Inspirational Thoughts

A Word of Hope - Facing Adversity

2012-01-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21b

One of my all time favorite movies is one that is little known called “Ladies of Lavender.” The setting is on a beach in a 1930s Cornish seaside village. Two aging sisters, Ursula and Janet are living a peaceful life and have help from their maid Dorcus. They live in a stone cottage built on a cliff with a side garden area where they paint. They are probably the most well-to-do in their village, with a car (aside from the village doctor).

Following a violent storm one night, the next morning the sisters spot from their garden a nearly-drowned man lying on the beach. They nurse him back to health, and discover that he is Polish. This story is basically about two sisters who save a stranger, and then he stole their hearts. The scenery is spectacular. The two sisters are played by Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith. This story reminds me of the story of the Good Samaritan.

While the sisters lived a sort of mundane life, painting, playing the piano, sewing, reading and listening to the wireless (radio), they yearned to be of service, whereupon this young man washed ashore half-dead with a broken leg. They help to nurse him back to health, teach him English, buy him clothes and even find a man in the village who loans him a violin. He is a very gifted musician and touches everyone with his heart-felt melodies, amazing talent and incredible skills.

In the end, the young man breaks their hearts and disappears with a young German woman Olga. Unbeknownst to the sisters, he goes to London and is discovered, becoming a star violin soloist for the London Philharmonic Orchestra. The sisters hear of his debut, pack and go by train to London to surprise Andrea knowing that he has this magnificent opportunity to play as soloist with the symphony. It will be broadcast on the wireless. Everyone is excited about the event. So, Dorcus, the maid, and some of the villagers gather at the sisters’ cottage, sitting ‘round the wireless to listen to their now renowned friend.

Ø Isn’t this a picture of overcoming adversity?
Ø Isn’t this a picture of God’s Grace in action as the sisters help nurse Andrea back to health?
Ø Isn’t this a picture of perseverance, as this young Polish man, who has such a passion for music and despite all the obstacles he faces, keeps on keeping on. He is accidentally thrown off the ship during a storm, is washed up to shore half-dead, regains his strength by help from strangers, overcomes communication barriers and is willing to take a huge risk by going to London with the possibility of rejection…he doesn’t lose sight of his calling.

This indeed is a wonderful picture of perseverance, one of the tenants of our faith.

Never forget, God loves and cares for you. You have friends and family that love and care for you as well. Don’t be discouraged or lose hope. Keep on keeping on. God will see you through.
With joy to know you and serve with you,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - A New Day

2012-01-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Thank you Lord for the dawning of a new day!

It was quiet when I slipped out of bed this morning at 4:55 AM. Charlie, my blonde lab, rustled up and sniffed my feet as I slipped out from underneath the covers and into my house shoes. I put on my fleece-lined pull-over jacket and ‘boggin, put on the coffee, fed Charlie and took him out. It was quiet outside, the city would awaken soon. We walked in the side yard and to the street in a brisk walk. There was a chill in the air, but not breezy, probably 30-something degrees.
The stars were still out and twinkling when I poured a cup of hot coffee, reflecting on events that have happened over the past year, recent past and in the last couple of weeks. As a friend says, “Life happens!” Sometimes it’s overwhelming, with all of the changes we have to face. Sometimes, the sun shines brightly, with a crystal clear blue sky, as it did yesterday. Sometimes, the clouds come, the cold wind blows with the chilly rain. But we know that God is with us. We know He’ll protect and guide us. We trust Him!

Meditation:
Quiet before the break of dawn,
Be still and listen to the Lord;
Come and dwell, renew within.
Fill with faith, hope love, and cleanse from sin.
Thank you God for peace and joy,
Unexpected blessings, abundant with Grace,
Praise to Thee, my Savior, Redeemer and Lord;
Empower, equip, sustain and strengthen us to do Your work
This day, a precious gift from above.
Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

I’m not sure where you are at this station in life, with all its difficulties that we face - school, children, work, aging parents, care-giving, hard decisions to make, life-changing situations; remember that God is with you. He promised to be with you, no matter what happens. He
loves and cares for you!

May this day, you share His great Love with those whom you touch.

Prayer:
Free us Lord from the shackles that bind us.
Renew us within so we can share the Love of Jesus.
In whose Holy Name we pray. Amen

With appreciation to know you and serve with you,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

The Christmas Star

2011-12-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Numbers 24:17, 19

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion... (KJV)

Revelation 22:16I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. (NASB)

2 Peter 1:19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (NIV)

He is the morning star!

When I think of the meanings behind those two small words, I am in awe of how perfectly they describe the Savior. Jesus is our light both by morning sun and by stars at night; He is always with us. The word "star" has Biblical significance because it implies royalty, as does the word "sceptre" from the verse in Numbers 24.

Balaam was compelled by God to speak the prophecy of the coming Messiah. He refers to Jesus as a "Star out of Jacob", describing Christ's lineage.

So it is very meaningful that God uses a star to show both shepherds and magi the way to the baby Jesus! In Matthew 2:2, the magi even ask "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him." They knew the prophecies about the Messiah and took the star as --THE sign--for them.

What does the light of God mean to us? It means that when we accept the light of Jesus Christ into our lives, we meet God. It means the light takes away the darkness of our lives. It means we become different people. It means we live for God and others. It means we work through the church to make a difference in our community and world. It means we have experienced God’s unconditional love.

Light of Life
There’s a light for all the weary, heavy-laden souls of care
And it shines down midst the darkness, can you see it blazing there?
Star of Bethlehem, Star of Jacob, bright and radiant morning star!
Cast Your rays in my direction, lead me on the journey far.
-by Francis Edward Su

Prayer: Loving God of Christmas, help me to see more clearly the light of Jesus Christ in my own life, and help me to share Him with others. Amen.

- Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Gratitude

2011-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because God’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.

Shards of lightening tore the early morning’s dark veil and a deep growl of thunder rolled over from the South. From a dream-haze, prayer rose from my mind; thank you, thank you Lord for the rain. The weather forecasters had called this one: we were situated on a line where the heavy warmth of Gulf air would meet the cooling Easterly flowing air from the Northwest. It would come upon us and move through our area and could possibly bring turbulent weather.

Later, when gray light spreads across the sky, we head outside for his early morning walk, looking towards Ruffner Mountain, seeing the trees swaying all along the street and upwards on the mountainside, wind racing, running through the trees. Gladly I am taken in, awakened, enlivened, brushed clean of illusion and self-deception, if only briefly. Thank you for the wind, dear Lord.

Charlie, his thick honey colored coat, gallops from the yard to the street, almost pulling me down. Previous to this, his nose was sniffing the ground and searching. He was wanting me to set him free to run with the breeze. He was scouting where the cat from up the street had wandered in the yard as well as the neighbor’s yard. Thank you for creature companions, dear Lord.

Pausing at the backdoor, I look back where it’s pitch black to the South and see a flash of lightening as the wind catapults leaves and twigs all through the air; the storm is fast approaching. I fix my eye towards the encroaching wave of rain coming my way. It’s so hard to see heaven in a storm sometimes. Thank you for your eternal reflection, dear Lord.

It is the dawn of Advent as we leave Thanksgiving, a time saturated with Your Presence. We utter prayers of gratitude – for the beauty of the earth, for family, for heart-friends, for meaningful work and service, for trials which teach us faith, even wounds that lead us to God, whose love and tender mercy are endless. All of these things of life help to open our hearts and renew our humility. Thank you for prayer, dear Lord.

We turn toward Advent – to journeying into mystery, to a resounding “yes” of the in-breaking of the Holy One into our daily lives, the miracle of the incarnation. We are led by His Hand into the place of unknowing, once again, to be surprised by all the ways God comes amongst us and lives within us. Thank you for your Grace, dear Lord.

On Precious Savior, Intimate Mystery, at this turning of the sacred calendar, may we not just hear the ancient stories, but step into the narrative of Your unfolding Love. May we ever sense Your Presence, daily, as we yearn and cry to You, for You are Holy, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Amen.

With joy as we serve along-side each other,

I remain your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - "A Grateful Heart"

2011-11-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
I Chronicles 16: 34 (ESV) – (A Psalm of David giving thanks)

It seems like it was just yesterday when Spring had sprung, flowers blossomed forth, the buds on the trees appeared, the grass turned green and we cleaned up from the winter. Now we’re in the midst of Autumn. Time has changed; it gets dark early; leaves are falling fast; and, tonight we will have our first hard frost of the season. We’re just two weeks away from Thanksgiving. I just don’t know where the year has gone.

So much has happened this year. It seems like sometimes the world is spinning out of control and that things that could be fixed and repaired are wearing and perhaps worn out. There’s so much bad news with the economy and now Jefferson County, Alabama is going bankrupt. Our 401k has become a 001k. Just what do we do? Aging parents, loss of jobs, changes all about us. Our seemingly stable environments and routines become unstable. How do you deal with it all? Do you pick up and run away? Do you pull into your shell, like a turtle? How do you face life with all its ups and downs?

I believe one of the best things to do is to count your blessings…be thankful; read God’s Word for it is a great source of comfort and encouragement; have a song on your heart; have quiet times for meditation, contemplation and reflection. Refocus ‘stuff’ in your life so that you can make a difference in someone’s life. Give a word of hope to someone in need. Give a hug to someone much in need of a touch from God. Help those who are hurting. Give thanks in all circumstances, good and bad. By refocusing and giving thanks we can begin to see that having a grateful heart brings healing and helps our attitude!

PRAYER:
Thank you God for providing for our needs.
Thank You for allowing us to rise in the morning to face a new day.
Thank You for Your great love, joy, hope and grace!
Help us to be more loving, joyful and hopeful.
Help us to extend grace to others as You have so freely given to us.
And above all, grant that we will live each day with a grateful heart.
Through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen..

With a grateful heart for serving alongside you, I remain your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Be at Peace !

2011-10-26T06:59:00.002-07:00

“Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD! You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their gain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety” Psalm 4: 6-8(NASB)

Is your desk and bureau cluttered? You know what they say: “a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind.” If this is true, a peek at my desk - my entire office, really – raises some serious concerns about the state of my mind. I wonder if my brain is truly cluttered as my desk always seems to be. I wonder what all of this cluttered-ness and growing to-do lists says about my life. Am I really this overburdened, hemmed in on every side by pressures that will not relent?

Do you feel so disorganized that you can’t get everything done? Do you make lists so you won’t forget – lists like for groceries, to-do, house-hold chores, taking care of the children and/or grandchildren, taking care of parents, taking care of pets. Do you schedule time for rest, reading, meditating, exercise, relaxation and rejuvenation?

If I am honest with myself, I must admit that sometimes my desk does indeed mirror my life. And whether or not you have a desk, you may feel the same about yourself from time to time. It’s easy to feel trapped or smothered by our high pressure jobs, busy families, aging parents, demanding relationships, along with high expectations for those in school, and necessary project deadlines, that have been put off until ‘it’s got to be done!’ With all this host of life’s stress, it’s easy to feel claustrophobic with traffic jams, never ending noise, seeming endless work and chores to be done with not enough time to do them.

We all need to remember and turn to Psalm 4, the ‘Night-Time Psalm.’ We recently studied this on a Wednesday evening. I mentioned to Pastor Chris Crain, who led our devotional thoughts that night, that if no one else ‘got it,’ I did. It felt like it was meant for me. This Psalm is meant for you too!

I would like to encourage you to meditate on this Psalm in the evenings so that when you lie down and lay your head on your pillow, you can feel at peace with God. You can have that restful sleep that you need – wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to face a new day with a fresh dose of God’s joy, love and peace!

Gracious Lord, give me room when I am in distress and help me to make the most of the freedom that you give. Send Your calming reassuring peace! Amen.

A Word of Hope -

2011-10-26T06:59:00.001-07:00

A Word of Hope - God Cares for you !

2011-10-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

A Word of Hope - God Cares for you!
The LORD builds up Jerusalem; He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147: 2-4 (NASB) How’s life with you? Is your heart heavy? Do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? Are there burdens you can hardly bear? When things of this old world cloud up your life, know there is someone who cares and loves you.

Sometimes it is good to take a personal evaluation of our lives and those things that may encumber us. We all need to be reminded from time to time that our strength comes from the Lord, who gives us joy in time of sorrow, faith instead of fear, hope instead of despair, and love instead of hate.

God is always there when things are hurting you most. Take the grievances, the separations, the strained friendships and the broken ties which have caused you hurt and heartbreak in your life, and let God heal them. Allow Him to give you grace in the difficult times of your life. You will wonder at the joy and blessing that will come out of the things that have caused you nothing but regret and pain.

When I was a small boy, I remember singing a hymn in church that touched my heart. May today, this very day, the words to this song touch your heart as it does mine.

Does Jesus Care?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary
I know my Savior cares.
-Frank E. Graeff

Loving God, Oh yes, You care, I know you care. Thank you for giving us joy in the morning. Thank you for giving us faith, hope and love. Thank you for sending Your Son, to be our Savior. Thank you for binding and healing our wounds. In Your Holy Name. Amen.

With a grateful heart for serving alongside you, I am your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A word of Hope - Cheerful Giving

2011-09-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9: 6-7 (NASB)

“God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” (The Message)

As a boy growing up in East Lake with elm trees as a canopy over our street and neat tidy yards, we were 1 ½ blocks from Howard College. Our church, Ruhama Baptist was on the other side of campus. Our family, as did most in the neighborhood, did not have a lot of material possessions, but we did have love. Each Sunday morning, I remember that my sister and I would be invited over to our next door neighbors, Owen and Lenora Swindal’s home before we left for church. We would step just inside their backdoor to their kitchen. Mr. Swindal would get one of the small cans from their canister set, open it up and give us a dime a piece, sometimes just a nickel to give in Sunday School. We would thank and hug them and go fill out our Sunday School envelops before leaving for church. This was my beginning of giving in church. Then I remember the very first dollar I saved from helping neighbors sweep their porches and side walks. Most times I would receive only a nickel or dime. It seemed like a long time before it added up to a dollar. My parents encouraged me to give 10% back to God. From that point on I recall how important it is to give back to God and to give generously with a cheerful heart.

Starting with my 8th grade year, my first job was working as a church janitor at Hillcrest Baptist Church. I held this job through my senior year in high school. Also, at age 15, I was one of the first sack boys at the then new Food World in Huffman. Each payday, it was important to give back to God from the ‘first fruits.’

During college at Samford University, working 3 jobs and having 2 scholarships, it required a lot of discipline to study, practice piano 3 hours per day and being frugal with the money I received from work. By this time, it was instilled in me the discipline of giving back to God as He had so richly blessed us.

After college in 1980 and working full-time, I discovered giving not only money, but time and talent, back to the church and people who need a touch of God’s Love and Grace. Giving became important in my Christian walk.

Now at age 54, with a son graduated from Ole Miss and now working in Birmingham, a son in South Alabama, elderly parents with health problems, accounting projects and managing a team of accountants, juggling time and care giving are a part of life whether blood kin or God’s family.

I continue to make sacrifices not only to the offerings of church, but to special projects and also with time to other ministries, touching lives, loving and encouraging others in their struggles with life.

Several years ago, a dear friend, Mary Helen Dixon gave me some nasturtium seeds which I believe her grandmother called “nasties.” I prepared a new flower bed on the side yard in Roebuck and also in pots at the river. I dug the rocky, clay soil, planted the nasturtium seeds, watered and waited for them to germinate and the seedlings to pop out of the soil. As the weather started to warm and with regular watering, careful weeding and tending the garden, finally by mid-Summer the nasturtiums began to bloom beautiful shades of yellowy-red burnt orange color and were about 2 ½ feet tall. I enjoyed them so much and thought of Mary Helen and the great memories of her family passed down from generations past. Now, it’s become a tradition each year to receive a packet or two of seeds from Mary Helen and her dear sister, Sarah Jackson Shelton.

