There is an old fable about a spider. One day a spider lowered itself from a beam high in the rafters of a barn. As he descended he found a great place to build a web in the corner of the barn that seemed to attract a lot of insects.

His web worked beautifully. It trapped many bugs and the spider ate very well. As time passed he became quite happy with his wonderful web.

One day he saw a single thread that came down from a beam high up in the rafters. Thinking it must be a stray thread, he snipped it. Suddenly his world fell apart. In his success and with the passage of time, he had forgotten the extreme importance of that one single thread upon which his whole world had been formed.

Often, people become successful in life and forget that God is the single thread that holds everything together. When first starting off a person relies heavily on God for guidance, strength, and wisdom. But as time wears on they forget that God is the one who holds all things together. They forget how they relied on God when they first began the venture. Too frequently success breeds amnesia.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:11-13, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have – Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials – gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.”

If you began a venture in life with God at your side, have you remembered him along the way? Have you thanked him for his guidance and blessing? Have you kept him at the heart of all you are doing?

The spider’s world collapsed when he cut the single thread that held his successful web together. Remember your connection to God and keep it strong.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: As Christians, keep building on the foundation laid by Christ

Grace — not just a prayer said before meals, or many people’s name — is at the top of Christianity’s most important aspects. It is the faith’s one characteristic that separates it from all other world religions.

What is it exactly? Grace is the love of God shown to those who seem to deserve it the least.

Grace is God’s peace and calmness given to those on edge.

Grace is God’s undeserved kindness and generosity.

You know there is a hymn titled “Amazing Grace.” Why do we call grace amazing? It is amazing because it goes against common sense. Common sense — which really isn’t common anymore — says you are too messed up for God to have anything to do with you. Grace, however, says God loves you in spite of the ways you may have gone against him.

Society may say you are weak, a failure or worthless. But grace empowers you to be the person God intended you to be.

Every person is created in God’s image, and he wants what is best for each one. He demonstrated his loving desire for all by coming to Earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus laid down his life so individuals, and humanity as a whole, could experience God’s forgiveness and grace.

When you look at what is happening in our society and around the world, you recognize that quite a few have rejected the gift of God’s grace. Instead, they take what they perceive to be justice into their own hands. They become judge, jury and executioner by their own volition.

That is revenge, not justice. That is spitefulness, not grace.

Can you imagine what this world would be like if God treated us in the same way people treat each other? There would be very few, if any, people on Earth.

Yet, grace — the power to forgive, the ability to agree to disagree, removal of the need to seek revenge, ability to right wrongs without violence, ability to know you are loved even when you (or others) don’t seem to deserve it — is what is called for.

Because God gives us the gift of grace, can we not share that gift with each other?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Grace is an important aspect of Christianity

This past week I observed more people than usual walking around downtown Crestview. They have been people mostly in their teens, 20’s and 30’s. Most were walking, some were on bicycles, some were pushing baby strollers or had children in tow.

They would stare intently at their cell phones, then glance up and look around the city as if in search for something.

What have they been doing? They have been playing the newly released game called Pokémon GO. This is a GPS-enabled game that has players walk around their neighborhoods and surrounding areas to hunt down Pokémon (which is short for pocket monsters). When they find one, it activates the phone’s camera and shows you the Pokémon.

This game is different than most. It causes people to get outside and walk around in their search. A player can go with friends and family – so there is a social aspect to it. It makes one get outside and walk – so there is an exercise component to it. It also opens one’s eyes to the surrounding area and the offerings of downtown Crestview.

People spend hours searching – and searching diligently.

This made me think of a teaching from Jesus, who said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if people sought the Kingdom of God with as much intensity and determination as do people seeking Pokémon?

Spending time each day studying the Bible, researching Biblical history, looking for God’s presence in the neighborhood and surrounding area, and exploring the mysteries and glories of our Lord are wonderful endeavors. The rewards are long lasting and eternal.

Seeking Pokémon is a fun game. I applaud the innovation that is helping people who used to be glued to a video screen playing games and suffering a lack of exercise to get outside and move around. This new game brings enjoyment, exercise, a sense of adventure.

Seeking God’s Kingdom is real life. It brings enjoyment. It provides a sense of adventure as God’s presence is sought and found in many aspects of life.

It exercises your heart, mind, and soul. It broadens your horizons as you seek God’s will for your life. And the benefits are out of this world, lasting a lifetime and way beyond.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: The benefits of seeking God and his Kingdom

I once had a conversation with a woman whose husband was a general at an Air Force base. There were times she would enlist the help of men incarcerated at the minimum-security prison on base. This assistance ranged from serving guests at dinner parties to doing area landscaping.

