Five Prayers for the New Year

My new year’s resolutions for 2006 are stated in prayers which cover five areas of life: spiritual, mental, social, physical, and financial. I know that it is impossible for me to do these things by willpower and self-determination. I need God. So here they are: Spiritually – Father, help me walk with my Lord, Jesus Christ. Protect me from the evil one. Keep me from sin. Keep me sober! Fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I am faithful to you in everything. Make me hungry to know and do your will. Mentally – Father, help me to grow, stretch, and learn. Give me insight. Help me to understand. Reveal your will to me. Open my eyes, give me knowledge and wisdom. Help me to improve as a minister, counselor, and professor so that others can see my progress and I will give you the credit. Open doors of opportunity so that I can use the gifts you’ve given me. Socially – Father, strengthen my relationship with Kim and my daughters. Make me a good husband and faithful father. Deepen my relationships with my family and friends. Fill our hearts and homes with your joy. Physically – Father, help me to exercise regularly and stay active. Please keep my family and me healthy. Financially – Father, help me to prosper and be a good steward of everything you give me. It all belongs to you. Help me to use it wisely. In Jesus name, Amen!

The best are capable of the worst and the worst are capable of the best

Don’t be deceived by thinking that you cannot fall into sin. The most celebrated heroes in the Bible were guilty of the worst behavior. Noah got drunk. Abraham lied. Lot committed incest. Judah slept with his daughter-in-law Tamar because he thought she was a prostitute. Moses murdered an Egyptian. David committed adultery. Peter denied Christ. Do you really believe you are incapable of such things? Think again. The same sin nature that lived in these people lives in you. Remember, even the best are capable of the worst. On the other hand, don’t be deceived into thinking that you’ve done something so bad that God can no longer use you. God will forgive you if you place your faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, God will turn your worst failures will be your greatest strengths. The best are capable of the worst and the worst are capable of the best. Both are important to remember. One keeps you humble. The other gives you hope.

Bargaining with God

Leroy demanded a bicycle from his dad. He threw a temper tantrum when his dad said, “Leroy, we don’t have the money to buy you anything you want. Go to your room and write a letter to Jesus.” Leroy went to his room. He pouted and cried. Then he wrote this letter: Dear Jesus, I’ve been a good boy this year and I would appreciate a new bike. Your friend, Leroy He knew this was not true so he ripped up the letter and gave it another try. Dear Jesus, I’ve been an OK boy this year. I want a new bicycle. Yours truly, Leroy Leroy knew this wasn’t totally honest either so he tore it up and tried again. Dear Jesus, I’ve thought a lot about being a good boy this year. Can I have a new bike? Leroy Leroy looked down in his heart (which was what his dad was trying to get him to do) and he crumbled up that letter and trashed it. He was sort of depressed. He went outside and wondered about aimlessly. He finally found himself in front of a Catholic Church - a huge cathedral with a great big cross on top. He wondered in the church and began looking at all the statues. He had never seen so many statues in his life. Suddenly, he grabbed a small statue of Mary and ran home and hid under his bed. Then he wrote this letter. Jesus, I’ve broken most of the 10 commandments, I have shot spit wads in school, tore up my sisters Barbie doll and lots more. I’m desperate. I’ve got your momma. If you ever want to see her again give me a bike. Leroy This story makes me smile. It reminds me of James 4.3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Do you ever bargain with God? Have you ever promised God that if he will do this you will do that? When you pray make sure you check your motives. When God answers your prayer be sure to accept his answer. If God says “Yes” then give thanks him. If he says “No” give thanks anyway. You might not understand it now but in time you will learn that God knows what is best for you.

The Next Time You Get Frustrated

I’m building an office in my garage. I am no carpenter but I’m doing well on this project. At first I was frustrated because I couldn’t get the concrete nails in my garage floor. The nails busted the concrete. I almost quit. Then I thought “What would Jesus do? He was a carpenter. He would know exactly what to do.” This had a calming affect on me. It seems so trite but it actually made me patient and renewed my resolve to continue. I went back to the hardware and discovered concrete bits and concrete screw nails. They worked like a charm. Since then I’ve made good progress. Inviting the Lord into simple everyday things really helps me. I’m enjoying working and making sure that it’s done right. At each successful point I show Kim what I have accomplished (just like a little boy) and she encourages me by saying things like “That’s good Jeff.” So with the Lord’s help and Kim’s encouragement I am accomplishing something I’ve never done before and I’m proud of it. The next time you get frustrated talk to Jesus about it and then go find someone to encourage you – it really works

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my fellow bloggers. God bless you and your family.

Begin With The End In Mind

Larry Walter’s childhood dream was to fly but his poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot in the Air Force. Determined to fulfill his dream, he purchased 45 weather balloons, filled them with helium, and tied them to his lawn chair which was anchored to the bumper of his jeep. In preparation for his flight he strapped on a parachute, took a CB radio to communicate with his friends on the ground, packed some soda, and a BB gun to shoot the balloons when he wanted to come down. Larry planned to float about 100 feet off the ground and come back down after a couple of hours. But things did not go as he planned. When Larry’s friends helped him cut the cords that anchored the lawn chair to his jeep he shot up into the LA sky as if he were fired from a cannon. He leveled off at 16,000 feet (about 3 miles high!). At this altitude he was cold, frightened, and helpless. He was afraid to shoot the balloons because it may unbalance the load. When he drifted into the primary approach corridor of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) he knew that he was in trouble. A TWA pilot passed Larry and radioed the airport explaining that he had just past a man in a lawn chair with a gun in his lap. Radar confirmed that there was an object floating 16,000 feet above the airport. LAX declared an emergency and dispatched a helicopter. Larry continued to drift toward the Pacific Ocean. The helicopter finally lowered a rescue line and pulled Larry to safety. He was arrested by LAPD for violating LAX airspace. As he was carried away in handcuffs a reporter asked him why he had done it. Larry nonchalantly responded, “A man just can’t sit around.” This story illustrates the futility and danger of taking off without knowing where you are going to land. Many people intend to float through life aimlessly. It’s always a good idea to pray, plan well, and seek advice from people who have experience. Don’t just take off. Begin with the end in mind. ____________________________________________________ This true story, which happened in 1982, was reported by the Associated Press. You can listen to the tape recorded CB conversation between Larry and his friends during his flight at http://www.markbarry.com/lawnchairman.html.

Kisses in a Box

She tried to wrap her dad’s gift but failed. The little girl wasted an entire roll gold Christmas wrapping paper. Her father became angry and disciplined her for being so wasteful. She went to bed crying. On Christmas morning she brought the gold box to her dad. When he opened the box it was empty and his anger flared again. He said, “You wasted all that wrapping paper for nothing. This box is empty!” With tears in her eyes she said “Oh Daddy. It’s not empty. I blew kisses in the box. I filled it up with my love and it’s all for you.” The father embraced his little girl and begged for her forgiveness. For years to come he kept that little gold box under his bed. Every time he was discouraged he would take the box and pull out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child that put it there.

Neil Young

George bought me a Neil Young CD for Christmas. I’m listening to “Down By the River” right now. It takes me back to 1979 in Zip Lilly’s garage where we (The Little Coal River Band) practiced. I remember Bobby, Zip, Pat, Randy, Jeff, Kim, Traci and me – good music, good harmonies, great friends, and rock and roll.

Joe Beam Interview on Focus on the Family

Joe Beam was interviewed by Focus on the Family. His interview was one of the most popular radio shows on Focus during 2005. You can listen to it at http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/focus_on_the_family/. Listen to it. It's great!

Focus on Planting Not Harvesting

Focus on planting not harvesting. Plant the seed of the kingdom and God will make it grow where he wills. It may not grow where you expect it to grow. It may grow in strange places. When it does not grow don’t feel bad, just move on. God may not be drawing that particular person at this time. When you see it spring to life, spend time cultivating it because God is at work. It’s easy to recognize because the person will be asking important questions of life. They will be motivated and interested to hear what you have to say about Jesus. Think differently. Know that evangelism is God’s work. You cannot make it happen if he’s not in it. Salvation is God’s work from start to finish. People cannot come to Jesus unless the Father draws them (John 6.44). God gives faith (Romans 12.3) and grants repentance (2 Timothy 2.25). The Holy Spirit is the true evangelist. The Spirit convicts people of their sin (John 16.8) and prompts them to confess Christ as Lord. This is impossible with the Spirit’s involvement. They cannot reason their way to Jesus. They cannot will it to happen and neither can you. No one can confess Jesus or even understand the things of God without the Holy Spirit because the gospel is spiritually discerned (2 Corinthians 2.6-16). So don’t feel pressure to convict people of sin or convince them of Jesus – that’s not your job. That’s God’s job. This puts a whole new perspective on sharing Christ. It's exciting. It heightens your sensitivity to God. Just plant the seed wherever you go and asked questions like "Where is God moving? Where is God working?" and then step into the flow of his power and do what he's doing. Join him in his work. He's always at work so you must always be looking.