Isn’t this a picture of the church? God provides the seeds (our jobs, money and material possessions); we give cheerfully of our money, time and love; together our gifts are multiplied, and we see the miracle of how God gives the increase.

As we consider our gifts and the opportunities to serve at church, let us together give cheerfully from our hearts, our time, talents and money.

I believe that we will watch in amazement at how God multiplies our gifts and that He will generously pour out His richest blessings on our congregation and families as we see the miraculous increase!

Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to give cheerfully. Thank you for giving the greatest sacrifice of all, Your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
As we serve along-side each other, I am your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Qord of Hope - "God Is There For You!"

2011-09-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪ A Word of Hope – God is there for you!

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31

Early, this Monday morning, with my normal routine, on my drive to work by 6:00 AM, I’m exiting off US Highway 280 East on the Cahaba Road Exit (Zoo Exit), slowing down to about 40 mph, whereupon just as it was getting daylight, a young lady was exiting from 280 West onto my two-lane exit. She had a yield sign that she did not observe and took a sharp left, headed on the road behind the Birmingham Zoo. I blew my truck horn and she stopped in the middle of the road directly in my path. With hardly no time to think, I saw that I was about to hit her broadside probably killing her and severely injuring me, I swerved to the left (thankfully, no vehicle was in the left lane) and ran onto the median missing within inches a large tree and jumping the curb back onto the pavement. She was so startled that she moved across to the median pavement. I backed up (that time of morning there’s hardly no traffic) and pulled along-side her car. I motioned for her to cross over to the service road behind the zoo. I pulled behind her, wrote down her tag number and got out of the truck walking slowly to her window. She said, “I wasn’t gonna leave you.” I said, “we could have both been killed, just now, but the Lord was watching after us.” I noticed that she had a GPS on her dashboard, purse on the passenger seat, and a Winn-Dixie badge with no name on it. I asked her name. She said, “Gina, uh…Regina.” I said, I noticed you were from Talladega County, based on your car tag showing 61. She said, “I am.” I asked, “Are you from Sylacauga?” She said, “Yes, I’m on my way to my first day of work, actually, to be trained at the Winn-Dixie in Fultondale.” She said, “I think I’ve made a wrong turn”… tears welling up in her eyes, she began to cry. I said, “there’s no need to call the police. We’re ok and not injured. Go down there and turn around. You can get back on the Red Mountain Expressway here and head towards downtown getting you to Fultondale. Will you be working there?” She said, “No, I’m training there and will be working in Chelsea.” I gave her my work card and said to “please be safe and to carefully watch when she makes left-hand turns. “ She replied, “Yes, sir.” She was probably in her late 20s. I noticed her car was very dusty. She probably lived way out in the country and had lost her way in her haste to get to her training.

There was sweat streaming down my shirt and pouring out on top of my head. I was shook up, but not shaken, thankful that there was not an accident and that no one was injured or killed. Time and again, we see where careless mistakes can cause fatalities in the twinkling of an eye. The Lord was with us this morning. His guardian angels were watching over us. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.

So, as the Sanctuary Choir yesterday sang, “They Shall Soar Like Eagles”…that song, those words, arose in my mind and heart.

They Shall Soar Like Eagles
They shall soar like eagles; rise up and soar like eagles.
They who wait upon the Lord shall not be weary.
They shall never stumble, but gain new strength and power.
They who wait upon the Lord.
Those who are weary and burdened with sorrow
Need not despair there is hope for tomorrow.
God will be there each time you call on Him.
They shall soar like eagles; rise up and soar like eagles.
They who wait upon the Lord shall not be weary.
They shall never stumble, but gain new strength and power.
They who wait upon the Lord.
-Laura Manzo

So, my friend, if you are weary and burdened with sorrow, have hope, God is there for you! Remember He loves and cares for you! Recently, my friend, Ann Anderson, said, “Why do you end your devotions with ‘your friend?’ You’re my brother.” Yes, I’m your brother in the Lord, but I’m also, your friend. My friend, Debbie Pinson Bozeman, shared with me this Bible verse, back in college that has helped me through life: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15: 13

Dear Lord, thank you for your watch-care over your children. Thank you for seeing us through difficult times and protecting us through unexpected happenings in our life, especially when things can be tough. Amen.
As we serve along-side each other, I am…Your Friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - God's Peace!

2011-08-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

Dismiss all anxiety from your mind; instead, present your needs to God through prayer and petition, giving thanks for all circumstances. Then God’s own peace, which is beyond all understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

There is something comforting and relaxing when we are enjoying the company of family and friends as we sit on the screened porch or around the den listening to stories of where we came from and what happened throughout the years. This telling and re-telling of stories helps us to remember from whence we’ve come and who we are, precious children of God.

With the erratic behavior of the stock market, the politics in Washington, the sweltering heat, children returning to school, the bills piling up, the unknown of a medical test or just waiting on the results, and the uncertainty that often accompanies life itself, it would not be surprising if our hearts were touched by a bit of anxiety. And yet, here are the words of Paul encouraging us to dismiss all anxiety from our minds and focus instead on thanksgiving. Oh that it were that easy!

I remember hearing Maw King (the aunt who helped raise my Dad and my surrogate grandmother) telling us stories of the difficulties they faced in Western Cullman County in the 1930s following my grandfather’s untimely death in February, 1928. She had married and they were trying their best to make it farming. They were so poor that they lived in a cabin with a dirt floor, no well or milk cow. She would walk to her sister’s house (my Aunt Ollie) to get water and milk, sometimes some vegetables with a baby girl (Nadine) and small boy (Lester) in tow. She was a little lady, about 5 ft. 1 in. and about 95 pounds. She would make the best of a situation. She planted a garden, raised some chickens, collected the eggs to sell them to the ‘rolling store’ so she could buy coffee, sugar and flour. She washed her clothes at the creek. She’d heat up the stove with wood, iron the clothes with a heavy iron that would have to be heated up on the stove, bathe the children in a big galvanized wash tub, always keeping a positive attitude and telling the kids stories of times past. She was an over-comer. Her faith in God kept her going. She and Papaw had to provide for their family. They didn’t have much, but what she did have and give away freely was love. She loved babies and always walked you to your car, hugging and kissing you, telling you to come back soon. You were always made to feel so very special and welcome to sit around her table. In fact, she might get her feelings hurt if you didn’t eat with her.

I remember two weeks before Maw King died in 1991, my Dad and Mom were living in Huffman. Dad called and said, ‘What are you doing?” I said, just tending to Trent (who wasn’t quite two years old…Bradley and his Mom were gone somewhere, I don’t’ remember). Dad said, “Come down and eat supper with us.” I said, “Ok.” It was sometime in early February, I believe. We came to the back door, whereupon to my great surprise, there sat Maw King in the gliding chair in the den. She jumped up, stretched out her arms, kissed and hugged us. She immediately grabbed Trent and held him in her lap, bumping him up and down, talking to him and telling him how beautiful he was. As she held him, she began telling her stories of her younger days. We never grew tired of hearing them, over and over again. She always had us captivated. Nobody could tell a story like my Maw King. She taught me to garden, cook, clean and how to survive. I miss her greatly, but know she’s in that ‘Great Cloud of Witnesses.’ We will see her again. As the book says…”Heaven is For Real!”

So my friend, why don’t you uncurl the fingers of your tight fisted hand. Recognize the tight grip and finger by finger, gently let go. It is then that you’ll be able to offer God your concerns, fears, and uncertainties of life. You’ll be now in a position to identify, if not even receive, the refreshing and gentle Peace of God that is beyond your understanding. Somewhere in that relinquishment there is a shift from actively gripping to a more relaxed, peaceful life given by God. Join me today and let go of those things which encumber your life, and rest, knowing that God is standing guard over your heart and mind.

Dear Lord, in all the happenings of life thank you for Your Peace. Help me to let go of those things that weigh me down knowing that You are in control. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
As we serve together, I remain your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - "Trust in the Lord"

2011-08-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8: 23-26 (ESV)

If you’re like me, ever since Standard & Poor’s dropped the credit rating of the United States from an AAA rating to an AA+ rating, you have been watching the U.S. Stock Market. The ups and downs of the market look a lot like waves to me.

Even if the news of the stock market isn’t causing you to feel overwhelmed, there may be other things in life that are causing you to feel like you are in the midst of a storm. Perhaps you are having trouble at home with your spouse or family. Maybe you are experiencing problems at work. It might be that you are having health issues, or having your own issues with finances. Whenever the storms of life are raging in your life what do you do?

I love this story of the disciples in the boat with Jesus when the storm rises upon the sea. The first thing to remember is that Jesus was in the boat with them. So, my friend, is Jesus in the boat with you? Have you invited Jesus to be with you in the storms that you are experiencing? The other thing to note is that in their fear, they awaken Jesus. Have you taken time to call upon Jesus? He is there in your midst, right now. Then, when Jesus said to the disciples, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith.” Did you know that often the word “faith” actually can be translated as “trust?” So, do you have it within yourself to trust in God even in the midst of your storms?

No matter what happens over the next few weeks and months with the stock market or in your personal life, I invite you to call on Jesus and trust Him to be present in your life. Give all the storms in your everyday living into Jesus’ care. Even today, this day, Jesus still calms storms.

Holy One, calm the storms of my life. Remind me that I belong to you and that nothing can change that. In Your Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

Serving with you, I remain…
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - "Linger, Laugh & Love"

2011-08-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was a very special time for my family and me. We celebrated my Dad’s 90th birthday on Saturday with a family gathering at my parents. It was a joyful occasion with delicious food, birthday cake, ice cream, presents and even six week old Tristan, the first great grandchild.

Sunday was equally as grand. My sister sang Sandi Patti’s arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” during the worship service. Dad was able to attend a portion of worship while a friend stayed with Mom, who’s recovering from a broken arm. After church, the congregation lingered, showering the family with greetings and encouraging words.

Later in the afternoon, we ‘gathered at the river’ to fellowship as a family, take a boat ride, swim and cookout for supper. What a blessing to see my oldest son, Bradley, almost 26, swimming with his cousins, Elizabeth and Roy, Brandon and Makera, laughing, enjoying each other’s company on the dock whilst the older folks sat up on the screened porch with the baby on the glidder, held by Gramy (my sister, Judi) or Grand Daddy (my brother-in-law, Barry), Larry and Sara…they’re getting on up there…’course, so am I.

We stayed at the river until dark and started meandering our way back home around 9:00. We even lingered at our vehicles telling each other good-bye, hugging, shaking hands, and giving away kisses on the cheeks…another sign of love and affection in the family along with good ol’ Southern hospitality. Upon reflection of all the good things of the weekend, it was a time to linger, show love and laugh as we live life.

Isn’t that the way church should be? I’ve always thought of our communities of faith as a family. And to me, a sign of a healthy congregation is when we linger, show our love, one to another and laugh…after all, laughter is the best medicine, says Proverbs.

So, how is it with you, my friend? Do you linger in God’s word and ponder it in your heart? Do you show love to those who are lonely and need a touch of God’s grace? Are you able to laugh, even at yourself? When you face difficulties, sickness, deteriorating health, family, financial and work problems, to whom do you turn? Remembering things from the past are good and ok, but don’t stay there. Move forward! Live life to its fullest! Laugh and show the love of God to others! As a result, you will receive blessings and benefits too numerous to count. And you know what? You’ll be the better for it!!

Holy One, remind me that no matter what happens, it’s important to linger, laugh and love. Thank you for your grace that’s sufficient and for life that’s everlasting. Amen.

With joy in my heart as we serve together, I remain…

Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - "Do not fear"

2011-07-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

My God sent His angel and shut the lion’s mouths. Daniel 6:22 (NKJV)

It is one of my favorite stories in the Hebrew Scriptures. Daniel, a Jew,
is a counselor to the Persian King, Dairus. Daniel is well liked by the king and because of that he receives favored status. Others who surround the king are jealous of Daniel and try to find a way to discredit him. Ultimately they convince the king that everyone in the kingdom should honor the king and that anyone who honored and prayed to someone other than the king should be fed to the lions.

Of course, Daniel, who is committed to honoring God, cannot bring himself to follow the hastily adopted law. So, Daniel is thrown into the lion’s den. The king, who loves Daniel, is distraught and races to the lion’s den the following morning to discover that, indeed, God has closed the mouths of the lions and saved Daniel.

I love the story of Daniel and the lion’s den because I believe all of us face the lion’s den most days of our lives. I imagine that there are many days when we feel like we are going to be “eaten by the lions.” Of course, we always have a choice. We can honor God, and trust in God’s care for us, or we can be paralyzed by the fears before us. Daniel chose to put his trust in God. Perhaps that is the real lesson here. When we are facing the “lions’ of our days and nights, we too might do well to put our trust in God and know that “in life and in death, in life beyond death, God is with us, we are not alone, thanks be to God.”

Holy One, Creator of all things, lover of all life, remind me that no matter what the day brings, you are with me. Amen

It is an honor to serve along-side you!

Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - "God is our Refuge and strength"

2011-07-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46: 1 (ESV)

Do you ever wonder, how am I going to get through this difficult time? How am I going to cope with such losses in my life? How am I going to make these hard decisions? How am I going to survive? During June, not only did I ask myself these questions, but had close friends that were facing some very low times in their lives due to loss of a parent or loved-one, loss of a job, loss of a long-time pet, and if that wasn’t enough they experienced cancer surgery. And so, we begin to probe within ourselves, with seemingly all of our energy expended, thinking, how can we go on? How will we ever make it?

It is during these times, when our world seems to be falling apart that God’s precious Word gives us strength. God becomes our refuge. Close friends and family show us that God is a ‘very present help in times of trouble.’ When we begin to realize that He is with us, watching over us, sending His Holy Spirit to comfort us, sending words of encouragement through friends and family that show up at just the right time, we become aware of just how much God cares and loves us.

Have you ever said to yourself, “I just need to sit quietly and be still, so I can hear myself think?” During those still-quiet moments, you see the majesty of God and sense His Presence, even though you’ve come through the fire, raging rivers and trembling mountains, you realize that “there is a river, whose streams gladden the heart of God.” The Lord of hosts is with us; and is our fortress.

Psalm 46
1God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Selah
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah

This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!! Amen.
With love and compassion for all those who are suffering,
I remain, your loyal friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - New Life

2011-06-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today is that long anticipated time of something wonderful and exciting that has happened in our family. It occurred at 5:18 this morning (EDT) in Jacksonville, Florida. A new baby boy has been born to my niece Elizabeth. His name is Tristan, weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces. He is the first great grandchild for my parents, and my first grand nephew. We are all excited and filled with joy about this new miracle that has come into our midst. My sister and brother-in-law are ready and willing grandparents. They have helped my niece during the past several months. She has lived with them to experience a sense of home in a nurturing environment as her husband completes his duties in the military. My sister’s church, First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, Florida has undergirded them and supported them while my niece stayed with them. Isn’t this what family and church are all about, loving, caring, nurturing and ministering so that one knows they belong? They know, because love is shown in tangible ways, not just by word of mouth. They know, because love isn’t shown just once, but many times, through little things like hugs, cards, acts of kindness and encouragement. When someone shows us grace and mercy, that we don’t deserve, it is sometimes difficult to fathom the depths and sacrifice of their love.

