The Friday after Thanksgiving has traditionally become known as “Black Friday.” Some stores open at Midnight to accommodate those shoppers that cannot wait to get going on the “holiday” shopping. Some start looking online for the “leaked” ads that will tell them where to go to look for the deals. People wait in lines for the doors to open so they can run in and get the “early bird” deals that will make their journey a success. At the Safford house, we have been looking for a new TV. Other than a small extra room TV, we have never purchased a family TV. The sound is going out and there are a few things that are starting to go on the current set, so it is time to shop. We have been doing all we can to make sure we get the best deal around. We have been online, looking at the advertisements, checking Craig list, and any other options that may be out there. We have been looking at Consumer Reports to see which TV has the best ratings. This Black Friday we will be out there with track shoes on to see what we can find. Black Friday–the day we shop till we drop. It has almost become more important than the day it follows, Thanksgiving.

As I reflected on the scurry of the weekend. I was reminded of another “Black Friday.” This day was another day for a purchase. It was the most important purchase of all. This “Black Friday” was a day for which we should truly be thankful. On that day over 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ went “shopping” for the Salvation of our souls. On that day, however, there were no specials, or advertisements, and no one was waiting in line. There was only one way this purchase could be made and it had to be in person. The precious blood of Jesus was the payment for my sin and it bought me eternal life when I accept it. I Corinthians 6:19-20 tell us this, “Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? God now owns all of you, the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body.” (The Message.) We have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

So as you celebrate this weekend, don’t forget that God has his own “Black Friday” purchase, and it is very special. You are that purchase, and it does have a return date. I look forward to that day that Jesus will come again and take me to my forever home.

Happy Thanksgiving, and be safe shopping!

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what is happening. This is the way God wants you who belong to Jesus to live” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG

I love Thanksgiving! This is my favorite time of the year. What’s not to love? You have hunting in the morning with the guys, a great feast of favorite foods with the family, great desserts, and football! Naps are available and encouraged. This time of the year is heavy on tradition, and families are drawn together. It opens the door for Christmas and all the festivities that surround that time of the year. Yep, I love it!

And yet, it is important to remember what the celebration is all about. It is Thanksgiving time and more often than not, we forget to be thankful for the things that should mean to most. Today, I want to thank God for some specific things.

• Thank you for Jesus and that my name is secure in the Book of Life.
• Thank you for my wife and family, they are my greatest gift from you on this earth.
• Thank you for my church, Westwind and the growing family there.
• Thank you for my wife and family, they are my greatest gift from you on this earth.
• Thank you for my partners in ministry, Brandon, Tim, Katie, and the staff at Cornerstone Church.
• Thank you for the struggles and hard times, they have taught me to trust you alone.
• Thank you for the successes and victories, they have taught me to dance with you.
• Thank you for your word, it is alive and powerful, it has taught me who you are.
• Thank you for my country and the freedoms you have given me.

There are so many more that I could go on for such a long time. I realize that this time of thanksgiving is something that I need. My life is so busy that I rarely take the time I should for this important aspect of worship. God has been so good and faithful; He deserves my thanks and gratitude.

So take some time and find a quiet spot to thank God for all He has done for you. In the business of tradition, don’t leave out the One who gave it all for you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Over the last couple of weeks I have noticed in my own life the number of times that I want to speak my mind! It may be in response to the elections, or the driver that was an idiot in the lane in front of me, or even in my own house with my family. Needless to say, most of the time the words are not words that remind me of a person I want to emulate. I tend to blurt out something that will let people know that I have an opinion and it needs to be heard! At the time, it seems to be pertinent and witty. As I reflect on the words and their effect on others after the fact, they don’t seem near so witty and important. Let’s face it, I was stupid and mean. The words I said were hurtful and at the core, intended to demean.

It is no wonder that being a reflection of Christ is so hard for me. I do not even come close to imitating his love for others. I was brought to Colossians 4 verses 2 through 6. These words showed me how far I have fallen in my quest to bring Jesus to the people around me. I was reminded that the first thing I need to do is bathe my life in prayer. Prayer reminds me on my need for God and His power and love. The second thing that comes to light is to live wisely. I have to ask that important question, “Is this the wise thing to do?” The next step is to live with confidence in God’s timing. We are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. We cannot do that and live timid, fearful lives. The last thing mentioned in this passage is to speak with grace and intention. Those around us are looking for someone to speak peace and hope into their lives. As a follower of Jesus Christ, that should be me!

I want to make a difference in the lives of those in my sphere of influence. I really do! It may be that the first thing I have to do is to make sure my words are a reflection of the one I claim to follow.

As one of the Lead Teachers at Westwind I have the opportunity to visit many of the people who are coming to call Westwind their church family. I love these times together as we get to know the tapestry of stories that God is weaving together. The more God-stories I hear, the more I am amazed at God’s grace and mercy as He pursues us. This intersection of stories is what God will use to reach the world around us.

Recently, I was traveling with my family to visit one of our families. We did not know the area, and knew we were close to the destination. As we turned onto the street that they lived on, I inadvertently rolled through a Stop sign. As I turned the corner, I came face to face with one of our wonderful county sheriffs. This immediately sent off a whole series of events inside our small car. Deb began to remind of how many times I missed important road signs, and how embarrassing it is to be pulled over. At that time the county sheriff, as if on cue, turned his car around and put his lights on. As I pulled over, my 14-year-old son told us that he was texting all his friends that his dad was getting pulled over. Deb then went into a series of excuses that I could use to let the officer know why a pastor was being pulled over. Naomi, our 10 year old wanted me to know that she still loved me no matter how many laws I broke! I was frantically searching for all the materials the officer was going to need, without taking off my seatbelt.

The officer made his way to the window and asked me if I knew that I had run a stop sign. As my family went into “silence” mode, my reply was “ Yes sir, I’m sorry.” That’s it — that is all that came out. He took all the information and went back to his car. I was busted; I had broken the law and deserved the ticket. There was no excuse — I had missed the stop sign and ran it. The sheriff was taking his time in the cruiser behind us and I was mentally trying to figure out how much this was going to cost.

As we waited, we noticed that we were only two houses away from our destination. We were so close that one of the daughters was standing on the sidewalk right next to us watching her pastor get a ticket. People in the neighborhood seemed to like the colorful lights that were being splashed all around. My wife, once again, reminded me of how embarrassing this was.

The officer came back to the window and told me that I was not going to receive a ticket but just a warning this time. I sighed, and thanked him profusely. We pulled into the driveway of the home we were having dinner and were welcomed by the remark, “I have never seen that in the 8 years that we have lived here!”

This reminded me that we all have broken God’s rules for us. There are no excuses and there are people that see us in the process. We deserve hell and all the punishment for our rebellion. God, in his love, grace, and mercy, gives us another chance by receiving Jesus as our Savior. Jesus’ payment on the cross and His resurrection are the redemption we need to secure eternal life. He paid the fine and ticket for us if we will allow Him to come into our lives and be our Savior.