Grading on a Curve

I finished grading exams and papers tonight. I will turn my students' grades in tomorrow. These grades reflect their performance on seven exams, one panel critique, and a 20-25 page theory preference paper. My class is hard but my grading scale is fair. Do you know what God's grading scale is? I will give you a hint. It's pass or fail. That's right! You pass if you are 100% righteous and you fail if you don't meet his perfect standard. Anything below 100% is fail. So, all you need for salvation is 100% obedience in thought, word, and deed to every commandment of scripture so that you are totally sinless. Isn't that good news? "No! That's terrible news" you say. "That's impossible!" Your right, it is impossible but that's God's standard and he doesn't grade on a curve. James 2.10 says For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. How can you be guilty of breaking all of it if you've broke only one? Let me illustrate: Suppose you are in a bucket that is dangling from a tall crane. The bucket is supported by a metal chain that has 1,000 links. How many of those links have to break before you are in trouble? If one link breaks you just as well break them all. If you break one of God's commands you have forever ruined your chance of being justified by law keeping. So, where do you stand? Are you 100% righteous? I am happy because I am 100% righteous. I have perfect obedience in thought, word, and deed to every commandment of scripture and I am totally sinless. "Jeff, that's not true", you say. "I know you. You have a history!" Well, let me explain. I didn't do it. Jesus did it for me. Jesus forgave me and he credited me with the righteousness of God (Roman 3.20-4.1-8). The same is true for you. You are justified by faith and not by works. You are saved because of your position and it has nothing to do with your performance. God made you righteous by your faith in Jesus. God cannot violate his standard of righteousness by grading on a curve. Jesus is the only way. So trust Christ and you pass.

The Password is "Jesus"

How many passwords do you have? Many computer users have to keep track of dozens of passwords for XP software, network accounts, email accounts, IM accounts, blogs, online calendars for scheduling, library accounts, premium websites for online purchasing, online banking, ATM machines, voice messages, and so on. Some people write their passwords on a piece of paper and loose it. When you loose your password it is a hassle. I simplified my life a long time ago. I have about 4 passwords that were assigned to me. For the rest of my accounts I use one word. It’s easy for me to remember. I know that it makes me vulnerable to thieves or snoops but I like to keep life simple. I’m grateful God made it simple. We don’t have to remember different passwords to connect to him. There is only one password. The password is Jesus.

Five Levels of Communication

There are five levels of communication.** 1. Cliché is surface level conversation e.g., exchanges hellos, talking about the weather, church isle chatter. 2. Sharing facts is a little deeper in that you talk about the details of what has happened or what could happen without evaluating it. 3. Sharing opinions is a little risky because of the potential for conflict. 4. Sharing feelings is even more risky because it requires you to be vulnerable and open about your emotion. 5. Transparency is open unguarded communication and requires trust. These levels move from the surface to deep meaningful conversation. We should be able to move in and out of every level naturally, depending on the circumstance and who we are talking to. Can you do this? Some people get stuck at level three and rarely share their feelings. Where do you tend to stay? Is there someone with whom you can be totally honest and transparent? ____________________________________________________ NOTE: The five levels of communication are from John Powell. I cannot remember the name of his book. I either loaned it or lost it but I remember it well because I’ve been using it for years in counseling.

Survivor

If you were deprived of basic comforts, exposed to the harsh natural elements, if your fate was at the mercy of strangers…who would you become? For 39 days 16 strangers were stranded on a remote island off the coast of Panama. They were forced to live together and use their collective wits to survive in a rugged environment. Day by day, the harsh elements and threatening animals tested the endurance of the survivors. They learned to cooperate, to building shelters, to gather or catch food in a contest for rewards. Those who succeeded in the day-to-day challenges were rewarded with things to make life on the Island more bearable. Those who failed did without. Every three days the survivors attended a Tribal Council. At this meeting, each person secretly voted to send one survivor home. The person with the most votes had to leave their tribe immediately. Week by week, one by one, people were voted off until only two survivors remain. At that point, the seven most recently eliminated survivors returned to form the final Tribal Council and decided who would be the sole survivor—and will win one million dollars! So goes the popular television show Survivor. If you were deprived of familiar surroundings, exposed to a different environment and culture, if your fate was at the mercy of strangers…who would you become? The book of Daniel tells a great story of four survivors. Their names are Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. In 605 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated Jerusalem. The Lord delivered Judah into his hand. He took some of the articles from the temple which he carried off to Babylon and put in the treasure house of his god. He also took the survivors far away – 500 miles back to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family – they were superior in every way – they were young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king's palace. The Babylonians tried to do three things to the Survivors. 1) They tried to change the way they think - They enrolled in a rigorous education program. The curriculum included the language and literature of the Babylonians. The academic program included mathematics, astronomy, history, and magic. They went to school three years to change the way they think. 2) They tried to change the way they worship – They even changed their names. Their given names revealed their devotion to the true and living God. Daniel (God is my judge), Hananiah (the Lord shows grace), Mishael (Who is like God) and Azariah (The Lord is my help). But Ashpenaz gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar (Bel protect his life); to Hananiah he gave the name Shadrach (command of the moon god); to Mishael they gave the name Meshach (Who is like the moon god?); and to Azariah they gave the name Abednego (servant of Nego, the Babylonian god of wisdom). So the name of the God was replaced with the false gods of Babylon. They tried to change the way they worship. 3) They tried to change their lifestyle – 1.5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king's table. They tried to force them to eat food that was forbidden. So here were four young survivors – probably teenagers. They lost their family, they lost their home, their school, their temple (place of worship) – they lost their friends and familiar surroundings. They witnessed a foreign army invade their city. Then they are taken captive – they were 500 hundred miles away from home. But they did not compromise their faith even when faced the flames of death Daniel 1.8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel chose not to eat the food because it was not kosher or the meat and wine had been sacrificed to idols. He quietly asked permission to abstain. Daniel said, "Please test us for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance to the others.” At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than all the others. So the guard took away their royal food and the wine and gave them nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Like Daniel and his three friends, your convictions will be tested. That’s why, if you are going to survive, you have to resolve not to defile yourself by compromising your convictions. They worked hard and they did their very best – and it paid off. They graduated at the top of their class. And Daniel was valedictorian. So they entered the king's service. The king found them ten times better than all the others. You may not be valedictorian but the Lord expects you to work hard and do your very best. Remember you represent Jesus Christ to your boss and your teachers. Some time later Nebuchadnezzar started having dreams that troubled him and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers (sounds like a Harry Potter movie) and he said to them, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards." They said, “There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks!” This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. When Arioch, the commander of the king's guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked for more time He went to his friends and urged them to pray and God answered his prayer. So he appear before the king and the king asked Daniel "Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?" Daniel, “No, I can’t. Nor can anyone else. But there is a God in heaven that can.” And Daniel interpreted his dream. Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and said, "Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to tell me my dream and interpret it. How did Daniel survive? How did he cope with a temperamental king and the threat of death? He gained support from his friends and he prayed to his God. Can you remember to do that when you are faced with a temperamental boss, or problems at school or work? Some time later King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura. Then the herald proclaimed, "This is what you are commanded to do. As soon as you hear the music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold. Daniel 3.16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." They trusted God even when they could not predict the outcome. They said, “God can save us but even if he does not we will not bow down to any other god.” That is inspiring! You can’t be sure what is going to happen in the future. Maybe God will save your marriage, save your job, save your life from cancer – but even if he does not say, “I will trust God even when I can’t predict the outcome. “ Then Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie them up and throw them into the blazing furnace. The furnace was so hot that the fire killed the soldiers who threw them in. The king leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Yes, O king." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." I believe that was Jesus Christ walking in the fire with them. Jesus promised us – I will always be with you. You may have to walk through the flames but he will be with you. Isaiah 43.1 But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So they came out of the fire and the king and his advisors saw that the fire unharmed and there was no smell of smoke on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." They were survivors and so are you. No matter what you face in life, God will protect you. He will see you through divorce, addiction, unemployment, or whatever you face. You are more than a survivor. You are more the conquerors through Jesus Christ. Praise God who delivers us from all harm and makes us victorious in Christ!

Family Secrets

Everybody has skeletons in their closets. Embarrassing family secrets that no one knows. But in Jesus’ family tree, there are no secrets. Matthew 1.1-17 lists the names of 46 people spanning 2000 years. Behind each name is a story. Some were heroes of faith – like Abraham, Isaac, and David. Some were ordinary people – like Hezron and Aram. Others were evil men – like Manasseh and Abijah. There are also five women listed in Jesus family tree – see if you can spot them in the text below. Matthew 1. 1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar, …. 5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah's wife, … 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Did you identify five women in the genealogy of Jesus? The most noble were Ruth and Mary. However, three out of the five women mentioned were involved in scandals. Have you read the story of Tamar (Genesis 38) and how her father-in-law got her pregnant? I can’t believe God allowed that story in the Bible. Then there was Rahab (Joshua 2). Do you remember her occupation? She was as an escort. That’s right - a prostitute! And then there was Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12) who committed adultery with David. David got her pregnant and had her husband killed to cover it up. God’s work in history was not limited by human failures or sin. Just as God used all kinds of sinful people to bring his Son into the world, he uses all kinds of people today to accomplish his will. Our moral failures cannot stop Jesus.

