By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

An eyesore of a building has been bulldozed in my town.  Those familiar with where I live will perhaps recognize what’s left of the old structure.  The rest of you will need help identifying it.  I stood in the street and took a picture of what remained, although even this is gone now.  

This building was once our county’s health department.  I remember taking my oldest daughter into this building to meet the highway department official who would administer her driving test.  The basement level once housed the offices of our district attorney and his staff.  I’m also told that some fifty years ago, a weight watchers group met down there.  Most recently, the building housed our county commissioners’ offices.  Good things once happened there.

The structure has been abandoned for quite some time.  It had its problems, but it was a mainstay.  Some were disappointed that it took so long to be taken down.  Others offered their own opinions and/or solutions.  It seems that old building hung on for as long as it could.  Now, it stands no more.

I wonder how many days you might, too, feel like an empty shell of a building.  At one time, you were full of energy, spirit, excitement, happiness, and potential.  But, you’ve allowed Satan to take those things away from you.  You have felt as if the town – the world – would look and be so much better off without you.

I dare say we all have felt the repercussions of suicide in our communities and perhaps in our own families.  Maybe you have battled those demons in your own life.  Please stop to remember that without you, there is only a hole where you once stood.  Think of all those who would love to help you recover the excitement and joy in your life that once roamed those halls.  Before you take the drastic step of taking a bulldozer to what God created, reach out with all you are and all you have to someone you trust.  Feasible solutions to your difficulties can be found.  

That particular street in our town doesn’t even look the same now.  Don’t dare give the world a chance to experience life without you.  There’s only one you, created by the Master for good.  Cry out to Him.  Call out to me or anyone else you can find.  Call off the bulldozer.  Let’s sit and work out another solution.  I love you.  God loves you.  And this world is a better place with you in it!

(Post script – In all the years of writing these ‘thoughts’ I’ve never taken up this subject.  And I’ve never added words as an addendum.  But I am now.  If this message doesn’t hit home with you, please share it with someone you know and love who is having a difficult time.  We never know just how much hurt lies deep inside someone’s heart, mind, and soul.  The national suicide/crisis hotline number is 1-800-273-TALK or simply dial 988, or go to 988lifeline.org)

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

This picture is of a bath tub.  It is a normal, albeit old style, bath tub.  It is brown, of normal size and normal shape.  So what makes this tub any different from any other tub you’ve ever seen?

My wife and I were on a road trip nearly two years ago during which we drove through several states in the eastern U.S.  We stopped wherever we wanted.  Did some sightseeing.  Ate at some places we don’t have near home.  Each evening, we talked about what we had done and where we had been, and we mapped out the next day’s tentative plans.  As we crossed the Pennsylvania state line, driving west to east, my wife realized our chosen route would take us within thirty miles or so of the town of Hershey, made famous, of course, because of the great work of Mr. Milton Hershey and his beloved chocolate factory.  So we detoured.

We managed to find a hotel room right on Hershey Way, ate a nice dinner, and the next morning took an interesting tour of the Hershey museum and factory.  Their gift shop will go down in history as the largest candy store I’ve ever seen.  (Yes, we came home with a bunch!)  But in our tour of that place, we were able to see how the milk chocolate production was done in years past versus today’s more mechanized methods.

The old tub you see here was used to carry molten chocolate.  These tubs on wheels were pushed by factory workers from one station to another in the chocolate making process.  This old bath tub is different because of what was inside it!

Christian, I suggest that we are the same as that old tub.  We may look like the others around us.  We may have similar shape, size, and color.  We may even get around in a similar manner.  But we contain something the world does not — the Holy Spirit.  And He can put a ‘coating’ or ‘flavor’ on our lives like nothing else ever could.

I’m glad we made that slight detour that day.  I’m blessed and thankful that what I am privileged to carry with me every day I live is by far the biggest and best thing I’ve ever possessed – the love and forgiveness of Almighty God.

This week, encourage someone who has never met the Lord to taste and see that He is good!

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Right off the bat, I will admit this is not one of the best photos I have ever made.  I realize that.  I am also not in the habit of taking pictures while I drive.  I would like that to be made known.  However, it happened here.

