The Deacons Corner Unpublished in Beacon 12/29/09

2009 is fading away quickly. Once again people will celebrate the beginning of a new year. Some people worry about what the new year may hold. So many things change from year to year. Our nation is facing new challenges. New laws are being developed and going through the process to be put into effect.

These laws may revoke some rights we have in regards to free speech.
This will affect us when we witness.
Christians need not worry about these changes, but they do need to voice their opinion and pray. Some would say that God has taken His hand off of America.

Perhaps we have lived in prosperity too long, become too complacent and distant from God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells the solution to our problems whether it be for our nation or ourselves individually.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

You see change is inevitable children grow, people move, people die, and laws change. It can be overwhelming how fast changes take place.

God moves in peoples lives and you see Godly people follow even through all the change.

We are assured in Hebrews 13:8 that our Lord:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

If you are feeling the stress of change remember our “Rock of Ages” and turn to Him.
I pray that you follow the Lord and He blesses you and your family this new year.





With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan

John 3:30

Christmas Day non-published in the Beacon

The Deacons Corner

Have you ever noticed how much fuss and attention is made over babies? Just watch the next time your in a store or restaurant, notice how people react to someone who has a baby.
You see when a child is born people see hope for the future. They realize the blessing the parents have just experienced. There is something about the innocence of a baby that just tugs at your heart.
Now close your eyes and try to imagine life two thousand years ago in the Middle East. A couple possibly confused, wondering about all the strange things that have happened to them. The man wondering is he doing the right thing. The woman (OH! did I mention she is probably around fourteen years old and pregnant) wondering why God would do such a thing to her. She’s pregnant, not really married and had not even experienced a man yet. Is God angry with her? The angel said He wasn’t yet sometimes she may have felt that way when people stared and talked behind her back.
You see real hope was born then in one child. Borne of lowly stature to common parents, yet they were God’s choice to carry the Hope of all mankind into the world.
What would you have thought? Would you have been as obedient as Joseph and Mary?

This Christmas morning I pray the Love of the Father is yours. All you have to do is accept the gift, the Christ Child. Listen and believe what the angel said in Luke 2 9-14

9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

You see all the fuss over this Baby is worthy. He Is Holy, Holy, Holy.
May you gain eternal life this Christmas. Glory to God in the highest.

Merry Christmas
With the Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 12/16/09

Have you noticed all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Stores this year put out Christmas displays before Thanksgiving Day. Wait, did I say Holiday Season? EXCUSE! me I meant Christmas Season. You see the secular world wants us to say holiday season to take the emphasis off of Christ, Emanuel, the Messiah, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Please don’t fall into that deception of the enemy. Approximately two thousand years ago God our heavenly Father gave us the best present ever. He gave us the presence of his Son. John 3;16 says
16:For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
If you have accepted Christ then His presence is with you always. Christ’s coming was necessary to reconcile us to God. You see we all are borne into a sin nature that was a curse upon Adam. Christ provided the blameless, sinless perfect sacrifice for my sin and all of our sins. The birth, announcement and the manger scene will celebrate this time of years is only the beginning. You see the true meaning of Christmas is God loves us still no matter what we’ve done. The Father is waiting on all of his prodigal children to come to him. Jesus said in John 14:6 (NKJV)
6:Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Tony Macaulay wrote a song titled “If I get home on Christmas day” made famous by Elvis Presley. Won’t you come home for Christmas this year? All you have to do is ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. It’s that easy. What better way to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas? May the Love of the Father and the Christ Child bless you this CHRISTmas season.


With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 12_9_09

It was a warm spring day. The sun was warm on my shoulders and it was almost noon as we walked home. I was holding the hand of a beautiful woman. The first woman I ever loved. My mother’s hand always had a cool, soothing touch. We only lived a few blocks from the school where I was enrolled in kindergarten. As we passed the big church on the corner it happened: the playing of the noon bells. I don’t remember the tune. This past Sunday night’s service reminded me of that time in my life. Hearing the bells at our church, I always go back to that time. What a great memory. I pray this Christmas season’s sights and sounds bring back special memories for you. My mother has been in glory for about fifteen years now. But one day we will celebrate Christmas together again. It will be better than ever because Jesus will be there.
You see, that great night the shepherds saw and heard
10 …the angel say to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people
(Luke 2:10 NKJV).
You see, I have great Joy in Christ. I hold firm to His gift of eternal life. It gives me a peace in this life. I pray that you experience the Great Joy and Peace this Christmas that the Angels sang about that blessed night in Luke 2:14 (NKJV)
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Let’s keep Christ in Christmas this year
Merry Christmas

With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

Beacon Article 12/02/09

If Ben Franklin had been given his way our national bird would have been the turkey. Little did he know Americans would still celebrate the turkey. You see, the wild turkey is a smart bird. Yet like many smart men, he has issues. Turkeys are polygamous, they like to have many hens. During season a Tom will "strut" and puff up his breast and spread his wings to display his feathers to look bigger. You see this helps display to the hen he has what it takes to protect the brood. Many men do this too. If you don't believe me, just watch teenage boys or even middle aged single men as they get ready for a date. The problem with many modern men today is they see the world’s view of what a man should be: macho, strong, outdoorsman type, maybe loving partying, hunting, and sports more than being with his family. They ignore what God had meant for a man to be. Daniel demonstrates what God wants from a man in Daniel 6:4 (New King James Version)4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.

