GumBreaux – …a little bit of everything…

We Are The Church

deron April 20, 2020 No Comments

I began writing this last weekend and never got a chance to finish and send it. Then throughout the week, so many things that I saw or heard were all along the same lines, including David’s message on Wednesday night. I guess when God wants to get his message across — he makes sure he gets his message across.

First Thessalonians 4:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Before I go on, go back and read that again with an emphasis on those words in bold.

That’s hard to do isn’t it? Rejoice always?! God, do you mean always, always….or just sometimes, always?? Even during this time of complete uncertainty? In this time when so many are sick and dying? Pray without ceasing?! How is this even possible? In everything give thanks?! God, do you truly mean “everything”?! As in, EVERYTHING?! As in COVID-19, everything? As in a world turned upside down, everything?!

Makes us stop and think, doesn’t it? It surely gives me pause. I think now, more than ever, the relevance of this passage from Paul should guide us each day — especially knowing the world (of non-believers) is watching, is searching, is yearning for peace and guidance in the midst of chaos.

As I was reading this passage, I started looking at the notes and dates that i’ve written over the years. One as far back as 1995 — 25 years ago. Another from a pastor in another part of the country, and several from Dr. Brooks — from the new and old Calvary sanctuary. As I thought about all of those different times in my life, different churches, different buildings, different circumstances completely — there is one constant that shines through; that no matter where I was, or what was going on, God’s will was always, continues to be, and will always be, for us to live a life that glorifies Him and to live that life in such a way that we are a witness to those around us. Kinda like Hebrews 13:8. (I’ll let you look that one up if you don’t know it.)

So in a time where our churches are closed, when we can’t physically gather to worship, when the world as we know it has halted, how do we rejoice? How can we be thankful in a time such as this?

Here’s the key, and it’s very simple. WE are the church.

You’re thinking — yes, this is true, but how is that the key to rejoicing? The key for being thankful?

We can rejoice because the church is not closed. We can rejoice because God is the same God that’s been right there beside us through the good times and the bad. The same God who has led pastor after pastor to use this passage for encouragement of their church. We can be thankful that we have technology that allows us to “gather” and to reach others. We can be thankful because we have an opportunity like none we’ve ever experienced. The world is hurting. The world needs us. The world needs to see us, to see you and I, being the church. The world needs us to pray without ceasing.

If you could x-ray a church building, what would you see?

Maybe something like this? Just steel beams and girders. You don’t see the music, the worship leaders, the lessons, the teachers, the children, the laughter, the tears, the pastors, the holy spirit, the caring souls, the joy, and on and on and on. You don’t see those things because you and I make up all of that. Don’t get me wrong, our church buildings and facilities are important, and I can’t wait to the day that we can join back together, but in the meantime, let’s rejoice that we can continue to fellowship together…. let’s pray for each other, for those affected by COVID-19, and for the lost souls around us…. and let’s give thanks for the opportunity to reach a dying world.

Rejoice. Pray. Give Thanks. These three exhortations are critical for nurturing the spiritual life of our church — of each of us.

The Peace of God

deron April 5, 2020 No Comments

I want to take a moment to share a follow-up, or a continuation, of last week’s entry. Right now the world is hurting in so many ways; and as a part of that, there are so many individuals that are looking to Christians, to believers, to us, for help, for guidance, and for ways to find just a moment of peace in the storms around them. You may ask, “how do I help others find peace when i’m so anxious myself?” I know I have. It’s difficult to lead the way in a time of complete and utter uncertainty. Fortunately for us, we have a manual to turn to! It gives us step-by-step instructions on how to handle these very trials that we’re going through.

I want to start in Philippians and I’ll finish up in John. We will actually finish in John chapter 16 just before the crucifixion and resurrection — fitting for this week!

Before I get to the scripture that I want to focus on — Let me give just a bit of background. Paul is writing to the church in Philippi from prison. He’s writing to believers, and the basic of theme of this letter is to encourage unity and joy. Additionally, and i’m paraphrasing 2:15, Paul is pushing these believers to do those things necessary so that they may shine as beacons of light in a crooked and perverse world. Most of Paul’s letters begin with doctrine, then how to apply that within our lives. Philippians is slightly different in that it seamlessly intertwines doctrine and self-application throughout.