This past Sunday evening, within the hour of 5:00 PM, while talking to my sister about the coming of the baby, I received news of our beloved Kathryn Tucker Windom, one of Alabama’s greatest story-tellers, and her home-going to Heaven. I sat in silence for a few moments trying to gather myself as waves of thoughts poured over me about this wonderful lady, and her big hat that she would wear as she told of her experiences in and around Selma, Alabama. Even though a life-long Methodist, because of her friendship with Sarah Jackson Shelton, she would come to Birmingham to speak at Baptist Church of the Covenant. Also, she appeared many times on Alabama Public Television telling of special events and things that have happened in her life and Alabama. She didn’t mind expressing her opinion or telling you how she felt. She would have you on the edge of your seat, ready for the next word picture or phrase to let you into her life and world. She had a very special gift and didn’t keep it to herself, but shared from her life, many meaningful things that could have you laughing one minute and perhaps crying the next, but always with the determination that you need to persevere.

Let us be people of perseverance. Let us be people of grace. Let us let people into our lives by sharing the love of God and showing them mercy and peace. Why don’t you join me in living life to its fullest? Give someone hope today, this very day!

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind blow at your back,
May the sun shine warmly on your face.
May the rain fall softly on your field,
And until we meet again,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Amen.
-an Irish Blessing

As we serve together, I remain…

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - "Give Me Jesus"

2011-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

“So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

Last Sunday morning, I was thinking about Memorial Day and all of the sorrow wrapped up in the countless lives that have been lost in wars fought for our freedom. In my mind I kept hearing a classic Spiritual, “Give me Jesus.”

In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

The words poured over my mind, and the music filled me so that I realized that I was at prayer for those who have lost loved ones during war times, those whose names I know and those unknown to me, but known to God. The song continued in my mind:

When I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Oh, when I am afraid,
Give me Jesus.

So often we are afraid: Afraid of what was, afraid of what is, afraid of what is to come. As I heard in my mind and heart the tune to this old, old song, I once again realized that not even death could separate us from the love that Jesus had and has for us, a love so great that He would spend his last words preaching to and praying for all of us who would be His disciples. In its conclusion, the song says:

When I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Oh, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Facing his own death, Jesus reminded his disciples that while they would have sorrow, he would see them again, and their hearts would rejoice in such a way so that no one could take their joy from them. Last Sunday, as I thought about that old Spiritual, a certain peace filled my soul, a sure knowledge about the faithful love of Jesus. As I drove to church I heard that song over and over in my head. I think it is perhaps one of the most powerful benedictions to any day or any life, words sung or spoken, thought or whispered: Give me Jesus.

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, grant me your peace. Amen.

Joyfully serving along-side you,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

♪A Note of Thanks ♪ A Word of Hope – Come Home

2011-05-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

“Come home, come home. Ye who are weary, come home.”

Today, this Monday, in mid-May, it’s not going to get out of the 50’s. Really? In Alabama, at this time of year? Yes, it’s that damp, wet cold feeling. We have that longing in our hearts for that just right, bright, sunny Spring weather. But, you know what? Life is not like that. We have troubles, trials and storms of life. We have loss and loneliness, grief and despair, hurts and failures as well as good and bad. Yet, through it all, we hear, “Come Home!” Just like the father in the Prodigal Son, God is waiting for us and yearning for us to come home.

There was a movie, I forget the title, but there was a black lady who had served a rich family on a plantation. Later, after her daughter was about 10 years old, she wanted to show her where she once worked at this big old Southern house, with a long driveway. As they walked to the place and it came into view, you could see that everything had grown up around the house. Briars, tall grass and weeds had taken over where previous to this had been a well manicured lawn. The door was standing ajar. The paint was faded and peeling with shutters barely hanging. The whole place was just plain run down.

The mother and daughter stepped inside the vacant house. She was telling her daughter about the by-gone days of the vast lands, elegant furnishing with opulent surroundings, whereupon an old white woman, disheveled and haggard appeared at the top of the stair landing yelling, “Get out! Get out of my house!” The black lady took her daughter by the hand and they left as quickly as they could. As they were walking down the drive, the little girl said to her Mom, “Was that your home?” To which the Mother replied, “No, dear. Home is where your heart is.” What a poignant statement; probably the point of the whole movie.

So I ask you today: Where is your heart. What are you yearning and searching for?

Cynthia Clawson, a renowned Christian musician, sings a version of the hymn we sometimes sing at the close of a worship service. It’s partly with a different tune, but the words stick in my mind because of the unusual tune and the timbre of this gifted singer’s voice:

Softly and Tenderly
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Refrain:
Come home, come home,
Ye who are weary, come home,
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, oh sinner, come home.

Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
– Will Thompson, pub. 1880

Won’t you come home today? You are greatly loved!!

As we serve, side-by-side, I remain, your friend,

Mark David Jackson

♪ A Word of Hope – Via Dolorosa

2011-04-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV)

Have you ever suffered before? Have you really suffered, perhaps as a result of a serious injury or serious surgery? Did you feel alone? Have you ever suffered because of a loss of a job resulting in loss of finances? Thus, you didn’t have the means to pay your bills, even to buy food and purchase some of the necessities of life. What did you do? To whom did you turn?

Along with suffering many times follows a grieving period. The loss of a loved one, treasured friendship, even a much loved pet causes grief. How do you overcome such loss? In moments like these, when we feel deep hurt and are alone, so grief stricken, and the wounds are still so fresh, we must rely on our Savior and God to see us through these difficulties. We must rely on His Word to sustain us and to remind us that He too, suffered, was wounded and rejected for our sakes. In our finite minds, it is almost incomprehensible to understand how much our Dear Lord gave of Himself to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows. Jesus set his sight on Golgotha knowing that He would suffer for the sins of all so that we can have eternal life, free from all the pain and tears of this earthly life.

Get a glimpse of our dear Savior, beaten, scourged, with a crown of huge long thorns on His head, carrying a heavy wooden cross, all the while drops of blood flowing to the ground. Come with me down the Road of Suffering, and listen closely to the crowd jeering hateful words, yelling and screaming:
‘Crucify Him…Crucify Him...Crucify Him!!
Go with me, in your mind’s eye to Calvary and see our precious, innocent, Savior nailed to a cruel Roman cross between two malefactors. See his mother, Mary weeping, along with his closest disciples. How truly awful this is to think about. But the Dear Lord Jesus did this for all of us…for you and me. He paid a sin debt in full that He did not owe so that we would not have to pay.

Down the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem that day
The soldiers tried to clear the narrow street
But the crowd pressed in to see
A Man condemned to die on Calvary.

He was bleeding from a beating, there were stripes upon His back
And He wore a crown of thorns upon His head
And He bore with every step
The scorn of those who cried out for His death.
The blood that would cleanse the souls of all men
Made its way through the heart of Jerusalem.

Down the Via Dolorosa called the way of suffering
Like a lamb came the Messiah, Christ the King
But He chose to walk that road out of His love for you and me
Down the Via Dolorosa, all the way to Calvary. - Patti
Thank you, O Lord, for freely giving of Yourself, out of love for us, as You carried the cross down the Via Dolorosa. Help us to show Your love to others who are suffering and grieving. Thank you for Your great sacrifice! In Your Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

Serving along-side you.
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Ancient Paths

2011-03-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

“Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16a (NIV, 2011)

I can think of no better way to draw close to God than by rising early in the day and spending time with God in prayer. Each day, I rise early, no later than 5:00 AM and have my quiet time and breakfast before leaving for work. Our busy, noisy lives rarely allow us time to be silent, to think, to ponder and to reflect. Consequently, spending a few minutes each morning seeking God and being still before God is one of the best spiritual disciplines for deepening your walk with God. By beginning each morning in the presence of God, you will gain strength for your spiritual journey.

What does the Lord mean by ‘the ancient paths?’ The word ‘ancient’ comes from Hebrew meaning: old, hidden, perpetual, timeless, and from eternity. God’s ways are timeless. Do you know God’s ways? How can you return to them? This is where the good way lies. Good, meaning: pleasant, agreeable, happy, cheerful, merry, resulting in the ancient paths of God.

Do you think that when life is a constant struggle and continual torment on the inside that you are walking in “ancient paths?” When our lives are in line with God, there is agreement with Him. I believe that when we are walking in God’s ‘ancient paths’ we will experience blessings beyond imagination. Yes, we will cross over mountains and rough terrain. We will have to forge over fast moving streams and rocks that are slippery. But, God promised to be with us and never forsake us. Sometimes our arms will be so tired, like Moses’ arms were, so that we cannot hold them up any longer. God will provide those to come along side us, like Aaron and Hur to hold them up for us. Through these difficulties of life, we can make it, down God’s ancient paths.

No musician, no athlete, no dancer, no chef is ever perfect, but through regular, consistent practice each becomes better at their art, skill or craft. It is never easy and requires sacrifice of time and energy, but the rewards are immense. In our case, the reward is a life well lived in relationship with God.

Can you imagine the spiritual power and energy of praying and communing with God each morning? So, let us continue our journey, turning our face, as Jesus did, toward Jerusalem and the cross of Good Friday and the resurrection of Easter Sunday. I pray for you that your life will be refreshed and made new.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29 (NIV, 2011)

Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7 (NIV, 2011)

When morning gilds the skies, my heart awakening cries, May Jesus Christ be praised!

As we walk down the Ancient Paths of God together, I remain…

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A time for Longing

2011-03-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪ A Word of Hope – A Time for Longing

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…God has made everything beautiful in its time.” taken from Ecclesiastes 3 (NIV, 2011)

The long, cold winter is almost over, and I am eager for warm weather. I’m just ‘plain tired’ of seeing bare trees and lifeless brown leaves covering the ground. I have longed to see wildflowers poke through the dead leaves and to watch the woods turn green once more. Two weeks ago, on my way to South Alabama to get my son, Trent, who was to stay for a week celebrating his 22nd birthday, I got off the interstate in Montgomery and drove down Dexter Avenue by the state capitol and other historic buildings. As I drove through the Cloverdale section of Montgomery, passing the Jewish Temple, Montgomery Country Club, Huntington College and further down McGee Road Baptist Church, I began to notice that the leaves had already popped out on the trees with lots of new growth appearing. I also saw young people in shorts, tee shirts and flip-flops while it was still cold up in Birmingham. I just have this longing in my heart for new growth and new life.

Recently, a very prominent man, Don Drennen, passed away. Those of us that have lived in Birmingham most of our lives remember Don Drennen Buick and automobile dealerships. Don was a deacon at Brookwood Baptist Church. My dear friend, Sarah Jackson Shelton, took part in Don’s memorial service. The Jackson and Drennen families’ friendship goes way back. Sarah spoke recently of her relationship with Mrs. Drennen, who was an avid gardener. Mrs. Drennen came over to Sarah’s house one day to give her advice on the gardens surrounding her home. Mrs. Drennen told Sarah to prune this bush, cut that plant to the ground, dig up that plant and offered other sound, proven advice on what will and will not work. In pruning, cutting back and digging up, new growth can appear and also gives room for other plants.

I witnessed new growth just yesterday at my river home after we had an unanticipated flood last week with many tributaries flowing into the Black Warrior River; it just edged up slowly and suddenly came out of its bank. Fortunately, this flood did not wreak the damage of two years ago. After the rains ended and the sun came out, lilies, hosta, forsythia and oak-leaf hydrangea leaves were popping out while the Lenten roses had purplish-pink and buttery-cream blooms.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this: I like to see plants come back to life. I don’t mind the hard work. It takes planning and preparation. Life is like this, with its ebbs and flows, ups and downs, new and old, but somehow God is in the midst of it all longing for us to have fellowship with Him. It may take something to get our attention, but that yearning and seeking can lead to new and exciting times in our lives. Further, we can experience joy when those beautiful flowers appear after the winter snow, rain, floods and cold weather of life subside.

According to author Ron Ash, “We are where we need to be and learning what we need to learn. Stay the course because the things we experience today will lead us to where He needs us to be tomorrow.

In every season, there is a reason to rejoice and an opportunity to do good (Eccl. 3:12). The challenge for each of us every day is to find something to rejoice about and some good to do – and then to do both.

Just as the winter turns to spring,
Our lives have changing seasons too;
So when a gloomy forecast comes,
Remember – God has plans for you. –Sper

Thank you God for showing your love through dear friends, who influence our lives, encourage us and cause us to work in the Garden of Life, thus seeing a new season that brings great joy! Amen.

As we dig in the garden, side-by-side, I remain, your friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Clean Heart

2011-03-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

Today, March 9th, is Ash Wednesday. In the church calendar this is one of the most holy seasons of year. During Lent we are invited to remember the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem and to the cross. The season is 40 days long, excluding Sundays, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing with God for his ministry. As I contemplate this it occurs to me that we all carry within the song of the Psalmist, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Could there be a more poignant plea?

All of us know what it is to fail, to fall short of being the person we long to be. We come before God and plead for mercy. Some persons from other denominations will be marked with ashes on their foreheads. Ashes were used in ancient times to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. The prophet Daniel prayed to God saying, “I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes” Daniel 9:3. In Ezekiel 9 the writer speaks of a linen-clad messenger marking the forehead of the city inhabitants that have sorrow over the sins of the people. In the early church, Christians who committed serious sins did public penance. As part of their penance they were sprinkled with ashes and required to wear sackcloth. In later years, penitents were also turned away from their place of worship for the entire season of Lent until Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, by which time they had atoned for their sins.

Though we don’t follow those practices any more, won’t you join me in facing those things in your life which hinder your relationship with God and others? Say with the Psalmist, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2) . So starting today, let’s go to God in prayer, examine our lives and ask for mercy to begin afresh and anew again. Who among us doesn’t want a second chance? Of course, the Good News is that God offers us that chance as He is the God of second chances, who loves us, even when we don’t love ourselves. He cares for you!

Might you choose to take on something that would, each day of Lent, call to mind the sacrifice Jesus made so that you would know the unchanging love of God? Would you prayerfully consider taking on:
1. Praying more - Praying for your neighbors and friends who need the Lord.
2. Scripture reading – Learn about God and yourself through scripture. It’s never too late to start.
3. Scripture memorization, “Thy Word I have hidden in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:11.
4. Commit to a weekly or daily act of service - Write a letter or greeting card each day.
5. Exercise – If you are not in shape, how can you be ready when God calls you to serve? Take this time to start an exercise regiment and begin to get your body right.
6. Sacrificial giving – Give money that you would have used to fulfill your earthly desires for God.
7. Silence – Turn everything off and learn to enjoy stillness and silence. Sometimes God’s whispers can only be heard when we are still and quiet.

So, as Lent begins, won’t you spend some time in prayer and be with God and ask Him what you might choose that would deepen your relationship? I believe this kind of commitment ushers in a deeper, richer life of faith and spiritual growth.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Amen. (Psalm 51: 1)

Thank you for your love and care.

As we work together, side-by-side, I am,
Your friend and fellow co-laborer,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Blue Skies

2011-03-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

On Monday of this week there were storm clouds brewing in the West and the warm Gulf Stream air pouring up from the South. During lunchtime the wind was whipping, the trees were swaying and it felt like nature was in a big turmoil. The sky turned pitch black around 2:30 in the afternoon, and that’s when the warm South and the colder West collided. Where I work there was golf ball size hail. I went out in the hallway and you couldn’t, to use a Southern expression, ‘hear yourself think’ for the hail hitting the sky light. I looked out the window into the parking lot to see big balls of crooked, jagged ice hitting the pavement.

Do you ever feel down about your circumstances and wonder how you might get your spirit lifted up. In Susan Lenzkes’ book, Life Is Like Licking Honey Off a Thorn, there is a passage that reads, “We take the laughter and the tears however they come, and let our God of reality make sense of it all.” Lenzkes says some people are optimists who “camp in pleasures and good memories,” denying the brokenness. Others are pessimists who “focus on life’s losses, losing joy and victory in the process.” But people of faith are realists who “receive it all – all the good and bad of life – and repeatedly choose to know that God really loves us and is constantly at work for our good and His glory.”