Another example is like Joseph when Potiphar's wife tried to force him into an adulteress relationship as we read in Genesis 39:8 (New King James Version) 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand.
9 There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”
I am convinced that if men of this nation were what God had intended them to be our nation would be much better off. We find in Ephesians 5:25-29 a way to eradicate many problems of our society:
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church

Men, I hope this past Thanksgiving you showed your love for your wife in a Godly way.

Love in Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 11/18/09

Mary had a little Lamb whose fleece was white as snow. Do you remember that nursery rhyme? I didn’t like it. But this Thanksgiving season it has come to mind again. You see, the author of that rhyme was Sarah Josepha Hale. Ms. Hale was also a very influential magazine editor. She launched a successful campaign in the mid 19th century to make Thanksgiving Day a national holiday. Even though Mary had a little lamb, I am not as thankful for it as I am for the One that God sent to the cross for us.

In John 1:29 John the Baptist said as Jesus approached him, 29 …... “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
God has blessed me beyond measure, starting with my salvation. He took away my sin. November 15, 2009 has been a great day. I did not or do not deserve the role God has for me here at Clarksdale Baptist Church, but nevertheless God has granted me the blessing of sharing in Tyler Ferrington’s joy of his baptism. I praise God for that. Please remember to pray for Tyler as he follows the Lamb of God. You see, that Lamb has given Tyler eternal life. He will you give you eternal life and take away your sin, too, if you just ask. Jesus is the Lamb of Life.





With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 11/11/09

I awoke rather abruptly from a dream that unnerved me. I was only in the seventh grade and yet I was dreaming of a wedding. I didn’t understand. I didn’t want to think of marriage for years. I pushed the dream out of my mind. Years went by; there were several new places I would reside before I thought of that dream again.
It was a busy day in the radiology department at Oxford Lafayette County Hospital. My brother asked me if I saw the new employee that had just started, but I hadn’t. Then it happened. I met her. Immediately a dream came to mind. I had seen this girl before. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid my eyes on. ( OK guys you know how it feels sweaty palms, your heart skips a beat, and oh yes the butterfly’s in the stomach). I had fallen for this beauty. I made excuses just to go to her office. I told her then I loved her. She said “you’re crazy you don’t even know me” I said” I will”. That was thirty years ago this past August. I still don’t “know” her. But she is my sister in Christ, my friend and the love of my life (take that E-Harmony). You see God had a plan to bless my life.

In Proverbs 18:22 it says:

22:He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD.

The Song of Solomon 4:9-10

9: You have ravished my heart, My sister, my spouse;

You have ravished my heart

With one look of your eyes, With one link of your necklace.

10 How fair is your love, My sister, my spouse!

How much better than wine is your love,

And the scent of your perfumes

Than all spices!
explains how I feel about my wife Charlotte ( my first & only).

Yes the Lord has favored me many times. One thing I am so thankful for this Thanksgiving season (besides my salvation) is my wife. As for the dream what can I say my name is Daniel.
May you find God’s favor and find a good thing.


Love in Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 11/4/09

It was a beautiful spring day. I was looking for my nephew and niece (Jeremy and Tonya). At the time we lived in a big antebellum home. As I rounded the corner there sat Jeremy and Tonya. They had their pet guinea pig shaving it. Now that seemed like a good idea for children that were six and four years old. The guinea pig even seemed to be enjoying floating in shaving cream. Now I explained to them if they shaved the hair off the guinea pig it could get cold, sick and maybe even die. They didn’t understand the need for the guinea pig to keep its hair. You see sometimes we are like Jeremy and Tonya were. We get what seems like a good idea. We don’t seek advice (wise counsel). We jump right in and try to execute our plan sometimes not understanding the ramifications of our actions. We don’t take time to seek wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5 says: A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
Jeremy has since grown and become a deacon in his church. He has learned and demonstrated wisdom that could only have come from God. Jeremy put his trust in God at a young age. I have seen the promise of God develop in him. You see he took Proverbs 3:5 to heart:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

