Attention!!!

ATTENTION!!!

Overnight, large parts of our area were completely devastated. I posted pictures on Twitter and IG. Reports of damage and loss of lives are coming in quickly. Today, I write to you on an IPad using cellular data because our cable and internet were hit by the storm.

This morning, I feel led to ask the Lord to speak to us. It has become obvious to me that we are in the middle of what Pastor Kevin Wallace is calling the “Reset.” You may agree or disagree and I respect your opinion 100%, but just follow along with me for a minute.

2019 – our country had low unemployment and a record breaking economy. Many were thrilled with the year, but many were glad to see 2019 go.

2020- arrives with increased optimism for those who had a successful and joyful 2019 and new hope for those that were ready for a brand new START.

The time was flying by, all systems go, status quo. Then we heard about a Virus, a sickness, a strange illness, one that had more potential to spread and be deadly.

1. “They” told us to go about our business as normal. It was not our problem. It was overseas. Our family continued working, going to Church, supporting our daughter’s “March Madness” run in basketball and planning vacation. You know the things that hold our attention……

2. What? The NCAA cancels our tournament run, TSSAA cancels High School Sports? What is this thing? Why are so many overreacting? Oh well, work goes on, Church goes on, where are we eating out tonight?

3. What? Washington has people dying from this thing? But that’s the west coast… Keep plowing away, doing what we do….

4 What now? What do you mean- “suggested: Work from Home?” All of the sudden, “Zoom” becomes a way of life. Out of respect to our Authorities, I’ll trim back, go in a couple days a week, but work from home the other days. Church becomes a 50/50 with many canceling services.

5. What in the world??? PANDEMIC.. Ok, we are starting to take this serious, even in the south. Governors, “stay at home!” No work, No activities, No Church!

At this point, it became more real, but what did we do?????????

We “Reset”- we can do this… EVERYTHING moves to online! The Internet will save us. We can communicate, work, order and take orders, do Church…..Hey, life goes on, right? We simply move from one DISTRACTION to the next. It’s what we do……..

All of the sudden, we approach 10M out of work, Government Stimulus to keep us going, Politicians arguing over whether Churches should be closed, but Home Depot and Lowe’s can be open. Then, overnight!!!…. folks we know lose their homes to a deadly tornado!!! We pause and pray for the morning and then………..

Today, The Internet, Cable- all are down! But, I look outside, the Sun is beautiful and all of the sudden I move into my music mode. I’m reminded of my friend Mac Powell and Third Day’s song, “Show me your Glory.” Legendary writer, Bill Withers, “Lovely Day” but wait, there I go again, just moving on to another distraction, RESETing, Adjusting……God help me be more aware, focus on others, pray for those devastated and hurting. Help us to pay ATTENTION! Let us RESET your way! Hear Your Voice, SEE your hand at work…..Do YOUR Will.

Lord, you’ve got our attention- Speak….may we not only HEAR your Voice, but may we ADHERE to your will, your wishes, your ways….not ours. Lord, “they” said Easter would be different this year. The day itself was very different, but the night made us even more strangely aware of your power. We can’t surf the internet, get on a Zoom call, watch Dr. Fauci and Dr. Birx, so Speak to us Lord. We are listening.

Psalm 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Thanksgiving Top 10 2019

 

Today marks one of the greatest days of the year. A time of reflection and celebration with those we love the most. For the past 15 years, I have made a list on this day. This list is random, sometimes reflective and other times humorous. I challenge you to sit down for just a moment and give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for some of the little things that we may take for granted.

1. A family with a tradition of Faith in the Father. This Faith has been the benchmark of everything we do.

2. Sweet Tea and Mountain Dew (enough said) and El Cazadore (Cleveland’s best Mexican restaurant)

3. Adidas “Yeezy” and Hoka running shoes (life changing comfort for these old bones) Thanks Kanye…..

4. The Bible – the Truth, the Word of God, the Roadmap for the Abundant Life. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…

5. Jeep Wrangler- The Greatest Vehicle ever designed, now with push button retractable roof….

6. People that love regardless of Political differences, Race, Economical Status, etc. Just love others.

7. America- The imperfect, but Greatest Country on the planet. Unite and be a part of the improvement.

8. Golf- the go to game for those of us unable to “Really Play” basketball like we used to. Fairways and Greens

9. The worship music of Andre Crouch- “Thru it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God”

10. Steph, Halle, Kaleigh, Mom, Dad, Health, Provision, Joy, Peace and Love. Above all, Love one another.

Happy thanksgiving to all of you and May God truly bless you and yours this day. The Hughes family is grateful for your friendship and blessed to have you in our lives.

