Hope everyone had a blessed Christmas celebration!
We have been so blessed this year to once again have an opportuntiy to celebrate the greatest gift of the world, Christ Jesus our LORD!
Yesterday, we began the long process of putting away those items that typically help us get into the Christmas spirit. Taking the decorations off the tree this year was assigned to me. Not sure if you've ever had the experience of decorating or undecorating a tree, but decorating is more fun! It almost seems as if you are taking the life out of the room when you remove this source of light, warmth, and glow of the Christmas season. And then walking through that same room this morning I experienced a feeling of emptiness; definitely noticed something was missing.
Not to compare Christ to a Christmas tree, but I cannot begin to imagine how people walk through the rooms of their lives everyday and not have an opportunity to experience the warmth, the glow, the very presence of the Source of our being. But it happens everyday. Please make it a priority this new year to pray for those who have yet to experience the real reason for the season.
May all you do in Christ' Name this new year bring others the Good News of Hope.
IN Jesus' Name,
Pastor Clay
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
100 years! What a testimony to God’s providential grace and mercy! This past Sunday our family at Shelby celebrated a hundred years of faithful service to the Gospel ministry. The good news of Jesus has been shared over these years to countless thousands of people who have in turn gone forth into the world serving in effect as missionaries.
As we celebrated on 10/10/10, we heard person after person give their own personal accounts of how their time at Shelby shaped them and helped them to find God’s purpose for their lives. Each story I heard, not just the ones shared from the program that day, increased my belief that God has always had His hand on that ministry and gives me even greater hope for what I know He has in store for each of us how choose to serve Him today and into our tomorrows!
After such a big date in the history of our lives, the question follows, so what now?
Where will God lead us into this next century?
Both of these questions will be answered as we continue to live our lives faithfully loving God and those whom He has called us to minister to.
The following verse is a perfect reminder for us that no matter where we are or what we are doing our calling is certain. I’m thankful that these words will never lose their power and will continue to help us create a story of Christ’ abounding love for us.
Colossians 2: 6
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
As we celebrated on 10/10/10, we heard person after person give their own personal accounts of how their time at Shelby shaped them and helped them to find God’s purpose for their lives. Each story I heard, not just the ones shared from the program that day, increased my belief that God has always had His hand on that ministry and gives me even greater hope for what I know He has in store for each of us how choose to serve Him today and into our tomorrows!
After such a big date in the history of our lives, the question follows, so what now?
Where will God lead us into this next century?
Both of these questions will be answered as we continue to live our lives faithfully loving God and those whom He has called us to minister to.
The following verse is a perfect reminder for us that no matter where we are or what we are doing our calling is certain. I’m thankful that these words will never lose their power and will continue to help us create a story of Christ’ abounding love for us.
Colossians 2: 6
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
So here’s another story.
WOW! I had another 1st day of school experience! This one however did not begin with me crying my eyes out for my mother.......but it may end up that way before it's over!
I started my Master’s of counseling program this past Saturday at Trevecca. This will prove to be a great experience for me. Even though the first class was filled with a lot of information about the school and how to access information through the IT systems, we at least had the opportunity to review some of the material from our first chapter. There are so many new terms, ideas, and concepts that I must learn. Yet, I do believe I’m up to the challenge. We’ll see.
One of the coolest aspects was the group dynamics of our class. There are twenty-four students and of course our instructor, who happens to be the head of the department. From our very first discussion I learned so much! The first thing I learned is that I am going to need to be on my toes to stay at least close to some of these folks. Many of them are well educated and all seem to have a passion for this field of study.
Well that’s about it for now. Keep praying that God will supply me with the grace to see this monumental task through to the end. I’m going to need them!
Check by again next week for a new story about the history of EAST Nashville!
WOW! I had another 1st day of school experience! This one however did not begin with me crying my eyes out for my mother.......but it may end up that way before it's over!
I started my Master’s of counseling program this past Saturday at Trevecca. This will prove to be a great experience for me. Even though the first class was filled with a lot of information about the school and how to access information through the IT systems, we at least had the opportunity to review some of the material from our first chapter. There are so many new terms, ideas, and concepts that I must learn. Yet, I do believe I’m up to the challenge. We’ll see.
One of the coolest aspects was the group dynamics of our class. There are twenty-four students and of course our instructor, who happens to be the head of the department. From our very first discussion I learned so much! The first thing I learned is that I am going to need to be on my toes to stay at least close to some of these folks. Many of them are well educated and all seem to have a passion for this field of study.