See you Sunday

With the love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 10_28_09

My family celebrated my granddaughter’s birthday this past weekend. Audrey Gayle was born October 19, 2006. She could be a clone of her mother, Jennifer. Scheduling four families to get together is not an easy task. We enjoyed ourselves, visiting our granddaughter, grandson (Carter Daniel Knight), daughters, and sons-in-law. Have you ever noticed just how uplifting the laughter of children can be? There is nothing like watching a child open a present. The expression of surprise or the sound of them being so happy can brighten anyone’s day.
Their laughter is like music to my ears.
I love to watch our church family’s children go the children’s church. They are always excited and the expression on their face is much like them receiving a present. They race off to see what their teacher is going to talk about. Psalm 127:3-5 (NKJV) says:
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;…

Yes, I had a happy weekend. I pray that you did too.







With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 10/21/09

Willie Carter, don’t recognize the name do you? Randy Travis sings a song that sums up Mr. Carter to me, the title of the song is “I Thought He Walked on Water”. In the song Randy alludes to Jesus walking on water when Peter stepped out of the boat and came to him. Randy compares a grandfather figure to Jesus.

I think of my grandfather every time I hear that song. How I wish you could meet him and some of you will someday (oh! by the way Mr. Willie Carter is my grandfather and my grandson is named after him). I saw Jesus in my grandfather. Why, you may ask? He loved me unconditionally. He served the Father and you could see the love of Christ in him. He loved people. Papaw also had integrity. Webster’s says integrity is 1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral values. You could ask anyone about Mr. Carter. He was a good and Godly man, a moral man.
My grandfather was like a modern day Job, as we read in Job 4:6 Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? My grandfather left a legacy. I hope to leave a legacy like that for my grandchildren. My prayer is found in Psalms 7:8 The Lord shall judge the peoples; Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me.
Where does your hope lay?





With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 10_14_09

The Deacons Corner

The green-eyed monster, the evil eye and jaundiced eye; no matter what you call it, jealousy is just an ugly attitude.
I am a hugger. I can’t help it, that’s just how I am. I have always been that way. I told Charlotte before we married that I hugged people. I don’t mean to be offensive, I just hug. We both agreed not to be jealous of each other. I can say God has blessed our marriage in that way.

We have a trust that supersedes jealousy.
We are asked in Proverbs 27:4 Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent,

But who is able to stand before jealousy?
Jealousy (or in other words covetousness) is not limited to just personal relationships. It shows up sometimes as a negative attitude when a co-worker gets a promotion you wanted. It may come when you have to work and everyone else gets the holiday off. It may even come when you don’t get a certain part or song in a program.

We are told in Jeremiah 6:13 Because from the least of them even to the greatest of them, Everyone is given to covetousness;……….

Let’s hide in our hearts this prayer from Psalm 119:35-37

35: Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it.

36: Incline my heart to Your testimonies, And not to covetousness.

37: Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your ways.


With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 10_7_09

The Deacons Corner

Working in the medical field, I see people in pain and suffering from many illnesses. Many people recover and some don’t. Almost all take pain medicine. This world is full of pain. Pain comes in many forms - physical, mental, spiritual pain, and painful relationships. We have medicines for the physical and mental pain. Unfortunately, people go to all lengths trying to ease their pain. Some people build a barrier around them to keep others out and to minimize the pain. Jesus even felt the anguish and pain of the cross (of our sin). In Mark 15:34 and at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? There isn’t anything that we experience that Jesus hasn’t.
Many constantly seek something, yet don’t know what they seek. Look at what they call extreme sports. Adrenaline junkies take on dangerous hobbies to make their bodies secrete massive amounts of the hormone. They continually seek more dangerous adrenaline-pushing hobbies. They never get enough.
Some people seek love only to go from one broken relationship to the next, living in loneliness, crying themselves to sleep at night, doing anything to obtain the love they seek.
Often these attempts are much like trying to put a square block into a round hole. It just doesn’t work. Even Nicodemus was seeking something when he went to Jesus under the cover of darkness. In John 3:3 (NKJV)3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
When I think of the pain of this world, I am reminded of Revelation 21:4 (NKJV) 4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Are you suffering from the pain of this world? Are you never satisfied, seeking approval, love, or gratification in worldly things?