We were traveling a long straight stretch of Utah highway this particular day.  Few cars were seen coming or going.  Even fewer trees were to be found.  Every once in a while, we would see a lone exit ramp seemingly leading off toward nothing at all.  

Being a Mississippi boy who was raised on those rolling tree-lined hills at the Tennessee line, I am familiar with roads that include lush green grass, farms, towns and neighborhoods.  If you miss one highway exit, there will be another in just a little while.  They may lead off to small communities, but they do lead somewhere.  And so, this particular driving experience through Utah was an odd one for me.  I was amazed, to say the least, at the mile-after-mile stretches of absolute nothingness.  

When we crossed into Colorado, headed south through Durango, and ventured toward Highway 550 (the “Million Dollar Highway”), which is another story for another day, I felt instantly more at home.  There were towns, trees, waterways, and various landscapes all around.

Sometimes life’s roads become a little barren.  We go for hours, days, maybe even weeks at a time without much communication with the Lord.  Our Bible study or worship time lacks something.  Our prayer life either dwindles or just doesn’t provide any powerful results.  During those times, it is important to remember that God never moved.  He is always present.  What changed was that we took a different road.  We ventured off into a difficult experience.  We managed to stray from what is best, and ended up traveling a long lonely road of nothingness.

What’s interesting to me is that the very same highway that carries me through the nothingness of this life actually can eventually lead me right back to the mountains of his mercy and grace, if only I stay focused on the road ahead, be mindful of the other travelers, and remain steadfast in my journey.  As a Christian finishes his travels, he will reach that beautiful place where he feels so much more at home.  I guarantee it.

When you grow tired of life’s scenery, keep traveling, my friend.  Changes are just up ahead.  You may need to cross a desert first.  You may have to venture into another “state” of mind.  But His blessings which lie ahead are all worth the journey.

Just a thought.

By Ryan Kelly –

I had the joy of singing a wonderful song in church today called “Because He Lives.” Many of you are familiar with this great worship song.
If you have ever questioned the meaning or purpose of your life, this song sums it up well. No doubt the Lord used each of us in a multitude of ways, but without a foundation in our life, it can still seem in vain.

Why do we do what we do?

If you have this thought, reflect over the lyric “life is worth the living, just because He lives.” If Jesus simply died on the cross, His death would have been virtually meaningless. But because Jesus rose from the grave and conquered sin and death once and for all, it makes our life truly worth living.

So what is our purpose and meaning? It is to glorify Jesus through our life, knowing that we will live in Heaven with Him for all eternity when we make Him the king of our life. It means that whatever job we have, however much money is in our bank account, or whatever our family life looks like, we stand on the rock of Christ with confidence that our life has meaning and purpose. It is because we live for Him and not ourselves.

With this in mind, celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus and live every moment of your life for Him. Only then will you truly meet the purpose of your life. Live for Him, because He lives for you!

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

On just about all of our travels, I manage to find a beautiful church building to photograph.  Many times, I have wandered inside open churches to see the stained glass windows, admire the architecture, or simply sit in a quiet space for a bit.

This past weekend was a busy one for us, with lots to do and places to go.  I slipped out of one of those busy events to walk, alone, down a dark city sidewalk and stretch my legs.  A couple of blocks away stood this beautiful church building.  So, with no downtown traffic that time of night, I stood in the street and snapped a few pictures.  I don’t really know why.  I just like to see beautiful old churches like this one.  Later, I took a similar picture of another church building a few blocks away.

I’m quite sure both buildings were locked up.  There certainly wouldn’t have been anyone inside at that time of night.  But still, they stood strong and proud with the light shining all around.

Believe me, I know how hard it is some days to stand strong as a Christian.  I realize that we each have those days when it seems we are hollow inside, no one is home, and we are all alone.  Even then (and maybe ‘especially’ then) we should proudly display the Light shining on us from above.

Those church buildings, and any others for that matter, display the same architectural designs in the daytime.  But at night, in the darkness, when no one else is around, with no hustle and bustle or busy activity, they stand in the Light for the occasional passerby.