Well that’s about it for now. Keep praying that God will supply me with the grace to see this monumental task through to the end. I’m going to need them!
Check by again next week for a new story about the history of EAST Nashville!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Today's story.........
Thought of a great title for a book this morning; “Of Shepherds and Sheep”. Of course it would be about pastors and those congregations of believers whom they lead, minister, protect, and nourish.
There are many stories in God’s word about Shepherds. These shepherds are a representation, if you will, of how God does all of the above for His people. The thought came to mind; “what if God had waited until now to write His story?” I wonder if He would have chosen a “manager” instead since today there are not too many shepherds around these parts. It does give us something to consider anyway. But back to the shepherd story…..
In the Bible, there are two examples of shepherds that come to mind; good shepherds and bad shepherds. The prophet Jeremiah talks to us from the pages of time about these shepherds. First in chapter 23:4 we find these words;
“I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.”
And then in Jeremiah 50:6 these words of warning are shared;
“My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place.”
The difference between the two types of shepherds is easily seen. One loves the sheep and will do anything is seems to keep them safe. The other ones it appears must have some other intentions in mind. The most obvious reason for the discrepancy is found in the very beginning of these two passages of scripture. Did you notice it?
In the first passage, it is God Who calls the shepherd. In the other passage the shepherd is described as “their shepherd”.
So we see that there are two different types of shepherds; those called by God and those who are chosen by men.
Pretty easy to see how one can be so easily out of the will of God isn’t it?
Let us pray that we will continue to be given wisdom from the Holy Spirit to discern the difference and also pray that God will call unto Himself more who will heed His call to “Feed My Sheep”
Pastor Clay
Thought of a great title for a book this morning; “Of Shepherds and Sheep”. Of course it would be about pastors and those congregations of believers whom they lead, minister, protect, and nourish.
There are many stories in God’s word about Shepherds. These shepherds are a representation, if you will, of how God does all of the above for His people. The thought came to mind; “what if God had waited until now to write His story?” I wonder if He would have chosen a “manager” instead since today there are not too many shepherds around these parts. It does give us something to consider anyway. But back to the shepherd story…..
In the Bible, there are two examples of shepherds that come to mind; good shepherds and bad shepherds. The prophet Jeremiah talks to us from the pages of time about these shepherds. First in chapter 23:4 we find these words;
“I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.”
And then in Jeremiah 50:6 these words of warning are shared;
“My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place.”
The difference between the two types of shepherds is easily seen. One loves the sheep and will do anything is seems to keep them safe. The other ones it appears must have some other intentions in mind. The most obvious reason for the discrepancy is found in the very beginning of these two passages of scripture. Did you notice it?
In the first passage, it is God Who calls the shepherd. In the other passage the shepherd is described as “their shepherd”.
So we see that there are two different types of shepherds; those called by God and those who are chosen by men.
Pretty easy to see how one can be so easily out of the will of God isn’t it?
Let us pray that we will continue to be given wisdom from the Holy Spirit to discern the difference and also pray that God will call unto Himself more who will heed His call to “Feed My Sheep”
Pastor Clay
Monday, August 2, 2010
East Nashville has a rich history. A great book of images from days long past can be found in the book by E. Michael Fleenor, Images of America East Nashville. I recently was given a copy by some wonderful friends and life-long East Nashvillians. The term urban pioneers is now being used loosely to describe those who are currently moving to the east side of the Cumberland. Today’s story centers around the man for whom Shelby Park, Shelby Avenue, and of course our home church, Shelby Ave Baptist Church.
John Shelby, a true pioneer......according to Fleenor, was a physician, state senator, and a postmaster of Nashville. John was one of two sons of the late David Shelby who acquired this portion of land from the original land grant recipient, James Shaw, who sold it to David Shelby in 1788. Shaw received the 640 acre land grant for his service in the Revolutionary War. Wow, talk about history.
222 years is a long time, especially for those of us who now live our lives waiting for the 2 seconds it takes to download images on our computer screens. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it is but a drop in the bucket. How is it that so many lives, so many dreams, so many opportunities have come and gone during these past 222 years?
If there were ever a constant theme reoccurring throughout the grand history of East Nashville, it would be that change is inevitable. Change brought on by people and population growth, change caused by both natural and man-made disasters, and intentional change brought on by the best ideas of mankind, yet all are still play a role in change.
These changes are reflected in the faces of the people, the houses in which they live, the neighborhoods they have created. As the community of East Nashville continues to change, it is my prayer that at least one constant will remain; a desire to keep Christ first in all we do.