With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
John 3:30

The Beacon Article 9_30_09

Every day during the week if you visit The Ranch you will see many people enjoying a plate lunch. In comparison, Phelps restaurant would serve you a plate “lunch” anytime. Where is this restaurant? Oh, it’s been torn down for years. It was the restaurant my grandmother, mother, and aunt helped run when I was about four to five years of age.
My grandfather Carter (a carpenter who did everything, building, plumbing, electric, and concrete) was hired by the owner, Mrs. Phelps, to fix the sidewalk behind her establishment. This is the only time my grandfather ever sub-contracted out any work. He hired a man that supposedly did good concrete work. Well, I happened to be with him when he checked on the job. The man did do “good” concrete work; it just wasn’t up to my Grandfather’s standards.
Papaw broke up the concrete and re-did the work. When I asked him why, he told me he didn’t want to have his name attached to the work. It wasn’t perfect. He didn’t want his good name tarnished. That teachable moment for a young boy stayed with me. A good name, I didn’t understand the concept then. I do now.
It’s been said everyone has their price. I have seen this in business. When I worked selling hospital equipment, it seemed everyone expected you to lie, or work a deal “under the table”. I actually had a manager offer me money “under the table” to stay and work at a hospital over the weekend. He told me I would never go into sales because I was not a team player. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says
1 A good name is better than precious ointment;…………………...
Proverbs 22:1 says
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.
What’s in a name? How are your great riches doing?




See you in church Sunday

With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan

Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 9_23_09

The Deacons Corner

I thought it odd that they did not routinely order an ultrasound when my wife was expecting our middle child, Jennifer. I had no need to worry, our first daughter was born without problems. On a whim, the ultrasound technologist suggested he could tell the gender of our baby. I scoffed. Ultrasound was too new, or his skills may not be up to that challenge. So Charlotte came and had an Ultrasound. The first thing the technologist said was that our dates were off about eight weeks. I told him he was crazy and we showed the images to the radiologist. The next day we showed the pictures to the obstetrician. He immediately wanted a full fetal workup. You see, Charlotte had lost two pounds. Upon seeing the face of the doctor filled with concern and panic after a fetal stress test, less than eight hours later Jennifer was born via an emergency C-section. That was twenty-four years ago on the nineteenth of September. We had a great church family. But it happened so fast I could not reach anyone from the church (no cell phones). Our parents were on their way, but it would take six hours for them to arrive. We lived in Fort Payne, AL at the time and we felt all alone. But God was beginning to show me His faithfulness. I have often thought of that day when I read the bible. Dr. Douglas’ message reminded me of this promise again. You see, Jesus said in Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)
20 …………………………………and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
God is still with me. It is a promise that has and will continue to give me great comfort.
See you Sunday



With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan1 Thess 1:2

The Beacon Article 9_16_09

I had been in class for an hour trying to teach adults new CT software for the C.A.T scanner their hospital had purchased. It didn’t take much to lose the attention of the students. The TV set in the rotunda of the office building I worked in was blaring. Someone was watching current events. The date was September 11, 2001, what would commonly be called 911. A fateful day for our nation, there was probably more prayer and patriotism that day than since the great revival or the signing of the constitution. Eight years later though the patriotism and prayer has all but waned.
As a Christian sometimes I become discouraged by current events. A look at our current administration or even our past one, it seems we as a nation settle for whatever will increase our coffers.
Our problems as a nation could be remedied if we would follow Gods instruction in 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 (NKJV)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

But if our nation decides to turn a blind eye to the instruction of our God, then we as Christians must stand firm in our faith as it says in Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

Keep praying God is listening. Will you stand and be strong?


With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Psalm 32:1-2

The Beacon Article 9_9_09

The Deacons Corner

It was an early morning flight. My hectic job once again was taking me away from home. I did not want to talk to anyone. My plans were to sleep most of the flight. When I reached my seat it was next to a young lady and her five year old son. I said hello and laid my head back. Shortly after takeoff something impressed upon me to talk to her. I sat up and noticed she had tears streaming down her cheeks. In our discussion, I learned her father had just had a hemorrhage in the brain. The doctors did not expect him to live. The family had been called. Two years earlier I had the same type experience with my mother. The lady began telling me her story. I listened and then we prayed. I have often wondered why I was there. You see the company I worked for had plans. God used them for me to minister to that lady.
Are you in the midst of a trial? Is there a situation you had rather not be experiencing? Maybe God has a plan to use it. Ester’s uncle Mordecai explains in Esther 4:14 (NKJV)
14 ………………Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Are you in a leadership role, job or situation you’re frustrated with and you don’t understand why you’re there? Maybe God plans to use your life experiences in a ministering way.
See you Sunday.