Donna Hester presented "Iron Apron Strings" at the Norway Avenue Church This Morning

This morning Donna Hester (from ACU) performed "Iron Apron Strings" at our church. The performance segment was a one-woman exploration into the maternal lineage of Jesus - vignettes of Eve, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Mary and the mysterious plan of God to use these women as paving stones to the birth of his Son. We saw Donna perform at the Zoe Conference and invited her to Norway Avenue. She is great! Donna is a professor of drama at Abiline Christian University. You should invite her to perform at your church.

Homework Stress

Homework often produces stress for children and parents. The academic requirements for children and teenagers have increased dramatically. Our daughters are in elementary and middle school. They are required to know some things that I did not study until high school and college. Our evenings are filled with extracurricular activities (3 different schedules for 3 basketball teams) and lots of homework. I pray for snow days!

You’re as Happy as Your Saddest Child

When your children are healthy and doing well it is easy to be happy. But when your children are struggling with problems it’s hard to think of anything else. If they are under pressure, confused about their identity, need good friends, or discouraged about their performance in school you feel their pain. Life looses its zest. Everything appears dull. You worry and fret. It’s hard to be excited about anything when a child has a problem. Today, someone said to me “You’re as happy as your saddest child.” That statement resonated with me. It’s so true. I’ve repeated aloud several times today. Lord, bless our children. They face so much. They are just little girls. Fill them you’re your Spirit. Affirm them. Encourage them. Guide them. Comfort them. Send strong angels to protect them. In Jesus name, Amen!

Property Laws of a Toddler

No one taught me to be selfish. I was born selfish. I am sinful by nature and by choice. Now, I don't want to sin. I want to do good but sin is in my members. Even when I try to do good sin trips me up. That's why I have to die to myself so that Jesus can live in me. But it is hard to stay dead. I've been struggling with sin all my life, since I was a toddler. My sinful nature was evident at an early age. Deb Lawrence listed 10 property laws of toddlers** which illustrate this point. 1. If I like it, it's mine. 2. If it's in my hand, it's mine. 3. If I can take it from you, it's mine. 4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine. 5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way. 6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine. 7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine. 8. If I saw it first, it's mine. 9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine. 10. If it's broken, it's yours. I've seen these laws at work in the lives of children. I've seen them at work in my own life. Lord Jesus help me. I don't want to be self-centered and selfish, but I am. Help me to die to myself. Live in me! Amen _____________________________________ **Deb Lawrence, Missionary to the Philippines with SEND International, quoted in Prokope, November/December, 1992, p. 3.

Visiting Other Churches

I like to visit other churches when I’m on vacation. This week I visited three different churches. Wednesday night I worshiped at the First Baptist Church in Proctorville. Sunday morning I went to Christ Temple in Huntington and tonight I worshiped with the Jefferson Avenue Church of God. I knew people in each of these churches through my involvement in the community (Mission Tri-State [a ministerial association], school, and AA). Tonight, at Jefferson Avenue, I sat beside one of my friends from AA and we worship God together. It was a great experience and I enjoyed worshiping at all these churches.

Love Jesus More than Your Family

We were watching the Matthew videos. Tori was listening intently when Jesus said, "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10.37). Tori asked, “Daddy, do you love Jesus more than me?” I said, “Yes. If we love Jesus best we will love each other better. Do you understand?” Tori shook her head and said, “When we love Jesus infinity we can love each other 100%.” I said, “That’s exactly what it means.” C.S. Lewis put it like this: "When I learn to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now. In so far as I learn to love my earthly dearest at the expense of God or instead of God, I shall be moving towards the state in which I shall not love my earthly dearest at all. When first things are put first, second things are not suppressed but increased."

The Next Time You See A Homeless Person

J.D. Tant was scheduled to preach a revival in Tennessee on Sunday but he arrived the Wednesday before. He was unshaven and dressed in overalls. He looked like a homeless man and no one recognized him. Tant asked people for food and tried to find a place to stay. The church turned him away. On Sunday morning the old bum showed up for church but no one had seen the preacher. As they began the service a man explained to the congregation that Brother Tant had not arrived. Just then, from the back pew, Tant walked down the isle in overalls and said “I was hungry and you did not feed me. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I needed clothes and you did not clothe me. I was a stranger and you did not take me in.” At this, he mounted the pulpit to preach his first sermon for the revival. That’s the way Jesus came. He came to his own but they did not receive him. The next time you see a homeless person remember the passage below. Matthew 25.35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

One Day at a Time

God told Joshua that he would give Israel the Promised Land little by little. They didn’t take it all at once. Joshua 3.29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land. Live one day at a time. Don’t become overwhelmed. Get your eyes off the entire war and fight your battles one at a time. With each victory you gain confidence. Nothing will be able to stop you because God with you. But you have to do it little by little.

Contrasting Healthy and Unhealthy Churches

My view of the church has changed. I used to think that a true church was one that baptized people for the remission of sins, never used an instrument in worship, observed communion every Sunday, had a plurality of elders and deacons (and refused to call the preacher “pastor”), rejected all five points of Calvinism, and taught a millennial eschatology. I used to think that unless a church could be described by the list above it was not a "true" church. My legalistic 6-item checklist was very sectarian and exclusive. Moreover, the Lord Jesus Christ was missing from all six items! The Bible paints a very different picture of the church. The list below is not intended to be exhaustive, but it does provide some thought-provoking contrasts between healthy and unhealthy churches.** I like to frame my view of the church with the words “healthy and unhealthy” as opposed to “true church and not a church at all.” It just seems to be a more gracious way of viewing churches and does not appear to be as sectarian or exclusive because all churches are unhealthy in some areas and can be nursed back to health. Carefully read the contrasting statements below and reflect on each one. All of the references are from the book of Acts. Healthy Church - Focused on Christ (2:22-36) Unhealthy Church - Focused on church Healthy Church - Relies on the Holy Spirit (2:1-47) Unhealthy Church - Relies on human effort Healthy Church - Based on the Bible (2:42) Unhealthy Church - Based on tradition Healthy Church - Emphasis on grace (15:1-35) Unhealthy Church - Emphasis on works-righteousness Healthy Church - God gets all the credit (2:47) Unhealthy Church - People get the credit. Healthy Church - Faithfully practices the ordinances of baptism (2:41) and communion (2:42) Unhealthy Church - Fails to practice these ordinances or overemphasizes them. Healthy Church - Diversity is encouraged (2:9-11), and there is a respect for individual beliefs and cultural differences Unhealthy Church - Conformity is prized, and individual beliefs & cultural differences are devalued. Healthy Church - Prayer is a priority (4:23-31) Unhealthy Church - Prayer is talked about but not practiced Healthy Church - Communication is clear & direct (15:22-35) Unhealthy Church - Communication is unclear & indirect. Healthy Church - Repentance is stressed (3:19) Unhealthy Church - Repentance is whispered Healthy Church - Members feel empowered (4:31) and share power with one another Unhealthy Church - Members or leaders use power and control over others. Healthy Church - Assemblies are dynamic; Inspiring worship (2:43, 4:23-31) Unhealthy Church - Assemblies are dull, predictable and boring Healthy Church - Thinking and questioning are encouraged (18:26) Unhealthy Church - Thinking and questioning are discouraged. Healthy Church - Obedient to God (4:19) Unhealthy Church - People pleasing Healthy Church - Members trust other members and leaders, or at least they openly express any lack of trust. (5:1-11) Unhealthy Church - Mistrust is evidenced by an undercurrent of unexpressed hostility. Healthy Church - Culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure (17:16-34) Unhealthy Church - Fixated on doctrine and uses out-of-date methods. Healthy Church - Goals are clear and specific (1:8) and shared by the members - the church is lead to meet goals. Unhealthy Church - Goals are fuzzy, abstract, and general. Members have unclear personal goals or no goals at all. Healthy Church - Most members feel a sense of inclusion, and excluded members are invited to become more active (2:44) Unhealthy Church - Many members feel excluded and cliques are formed - there is fear of expressing feelings of being left out Healthy Church - The leadership functions are shared by the group; people feel free to initiate activities and be creative (6:1-7). Unhealthy Church - There are power conflicts among members and leaders. Creativity is discourage. Healthy Church - Large group assemblies and small group sharing (20:20) Unhealthy Church - Large group and middle size group only. Small groups are viewed with suspicion. Healthy Church - Sin is confessed (19:18) Unhealthy Church - Sin is hidden and rarely confessed Healthy Church - Members give their money generously 4:32-37) – the leaders are accountable and open in the way they handle funds Unhealthy Church - Members are not charitable - the leaders are secretive and unaccountable. Healthy Church - Organizational structure is functional and flexible (6:1-7). Gift-based ministry. Unhealthy Church - Organizational structure in inflexible and dysfunctional. Haphazard ministry Healthy Church - Needs-oriented evangelism (1:8) Unhealthy Church - Evangelism is rare - few people are saved Healthy Church - Cooperates with other churches in ministry (21:18 & 24:17) Unhealthy Church - Isolates themselves from other churches - exclusive and sectarian. Healthy Church - Cohesion is high; there is a close emotional bond among members. Members share with each other (2:44-45). Unhealthy Church - Division exists; people feel distant from one another. There is a lack of caring and empathy. Healthy Church - Organized ministry for the poor (6:1-7) Unhealthy Church - No organized outreach to the poor Healthy Church - Men and women are free to pray and prophesy (1:14, 2:17, 4:24, 21:9) Unhealthy Church - Women and young girls are excluded from full participation in assemblies & small groups Healthy Church - Loving relationships permeate every aspect of the church ( 20:36-38) Unhealthy Church - Members are distant from each other Healthy Church - Conflict among members or with leaders is recognized, discussed, and often resolved (6:1-8, 15:1-30 & 36-41) Unhealthy Church - Conflict or negative feelings are ignored, denied, or avoided. Healthy Church - Passionate spirituality (18:28) Unhealthy Church - Lack of enthusiasm - low morale Review the distinguishing marks of a healthy church listed above. Don’t view it as a legalistic checklist. View it as a list of inspiring qualities to work toward. No church is perfect. A church can be unhealthy in numerous areas and still be the church of God. Think about the church in Corinth. The Corinthian church was divided (1.10), immoral (5.1-13; 6.12-20), they were suing each other in civil courts of law (6.1-11), they had problems with divorce and remarriage (7.1-40), they were insensitive to weak believers (chapters 8-10), they observed the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (11.17-34), they were confused about spiritual gifts (12.1-30), their assemblies were chaotic (14.26-39), and their teaching on the resurrection was wrong (15.12-58). Yet, in spite of all of these problems Paul addressed them as the church of God in Corinth (1.2) and said that he always gave thanks for them (1.4). With the security of their salvation affirmed, he gave specific instructions to nurse this church back to health. This view of the church is very different than the prior view I described at the beginning of this post (i.e., the legalistic 6-item (checklist). This current view allows us to be just as grateful as Paul was, even for churches with as many problems as Corinth. We should stop ostracizing unhealthy churches and express gratitude for every church that confesses Jesus Christ is Lord. Think about each statement as it relates to your church. Identify strengths and build on them. Identify weaknesses and take measures to improve those areas. Work to improve the health of your church knowing that your salvation is secure. You are the church of God. One day Jesus will present his church to himself as perfect, without blemish. Until that time we pray and rely on the Holy Spirit as we strive to be all the Lord wants us to be as a church. _____________________ **FOOTNOTE: Where did I get the idea? The list of characteristics of a healthy church is adapted from Cory and Cory’s description of healthy groups in: Cory, Gerald. Theory and Practice of Group Counseling 6th edition. (2001) Wadsworth Press. Belmont CA. As I was preparing to teach a counseling course I was struck by the similarites between healthy and unhealthy groups and healthy and unhealthy churches. I took Cory's list and found relevant passages from Acts that described a healthy church.

