The bottom line is this: Whatever you do, leave a legacy of faith and faithfulness! – Buddy Smith

when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (2 Timothy 1:5)

What are the things that matter in your life?

In June 2000, the same month that the Billy Graham Crusade came to Culpeper, God directed me to Open Door Baptist Church for an event sponsored by The Family Foundation (of Virginia). Four major things happened to me on that one day. I met Pastor Mark Jarvis and he told me about American Family Radio (AFR).

As I began listening to AFR [www.afr.net] (91.5 FM), I was so grateful for the family tips, financial tips, and messages from good preachers, that I went back to visit Mark. He eventually led me to a personal relationship with Jesus. Listening to AFR regularly played an enormous role in my early discipleship.

One of the people I would hear on AFR occasionally was Buddy Smith. In September 2004 I visited the AFA headquarters in Tupelo MS for the first time to meet with some of the leaders. Buddy and Carol (his wife) took me out to dinner. I remember Carol telling me that she has a “ministry of paths” – to be Jesus to whoever God puts in her path.

During the past year, I have stayed in touch with Buddy only through my daily devotional. On Julia’s 50th birthday (June 25, 2007), I received the following email from Buddy. He’s now the Executive Assistant to the Chairman for the American Family Association.

“Dr. Peck, You are doing a terrific job with your devotionals. I often pass them along to friends and family. I have been especially blessed with your prayer emphases. Keep up the good work and visit us again soon. Blessings, Buddy”

A few days later I received a CD and note from Buddy dated June 25, 2007. The CD was titled “Things That Matter.” After listening to the songs on that CD, I visited every page on Buddy’s website – ThingsThatMatter.org.

Here are 6 reasons why Buddy says he is a follower of Jesus
1. I’m addicted to the love of God.
2. He has changed my life.
3. I don’t want to go to hell.
4. I have a reason to wake up every morning.
5. I don’t have to be a slave to sin any longer.
6. Truth is very difficult to run from.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, “Life is for a moment. We’re here and then we’re gone. Pleasures that we live for disappear like dark at dawn. Let’s make a wise decision to invest in what will last, so we won’t be empty handed when this life is past. I want to do the things that matter – that will last forever after. For to walk in such a way that this world can see the light. So that when my life is finished, I will know I made a difference. I want to do the things that matter. I want to walk in the ways of God. Does the world know I’m a Christian by the way that I am living? Do they see the love of heaven reaching out from God through me? Do I share the Gospel message with the world that needs to hear it? When they read the pages of my life, is it Jesus they see?” [Note: The preceding prayer comes from the lyrics of the song “Things That Matter]

Link of the Day
ThingsThatMatter.org [www.thingsthatmatter.org] – Buddy Smith’s personal website
Blessings to spend your time, talent, and treasure on things that matter!