With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 9/2/09

Dr. Douglas’ message on choices this past Sunday gave me cause to ponder choices I have made in the past. I have had the blessing of living long enough for my children to thank me for my choices on the discipline I used on them. I have also learned some valuable lessons from some of my choices.
We make choices every day and sometimes never consider the effects our choices make on other people. How often do you ask God about a choice you have to make?
In December of 1991 I had made the choice to pursue a career change. Praying for this opportunity for six years, in my last prayer I promised God if I did not obtain this career I would quit pursuing it.
I arrived at the interview, in a corduroy suit, just barely on time. It was the first interview at which I had ever been nervous. Needless to say, I had such a poor interview I knew I would not get the position. Keeping with my promise, I stopped pursuing that position.
In March of 1992, I received a call and was offered that job. I had to make the choice quickly. I started my new career on April 1, 1992, (yes that’s April fool’s Day, think God was trying to tell me something?). I count the eleven years in that position a blessing in how God put me in areas where I could witness for Him (yet another choice). My wife learned what it was like to be a single parent due to my constant travel.
We all have a choice to make. Who do we serve? In Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) its says
15 …choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,……………………………………………………………………...…..( I praise God I made this choice when my children were small.)…............But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”







With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 8/26/09

The Deacons Corner

School has started back. The choir has started working on Christmas music. Everyone seems to be preparing for fall. I still have to do some work around the house before winter (so my pipes won’t freeze this year). Have you ever thought about how we make plans? Birthday parties, weddings, school, careers, and life in general just to name a few.
As shown in Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT):
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.
“They are plans for good and not for disaster,
to give you a future and a hope.
God already has our lives planned. Now it’s up to us to listen and follow God’s plan. How many times do you plan something only to find that you are stressed or don’t have time or money to finish your plans? I have projects at home I plan to do.
If I finish all of them, I will have to live to be one hundred and fifty years old. When we plan, it sometimes seems like we disregard everything else. James 4:13-17 (NKJV) says:
13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;
14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
I have often wondered am I stressed about my plans because "are they my plans or are they God’s." I have asked God about some plans for my life (and Charlotte’s). Within His time I will know His Plan for our lives. How about you? What are you planning? Have you consulted the greatest Travel Agent ever?
See you Sunday if the Lord wills it.




With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Psalm 100:5

The Beacon Article 8/19/09

The Deacons Corner

Vacation time is almost over. Once my family was going on vacation to visit my uncle Jimmy Carter (yes that is his real name). We left Kentucky for Searcy, Arkansas after my dad wrote down instructions from my Uncle Cecil. My uncle told my dad to go to Nashville, TN and get on I40 then take whatever exit we needed to go to Searcy. My brother and I immediately started telling Dad he was going the wrong way when he took Interstate 40. Dad finally listened to us and looked at the atlas when we reached Knoxville, TN, I think a little off of our path. Yes, 180 miles in the wrong direction.
You see, my father would not acknowledge that my brother and I could be right or trust that we could read a map. He didn’t have to listen to us. We were just two teenage boys. You see, his pride got in his way.
Sometimes in life we may take the wrong path. If you are Christ’s, it can happen because of your own pride or trusting in your own capabilities. Just take your eyes off of the Father and you may take a wrong turn on the path.
As it says in Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; ………………….(NKJV).
So how’s your map reading skills? I hope you had a great vacation.








With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan
Psalm 26:1

The Beacon Article 8/12/09

The Deacons Corner

If you saw my sister, you might think we are twins. When we were twelve, people often asked us if we were twins. I would say “No, I am twelve, my birthday is in July.” and she would state her birthday was in March and that she was twelve also. We liked to confuse people. Patty (my sister) was actually like a sixth cousin twice removed or something. We did look alike then. Patty came to live with us at about age eleven.
Brad Paisley sings about adoption in a song titled “He Didn’t Have to Be”. It tells of a story of a stepdad that adopted a little boy. The chorus sings he didn’t have to be. My son-in-law has taken my granddaughter as his to raise and to be her father. “He didn’t have to be, but he did and I praise God he did. Do you realize if you are a Christian you have been adopted? He didn’t have to be either but He chose to.
Romans 8:15 (NKJV) says:
15 …………………………, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ because as it says in Romans 8:16 (NKJV) 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

When was the last time you had a heart to heart talk with Dad? He’s waiting.



With The Brotherly Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Psalms 26:1

The Beacon Article 8/4/09

The Deacons Corner

Have you ever heard a song you just couldn’t get out of your head? What about all of those silly jingles or TV theme shows?
Usually the first song I hear in the morning stays with me all day long. So I try to listen to something that reminds me of God.
When my children were younger 6:15 a.m. you would hear them at the top of their lungs. No not singing but complaining “Momma make him shut-up”. I just love to sing in the shower. Well my singing could have been considered “noise” I guess. I mentioned how I like to sing in the shower to my neighbor one time and she replied “I know!!” She had heard me too. I wonder if she was saying “Make him shut-up” Then Beth my oldest daughter reminded me of Proverbs 27:14 (NKJV)

14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning,
It will be counted a curse to him.
Needless to say that stopped me from singing in the shower. I still sing though, in the morning, evening and sometimes walking around at church or work. I think music is a gift from God so
3 ………………..I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel. Judges 5:3 (KJV)