Thanksgiving Monday…

What are you grateful for this year? Photograph: iStock/Getty Images

Probably like you, I checked my calendar again today. There were a few appointments, meetings, etc., but no major holidays. It seems today is a Mundane Monday. Just a few days ago, we celebrated Thanksgiving. We spent precious time with our family and friends, ate much more than we should have, watched football (or Hallmark movies) and reflected on the good things in life that our Lord has blessed us with. Today it’s back to work, discarding the leftovers we are now sick of and planning out the final days of 2018. Many are taking advantage of “Cyber Monday” sales as if we need another reason to shop this time of year. But what should today look like?

I hope you will join me this Monday in remaining in the Thankful mindset that we just experienced a few short days ago. Let’s not get consumed with the distractions of this wonderful time of year. Keep the focus on the gift of Christ and give our time and efforts to expressing our love for those closest to us.

Truth About Mark Richt

It was a Thursday in 2007. UGA was scheduled to play Oklahoma State on Saturday and it was the headline game of the first week of the College Football season. ESPN was already there and so was I. My Pastor and Friend Jentezen Franklin had been invited to do an (optional) devotion for the team after practice that day by some of the staff and chaplains. We went early and had all access to the practice. It was a thrill to see the talent and hear the game plan from a close up view. I was extremely impressed with Coach Richt and staff in how they prepared the young men for the game, the season and ultimately life. There was no excessive criticism, but plenty of correction and encouragement. The team appeared very ready to play and eager to get the year started. It was a HOT end of August day, the players were exhausted and hydrating as they left the field and entered the locker room area. Coach Richt stood at the door and spoke, high fived, fist bumped (some sort of touch) on each player as they entered. Coach was brief and positive in his practice summary and then he invited the team to a devotion going on later in the film room. The response to his invite was minimal. He followed up by inviting them again and informed the team that Jentezen Franklin was speaking describing him as a worldwide known preacher who could be anywhere in the world at that moment. “You are not at all required to attend this meeting, but If you care about your future, I strongly suggest you come hear what this guy has to say.” A couple dozen expressed an interest this time. Coach Richt then gave a third invitation, “Guys, anyone who comes to this devotion will get your own Large pizza!” After about 30 minutes and an opportunity for the players to get a shower and a couple sports drinks, 87 members of the team came to that devotion!!!

Jentezen did a masterful job speaking to the young men about their future and their faith. At the end of this (optional) devotion 21 players made a profession of faith. Many rededicated their lives while others accepted Christ for the first time. We prayed with the players, heard their confessions and listened as they confided in us some things they were struggling with as 18-20 year old men. These players were shown not only the love of Christ that day, but the sincere concern for their future and eternal well being by their Head Coach Mark Richt.

Today, UGA fired Mark Richt. Words cannot express the frustration and disappointment I feel. It seems that the A.D. and powers that be have forgotten Bulldog football in the years prior to Coach Richt. .500 Seasons, no bowl games and losses to then Div. IAA schools were the norm under Jim Donnan and Ray Goff. Coach Richt changed all of that and averages just under 10 wins per season. He will have a chance for yet another 10 win season with the forthcoming bowl berth in a few weeks.

Coach Richt’s success on the field speaks for itself and cannot be disputed, but there is not and in this day and time, will most likely never be a Coach who has the off the field impact that Mark Richt has had on his players. Today is a sad day for Coaching, College Football and countless young men who will not have the opportunity to play for Coach Richt. Coach Richt is a champion and he will be just fine. By the way the Dawgs won that game in 2007 over Oklahoma State 35-14 on the way to an 11 win season which included wins over Alabama and in the Sugar Bowl.

