John 3:16 (NASB) “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

I’ve spent the last few days remembering my Uncle Dwain: thinking about him as I knew him, and hearing stories and memories from other family members. He was quiet and reserved like many of the Carikers (if Bro. Dennis is the only Cariker you know, you may think that was a joke, but it’s the truth!). But Uncle Dwain didn’t need a lot of words to let you know he was proud of you and that he cared about you. That’s how I felt, and it was echoed by so many others.

Grandma Cariker had 16 kids and Uncle Dwain was the oldest, her firstborn. But as I was reflecting on his life, I couldn’t help but think about that sweet time when he wasn’t the first, or the oldest, but he was the only: Joy’s sweet baby boy, born on Christmas Day. How she must have loved and cherished her only begotten son that Christmas Day!

God called Jesus “His only begotten Son,” to emphasize how much He loves and cherishes each one of us, enough that He would send Jesus to save us! Please don’t dismiss such a gift!

“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 (NASB)

-Kevi

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Written May 2011

Matthew 26:13 (KJV) "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her."

This lady gave an expensive gift to her Precious Lord and she was criticized for it.  That could have been sold and helped the poor, that could have... But Jesus said, let's tell what she has done wherever the Gospel message is preached as a memorial to her.

Chuck Shaw, was the kindest, most gentle soul you could ever meet.  He went to meet his Savior at the young age of 50.  My sister Ruth (who is definitely not adopted) was only 45 years old at the time he left earth to go to heaven.

Chuck had a Mach 1 Mustang when they first married and he let me drive it when I was 16. (I said he was nice, I didn't say he used good judgment.)  When I was attending Bible college I went to Tulsa one weekend with my car barely running.  To this day I don't remember why but he and some others got my car and fixed everything on it, plus paid for all of it.

The pastor of his church once challenged the congregation to go one year without missing a service: he did it, except the last Wednesday night, he couldn't stand the thought of being bragged on. 

According to his children he was a great dad. To illustrate:  his son Jarred tells of the time he called his dad at work to tell him he couldn't mow the yard because the lawn mower wouldn't start. His reply, “That's OK son, don't worry about it, but if I get it started, you're getting a whipping!”

Chuck lived for the Lord, loved his family and his church; he was a faithful man. Today and throughout eternity he is enjoying the presence of his Lord Jesus.

Lord, this is Dennis. Thank you for remembering Chuck Shaw.

Micah 6:8 is a picture of Chuck: "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8 (KJV)

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Matthew 26:13 (KJV) "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her."

This lady gave an expensive gift to her Precious Lord and she was criticized for it.  That could have been sold and helped the poor, that could have... But Jesus said, let's tell what she has done wherever the Gospel message is preached as a memorial to her.

Several years ago (I’m guessing about 14) I decided to walk around my neighborhood and pray for the people in each house. I also asked God each day before I left the house to help me meet people and to help me be a blessing to those who were lost and to those who were saved. In less than six weeks I met 68 of my neighbors without ever knocking on one door!

The absolute nicest person I met while walking was Mac. Mac was married to Ann and they attended the Methodist church in Norman. They just loved their church and she so enjoyed singing in the choir. They also had the best pastor (according to them) and it just so happened that I knew him well.

Through the last few years I have had the awesome privilege of praying with them on many occasions in their home. Mac loved my jokes so you can see why I liked him so much. Just a few months ago Mac went to heaven, (yes, I think there are a few Free Will Baptists that will make it there too) and I miss him.

I miss “Mac the Methodist” the nicest guy in The Rock Creek Polo Club addition. Because of his Faith in “our” Lord he’s living it up with Jesus these days!

Lord Jesus, this is Dennis, thanks for the Godly people You have placed in my life.

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Written May 2011

Matthew 26:13 (KJV) "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her."

This lady gave an expensive gift to her Precious Lord and she was criticized for it.  That could have been sold and helped the poor, that could have... But Jesus said, let's tell what she has done wherever the Gospel message is preached as a memorial to her.

I’ve been blessed to have six great brothers-in-law.  Bobby Wilson was one of them.   He passed unexpectedly from this earthly home into his heavenly reward leaving my adopted sister Lana (she’s not really adopted, it’s just that she’s so nice we can’t figure it out any other way) to grieve.

I remember as a young lad pushing Bobby’s nose to make the car horn honk.  I remember sitting in his lap and driving my first car that had power steering (a 1962 Chevy SS).  I remember that he sang as good as Elvis and sounded like him too!  I remember that he loved my sister and that he loved my momma and that he was quiet and kind and thoughtful.  I remember that he was a great husband, a great dad, a great son, a great grandfather, a great brother, and a great brother-in-law.

I remember that he went to the Church of Christ, that he helped serve communion there.  I remember that he lived for the Lord and that my mother-in-law and anyone that worked with him or knew him knew he loved Jesus and his family.

When Bobby got sick and went to the hospital no one had any idea it was serious. I felt like the Holy Spirit was telling me to go see him even though I live in Norman and he was in a Tulsa hospital. Twice I went in the middle of the night because I felt God was directing me to do so and I was pleased to talk to Bobby and to tell him that I loved him. One night I just sat with my adopted sister Lana and talked to her.