He keeps me singing

With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Psalm 26:1

The Beacon Article 7/29/09

I was there the day my oldest daughter, Beth, was born. I was holding my beautiful wife’s hand. Jennifer came with an emergency C-section and I was not allowed in the surgery suite. We were scared to death. Melissa was born by an elective C-section. Once again, I was there holding my wife’s hand.
Each time I held one of my new born children for the first time, I experienced the blessing of being reminded of John 3:16. Even now I tell expectant first-time parents how great an experience birth is. I also remind them of John 3:16 (NKJV)16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Everlasting life is yours for believing in Jesus. Ask any parent, they know the cost. Yes, Jesus freely gave his life for us. He did so to stay in the Father’s will. God loves us immensely. He gives us the gift of eternal life freely. All we have to do is BELIEVE in JESUS. I hope and pray the next time you see a baby you’re reminded of John 3:16.


With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan
Proverbs 19:11

The Beacon Article 7/22/09

The Deacons Corner

Golf balls, a boy picking up golf balls for cash. The day would get me maybe $10.00. It was a lot of money in that day. I loved my father. He loved golf. I could have cared less about the money, I just wanted to be with my father. I used to caddy, too, even though it was a difficult job for a twelve-year-old.

Little did I know I was learning valuable lessons: how good, honest work gives you a satisfaction in your heart and how others respected you when you would do a job well.

I also learned that working as agreed with a good attitude would benefit you in the future, how honesty and a good work ethic were the basis of happiness in a career. No, I didn’t realize it then. Nor did my father get to hear me tell him thanks for those lessons. God shows me almost daily the blessing of good parents and a good work ethic.

Proverbs 14:23 (NKJV)
23 In all labor there is profit,
But idle chatter leads only to poverty.

1 Thessalonians 4:11 (NKJV)
11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, ………………….


With The Love of Christ,
Deacon Dan
Proverbs 19:11

The Beacon Article 7/8/09

The Deacons Corner

Well Independence day has come and past. I hope your celebration was a great one. We have a great country. The enemy is working to destroy it and the Christian principals it was founded on. Pray for our nation, community, our church and one another.
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Is the enemy at work in our church? We all are unique and have different quality’s or gifts. Never before in our church have I experienced the attitudes of today. I pray that everyone seek the Lord earnestly and whole-heartily. Are you angry with someone? Are you harboring a heart that is bitter? I urge everyone to pray as never before. We all need to be of one accord.
Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)2 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.




With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 7/1/09

The Deacons Corner

Picture a small eight year old boy sitting in a swing crying and pouring his heart out to God asking for a miracle. My dad had extremely bad emphysema and in an episode when he couldn’t breathe God granted me a miracle. There have been many more in my life. Have you experienced a miracle from God? Do you expect miracles today?
Some people think just because Jesus is not with us in the flesh miracles don’t occur anymore. Sometimes our faith is not strong enough to see miracles that happen everyday. When you pray and ask God for something do you really expect to get it? What if God grants you a miracle but not in the way you expect it? Do you recognize it? Sometimes it takes me a while to realize miracles and sometimes not. You see as a church we have just witnessed an answer to prayer, a miracle.
God is good all the time.What a blessing to see the Edmonson family here this week.
My little brother in Christ is doing great. I praise God for these blessings.
Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)
22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
You see God still hears our prayers Clarksdale Baptist Church. Keep praying we our going to get an awesome pastor and youth minster. I am excited to see what God is doing. Aren’t you?
Glory to God in the Highest, May all Heaven and earth proclaim His Majesty.
Oh and by the way I have many more miracles to talk about.
I’ll share them with you if you ask.

With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 6/24/09

The Deacons Corner

I go by several names. My girls call me Daddy. I am known as Dan to current friends and colleagues. My wife, in-laws, and people I worked with over thirty years ago call me Danny. I am known as LT Dan to a few special friends (that means you, Presley Utz). I have also been called Son, Dip, Duffus, CT Dan, Sandbags and a few others I can’t put in a church newsletter.
My favorite is Papaw. You see, my children and I are training my grandchildren to call me Papaw (yes I said “training” but that discussion is for another article). That is what I knew my Grandfather Carter by (now you know where my grandson gets his name from); Papaw, a term of endearment because I loved my Grandfather immensely. Papaw is derived from Papa. You may even call your father Papa.
Have you ever wondered why we call God “Father”,
more specifically Abba Father? The definition of ABBA is [AB ah] (father) — an Aramaic word that corresponds to our “Daddy” or “Papa.”
It is found three times in the New Testament.
Daddy or Papa just sounds close, warm and personal, doesn’t it?
I hold my Papaw in an endearing respected position.
Why? He loved me unconditionally.
Our Heavenly Father does too.
John 3:16 (NKJV)16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Dr. Mahoney put in perspective this Father’s Day.
I hope you enjoyed your Father’s Day as much as I did mine and
I pray that you embraced the Father’s love too.


