. "I can't get out of the car." "What if the car dies on a railroad track and a train is coming?"

Fortunately, we arrived at WalMart, avoiding all railroad crossings, but I was still being held captive. Jackie suggests cutting the seat belt, but that would mean the expense of replacing the seat belt. Besides, I had taken the "emergency scissors" out of the car last weekend.

Jackie's giggling by now. It wasn't funny...because, by now the two cups of coffee I drank with my dessert, have finished their tour through my digestive system and are ready to check out.

What happened next I hope no one caught it on camera and placed it on YouTube. It must have been a sight to behold. A gray-haired grandfather-type posing as a contortionist. I wiggled, I twisted, I stretched and squirmed myself out from under the seat belt and shoulder strap until, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, I am free at last."

This weird but eventually humorous episode, got me to thinking about how things which are supposed to be good for us, can sometimes take us captive.

For example, there is nothing wrong with recreation, whether it is hunting, fishing, golf, shopping, gardening, traveling, watching TV, surfing the web or working out at the gym. Unless we allow it to consume our thinking, our actions and our conversation to the point, it becomes something that pulls us away from God.

For some the issue of our occupation can become more than providing for the needs of our family. Especially, when we use it as a means to justify our significance or the accumulation of stuff. In doing so we can find ourselves making excuses for neglecting the importance of building a spiritual foundation for our lives and homes.

There are many things that can hold us captive...fear, drugs, anger, worry, bitterness, greed, pornography, and pride which we acknowledge as sin. But anything that hinders our relationship with God is considered sin. Potentially, it's grip can keep you from experiencing a meaningful relationship with God, which He intends for us because He loves you.

"Do not let sin control the way you live;...Sin no longer is your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you in sin. Instead, you are free by God's grace." (Romans 6:12-14 New Living Bible)

Jesus said, "So if the Son(Jesus) sets you free, you will be free, indeed." (John 8:36)

Take the opportunity to examine your life. What's keeping you from experiencing the full and meaningful life that God wants you to have? Too busy? Preoccupied? What are you spending your time, money and energy on? Is it hindering you in your relationship with God and others? Are you controlling it or is it controlling you?

Maybe it's time to ask the Lord to help you escape its grip on your life.
We are never really free, until we are "captured by God's grace."

The Third Strand

My wife, Jackie and I were privileged to lead a couple's retreat for our church this past weekend. Besides addressing the typical marriage enrichment topics of communication, commitment, cooperation and romance, we closed the weekend with the importance of "the Third Strand," in the a marriage relationship.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who fall and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

God speaks through King Solomon about relationships by offering some simple, yet profound wisdom. This wisdom is important, especially when it comes to the relationship beteen a husband and wife.

Two is better than one when it comes to productivity. The old adage, "two heads are better than one" fits very well here. When a couple works together, their prospects of success are better. When making decisions, when handling finances, when raising children...the importance of working as partners is both efficient and effective.

Two is good, because there is support. We all stumble and fall. Yet,when you are partnered together as a team, you have someone who can help you get back up. As a couple, we complement each others strengths and weaknesses. As a couple, when one is sick, hurt or emotionally down, their partner can help share the load. It is encouraging to know that you are not alone in your struggle.

It can be cold, cruel world out there when you are alone. God speaks to the marriage relationship in this passage, by illustrating that marriage is a place of warmth that comes from love and intimacy. In our first home as a couple, Jackie and I lived in a small apartment of an old house. Our bedroom was a walled-in back porch with no insulation. Just let it be said, if we had be not been newlyweds, we might not have survived the winter. The intimacy that comes from love provides warmth and security to the marriage relationship.

The fourth bit of wisdom reveals that two is good for mutual protection. In a marriage, a couple should always have one another's back. We should always watch out for one another: protecting their reputation; watching over their physical and emotional well being; as well as providing for their needs.

Yet, in this advice for relationships where the emphasis has been on the power of two, God throws in "a cord of three strands," in His summation. What is the significance of this "third strand?"

In today's world, where half of all marriages end in divorce or separation it is evident that the power of two is not enough. Sadly, the marriage statistics among people who call themselves Christians are not much better than that of the secular world. So God's wisdom about relationships is very relevant.

The Third Strand represents God. As the Lord is allowed to weave His presence, power and wisdom throughout the relationship of a husband and wife, there is strength. Strength to withstand all that seeks to pull marriages apart. The couple that invites the Lord to be the "third cord" in their marriage stands a lot better chance of surviving the challenges of today's world.

Marriage Takes Three
"I once thought marriage took just to to make a go,
But now I am convinced it takes the Lord also.
And not one marriage fails where Christ is asked to enter,
As lovers come together with Jesus at the center.
But marriage seldom thrives, and homes are incomplete,
Til He is welcome there to help avoid defeat.
In homes where Christ is first it's obvious to see,
Those unions really work for marriage still takes three."