Wow! The Cowboy game last night was ugly! I am still keeping with my vow not to watch them, but Beverly got home late -- so we had it on while we ate. And then, while I was playing Tiger Woods golf, I could hear it. Either this team was grossly over-rated or the T. O. poison has spread.
____________________
I heard a report that said oil has dropped so drastically because the oil companies want to help the Republicans get re-elected in the mid-term elections. I certainly hope that is not the case. I don't like being played with like that. I don't want this blog to be a political one, but if I knew that was the case -- it might cause me to change my vote.
____________________
I got to see pictures of my grandbaby-to-be! Josh says it definitely resembles him. At this point, from what I can tell -- I would agree.
____________________
Beverly and I did a marriage retreat this weekend for a church south of Dallas. The retreat was in Midlothian at a Salvation Army complex. It was really a nice place! I wonder how many kettles of cash it took to build it? I'm being cynical. It really is a nice retreat facility.
I love hearing Beverly share with people. What an incredible woman she is!
____________________
By the way, in case you have forgotten: I LOVE the Decatur Church of Christ! After a year and a half, Beverly and I find ourselves -- it seems like daily -- saying how blessed we are.
God is SOOOOOO good.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Computers and Stuff
Yesterday I made mention of us living in the "computer revolution." The PC is only 25 years old. And remember how slow those dinosaurs were? Then there was internet dial up -- with that horrible noise you had to endure while it connected (what was that all about, anyway?)
Well, now we have to have faster computers. Our home computer has been running "slow", so I called Dell and they are fixing me up with 1 gig of memory. They tell me that I will have a racecar computer now. (Actually, it will help my Tiger Woods game to perform better. It's all about priorities).
____________________
Let's start our week off with this Tozer quote:
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
--Psalm 34:3
I am positively sure after many years of observation and prayer that the basis of all of our trouble today, in religious circles, is that our God is too small.
When he says magnify the Lord, he doesn't mean that you are to make God big, but you are to see Him big. When we take a telescope and look at a star, we don't make the star bigger, we only see it big. Likewise you cannot make God bigger, but you are only to see Him bigger....
My brethren, God calls us to magnify Him, to see Him big. A meeting is not big because a lot of people are present. A meeting is big because a number of people see a big God in the meeting. And the bigger God is seen, the greater the meeting. A friend of mine has a little saying, 'I would rather have a big, little meeting than a little, big meeting.' There are a lot of big meetings that are little because the God in them is a small God. And there are a lot of little meetings that are big because God is big in the midst of them....
That is the first thing--magnify God. Your ministry will be little, and you will live and die little unless you have a bigger God.
Success and the Christian, 36-37,40
Well, now we have to have faster computers. Our home computer has been running "slow", so I called Dell and they are fixing me up with 1 gig of memory. They tell me that I will have a racecar computer now. (Actually, it will help my Tiger Woods game to perform better. It's all about priorities).
____________________
Let's start our week off with this Tozer quote:
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
--Psalm 34:3
I am positively sure after many years of observation and prayer that the basis of all of our trouble today, in religious circles, is that our God is too small.
When he says magnify the Lord, he doesn't mean that you are to make God big, but you are to see Him big. When we take a telescope and look at a star, we don't make the star bigger, we only see it big. Likewise you cannot make God bigger, but you are only to see Him bigger....
My brethren, God calls us to magnify Him, to see Him big. A meeting is not big because a lot of people are present. A meeting is big because a number of people see a big God in the meeting. And the bigger God is seen, the greater the meeting. A friend of mine has a little saying, 'I would rather have a big, little meeting than a little, big meeting.' There are a lot of big meetings that are little because the God in them is a small God. And there are a lot of little meetings that are big because God is big in the midst of them....
That is the first thing--magnify God. Your ministry will be little, and you will live and die little unless you have a bigger God.
Success and the Christian, 36-37,40
Friday, October 20, 2006
Sports Talk
So, it's Detroit and St. Louis in the World Series. Most of my friends are going for St. Louis. I think I will be pulling for Detroit. After all, they are Texas Rangers North (Kenny Rogers and Pudge Rodriguez). It will be the closest I will probably ever get to rooting for the Rangers in a Series.
____________________
When I was attending ACU (1974-1978), they had just come off of winning an NAIA national title in football and also won another while I was there. Since then, things have not gone well for the Wildcats. They have gone through years when there were probably more players on the sidelines than fans in the stands.
But not now! They are 7-0! Last night, they defeated West Texas State (ranked #4 in the nation). They were even on TV. My son, Josh, called about 10:15 to tell me. So, I watched the last 6 minutes of the game -- switching back and forth to the World Series game. The commentators were lauding ACU's head coach for not only emphasizing football -- but life.
In fact, I was told that ACU no longer has an "athletic dorm." The coach wants his players to be more assimilated into the student body -- to experience more opportunities to grow spiritually. That's cool! Now, if he can only keep them away from Sub-T 16.
Go 'Cats!
____________________
When I was attending ACU (1974-1978), they had just come off of winning an NAIA national title in football and also won another while I was there. Since then, things have not gone well for the Wildcats. They have gone through years when there were probably more players on the sidelines than fans in the stands.
But not now! They are 7-0! Last night, they defeated West Texas State (ranked #4 in the nation). They were even on TV. My son, Josh, called about 10:15 to tell me. So, I watched the last 6 minutes of the game -- switching back and forth to the World Series game. The commentators were lauding ACU's head coach for not only emphasizing football -- but life.
In fact, I was told that ACU no longer has an "athletic dorm." The coach wants his players to be more assimilated into the student body -- to experience more opportunities to grow spiritually. That's cool! Now, if he can only keep them away from Sub-T 16.
Go 'Cats!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
The Olsteen Heresy
Let me begin by thanking you for praying for Jerry yesterday. The doctor told him that the "tumor" on his leg is probably only an infected lymph node. Praise God!
____________________
My son, Josh, sent me an article yesterday from Time Magazine entitled, "Does God Want You To Be Rich." To its credit, the article was pretty balanced. It mainly dealt with Joel Olsteen and his gospel of "God will only let good things happen to you -- all the days of your life." But the article also quoted Rick Warren quite a bit. Warren cut Olsteen no slack -- calling his "gospel" a farce.
Josh is so passionate in his desire to minister to the poor. The church he serves is in an impoverished area of Houston -- but in the shadows of Olsteen's megachurch. So, understandably, Josh gets pretty passionate about Olsteen's lies. Truthfully, how long can such a gospel impact a person's life? What is a follower of Olsteen's to do when bad stuff happens (and it will)? Job lay-off. Bankruptcy. What can one do except to blame God for not fulfilling His "promise"? And what does such a gospel say to the Christians in China -- whose lives are made more difficult because they are Christ-followers? And if Olsteen's gospel is true -- then God short-changed His own Son as well as the apostles.