With The Love of Christ
Oh and Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 6/17/09

The Deacons Corner

Not so long ago my “girls” were in the Mississippi Baptist All-State Youth Choir and Orchestra. I would have liked to have heard the choir Sunday at “my church” but I was out of town. Thank you all for your prayers and calls. Mrs. Hollen Fortner wasn’t only Charlotte’s aunt, but she was our sister in Christ. Even though we were saddened by her passing, we celebrated her release from the pain and suffering of the flesh. The day’s events ended with Charlotte and I attending church in Houston, MS to see the choir. My, how things have changed.
I understand our youth minister preached his best sermon yet. This past Sunday has reminded me how quickly change can take place. I have watched Todd grow up, date, get married, and become a father. Change, it always happens. All in God’s Time.
As it says in Ecclesiastes 3: 1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Our church is changing, too. You see, God is renewing our church and sending our people to the uttermost, wherever that may be.
I pray that God blesses Todd, Jenny, and Evie immensely.
Be In prayer for Todd and Jenny and our church.




With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 6/7/09

The Deacons Corner

Time and tide waiteth for no man. I used to ponder that Geoffrey Chaucer quote often in my youth. I wanted to be sixteen to drive & date, eighteen to “do what I wanted to do”, and twenty-one to pursue my career. I wanted to grow up fast. At the age twenty-six I went through somewhat of a “mid-life crisis”. I had not conquered a goal in the medical field I had set early in my career. Eventually I did obtain my career goals.
I noticed as time went by my hair (among other things) changed: my children grew into beautiful young women, other people’s children grew up and had children.
Oh, back to the hair (I chase rabbits more now than I used to). It started becoming what some would call salt & pepper, much more salt than pepper. I watched the hair turn gray-white of men whom I considered mentors. I realized it may have been their gray-white hair that made them my mentor. Well, not really the hair but the years and the wisdom the hair represented.
The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head.Proverbs 20:29
As my glory fades, I will learn to enjoy the splendor of my years. As Martin Luther put it: “It would be a good thing if young people were wise and old people were strong, but God has arranged things better.”

Yes HE always does. My, I’m feeling splendid today.

With The Love of Christ
Deacon Dan
Deuteronomy 31:6

The Beacon Article 5/27/09

The Deacons Corner

This Memorial Day has given me the chance to reflect on the price of freedom. What would you give to have freedom? Men and women have given their lives both as a career in our armed services and from the brutality of war. I thank and praise God for men & women who have afforded me a free country.
I seldom have thought about another freedom. I am free from the wages of my sin. I never thought about being free from sin much until this Memorial Day. If you are a born again Christian then you are free too. You see Paul’s letter to the Romans explained it all.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2. Jesus paid it all. He set me free from the wages of my sin and gave me everlasting life. He can set you free too. Freedom a gift from Jesus, won’t you accept it if you don’t know him? I hope you have reflected on Freedom this Memorial Day.

In Christ’s Love
Deacon Dan
Deut. 31:6

The Beacon Article 5/13/09

The Deacons Corner
I remember cold hands on my hot sun scorched face. I remember church bells at noon walking home from kindergarten holding tightly to her hand. I remember at the age of 15 being embarrassed when she announced to the world (people at the beach) that I couldn't’t swim. Most of all I remember how much my mother loved me. This past Sunday, Mothers Day I had a flood of memories these were just a few.

My mother was blessed. She has been with the Lord for over fifteen years now. I still miss her and her hugs. I will see her again I know. I hope you had a great Mother’s day. They are a gift from God. In praise and honor of my mother, wife and mothers everywhere:

Proverbs 31:25-28 (NKJV)
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:30 (NKJV)
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.


Love In Christ

Deacon Dan
Deut. 31:6

The Beacon Article 4/22/09

6:30 a.m. Sunday morning I was watching the rain come down so hard it looked as white sheets. The T word came to mind. I have been in two Tornados.
When I was five the house we lived in was completely torn down around us, devastated by a Tornado. Then again when I was a sophomore in high school one hit our neighbor’s house. The roof of that beautiful antebellum home was peeled back much like the lid on a can of sardines. Yet both times the sun came out and hope came out of the despair of the storm.

You see life can be hard dark and foreboding much like a storm at times.
Randy Travis even sings a song about “The Storms of Life”. Casting Crowns also sings about a storm. The title of their song says it all.
“I’ll Praise You in the Storm”. It speaks of our hope and comfort in Christ.
The sun shinning in the stained glass windows Sunday morning reminded me of that hope. You see if you belong to Christ. He calms the storm. If you are suffering from the storms of life be still and let the peace of Christ shine through you. Praise him even in your storm. I believe you will get a blessing from the praise. Look for the SON.