From the East side
Clay Faircloth, pastor Shelby Ave. Baptist Church
John Shelby, a true pioneer......according to Fleenor, was a physician, state senator, and a postmaster of Nashville. John was one of two sons of the late David Shelby who acquired this portion of land from the original land grant recipient, James Shaw, who sold it to David Shelby in 1788. Shaw received the 640 acre land grant for his service in the Revolutionary War. Wow, talk about history.
222 years is a long time, especially for those of us who now live our lives waiting for the 2 seconds it takes to download images on our computer screens. Yet, in the grand scheme of things, it is but a drop in the bucket. How is it that so many lives, so many dreams, so many opportunities have come and gone during these past 222 years?
If there were ever a constant theme reoccurring throughout the grand history of East Nashville, it would be that change is inevitable. Change brought on by people and population growth, change caused by both natural and man-made disasters, and intentional change brought on by the best ideas of mankind, yet all are still play a role in change.
These changes are reflected in the faces of the people, the houses in which they live, the neighborhoods they have created. As the community of East Nashville continues to change, it is my prayer that at least one constant will remain; a desire to keep Christ first in all we do.
From the East side
Clay Faircloth, pastor Shelby Ave. Baptist Church
Friday, July 30, 2010
The story today is more of an attempt to communicate my emotions as I watch my grandmother as she is in failing health. Her story is rich and full of qualties that I hope someday my grandchildren will find in me. Maybe one day, when I am able, I will share her story with you.....but for today, this is all I got.
I know a lady
Some say she is "Grand"
Her heart is breaking and so is mine!
Yet, we do not grieve "like those without HOPE"!
For in Christ we are assured of a home on high.
No more do we need to worry when we say "good bye."
"So long"; "See you later" do now best apply.
So now we wait, remember, laugh and love,
Hold hands and smile through tear stained eyes.
We will always hold her in our hearts
even while allowing her to slip through our hands.
We love you "Granny"!
"I'll see you later, "love".
I know a lady
Some say she is "Grand"
Her heart is breaking and so is mine!
Yet, we do not grieve "like those without HOPE"!
For in Christ we are assured of a home on high.
No more do we need to worry when we say "good bye."
"So long"; "See you later" do now best apply.
So now we wait, remember, laugh and love,
Hold hands and smile through tear stained eyes.
We will always hold her in our hearts
even while allowing her to slip through our hands.
We love you "Granny"!
"I'll see you later, "love".
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Shelby Story
Actually, this story is still being written on the pages of history and also on the hearts of those believers who call Shelby home.
Shelby is a community in East Nashville, Tennessee.
Shelby, the community, has a full rich history that I hope to share with you all over the next weeks and months.
Just one point of interest in this community is the church named Shelby where I pastor and many others choose to worship Christ. Shelby, the church, also has a grand history and her story will unfold upon these pages as well.
I hope you will have an opportunity to join with me as we "Remember the past; Embrace the future"!
Our story is still being written...........
In Jesus' Name,
Pastor Clay
Shelby is a community in East Nashville, Tennessee.
Shelby, the community, has a full rich history that I hope to share with you all over the next weeks and months.
Just one point of interest in this community is the church named Shelby where I pastor and many others choose to worship Christ. Shelby, the church, also has a grand history and her story will unfold upon these pages as well.
I hope you will have an opportunity to join with me as we "Remember the past; Embrace the future"!
Our story is still being written...........
In Jesus' Name,
Pastor Clay
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Story Time
Just a short note about the blog's title.
I wanted this to be a place where I could share stories. Not just stories about me. But a place where stories of just about anything could be shared.
Of course, if you know me, then you would know how much I enjoy hearing/reading a good story.
My favorite stories almost always have a singular element to them. That element is God.
I love to look for how He is using experiences, people, events, etc to interact with His creation.
I hope you will join me on this journey as we discover together God's great love for us!
By the way....don't forget I like to hear/read a good story......so please share yours with me too!
Because of Christ,
Pastor Clay
I wanted this to be a place where I could share stories. Not just stories about me. But a place where stories of just about anything could be shared.
Of course, if you know me, then you would know how much I enjoy hearing/reading a good story.
My favorite stories almost always have a singular element to them. That element is God.
I love to look for how He is using experiences, people, events, etc to interact with His creation.
I hope you will join me on this journey as we discover together God's great love for us!
By the way....don't forget I like to hear/read a good story......so please share yours with me too!
Because of Christ,
Pastor Clay
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