The Penthouse or the Outhouse

Sonny Jurgensen was a quarterback for the Washington Redskins. After a very poor performance one Sunday afternoon he was interviewed by some reporters. The reporters were very critical. They talked to him about his slump. They asked him questions like, “Do you think you are all washed up? Do you think you’re going to make it through the season? Who do you think is going to take your place?” They verbally beat him up with their sharp questions. Finally, the crowd left but one reporter lingered. He felt sorry for him and asked “Sonny, how do you stand all this criticism? Doesn’t it just depress you forever? Don’t you just want to quit?” Sonny looked at him and said “No it doesn’t depress me. When I became a quarterback I understood that I will either live in the penthouse or the outhouse but I will seldom live in between.” That is true of all leaders. Some people want to put you in the penthouse. Others would like to have you in the outhouse. To some you are a hero. To others you are the ultimate villain in the plot. You are respected by some and hated by others. But leaders, if they lead the way God wants them to lead, cannot allow themselves to go up and down on the yoyo of popular opinion. It is impossible to lead any worthwhile cause without facing opposition and criticism.

Letters from Kids

Dear Pastor, Please say in your sermon that Peter Peterson has been a good boy all week. I am Peter Peterson. Dear Pastor, My father should be a preacher. Every day he gives us a sermon about something. Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance? Dear Pastor, My mother is very religious. She goes to play bingo at church every week even if she has a cold. Dear Pastor, I would like to go to heaven someday because I know my brother won't be there. Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God's help or a new pitcher. Thank you. Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class.

God Answered My Prayer - I Killed an Eight Point Buck

God gave me success. I prayed for an 8 point buck and he heard my prayer. I hunted in Mason County WV on my brother-in-law’s farm. Bob and his dad Bob Sr. allowed me to hunt there and I’m grateful to them – I had a great day. I saw two dozen turkeys and 13 doe. Then, at 2:30pm, two 8 points came across the field. I took the one with the largest rack. It was a 160 yard shot with iron sights on a borrowed gun (it was my nephew's [Todd Meadows] 30-30 Winchester). The buck stopped broad sided. I hesitated and whisper a prayer “God, I can’t do it without a scope. Lord, please help me shoot him. Guide the bullet.” I pulled the trigger and the deer dropped where I shot him. I know that God guided that bullet because it was a perfect shot to the heart. I could not have done it myself with iron sights – he did it. I know he did because I prayed in the spirit a of David – a prayer too long and passionate for me to explain. But it happened exactly like I prayed. Exactly! When I reached the deer and saw his rack I got down on my knees and thanked the Lord. I held my riffle up. I lifted my hands. I was in the middle of the field with no one around. I shouted “Thank you! Thank you Lord! You did it. You answered my prayer. He’ll make a great mount! In the name of Jesus I thank you!” Then I started laughing and saying “Yes! Yes!” It took me 3 hours to drag him to my car and it was worth every step. I will never forget today. I’ve hunted hard since August. Every chance I got I was in the woods scouting, building tree stands, taking corn to my feeder, and hunting. If I wasn’t in the woods I was thinking about it. This has been a great seasons. I’ve killed four deer this year – our freezer is packed! In fact, we are going to have to use mom’s and Jeanie’s freezer. Today was a great way to end the season. Gun in Ohio season starts Monday but I can’t hunt because I’ve bagged my limit. I thank God for the thrill of hunting deer and I can’t wait till next year. I told God I was going to brag on him. I think God is pleased when we put him in the center of our recreation. What do you love to do? Tennis? Biking? Golf? Some other sport? Try this – focus your thoughts on Jesus and invite him to participate in everything you do. Tell him what trophy you want and ask him to give it to you. Tell him you will brag on him when he does it. Then be patient. I came out of the woods empty handed more often than not. But be patient. He will give you the desires of your heart and then shout to the Lord in the middle of your field. Show him you love to play with him at the center. I believe God likes us to approach him with these simple enjoyments. I want my kids to involve me in their recreation (volleyball, basketball) and I cheer for them as they play and celebrate when they win. I think God feels the same about his children.

Headed for Mason County WV

It is 1:40 a.m. and I can’t sleep. I’m excited about going deer hunting in Mason County WV. I no longer have a buck tag for Ohio – I’ve tagged out in Ohio. So I’m headed for WV this morning. I have to leave in 3 hours (at 4:30am). I need to get some rest but I’m thinking about that 8 point buck Bob Sr. has been watching. I've been to bed three times and I am too excited to sleep. I pray I get it. I’ve killed 3 deer this year but I want a wall hanger. I pray for an 8 point. God, give me success.

Thanksgiving Dinner and Deuteronomy 8

Kim, the girls and I enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at Kim’s parents and brother. We ate, watched football, and visited. During dinner I read the Deuteronomy 8. I love this passage - it goes well with the holiday. Deuteronomy 8.6 Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. 7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; 8 a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; 9 a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. 10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. 19 If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

I Killed Another Deer

I killed a buck today with my crossbow. It was a 35 yard shot and the deer dropped where he was standing. I’ve never seen a deer drop like this with an arrow. It was like I shot him with a riffle. I love my crossbow. I thank God for giving me a successful hunt and I'm grateful for the meat.

Do You Have a J-O-B?

A young man wanted to marry a farmer’s daughter. The young man had been in school all his life. He went to this farmer and he said "Sir, I would like your daughter’s hand in marriage. I want your blessing. I want you to know that I have a BA and a MA and a Ph.D.” The old farmer didn’t know what a BA or MA or a Ph.D. was, so he said ‘Son, what I want to know is - do you have a J-O-B?”

Speaking at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center

Last night I spoke in the auditorium of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on the Campus of Marshall University. The theater is nice, a very different atmosphere for a lecture and the screen for my power point was as big as a movie screen in a cinema. The presentation was for Cabell Huntington Hospital’s Senior Wise Program. I spoke on Coping with Holiday Depression – using the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy structured around Alfred Adler’s Five Universal Life Tasks. I also played my guitar and sang two songs. I can’t believe I get to do these things. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. Just 3 ½ years ago I was in a pit of sin headed for jail but Jesus Christ has completely turned my life around and I’m so grateful.

