SAM BRASWELL

A few years ago Rick Warren wrote in The Purpose Driven Life these words: “It’s not about you.” In this short best seller Warren explained how you can find your purpose in life. So many of us just exist in this world without any real sense of aspiration, motivation, and fulfillment. We’re not happy; we just do stuff and hope that tomorrow will be better.

Rhonda and I started a study of the life of Joseph this week (see Genesis 37). In the opening scene we learn that Joseph’s father loved him more than his brothers and they hated him for it. To add fuel to their fire, a young 17 year old Joseph shared a dream that he would rule over them one day! His brothers had had enough. They sold him into slavery and convinced their dad that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

I don’t know about you, but I would have had a hard time if I had been Joseph. It’s one thing to know that your brothers hate you . . . it’s another for them to throw you into a pit and then sell you into slavery. The life that Joseph had known had been stolen from him. He was beginning an unknown future with little or no hope for real change. Everything changed. All he had was the memory of a father’s love and the knowledge of God.

I think if I had been in Joseph’s shoes I would have been focusing on me! What about you? Would you have been having a great big ole pity party?

One of the reasons we struggle with hardship is that we have not realized that life is not about us. It’s about God. You see, God had a purpose for Joseph that no one else could see. The dreams Joseph had pulled the veil back just a little for him and his brothers. Over the next few years Joseph may have wondered what in the world was God doing. But I believe that he clung to a faith in God that keep him on his feet.

What is your purpose? Why did God create you? Spend some time discovering the answer and you will find real satisfaction and meaning to life.

The latest US census reports that more Americans have chosen to stay single rather than getting married. The main factors for this shift is a tendency to delay marriage, high divorce rates, and couples living together. This new trend is very different than those of our grandparents.

I talk with many people who have been married for more than 50 years. Yesterday I met a couple who had been married for 69 years! It seems that most of those in their 20′s and 30′s are amazed that me and my wife have been married for 32 years . . . and that we actually love and enjoy each others company. It seems to me that so many people today have not really seem or experienced real love and companionship in their life.

A few days ago while visiting in a nursing home I saw an amazing act of love. A man I have spoken to several times was waiting for the staff to bring his wife to him. When she arrived he touched her face and told her how much he loved her. He sang a song to her while holding her hand. Because of her illness, there was no show of understanding or giving love back. This loving husband was not deterred. He continued to talk to her and express his love to her.

It seems to me that our world could use some men who really love their spouse . . . and are not ashamed to show it publicly.  Yesterday I had two women tell me that there are not any good men left in this world. Men, it’s time to stand up and love our wives the way God wants us to. Paul wrote, “husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her” (Ephesians 5:25 NLT).

Men, let’s learn to sacrifice our wishes, wants, and desires for our wife.

Today was the day I said, “I do!” Sometimes it’s hard to believe that Rhonda and I have been married for 32 years. I still remember the day when I saw her for the first time. She was gorgeous. She was the one I had been praying for . . . the woman God had prepared just for me to share life with. After meeting her in January 1979 at Brewton Parker College, I asked her to marry me in April 1979. For the next few weeks she sought God’s will about whether or not to marry me. She said, “Yes!”

Most of our family and friends thought we were crazy. We were advised to wait until we finished college. Some told us we would never make it. At the time we were college students without jobs that paid a lot (I worked 20 hours in the library at the school). But, we were convinced that God had brought us together and wanted us to get married when we did.

We stepped out in faith and trusted God. I remember looking for a house. The average rent at that time in Mt. Vernon was around $100 per month. God provided us with a house that only cost $10 a month. God provided me with a job over the Christmas break. When funds got low, we prayed. Without fail I got a phone call to speak at a church. God always provided in those early years and has since.

Rhonda and I have experienced a lot in the past 32 years . . . three beautiful girls, two great son-in-laws, and one awesome grandson. All of our children are Christ-followers. We have had tons of happy joyful moments and a few heartaches as well. There have been moments when our love was tested.

Some people we have talked to through the years have been amazed at our story. Some could not believe we made it as long as we have. Some have asked how or wanted to know our secret. For us, the secret to real happiness has been simple: we are best friends; we do things together; we laugh a lot; we communicate (rather than just talking); we take our marriage vow seriously; we love each other unconditionally (most of the time); and we put our relationship with God first.