Yeah, he has a nice smile. His words seem so warm. People are flowing in droves to hear him speak. But he is a heretic. He has trashed the cross and all of its implications. He has made a mockery of Jesus' call to give up self.
So many churches across our land are filled with people who just "want to feel good." As I start my series on Acts this week, I am reminded how starkly that church would stand in comparison. All they wanted to do was talk about the One who was crucified and risen. No thought for their own well-being. And they changed the world.
____________________
My son, Josh, sent me an article yesterday from Time Magazine entitled, "Does God Want You To Be Rich." To its credit, the article was pretty balanced. It mainly dealt with Joel Olsteen and his gospel of "God will only let good things happen to you -- all the days of your life." But the article also quoted Rick Warren quite a bit. Warren cut Olsteen no slack -- calling his "gospel" a farce.
Josh is so passionate in his desire to minister to the poor. The church he serves is in an impoverished area of Houston -- but in the shadows of Olsteen's megachurch. So, understandably, Josh gets pretty passionate about Olsteen's lies. Truthfully, how long can such a gospel impact a person's life? What is a follower of Olsteen's to do when bad stuff happens (and it will)? Job lay-off. Bankruptcy. What can one do except to blame God for not fulfilling His "promise"? And what does such a gospel say to the Christians in China -- whose lives are made more difficult because they are Christ-followers? And if Olsteen's gospel is true -- then God short-changed His own Son as well as the apostles.
Yeah, he has a nice smile. His words seem so warm. People are flowing in droves to hear him speak. But he is a heretic. He has trashed the cross and all of its implications. He has made a mockery of Jesus' call to give up self.
So many churches across our land are filled with people who just "want to feel good." As I start my series on Acts this week, I am reminded how starkly that church would stand in comparison. All they wanted to do was talk about the One who was crucified and risen. No thought for their own well-being. And they changed the world.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Last Evening
Today Jerry Nicholas is having a biopsy on a place on his leg. What a courageous, inspiring man he is. He and his wife Anna have certainly been two of the treasures we have discovered since coming to Decatur. Please be praying for Jerry -- that the results might come back negative. Also, be praying for both him and Anna -- for the Lord to cover them with His presence, comfort and peace.
It was so wonderful last night to be able to witness the new births of John and Delores Foley. They have visited our church, and asked that the elders come visit with them. Mike McDowell and Ronnie Hess went Monday night and shared and studied with them, and last night they were baptized. It was great!
____________________
Red Lobster's stock should be OK today. I ate well, but did not overdo it. Not because of any self-control on my part. When you order, you get to choose two kinds of shrimp. I ordered shrimp pasta and coconut shrimp. They were both very good. When the waiter came and asked if I wanted more, I said, "Yes, more coconut shrimp." He informed me that they were out. So, they saved some last night by being out. I could have done considerably more damage.
Both the food and the company were great.
It was so wonderful last night to be able to witness the new births of John and Delores Foley. They have visited our church, and asked that the elders come visit with them. Mike McDowell and Ronnie Hess went Monday night and shared and studied with them, and last night they were baptized. It was great!
____________________
Red Lobster's stock should be OK today. I ate well, but did not overdo it. Not because of any self-control on my part. When you order, you get to choose two kinds of shrimp. I ordered shrimp pasta and coconut shrimp. They were both very good. When the waiter came and asked if I wanted more, I said, "Yes, more coconut shrimp." He informed me that they were out. So, they saved some last night by being out. I could have done considerably more damage.
Both the food and the company were great.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Food, Football and Something That Really Matters
Tonight I will be celebrating my birthday dinner. I know, I'm already 8 days into my next year. But due to my poor planning, we were not home on my birthday, so tonight is it. Beverly and I will be joined by our prayer group. Destination? Red Lobster -- all-you-can-eat shrimpfest, baby! Don't buy Red Lobster stock today, because I'm gonna put a dent in their profits tonight.
____________________
This may seem like poor timing after what I just wrote, but I want to share some Tozer with you this morning:
As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His
righteousness to children's children.
--Psalm 103:15-17
We who follow Christ are men and women of eternity. We must put no confidence in the passing scenes of the disappearing world. We must resist every attempt of Satan to palm off upon us the values that belong to mortality. Nothing less than forever is long enough for us. We view with amused sadness the frenetic scramble of the world to gain a brief moment in the sun. 'The book of the month,' for instance, has a strange sound to one who has dwelt with God and taken his values from the Ancient of Days. 'The man of the year' cannot impress those men and women who are making their plans for
that long eternity when days and years have passed away and time is no more.
The church must claim again her ancient dowry of everlastingness. She must begin again to deal with ages and millenniums rather than with days and years. She must not count numbers but test foundations. She must work for permanence rather than for appearance. Her children must seek those enduring things that have been touched with immortality. The shallow brook of popular religion chatters on its nervous way and thinks the ocean too quiet and dull because it lies deep in its mighty bed and is unaffected by the latest shower.
____________________
You T. O. fans are incredible. The guy catches 5 passes for ~50 yards on Sunday. The three TD's were what? 3 yards. 5 yards. I don't remember what the third one was. 5 passes for 50 yards? That is pathetic for a 10 million dollar man! And might I remind you: They were playing the HOUSTON TEXANS! There are a number of college teams who could beat them.
Let's see what happens in the next few weeks, as the Cowboys get into the tougher part of their schedule.
My point from the beginning, however, has been this: It doesn't matter what guys like T. O. do on the field. What they bring to the clubhouse is destructive. And we have seen several episodes of that already.
____________________
This may seem like poor timing after what I just wrote, but I want to share some Tozer with you this morning:
As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His
righteousness to children's children.
--Psalm 103:15-17
We who follow Christ are men and women of eternity. We must put no confidence in the passing scenes of the disappearing world. We must resist every attempt of Satan to palm off upon us the values that belong to mortality. Nothing less than forever is long enough for us. We view with amused sadness the frenetic scramble of the world to gain a brief moment in the sun. 'The book of the month,' for instance, has a strange sound to one who has dwelt with God and taken his values from the Ancient of Days. 'The man of the year' cannot impress those men and women who are making their plans for
that long eternity when days and years have passed away and time is no more.
The church must claim again her ancient dowry of everlastingness. She must begin again to deal with ages and millenniums rather than with days and years. She must not count numbers but test foundations. She must work for permanence rather than for appearance. Her children must seek those enduring things that have been touched with immortality. The shallow brook of popular religion chatters on its nervous way and thinks the ocean too quiet and dull because it lies deep in its mighty bed and is unaffected by the latest shower.
____________________
You T. O. fans are incredible. The guy catches 5 passes for ~50 yards on Sunday. The three TD's were what? 3 yards. 5 yards. I don't remember what the third one was. 5 passes for 50 yards? That is pathetic for a 10 million dollar man! And might I remind you: They were playing the HOUSTON TEXANS! There are a number of college teams who could beat them.