Sermon Preparation

I spend a lot of time in sermon preparation – approximately 20 hours per sermon. If I get busy and neglect my sermon preparation I can tell the difference and I am not satisfied. So I plan to spend many hours in preparation. Most of the time I preach sermon series – a balance of expository and topical lessons. My favorite type of preaching is expository. I like to preach straight through books of the Bible. But I have also found topical preaching to be helpful for the church. I typically plan my sermons 3-6 months in advance. I email a copy of my “Sermon Series Planner” to Matt Hayes (our worship leader) and to Jeanie (my sister/secretary). During this planning period I am gather materials for study (books and tapes). After I have the series plan in place, each week I go through the same ritual that is described below. First, I read the text many times. I read silently and then I read aloud. I pray and ask God to open my eyes. As I read I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me. I want to know the answer to two basic questions: 1) What does Jesus want me to know? 2) What does Jesus want me to do? While I am reading and studying the text Jeanie takes my old sermon tapes and transcribes them. These are old sermons from Hurricane and Reynoldsburg where I used to preach. Jeanie typically stays one or two lessons ahead in my series. She emails them to me when she completes them (I really appreciate Jeanie’s time and work – she is invaluable!). I like it when I have already preached on the subject because I get the benefit of reminding myself of what I previously learned. I read the manuscript and see what I can use. I have to be fed before I can feed the church. So I like to have at least three commentaries and two taped sermon series on the subject from other preachers. As I ride in my car listening to these tapes I feel like I am have great teachers riding with me. I ride with Chuck Swindol, David Jeremiah, Beth Moore, Bob Russell, Rick Atchley, Rubel Shelly, and Alistair Begg. I love to ride with these great teachers and I learn so much from them. When I am in my office or at home I listen to these tapes at double speed (so I can listen to a 30 minute sermon in 15 minutes). I take notes from what I read in the commentaries and hear on the tapes. I put it all together in a manuscript, trusting that the Holy Spirit is leading me. When I get all my notes together – what Jeanie has transcribed from old sermons that I have preached and the new notes that I have taken from commentaries and sermon tapes – I frequently have 15 pages of notes. Then I follow the principle of parsimony i.e., using the least amount words to say the most. I limit my manuscript to 5 pages to stay within 30 minutes. I write down every word I am going to say. I rehearse each page five times aloud. I often tape myself as I rehearse and then play the tape for myself, listening through the ears of my audience. I am constantly editing the manuscript and making changes throughout this process to make improvements. Sometimes I get stuck and I have to walk and think. I like to walk in the cemetery near our church. Getting out, changing the scene, and moving around while I’m rehearsing seems to help me. I often pray “God help me. I’m stuck. Don’t let me spin my wheels. Speak to me. Insert thoughts and images into my mind. Give me insight. I am preparing to preach for your people. It’s important. I feel so urgent about it. Please help me!” And God answers my prayers. After I finish editing the five page manuscript I highlight all my scripture references and major points for Rob Durst, our AV man. I prepare power point slides with appealing background images. Then I email my manuscript and power point to Rob. He makes multiple copies of my sermon manuscript – some for people who work in the AV room and the other copies go to our international students who have some difficulty with English. I clip my manuscript in the Bible so that I can walk around while I deliver the message. I underline key words in my manuscript so that I can glance at it and know where I am at as I move through the manuscript. In addition to this, I meet with Matt Hayes our worship leader. The exchange with Matt is always energizing. We pray, review and evaluate the previous Sunday, and plan for the upcoming service. Matt is great to work with. He thinks in songs and I think in sermons. We work together and I love it. After our meeting Matt plans the praise and worship with the Praise Team. They do an excellent job leading worship. On Sunday morning I isolate myself away from all distraction. I want to be alone so that I can rehearse and pray. Sometimes I have to prepare props and run copies of the manuscript but most of the time is spent alone. I isolate myself in the Spirit of Jesus who frequently spent time alone before he ministered. Then, when the congregation begins to arrive before Bible Class I usually stand at the door and greet people. This helps me greatly because it makes me feel connected to the people I will be speaking to. If I feel unsure about my sermon I continue to rehearse and pray over it during Bible Class time. I struggle with this because I want to always be in class but sometimes I feel compelled to spend the final 45 minutes rehearsing and praying over my manuscript because I want to do my best for Jesus. After Bible Class I mingle and greet people warmly. I walk around from section to section and try to greet as many people as I can. Again, this connects me to the people. This process of being alone with God and being with people makes me feel connected to both. I am always nervous before each sermon but it’s a good kind of “nervous.” It’s not the kind that immobilizes me. It’s the kind that energizes me. I am nervous before I preach because I am keenly aware of how important my role is. It is an awesome responsibility and I want it to please God and encourage people to live for Jesus Christ. In the end I have four goals for each sermon. First, I want to be accurate – to interpret the Bible and proclaim God’s word accurately. Second, I want to be clear – to help people understand God’s word. I want my lessons to be simple, clear and concise. Third, I want to be practical – to show people how to apply God’s word in daily living. Fourth, most of all, I want to please Christ– to walk away from the pulpit knowing that I did my best for Jesus. To think that if Jesus was physically present in the audience he may have said “Amen.” This is how I prepare for sermons. This may not work for others. I sort of envy preachers who can speak extemporaneously and don’t have to spend this much time preparing. Some people have told me that I need to trust God more and allow the Spirit to work. But for me, I believe the Spirit works better when I have done my homework. I enjoy the process of sermon preparation. It is hard work but I like it. Plus, I believe it follows the directives Paul gave Timothy. 1 Timothy 4.13-16 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Speaking at Cabell Huntington Hospital

This evening I will be speaking for employees and volunteers at Cabell Huntington Hospital. My presentation is entitled Coping with Holiday Depression. I pray that I do a good job and people are encouraged.

The Benefits of Getting Caught (My Story on Realaudio)

You can listen to my story on realaudio at http://www.rhchurch.org/audio.php. The title is The Benefits of Getting Caught - Grace through the eyes of a recovering alcoholic. The date of the sermon is 11/16/05 at the Richland Hills Church in Fort Worth Texas.

34,000 Feet High

I am in an airplane flying back home from Texas. I am 34,000 feet high. I can see miles and miles. It’s big. It’s beautiful. I’m taking it in. God is awesome! I’ve always been fascinated with airplanes. When I was a little boy I loved to watch airplanes fly across the sky. I could only see part of the sky because I grew up between two hills in West Virginia. But I remember how I laid down in the leaves and watch little shiny dots leave a jet stream across the sky. I could hardly stop watching. Now I’m in a little shiny dot and some little boy is watching and dreaming below. I love to fly in airplanes but I want more. I look forward to being able to fly myself. Elijah did it in a chariot of fire. But I want to fly like Jesus. He just took off while people watched in amazement. How high did Jesus go? I don’t know but one day I want to fly like him and I will go higher than 34,000 feet.

From Richland Hills in Fort Worth Texas

I spoke at Richland Hills tonight. The church is huge! I enjoyed spending time with Rick Atchley - eating dinner and visiting. It was wonderful being with him. I have admired him for a long time. I thank God for the opportunity to speak tonight. The people were responsive and I am happy with my sermon. It's the largest audience I've ever spoken to. You can hear me speak on "The Benefits of Getting Caught" on Realaudio at http://www.rhchurch.org/audio.php. The date of my sermon was 11/16/05.

Headed to Fort Worth Texas

I will be speaking at the Richland Hills Church in Fort Worth Texas tomorrow. I am going to tell my story. I pray that Jesus will be pleased and people will be encouraged.

My Sinful Nature and the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5.16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature . Nothing good lives in me i.e., my sinful nature. All it knows how to do is sin. It’s a law at work in my body. It attracts sin like a magnet. I don’t want to sin but I do. Even when I try to do good sin trips me up. My sinful nature is wretched. It cannot be tamed. It cannot be converted. It must die. I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live. Christ lives in me by his Spirit. The Holy Spirit moves us to follow God's decrees and to be careful to keep his laws. When I live by the Spirit I do not gratify my sinful desires. The Spirit moves me, prompts me, comforts me, enlightens me, strengthens me, and santifies me. He does all these good things for me. His purpose is to glorify Jesus. He does this by gradually transforming my mind and behavior so that I look like Jesus. When I sin I am living by my own nature but when I do good it is not really me doing it, its Christ living in me. There are periods of time when I keep in step with the Spirit. During these times I don't feel the urge to sin. I love it when it happens. There are also periods of time when I feel strong urges to sin. When this happens I pray God will help me to die to myself so that Jesus can live in me.

The Promises

The following is taken from pages 83 and 84 of the book, Alcoholics Anonymous - or what is commonly referred to as - "The Big Book". These are known as "The Promises" and they fill my heart with hope that God will continue to bless me as I follow Jesus. The Promises are usually read before every AA meeting. If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us - sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.

My Name is Pride and I am a Cheater

I like this piece Beth Moore wrote about pride. My name is pride and I am a cheater. I cheat you out of your God-given destiny because you demand your own way. I cheat you out of contentment because you deserve better than this. I cheat you out of knowledge because you know it all. I cheat you out of peace because you are too full of me to forgive. I cheat you out of holiness because you refuse to admit it when you are wrong. I cheat you of genuine friendship because no body is ever going to know the real you. I cheat you out of love because real romance demands sacrifice. I cheat you out of greatness and heaven because you refuse to wash another’s feet on earth. I cheat you out of God’s glory because I convince you to seek your own. My name is pride and I am a cheater! You like me because you think I’m always looking out for you. Untrue, I’m always looking to make a fool out of you. God has so much for you I admit, but don’t worry, if you stick with me you’ll never know. (Beth Moore)

Seven Point Buck

I found the deer I shot. He was a seven point buck.