Deuteronomy 31:6
Deacon Dan

The Beacon Article 5/3/09

OK first off I am not a writer. I am of all things an X-ray technologist who specialized in Computed Tomography. And if I can claim to know anything it would be C. T. (CAT scanning). I really don’t know where my previous articles have come from (except GOD has blessed them).

Sunday was a great day. With all the blessings that I could write an article on, (you’re not going to believe this) I am writing on a movie / book Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Remember the story line? The mild mannered gentlemanly Dr. Jekyll creates a potion that lets his primeval ego escape. In this state Mr. Hyde effectively commits mortal sins: physically abusing his illicit lover, (which he would not even have had as mild mannered Dr. Jekyll) and murder. Dr. Jekyll tries to rid himself of Mr. Hyde but begins changing on his own without the potion. I guess you could say the potion could be liquor that has the same kind of devastating effects on people. (NOT MY POINT). Point is, we all have a Mr. Hyde inside. You see it’s a nature we inherited from Adam & Eve. We call it sin. You see John 3:19 says ………………… that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
I know good people, but left to their own nature they probably would not be good for long. What could you do if no one would see you and there were no consequences to your actions? I shudder to think how I would be if Christ had not entered my life in 1979. Jesus has put forgiveness, love, patience, and most of all peace in my heart. You see, what Dr. Jekyll really needed was a heart doctor. No not Dr. Wiener, Purdon or someone else in the medical profession. But the REAL heart doctor that heals all things, JESUS CHRIST. What we need is to look into our own heart and reflect on what we see. Do you see a Dr. Jekyll a Mr. Hyde or do you see Jesus?
Let’s all have a heart check-up.
In Christ’s Love



Deacon Dan
Deut. 31:6
[John 1:4, 9–11]

The Beacon Article 4/15/09

I like chocolate. I especially like dark chocolate. I like dark chocolate because it has a pungent, sharp taste first and then the balance of the creme and sugar comes in with a sweetness. Easter 2009 was like dark chocolate to me. First, five baptisms; and what a sermon our pastor preached, so sharp and pungent with the truth of God and then the sweetness of salvation through Jesus Christ. To top that all off, we had two young families present their children to God with a commitment to follow our Lord. Dark Chocolate, though our pastor becomes someone else’s pastor next Sunday. He moves on, following God`s will, and we will miss him. What a pungent feeling I have about that. The sweetness is to know I have been lead, taught, and mentored under a man who is following God’s will. You see, he has answered a call and I for one am proud to know he follows our Lord. Pray for his ministry. Yes, I like dark chocolate, sometimes too much. Easter is our victory through Christ. Enjoy the dark chocolate.

Deacon Dan
Philippians 4:13

The Beacon Article 3/8/2009

The wind this past weekend has cause me to use the cliche “In like a lion out like a lamb”. I like the wind, to feel it blow through my hair and on my arms. I like it brisk but not too hard.
You see I like to fly kites. Have you ever noticed a child flying a kite?
They run and run and rarely give up. You see they have faith that the kite will fly. What they sometimes don’t understand is the kite has to have a breeze, a tail and a bow in its body. Yet they will run until they can’t any more. They have faith. As the kite catches a breeze and rises you can see the joy in their face and sometimes hear laughter. Yet too strong a wind and the kite may get driven into the ground too slight a breeze and flight does not continue.
Jesus to me is the steady firm breeze providing the power and lift, The Holy Spirit the tail providing constant direction. The bow of the body is past trials and lesson of God that I have learned shoring up my life as the bow does for the kite.

You see I like kite flying because it reminds me of my walk with the Lord. I need to be still and wait on the small steady breeze of the Lords voice. Yet during the strong winds of life I try to force my kite to fly on my own only to see it crash to the ground. Then I am soon elated because the Lord provides a steady firm breeze to help make it fly again.

Yes I like the wind and if you tell me to go fly a kite I just may. It’s just a great way to reflect. May The Steady Firm Breeze lift you today just have faith as a child.

Deacon Dan
Psalm 46:10

Welcome to The Deacons Corner Blog

Easter 2009 our pastor resigned. I am the deacon council chairman. I began writing an article to replace the pastors article. I decided to share them on this blog and will post one every time I create a new one. I am not a writer. These articles are intended to edify and challenge our church members. My term as chairman ends in 2010. I will post articles already published in our newsletter as well as new ones I write. I am Baptist and adhere to the Baptist Faith & message. I would gladly discuss the gift of life with you.
Deacon Dan
See our Church website http://www.clarksdalebaptistchurch.net/