Let's see what happens in the next few weeks, as the Cowboys get into the tougher part of their schedule.
My point from the beginning, however, has been this: It doesn't matter what guys like T. O. do on the field. What they bring to the clubhouse is destructive. And we have seen several episodes of that already.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Monday Morning Quarterbacking
Yesterday was such a good day! The attendance was down considerably, from rain (?), ACU homecoming or whatever. But that didn't dampen the day. The response I have had to my Names of God series has really been overwhelming. And then to witness Cade Isham being baptized -- WOW! We also had a sister who has been struggling spiritually ask her church family for prayers and support. In addition, three families placed membership. And how special it was to hear Ancel share about total dependence on the Father in his Communion thoughts.
Next Sunday I will share the results of our congregation's vote for their favorite name of God. I feel like I preached with a little extra passion on the ones that are my favorites. So, we will see if that shaped the vote any. We had a great voter turnout!
Next Sunday I will also begin a new series on the book of Acts. This year's LTC is covering this book, so I thought it would be good for the whole church to spend time together here.
Let's make an intentional effort this week to be the hands and feet of Jesus -- wherever we go!
____________________
On a humorous note: Fulton Allem is known on the PGA tour as being one of the toughest golfers to have to work for or deal with. He is about a "C" player who thinks he is much better. During the 1996 MCI Heritage Classic, he was playing so badly, he fumed, "I feel like breaking something." His caddie shot back, "How about breaking par?" Allem fired him on the spot.
Some people just don't have any sense of humor.
Next Sunday I will share the results of our congregation's vote for their favorite name of God. I feel like I preached with a little extra passion on the ones that are my favorites. So, we will see if that shaped the vote any. We had a great voter turnout!
Next Sunday I will also begin a new series on the book of Acts. This year's LTC is covering this book, so I thought it would be good for the whole church to spend time together here.
Let's make an intentional effort this week to be the hands and feet of Jesus -- wherever we go!
____________________
On a humorous note: Fulton Allem is known on the PGA tour as being one of the toughest golfers to have to work for or deal with. He is about a "C" player who thinks he is much better. During the 1996 MCI Heritage Classic, he was playing so badly, he fumed, "I feel like breaking something." His caddie shot back, "How about breaking par?" Allem fired him on the spot.
Some people just don't have any sense of humor.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Rating the Fair
Yesterday was a great day to be at the State Fair. Not overly crowded. Pleasant temperature. Great company (my wife and granddaughter).
Our first stop was to grab a corndog. After downing them, we headed for the car show. As we walked, Malaya said, "Sometimes when I walk, I just like to think about how much God loves me." So, we walked in silence for a few moments as our 6-year old precious one taught me a lesson about life.
Here is the official 2006 Ross critique of the Fair food (today I will only eat a Subway Turkey sandwich and a Chili's grilled chicken salad):
Corn Dog: "A" -- this is a staple "must" of any Fair experience. I don't usually even like corn dogs.
Roasted Corn: "B+" -- I love corn on the cob. This one was good, but a little bland. They serve it so hot, you have to watch out or it will burn your lips. I got a blister on my lip a couple of years ago.
Fried praline: "B" -- the praline itself was very good. The fried stuff didn't really add anything.
Fried Coke: "C" -- this just didn't cut it for me. Beverly and I shared it. You know something isn't very good when both people sharing it are saying, "You can have the rest." "No, that's OK. You eat it."
Funnel Cake: "A+" -- We have a friend who operates two food booths at the fair. They are primarily pizza places, but he makes funnel cakes with strawberries or apples or plain. We had strawberries. It was delicious!
Fresh-squeezed lemonade: "A+" -- again, from our friend's place. Truly one of the fair highlights each year. All that sugar!
Pizza: "A" -- Our friend's regular job is making pizza. He knows what he is doing. It was so good. We ate it last night as we waited for the parade to begin.
Our favorite events: The pig races are always fun. But the bird show was incredible! Malaya enjoyed the petting zoo, as well. And she loves the parade.
It was a really good day! (Burp)
Our first stop was to grab a corndog. After downing them, we headed for the car show. As we walked, Malaya said, "Sometimes when I walk, I just like to think about how much God loves me." So, we walked in silence for a few moments as our 6-year old precious one taught me a lesson about life.
Here is the official 2006 Ross critique of the Fair food (today I will only eat a Subway Turkey sandwich and a Chili's grilled chicken salad):
Corn Dog: "A" -- this is a staple "must" of any Fair experience. I don't usually even like corn dogs.
Roasted Corn: "B+" -- I love corn on the cob. This one was good, but a little bland. They serve it so hot, you have to watch out or it will burn your lips. I got a blister on my lip a couple of years ago.
Fried praline: "B" -- the praline itself was very good. The fried stuff didn't really add anything.
Fried Coke: "C" -- this just didn't cut it for me. Beverly and I shared it. You know something isn't very good when both people sharing it are saying, "You can have the rest." "No, that's OK. You eat it."
Funnel Cake: "A+" -- We have a friend who operates two food booths at the fair. They are primarily pizza places, but he makes funnel cakes with strawberries or apples or plain. We had strawberries. It was delicious!
Fresh-squeezed lemonade: "A+" -- again, from our friend's place. Truly one of the fair highlights each year. All that sugar!
Pizza: "A" -- Our friend's regular job is making pizza. He knows what he is doing. It was so good. We ate it last night as we waited for the parade to begin.
Our favorite events: The pig races are always fun. But the bird show was incredible! Malaya enjoyed the petting zoo, as well. And she loves the parade.
It was a really good day! (Burp)
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Tomorrow is Fair Day
FINALLY! T. O. and I now share something in common. After the game Sunday, he was ranting in the locker room: "Why have you brought me here?" I have been asking the same question since May (or whenever it was he signed).
_________________________
Tomorrow Beverly and I are taking our granddaughter, Malaya, to the State Fair. I am putting limits on the amount of food I will consume. I am going to hold strictly to 100,000 calories and 800 fat grams.
Malaya will be spending the night with us tonight and tomorrow night. And when she is at the house, she is in control. She insists on having her own room in our house, but has never slept in it. She sleeps with Beverly in our king-size bed. I have tried sleeping with them, but would get more rest if I tried to sleep in one of those kids' bouncy houses. More than once, I have awakened to find Malaya's foot resting against my trachea. With as much force as she exerts when she moves about in the bed, I realized that I was only inches from death.
So tonight and tomorrow night, I will be sleeping on the couch. Malaya thinks it is hilarious. I do tell her every night not to drool on my side of the bed.
Grandkids are so wonderful! I miss Jed. And can't wait for Josh and Kayci's addition!
