Above all, put on love – the perfect bond of unity. Col 3:14

Have you ever glued two things together that when dried weren’t quite straight? In my earlier days, I was in the “historic jewelry business.” I used to cut, sand, and polish whale ivory and then use a powerful bonding material to set the various pieces into attractive settings. When dried and firmly attached, the pieces would be ready for sale. Sometimes, however, the bonding connection was off enough that the piece didn’t look right. In fact, it reduced the value so significantly that something had to be done to correct it. One of the best techniques I found to disengage what was firmly set was to put the piece under a good light and soften the bonding material by carefully heating it with a lit match or candle. Only then could the piece be re-bonded back to its potential value for sale.

Have we ever operated in habits and mindsets that we discovered were bonded or connected to principles or settings that turned out a little crooked? For example, have we ever started our day believing we were losers, hopeless, worthless, dummies or living proof that evolution hasn’t yet finished? When our minds are set like that, we need God’s rebinding as our own source of light and heat.

Romans 12:2 is a powerhouse scripture that releases a compelling hope for all of us. It says, “Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind.”
Being balanced in the truth and authority of what God says provides the standard toward our determination to adjust those things that are askew in our life.

As we respond and rely on what God says about us and glue ourselves to His setting of perfecting love, we start the process of correcting our off-center position. Overcomers, by definition, are winners, hopeful, worthy, smart, and straight evidence that God doesn’t fashion crooked stuff. Remember the Lord is jealous for us not jealous of us.

Whatever we face this week, let’s shine with a confident untarnished mindset that we can be properly aligned and believe that personal victory is valuably ours. We’re even magnificently designed to have the capacity to take a light and the heat of discipline to adjust our rigid or negative attitudes along the way.

Family and friends, Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” May these ancient words serve that purpose and be gems of encouragement for each of us.

Ps 139:14; Eph 4:2-3; Prov 3:5-6; Eph 4:13

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 ESV

Now that the fanfare of the recent Super Bowl has settled a bit, I’d like to share a critical aspect that may have gone unnoticed. The play the Seattle Seahawks called against the New England Patriots at the end of the game turned out to be more than a questionable choice. The dramatic end zone interception by the Patriot defender literally snatched a great victory from the jaws of defeat. In many minds, the chosen play ranks as one of the worst decisions in Super Bowl history.

After the game the Seahawks quarterback, Russell Wilson, was interviewed. In humility and most refreshingly, this young man accepted blame and liability for the game’s outcome. There were no excuses, blaming of others, finger pointing or dodging his direct role in their defeat.

Accepting or rejecting responsibility and accountability are the vital choices we can trace way back to the scene in the Garden of Eden. Remember good ol’ Adam? After Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit, God confronted Adam. What was his response? He told God, “It was because of the woman You gave me!” Eve went on to blame the serpent, the spiritual character with “no legs to stand on.”

You have liberty to believe the Biblical story or not. What you may find hard to do is replace it with your own story and explanation as to where our inherent nature of blaming others and finger-pointing truly originates. Just think if Adam and Eve would have been responsible and accountable and honestly said, “Yup, God we did it, please forgive us, and we won’t do it again.” A second chance to run a better play would not only have influenced the Seahawks outcome, it would have dramatically affected team mankind too.

A major aspect of the behavioral lesson provided by losing quarterback, Russell Wilson is this: Stepping up, standing up, and speaking up in responsibility and accountability are treasures more lasting and valuable than mere titles, trophies, or championship rings. The character attributes of this young man are real, but need to go beyond our recognition and appreciation. They need to be received and incorporated as a lifestyle example in all of us.

So family and friends, let’s open up and catch the truth of being more responsible and accountable, no matter what! If and when we execute our life plays in that resolve, interceptions will be out and touchdowns of personal victory will prevail!

Gen 2 & 3; John 3:16

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Cor 16:13-14

What are the actions and attributes of an awesome leader? One fine example is the biblical character, Nehemiah. As you read the Book of Nehemiah you’ll see the tenderness of a selfless missionary, the fire of a military general, and the savvy of a righteous statesman. No description of character would ever be exhaustive or complete, but please consider this leader’s inspiring resume…

Nehemiah was a man keen in administration, unflappable in crisis, courageous in danger, wise in decision-making, detailed in organization, unselfish, persevering and resolute in the face of opposition and threat, watchful against intrigue, and a leader who won and held the confidence of those who followed him. Not only that, he focused and relied on the foolproof weapon available to us all.