I believe we are called to do the same.  Even when we think no one else is around and we walk those streets alone, stand strong in the Light.  Even if no one else sees, God surely will.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

I am a creature of habit.  I have my routines, my schedules, my “normal” things that I do and don’t do.  However, once in a while, I will do something I either haven’t done before, or something I haven’t done in quite some time.  A week or so ago, I did one of those things.

Pictured here, sitting in my recliner, is a very nice pair of boots.  I’ve admired many from afar.  I’ve even tried on a pair or two in the last three or four years.  But, I couldn’t bring myself to spend the kind of money it takes for a pair of shoes like that.  I made up my mind recently that I would use my little stash and treat myself to some good boots.  So I did.

These boots are probably the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn.  They make my feet happy, and they make me stand a little taller.  They fit great.  I took the time to pick and choose from many options, styles, and colors.  I walked around the store in them before my purchase.  I put in the effort to make sure I was getting what I wanted.

I haven’t walked in your shoes.  I may think I know what you’re going through or experiencing this week, but your experience isn’t mine.  As well, you have not walked in my shoes.  You have no idea what I must tackle on a weekly basis.  My experience isn’t yours either.

And here’s what I believe makes life’s walk easier — Jesus has walked ‘in our shoes.’  He has been when we are.  He knows the pains, the hurts, and the disappointments.  He also understands your happiness, your joys, and the smile you have on your face.

It is Easter season.  We are reminded of the awesomeness of His love demonstrated in the horrific way He died for us.  We will never, ever know His pain and suffering.  We could never walk in His shoes.  But, praise God, He has walked in mine!  He went where I should have gone!  He shed blood for sins that were mine!  He took it upon Himself to pay the high price.

And because of that, I can walk tall.  Wow!  What big shoes we as His children are called to fill.  Is it worth the cost?  I believe it is.  Treat yourself to walking in His pathway this week.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

A year or so ago, my wife and I attended a very nice cooking demonstration and dinner that had been gifted to us from a daughter and her hubby.  This picture is from that event.  We were fascinated by how the master chef and his assistant prepared an entire meal, from start to finish, right there in front of us.

Every step of every process was explained in detail along with a little humor, which we greatly enjoyed.  We watched, we “oooed” and “aaahhed” and had a very nice time.  But had that been the end of the night, we would have left there still hungry and not the least bit satisfied.

Instead, we got to eat that very nice dinner.  Each course was served, and every person ate to their fill.  We got to take advantage of and enjoy the labors of the chefs, and we couldn’t take any of the credit for the wonderful meal.

We as Christians are in a similar situation.  First of all, we’ve been invited to join the others at the banquet.  The dinner table has already been set.  The silver and glassware have been arranged, and the napkins are awaiting our use.  We sit in awe while we watch the Master prepare to bless us with His riches.  He shares the process, invites us to take part in the tastings along the way, and then serves His goodness to everyone in attendance.

We eat of His mercy and grace until we’ve had our fill — and there’s always more than we can handle!  We enjoy the company, we relish in the goodness, and we leave rejoicing and full of Him.  And we can claim no part in the work of His great gift.  All we had to do was accept it as it came, and then take the responsibility of passing the plate!

As you sit at the symbolic dinner table of your week, enjoy all of His bounty, and share with those around you, knowing you will all leave this place blessed for having been a guest at His table.  Watch the Master work!

Just a thought.

by Brad Campbell

Just a thought to help start your week.

The Bible tells us that God’s people wandered in the desert wilderness for forty years as they awaited the time to enter their promised land.  While they wandered, they wondered.  They wondered ‘how’ and ‘why’ and ‘why not.’  They followed, then they didn’t.  They obeyed, then they didn’t.  It seems they had an awful lot of trouble being content.

Does that ever happen to you?  Sometimes we feel as if we are wandering in the desert wilderness of God’s abandonment, when actually we are the ones who have abandoned Him.

I took this picture of what I think is beautiful desert wilderness just outside Phoenix, Arizona.  Mountains are in the distance.  I don’t know about you, but I’d much rather be on a mountain any day than in the hot sand.  But between me and the mountains lay those hot sands, full of cactus and other such not-so-friendly growths.  The place is not very inviting.