Thanksgiving Top 10

For the past 12 years I have posted my list. It began as an attempt to bring awareness to the “Power of the Pen on Paper.” In the past, I would share this list at our Wednesday mid-week service at Free Chapel, but since moving to TN, I continue to see the benefits in simply noting these things and posting on my website and social media. Of course, some are very serious and others are meant to generate a courtesy laugh, but all of the these 10 have a certain relevance in my life. I CHALLENGE YOU TO WRITE YOUR LIST AND POST IT.  List making is powerful and focuses our attention on the important.

2016 Thanksgiving Top 10

  1. I woke up this morning. Thankful for the opportunity of another day.
  2. My Keurig (one cup) coffee maker. (game changer in the morning)
  3. Change of Seasons in the South. (Beautiful leaves, cool nip in weather and a sweater)
  4. MY JOB. Millions are out of work or hate their job. I enjoy all of the opportunities God has provided for me to provide for my family.
  5. Chimichangas, Chips and Salsa and a Coke. Enough said!
  6. A Healthy family- Grandparents, My Parents and all of us that have our health. (WE are Praying for those of you that are fighting health battles)
  7. America- Not perfect, but still the Envy of all other Nations of the world. We STAND for our National Anthem, Salute our Flag and Sing God Bless America.
  8. High School / College Athletics. (I love to watch kids compete for the love of the sport- not because they get paid)
  9. Psalm 23 and 27, Phil. 4:13 and John 3:16 (passages from the Greatest book ever written)
  10. A home with a fireplace, an incredible wife and 2 wonderful children. What a Country! What a Savior!
  11. A wonderful Church @nccog and Pastor Mark Williams who provide hope and wisdom each week for all of us attending. I hope you are actively involved in a great Church.

Yes, I posted 11 because I always needed the bonus question in school to push me over the top. Like you, I could list 100 things I am thankful for, but I hope these few cause you to Think, List and Post. It’s a humbling exercise. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from the Richie Hughes Family. God bless you all.

There’s Just Something About That Name…

As we approach this Easter Sunday and celebrate the most important day of the year, I am completely overwhelmed by the love of our Savior. It seems the more I study Christ and the longer I live, the more the crucifixion and resurrection impact me. Mere words fail miserably in attempting to describe what Jesus did. My simple mind just cannot fathom a Savior that would die the most physically painful death possible for the very worst in us. My diploma, degree, advanced degree, etc. still renders me helpless when trying to comprehend a Christ that would allow himself to be crucified when he could have blinked and ended the beatings instantaneously.

What kind of love could possibly prompt a God to leave Heaven and take on the body of a man for one singular purpose- To die a brutal and humiliating death? Authors and Song Writers have penned their best efforts for years to express their feelings and the significance of these events.

As children we sang:

“Red and Yellow, Black and White, we are precious in HIS sight, Jesus loves the little children of the World.

“He’s got the whole world in HIS hands.”

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

As simple as these lyrics are, they get the point across to us as well as the more articulate songs we learn as teens and adults. Probably the most popular contemporary song writer and one of the greatest communicators teamed up on this one:

“Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name You are amazing God” – Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio

But as well worded as this is, I still find these lyrics painfully inadequate. In 1970, one of the greatest song writers of all time gave it his best shot.

“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that name”- Bill Gaither

In my opinion, these lyrics may have hit the target best. When I was writing, I remember days that flowed and other days that I experienced serious writer’s block. Sometimes the words just cannot describe what I want to say. I picture Bill Gaither overwhelmed by the love of his Savior and completely incapable of adequately describing Jesus. “Master, Savior Jesus, Like the fragrance after the rain.” That is a terrific line, but Gaither had to feel he was still coming up short. “Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away” – Another great line, but when Gaither finally realized the words to describe Jesus would never match the matchless, he said it like we do so many times. When we can’t quite put our finger on something, we say, “there’s just something about ________.” So when Gaither says, “there’s just something about that name,” I picture one of the most talented and anointed writers of all time admitting that there is no way a man could ever paint a picture of Christ’s undying love for us.

Maybe Bill Gaither’s simple, possibly even writer’s blocked words say it best: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, THERE’S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME.” WHAT A SAVIOR!!