I don’t know what the next 32 years will bring. I don’t know what challenges we will face. All I know is that I look forward to spending time with Rhonda every day. Whatever life throws our way we will face it together in faith, hand in hand. We will look up and thank God for all things. We will continue to serve him. So, to my bride of 32 years, SHMILY!

Rhonda and I have been going to the gym to get healthy. But, we still enjoy a little syrup, butter, and biscuit every now and then. We had planned on eating some biscuit and syrup for supper tonight. The problem was this . . . we were out of syrup. So, I made a stop at the Piggly Wiggly in Tallapoosa today. There were too many choices. I did not have a lot of time, so I quickly made a choice and went back to work.

Life is filled with choices. Some are good ones. Others are okay ones. Many are really bad ones. A few are great ones. When faced with a decision, how do you make it? James instructed us to ask God for wisdom and he would give it freely (James 1:5). This is a great place to start.

I would suggest Proverbs 3:5-6 as well . . .  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.”

The next time you’re faced with a choice, start by trusting God completely rather than your ideas about life. God’s will may not seem like it’s best, but his will/plan is always best! Then, search the Bible for answers to your questions. God has a lot to say about life and the choices we face. Sounds simple. I think it is. When we follow these simple steps, God will guide you to make the best choice.

Oh yeah, the syrup and biscuits were awesome. Now it’s off to the gym.

This past weekend Rhonda and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in south Georgia. As always, I’ll talk to anyone who will listen. So, I started a conversation with our waitress at breakfast on Sunday morning. At first she did not believe I was a minister (because it was Sunday morning and she said that preachers were always in church on Sunday). Anyway, Rhonda and I talked with her about the difference between religion and relationship. It was a great conversation. It was one of those “God-moments” where God was present. She listened and asked questions. This young lady was searching for more than just a religious experience … she was looking for a real relationship with God. Before leaving, she hugged us and thanked us for talking with her. We pray that God will continue drawing her to himself!

God is at work all around you. You never know when one of those God-appointed appointments will come to you. Be ready to share the hope of Christ. Be real. Don’t preach. Don’t judge. Listen. Share the love of Christ. Remember, every follower of Jesus is his “ambassador” in this world. When those moments come, love them and talk to them like Jesus would have.

This past Sunday I preached at Villa Rica First Baptist Church. The video is posted below.

The audio will be posted to iTunes in a few days.

I have been guilty of comparing myself to others. At times, I’ve thought to myself that I can preach better than he did; at other times I wished I could communicate like he did. I’ve wished that I was fit and trim, and I’ve thought that I’m glad my gut doesn’t look like his. There have been those moments when I wished I was as successful as he was; and I am grateful that my life isn’t like that other guy I just met. I have been comparing my life to others for a long time. A few months ago God challenged me to stop it.

I suspect if you’re normal you compare yourself to others at times as well. It’s natural for us to do that. When we see someone who seems to have it made, a little voice says, “I want what he has.” That is nothing more than envy and coveting. That’s not godly. On the other side of things, we elevate ourselves over others when we compare our lives to those who are worse off than we are. It’s as if we are saying, “Thank God that’s not me!”

If you and I were to plunge a little deeper into this whole comparing issue, we are discounting (and maybe) God’s goodness and ignoring His blessings when we compare ourselves to others. We fail to recognize that God uniquely created us, gifted us, and placed us in a place to serve Him.

Paul wrote, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT). Embrace your life! All of it. And when you feel the urge to compare yourself to others, learn how to be content with what God has given you (see Philippians 4:11).

Rhonda and I have been watching a PBS series called “God in America.” As we were watching one of the episodes last night about the role of evangelists as our country expanded into the west, I thought about the courage of those men and the spiritual state of my generation. I wondered what I was doing to impact my world for the gospel.

I have been the pastor of a three churches, planted a church, and share the gospel regularly. Through the years I have led many to Christ … but, I don’t feel like I’m making the impact as those early preachers did.

The state of spirituality in America is good. People are interested in spiritual things. However, I would argue that the state of Christianity is not that good. Church attendance is down nationwide. In my state of Georgia only 1 in 10 people attend church each week. Baptisms are down in most churches. And it just seems to me that most churches don’t really care to impact their communities.

I have been praying for an American spiritual awakening. It’s time for change … in my heart, yours, our churches, and our country. When will we take the Great Commission of Jesus Christ seriously?