I looked outside and noticed a little while later that a friendly wind came up and began to blow the clouds away. Suddenly, by 5:00 PM there were patches of bright blue sky in between the clouds. The next morning was crisp with a crystal clear blue sky.

God loves us, and He’s getting us ready for the day when skies will be forever blue.

The purposes of God are right,
Although we may not see
Just how He works all things for good
And transforms tragedy.
-Sper

God promises a safe landing- but not necessarily a calm passage.

As we serve together, I remain,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - The Lord is my salvation

2011-02-18T06:41:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

A Word of Hope – The Lord is my salvation

“The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?...For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock…Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Verses from Psalm 27

Isn’t it wonderful today, this Wednesday, following Valentine’s Day, to experience the warmer weather, beautiful radiant sunshine and above all God’s love?

Sometimes during the course of winter I feel sunshine deprived and yearn for the days when we begin to see the first signs of Spring…the sun comes out; the jonquils pop up out of the ground; the camellias, Alabama’s state flower, are blooming; and the Lenten roses begin their season of budding and blossoming. Yet, it’s still February and Spring is not officially here until late March. But, it’s ok to ‘play-like’ as we said when we were children, that it’s Spring, and enjoy getting outside, shedding our heavy winter coats and taking a brisk walk each day to keep our heart healthy whilst we enjoy God’s nature.

I find myself contemplating and dreaming of the plants and seeds to be planted, cleaning up the garden and planning the growing season to come. So, that being said, how is it with your spiritual garden? Do you need to pick up the dead leaves and sticks of the past and put them on the mulch pile? Does your spiritual garden need some weeding, raking, pruning and cleaning up? Do you need to move forward and get out of the funk of your past knowing that God is with you, and that your friends are standing with you, able to help and assist you get beyond the past dreary season. God has something new and exciting in store for you, my friend.

I challenge you to take an inventory of your garden and plant some seeds of faith, bulbs of hope, cuttings of joy, sprigs of kindness, watered and fertilized by God’s love, all the while having patience, knowing that He will bring you to fruition. Yes, there are new beginnings, new seasons and new chapters of our lives still yet to come.

You can make it! You will overcome and be able to see the new growth appear in your life. Keep on keeping on! And, as Sir Winston Churchhill said, “Never, never, never, give up!”

May it be so, this day, and in the days to come! Amen.

Joyfully serving along-side you

Your friend
,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Bloom Where You're Planted

2011-02-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.” Jeremiah 17:7-8a (NIV)

Two of my dear friends, Louise Burt and Jane Boyer decided to plant a garden together. Between their two back yards that almost touch is a power line easement. They utilized all of this space so that their garden would be able to get the most of the sunshine available. They started most of the garden from seeds: peppers, corn, okra, several kinds of squash, and tomatoes. This was a group effort and a kind of modern day victory garden. Were they successful? Indeed they were. They were so successful with their acorn squash until they had a luncheon for some of their friends featuring different ways that squash could be prepared from entrees, vegetables and salads to desserts…neato…spiffy!! They still had so much squash that they were able to share it with others.

Our dear missionary friends Sanan (Rogers) and David Brazzeal heeded the call of God. They met while at Samford University. Following college they went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They have served in Brazil, on an island in the French speaking Caribbean, and after more than ten years in Montreal, Quebec while ministering and reaching others for Christ in an urban setting, they heard God’s call. Now they are serving in Paris, France. David and Sanan have a special calling to artisans of Paris to reach them with the good news of Jesus Christ by building relationships through many different venues such as monthly gatherings where art is displayed, sharing a meal while live music is played as well as building upon these relationships where people are searching and need a touch from God. David has been instrumental in helping artists set up their own web sites. These people from a very unique culture would have not seen nor experienced God’s love had David and Sanan not responded to God’s call.

Now you may ask, what does raising a garden from seed in Roebuck Springs and being missionaries in Paris, France have in common? Well, in the separation of seedlings to be transplanted as they mature, God does the same with us many times. He calls us to do new things, to get out of our comfort zones, to do things that seem impossible, yet by His blessing and through His Grace there are great possibilities if we will take that step of faith.

So how is it with you today, my friend? Are you ready to be transplanted by the Master Gardener to do new tasks for Him? We have received three new families this week, transplanted from North Valley Church to South Roebuck Baptist Church for a quarter. They are coming to help us and thus make us stronger. It is a venture in faith. We are praying more, giving more, inviting our neighbors, friends and family to church. Keep up the good work, God is blessing!

As we continue the Legacy campaign, let us seize this moment, and remember what the Old Testament book of Esther says: “For such a time as this…” I am willing, are you?

Holy One, You are always more ready to speak than I am to hear. Open my mind and heart through the power of Your Holy Spirit that I might hear you call and with courage respond, “Hear I am, send me.” In His Holy Name. Amen.

I remain….your friend,

,Mark David Jackson

God is With You

2011-01-19T13:21:00.000-08:00

“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5 (NIV)

“My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” Psalm 119:148 (NIV)

Where were you last week when the ice and snow converged on North Central Alabama? Had you made adequate preparations? We live on the dividing line in Birmingham where weather forecasters James Spann and Richard Jacks try their best to predict as accurately as they can, but it’s always very ‘iffy.’
Everything South of Interstate 20 was supposed to receive ice and North of I-20 was to receive snow, however, that was not the case. Birmingham and Eastward was slap dab in the middle of an ice storm that paralyzed the city in some areas for several days. We received 3-4 inches of ice in Roebuck.

For me, work didn’t cease. There was no holiday nor was there much relaxation. My vocation requires us to arrive at work early as well as have staff late each business day, sort of like medical personnel or ministers, we are always on call. Thankfully, we had a very good group that could work from home and some were even able with the aid of four-wheel drive and chains on their vehicles to make it to the nearest hotel in order to arrive at the office the day after the snow and ice in order to make the legal deadlines required for our work.

Life can be like that for all of us, very unpredictable. Oh, we would like even sailing and no rough seas, no bumps in the road with newly paved asphalt, everything going as ‘smooth as silk.’ But is that how life works? Not really. But, we have hope, God is with us! He promised to be with us through the difficulties we face. It may be that you are going through a very difficult time now with your health. Perhaps you are facing some tough decisions about what to do with your living arrangements. Maybe you are anxious and want to see ‘round the bend’ on your journey. Take heart, my friend. Know that God never slumbers nor sleeps. His eyes are watching over you throughout the night. Yes, we do encounter difficulties that can make us irritable and try our patience. Yes, sometimes it may feel as if we have been abandoned, but ‘you know what?’ We haven’t been left behind. God sends down His Love through friends who care, a hug or kind word given by loved ones, a phone call received with someone on the other end giving us an encouraging word and showering us with a blessing at the most unexpected moment, just in the ‘nick of time!’

So, how do we go on? We trust God, through thick and thin. Don’t go at life alone. Lean upon Him, who is able to deliver us through the floods and perilous times that we face in life. Trust Him! Allow friends to minister to you. You are loved! Touch lives, by touching others. You can truly make a difference in someone’s life! God is there to listen to our faintest prayer; God cares and will see us through.

This is another day, O God.
I know not what it will bring forth,
But make me ready.
If I am to stand, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie in bed, help me to do so patiently;
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me Your Spirit.
Amen
(adapted from The Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church of Canada)

As we serve along-side each other, I remain,

Your devoted friend,
Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope - Grace Gift

2010-12-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

On this December 1st, crisp 30-something degree, windy, blue-sky day, I left the workplace during lunchtime, for a brief respite from month-end accounting into the hustle and bustle of people dodging traffic, eating lunch or running quick errands. I was refreshed to see the beautiful sunshine and didn’t feel rushed despite the traffic. It was also refreshing to go into familiar places and see familiar faces... to speak to the black lady behind the deli counter at The Pig. She works so hard each day with such little pay, yet she returns a smile back and asks, “How was your Thanksgiving?” I replied, “It was good!” A smile and kind word doesn’t cost anything, yet it can bring many rewards and helps to spread God’s love.

Then I went into the little Christmas Shop in Crestline, tucked away behind the back of the long building. It is only open during this brief season each year. It was good to make this yearly trek to see my friend, Diane, the manager. She immediately recognized me and knew exactly what items I had come for…wonderful crystal and silver globes with Winter and Christmas scenes, a wind-up music box underneath, and you shake it to see the snow falling within the globe. I stood there in child-like amazement to hear the delightful sounds of the music playing within the music box while the snow fell on the scene in the globe. As I checked out, the little German Lady working behind the counter was so friendly and kind. Two places at lunchtime, each with people who were willing to serve others with a welcoming smile and words of grace.

We sometimes get overwhelmed during the holidays…food preparation, cards to send, presents to buy, parties to attend…go, go, go, not stopping long enough to reflect on that first Christmas long ago. This is how it was during the rule of Herod, King of Judea…difficult times for God’s people…hard working, sometimes, poor people in very difficult circumstances.

How did Zachariah, the priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin feel, when in old age she became an expectant mother. They had worked hard all their lives and lived honorably before the Lord, but still no children. While Zachariah was performing his duties as priest at the altar of incense in the temple an angel appeared. Zachariah was very afraid. The angel explained to him that Elizabeth would bear a son and that they should name him John, who would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born. The angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I have spoken to you will come true on time – God’s time.”

It was “in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy that God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her: “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty; beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” Mary was very frightened. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called, ‘Son of the highest.’ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever – no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

So, as the angel Gabriel surprised Zachariah and Mary with good news, let’s surprise others this Advent season with Good News. Announce with kind words and a smile that there is no reason to fear: Jesus has been born and can be born anew in their hearts. Give a lasting gift this Christmas, one that lasts forever, the Grace Gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we go through these days of Advent and preparation of the coming of the Christ-Child, ponder these thoughts.

Oh come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Mark David Jackson

Weekly Devotional by Mark Jackson

2010-10-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪ A Word of Hope – The Wonder of God

“ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Do you ever stop long enough to think about God’s wonderful world? Isn’t it amazing, how, in the course of events that God sends us rain to clean the air and water the earth. Last night, on Sunday evening, it was so good to hear the thunder and then slowly the rain started to fall, watering the parched dry earth. What a blessing to look out the window and see the rain coming down.

How is it with you? Do you feel dry and parched, spiritually? Are you like my 6 ½’ Confererate roses in the garden, with leaves drooping and blooms that instead of bursting forth are falling to the ground?

As a child, do you remember the excitement you would feel when you were about to go on vacation? You could hardly sleep the night before. You’d already packed and was’ ready and raring to go’ early the next morning. This is the kind of wonderment we need in our lives, excited for what’s around the bend and can’t hardly wait to see what God has in store for us.

My oldest son, Bradley, an Ole Miss graduate, had been working at a bank in Abbeville, Mississippi, near Oxford, for a year and a half. This past May, while coming out of North Oxford Baptist Church, he spoke to the CEO of Renasant Bank (the second largest bank in Mississippi). Her remembered Bradley and asked if he was still at the Bank of Abbeville, to which Bradley replied, “Yes, but I would really like to get back to Birmingham..” To my amazement, and the Grace of the Lord, Bradley started working at Renasant Bank in Crestline back in July, and, last week just closed on a house in Roebuck Forest. It is so exciting to sense the wonder of working together, cleaning, taking out the old carpet and getting the house ready for its new occupant, my son. Who would have thought back in May that God had a plan to work it out for Bradley to move back home and even become a new homeowner? Wow!

As we think about the beautiful Autumn with clear, crisp nights, and trees showing leaves of crimson, yellow, burnt orange and shades of brown, the changing seasons let us see the beauty of God’s creation. With expectant hearts, join me, as we go ‘round the bend, with excitement and wonder at every turn of events, being flexible and yielding to God’s Spirit as He leads us.

The Wonder of it All

There's the wonder of sunset at evening,
The wonder as sunrise I see;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is the wonder that God loves me.

Refrain
O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.
O, the wonder of it all! The wonder of it all!
Just to think that God loves me.

Verse 2
There's the wonder of springtime and harvest,
The sky, the stars, the sun;
But the wonder of wonders that thrills my soul
Is a wonder that's only begun.

-George Beverly Shea

Holy God, restore to us the wonder of a child, the excitement for what’s around the bend in life, and the joy that You love us. Amen.

Joyfully serving along-side you,

Mark David Jackson

Weekly Devotional Thoughts by Mark Jackson

2010-10-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

A Word of Hope and Something to Ponder

Gentle words are healers and helpers; but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Do you ever get angry at someone and say unkind words to them or about them, whether family, friends, church family or co-workers?

As a boy, I was raised in East Lake on Third Avenue South, with elm trees that hovered over the street, like a tunnel in the Summer, and bungalow houses with grass cut neat and trim, with sidewalks on both sides of the street. The neighborhood children would ride their bicycles on the sidewalks waving at those sitting on their front porches. On our block three churches were represented: East Lake Methodist, 76th Street Presbyterian and Ruhama Baptist Church. We lived one and a half blocks from the old Howard College Campus (now Samford University). Almost everyone had some sort of garden to tend, whether flowers or delicious vegetable gardens. It seemed that everything was within walking distance to department stores, grocery stores, drug stores, churches, schools, a theatre and even the old East End Hospital.

During warm weather, we would play outside sometimes until after dark where the lightening bugs would appear to glow, yonder in the dark…a flash here and a flash there…blink, blink, blink. Sometimes we’d have an old Mason jar that would have holes punched out of the lid to let in air. We would catch lightening bugs and put them in the jar thinking that we’d keep them as pets. Sometimes we’d catch ‘roly-polies’ or caterpillars. We might even crush them with a rock or our fingers. If it had been raining or was very humid and moist, we might find a snail (actually a slug) and pour salt on it and watch it melt away. We might even stomp little black ants.

The other Sunday, my high school counselor, Sue Sims, asked me to teach her Sunday School Class, a group of wonderful ladies. The lesson was on the story of David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem so that they might truly worship God in the sacred place. At the beginning of the class period, I asked each lady to introduce herself and to tell us something interesting about them self. It was a great way for us to get to know each other. Prior to the lesson, and as a way for us to get focused, the class did an exercise following verbal instructions and drawing a picture on the paper provided. If the instructions were followed correctly, the picture would end up being a sailboat, but there was one key part missing…the rudder. Basically, without the rudder, the sailboat would just go in circles.

As King David needed everyone to worship God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, we need God to control the rudder of our ship and our lives. Also, we need to let God control our tongues and bring peace and harmony in our lives. Like the caterpillar, how often, as children or adults, have we callously brushed aside or destroyed small lives such as those without any regard for environmental consequences? Without the caterpillar going through its short life cycle, it cannot become a beautiful butterfly. How often have we injured the spirit of another human being with a thoughtless word that would change that person’s future forever?

We see the same motif repeated throughout the Bible, too. James compares the tongue, such a little thing, to the rudder of a ship guiding it into peaceful seas or destroying it on the treacherous rocks.

Whether we choose to use our feet to squash a harmless spider or our tongues to crush a spirit, these supposedly irrelevant actions do matter to God, and who can predict when our future can be changed by a thoughtless action forever?

Loving God, teach me to tread lightly in Your world. Help me to be a person that brings peace and harmony wherever I go. Shine Your Light in and through me, so that others make know of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who gives us abundant life. Fill us anew with Your precious Holy Spirit. In Your Holy Name. Amen.