_________________________
Tomorrow Beverly and I are taking our granddaughter, Malaya, to the State Fair. I am putting limits on the amount of food I will consume. I am going to hold strictly to 100,000 calories and 800 fat grams.
Malaya will be spending the night with us tonight and tomorrow night. And when she is at the house, she is in control. She insists on having her own room in our house, but has never slept in it. She sleeps with Beverly in our king-size bed. I have tried sleeping with them, but would get more rest if I tried to sleep in one of those kids' bouncy houses. More than once, I have awakened to find Malaya's foot resting against my trachea. With as much force as she exerts when she moves about in the bed, I realized that I was only inches from death.
So tonight and tomorrow night, I will be sleeping on the couch. Malaya thinks it is hilarious. I do tell her every night not to drool on my side of the bed.
Grandkids are so wonderful! I miss Jed. And can't wait for Josh and Kayci's addition!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The Year of Jubilee
My son, Josh, reminded me yesterday that I have entered the "Year of Jubilee." In the OT, every 50 years all debts were canceled and the people took a year off -- with pay! (I wonder if my elders would agree to that?)
____________________
Yesterday, Beverly and I returned from Lovington. We had a great weekend with that church. This is the third straight year we have gone out there, and they are already wanting to plan for next year. One of my best friends, Larry Tittle, is a minister there. And so we got to spend some good visiting time with him and his wife, Aleta.
That church was so encouraging to me two years ago. I was going through some really tough times of self-doubt due to the church situation I was in at that time. I was seriously considering getting out of ministry. But that church was so affirming! So, they hold a special place in my heart.
_____________________
Before we left Friday, I had gotten the Dallas Morning News out of the front yard. I opened it to find an advertising insert titled, "Be Who You Are." It was about 12 pages -- promoting the homosexual lifestyle. I am going to contact the News, and tell them I think it was inappropriate. I'm sure they will tell me that it is paid advertising, so there is nothing they could do about it. But would they accept paid advertising from the KKK?
I've been thinking: Every argument that homosexuals use to support their sinful lifestyle could be made by pedophiles. Is that going to be the next step in this slide? There is already an organization committed to promoting men-boy relationships (I think it is called "Manba", or something like that). Who will be able to say it is wrong? This is the consequences of throwing out God-given morality.
____________________
Yesterday, Beverly and I returned from Lovington. We had a great weekend with that church. This is the third straight year we have gone out there, and they are already wanting to plan for next year. One of my best friends, Larry Tittle, is a minister there. And so we got to spend some good visiting time with him and his wife, Aleta.
That church was so encouraging to me two years ago. I was going through some really tough times of self-doubt due to the church situation I was in at that time. I was seriously considering getting out of ministry. But that church was so affirming! So, they hold a special place in my heart.
_____________________
Before we left Friday, I had gotten the Dallas Morning News out of the front yard. I opened it to find an advertising insert titled, "Be Who You Are." It was about 12 pages -- promoting the homosexual lifestyle. I am going to contact the News, and tell them I think it was inappropriate. I'm sure they will tell me that it is paid advertising, so there is nothing they could do about it. But would they accept paid advertising from the KKK?
I've been thinking: Every argument that homosexuals use to support their sinful lifestyle could be made by pedophiles. Is that going to be the next step in this slide? There is already an organization committed to promoting men-boy relationships (I think it is called "Manba", or something like that). Who will be able to say it is wrong? This is the consequences of throwing out God-given morality.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Half a Century -- Whew!
Things I have learned in my first 50 years:
Good food with good friends is hard to beat.
The future is rarely as bad as the media tries to predict.
Whatever one political party accuses the other of, they are probably guilty of themselves.
Make time to enjoy sunrises and sunsets. It is worth it.
Enjoy a romantic movie with your wife. She will not question your "macho-ness" for doing so.
I still like sports, but not nearly so much as I used to. Follow a team for a whole season all the way to the championship. The adrenaline rush when they win is pretty fleeting.
I love cold nights around a crackling fire place and sitting on the porch watching it rain -- but there is nothing like watching it snow.
Enjoy a "sinful" dessert every one in a while.
Marry right.
Marriage gets better with age. Unfortunately, many people never find that out.
Adult children walking with the Lord may be the greatest reward this side of heaven.
Grandkids are "da bomb."
Investing time in service to others really does make one feel better.
Working with one's hands (yardwork, etc.) is very theraputic.
God really is good -- ALL THE TIME.
I could go on, but will cut it off here.
____________________
Please be praying for Beverly and me as we go to Lovington, New Mexico this weekend.
Good food with good friends is hard to beat.
The future is rarely as bad as the media tries to predict.
Whatever one political party accuses the other of, they are probably guilty of themselves.
Make time to enjoy sunrises and sunsets. It is worth it.
Enjoy a romantic movie with your wife. She will not question your "macho-ness" for doing so.
I still like sports, but not nearly so much as I used to. Follow a team for a whole season all the way to the championship. The adrenaline rush when they win is pretty fleeting.
I love cold nights around a crackling fire place and sitting on the porch watching it rain -- but there is nothing like watching it snow.
Enjoy a "sinful" dessert every one in a while.
Marry right.
Marriage gets better with age. Unfortunately, many people never find that out.
Adult children walking with the Lord may be the greatest reward this side of heaven.
Grandkids are "da bomb."
Investing time in service to others really does make one feel better.
Working with one's hands (yardwork, etc.) is very theraputic.
God really is good -- ALL THE TIME.
I could go on, but will cut it off here.
____________________
Please be praying for Beverly and me as we go to Lovington, New Mexico this weekend.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Called to be Peacemakers
I'm reading Jack Reese's book, The Body Broken. It is really good! I want to share some exerpts from the chapter, Suffer the Children:
He begins by quoting from Augustine's Confessions: [When I was a child,] when people did not do what I wanted . . . I would become angry with my elders for not being subservient to me, and with responsible people for not acting as though they were my slaves; and I would avenge myself on them by bursting into tears. This, I have learned, is what babies are like, so far as I have been able to observe them.
Reese later says: "Peace is not a divine afterthought unrelated to central matters of faith and discipleship. Unity is not a marginal doctrine that becomes a luxury for Christians whose primary concerns are elsewhere. Peace is what the cross has wrought. People formed by the cross become peacemakers. Those who are healed become healers. Those who are reconciled become ministers of reconciliation. That is what the cross does. That is the kind of people the cross creates."
He says, "Living in unity is not the byproduct of the resolution of our differences. To wait until we all agree before we engage in matters that produced peace is nonsensical. Unity is only possible in the midst of differences; otherwise it is not unity. Waiting to have unity until everyone agrees is like having cancer but refusing treatment until the malignancy is gone."
"Peace is not what we accomplish, it is what we receive, what we inherit. Peace is God's work, God's gift."