How Would You Spend It?

The length of our days is seventy years— or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalm 90.10 Time is a precious commodity. I believe it's more valuable than money. If you spend money you can make more but when you spend time it's gone for good. Ever said "I wish I could win the lottery?" Let's suppose you won $25,550, how would you spend it? How long would it last? It sounds like a lot of money but it isn't. It would not last long. If you live to age 70 you have 25,550 days. It sounds like a lot of time but it isn't. It doesn't last long. Much of it is spent doing little things. The average American will spend… • Six months sitting at stoplights • Eight months opening junk mail • One year looking for misplaced objects • 2 years unsuccessfully returning phone calls • 4 years doing housework • 5 years waiting in line • 6 years eating (survey of 6000 people polled in 1988, U.S. News and World Report, Jan. 30, 1989, p. 81) I will be 43 this month. If the Lord lets me live to age 70 I only have 9,855 days left to spend. It goes fast. I'm trying to make it count. My goal is to spend it serving Jesus, my family and other people (and I want spend some of it hunting deer). How would you spend it?

Night Owl

I’ve always been a night owl. I suppose it has to do with my circadian rhythms. My light naturally burns bright at night. I work in the mornings and afternoons. But I do my best work at night. The house is so quiet. All I can hear is a fan. Kim and the girls are fast asleep. I’ve been studying two subjects: Multimodal Psychotherapy and The Life of David. Weird combination but my attention is captured by both. I’m preparing for Thursday’s lecture at Marshall and Sunday’s sermon at church. When do you function best?

Wherever You Are Be All There

Matthew 6.34 Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.(The Message) Don’t worry about the future. Don’t live in past regrets. Live now for that’s all you can do. Now is all you have. You can’t live two seconds beyond now so be fully present wherever you are. When you are working don’t wish you were somewhere else - work. When you are playing a game with your wife and kids don’t worry about your work – be emotionally available to your family. When you are in bed at night don’t worry the future or ruminate about the past – let your mind rest. Wherever you are be all there. Stop living so much of your life in the past and future. Live today. Experience it fully because today is all you have.

Wounded Deer

I shot a 6-point this afternoon. I used a rattle bag and grunt tube. He responded and came in close - just 25 yards away from my tree stand. I waited until he presented a good target. He had a big body and stood broadside. I felt good about the shot when my arrow hit him and I waited 40 minutes before I began to track him. He bled good for about 60 yards but stopped bleeding and I lost his trail. At the last drop of blood I got down on my knees and prayed for God to help me find him. I tried hard but I couldn't find him. I walked out of the woods feeling bad about it. I hate to leave a wounded deer in the woods. He was a beautiful animal.

A Prayer for Keely

Father, Please heal Keely. She fell and fractured both sides of her skull. She is so little and precious – take care of her as she is in ICU. Strengthen Geff and Bevin. Comfort them and give the assurance as Keely recovers. We will brag on you and tell everyone how you healed Keely. Do this and get glory out of healing her. We will praise you and thank you as she recovers fully. In Jesus name. Amen!

Nine Dreams for the Future

1. The dream that Jesus would be the star and the message and the true Lord of our church. And that the Church of Christ would be a description of whose we are and not a denominational designation or a sectarian category. 2. The dream that we would seek to use powerful and relevant ways to get the church out of the building and be disciples in the marketplace. That we would lift our eyes to the fields and see the lost and speak with compassion the instruction of the Lord to their hurt, confusion, and weariness. 3. The dream that we would be a people that would not ask “What can the church do for me?” But that we would be a people who serves a transcendent God and practices a costly discipleship. It’s the dream that we would serve from the strength of our spiritual gifts 4. The dream that we will have dynamic assemblies that hits people at a heart level and ushers them into the presence of God. 5. The dream that we will develop a loving intolerance for sectarian language that implies that God loves us alone. 6. The dream that we will find effective ways to use the spiritual muscle and the spiritual wisdom of our women. 7. The dream that we will never compromise the gospel of grace. That we will speak where the Bible speaks, and despite the temptation to do otherwise, to be silent where the Bible is silent. To shout where it shouts, to whisper where it whispers, and to allow liberty where God’s Word allows liberty 8. The dream that we will have dynamic ministries that addresses the needs of every age and ethnic group. That we would be all things to all people so that we might save some. 9. The dream that we will be known for our love, our grace, our knowledge of Scripture, our moral excellence and our uncompromising loyalty to the Lord Jesus. I’ve had these nine dreams with me for 17 years. Where did they come from? I heard Ken Durham speak on the power of dreaming at the Nashville Jubilee in 1989. His message encouraged me. I bought his tape and transcribed his dreams. Since then I have changed and modified and added my own words.

Bats in the Cemetery

I often visit the cemetery near our church building. I go there to study and pray and rehearse my sermons. One evening I was rehearsing a sermon called Fear Factor. My sermon manuscripts are five pages long and I rehearse each page aloud five times. That evening I was concentrating on my sermon and didn’t notice how late it was until it was almost too dark to read my manuscript. I looked up and saw several bats swooping around my head. I found myself ducking and weaving, fearing the bats were going to fly into me. Then it occurred to me – I’ve been practicing this sermon on fear but I was afraid of those silly bats. So I stood up straight and tall and said out loud, “In the name of Jesus Christ I refuse to allow these bats to ruin my time with God!” I immediately felt confident and walked on, preaching my sermon aloud from memory. It may seem insignificant or silly to others but this little experience taught me some important lessons. Fear can make you walk funny. Fear steals your confidence and is very distracting. It’s hard to concentrate when you are afraid – even if it’s something as insignificant as bats. But when you call on the name of Jesus he gives you courage immediately. Faith overcomes fear. If you practice this in the little things it prepares your for the big challenges.

Charge Your Battery

Everyday I have to charge the battery in my cell phone. Today my cell phone went dead at noon while I was still in the woods hunting. Before my battery lost all power I saw I had five messages but I could not retrieve them because my phone was dead. I was on a ridge ¾ of a mile away from my car. I felt urgent about getting to my car to charge my phone so that I could receive the messages. I finally made it and returned the calls. That’s sort of what it’s like in my walk with Jesus. I have to stay plugged in and keep my battery charge. I charge my battery through prayer, Bible study, meditating, and serving so that I can receive messages.

Cherish Your Trophies

1 Samuel 17.54 David took the Philistine's head and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put the Philistine's weapons in his own tent.

Imagine David carrying that big old head into Jerusalem. Like a hunter mounting the head of a Pope and Young buck, David walked into town with the head of a giant for everyone to see. He also put Goliath's weapons in his own tent. I can see David walk by and pat the armor and say to himself ‘My God did that for me, and I know that he is going to do it again. It is a trophy of grace.’ Do you have some trophies from the past? Don’t bury them, cherish them because they will give you confidence to face the future.

Happy Birthday Shayna!

Shayna turns 10 Sunday. It's hard to believe. She's growing up so fast. She's happy, always smiling, and full of joy. We love everything about Shayna (and her sisters). We are celebrating her birthday Sunday. Then, next Friday night we are having a sleep-over party for her and her friends. Father, Thank you for Shayna Nicole. She is beautiful! Thank you for blessing her. I know your hand is on her. She loves you. And we love her. Thank you Lord for Shayna. In Jesus name, Amen.

I'm Glad I Was Caught

I'm glad I was caught. If it didn't happen I would probably still be drinking and doing bad things. But God has changed me, forgiven me, and he is using me. I praise his name! God wants to forgive us more than we want forgiveness. God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. You have never and will never do anything to make God stop loving you. The woman who was caught in the act of adultery discovered how much Jesus loved her (John 8.1-11). After silencing her condemning accusers Jesus told her to leave her life of sin. She staggered out of the court yard stunned by the love and forgiveness of Christ. If you have been recently caught in sin don't give up. There are a number of stories in the Bible about people who were caught in sin. On two occasions Abraham was caught lying to Pharaoh about his relationship to his wife Sarah. Judah was caught soliciting a woman he thought was a prostitute but she turned about to be his daughter-in-law. Moses was caught when he killed an Egyptian. David was caught in adultery and murder. Peter was caught denying Christ. Paul was caught on his way to arrest Christians but Christ arrested him. These Bible characters were caught and repented and far from being rejected, they continued to serve God in important ways. God is still doing this today. Every saint has a history and every sinner has a future. God will forgive you just like he has forgiven me. This is the way he forgives and loves all of his prodigals. So don’t stay in the far country. Run home knowing that the only feet faster than the feet of repentance are the feet of forgiveness. Acknowledge your wrong doings and stop sinning so that you may avoid more serious consequences. Set your feet on the road to recovery, make relationships a priority and experience the love and forgiveness of God. If you are struggling with alcohol or illicit sex or greed or some other vice, don't keep it a secret. Confess your sins to God and a trusted friend and you will be healed (James 5.16). Don't worry about loosing your reputation. I'm glad I lost mine. Now that I lost my reputation I can work on my character.

Dancing in the Hospital

Once a month I play my guitar and sing for the patients on the 5th Floor at Saint Mary's Hospital. The 5th floor is a skill unit where physical therapist work with elderly patients who have had knee or hip replacement surgery. I play my guitar and sing while the patients clap and sing with me. During my most recent visit I played Dance, Dance, Dance (an old Steve Miller song) and a man got up and danced. The director caught it on video tape. It's fun to watch.