With a grateful heart for serving alongside you as we sail life’s seas, I am your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Word of Hope and Encouragement

2010-08-13T11:54:00.001-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

"All the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever." Genesis 13:15 (NIV)

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

A Word of Hope and Encouragement

I have read some amazing information about an antelope known as the African impala. These residents of southern and eastern Africa are amazing leapers. They can jump to a height of over 10 feet. One leap can cover a distance greater than 30 feet. Yet, these magnificent animals can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a three foot high wall. You see, impalas will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will fall.

That is a wise, conservative approach to life. Do not jump if you cannot see where your feet will fall. We have an adage about that, don't we? "Look before you leap." How different that approach to life is from the life of faith as described in the 11^th chapter of Hebrews: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." How's that for a working definition of faith? "Sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." That's the very opposite of "look before you leap." Faith is jumping without being able to see where our feet will fall.

There's a story of a little boy on the second floor of a burning building. "Jump!" his father calls out to him. "I will catch you." The little boy cries out timidly, "But father, I can't see you." And his father says, "Yes, but I can see you."

We see examples of such faith in the Bible: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith, he made his home in the promised-land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."

God, who gives to the bird the instinct to cross the continent in search of summer sunshine in a southern climate, is too good to deceive it. And just as surely as He has put the instinct in the breast of the bird, so has He also put the balmy breezes and the vernal sunshine there to meet it when it arrives at its destination.

He who gave to Abraham the vision of the Land of Promise, also said in infinite truth and love: "All the land that you see, I will give to you." He who breathes into our hearts the heavenly hope will not deceive or fail us when we press forward to its realization. There is nothing unfaithful in Him who has said: "If it were not so, I would have told you." God will never deceive us or fail us, but all that He reveals by His Holy Spirit He will make our own as we press forward and trust in Him. We will begin to see what seemingly was impossible become possible. We will begin to see what seems overwhelming to us and perhaps we feel is difficult become easy as we help each other by showing and demonstrating God's love to those around us.

We can do heroic things if we dared live out our faith. We could change our family, change our community and change our world. All we have to do is to be willing to jump even when we cannot see where our feet may fall. All we have to do is be willing to work toward the coming of the reign of God in a world of confusion and doubt. Instead, like the African impala, we have imprisoned ourselves behind a three-foot wall of doubt.

Creator of us all, free us from the walls that imprison us and prevent us from being who you have called us to be. Lord, give us the vision, as you did Abraham to launch out in faith. Thank you for leading us and guiding us as we go into the Land of Promise. Thank you, God, for our community of faith. Give us strength, energy and joy as we embark upon new untraveled territories in our lives. We put our trust in You. Amen.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve with you.

With joy in my heart, I remain,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

"Enter to Worship - Leave to Serve"

2010-07-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪ Enter to Worship - Leave to Serve

“You will take refuge under His wings.” Psalm 91:4
Up in Walker County, Alabama on the Black Warrior River, Mulberry Fork, that we sometimes call “The Big River,” when you’re riding in the boat, whether for pleasure or to go to your favorite fishing spot, and you see someone on their dock or pass another boat everyone always holds their arm up and waves their hand. Perhaps this is a Southern tradition of having a neighborly wave as you pass by, but my Mother always taught us to be polite and wave to everyone, whether you know them or not. This still holds true for rural areas of the South.
Also, in preparation for the launching of the boat or before leaving the dock, you need to make sure that the boat has enough fuel, the oil is checked and that you have enough safety equipment on board. I think another important facet of the boat ride is the anticipation of what you might see or maybe what’s around the bend. Isn’t this the way it is in worship? We prepare ourselves as we come to worship by praying, planning and seeking God to lead us. We come with expectant hearts knowing that we will be encouraged by experiencing God’s Presence through hymns of our faith, hearing God’s word read and taught, resulting in the congregation collectively and individually being uplifted, edified and rejuvenated for His service as we leave.
So, how is it with you? How do you prepare for worship? Do you expect to hear God speak to you or do you ‘zone-out’ and just go through the motions? Do you give an encouraging word to those whom you come in contact with? Do you leave determined even more to serve God through your ministry to others? There are many ways of service, but the message never changes of His redeeming love. Will you join me today and re-double your efforts in service for the Lord, touching lives wherever you go, being a shining lighthouse, guiding vessels (people you come in contact with) to shore and safety. Launch out with me into the deep and cast your nets. Let’s trust the Lord as we go down the river of life. Yes, we will experience difficulties, but God is there to quiet the troublesome waters. He will be with us, even as we have to make changes and adjustments in life and church. He promised to protect us.
Recently, Frances Williamson, along with her children and grandchildren were in Aspen, Colorado for a family gathering. They took a trip down a river nearby. As Mrs. Williamson told me about rafting down the river through the rapids, her eyes got big and she said, “It was kind of scary.” Many times in life when the storms are gathering and the waves are tossing you through torrential rain, we need the Lord to say: “Peace Be Still.” Last Sunday, during the greeting and fellowship time, we sang the song entitled “Still.” This song was suggested to Richard Hitchcock by his Mother. Think about being in a place in your life where you really need to be still; you need the Lord, and you really want to serve Him. Read these words and let them sink into your spirit:
STILL
Hide me now under your wings,
Cover me within Your mighty hand.

Chorus
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm;
Father, You are King over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.

Find rest, my soul, in Christ alone.
Know His pow’r in quietness and trust.

Chorus
When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm;
Father, You are King over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.
-Reuben Morgan

Come just as you are. Hear the Spirit call. Come just as you are. Come and see; come receive; come and live forever. Life everlasting; strength for today; taste the Living Water, and never thirst again. – Chrystal Lewis

Thank you for the opportunity to serve along-side you as we go down life’s river.
Your friend, Mark David Jackson

Grace, Mercy, Peace and Strength.

2010-07-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪ Grace, Mercy, Peace and Strength
“Grace, mercy and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…in our ministering…he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6-8
Grace is what God freely gives that we don’t deserve. God extends to us his favor.
Mercy is what God withholds that we do deserve. God extends to us His kindness, compassion, forgiveness and love.
Peace is what God brings to us. God extends to us His freedom from disquieting feelings with a calm serenity.
Strength is what God gives us so that we can endure, even in our darkest hour. We become stronger because of Him.

Do you experience days when you think you just can’t go on, yet somehow you make it? It is a result of God’s Grace, Mercy, Peace and Strength that spurs us on. How do we go on when we lose a loved one? How do we go on when we are the caregiver for our loved one who has Alzheimer’s? How do we make it, when a spouse, child or dear friend suddenly gets cancer or becomes ill with a serious disease? We sometimes become overwhelmed and ask God, Why?

“Why me Lord? What have I ever done to deserve this?

As God’s children, He bestows on us His Grace and Mercy resulting in His Peace and Strength to help us endure and persevere. As the church, we can show others His Love by being their friend, assisting them and further which is sometimes difficult to do, forgive them. As a by-product of this, we will have Peace that passes all understanding, strength, God’s strength, to help us go on with life. Another important facet of this process is that we will have thankful hearts, even in the midst of the storm. God has given and continues to give us huge amounts of grace, mercy and peace. We should ask Him for these qualities, so we can have them and extend them to others. When we realize how much we need grace and mercy we won’t have trouble giving it to others.

TILL THE STORM PASSES BY
In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,
While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.
'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Many times Satan whispered, "There is no need to try,
For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by"
But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise
Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more,
Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore;
In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord, may I
Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

Chorus
Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,
Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;
Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,
Keep me safe till the storm passes by.
-by Mosie Lister

“He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.”
-Flint

Dear Lord, thank you for your wonderful mercy, grace and peace. Thank you for Your strength to help us through difficult times in our lives. Increase these qualities in us. Help us to show mercy and grace to others. Forgive us for the times when we have not. Increase our faith and strengthen us with Your power to radically show Your Love to others. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
Grace, Mercy and Peace as we serve along-side each other.
I remain your friend, Mark David Jackson

Each One Reach One

2010-07-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV)
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they would live.” Acts 17:26
Reaching Your Neighbors With Christ
God has set the times and places, for those made alive to God in Christ, to live for His glory (Isaiah 43:7). Christ inaugurated His earthly ministry by reading from Isaiah that He came to “preach the good news.” And as the Father has sent His only Son, Christ sends us, the Church, to do the same in our neighborhoods where God has placed us. Wherever you are – there is the Church. Your life can be used to serve another in need.

I have a question for all of us to pray about and ponder…

If you don’t reach your neighbor for Christ – who will?

Your neighbors make up the community where you live. Your neighbors are those you are around where you work and where you live. It would include whoever lives on your street or block.

Plant Some Seed
As you begin to pray for your neighbors, it is important that they know where they can turn for spiritual help. Introduce yourself, if you don’t know them. Give them a little note with your name and phone number on it. Real estate agents have found that if they maintain regular contact with homeowners in an area, a percentage will use their services when they are ready to sell a home. We should remember this same principle in helping people.
Pray for Them
Intercede in prayer for your neighbors. Be prepared to minister to them, help them, and pray for them. Be loving and available should they need you.
Invite Them
Give them a personal invitation to church. As we have heard recently in a sermon by Michael Ethridge, in modern times, the greatest percentage of those that will come to church are those invited by a close friend (neighbor) or family member. Invite them to special events (i.e. Church Picnic, special sermon series or special musical presentation). You have credibility in your neighborhood. Offer them God’s Grace. Your neighbors will be more willing to listen to you.

Don’t wait. Get started today. Take the first step. If you don’t reach your neighbor, who will? You can offer the love of God and use it to reach your neighbors!

Perhaps we should develop a motto coined in the 1950’s: “Each One Reach One.”

“Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” John 4:35

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37

“I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”
-Edward Everette Hale

Heavenly Father, thank you for our neighbors and the opportunities we have to minister to them. Help us to minister to them by demonstrating Christ’s love and showing them in tangible ways that we care. In Jesus’ precious and Holy Name. Amen.

What a joy as we serve along-side each other.

Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

"I Am The Bread of Life"

2010-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Those who come to me will never go hungry, and those who believe in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
Okay, I’ll confess. I love milk chocolate! Oh, I’m not the kind of person who craves chocolate all the time, but sometimes, as my Dad says, “I get a hankering” for some homemade chocolate cake or even homemade chocolate syrup that my Maw King used to make in a cast iron skillet. Especially on Friday nights, Maw King would have two of us at a time to spend the night. At breakfast one of my cousins Jimbo, Tommy, Keith, Marilyn, Deb, Susan, Kem, my sister Judi or I would put a hunk of butter on our plates, pour over the hot chocolate syrup onto the butter, mix it up with our forks and sop it up with little delicate homemade biscuits formed by Maw Kings strong little hands, that in her day, could pick cotton faster than any man in West Cullman County, Alabama.

The other Wednesday night at the church’s evening meal, before Prayer Meeting, Annette had prepared homemade chocolate cake with milk chocolate icing for dessert. I sat next to my dear friend, Kathleen Owens. We didn’t rush our meal, but enjoyed and savored the cherished moments we had around the table. Our conversation revolved around our families, about mutual friends we’ve known through the years and life in general. Towards the end of the meal, Kathleen said, ‘Won’t that chocolate cake keep you awake tonight?” I said, yes, it probably will, but it is so good and reminds me of when I was a little boy attending Barrett Elementary School in East Lake. We would have this wonderful delicious chocolate cake. Our chef, Annette, has learned the art of duplicating what I so enjoyed as a young student in school.

All that being said, did you know that today is Chocolate Day, a day certainly created by the chocolate confectioners of the world. Chocolate Day always falls on July 7th, as if we needed another day to indulge. As I viewed a website called Holiday Insights, I discovered what Chocolate Day is all about and found that they had suggestions for how to eat chocolate all day long: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Of course, they also claimed that chocolate is a vegetable, since it comes from the Cacao tree found in the rainforests.

When you think about it, no amount of food would ever be enough to satisfy us. In the creation of our physical beings, God ordained that we would find ourselves hungry at intervals in the day and evening, and seek nutrition in order to meet our physical needs. If we think about our spiritual needs, the same holds true. We need a steady and balanced diet of prayer, Bible study, meditation, exercise, rest, play and reflection to grow close to God and to become the people God wants for us to be. In the creation of our spiritual nature, God also seems to have prescribed that on a regular basis we would find ourselves “hungry” for the love of God.

Jesus spoke of that hunger and thirst and wanted us to see beyond our physical bodies and into our spiritual natures. Jesus knew what it was to be hungry as evidenced in the stories about his desert wanderings, but he also knew that the relationship with God was something that could fill our very souls. Does God want us to starve? No, I do not believe that for a minute. But in our American culture where we gorge ourselves on food and drink, where so many of us struggle with obesity and all of the illnesses that derive from being overweight, perhaps it is important to refocus our lives on God.

Spending time in prayer and study, seeking God’s face in our daily living may be the very thing we need in order to be freed from our addictions to food and drink. So, on this Chocolate Day, instead of eating chocolate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, why not spend the time breathing in the breath of God and as Jesus said, being hungry and thirsty no more.

Holy One, I ask this day that you would fill me up with Your love, with Your Grace and Peace, and with Your Hope for the world. Free me from those things that have hold of my life. Let me give myself to You afresh and anew so that I will never be hungry or thirsty again. In Jesus precious and Holy Name. Amen.

What a joy as we serve along-side each other.

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

"I Love America"

2010-06-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
I Love America, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free…You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5: 1a; 13-14 (NIV)
When I begin to think of the many things I hold dear, I can’t help but thank God for the freedom we hold as Americans, to live in this great land of ours, to think of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives so that we can experience this freedom.

In the last week of September, 2007, I drove my parents up to McLean, Virginia, to visit my sister and brother-in-law, who were living there at the time. Our first night there, we drove into DC to see our nation’s capital all lit up at night. We stopped and got out at the Lincoln Memorial, drove by the Washington Memorial, Smithsonian buildings, Supreme Court building and the White House, but the most moving to my father was the new World War II memorial. My Dad, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, had heard and read about the memorial, but was so awestruck when we went to the Alabama portion. Everyone there was quiet, reading names on the monument, taking pictures and remembering. I could just imagine my Dad on the boat crossing the English Channel, going onto the beaches of Normandy, with the Army Engineers that built the bridges so that after the initial bombings and invasion, they could get the heavy equipment to come behind the foot soldiers. It’s very hard for me to imagine the hardships and dangers they faced. Yet, as I have heard bits and pieces from my Dad over the years, I have come to realize just what our soldiers sacrificed for our freedom. Dad, being such a quiet man, holds most of his thoughts inside and rarely will he discuss or mention ‘The War.’ These men and women, the greatest generation that has ever lived, secured our freedom. We have much to be thankful for on this, our nation’s birthday, Independence Day, July, 4th, 2010.

The mere mention of the Fourth of July evokes colorful images: Fireworks, backyard barbecues, baseball, and the stars and stripes waving overhead. Of course, there is a great deal more behind our celebration of Independence Day. Perhaps you recall the passionate words of Patrick Henry, spoken in a church in Richmond: “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Or maybe you focus on the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence adopted in Philadelphia: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” These are powerful words that pulsate through the veins of all Americans who cherish their freedom.