______________________________
Tomorrow Beverly and I head out to Lovington, New Mexico to lead a weekend seminar (I am sure I got the dates right this time). We will be back Monday evening.
Monday I turn the big "5-0". Physically, I don't know if I have ever felt better. The biggest change I can see is in my hair. I used to could hardly run a comb through it. Now there isn't much to comb at all.
I will try to blog in the morning before we leave.
He begins by quoting from Augustine's Confessions: [When I was a child,] when people did not do what I wanted . . . I would become angry with my elders for not being subservient to me, and with responsible people for not acting as though they were my slaves; and I would avenge myself on them by bursting into tears. This, I have learned, is what babies are like, so far as I have been able to observe them.
Reese later says: "Peace is not a divine afterthought unrelated to central matters of faith and discipleship. Unity is not a marginal doctrine that becomes a luxury for Christians whose primary concerns are elsewhere. Peace is what the cross has wrought. People formed by the cross become peacemakers. Those who are healed become healers. Those who are reconciled become ministers of reconciliation. That is what the cross does. That is the kind of people the cross creates."
He says, "Living in unity is not the byproduct of the resolution of our differences. To wait until we all agree before we engage in matters that produced peace is nonsensical. Unity is only possible in the midst of differences; otherwise it is not unity. Waiting to have unity until everyone agrees is like having cancer but refusing treatment until the malignancy is gone."
"Peace is not what we accomplish, it is what we receive, what we inherit. Peace is God's work, God's gift."
______________________________
Tomorrow Beverly and I head out to Lovington, New Mexico to lead a weekend seminar (I am sure I got the dates right this time). We will be back Monday evening.
Monday I turn the big "5-0". Physically, I don't know if I have ever felt better. The biggest change I can see is in my hair. I used to could hardly run a comb through it. Now there isn't much to comb at all.
I will try to blog in the morning before we leave.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
BLESSED!
What a great day I had yesterday! My time at W.A.R.M. was so rewarding. I have become cynical when it comes to "benevolence" because I have seen so many abuses of the system. But yesterday "warmed" my heart. I saw elderly people, young moms with kids, whites, Latinos, and African Americans. They all waited patiently, and were so grateful for the assistance they received. My faith in humankind got a shot in the arm yesterday.
And last night's dinner was incredible. The turnout was great, the food was good, and the speakers did a great job. The generosity and support of those in attendance was yet another sign to us of God's blessing on Beverly's ministry. She and I went home praising the Lord for once again blowing us away with His faithfulness.
This morning, I met with my prayer group and we shared about things that have happened in the last year and a half. We talked about how excited we are about the future for God's Kingdom here in Decatur. I was once again reminded of just how blessed Beverly and I are. God certainly delivered us from the pit we were in two years ago -- and has taken us to the mountaintop.
Thank You, Jehovah Jireh!
And last night's dinner was incredible. The turnout was great, the food was good, and the speakers did a great job. The generosity and support of those in attendance was yet another sign to us of God's blessing on Beverly's ministry. She and I went home praising the Lord for once again blowing us away with His faithfulness.
This morning, I met with my prayer group and we shared about things that have happened in the last year and a half. We talked about how excited we are about the future for God's Kingdom here in Decatur. I was once again reminded of just how blessed Beverly and I are. God certainly delivered us from the pit we were in two years ago -- and has taken us to the mountaintop.
Thank You, Jehovah Jireh!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
W.A.R.M. and WCCC
I am saddened at the news of yet another school shooting. So many things in our society today could lead one to live in fear. Yet some of the most common words spoken by God and His Son were "Fear not."
____________________
First Tuesday at W.A.R.M. is the busiest day of the month (they are not open on Mondays). So, I am going to head up there in a few minutes and get my first taste of what it's like. I continue to be so impressed by this ministry.
____________________
Tonight is a dinner to introduce Beverly's new ministry to Wise County. Wise County Christian Counseling. There are well over 80 people who will be joining us for barbeque in the church "Fireplace Room." It is so exciting to see how the Lord is blessing this ministry. A little over six months it was only a dream in the minds of a handful of people. Now it has been fully operational for a couple of months. We are still in need of additional funding. But as we look at how the Lord has blessed it, we are confident that Jehovah-Jireh -- "the Lord Will Provide."
Would you join us in praying for this ministry?
____________________
First Tuesday at W.A.R.M. is the busiest day of the month (they are not open on Mondays). So, I am going to head up there in a few minutes and get my first taste of what it's like. I continue to be so impressed by this ministry.
____________________
Tonight is a dinner to introduce Beverly's new ministry to Wise County. Wise County Christian Counseling. There are well over 80 people who will be joining us for barbeque in the church "Fireplace Room." It is so exciting to see how the Lord is blessing this ministry. A little over six months it was only a dream in the minds of a handful of people. Now it has been fully operational for a couple of months. We are still in need of additional funding. But as we look at how the Lord has blessed it, we are confident that Jehovah-Jireh -- "the Lord Will Provide."
Would you join us in praying for this ministry?
Monday, October 02, 2006
A Good Friday
Friday was a special day for me. I attended the memorial service for Byron Nelson that afternoon. I almost decided not to go after the media kept talking about how there would not be room for everyone, and you better arrive by 11 AM to get a seat for the 1:30 PM service. I got there at 12:30 and had no problem finding a parking place and a good seat in the auditorium.
The memorial service was beautiful -- befitting a man who was also beautiful. As I watched the many professional golfers who were there because of their respect for Mr. Nelson, I found myself praying for them. I realized that service might be the only opportunity some of them have to hear the gospel. And they certainly did. Who knows what seeds might have been planted in their hearts.
I love the way Rick Atchley summed Byron's life up. He said, "You can debate about which man is the greatest golfer, but there is no debate about which golfer is the greatest man."
Then after the service, I drove to Crockett to see Beverly's dad. He is in the hospital. I got there about 6:30. I took Beverly's mom to supper, then sent her home and I stayed with Mr. Jones that night. He is such a great man. He has been like a dad to me, and I was reminded of that as we visited and sat together that night.
The memorial service was beautiful -- befitting a man who was also beautiful. As I watched the many professional golfers who were there because of their respect for Mr. Nelson, I found myself praying for them. I realized that service might be the only opportunity some of them have to hear the gospel. And they certainly did. Who knows what seeds might have been planted in their hearts.
I love the way Rick Atchley summed Byron's life up. He said, "You can debate about which man is the greatest golfer, but there is no debate about which golfer is the greatest man."
Then after the service, I drove to Crockett to see Beverly's dad. He is in the hospital. I got there about 6:30. I took Beverly's mom to supper, then sent her home and I stayed with Mr. Jones that night. He is such a great man. He has been like a dad to me, and I was reminded of that as we visited and sat together that night.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Thursday Tidbits
I love our mens' class on Wednesday night. It's great to hear men -- young and old(er) share their struggles, dreams and convictions. The sincerity of these guys is so obvious. It really does make for a lift each week.