Nehemiah was a prayer warrior, God’s special instrument! Prayer set his faith on fire, helped him to wait patiently, cleared his vision, and confidently quieted his heart. Nehemiah discovered that his knees didn’t knock while kneeling. As awesome a leader as he was, his steps and successes were a result of seeking the cover of God in every challenge.

This week, let’s take a page out of the play and prayer book of Nehemiah. With his leadership to model, we have the potential to be awesome leaders too!

James 5:16; Heb 11:6

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

What’s so redeeming about a dog that has a head structure that allows a capacity for biting you while breathing at the same time? On the surface one may wonder why so many people would choose the English Bulldog as their favorite. Senior citizens, young children, universities, a prominent truck manufacturer, Winston Churchill, fiery Pastor John Hagee, and yours truly are among them.

The Bulldog, to the best of our knowledge, had its origin in the British Isles. The name “bull” was applied because of the dog’s use in the sport of bull baiting, which was extremely cruel. The event took place in an arena or amphitheater to the amusement of a blood thirsty crowd. The original Bulldog had to be very ferocious and so savage and courageous as to be almost insensitive to pain. Smashed teeth and broken bones were the usual results of a bulldog who latched onto the nose of a bull, was thrashed about, and refused to let go.

Around 1835 dog fighting as a sport became illegal in England. Therefore, the English Bulldog had outlived his usefulness and his days seemed numbered. Dog lovers, who felt deep disappointment at the passing of the breed, took on the task of preserving it. They proceeded to eliminate the undesirable fierce characteristics and to preserve and accentuate the finer qualities. Within a few generations, the English Bulldog became one of the finest physical specimens, minus its original viciousness.

The transformation of the nature of the English Bulldog has an interesting parallel to what the Bible describes for a person in being “born again.” The unique difference is the Bulldog relied on human handlers to retrain them, so we may be justly proud of the Bulldog we know today; realizing their greater value as trusted companions. We, as believers in Christ, have had to rely on God (The Champion from above) by repenting of our sins and asking His Holy Spirit to enter our hearts to redevelop us by His Divine nature from within.

Just as the English Bulldog went through years of reconditioning and didn’t become a trusted companion overnight, we too as “born again” believers are a work in progress. What’s hopeful in all of this is the choice each of us has before us: We can continue to bite until we are out of breath in our unforgiveness and sinful ways, or let go in repentance and let God handle us His way!!!

Have a great and life-filled week!!

2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:8-10; Phil 2:13

God had an only Son and He made Him a missionary. David Livingstone

This August, for the second time, our church mission team will leave for a week to Central America. We will partner with an International Ministry called Hearts in Action and focus on bringing support to their Jungle School in Petén, Guatemala.

This missionary effort is special in a number of ways. It’s been said that assessing the heart of a church should include what it does for the benefit of children and what it does on the mission field. Coming along side to help the Jungle School in Guatemala, our Church team has a true opportunity to be a practical blessing in both of these critical areas. In this setting, our primary need to pray becomes very clear. As we expect the unexpected in our foreign adventure, we need to seek the Lord to be with us so we can be bigger than our challenges.

On a very personal level, it also gives us a time and place where we can embrace an encouraging memory of a young man, Christiano Barbosa. He traveled with us on our first mission trip to the Jungle School in 2013. Shortly after our team returned, he was tragically killed in an auto accident.

None of us can pretend to know the whole story or explain Christiano’s early departure from Earth. Only the Lord knows fully. Still fresh, however, is the way Christiano towered over the children (see photo) we met in Guatemala. His 6’9” presence among them went beyond being physically compelling. Without the need of a tryout, he won the role of playing Goliath in one of our Evangelist outreaches. It’s not by coincidence that He was chosen to participate in perhaps the most famous Biblical story, only this time as God’s effective star as His big man acting the part of the big bad guy.

In faith, we know that the God who loves, liberates, comforts, protects, and inspires our ongoing hope hasn’t changed, especially since our first trip to the Jungle School in Guatemala.

Family and friends, it’s in that trust, and by God’s grace and mercy, that we can be fully persuaded that our young, former teammate, Christiano, is now in Heaven. It’s only fitting that God’s Goliath is now rooting for the rest of us to be bigger than our challenges, as we move out again to serve the Lord and advance His Kingdom.