One night this past week, I opened my Bible app on my phone, and the verse of the day was Philippians 4:6-7. It’s another that you know by heart. “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I copied a few lines above and below this passage for a couple of reason. First, my note on verse 5, “Be kind, always”, is unrelated, but self-explanatory. Second, and more applicable, I wanted the note for John 16:33. More on that later.

Remember now, Paul is telling the Church, from prison, to be anxious for nothing. That, in itself, is pretty powerful. Here we have the believers at Philippi, going about their daily lives, sending help and aid to Paul and his companions in prison. You would think that Paul would be the anxious one — yet he’s sending encouragement back to the church and letting them know to live in joy and how to apply that within their lives.

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The Opposite of Worry

deron March 30, 2020 No Comments

Going in to this week, I’d like to share some thoughts, and hopefully encouragement, as we move deeper in to unknown of these unprecedented times. I was reading earlier in Matthew — It’s a verse that most of you will know by heart. Matt 6:34. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.“

This is a scripture that I’ve seen many times over the past few weeks (mostly on social media) as believers and non-believers alike search for comfort. As believers, we know that verse 34 is made possible through verse 33.

That “therefore” is not there by chance; it’s a key word in this scripture and it means, consequently. The action on our part here is “seek”. By seeking the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, we can claim the result. The result being trusting that He is in control and not worrying about what tomorrow may bring.

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As I Lay Last Year to Rest…

deron January 1, 2018 No Comments

As I lay last year to rest,
I look back on the very best,
Of good times had and memories made;
All of which I would never trade.

In a tiny apartment it started out,
A little too small without a doubt,
But soon we settled in to our new home,
And found our place, no more to roam.

A year of transition, one might say;
In so many different, kind of ways.
Changes on the job, and back to school;
At many times, life did seem cruel.

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The Truth about Net Neutrality

deron November 28, 2017 No Comments

In recent weeks, you may have heard a lot about “Net Neutrality”. You probably never gave it a second thought — thinking that it was just some “Internet thing” that won’t affect you. While there is likely very little that can be done about it being revoked, it is absolutely something that will affect you. Probably not tomorrow, or even within the next year, but this repeal opens the door of change in the underlying premise of how you access the Internet.

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Can you see the wall?

deron November 11, 2017 No Comments

I’ve posted a similar photo in the past, but i think this is my favorite (completely unedited). Can you see the wall? I think this shows the sacrifice of those who have fallen that allows every one of us to see the reflections of our future. It shows how easy it is to forget, or look right past, all of the bloodshed, all of those who gave their all, and those who continue to serve on the front-lines protecting our rights to say and do the things we do each day. It’s a sad world where so many Americans exploit these very freedoms by disrespecting and dishonoring the foundation and lives on which this country was built.

Being a son of a Marine veteran, who served alongside those names you see, and a brother to a current Naval Officer, I’ve been privileged to grow up in a family and community that honors and respects our Veterans and military.

Today I want to thank both of them for all they have done, and continue to do, as well as every other veteran and active military individual for their sacrifices for our freedoms.

It’s that type of day.

deron October 26, 2017 No Comments

I want to paint a picture for you. You wake up, it’s a beautiful, cool fall morning. All is going well – you’re on time today. The crisp bite in the air is invigorating. It’s going to be a good day. You back out of the drive as the warm morning sun slowly climbs over the trees. The wipers are clearing off the tiniest hint of a frost from the windshield. The feel of the morning is one that truly can’t be explained, but must be experienced. It’s that type of day.

It’s time for breakfast. Your teenager is very finicky about what he eats in the morning, so you stop at your favorite donut shop on the way to drop him at school. You get in line and pull to the window when it’s your turn. The owner greets you with, “Hi, good morning, two jalapeño kolache and two chocolate milk?” “Yes ma’am, the usual please!” A few moments later your two bottles of Borden’s are handed out followed by a steaming hot bag full of culinary goodness. As you let off the brake and begin to drive away you hear, “Have a good day! Don’t work too hard!”. “Thank you ma’am! You as well!” Such a nice lady – always with a smile.

You hit a little morning traffic. Nothing too bad and it’s only a brief wait. It does give time for your son to cool off his kolache. By the time you’re at school, he’s downed his breakfast in three large bites. As he gets out and grabs his overly stuffed book bag and basketball bag, you hand his still unopened chocolate milk to him through the open door and say your goodbyes for the day.