On this weekend when our nation focuses the spotlight on freedom – how it made this nation great and how it made us a beacon of hope for the world – it is essential for people of faith to remember that the idea of freedom is much older than our nation. In fact, it may be that planted within every human being, is a yearning for freedom. In the same way that we have restlessness within us until we find God, and in the same way that we instinctively recoil in the face of injustice, every person may be born with an innate desire for freedom. When Jesus launched his ministry, he declared that the words of the prophet Isaiah defined his mission. He announced that God had sent him to “proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind and to let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18)

My Country Tis of Thee

Our father’s God to Thee,
Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!
-words by Samuel Francis Smith

Thank you Father, for the freedom we have, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

As we serve along-side each other. I remain, your friend, Mark David Jackson

Rest, Relax and Persevere

2010-06-16T07:52:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“Thus says the LORD: Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:1-2 (ESV)
In my parent’s family room are two lounge chairs that have a built-in foot rest operated by a lever on the side. One of them is my Dad’s captain chair. There is an octagonal mahogany leather top side table adjacent to his chair along with a floor lamp for reading. On the shelf of the table is Dad’s Bible, Sunday School book, devotional book, address book, and some other important papers. Across the room from the chair is a cherry corner cabinet holding the TV, and spread on top is an array of framed family photos, some showing the grandchildren, graduation pictures from high school and college and even a picture of my Dad in his formal Army uniform from World War II at about age 23. This place is where my Dad connects with God on a daily basis. This is where he prays for his family, friends and church and listens to God. This is his domain to rest, relax, trust and commune with God. This is where he receives his inspiration that helps him to persevere in life.

Oftentimes, when I am visiting my parents, Dad will want me to sit in his chair, either to read some important papers or perhaps just talk and reminisce about good times in our lives. Giving up his chair is such an act of love and compassion shown to me from my Dad. He has always been so generous with his love, sacrificing and giving up his own personal desires, many times, in order to provide for our family. Sometimes, I’ll just touch his arm and say, “Stay in your chair. I’ll sit on the end of the sofa next to you.” Mom likes to sit in the hard rock maple chair with cushions, gliding back and forth. If I do sit in his chair, or even on the sofa, after we’ve discussed business and family matters and are talking about different things, like his garden, the weather, phone calls received from family out of town, the grandchildren and a host of other events, I’ll begin to feel my eyes get heavy and start to nod off. It’s like a slow sleep that comes upon me. I try to stay awake and alert, but after going full-force all week, I just start to waft and wane.

I believe that many times God wants us to slow down, stop worrying about all of the tasks that need to be done, relax and give our problems over to Him, kick up our feet and rest, realizing that every issue we’re dealing with is also truly under His feet, and that He never slumbers nor sleeps!

Webster’s II New Riverside Dictionary says that to persevere we must persist in an idea, purpose, or task, despite obstacles. So today, have a new determination within yourself. Remember that in order to persevere we must be able to rest, relax and trust in God. Faith overcomes fear and helps us to keep on keeping on. Won’t you join me today…let’s make sure this Summer that we are faithful to God, our church as we rest and take family vacations and trips remembering to persevere in our faith. Remember to pray for our church and love our church. Keep her strong by telling others of the Savior and giving of our time, talents and money as God has so richly blessed us. Thank you for your faithfulness! Happy Father’s Day!

Below are two of my favorite anthems by Felix Mendelssohn, words that are pure scripture and depict what I’ve been trying to describe above – rest, relax and persevere.

He, Watching Over Israel
He, watching over Israel slumbers not, nor sleeps;
shouldst thou, walking in grief languish,
He will quicken thee.
(taken from Psalm 121)

Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord
Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee.
He never will suffer the righteous to fall:
He is at thy right hand.
Thy mercy, Lord, is great, and far above the heavens.
Let none be made ashamed that wait upon Thee!
(taken from Psalm 55)

Thank you Father, for watching over and caring for us, sustaining us as we persevere in life. Amen.

It is a joy to serve along-side you. Your friend and co-worker, Mark David Jackson

Relaxing

2010-06-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Last Christmas, I received a most unusual gift from Richard and Patti Hitchcock. Patti said, after I had opened it up, “Now we want you to display this prominently at the River House.” It was a large wooden cut-out with the word, Relax. I have it displayed on the top of the TV, so that as I’m resting on the divan or wicker chairs or as I walk through the sitting area to go outside I am reminded to ‘Relax.’ That being said, I have a question for all of us to ponder, “Do you know how to relax?” I asked my almost 89 year old father that question about two months ago. I said, “Dad, when did you learn to relax?” He said, “Oh, about 12 years ago.” I quickly did the math and thought to myself, I don’t want to be 78 years old when I learn to relax…that’ll be 25 years from now.

After talking with some close friends and also some wake-up calls of friends that have suddenly passed away from heart-attacks, strokes or other illnesses, I have really given a lot of thought and contemplation along with prayer and meditation to what I’m calling the ‘art of relaxation.’ We see by the scripture listed above that both in the Old and New Testaments there are encouraging words along with prayer and singing, all with an attitude of thanksgiving, to help us relax in the Lord.

I don’t know about you, but I’m one of ‘those people’ who like to make lists of tasks that need to be done, weekly, short-term and long-term. I’ve even written a list of the things I would like to do before I leave this life: simple things, dreams for my sons, dreams of places to go, playing the exciting and exhilarating, Widor Toccata on the organ before a live audience. I’ve thought about places to travel, like to Carrara, Italy (where the marble, like the Sylacauga marble is quarried), and where my friend Carlos Roppa, the sculptor, who sculptured the Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in downtown Birmingham lives. The last time I shared a meal with Carlos and his son, Steven, he said, “You come-a to Italy, and I’ll take you to the op-per-da!” I think that God gives us the ability and creativity to dream dreams. He shows us how to share His Love and Grace. The Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us as we face the difficulties of life. My friend, Larry FitzGerald, reminds me that many things in life are a process. We just go through them knowing that God will be with us and never forsake us. So, how is it with you? Do you know how to relax and meditate? Do you have a dream or dreams that you would like to see to fruition sometime in your life? Remember that God promised to never leave us. Join me, starting right now, today, with a renewed spirit and allow God to help you relax and rejuvenate your heart, mind, soul and body. What better time than now!

He Leadeth Me –Joseph H. Gilmore, 1862

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heav’nly comfort fraught!
Whate’er I do, where’er I be
Still ‘til God’s hand that leadeth me.

Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful foll’wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes ‘mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,
By waters still, o’er troubled sea,
Still ‘til His hand that leadeth me.

Lord I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Still ‘tis my God that leadeth me.

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the vict’ry’s won,
E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Thank you God, for leading us to exciting places on our journey of life, as we learn to relax and rest in You. Amen.
It is a joy to serve along-side you…Your friend, Mark David Jackson

A Devotion on Relaxing

2010-06-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

Friends, Our Blessings

2010-05-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13 (NIV)
Outside of my salvation and relationship with God, my family as well as my church family, there’s nothing more precious to me than friends. Last evening I received a return phone call from my dear friend Charlotte, whom I had emailed last week (didn’t know her computer was on the blink) and left a message on her home voice mail. I had become concerned because I thought something might be wrong. It was so good to hear the phone ring and to speak with her. After we caught up on family, health and our churches, we decided to think about meeting next week to share a meal. She said, “Why don’t we have a picnic at the river on the boat?” She and her husband Don have a beautiful bungalow river home. They are both retired and love to have get togethers with friends Jane, Larry and Sara to have fun laughing and enjoying each other’s company. As we were winding down the conversation, I said, “You know Charlotte, I may not be rich in this life with things that money can buy, but I don’t mind being rich with friends.” She agreed whole heartedly.

Then, here it is approaching the middle of the week, so I thought about going to see about plants at Oak Street Garden Shop in Crestline, my favorite place to purchase flowers. While trying to decide how this plant would go there and this plant would mix with this group of plants, and how this plant would fit in this particular pot, I heard a lady say, “Are you Mark?” I said, “Yes I am,” removed the shades off my glasses, looked at this sweet smiling familiar face and tried my best to place exactly from where we knew each other. I said, “Didn’t we grow up together?” She said, “Don’t you remember my brothers, Rick and Ron,” whereupon a light turned on back in the recesses of my mind and a flood of memories washed over me. I said, “Diane!” (Ramsey). We hugged with tears in our eyes, for you see, we grew up together, she the same age as my sister, Judi, and her older brother, Ricky, the same age as me…elementary school, Scouts with her brother, Ruhama Baptist Church, Youth Choir, Banks High School, retreats, Youth Bible studies; her mother, Peggy, singing solos in The Messiah; her wonderful grandparents who were the most loving, caring and giving friends to many people. Her grandmother Delene was an excellent seamstress, who fashioned sleeves on my choir robe with big buttons to match. Her grandfather, Grover Williams, who played tennis on the Howard College tennis team in East Lake, and still played tennis until his late 70s, staying active as a deacon and singing in the Sanctuary choir. Wow, what wonderful cherished memories.

So, you see, we can count our blessings when we see and remember our friends. We don’t have to be sad, but glad! Join me today, right now and count your blessings.

Count Your Blessings Words by Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. - Music by Edwin O. Excell When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. CHORUS Count your blessings, Name them one by one; Count your blessings, See what God has done; Count your blessings, Name them one by one; Count your many blessings, See what God has done. Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev'ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Thank you God for precious friends who encourage us, listen to us and are there for us. Amen.
As we serve along-side each other, I remain…Your friend, Mark David Jackson

Devotion on Psalm 23

2010-05-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23 (KJV)

I don’t know about you, but Psalm 23 is a great comfort to me. When I was a little boy attending Barrett Elementary School in the East Lake section of Birmingham, we were still allowed to read the Bible, pray and say the pledge of allegiance each day. Many times a fellow classmate would read Psalm 23. We even memorized it or as we sometimes say in the South, ‘say it by heart.’

As I have grown older, this Psalm is a great comfort to many people, especially at memorial services. Recently I have friends that I work with and those at church that have lost loved ones.
These precious saints of God have passed from this life, now completely healed and are in Heaven with our Lord. The scripture says:

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 (NIV)

While many times we can’t help but be saddened here on earth by the loss of our family and friends, we also can rejoice because they are now free from pain and suffering and with other loved ones who’ve gone before. There has been a reunion in Heaven. I can just hear the Lord saying, “Welcome home my child.” There has been a banquet table prepared. The angels of Heaven are singing and rejoicing:

Hallelujah, praise the Lamb,
Hallelujah, praise the Lamb,
My heart sings this song again,
Hallelujah, praise the Lamb.

So today, take hold of God’s precious promises. Hold them close to your heart. Cherish the memories that still live on. Remember your loved one’s influence on your life.
Remember Psalm 23: Sit and rest beside the still waters and let the Lord restore your soul. Even as you go through life’s valleys, the Lord will be with you and not forsake you. You are His child and greatly loved. Take great comfort in these thoughts.

Precious Savior, come to us this day and wrap Your arms of Love around us. Grant to us Your Grace and Peace that will sustain us through the difficulties and losses that we face in life. Fill us with your Holy Spirit to guide us in the valleys we experience. In Jesus precious and Holy Name. Amen.

It is a joy to serve along-side you week by week.

Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

Mothers

2010-05-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5

This Sunday thousands of people across the United States will celebrate Mother’s Day by sending cards, taking loved ones to church and lunch, sending gifts and making calls home. In an article that Susan V. Bosak wrote she explains: “Many people may believe Mother’s Day was developed as a commercial holiday by Hallmark or some other company to sell cards, candy, and flowers, but the story of modern Mother’s Day begins in the peace movement and as a day recognizing women’s social action. In the United States, Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910), a Boston writer and author of the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic, first suggested a Mother’s Day in 1872, as a day dedicated to peace.

The official observance of Mother’s Day in its present form is credited to Anna Jarvis (1864-1948) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She wanted to honor the memory of her mother, Mrs. Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, who died in 1905. The elder Mrs. Jarvis had organized several “Mothers Day Work Clubs” in the 1850s in the West Virginia area. At the beginning of the Civil War, Mrs. Jarvis called together four of her clubs and asked them to make a pledge that friendship and goodwill would not be a victim of the conflict between the states. In a display of compassion, courage, and friendship, the members of these clubs nursed soldiers from both sides and saved many lives. After the Civil War, Mrs. Jarvis worked as a peacemaker encouraging families to set aside differences created by the polarization of the war. Up until her own death, Anna continually referred to her mother as the real originator of Mother’s Day, despite the fact that it was Anna herself who worked tirelessly over several years to make it a national reality. It began in 1907 when Anna had a small gathering of friends in her home to commemorate her mother’s life. She announced the idea of a national day to honor mothers. It was a day to honor all mothers, and also a day to remember the work of peacemaking, reconciliation, and social action against poverty started by her mother.

Of course, long before our modern Mother’s Day, the apostle Paul noted the importance of mothers and grandmothers in his letter to his young disciple, Timothy. Paul notes that Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice had influenced Timothy’s sincere faith.

Perhaps it is time we take back the original understanding of Mother’s Day by honoring mothers who have influenced our faith and life, forgiving our mothers who have not been able to be the loving mothers we had hoped for, remembering mothers who have gone before us and now live eternally with God in the church triumphant. Let us use this day to call all people to action, to become peacemakers in our own day, bringing an end to enmity, illness and poverty. May it one day be written on us that because of the influence of our mothers, our sincere faith, our children, and our world are all the better.

One of my very dear friends, Jackie George, a mother of deep faith, who quietly and lovingly encourages others, recently mentioned to me a special tune, Londonderry Air. At first, I couldn’t think of the way the tune sounded, but then I remembered the song “O Danny Boy” and further as I pondered the tune, I remembered that Dottie Rambo had written words to this tune and named the song He Looked Beyond My Fault. For so many people who are facing difficulties in your lives, may the words of this song bless and enrich your life today and in the days to come.

He Looked Beyond My Fault

Amazing grace shall always be my song of praise,
For it was grace that brought my liberty;
I do not know just why He came to love me so,
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Chorus
I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross where Jesus died for me,
How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul;
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

-Dottie Rambo

Holy God, come to us this day and remind us that we, too, can be people who change the world, by sharing Your Grace, working for justice and creating peace, one act of love at a time. Amen.

Happy Mother’s Day!
I remain your friend…Mark David Jackson

Rejoice! Be Glad!!

2010-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Rejoice! Be Glad!!

Even though we face difficulties and storms in life, God will be with us and never forsake us. He promised and I believe Him. Yesterday afternoon as I drove home from work it was cloudy and windy. I drove down Montevallo Road through Mountain Brook to Irondale meandering my way to Roebuck. As I was driving down the rural part of Ruffner Road, I began to notice them… blackberries blooming all along-side the road on the other side of the ditch. Then I thought, “Oh my, it’s Blackberry Winter,” our last cold snap, and then before you know it we’ll be pickin’ blackberries around the end of June and the 4th of July for a mouth-watering delicious cobbler.

See, even though the weather was changing and a bit unsettling, there on the side of the road were beautiful white blossoms just covering the blackberry bushes, soon to start producing fruit.

When we look around us, we have so much to be thankful for. Yes, we all have our own set of problems whether health, financial, work or family, but through it all we can make it. It’s called perseverance. Even when life has dealt us a blow and seemingly we don’t think we can go on, God will make a way.

Last week was a very busy week, work-wise, and yet one to rejoice in. I celebrated the 14th anniversary of my 39th birthday…woo hoo!! Praise God for granting us another day of life to share His joy with those around us who are hurting. Praise God for friends, loved ones and church family to encourage us and lift us up. Join me in sharing His joy with a friend who needs a special touch. You may be that person today that God is calling to be light in a dark world.

He Has Made Me Glad

I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart.
I will enter His courts with praise.
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made.
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.

Chorus
He has made me glad, He has made me glad.
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad.
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.

Adopted from Psalm 100

Thanks be to God for His Gift to us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord! Amen.