__________________________
I plan to attempt to attend Byron Nelson's funeral tomorrow. I won't be surprised if I get there and can't get in. The auditorium holds 2200, and the remote feed to the gym holds another 1900. I wonder where everyone will park?
For an excellent article about Byron, go to pga.com and read what Grant Boone (a member of the Church of Christ) wrote. It will give you goosebumps.
__________________________
Every Thursday morning, I go to Governor's Ridge, a retirement center here in Decatur. I get to spend 45 minutes or so with some of the sweetest people ever. All ladies, except for Bill Dwyer. What an incredible man! He was a highly decorated soldier in WW2, and is such a kind man. It is a real treat to go out there.
__________________________
Our daughter-in-law, Kayci, is doing well. Said the baby is the size of a raisin. By next week will be the size of a strawberry. Josh is already claiming that the baby looks like him.
When Kayci was talking to our granddaughter, Malaya (my daughter's 6 year old), she asked what Malaya wanted. Malaya said, “I hope it's a girl. I'm tired of these stinkin’ boys!”
__________________________
So, T. O. won't be a distraction for the Cowboys? Sure.
__________________________
I plan to attempt to attend Byron Nelson's funeral tomorrow. I won't be surprised if I get there and can't get in. The auditorium holds 2200, and the remote feed to the gym holds another 1900. I wonder where everyone will park?
For an excellent article about Byron, go to pga.com and read what Grant Boone (a member of the Church of Christ) wrote. It will give you goosebumps.
__________________________
Every Thursday morning, I go to Governor's Ridge, a retirement center here in Decatur. I get to spend 45 minutes or so with some of the sweetest people ever. All ladies, except for Bill Dwyer. What an incredible man! He was a highly decorated soldier in WW2, and is such a kind man. It is a real treat to go out there.
__________________________
Our daughter-in-law, Kayci, is doing well. Said the baby is the size of a raisin. By next week will be the size of a strawberry. Josh is already claiming that the baby looks like him.
When Kayci was talking to our granddaughter, Malaya (my daughter's 6 year old), she asked what Malaya wanted. Malaya said, “I hope it's a girl. I'm tired of these stinkin’ boys!”
__________________________
So, T. O. won't be a distraction for the Cowboys? Sure.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Ode to Byron Nelson
The world lost one of its really special people yesterday with the passing of Byron Nelson. I wrote a little bit about him back in May before his Dallas tournament, but want to reflect on his legacy again.
There are a handful of sports records that may never be broken. One could make a good argument for Nolan Ryan's 7 no-hitters, and maybe his career strikeouts. My guess is Joe Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak is pretty safe. Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points in one game used to seem untouchable -- until Kobe ("Never Seen a Shot I Want Take") Bryant came along. But still, he is 30 points away in his best game. Maybe Jerry Rice's career touchdowns?
One record that I can't see ever being broken is Byron's 11 straight PGA wins in 1945. Tiger got to 5 this year, and that was unbelievable! But he wasn't even half way. Interesting, Byron lost in the 12th tournament, and then went on another streak. He went on to win 18 tournaments that year!
But his greatest achievement is the way in which his life was lived. Everyone who knew him knew what his #1 priority in life was -- to go to heaven. He was a man who lived a life of faith without being obnoxious about it. I have never heard or read one negative word about him. He has been adored be men from Arnold Palmer to Ben Crenshaw to Tiger Woods.
In Churches of Christ, we have had some wonderful celebrities to represent us: Sonny James, Loretta Lynn, Sen. John Cornyn, Randy Travis, Gene Stallings, David Robinson. But Byron Nelson has truly been a great ambassador. And more importantly, he has been an ambassador for Christ.
May the Lord raise up more like Byron Nelson. And I congratulate him for obtaining his goal. He's now at home with the Lord.
There are a handful of sports records that may never be broken. One could make a good argument for Nolan Ryan's 7 no-hitters, and maybe his career strikeouts. My guess is Joe Dimaggio's 56-game hitting streak is pretty safe. Wilt Chamberlain's 100 points in one game used to seem untouchable -- until Kobe ("Never Seen a Shot I Want Take") Bryant came along. But still, he is 30 points away in his best game. Maybe Jerry Rice's career touchdowns?
One record that I can't see ever being broken is Byron's 11 straight PGA wins in 1945. Tiger got to 5 this year, and that was unbelievable! But he wasn't even half way. Interesting, Byron lost in the 12th tournament, and then went on another streak. He went on to win 18 tournaments that year!
But his greatest achievement is the way in which his life was lived. Everyone who knew him knew what his #1 priority in life was -- to go to heaven. He was a man who lived a life of faith without being obnoxious about it. I have never heard or read one negative word about him. He has been adored be men from Arnold Palmer to Ben Crenshaw to Tiger Woods.
In Churches of Christ, we have had some wonderful celebrities to represent us: Sonny James, Loretta Lynn, Sen. John Cornyn, Randy Travis, Gene Stallings, David Robinson. But Byron Nelson has truly been a great ambassador. And more importantly, he has been an ambassador for Christ.
May the Lord raise up more like Byron Nelson. And I congratulate him for obtaining his goal. He's now at home with the Lord.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Heading to East Texas
Beverly's dad is back in the hospital as of yesterday. So, I will be going down to Crockett today to check on him.
Also I will be trading Beverly's Honda Odyssey in for a Honda Civic. We have decided to downsize our cars and direct the savings to our retirement fund. The Odyssey is Beverly's favorite car she has ever had. So she is a little sad this morning. But I think she will look so stylin' in her Civic.
Here's the interesting part: I had wanted to get a Honda Fit. But my salesman friend from Lufkin, Texas said there is not one in the 5-state area. He has another Civic on the lot. It's a LE, which is the middle package. But it's the same color as the one I am getting for Beverly, which is an XE. So, we might be driving the same model and color car. What do you think? Is that too weird, or is it kind of romantic?
I am now on the Board of Directors for W.A.R.M. (Wise Area Relief Mission). It is a great service to our community. I spent several hours yesterday learning more about it, and am so impressed. So I will probably be telling you more about WARM over the coming months and years.
Please offer up a prayer today for Beverly's dad.
Also I will be trading Beverly's Honda Odyssey in for a Honda Civic. We have decided to downsize our cars and direct the savings to our retirement fund. The Odyssey is Beverly's favorite car she has ever had. So she is a little sad this morning. But I think she will look so stylin' in her Civic.
Here's the interesting part: I had wanted to get a Honda Fit. But my salesman friend from Lufkin, Texas said there is not one in the 5-state area. He has another Civic on the lot. It's a LE, which is the middle package. But it's the same color as the one I am getting for Beverly, which is an XE. So, we might be driving the same model and color car. What do you think? Is that too weird, or is it kind of romantic?
