The Folds of the American Flag Have Meaning

Yesterday, I participated in the funeral service of a man who I served as a Hospice Chaplain, but who had also become a dear friend. He was a WWII pilot who loved God, loved his country, and set the example as a husband and father. At the graveside, the Veterans Honor Guard honored this veteran with a 21 gun salute then meticulously folded the flag. As each fold was made, a veteran described the meaning of those folds. Here is what was quoted:

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.’

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning.
In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

Ministry Pornography

I heard an interesting term a few weeks ago -- "Ministry Pornography." Four members of our Ministry Team attended the Refuel Conference at Thomas Road Baptist Church and during one of the messages, Ed Stetzer, VP of Research and Ministry Development for LifeWay Christian Resources, used that term. He defined "Ministry Pornography" as pastors lusting after ministries that they will never have, nor lead.

Sadly, Ed was right. As young (and older) pastors look at the mega-churches in America, there is a desire to have a church like it. There becomes a dissatisfaction with the place to which God has called, and there is a desire to have something supposedly bigger and better. Ministry pornography can have the same devastating effects as real pornography -- the pastor starts lusting after a larger ministry, and he loses sight of the beautiful work that God has already given him.

The cure for ministry pornography is appreciation for the work God has given you; devotion to your congregation, and the realization that size doesn't matter in the work of the Lord. Some of the most faithful ministers I know are serving in small churches. So pastors, stop lusting for a larger work, and keep laying up treasures in heaven as you faithfully serve the people and work that God has entrusted to you!

Sunday Summary 5.29.11

Last Sunday, God blessed our church family, again, and we just keep saying "Thank You, Lord." As usual, our crowd was a little smaller on Memorial Day weekend; but I preached on the memorials of Baptism, Communion, and the Cross. We took time to recognize those families whose loved one(s) passed away in serving our country, and we enjoyed a great picnic after church. Cliff singed all the hair off his arm, Jim was glowing red, and I think Tony might have burned off his eye-brows; but they kept the grill going so we could enjoy those tube steaks (hotdogs) and round steaks (hamburgers). Our church family brought the side dishes and desserts, and Bridgette sold drinks to raise money for camp/missions.

The fellowship was great and it was good to see some folks wearing their Sunday best, and others wearing shorts and T-shirts. The clothes didn't matter and they sure didn't hinder the fellowship. We also got our annual Southern Gospel "fix," as we enjoyed the David Hill Trio from Charleston.

In spite of the holiday and the chaos, God moved and we saw 1 saved, 1 rededicate her life to Christ, and we added another new member to our church family. It was another good day at Emmanuel.

AWANA Awards Ceremony 6.1.11

I just wanted our children to know how proud their pastor is of them! Each year, our AWANA Awards Ceremony reminds me of the importance of training children in the way they should go!Our AWANA Club averages over 100 children weekly and it is exciting to see them memorizing Scripture and having fun in church, beginning with our 2 year old Puggles and going all the way through 5th grade. These children earned ribbons, patches, trophies, and other awards based on learning about Scripture, character qualities, and serving others.

I also want to express my thanks to our AWANA workers. Without these committed workers, there is no way we could enjoy such successful clubs. Some of our workers have been working in AWANA for over 20 years and for others, this was their first year. Thanks to all of you.

Finally, thank you parents! Some parents complain about being out late on a school night, and s0me choose sports over spiritual training; but training children in spiritual things will help them (and you) to avoid many heartaches later. Thanks for the effort you make to bring your children to AWANA, help them learn their verses, to complete their projects, and to learn about Jesus!