Thank you for your loving kindness…

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

Your Spiritual Garden

2010-04-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

It’s that time of year again when we clean up the garden, rake leaves, trim and cut grass, prune bushes, dig in the dirt, plant seeds, fertilize, put out pine straw and mulch, water and watch everything begin to grow. We clean off the undergrowth, trim off the dead limbs and either put them in a mulching area, bag them or pile them up to be carried away to the trash heap. What an amazing transformation begins to happen…leaves coming out, seemingly overnight, hosta, day lilies, iris are up; daffodils, forsythia and tulips are past while the azaleas are in full bloom. Seedlings are popping up and there’s new life and growth all around us.

The long winter is past and new life has begun. We have yearned for this time, new life, sunshine, renewal and springtime. This didn’t all come about magically. It was a process. We had to work at it. We had a plan. We made lists of things to do: plants and seeds to buy along with potting soil, mulch and pine straw.

So, that being said, the question arises, how is it with our spiritual gardens? Are we taking an inventory of what needs to be done? Do we need pruning here, cleaning out the overgrown parts there so that new growth and new life can sprout forth? Do we need fertilizing with God’s word coupled with prayer, meditation and a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit to rejuvenate our spiritual garden? Do we need a good spring rain of God’s love to pour over us and wash away the pollen of sin and status quo of our lives? Do we need a fresh touch of God’s grace, peace, mercy and hope?

How is it with you? How are you faring lately? You know that life as well as the church can be very fragile. We need the support of our families and God’s family. We need to love, be loved and nurture relationships. We need to care for others and ourselves so that when the call comes we can respond.

Will you join me today and in the days ahead and resolve within yourself to redouble your efforts to offer yourself anew to God right now, this day, at this very moment? Will you take that step and offer God’s love and radical Grace to help those hurting and in pain around you? There are people all around us that need a touch of God. You can be that person He needs today. Why not take time and ask Him to renew your strength so that you can touch those around you with His love?

Hymn of Promise

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn for every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
-Natalie Sleeth

Bless our spiritual gardens today, dear Lord and help us to bloom forth in ways we haven’t imagined before. Grant us your Grace, Peace and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

What a joy, serving along-side you. I remain, your friend… Mark David Jackson

Resting In God

2010-04-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it…There remains, then a rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest.” Hebrews 4:1; 9-11a

In these busiest of times, when life seems as if it cannot become more intense, sometimes we need to be reminded to relax and reflect on the spirituality of the ordinary. I am reminded of the World War II Jewish writer Viktor Frankl, a neurologist, who in describing his concentration camp experiences, speaks of the “intensification of life” that came over the prisoners in the Camp, so that sunsets, remembered lines of verse and scripture, and even the most ordinary actions of the past (riding a bus, answering the telephone, turning on the lights) became filled with beauty and longing. An important conclusion for Frankl was: “If a prisoner felt that he could no longer endure the realities of camp life, he found a way out in his mental life – an invaluable opportunity to dwell in the spiritual domain, the one that the German SS were unable to destroy. Spiritual life strengthened the prisoner, helped him adapt, and thereby improved his chances of survival.”

Every day, we have opportunities for meditation, contemplation and rest. Every day, we experience life afresh and can always learn something new from even the smallest aspect of God’s creation as well as from those we come in contact with. Won’t you join me in taking time out of your busy life to take a brisk walk, meander in the garden, turn the radio off in the car and take time to thank God for His provisions as well as meditate recalling precious scripture to your mind to refresh and rest in your spirit, allowing God to speak to you? Listen, listen, listen, to His Still Small Voice…and find rest in your soul.

The Haven of Rest
My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, “Make Me your choice”;
And I entered the “Haven of Rest”!

Refrain:
I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the beloved so blest,
On Jesus’ strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the “Haven of Rest.”

Oh, come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
And say, “My Beloved is mine.”

-Henry L. Gilmour, 1890

In the quest to know God, may we do ordinary things extraordinarily well.
(from St. Francis de Sales)

Holy One, help me to relax and rest in You. In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

What a joy to serve along-side you on life’s journey! I remain….your friend,
Mark David Jackson

Devotional Thoughts on God's Care

2010-03-22T06:41:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪
I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. Philippians 4:11-12
The morning slowly and sweetly awakens; so still and early, even the birds haven’t begun to sing. The day dawns in silence as most of the community is still sleeping. It’s early…much earlier than normal for me. The wind is soft, with an early spring chill, and the sky is filled with distant lights twinkling, the lonely sound of a train over Ruffner Mountain coming through Norris Yards in Irondale and a dog barking, yonder in the distance. I give God thanks and praise for the day, for the contentment moving easily through me as I begin to pray. I believe the reason Paul learned to live in contentment regardless of his circumstances was because he prayed, meditated and communed with God in deep, contemplative ways, everyday and continuously throughout the day.

Paul knew that the trials and experiences of this life are only the beginnings of our journeys, He had an up-close-and-personal encounter with Jesus, and after that, all that mattered was sharing the spiritual freedom and truth that transformed him and changed his life, and Christian history, forever. I consider my own circumstances: Life hasn’t exactly been a piece of cake for me; however, unlike Paul, I’ve never been thrown in prison because I follow Jesus. I’ve never been beaten or tortured because of my religious faith. I’ve never been homeless, and I can’t even say, as Paul does, that I rejoice always and in everything. Today, however, I’m determined to rejoice and be content with what I have – which is more than I deserve- and I’m equally determined to share what I have with others.

The dictionary says that contentment means to be satisfied. I pray that everyone reading this devotional will examine closely all of their gifts and learn to be content with what they have. The other Sunday, for offertory, I chose a hymn tune that speaks to my heart about God caring for us. I can sing this with joy and thanksgiving because I’m certain that God always will take care of me…and of you.

God Will Take Care of You

Be not dismayed, what-e’er betide, God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

Through days of toil when heart doth fail, God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail, God will take care of you.

No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you.

Chorus
God will take care of you, through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you, God will take care of you.
- Civilla Durfee Martin

Thank you, God, for the gift of this most amazing day. Guide us and help us. May Your Peace be our highest priority today. Amen.

With a grateful heart for serving alongside you, I remain…

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

Pain and Suffering

2010-03-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Psalm 119:50

“Isn’t He, beautiful? Beautiful, isn’t He? Prince of Peace, Son of God, isn’t He, isn’t He?
Isn’t He, Wonderful? Wonderful, isn’t He? Counselor, Almighty God, isn’t He, isn’t He? Isn’t He?” - John Wimber

Feeling pain…as we get older, we have aches and pains, physical, spiritual and emotional. Barbara Brown Taylor, an Episcopal priest and professor has written a book recently, “An Altar in the World.” Basically the book is about discovering God in every part of your life. One of the chapters entitled “The Practice of Feeling Pain” hit home to me. Do you have a practice feeling pain? Taylor is quick to point out that feeling pain, though generally unwanted, is a necessary part of being human.

Taylor says that it is actually the times of pain and suffering that allow us to break through our old habits, our old patterns of living, our old ways of understanding God. The Psalmist, writing more than two millennia ago, sang, “My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” Can that be your song in the midst of heartache and suffering? As Christians, we proclaim that God is with us in good times and in bad, but it actually may be the bad times that have the power to break open our hearts so that we can encounter God and become more fully human.

My friend, Rev. Randy Kessler, pastor of Bessemer’s First Presbyterian Church, says that many times, during those difficult times in our lives, God seems to have us in a protective bubble. We don’t always understand it, but upon looking back, during the pain and suffering, He is with us, right along-side us. Friends, family and His Holy Spirit are there to comfort us, when seemingly things look as if they might cave in. As we come through the pain to the other side, we are, many times, stronger and with a determination to keep on keeping on - that’s perseverance!

The refrain of a familiar invitation hymn says: “I surrender all. I surrender all. All to you my blessed Savior, I surrender all.” I wonder if the reason this song speaks to us when we sing it is because we all know what it is like to get to a place in our lives where our pain, be it physical or emotional, leads us to the reality that all we can do is surrender our lives – heart, mind, soul and strength – to God. Perhaps that is what Lent is all about: Coming to grips with the fact that surrendering our lives, including our pain, to God is the path of Jesus, the suffering servant, who led the way and taught us that our comfort in suffering is our God, who will not leave us nor forsake us.

Holy One, You alone know my pain and my suffering. Come to me and remind me of your promise to love me and be with me. Let your promise be enough. In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

As we go through this Lenten journey and looking beyond the pain into the eyes of Him who suffered and gave Himself for us, I remain, your friend,

Mark David Jackson

Here I Am Lord

2010-02-24T06:51:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.” Psalm 17:3

“Then came the morning, night turned into day; The stone was rolled away, hope rose with the dawn.
Then came the morning, shadows vanished before the sun; Death was lost and life had won, for morning had come.” by Gaither and Christian

I don’t know when it started, but my sleep patterns have changed significantly in the last few years. Sometimes I could set my clock by the hour that I awaken each night. I almost always find that I am awake between 12:30 to 1:30 each morning. As you can imagine, I often am frustrated by this nocturnal alarm clock. Many times, I awake with a song on my heart. I can hear the words and music playing. What is it about this timeframe? I am able occasionally to fall back asleep by praying, trying to relax by thinking of beautiful and relaxing places, but more often I resort to going to the living room sofa, turning on the weather channel and scrolling through the channels. My Bible is on the coffee table adjacent to the sofa, where I can easily pick it up and start reading. Sometimes I will fall back asleep to find that my Bible or the television changer is laying on my chest. I’ll then get up and fumble back to bed.

If you read the Psalms with any regularity, you will find that the Psalmists frequently wrote about meeting God in the night. Psalm 119, in verse 148, says, “I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promises.” Throughout the scriptures, we find nocturnal encounters with the Holy One. Jacob was awakened by a stranger with whom he wrestled until he received a blessing. As a boy, Samuel was awakened in the night several times. His mentor, Eli, a priest in the temple, told Samuel to respond by saying, “Here am I.” The prophet Isaiah wrote of finding “treasures of darkness.” It seems that all of them experienced middle-of-the-night awakenings, but, instead of being frustrated, they embraced the experience.

While it is much easier to turn on the television or get frustrated with one’s internal alarm clock and middle-of the night awakenings, it might do us well to spend that time allowing God to “test our thoughts and examine our hearts,” as frightening as that might be. By so doing, we might discover that our bedroom has become an altar – a holy time and holy place drawing us ever closer to the God of our longing. May it be so for you and me in this holy season of Lent.

“God’s call is mysterious, it comes in the darkness of faith. It is so fine, so subtle that it is only with the deepest silence within us that we can hear it.” Carlo Carretto

One of my very favorite hymns reminds me of the story from Samuel:

Here I am Lord
I, the Lord of the sea and sky, I have heard My people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin, My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night. I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear My light to them? Whom shall I send?

“Here I am Lord, Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.
-by Daniel L. Schutte

Loving God, I have heard you calling in the night. Test my thoughts and examine my heart so that I might say to you, “Here I am, Lord.” In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

As we work, pray and worship, along-side each other, and looking towards Easter, I am your friend,

Mark David Jackson

"We must keep our eyes on Jesus"

2010-02-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“Wherefore seeing we also are encompassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)
“So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a (CEV)

Today is Ash Wednesday. It is a day in the Christian Church year that marks the beginning of the Season of Lent, the 40 days leading to Easter Sunday. It is called Ash Wednesday because part of the worship service involves marking the foreheads of those present with a smudge of ashes in the shape of a cross. Ashes were used in an ancient ritual as an outward sign that the person had realized the misguided life they were living and were serious about repenting and turning to a new life.

Today, people will gather in churches all over the world and remember the ways in which they have fallen short of the glory of God. They will confess their sins before God and each other, and they will be marked with ashes and with the words, “From dust you were formed, to dust you shall return.” It is a sobering moment to examine your life during the past year and to realize that we are not much more than dust. In a world that prizes self-sufficiency, and in which too many of us are self-absorbed, coming to a worship service and taking a good hard look at our lives is not necessarily an easy thing to do. I suppose one of the reasons so many people come for worship on Ash Wednesday is that we are all desperate to look in the mirror and wash the smudge of ash from our faces and have something stir anew in us. We will confess our failures and also look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Let us remember these words of encouragement:

Return to the Lord, your God, for God is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Joel 2:13

With the Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and thinking about running the race of life, I was reminded this past Monday, on President’s Day, just how fragile life is. I called to speak to my friend, John Lucas, age 85 during the afternoon. Mrs. Lucas answered the phone. I asked how she was doing and asked to speak to John. Mrs. Lucas, said, “Oh Mark, you don’t know…John passed away on January 10th in his sleep.” I was so shocked and at the same time extended my sympathies to Mrs. Lucas for her loss. They were married for over 64 years. Mr. Lucas retired from teaching upholstery at Fultondale High School after many years of service where he touched many students’ lives. He continued doing little side jobs of upholstery, serving as a deacon at Plainview Baptist Church, gardening and living in their delightful bungalow in Tarrant. He was a gentle man who showed love to his wife, family, neighbors and to those he came in contact with. Mr. Lucas had finished his race on earth and was ushered into the Presence of the Lord. He had touched my life by his kind and gentle ways. In my stunned silence, I began to realize that he was in much better place and was at peace with God. Mrs. Lucas displayed that same peace over the phone to me with a sweet and kind, gracious spirit of love.

As we focus on these days of Lent before Easter and on this special day of Ash Wednesday, would you take time out of your busy life and really give some thought to your life and those things that may encumber and weigh you down? With the Lord’s leading, would you run with patience and a new determination, by keeping your eyes on the Author and finisher of our faith, Jesus?

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In His Precious Name. Amen.

Along-side you, during this season of reflection and repentance, I remain your friend,

Mark David Jackson

Joy, a Gift from Jesus

2010-02-03T09:26:00.001-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“You now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice and your joy no one will take from you.” John 16:22

Do you know people who have a cheerful disposition? They are happy and make you laugh. Their smile radiates love and joy. But then there are others who are melancholy and seem to be sad. When having conversations with them, they seem to have lots of problems, perhaps health, finance, family, job situations and other things that deter them from having joy. And who can deny that afflictions in life are discouraging. Sometimes we are faced with many problems that come our way, caring for aging parents, getting our children grown up and through college and into productive lives, ongoing health problems and the stress of life in general. God’s Word, meditation and prayer, receiving encouragement by friends and loved ones, having a song on our heart, eating healthy food, exercising daily and re-focusing to help others will begin to take that sadness away. His Light will pierce through your darkness and drive away the sadness and bring Joy!

We have to agree that not everyone is blessed with a bright outlook on life. We need to remember that joy is one of the gifts Jesus promised to His followers. When we encounter difficulties in life, we need to resist any tendency to let sadness dominate our emotional lives.

Jesus promised His disciples on the night Judas betrayed Him, “Your joy no one can take from you” (John 16:22). Remember that joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit who indwells us (Galatians 5:22). Let us ask the Lord to help us look beyond the sorrow and grief that we sometimes face and encourage our hearts by the vision of joy that awaits us:

Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (English Standard Version)

You alone, Lord Jesus, can true joy impart,
For You know the sorrow of the human heart;
You came here from glory many hearts to win,
And in love for sinners suffered once for sin.
-Anonymous

Do you remember this little chorus? I learned it in the Beginners Sunday School Class of Hillcrest Baptist Church when I was a little boy:

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.
Down in my heart to stay.

It is a joy to serve along-side you,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

Seeking Wisdom and Understanding

2010-01-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“God said, ask what I should give you?”...Solomon said, “Give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart.” (I Kings 3:5; 9) Amplified Bible

These past few weeks during Prayer Meeting and Sunday worship, Chris Crain has been teaching us about Wisdom, this past Sunday’s sermon was “Wise or otherwise,” with a picture on the front of the worship guide of a man with holes in his jeans (the style now), tattoos on his arms standing next to a church sign that says “The imperfect church” (with the “R” placed backwards in the word imperfect).