I am now on the Board of Directors for W.A.R.M. (Wise Area Relief Mission). It is a great service to our community. I spent several hours yesterday learning more about it, and am so impressed. So I will probably be telling you more about WARM over the coming months and years.
Please offer up a prayer today for Beverly's dad.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Monday Musings
OK, I feel like I owe everyone an apology. Last week, I wrote about "24". At one point I even said that, while violent, there wasn't sex, etc. Well, remember: Beverly and I had started on season number four. And that was true of that particular season. So, this weekend -- we began season 1. Oops. It is full of homosexuality -- both men and women, as well as other pretty blatant sexual scenes. Sorry if I misled anybody.
____________________
While speaking of apologies, I think the American Ryder Cup team owes us an apology (jk). The Europeans gave them an old-fashioned whuppin'. I must give them credit, however. They played incredibly well. And I was also impressed with how gracious they were in their victory. I even found myself rooting for Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomery. The only guy who sours me toward the Europeans is Sergio Garcia. Someone needs to wipe that smirky attitude off his face. But there is only one way to do it -- and that's to beat him.
____________________
New week. Cool weather. Let's make the most of each day. And let's make sure to be God's instrument -- the hands and feet of Jesus.
____________________
While speaking of apologies, I think the American Ryder Cup team owes us an apology (jk). The Europeans gave them an old-fashioned whuppin'. I must give them credit, however. They played incredibly well. And I was also impressed with how gracious they were in their victory. I even found myself rooting for Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomery. The only guy who sours me toward the Europeans is Sergio Garcia. Someone needs to wipe that smirky attitude off his face. But there is only one way to do it -- and that's to beat him.
____________________
New week. Cool weather. Let's make the most of each day. And let's make sure to be God's instrument -- the hands and feet of Jesus.
Friday, September 22, 2006
What's On Your TV?
A couple of weeks ago when Beverly was out of town for the weekend on the Decatur Church's ladies retreat, I went to Blockbuster and rented a DVD of the 4th season of "24". I thought I was getting the 1st season. Anyway, I had read somewhere how good a show it was, so I decided to give it a shot. Well, I got hooked. Then Beverly came home, and I said, "You've got to watch this." Then she got hooked. When she finished the 1st DVD, she said, "Go get the other one!" I said, "We'll be up 'til 2 AM watching it." So, we waited.
Last night, we finished season 4. Now we want to go back and see the other seasons. However, Beverly said, "Let's wait a while. I've got to get some rest!" In case you weren't aware, she is pretty hyper. And shows like that make her even more so.
It's funny. We have DISH, and yet we seldom watch TV. There are few series we watch each week. We like Monk and Psych (USA), but they have real short seasons that begin in September, January and May. So, there is a lot of in between seasons with them. And we kind of watch American Idol, while we multitask. I usually do some reading while it's on. My favorite episodes are the early-in-the-season shows where they show the really bad singers.
It seems that we don't get onto a series until it's on reruns on TNT or USA. For instance, one night when she was working late, I decided to try "Without a Trace" (on TNT reruns). Wow! It was good, too.
I hear a lot about certain shows, but I've never seen them. We have a group from church who get together each week to watch "Lost." But I haven't got a clue about that show.
So, what's worth watching on the tube these days?
______________________________
The Ryder Cup began this morning. The Europeans are trying to give the US more incentive to win. Maybe you heard about the Irish tabloids publishing indecent pictures of Tiger Woods' wife (computer generated). He is furious -- threatening to sue. Then there is Sergio Garcia mouthing about how he is not intimidated by Tiger. Interesting. Every time he is paired with Tiger, he goes into meltdown.
The tradition since the inception of the Ryder Cup is that each team takes a group picture before the matches begin -- holding the cup. Yesterday, the Europeans did not provide the cup for the Americans to hold in their group picture. A little gamesmanship. I just hope our guys respond. They've been pretty embarrassed the last few times.
Last night, we finished season 4. Now we want to go back and see the other seasons. However, Beverly said, "Let's wait a while. I've got to get some rest!" In case you weren't aware, she is pretty hyper. And shows like that make her even more so.
It's funny. We have DISH, and yet we seldom watch TV. There are few series we watch each week. We like Monk and Psych (USA), but they have real short seasons that begin in September, January and May. So, there is a lot of in between seasons with them. And we kind of watch American Idol, while we multitask. I usually do some reading while it's on. My favorite episodes are the early-in-the-season shows where they show the really bad singers.
It seems that we don't get onto a series until it's on reruns on TNT or USA. For instance, one night when she was working late, I decided to try "Without a Trace" (on TNT reruns). Wow! It was good, too.
I hear a lot about certain shows, but I've never seen them. We have a group from church who get together each week to watch "Lost." But I haven't got a clue about that show.
So, what's worth watching on the tube these days?
______________________________
The Ryder Cup began this morning. The Europeans are trying to give the US more incentive to win. Maybe you heard about the Irish tabloids publishing indecent pictures of Tiger Woods' wife (computer generated). He is furious -- threatening to sue. Then there is Sergio Garcia mouthing about how he is not intimidated by Tiger. Interesting. Every time he is paired with Tiger, he goes into meltdown.
The tradition since the inception of the Ryder Cup is that each team takes a group picture before the matches begin -- holding the cup. Yesterday, the Europeans did not provide the cup for the Americans to hold in their group picture. A little gamesmanship. I just hope our guys respond. They've been pretty embarrassed the last few times.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Does God Want You To Be Rich?
I found this on Mike Cope's blog. It is fairly lengthy, but I would encourage you to take a moment to read it. Blessings to you today.
____________________
I hope you got a chance to read the excellent, balanced cover story in Time Magazine entitled “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” The cover description says: “Yes, say some megachurches. Others call it heresy. The debate over the new gospel of wealth.”
Seriously — how did the Evangelical church get here?
The basic movement of the gospel is clear (Phil. 2:5ff): self-denial and self-sacrifice rather than self-fulfillment. We follow one who had no place to lay his head, who warned us that life does not consist in the abundance of things, who told a wealthy man to sell all and give to the poor, who insisted that we cannot have two masters (God and $$). Followers of Christ in other cultures have often lost all as a result of their faithfulness to him.
But walk into Christian bookstores and there is a different gospel. The gospel of Joel Osteen.
And does it sell! Your Best Life Now has sold over 4 million copies. It finds a welcome audience in the consumerism of America.