Dear Jesus, this is Dennis and I want to thank you for placing Bobby Wilson—from Keota—into my life.  One request please—can he and my adopted sister sing one for us when we get to heaven?

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Matthew 26:13 (KJV) "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her."

This lady gave an expensive gift to her Precious Lord and she was criticized for it.  That could have been sold and helped the poor, that could have... But Jesus said,  let's tell what she has done wherever the Gospel message is preached as a memorial to her.

Have you ever been around someone that that loaded you down so heavily that you just had to get away from them?  You know the type:  "there's a black cloud in every silver lining" person, they've got two negatives for every positive.  Reminds me of the little boy in school whose dad taught him to be positive. He came home from school saying, "Dad, I think I flunked my math test today."  “Son,” said the dad, “you've got to think positive.” “OK dad, I'm positive I flunked my math test today."

Ed was a veteran of World War II, he was raised in a less than perfect home (his dad died at a young age), his last few years on this earth were filled with doctor visits, hospital stays, temporary nursing home stints, blindness, wheelchairs and walkers. His daily routine included travel from the bedroom to the living to the kitchen (I suspect that was his favorite part) and back to the living room and then to bed.

And yet he chose a different view of life!

Colossians 3:2 (KJV) "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." 

While stationed in Japan he and his wife were challenge by the mission church they helped start to give their tithe one year in advance. They, along with many others did and a Baptist church was built that is still flourishing today.

Acts 20:35b (KJV) "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." 

Every time my wife and I went to see Ed and his lovely wife to encourage them, he gave us a gift---he (they) encouraged us!

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) "A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."  

Ed's dry wit and humor were medicine to every person he came in contact with, whether at church, home, or in the hospital.  Ed made you laugh!  The story of his first motorcycle/motorcycle wreck/broken leg/Wilma come home and take me to the doctor, is just one of the many lemons he choose to make lemonade out of.

Lord, thanks for "remembering" Edwin Harold Bateman to me. This is Dennis and I'm smiling now!

Originally written May 2011

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1 John 3:16 (NASB) “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Today in America we honor the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their family, their friends, and each of us. They paid with their lives even for people they did not know, for people that may or may not be grateful.

I cannot think of a more apt reminder of Christ’s sacrifice than Memorial Day. He gave His life for each of us, whether or not we would choose to accept His gift of salvation, whether or not we would be grateful.

Let’s choose to be grateful!

Isaiah 53:5 (NASB) “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

-Kevi

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"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Last night, I asked Evelyn what the word "faith" meant to her. Her response was:
Being brave.
Having courage.
Believing in something.
Doing something because you believe.

Evelyn then turned to me and asked me what I think faith means.

I shared with her Hebrews 11:1. Faith to me is substance and evidence. It's living out in a very real way the hope and the unseen. Evelyn's answers were all great examples of the evidence that is our faith in Jesus - believing and then doing because we believe, and being brave and courageous when the world tells us there is no evidence. The Word defines faith, something intangible, with two very tangible things: substance and evidence. Our faith is those tangibles in an unbelieving world.

Living by faith in Jesus above
Trusting, confiding in His great love.
From all harm safe, in his sheltering arms.
Living by faith, and I feel no alarm.
(James Wells, 1918)

-Lori C.

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Acts 15:10-11 (NASB)  “Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”

On Sunday I put my son in his cute little khakis for church and I had such a hard time getting them on him. I was surprised they seemed so small all of the sudden, but once they were on they didn’t look small. When we got home and I changed his diaper I realized…they were hard to get on because I didn’t unbutton or unzip them first! (Most toddler pants are elastic and the buttons are decorative.) I sure made it more difficult than it was meant to be!

There were those in the early church who tried to make salvation harder than it was meant to be: they wanted the Gentiles to submit to Jewish laws and customs when they came to follow Christ. But Peter reminded them that we are all saved through grace!

Life is hard enough, don’t heap on your own rules that God never meant for you to follow. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:30 (NASB)

-Kevi

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1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB) “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

On Saturday, after an afternoon of eating chips, birthday cake and other goodies at a family birthday party, my son threw up in the middle of Walmart. And with a cruel reflex, I caught it (some of it) in my hands! So there I was in the applesauce aisle, with two hands full of vomit and a shopping cart with two kids in it, and literally no way to escape! I looked around for an employee, a nearby trashcan, anything, and thought, what am I going to do!

Well, I did the only thing I could, I asked for help. When I called out to the lady and her teenage daughter that I needed help because my son threw up in my hands, they were quick to act! The daughter went to find an employee and the mother told me about the time her daughter threw up in 7-11 (because this predicament was “common to man” after all). Because they were so kind, I was able to keep from panicking and actually laughed to myself in the moment.

I don’t know what life will throw at me next (if it’s vomit, I hope I learn not to catch it), but I do know that God will always show me the way to escape!

-Kevi

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My dear friend, it is good that you continue to help the believers. They are people you don’t even know. They told the church about the love you have. Please help them to continue their trip. Help them in a way that will please God. 3 John 1:5-6 (ERV)

If you were taken to court and accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

John 13:35 (ERV) “All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”

?Can people tell you are a Christ follower?

Lord Jesus, this is Dennis. I know following you is as simple as loving You and loving others, give me the desire and faith to do it every waking moment!

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