Matt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 10:31

Love God first, and then serve others! Mark 12:30-31

At the end of each year, my wife and I draw up a prayerful blue print to guide us through the coming year. We have been doing so since 2004 and find it anchoring in our intended purpose to walk as followers of Christ. The primary reason for us doing so, and reading it together daily, is to start our day talking with God, our Creator and Father. Just as critical, and perhaps not so obvious, is to trump our strong bent to behave selfishly and our capability to go it alone as gods of our own kingdom.

For this year we are in prayer that the one word message, telegraphed over a hundred years ago, from General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, to missionaries around the world truly reaches the heart, mind, and action of our household. We are inspired and grateful to “hear” the word “OTHERS” and to the best of our ability, commit to its calling as our battle cry for 2015.

The inimitable William Booth was able to simplify the message God had originally expressed when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem mankind (others) from man’s fallen nature. In Phil 2:5-11, the height of humility is described as Jesus emptied Himself of His divine nature to walk among us as a man. As fully God and fully man, the Lord’s Father remained the source of all His miracles that always resulted in the betterment of others.

Knowing that background, may we share what we will be using as our blueprint for 2015. Perhaps you may want to ask God to help you develop one for you too!

Dear Savior and Lord of Our Lives,

We are grateful for our marriage and the life, talents, and gifts You have given us. Please help us to honor You by fitting into Your purpose. We are united and focused to hear the word “OTHERS” for 2015.

Lord, we know and understand that we need to be led by Your Spirit to function in Your wisdom and timing in order to serve others, and we humbly ask for Your grace to do so.

Lord, help us to encourage people, including and especially our natural and church family members. Let the words that we think, the plans we make, and the actions we take communicate truth in love.

Father God, please touch our hearts and renew our minds to effectively submit to You this New Year, 2015. Without You, we can do nothing, but with you, we can do all things. Let the “OTHERS” You bring into our lives see You in us this day and every day. In Jesus name, we pray….AMEN!

________________________________________________________
Steven J. Bouley + Cynthia J. Bouley                   1-1-15

Romans 12:1-2; Phil 4:13

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have Everlasting Life. John 3:16

The Christmas season stirs up a host of interesting reactions and responses from people. For some it’s a grand time of celebration, presents, and family gatherings. For others, it’s a time of threat, feelings of isolation, and financial hardship. Sadly, some are too overwhelmed by situations or afflictions to even know Christmas is upon us.

To suggest that “good news” is available for all would seem like a naïve concept crafted straight from a world of fantasy. Granted, if the so-called “good news” were originated by me or even you, then there’s no doubt naïve and fantasy would justifiably take their bow. If on the other hand, the “good news” came from a Supernatural God or the Creator of all, then that would be an entirely different consideration. I’d like to share a short Christmas story from the Bible that falls into that category:

Our greatest gift, Jesus Christ, was born of a virgin named Mary, impregnated by God’s Holy Spirit. Jesus grew up, fully God and fully man. As fully man, he lived a sinless life and sacrificed Himself at Calvary as His willful act to take upon Himself the punishment for the sin of man, yours and mine included. He rose from the dead, as the only One ever to do that, walked the Earth, ascended into Heaven and He still lives! He promises to return for His Church and those of us who believe will experience eternity with Him in Heaven. Those of us who don’t – won’t!

Friends, the greatest story or best news ever not only identifies the Ultimate Hero, it defines and satisfies the three great matters that concern mankind—life, death, and eternity. It’s the heart and action of Jesus Christ (God) that upholds this wonderful holiday we call “Christmas.” The beauty of the prose in Luke 2:10-11 sounds this hopeful message: Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

As one who believes, this season stirs the joy in me to say—-Merry Christmas!!

According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Eph 1:4

American psychologist, William James once said, “The most fiendish (demonic or wicked) punishment for a person to endure is to be part of a group and not be recognized.” The effect of being alive, yet totally ignored is beyond imagination. In today’s message, rather than dwell on that truly bad deal, let’s believe we are special enough to be chosen by God and part of His wonderful plan.

From a Christian perspective, the Bible says in John 15:16 that Almighty God doesn’t ignore but actually chooses people (you and me). In a way, we are individually and potentially His number one draft picks! In faith, the Father of Creation chooses you and me to be born of His Spirit and to become His child or part of His eternal family. We are free to live for Him (now and forever) and be led by His Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ sets us free (not to do our own thing anymore) but to access His inherent truth that makes us free and to bear fruit that lasts!