Time to turn up the volume and enjoy the morning commute. With the window slightly cracked to let in that cool fresh air, that jalapeño kolache is whispering your name. Steam still rising from the bag. On the radio you hear those first few piano notes of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believing. You take that first bite and it’s just what you needed to complete the morning. That savory, succulent combination of soft homemade bread with the spice of the cheese and sausage creates the perfect balance for any Louisiana breakfast. You finish off your breakfast as Steve Perry is fading away with “hold on to that feeling”. Indeed.

Then, faster than Road Runner can speed by with a quick “beep, beep”, it happens. Your entire morning, and even day, maybe your life, is forever changed. As you open that bottle of Borden’s, ready to wash down the last remaining bits of spice, Steve Perry belts out “Who’s crying now?” Foreboding at its best. You gulp down at least half, as the sweet, refreshing flavor flows down taking the last remnants of spice with it. Then, as your taste buds slowly catch up, you know immediately that something is wrong. Something is bad wrong. What should have been the most satisfying ending to your breakfast, turns in to horror as you feel the few remaining clumps of rancid, congealed milk on your tongue. You’re left with nothing but the pungent, sour-sweet, rotten taste of spoiled chocolate milk. The cool air turns hot. The radio goes silent. You don’t know where you are, or what to do. There is no recourse. You have no option but to keep driving; trying to hold it in. Your perfect morning is ruined. You’ll never look at chocolate milk the same.

And that, my friends, is how my day started.

#inowhatesteveperry #clumpsinmilkisntnormal #istilltasteit #itsbeen3hours #neveragain #alwayscheckthedate #smellyourmilk #gulpingisntgood

Think Hurricanes, Think Labor Pains, Think Sin

Andy September 6, 2017 No Comments

It is a terrible thing when people suffer from natural disasters, but it’s also a tragedy when we miss the point of them. Yes–there is a point, a sovereignly-designed point. As people in the south continue to deal with the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and Irma looms on the horizon, what are we to think about why such things happen? Better yet, why does God allow these horrible events to occur? That’s the question everyone loves to ask, but is it the best question to ask? We’ll see, but thankfully we don’t have to stumble along in the dark. God’s Word is not silent on the issue.

When we see hurricanes or typhoons or earthquakes or any other natural calamity, as Christians we should think, labor pains. Labor pains of course imply there is a birth coming and in this case there is, the birth of a new world. Here’s what I mean. Continue reading →

It should be that simple.

deron August 28, 2017 No Comments

I don’t know this guy, nor do I know the woman or baby. My guess is that this guy doesn’t know them either. Why is it that it takes a disaster, a life-changing, life-taking, unprecedented disaster, before we as humans realize that we need to help each other? Why can’t this be every day life? Why can’t a nation of individuals see that it’s not about what you believe, it’s not about being offended over another’s beliefs, it’s not about finding any little thing to argue about. It’s about this. It’s truly about what you see in this picture. One person caring for another in need. That’s it. It should be that simple. It’s not, nor will it ever be — but when all else goes out the window, and it comes down to survival, when it comes to life or death, this is what it’s about. One person helping another. Not asking for anything in return, not asking for attention or media coverage, just a raw desire to help another person.

I pray for every one affected by this storm. I pray for their safety. But more than that. If…IF, there is any good whatsoever that can come from this storm, may it be that we, the individuals that make up the United States of America, open our eyes to see that when things go wrong, when they go very wrong, that we can come together as one, that we can see past the hate, that we can see past the color of skin, that we can see past party lines, that we can see people…as people…and treat them that way.

That’s Something You Should Know.

deron August 18, 2017 No Comments

To all of my higher education colleagues, as well as educators in any arena, as we start a new semester, join me in making sure that our motives/hearts/attitudes are in the right place to further the education of our students. It’s about them, not us. Let’s meet them where they are, listen to their needs, and provide the answers and knowledge that they deserve to be successful. To that end….

Graduation is over; I’ve been set free!
It’s finally time, for me, to become me.
Long summer days are here no more;
I’m so eager to learn, so eager to explore.

This brave new chapter, this next level degree,
And those that will allow my eyes to truly see –
A foundation of learning, a base on which to build,
Knowledge that I yearn, wisdom to be instilled.

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