My Lecture Notes from Current Psychotherapies (My Other Blog http://coun603.blogspot.com/)

I have another blog which contains my lecture notes for the class I teach at Marshall University. This blog is for my graduate students but you may be want to look at it if you are interested in counseling psychology. It covers a variety of theoretical approaches from Corsini’s and Wedding’s text Current Psychotherapies. I post my power point lecture notes every week so my students don't have to take notes. The therapeutic approaches include … • Psychoanalysis • Adlerian Therapy • Analytical Therapy • Person-Centered Therapy • Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy • Behavior Therapy • Cognitive Therapy • Existential Therapy • Gestalt Therapy • Multimodal Therapy • Family Therapy • Psychodrama • Experiential Psychotherapy The address for this blog is http://coun603.blogspot.com/

Help me to be faithful in my peanut patch

George Washington Carver prayed “Lord, teach me about the universe.” But God said, “That’s too big for you George. Leave the universe to me.” George said, “Then teach me about the peanut.” God said, “That’s about your size. OK, you study the peanut and I will help you.” So Carver studied the peanut and discovered over 300 peanut products that have helped mankind. Jesus promised that if we are faithful in the little things he will put us in charge of many things (Matthew 25.23). Father, Help me to be faithful in my peanut patch. Amen.

Shayna's love note

I just got in from hunting and found a note from Shayna on my computer screen. She wrote ... Dear Daddy, Thank you for being the best dad in the whole world. I love you so much. You do a wonderful job as a dad to. Shayna I love and cherish her notes. She frequently writes little notes to Kim and me.

The Rusty Welborn Story

A young man cowered in the corner of a dirty, roach-infested death row cell in a South Carolina prison. His body curled in a fetal position, he seemed oblivious to the filth and stench around him. His name was Rusty, and he was sentenced to die for the murder of a Myrtle Beach woman in a crime spree that left four people dead. Police arrested twenty-three-year-old Rusty Welborn from Point Pleasant, West Virginia in 1979, following one of the most brutal slayings in South Carolina history. Rusty was tried for murder and received the death penalty for his crime. Bob McAlister, deputy chief of staff to South Carolina’s governor, became acquainted with Rusty on death row. Bob had become a Christian a year or so earlier and felt a strong call from God to minister to the state’s inmates—especially those spending their last days on death row. Bob’s first look at Rusty revealed a pitiful sight. Rusty was lying on the floor when he arrived, a pathetic picture of a man who believed he mattered to no one. The only signs of life in the cell were the roaches who scurried over everything, including Rusty himself. He made no effort to move or even to brush the insects away. He stared blankly at Bob as he began to talk, but did not respond. During visit after visit, Bob tried to reach Rusty, telling him of the love Jesus had for him and of his opportunity—even on death row—to start a new life in Christ. He talked and prayed continuously, and finally Rusty began to respond to the stranger who kept invading his cell. Little by little, he opened up, until one day he began to weep as Bob was sharing with him. On that day, Rusty Welborn, a pitiful man with murder and darkness behind him and his own death closing in ahead of him, gave his heart to Jesus Christ. When Bob returned to Rusty’s cell a few days later, he found a new man. The cell was clean and so was Rusty. He had renewed energy and a positive outlook on life. McAlister continued to visit him regularly, studying the Bible and praying with him. The two men became close friends over the next five years. In fact, McAlister said that Rusty grew into the son he never had, and as for Rusty, he had taken to calling McAlister “Pap.” Bob learned that Rusty’s childhood in West Virginia had been anything but “almost heaven.” His family was destitute, and Rusty was neglected and abused as a youngster. School was an ordeal both for him and for his teachers. Throughout his junior high years he wore the same two pair of pants and two ragged shirts. Out of shame, frustration, and a lack of adult guidance, Rusty quit school in his ninth grade year, a decision that was to be just the beginning of his troubles. His teenage years were full of turmoil as he was kicked out of his home many times and ran away countless others. He spent the better part of his youth living under bridges and in public rest rooms. Bob taught Rusty the Bible, but Rusty was the teacher when it came to love and forgiveness. This young man who had never known real love was amazed and thrilled about the love of God. He never ceased to be surprised that other people could actually love someone like him through Jesus Christ. Rusty’s childlike enthusiasm was a breath of fresh air to Bob, who came to realize how much he had taken for granted, especially with regard to the love of his family and friends. In time Rusty became extremely bothered by the devastating pain he had caused the family and friends of his victim. Knowing that God had forgiven him, he desperately wanted the forgiveness of those he had wronged. Then a most significant thing happened: the brother of the woman Rusty had murdered became a Christian. God had dealt with him for two years about his need to forgive his sister’s killer. Finally, he wrote Rusty a letter that offered not only forgiveness but love in Christ. Not long before his scheduled execution, this brother and his wife came to visit Rusty. Bob was present when the two men met and tearfully embraced like long-lost brothers finally reunited. Rusty’s senseless crime ten years earlier had constructed an enormous barrier between himself and the brother. The love of Christ obliterated that barrier and enabled both men to realize that, because of Him, they truly were brothers reunited on that day. It was a lesson Bob would not forget. Not only did Rusty teach Bob McAlister how to love and forgive, he also taught him a powerful lesson about how to die. As the appointed day approached, Rusty exhibited a calm and assurance like Bob had never seen. Only his final day, with only hours remaining before his 1:00 A.M. execution, Rusty asked McAlister to read to him from the Bible. After an hour or so of listening, Rusty sat up on the side of his cot and said, “You know, the only thing I ever wanted was a home, Pap. Now I’m going to get one.” Bob continued his reading, and after a few minutes Rusty grew very still. Thinking he had fallen asleep, Bob placed a blanket over him and closed the Bible. As he turned to leave he felt a strong compulsion to lean over and kiss Rusty on the forehead. A short time later, Rusty Welborn was executed for murder. A woman assisting Rusty in his last moments shared this postscript to his story: As he was being prepared for his death, Rusty looked at her and said, “What a shame that a man’s gotta wait ‘til his last night alive to be kissed and tucked in for the very first time.” From Bad Beginnings to Happy Endings, by Ed Young, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publ., 1994), pp. 3-5.

Volleyball, Basketball and Kim's Birthday

Amber's team won the volleyball champtionship. She played great! Her team was undefeated in her conference. I loved watching her play. I just became the assistant basketball coach for the girls league in fairland. I look forward to the season with my girls. Kim's birthday was Saturday. The girls and I bought her a nice present.

God didn’t come to take sides, he came to take over

Joshua 5. 13 Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?" 14 "Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?" 15 The commander of the LORD's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so. I believe this is a pre-incarnate manifestation of the Son of God. His answer to Joshua’s question (i.e., Are you for us or for our enemies?) is interesting. He didn’t say “I’m on your side Joshua.” He said “Neither.” He didn’t come to take sides he came to take over.

Three Years and Two Days Sober

Today, by the grace of God, I am three years and two days sober. I thank my heavenly Father for his amazing grace. I thank Jesus for saving me and changing me. I am so thankful for Kim who stayed with me. I am so grateful to have our precious children. I'm happy to be alive and sober. It's a miracle! I talked to my old sponsor (John C.) in Columbus and my new sponsor in Huntington. (Tom J). They were happy for me. I am thankful for all my friends in AA. The meeting today was great. I will continue to work my program of recovery and live one day at a time.

Blinded by the Bible

As strange as it may sound, people can be blinded by the Bible. That’s what Jesus said to the Pharisees of his day. John 5.39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. Amazing! They diligently study it and meticulously obey it but Jesus was standing before them and they did not recognize him. That’s what legalism does – it blinds you to Jesus. The Bible is not an end in itself. It points to someone greater than itself. It points to Jesus. The law condemns. Jesus saves. So study it diligently and obey it meticulously but with no idea that it will give you life. The Bible is the X-ray – it reveals our sin and then points to the Great Physician – Jesus our Savior. Father, Open my eyes so that I can see the wonderful things in your word. Make me hungry for it. Then fill me up. Let me see Jesus on every page. Amen!

Chet Szuber has his daughter’s heart

Ezekiel 11.19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. 20 Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. By the time Chet Szuber, from Harrisville MI, was 50 he had two massive heart attacks, three bypasses surgeries, and was on a waiting list for a heart transplant. His daughter Patti was an organ donor. She died after a fatal automobile accident in TN. Though the family knew Patti had signed an organ donor card months earlier, they were stunned when a doctor said... “‘You can have Patti's heart,’” Chet Szuber recalled. “Well, I was flabbergasted. I had never considered it; never thought about it. And I couldn't say, ‘No’ fast enough. A million things went through my mind: Is this right, is this ethical? Is this a selfish move? Can I stand the thought of every heartbeat reminding me of Patti? And I turned it down.” (reported on the CBS Early Show, August 20, 2004 – 10 years after Patti’s accident) Chet Szuber refused the offer, but minutes later felt something. He said, “I don't want to sound corny at this point, but as I was waiting for the elevator, I swear Patti was pleading with me to accept her gift. And I thought, ‘My God, you know - How am I going to explain this to the family?’” Chet did explain it and the family agreed. The doctors recovered Patti's heart at 4am in TN and it arrived in Michigan at 6am. Chet cried as he said, “Patti's heart took its first beat at 9:47 that morning in my chest.” Almost immediately, Chet Szuber not only felt healthy, but also felt the beat of his daughter's heart. He said he feels she is always with him. It’s been 11 years since the surgery (in 1994) and Chet Szuber is still healthy and active. He has his daughter’s heart. Because of Patti, two blind ladies now have vision, two others share her kidney, and another has her liver. But the most meaningful transplant was her heart. Chet Szuber said, “As Patti looks down and sees all the good she's done, she has to be the happiest angel in heaven.” Jesus did this and more. He was more than an organ donor. His death was no accident. He died to save you. He gave you life. He put a new heart and a new Spirit in you. Try this. Put your hand over your heart. Be still. Be quiet. Do feel it beat? Now pray – Father, thank you for the heart transplant. You took my stone-heart out and gave me the heart of Jesus. I will never be the same. Move me to follow you degrees and keep your laws. Amen.