Because the God of scripture is love and never fails, we can be confident that He will complete His work in helping us learn and grow in pleasing Him and serving others. Our sin is too expensive for us to pay for ourselves. Remember, when God chose us we were still sinners. Obviously, our value to Him was greater than our sin. Jesus died for you and me personally and shed His blood to pay for our sin; we are saved by His grace and mercy. That, family and friends, is amazing and in the exact opposite direction from where any devil or fiendishness will take us!

Keeping our balance in all this, even though we are chosen and saved by God, we still can fall short and sin. If we confess our sins, however, He is faithful and just to forgive us because He knows our weaknesses and will never give up on us. We are being developed by Him forever!

We may be alone, but in Christ, we are never lonely because our Lord and Savior loves us forever; that’s right, God, the lover of our soul… doesn’t ignore us. He loves us unconditionally and for each of us who dare to believe Him, He is the Real Deal!

John 1:3; Romans 8:1; Phil 1:6; Romans 5:8; 1John 1:9; Jer 31:3

The words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life. John 6:63

Plastic fruit has its place, but give me fresh fruit any day! Play money works in the Monopoly board game, but I’ll take the real dinero, thank you very much! Big clothes may help to make me look thinner, but actually being fit is a far better option!

If you are old enough, you remember the famous television show whose hero was introduced with this inimitable description: “Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.” Of course, it was none other than……SUPERMAN! Well, that entertaining and fictional show, like every other, eventually found its way into a vault of archives, where its only exposure to the light of day now would come in the form of a re-run. As captivating as that series was, there’s something far greater and more enduring that comes from Isaiah 40:31 in the Bible!

This verse says: “Those who wait upon the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” A reference like this is so uplifting and encouraging that only a supernatural Spirit can boast. If the living God says we can have an intimate relationship and perspective that comes from and in Him, that we can endure the marathon of life with His inspired energy, and that we can take on the details of daily activity with a confident diligence and excellence, then…give me what God’s prophet said in Isaiah 40:31!

No plastic, no games, no imaging, no science fiction. Family and friends, the truth and freshness of this super message of hope comes straight from the script of Almighty God and will never qualify as a re-run. Let’s accept it, take it with us this day, and watch it work wonders in our lives!

Gen 1:26; Gen 17:1; Rev 1:8; Prov 3:5-6

Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and all these other things shall be given unto you. Matt 6:33

We all can be thankful. To whom and for what will vary for each of us during this Thanksgiving season. For me, there are a host of things that rise in value at this time of the year. Being grateful for my wife, our family, friends, our church, health, and finances may seem enough, but there’s more. May I share with you, a seemingly hidden treasure, yet the most precious one?

My wife and I live in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Two years ago we celebrated our 200th birthday. At that time, in a serious piece and as a facilitator to our Bicentennial Committee, I suggested calling us America’s Fairhaven (originally Fair Haven), in order to distinguish us from the other fine Fairhavens in Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, Michigan or Vermont. A host of reasons were sited, but in the context of Thanksgiving, let me zoom in on just one.

If you attend the Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth, MA their town defines and promotes itself as “America’s Hometown.” Under that premise lies the fact that it happens to be thirty miles (a healthy bike ride) from here and Fairhaven’s “grandparent” settlement. A strong Christian and historical connection comes through Francis Cooke and his 13 year old son John, who came here from England aboard the Mayflower in the early 1600s. Francis signed the Mayflower Compact and young John grew up and became the first, if not one of the first settlers and distinguished civic and moral leaders in our Old Dartmouth area and is buried in our Town of Fairhaven.

Fairhaven’s connection with America’s Hometown, Plymouth, via a Christian father and son relationship is the crowning evidence for calling us America’s Fairhaven. That truth bears great weight as it relates to an even strengthened and more qualified Spiritual identity between our Towns.

The Bible that most of the original pilgrims referred to frames a far greater perspective to ponder and celebrate. Psalm 24:1 says, The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. John 3:16 says, That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

It’s our choice to believe or dismiss what the Bible says about God’s ownership and redeeming action. If we chose to believe, then we’ve “signed in our grateful heart” the Compact that never ends.

So family and friends, here’s the rest of the story — We are two years older and the idea of calling our Town America’s Fairhaven has yet to catch on. Who knows, maybe someday? In the meantime, wherever we reside, in America’s Fair Haven or not, there is the final journey left for us to anticipate. For those of us who call ourselves modern day pilgrims, we’re forever thankful that one day, after following Jesus Christ, we’ll settle in Heaven – the Fairest Haven of all.

Now that’s a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Acts 27:8