Each time these men came to help, she treated them with respect. If serving at dinner parties, they ate the same wonderful food as the guests. If working in the hot sun, she would make sure they had plenty of time to rest in the shade and enjoy a refreshing beverage. At Christmas, she would make sure they received a Christmas gift.

This kind woman treated these prisoners with the dignity due any person.

Several years later, she desperately needed help and support during a trying circumstance. Word reached several of those prisoners, who had completed their sentence, and they were there in a heartbeat, offering aid and compassion.

During a different conversation, an elderly gentleman shared various stories about his life. He spoke eloquently of early life in Crestview, telling stories from his childhood and adulthood; school days and business days.

He spoke of times when friends and acquaintances ran into various difficulties. If these people contacted him in the midst of their trouble, this gentleman would stop whatever he was doing to render aid to those who sought him out. It didn’t matter if he was in the middle of a project or a meal. It didn’t matter the time of day or night. He would go.

As he related these stories he said, “That’s what we’re here for — to help each other.”

These are but two examples of innumerable stories shared with me by the people I serve in my congregations. Putting the gospel of Jesus Christ into action — without expectation of receiving any reward or recognition — is truly the proper way to live.

Jesus gave his all for God’s children. And because of his selfless gift, innumerable lives have been changed. When one life is changed, it has a ripple effect. That one life influences others, who then influence even more.

How do you respond when a family member, friend or neighbor seeks your assistance? How do you treat others whom society would rather shun?

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

We are here to help each other and to treat others with dignity. In so doing, we do it for our Lord.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: We are here to help each other

Many people love their pets and will often go to great lengths to ensure their health and well-being.  My wife and I are no different.

We have a cat we dearly love that is recovering from surgery because of intervertebral disc disease, which is relatively rare in felines. The interior of the spine calcifies and crushes the spinal column. Where the disease strikes determines the kind of paralysis that occurs.

In our cat’s case, he lost all use and control of his hind quarters. Thanks to the Auburn University Small Animal Hospital, our cat can walk again. His tail still cannot function, and his use of the litter box is hit and miss — but mostly miss.

Because of that, we keep him confined in a large area near our family room, cordoned off with a low picket fence. He can watch us and interact with us.  But we won’t let him walk freely about the house as he used to until he regains control of his “biological functions.”

Oftentimes, the verbal interaction we have isn’t enough for him. Usually, reaching over the little fence to pet him isn’t satisfying. He wants and needs more on occasion. When he does, he continuously cries out to let us know of his need.

When one of us enters his pen area and places him in our lap, he becomes very calm and content.  He purrs, settles into the comfort of a loving lap, and will sometimes fall asleep.

As I have reflected on this experience, it made me think about the soul that God has implanted in every person’s heart. Our souls cry out for God, to be loved by God, to be comforted by him, to be reassured of his presence in our times of need, to be joyful with us when we accomplish feats large or small.

At times, we are hurt to the point of spiritual or emotional paralysis. At times, we feel we are left to suffer on our own. Sometimes, we just simply want and need to know we have not been forgotten.

Our souls cry out to God, to the living God, for the reassurance we have not been forgotten. As Psalm 42 starts out, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.”

This is true for every person. It may feel like a restlessness, or being unfulfilled, or even a sense of hopelessness.

Your heart is crying out to God. As you seek God, recognize his presence. Understand that he envelopes you with his loving arms and assures you that all will be well, that all will be peace, that his love for you endures forever.

And then rejoice and be comforted in him.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Like a cat seeking comfort, our souls cry out for God

If the apostle Paul were to walk into our churches, and knew our lives, how would he react? 

I recently contemplated this scenario and came up with some questions concerning what he would like and dislike. 

Perhaps he would like the large, elaborate places some people have been blessed to build, to hold large audiences and allow for a more comfortable experience, and escape from the weather. 

Getting past the exterior, and getting inside, there he may have a little problem — or, should I say, we might have a problem with Paul.

As you read some of the writings and teachings of Paul, some things stick out more than others, such as the fact that he is deeply dedicated to the teachings of the Bible — the whole Bible, including his contributions to it. 

Then again, he may be a little perplexed at the divisions that have occurred at misunderstandings of certain aspects of his teachings.

I believe that he may come in thanking God for the sanctuaries, the music, perhaps the variety of people and backgrounds represented in today's church. 

But this is Paul; he does not need the fancy places, wonderful music, many programs and multi-faceted uses of our sanctuaries. He is looking for substance behind our doors.

Paul would not be long liked in our churches, for he would truly come to "set in order" the priorities and attitudes, as well as the doctrines, along with the lifestyles of many in our churches today, big or small. 

We would be quick to condemn him for "judging" our intents, our traditions, our hearts and our willingness to cut corners on the unerring efficiency of the Gospel. 

Paul judged pastors; he judged those who claimed to be Christians and their lives were a rotting sepulcher before the Lord. He was quick to remove people from the church who would not abide by teachings of the Word of God. He stood for God, and his judgment was righteous before him. Demons, and many men, feared him — and rightfully so. 

He would condemn us for soft-soaping the Gospel to fill our churches, softening our message against sin to be user friendly and offend no one. Yes, he would be criticized by many churches today for not being up with society’s trends.

And yet, we claim to follow his teachings.

He could be harsh, and he could be loving. I am convinced that he would not be liked here today. 

What convinces me of this?

Because Jesus the Christ Himself is locked out of so many churches today — no standing up for Him; no declaring the hope of the Gospel; loving sin and using His Word to our own way that we may justify our sins. 

Paul may not be walking in, but the Savior will. One day, He will set things in order. I pray that He starts here with me today. 

Will you let Him critique you, and be willing to change? I pray so. May God have mercy.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Paul would be looking for order, substance behind church doors

The vast majority of people have had at least one enemy. Those who haven't are an exception to the rule. By simply being Americans, people more than likely have at least one. Certainly Christians have one or more – whether they know it or not.

Almost everyone has at least one – whether real or imagined. An imagined enemy is one who fits into a class of people we have been taught (but not experienced) are "evil" and to be avoided.

A real enemy is one who has stated contempt for a person, and either overtly or covertly wishes harm to that person or to their belief system.

Another type of enemy is someone who has hurt a person in some fashion, and that person wishes harm to them in body or spirit.

The question is, what does a person do about this? Having enemies robs so much joy from life, because a vast amount of energy is spent in being angry toward them, or in plotting how to deal vengefully against them.

Jesus of Nazareth has some great instructions on how to deal with enemies.

●Seek forgiveness. If you realize that you have done something to physically or mentally injure someone, go to that person and ask their forgiveness. The other person may or may not forgive you. If not, at least you tried, and the ball is in their court. If they do, there is reason for great rejoicing.

●Pray for that person. Bless those who persecute you. Sounds rather contradictory doesn't it? Most would rather follow the Old Testament teaching of and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

The logic of Jesus' teaching is excellent. If you pray for your enemy, one of two things will happen.

One, God will change your enemy's heart. Or, two, God will change your heart. In either case, that person will no longer be your enemy.

Will you become friends? Maybe, but not necessarily. But what you will have is a clearer conscience and a purer heart, knowing you have done what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

Making enemies can be easy. Forgiving enemies can be very difficult. Praying for your enemies will have long-lasting, life-giving results. Give it a try.

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Jesus addresses how to deal with enemies

In the book of the Exodus, God chose a unique way to lead the children of Israel to the promised land. 

He used a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night. When God desired to speak to Moses, He would come down in this cloud to the wilderness temple.

Nehemiah’s writings tells us that God never took these two signs away from the people until they reached their final destination.

So it took them 40 years to reach their destination. Did the cloud get lost?  Did the flame lose its glow? 

Of course not; the people’s stubbornness and unbelief caused them to have to go around the wilderness for that period. People were still trapped in slave mentality. For some, newfound freedom was more than they could bear.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read of God once again providing a way for His people to know and experience His nearness by providing a cloud of sorts, along with fire. 

In chapter 2, we read of the day that the Holy Spirit came down on the early believers with the sound of a rushing mighty wind (the cloud) and with split tongues as of fire that landed on each of them. 

Jesus, in talking about the Holy Spirit’s role, stated that He will guide us in all truths. This Holy Spirit would fill us and go with us until we reach our final destination, heaven.

God does nothing happenstance — it is all designed for a reason; for our better understanding of His goodness and mercy. His fire and cloud in the Old Testament led the children out of their bondage and guided them to their promised land.

This foreshadowed the Holy Spirit being poured out in the form of the wind and fire to lead us out of sin’s slavery and deliver us. This allowed believers to have Him with us until we reach our final destiny. 

Look for things in the Old Testament that foreshadow events in the new, and you will find a good and mighty God preparing a way for the church, the body of Christ. 

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Old Testament foreshadows Christ’s coming

Many years ago when I was in college, I decided to drive home for an extended weekend. It was a four-hour drive mostly on I-95, so it was a relatively easy drive.

As I was nearing the Titusville area I noticed a rainstorm off to the east. As I watched, a rainbow started to form. Within a very short span of time, a full rainbow appeared. And it was very bright, standing out vividly from the dark rain clouds behind it.

I pulled to the side of the road so I could appreciate the beauty of it. I wasn’t alone. There were about a dozen other vehicles that pulled over to witness this dazzling spectacle.

In time, the rainbow faded, everyone got back into their vehicles and continued their journey. I was awestruck. I remembered the promise of God to never destroy the earth again with a flood. I marveled at the wonder of God’s creation and the number of things I tended to take for granted. While I drove on I thanked God for the reminder of the wonders of his creation.

God created this world to be enjoyed by humanity. It is full of wonders and joys. Natural beauty abounds. Natural music abounds, whether it is the in the music of a babbling brook, the roar of a waterfall, a wind blowing through the trees, or the singing of birds.

Blessings flow from God unceasingly. They surround us each day. They touch us in many ways. The challenge for us is to not be so distracted by events that we miss noticing and enjoying these gifts, these miracles, these wonders that God gives us.

Psalm 8 answers a question: “Why would God do this for us?” The answer lies in the fact that God created us for his pleasure to love us and shower us with his blessings.

“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!” God’s handiwork is found everywhere. His name is praised by living creatures. His name is above all names, and we are to proclaim that in our own voices and actions.

“Your glory is higher than the heavens.” God’s majesty, and not ours, is the focus of our worship and our lives. We are to lift God in our hearts, minds, and souls to the highest heights imaginable.

“You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.” The simplicity of a child’s faith is the very strength of their faith. Jesus reminds us we are to receive him as little children do – without complicating matters, and by maintaining a child-like faith – not a childish faith.

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – what are people that you should think about them, mere mortals that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor.” Compared to the greatness of God, we are nothing. But God has elevated us to a place of honor. He has chosen to create us, to love us, to care for us. We can rejoice in this every moment of every day!

“You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority – the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.”

God has given us this whole world to enjoy – not destroy. Everything is under our authority. Can you understand that level of generosity? Can you understand the depth of God’s love for this creation and for each one of us that God has so freely given? When you meditate on this you will begin to get a small inkling of the depth of God’s loving kindness.

“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!” Yes, his name is majestic. It fills the earth.

It all comes down to the love of God. God has provided so much. He has provided this world as a gift to us. He has provided the gift of free choice. He has provided grace. He has provided the ability for us to turn from our improper and poor behaviors to find forgiveness. He has provided the key to eternal life with him in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

What a generous God we have!

The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: God made the world to be enjoyed by humanity

Memorial Day has occurred, and I did not notice the time was slipping away.

One of the toughest times in life is when you, as a pastor or friend, have to find the right words of comfort when brave men and women who’ve served their country go on to meet their Maker in Heaven.

Some go as saints; some do not. All are heroes, at least to me.

To be at the gravesite of a loved one and hear “Amazing Grace” being played on the bagpipes is one of the most moving, saddest sounds. 

On this side, we are doing our best to say goodbye in a way that is fitting and hopeful for those who have gone ahead. Yet what is it like on the other side? We who acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and have asked Him to forgive our sins have this hope that we will be immediately in His presence the moment we leave this shell called our body. 

Perhaps the songs on the other side are full of joy unspeakable, and full of the glory of God. As one writer put it, how will we react upon seeing Him for the first time? Will we fall to our knees, cry out in joy, shout, or fall as though we are dead before Him?

While on this side we are grieving the loss, on the other side is rejoicing for one who no longer has to deal with pain, suffering or sickness; he or she no longer knows the hate of another person or the ridicule and persecution of life.

I do not have all the answers; maybe He will just open His loving arms and take us in, perhaps even welcoming us to His presence.

Here on this side, there is quiet and reverence, and on the other side rejoicing. Allow me a little humorous illustration of the difference of the two sides of death.

On one side is the sad sound of bagpipes, and on the other side is the sounds of trumpets and other instruments playing that New Orleans favorite, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” 

Hopefully, my version will not be, “When the Saints Come Dragging In”

May God bless you.

The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: What it might be like on the other side