Not inviting, that is, until you notice the pool of blue water right in the center.  No, it isn’t an oasis.  It is a real pool of water there in the midst of the desert landscape.

I can stand and focus on my week ahead and see the dirty parts.  I can stress out about the not-so-friendly parts and people.  I can see nothing but the things that make my walk hot and unpleasant.  OR, I can stop, gather my wits, focus on the cool water that awaits me and offers a refreshment like no other as I travel on toward the beautiful mountains at the end of my journey.

This week, choose to be content with the little pool of water and the mountains in the distance.  In doing so, you will find the strength to face the hot sands and cactus and any other unpleasant things on your path.  When you begin to wonder why you are wandering, focus on Him.  He makes the desert wilderness so much more beautiful.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

Have you ever given much thought to church steeples?  By that, I mean have you ever wondered why church buildings even have steeples?  What purpose, if any, is there of a steeple on top of a church building?  Is there some meaning behind them?

As I ramble and wonder about things, this was one of them.  I remember that each church I have ever been a part of had a steeple of some kind.  Some stood taller than others.  Nearly all had a cross on them.  This particular photo is of a cross-adorned steeple sitting high atop one of our local churches.  Simple, but elegant.  Plain, but pretty.  And identifiable!

The main reason for any church building to incorporate a steeple into its architecture is in order to identify the building as a place of worship.  A cross or any other religious symbol on the steeple helps identify the church as being part of the Christian faith.  The steeple does have a purpose.

We wear crosses in our jewelry.  We wear religious symbols on our clothing.  We might as well have a cross or steeple on top of our head.  Why?  Because we are, as Christians, the temple of the Lord.  We are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and we should be identifiable as such!  People should be able to differentiate us from the rest of the world.

Now, literally, we don’t have to be physically marked with a cross to be considered a Christian.  The building doesn’t have to have a steeple to be a house of worship.  But my ever-rambling point is to ask ourselves the question — Am I identifiable in this world as a Christian?  I don’t have to be perfect, just be humble and loving and forgiving.  Sometimes plain and simple is best.

Steeples sometimes fall.  They sometimes cause leaks in the roofing.  And often times, they are targets of lightning strikes.  And yet we keep putting them up.

You may experience all of those problems along the way too – falls, causing problems where you stand, and perhaps even attracting a powerful punch from above – but keep standing tall, above it all, and represent the One Who saw fit to place you there!  Be recognizable as a child of the King this week!  You WILL make a difference.

Just a thought.

By Brad Campbell –

Hi all.  Just a thought to help start your week.

Last fall, in a museum in downtown Scottsboro, Arizona, I wandered for a couple of hours looking, reading, and admiring so many things.  One of those objects was this bronze sculpture from 1912 entitled “Appeal to the Great Spirit.”  The Native American Indian seated astride his majestic horse is leaning slightly backwards, arms opened wide with hands outstretched, looking up toward the heavens.

This particular pose is one of obvious prayer and petition to the “Great Spirit,” the One from Whom all blessings flow!

I cannot pretend to know or understand all the worship practices of these people, or any other person than myself, for that matter.  But what I do understand is that this man is crying out for the protection and guidance of an Almighty God to help him as he faces the unknown dangers of the world around him.

As you “mount up” and prepare for whatever dangers or obstacles that may face you in your wanderings of the desert lands, hills, and valleys of the coming week, won’t you take a moment first to cry out to the Lord for help?  We tend to think we are stronger than we are.  We think we can make it on our own.  We forget to call upon the Lord before we head out on our daily adventures, instead crying to Him when we fail because we didn’t follow His plan.  We gripe and complain about the problems and disappointments in our lives, when we never bothered to talk to Him before we started down that lonesome trail.

I have several Native American Indian connections in the twisted branches of my family tree, and some family members bear the physical characteristics more obviously than others.  My sister is one of those.  I am not.  And although I don’t look anything like the gentleman sitting atop this horse, I pray earnestly that I resemble him in my actions and my outstretched arms as I, too, appeal to the Great Spirit for His guidance through my week ahead.

Speak to the Holy Spirit right now, wherever you are.  “Mount up with wings as eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint.”  Appeal to Him, and let Him lead.

Just a thought.