We’ve been studying about wisdom, God’s versus man’s wisdom. In I Kings chapter 3, Solomon hadn’t been king for very long when God appeared to him in a dream. “Ask what I should give you,” God said. Various Bible versions translate what Solomon requested as wisdom or an understanding mind or heart. But the actual translation of the Hebrew says Solomon asked for a “hearing heart” so he could judge between good and evil.

Ancient Hebrews thought that the heart was more than an organ that pumped blood. The heart was thought to be the center of everything physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. So when Solomon asked for a hearing heart, what he really wanted was for God to help him in every aspect of his life so he would be a wise and faithful king.

Today, we commonly call this wisdom. The word wisdom has Germanic and Greek roots that combine ‘seeing” or “vision” with “way” or “manner.” So to have wisdom, or to be wise, is to be able to see the way, to have vision for the proper course of action.

But how exactly do we use wisdom? It is the ability to discern what is proper in times of confusion and difficulty; to see past the traps of life and find our way forward to the truth. Wisdom is a gift that is intended to be nurtured and used for the benefit of others. Wisdom is not locked internally within us but is to be externally focused on improving and positively shaping the world in which we live.

Like Solomon, we can have “hearing hearts.” This phrase is a dazzling one, isn’t it? Hearing hearts. In one sense of the word the heart refers to intelligent action as well as the power of thought and will. We can combine this meaning with our modern western notation of the heart as the seat of empathy and emotion. So hearing hearts can mean intelligence and wisdom combined with love and compassion.

And perhaps this is the true wisdom we should seek: Intelligence to know right from wrong and compassion to understand how our actions and decisions influence those around us. Without either one of these aspects, wisdom is not fully formed: Passion and logic; Heart and mind. In the combination of these two is the wisdom that we seek. Solomon used his heart in accepting and resolving difficult problems.

Wisdom invites us to be emotionally connected to those around us. Wisdom is not easy. Wisdom is not a simple tool or possession. It is something that is continually sharpened and strengthened, discovered and developed by learning from our own experiences, by learning from the lives of others and staying connected to the community of faith around us. So may you today seek and ask for God’s Wisdom. May you think with your mind. May you stay attuned to your emotions. And may you hear with your heart God’s Spirit. Amen.

As we serve along-side each other, I remain,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

After Christmas

2010-01-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

On this crisp 30-something degree, first Monday after Christmas, after a brisk walk with heavy leather coat, gloves and toboggan on, I am sitting on a weather-worn teak garden bench looking out over the kitchen garden of the Botanical Gardens. It is in this place, many sunny days during the cold months, after a brisk walk, that I sit here to be quiet, pray, contemplate and listen to God, as I soak up the warmth of the Winter sun, shielded on this overlook from the wind and away from the hustle and bustle of life. It is as if I’m in the ‘cleft of the rock,’ safe from the outside cares of this world.

How did you fare over the holidays? Did you remember the good things of times past, with loved ones who are now gone from this life? Did you become sad or even weep? Did you feel lonely and perhaps unloved, even though you know there are those that love and care for you?

Over the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I sent and received Christmas cards, shared in meals with precious friends and loved ones, listened and participated in the most wonderful music this side of Heaven, gave and received gifts, and then over the weekend, made phone calls to friends and family. It was over this time period that I had moments when I couldn’t help but cry and shed tears. I can’t exactly explain it, but most times it was because of a loss in my life where a loved one had gone to Heaven or perhaps other kinds of losses where my heart is touched in the innermost part.

It was while making that last Christmas phone call on Sunday evening that I realized just how blessed we truly are. My friend, Paula, in San Antonio, had lost her mother to cancer and her father to a gruesome murder several years ago. She moved from Alabama to Texas to make a fresh start in her life. Life was just too painful here. She now has a job, has purchased an older two bedroom home, found a church where she serves in the bell choir, has loving friends, a sweet Boston terrier and works with the Girl Scouts. She has had several surgeries, but has learned to cope despite what has occurred in her life. She perseveres. She encourages others. She loves others. She helps others.

With these thoughts in mind, it is this kind of pain which rightly draws us to participate in communities of healing and to become communities of healing. God breaks into the world anew each time we tend to another’s wounds. One should never sit alone in the darkness of metanoia. God is there in the desiring of something different, in the shifting of perspective and the seeing anew of a familiar landscape. And God is there when we hold each others’ hands and trust the beauty of the process.

Joy and all good things to you and your family during Christmastide.

Happy New Year!

O come to my heart, Lord Jesus; there is room in my heart for You!

Joyfully serving alongside you,

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

A Note of Thanks

2009-12-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

And a sword will pierce your own soul too. Luke 2:35
During this Advent season we have gathered together to worship each Sunday. Our church sanctuaries have been beautifully adorned with Crismon trees, lights, candles and greenery. At South Roebuck Baptist Church there is a beautiful, almost full, life-like, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus. At Baptist Church of the Covenant there is a miniature manger display on the Communion table. I have observed people stopping to look at these nativity scenes. Children have been delighted and adults have paused to ponder.

What is interesting to me is that these nativity scenes are placed in front or adjacent to the pulpit area, and directly behind these settings of the manger are crosses made of either metal or wood for all to see. Isn’t it ironic that as we look at the beauty of the manager and consider the mystery of Jesus being born, that behind that mystery is an even greater mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Isn’t that the real reason that Christmas has hold of our hearts and our souls?

I think that we often miss the real power behind the story of the birth of Jesus because we lose sight of the end of the story. The child grew to be a man. The man loved God so fully and completely that he, in turn, loved the world, loved you and me. He lived fully and loved faithfully and was all that God had created Him to be. He became a Savior for us, a doorway to Heaven, because he would rather die than reject the truths that love conquers hate, hope prevails over despair, and life wins out over death.

As you read this, Christmas Day draws near and perhaps it is important to remember that after the shepherds went back to their fields and after the Magi returned to their homes, Mary and Joseph took the child, Jesus, to be dedicated at the Temple. There they met an old man named Simeon, who as he held the baby Jesus, said to Mary, “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” The old man, Simeon, pointed to the truth that the baby Jesus would grow up and be faithful to the promise of God’s love, even if it cost him his life. I wonder if Christmas is really about teaching us to do the same: grow into adults who are willing to risk the comforts of our living so that love and hope, peace and joy might be known in our world.

I hope that this Christmas, amid the joy of the season, the exchange of gifts and the time with family and friends, that you and I pause and ponder for a moment and remember a child who became the one who loved God so completely and lived so fully that he could not and would not compromise the truth of God’s relentless love for us. This is love, a love that saved our lives, a love that you and I could learn from.

O Christ, Redeemer of us all, come again and inhabit my heart, so that I might love as you have loved and so be part of God’s dream for our world. In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

With joy in my heart and grateful for serving alongside you, I am….

Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

The Christmas Star

2009-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Star

Numbers 24:17, 19I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion... (KJV)Revelation 22:16I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. (NASB)2 Peter 1:19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. (NIV)He is the morning star!When I think of the meanings behind those two small words, I am in awe of how perfectly they describe the Savior. Jesus is our light both by morning sun and by stars at night; He is always with us. The word "star" has Biblical significance because it implies royalty, as does the word "sceptre" from the verse in Numbers 24.Balaam was compelled by God to speak the prophecy of the coming Messiah. He refers to Jesus as a "Star out of Jacob", describing Christ's lineage.
So it is very meaningful that God uses a star to show both shepherds and magi the way to the baby Jesus! In Matthew 2:2, the magi even ask "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him." They knew the prophecies about the Messiah and took the star as --THE sign--for them.What does the light of God mean to us? It means that when we accept the light of Jesus Christ into our lives, we meet God. It means the light takes away the darkness of our lives. It means we become different people. It means we live for God and others. It means we work through the church to make a difference in our community and world. It means we have experienced God’s unconditional love.

Light of Life
There’s a light for all the weary, heavy-laden souls of care
And it shines down midst the darkness, can you see it blazing there?
Star of Bethlehem, Star of Jacob, bright and radiant morning star!
Cast Your rays in my direction, lead me on the journey far.
-by Francis Edward Su

Prayer: Loving God of Christmas, help me to see more clearly the light of Jesus Christ in my own life, and help me to share Him with others. Amen.

- Mark David Jackson

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD He is God; it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100 (KJV)
On this beautiful blue sky day in November, I cannot help but be thankful, for awakening to a new day. Early this morning just before break of dawn, I looked out the window at the Western sky to see a full moon that was just about to leave my view as the sun would start to rise in the East. It was a crisp cool morning in Alabama, and I felt blessed to have arisen to a fresh start, a new beginning, old things have passed away and all things felt new to me. Isn’t that how we are supposed to respond to God each day, with expectant hearts full of faith, hope and love? I know that some days we had rather take a different route and perhaps be somber, but I believe it helps to have a grateful heart. Somehow God works it out, in these daily miracles and gives us His joy, goodness, grace and mercy. Even though we may not feel like we deserve these attributes, we are granted a measure of His love and goodness.

God displays Himself through His magnificent creation in colors of majestic magenta, bright sunny yellows, copper Japanese maples, dark glossy green hollies with red berries, picture perfect pink Confederate roses, pumpkins and bronze nasturtiums; and add to that the smells of autumn, pines, cedars, sweet blooming tea olives and ginger lilies. When I think of God’s handiwork, I can’t help but think of family and dear sweet friends who’ve loved us and stuck by us all these years through thick and thin; kind, compassionate friends who freely give God’s love with a hug, a kind word of encouragement or a hand written note.

Almost every time I see my dear friend, Sarah Jackson Shelton, or receive a phone call from her, she will start off by saying, “Precious Cousin!” To me it’s the little things that oftentimes mean so much, that special touch from friends to let us know we are loved and are part of the community of faith that help to spur us on and cause us to forget what might be ailing us or distracting us from keeping our focus on God.

During this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, take some time to thank those who need a touch of love, and let them know how much they mean to you and also, more importantly thank the Lord for the many provisions of life He continues to give to you.

Thanks be to God for life and the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen

With a grateful heart for serving alongside you, I am….

Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

All Saints' Day

2009-10-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us; looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV)
November 1st is All Saints’ Day in Christendom. It is a time when we remember those who have joined the church triumphant. We commemorate those whose lives have touched our own and whose legacy will remain indelibly imprinted in our minds and hearts for a lifetime. We will not forget them. Many things they have taught us whether in word or deed remain with us. We celebrate their witness and influence they have made on our church and on our journey through life. Take a moment and reflect on those who have made a lasting impression on your life. Now find ways where you can have a positive influence on others as a result of having been touched by such loving people.

FOR ALL THE SAINTS

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Text: William Walsham How, 1823-1897 Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
With a grateful heart for serving alongside you, I am….
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

Why not choose love?

2009-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. Anyone who claims to know something does not yet have the necessary knowledge; but anyone who loves God is known by God.”
I Corinthians 8:1-3

For me, one of the ways I can relax is to take a brisk walk at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and observe all of the lush vegetation and various plantings. There are many walking trails and various type garden settings as well as benches and swings along the way. One can take a leisurely stroll or a power walk to let go of the stress of life and help rejuvenate the body and mind. In Romans 12:2 Paul challenges us to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds.”

Recently, my good friend and college roommate, Keith Cardwell, was in Birmingham with his wife Lisa. Keith is the pastor of Swift Memorial Presbyterian Church in Foley, Alabama. While Lisa was attending a conference for her work, Keith and I met during lunchtime, grabbed some Sneaky Pete’s hotdogs, chips and drinks and headed to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. After eating on a side bench in the heart of the gardens, we started a leisurely stroll towards the upper gardens that have native Southern plants, a running brook and simple trails. Incidentally, this part of the garden was originally the quarry where the stone for the pedestal of Vulcan was cut, chiseled and carried to the top of Red Mountain.

Keith and I talked about our children, looked at recent pictures of this Summer’s activities and then gradually moved on to talk about our churches; how God works through ordinary people, calling and equipping them for ministries that reach others for Christ. We both agreed that many times God works through lay people for new fresh ideas and methods to bring others to the Savior. We both shared from our journeys the recent experiences we’ve had to see how God is alive and working through His people. Many times we don’t have all the answers to some of life’s difficulties, whether it is through losing a close loved one and/or friend, disease and distress that comes our way, decisions that have to be made, heart-aches and pains, getting older and many other things we have to face in life. We really don’t have all the answers.

It seems that sometimes we take on a posture of “having all the answers, “knowing for certain that we are right,” or believing that “our way is the only way,” we often discover that we are confronted by lessons of life. We may use the old adage, “what goes around comes around,” or even the Biblical instruction that “you reap what you sow.” When we take on this attitude, we become as the scripture says, “puffed up,” which is just a nice way of saying “full of hot air.” Is this true for you?

St. Paul invites us to “love God and be known by God.” Paul invites us to use love as the answer: love of God and love of neighbor.

I can’t help but wonder what my life, your life, what our day to day living would be like if we practiced the teaching that “love builds up.” How might we interact with our families? What about our children? How might our relationships with our colleagues change? Paul in writing to the church at Corinth, a church that seemed to have had their fair share of problems getting along yet not quite understanding that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” He would go on later in this same letter, in perhaps one of the most poetic and brilliant moments of his writings to say, “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

Why not choose love? Better to be known by God than to be nothing at all, don’t you think?

Holy God, for today, just for today, help me examine my heart, confront me with the ways in which I have tried my way instead of Your way; remind me that what you desire from me is that I build up others with love. In Jesus’ Precious and Holy Name. Amen.

Joyfully serving alongside you,

I remain…
Your friend,
Mark David Jackson

2009-09-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

♪A Note of Thanks ♪

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers; Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4: 18-20

Our dear missionary friends Sanan (Rogers) and David Brazzeal heeded the call of God. They met while at Samford University. Following college they went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They have served in Brazil, on an island in the French speaking Caribbean and now after more than ten years in Montreal, Quebec, ministering and reaching others for Christ in an urban setting. Now, they have been asked by the International Mission Board (IMB) to go a Paris, France. If everything goes as scheduled they will be settled in France by the end of the year. They have heeded the call of God and continue to spend time discerning His will. This is a giant step of faith to move from North America to Europe.

Sanan and David are much like those first disciples who heard Jesus’ call along the sea shore where they were working and who got up and followed Him. They didn’t have all of the answers. They followed Jesus not knowing what the future might hold, but knowing that they were held by the love of God when they were in Jesus’ presence.

I wonder if you have considered that God calls all of us to service in Jesus’ name. You see, I believe that God wants each of us to use the gifts we have been given to live lives of hope and possibility. Heeding the call of God doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be called to go to seminary or a foreign land. In fact, that is not the call that God makes to most people. Still, I think God wants to call you to something greater than yourself. Are you listening?

The Bible is full of stories of God calling faithful people to do His work in the world. God called Abram and Sarah to leave their home and travel to a far away country. God called Elijah to go to Zarephath where he encountered a widow and her son, and Elijah cared for them. God called the disciples to follow Jesus, and they changed the world.

Are you listening for the call and claim of God for your life? Like our friends, discerning that call may take months of prayer, study, self-examination and listening. It is a worthy journey. It is worthy of your best efforts. I invite you to begin today. God has something to say to you. Are you listening?

Holy One, You are always more ready to speak than I am to hear. Open my mind and heart through the power of Your Holy Spirit that I might hear you call and with courage respond, “Hear I am, send me.” In His Holy Name. Amen.

With a grateful heart for serving alongside you,

I am….
Your friend,

Mark David Jackson

Welcome to our Devotional Blog!

2009-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome!