Here’s my little tribute to my Dad for Father’s Day.  (He’s been gone for many years but I still “see” him from time to time.

DAD

JAMES MADISON (MATT) SCROGGINS

I am from a large family: 9 boys and 2 girls.  In the chronology of births, I am third from last.  Twins followed me.  They tell me that I look a lot like my dad.  It is true that I see him in me from time to time.  I’m rather proud of that resemblance.

Memories are unique.  They are the possessions of the holder and ‘tho they may differ from the memories of others they are invaluable to the possessor.

As a child, I remember my father hitch-hiking to work because he had no car.  I remember he always had to take menial jobs because he was not skilled in a trade nor did he have a good education.  I remember he ran a tab at the corner grocery because he never had enough money to outright buy all the groceries he needed.

I remember his gardens and his pride at his ability to grow delicious vegetables and very hot jalapeños.  I remember his chickens (which we all ate) and his  rabbits (which no one would eat!)

I remember his joy when I brought Janet to meet my family.  I remember the love in his eyes and the twinkle of pride his boy could actually catch such a pretty young lady.

I remember his teasing and practical jokes.  I remember his quiet demeanor.  I remember that he actually told me one time, just before a spanking, that it was going to hurt him more than me.  (I never bought that line!)

I remember he loved the Lord.  I remember he loved my mother.  I remember he loved his children and their progeny.  I remember he loved his country.  I remember he loved his friends.  I remember he loved me!

The incident immediately transported me back in time to the many times I cried out in the night, or in a fearful situation for my Mom.  It wasn’t that my Dad wouldn’t come to my rescue – it was that my Mom would!

My mother was a fearless little lady who would always come to the aid of her children.  I knew my Mom loved me by her readiness to protect me.

The Lord took her many years ago but He has allowed the wonderful memories to remain in my heart.  She was always so proud of her “Preacher boys.”  (I have an older brother who is a retired Foursquare pastor, the first Pentecostal Billy Graham ever hired to work on his staff!)

Here I am – 70 years of age – and I still get teary eyed when I write about my Mother.  I am thankful that she cared enough about my soul to take me to church and to live a Christian life before me.  Unlike many children who rebel against their Christian upbringing I was always grateful for Mom’s firm hand in matters of church and God.

I confess there are times that I still want to cry out, “Mama!”  There are times I still wish for the power of her prayers and the calming assurance of her voice.

Over the years, I have missed my Mom very much.  But, the promise of the resurrection and heaven assures me that I will embrace her again, some day.  Some day, I will again cry out, “Mama!”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all you wonderful mothers ….. And to all, who, like me, are remembering their wonderful mother.

We are wonderfully blessed by the promise of the resurrection.  Jesus, Himself, said that He would return for those who love and serve Him.

Doubters and skeptics are alone in their hopelessness.  Their outrageous denials of His person and His promises fall flatly to the ground in the face of His glory and power.  Why would anyone choose to believe the words of sinners over the words of the Savior?

My choice is to believe Christ and His Word.  He alone has the position and the power to promise and guarantee our resurrection.  No one else died for our redemption.  No one else suffered for our guilt.  No one else resurrected from the dead to achieve superiority over death and the grave.  He is The Lord – The Savior – The Mighty King of Kings.

Should we pay any attention to the naysayers, doubter and critics?  ABSOLUTELY NOT!   Their words are empty, vain and self-serving.  They promise no hope, no grace, no forgiveness, no life, no future and no salvation.

The Apostle Paul, in the 15th Chapter of 1st Corinthians, defines the glorious nature of our new life in Christ – how it came to be – and how it will conclude.  In verses 51-58, he explains the terrific victory of those who are Christ’s followers.  Read what he writes and see if you don’t agree that it’s much more wonderful that the words of doubters and skeptics.

1st Cor:15:51-58- “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

As you think about the Lord during this Easter season, I encourage you to take some time to thank His for the promise of your resurrection.  He has a special place in heaven reserved just for you.

Janet and I pray that you will enjoy this time of reflection and worship as you honor the Lord.

Blessings and hugs from us to you!