We give sin respectable titles

We give sin respectable titles. Adultery is an affair. Fornication is a cohabiting. Profanity is mature language. Sexual immorality is sexual preference. Abortion is termination of pregnancy. Pornography is adult entertainment. Drunkenness is getting high. Lying is an indiscretion. Greed is the good life. We use all sorts of euphemisms to describe sin. But you don’t change the lethal nature of poison by putting a new label on the bottle. The Bible warns us that the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). The best (and only) way to deal with sin is to turn to Jesus.

Worship in the Woods

Twenty feet high in a tree stand waiting for day break. Quiet. Dark. Brilliant stars – diamonds on black velvet. A distant rooster crows. Shadows. Sun. Bright. Gentle breeze. The woods come alive. Birds. Squirrels. Chipmunks. Deer. My heart swells with excitement. I whisper “God, you are awesome! Look at what you created. It’s beautiful! Thank you Lord.” That’s the way it typically goes during morning hunts. It’s worship in the woods. I often think of Psalm 104 (read it from the New Living Translation when you get time). Yesterday, Dana and Bruce (two friends) let me hunt on their land. I went through a thicket with lots of saw-briars and thorns and I thought of this passage: Cursed is the ground because of you. … It will produce thorns and thistles for you … (Genesis 3.17-18). When I reached the ridge it opened up. Big oak trees with a lot of mast – acorns accumulating on the ground. Deer sign everywhere – trails, rubs, scraps, droppings. I sat on a high rock. A perfect stand – not built by human hands – overlooking a flat. A red squirrel came within three feet of me. He didn’t see me until he was right beside me. Surprise! He ran off. I smiled. Later, I saw a monster. I had heard about him but yesterday I saw him. He’s a big buck. He was 50 yards from me but I couldn’t get a shot. My blood pressure went up. My heart pounded. I prayed for him to come back but he didn’t. That’s why he’s so big. I love the woods for many reasons. Like Isaac, I have a taste for wild game (Genesis 25.26). Like David, I am in awe of God’s creative power (Psalm 19). The wilderness has always played an important role in God’s story. It was a home for the wondering patriarchs. It was the training ground of Moses and David. It was a testing ground for Jesus. It was John the Baptist’s pulpit. No wonder my mind turns to God when I’m hunting. When I look at the beauty of creation in the wild the natural response is worship.

Jesus is God

John 1.1-3 & 14 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. … 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. We serve a triune God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. There is one God - Three persons. Expressed mathematically this would not be 1+1+1 (which equals three), but 1x1x1 (which equals 1). There is one in three and three in one. Jesus is fully God. He is equally God with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus possesses all the attributes of God. Colossians 2.9a says For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…. Jesus is not the Vice President. He is not the Junior Partner. Jesus is equal with God the Father. He is Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! (Romans 9.5). Phil 2:6 says (Christ)… who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God …”The fact that Jesus is God is demonstrated by his creative power. John 1.3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. “All things” is a reference to the infinite detail in creation - all things individually, all things separately! From the vast expanse of the universe to the tiny atom and even the sub-atomic particles within the atom - all things were created by him. Nothing that has been created can be credited to any other than Jesus. Paul said, “He is the image of the invisible God, the first born over all creation: For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible … all things were created by him and for him.” (Col 1:15,16) God became flesh in the person of Jesus. God became a human being. He lived among us. He served his Father by the power of his Spirit. Jesus died for our sins and was raised for our justification. We can't full understand the Trinity. Trying to understand the Trinity is like an ant trying to understand the body, soul, and spirit of a human. I don't fully undertand it but I believe it because scripture is so clear - Jesus is God.

Homecoming 2005

I got to visit with Phil and Jill Richardson this weekend. It was during the 2005 homecoming weekend for University Christian Fellowship (UCF). I am so grateful for the ministry of Phil Richardson, Burney Baggett, Donnie Williams, Mark Mills, and Robin Weir. I am thankful for Jonathan Thomas and Matt Hayes who also served as campus ministers. All these men laid the foundation and we are reaping the benefits of their labor. This was the first time I had seen Phil in three years. I love Phil. He has had a huge impact on my walk with Jesus. I met him in 1980 at Spiritual Uplift when I was 18 years old. At that time I did not realize that our friendship would last so long. We were roommates at Lipscomb. I have always admire him and looked up to him.

You do not have, because you do not ask God

James 4.2b You do not have, because you do not ask God About 40 years ago the King of Saudi Arabia asked Arnold Palmer to play golf in his country. Palmer impressed the king with his amazing skill at hitting golf balls. That evening a servant came to Palmer’s hotel room and said “The king would like to give you a gift.” Palmer shrugged his shoulders and said, “The king doesn’t need to give me anything. His hospitality is enough.” The servant said, “You will greatly offend the king if you don’t ask for something.” So Palmer said, “Alright, tell the king that he could give me a golf club.” The next day the servant came to Palmer’s hotel and gave him the deed to a 300 acre golf club. When you pray remember who you're talking to. You are praying to the King who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Eph 3.20).

Can I lick the bowl?

Ephesians 3.17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. The depth and width and length and height of God’s love are too wonderful to understand. It is beyond our comprehension. One morning, when Amber was little, we were making pancakes together and I had one of those “my-little-girl-is-growing-up” moments. She was stirring the pancake batter and talking so big. She looked at me with her big eyes. Her long hair was flowing over her red flannel pajamas. She looked so beautiful. I said, “Amber, I love you so much. I wish could explain it. You are growing up so fast. I just want you to know that you are always going to be my little girl. I love you more than I can explain.” Amber stopped stirring the batter and looked up me. She said six words I’ll never forget. She said, “Daddy, can I lick the bowl”. She didn’t understand. But that was OK. I just laugh really big, squeezed her tight, and we ate the pancakes. The love of a father is larger than the comprehension of a child. Our heavenly Father tells us but we can’t fully comprehend his love – it’s too wonderful to understand. But that's OK - he just smiles and squeezes us tighter. Nothing can ever separate us because his love is so passionate.

Teaching at Marshall University

I love to teach in the counseling department at Marshall. This fall I'm teaching graduate students (Current Psychotherapies) and this spring I will be teaching undergraduate students (Theories and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy). I am enjoying every minute of it. Working in these two settings (ministry and academics) is what I was made to do. I love it! Father, Thank you for the opportunity to preach your word and teach school. You've completely turned my life around and blessed me. It's all because of your grace and love. Three and a half years ago I was miserable because of my sin. I hated what I was doing to myself and family. Now, I am enjoying my family and my work and I love what I am doing. Thank you Lord! It's all because of Jesus. Amen.

A Prayer for Earl

Father, You are good all the time. I praise you! Please help Earl Williams as he recovers from heart surgery. He is your servant. Heal him! In Jesus name. Amen.

Children are like wet concrete

Ann Ortlund said children are “wet concrete.” When I read that I called my friend Jim Galloway because he is in the concrete business. Jim emailed me this description … “Concrete has 4 main ingredients - Sand, Gravel, Cement and Water. When combined these ingredients will set up (harden) - this is an exothermic chemical reaction. Concrete arrives on the job in a liquid state. You pour it to form the foundation of a house. In 90 minutes it reaches a state known as the “initial set” – it begins to thicken like play-do inside with a semi-rigid outer shell. At 240 minutes it reaches its “final set”. The strength of concrete is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). In about 7 days it reaches 75% of its targeted design strength. The other 25% occurs at 28 days. Concrete is theorized to continue to gain strength indefinitely if placed in the right environment.” Now I know why Ann Ortlund said children are like “wet conrete.” They arrive soft, pliable and moldable. You have about 18 years to do your job – to pour the foundation of their life. Actually, you don’t have that long. In the first seven years they reach their initial set. That’s why Saint Francis Xavier said “Give me your children for the fist seven years and you can have them for the rest of their lives.” During the first seven years they learn core beliefs like “Jesus is Lord; I am loved; I am wanted; I can trust; Relationships work; I am honest; I am capable; I can succeed.” After the first seven years you are simply refining the foundational work that has already been poured in the life of your child. At the age of 18 they need to reach their “final set” and they are on their own. If they stay in Christian environment they will continue to gain strength indefinitely.