The authors of the article write:
“What remains is a materialism framed in a kind of Tony Robbins positivism. No one exemplifies this better than Osteen, who ran his father’s television-production department until John died in 1999. ‘Joel has learned from his dad, but he has toned it back and tapped into basic, everday folks’ ways of talking,’ says Ben Phillips, a theology professor at the Soutwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. That language is reflected in Your Best Life Now, an extraordinarily accessible exhortation to this-world empowerment through God. ‘To live your best life now,’ it opens, to see ‘your business taking off. See your marriage restored. See your family prospering. See your dreams come to pass . . .’ you must ’start looking through the eyes of faith.’ Jesus is front and center but not his Crucifixion, Resurrection or Atonement.”
Does that tell us something?
The book is full of “illustrations of how the Prosperity doctrine has produced personal gain, most memorably, perhaps, for the Osteen family: how Victoria’s ’speaking words of faith and victory’ eventually brought the couple their dream house; how Joel discerned God’s favor in being bumped from economy to business class.”
Insightfully, the authors go on to talk about the basic for criticism of this Prosperity Lite movement: “Most unnerving for Osteen’s critics is the suspicion that they are fighting not just one idiosyncratic misreading of the gospel but something more daunting: the latest lurch in Protestantism’s ongoing descent into full-blown American materialism.”
Rick Warren, who by his words and life is becoming an incredible leader in the worldwide church, said: “This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy? Baloney. It’s creating a false idol. You don’t measure your self-worthy by your net worth.”
Ron Sider, author of Rich Christians in a Hungry World: “They have neglected the texts about the danger of riches. Prosperity Gospel Lite is one of the most powerful forms of neglect of the poor.”
And Ben Witherington, an incredible Evangelical New Testament scholar at Asbury Seminary: “We need to renounce the false gospel of wealth and health — it is a disease of our American culture: it is not a solution or answer to life’s problems.”
The “internet monk” (Michael Spencer) has written:
“He’s being sold to us by people who want to make money off his success, and they are counting on us to be sheep, ‘baaing’ quietly, but going along to the slaughter. Any analysis of Joel Osteen’s theology is going to have a hard time saying he is proclaiming the Christian message. The most popular preacher in Christianity is proclaiming a theology that is neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim, but is pragmatically pagan. Pagan in the sense of finding ways to gain the favor of god so he will do good things for you. Manipulating the deity to give you blessings. This is the ultimate example of Luther’s ‘theology of glory’ chosen over the ‘theology of the cross.’ I would rather a non-Christian hear John Shelby Spong a hundred times than hear this. Spong denies it all- outright. Osteen is presented as a Christian, but his message isn’t going to bring you to Christ, the Kingdom or heaven. It’s spiritual cyanide disguised as candy. If there is a hell, Osteen’s message won’t stop you or the people you love from going there, because the savior in his messages is YOU and the salvation he offers is a NEW ATTITUDE, and some resulting real estate. The question becomes, will evangelicals do anything? Will they say anything? Will they register their objections to Osteen’s reshaping of the Reformation gospel into a positive thinking message that makes Robert Schuller look like John Calvin in comparison?”
Yesterday I listened to Dan McVey talk about the advancement of Islam in North America. It is the fastest-growing religion in North America. (On a global scale, protestant Christianity is by far the fastest growing religion, however. It outpaces Islam in growth by 3-1, I believe Dan said.) In this culture of ease and consumerism, Islam offers a faith of discipline and serious devotion. Of course, Christianity does too (along with a framework of grace and a God who has come near in Christ) — just not in the versions that have become so popular in “Christian” bookstores.
____________________
I hope you got a chance to read the excellent, balanced cover story in Time Magazine entitled “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” The cover description says: “Yes, say some megachurches. Others call it heresy. The debate over the new gospel of wealth.”
Seriously — how did the Evangelical church get here?
The basic movement of the gospel is clear (Phil. 2:5ff): self-denial and self-sacrifice rather than self-fulfillment. We follow one who had no place to lay his head, who warned us that life does not consist in the abundance of things, who told a wealthy man to sell all and give to the poor, who insisted that we cannot have two masters (God and $$). Followers of Christ in other cultures have often lost all as a result of their faithfulness to him.
But walk into Christian bookstores and there is a different gospel. The gospel of Joel Osteen.
And does it sell! Your Best Life Now has sold over 4 million copies. It finds a welcome audience in the consumerism of America.
The authors of the article write:
“What remains is a materialism framed in a kind of Tony Robbins positivism. No one exemplifies this better than Osteen, who ran his father’s television-production department until John died in 1999. ‘Joel has learned from his dad, but he has toned it back and tapped into basic, everday folks’ ways of talking,’ says Ben Phillips, a theology professor at the Soutwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. That language is reflected in Your Best Life Now, an extraordinarily accessible exhortation to this-world empowerment through God. ‘To live your best life now,’ it opens, to see ‘your business taking off. See your marriage restored. See your family prospering. See your dreams come to pass . . .’ you must ’start looking through the eyes of faith.’ Jesus is front and center but not his Crucifixion, Resurrection or Atonement.”
Does that tell us something?
The book is full of “illustrations of how the Prosperity doctrine has produced personal gain, most memorably, perhaps, for the Osteen family: how Victoria’s ’speaking words of faith and victory’ eventually brought the couple their dream house; how Joel discerned God’s favor in being bumped from economy to business class.”
Insightfully, the authors go on to talk about the basic for criticism of this Prosperity Lite movement: “Most unnerving for Osteen’s critics is the suspicion that they are fighting not just one idiosyncratic misreading of the gospel but something more daunting: the latest lurch in Protestantism’s ongoing descent into full-blown American materialism.”
Rick Warren, who by his words and life is becoming an incredible leader in the worldwide church, said: “This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy? Baloney. It’s creating a false idol. You don’t measure your self-worthy by your net worth.”
Ron Sider, author of Rich Christians in a Hungry World: “They have neglected the texts about the danger of riches. Prosperity Gospel Lite is one of the most powerful forms of neglect of the poor.”
And Ben Witherington, an incredible Evangelical New Testament scholar at Asbury Seminary: “We need to renounce the false gospel of wealth and health — it is a disease of our American culture: it is not a solution or answer to life’s problems.”
The “internet monk” (Michael Spencer) has written:
“He’s being sold to us by people who want to make money off his success, and they are counting on us to be sheep, ‘baaing’ quietly, but going along to the slaughter. Any analysis of Joel Osteen’s theology is going to have a hard time saying he is proclaiming the Christian message. The most popular preacher in Christianity is proclaiming a theology that is neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim, but is pragmatically pagan. Pagan in the sense of finding ways to gain the favor of god so he will do good things for you. Manipulating the deity to give you blessings. This is the ultimate example of Luther’s ‘theology of glory’ chosen over the ‘theology of the cross.’ I would rather a non-Christian hear John Shelby Spong a hundred times than hear this. Spong denies it all- outright. Osteen is presented as a Christian, but his message isn’t going to bring you to Christ, the Kingdom or heaven. It’s spiritual cyanide disguised as candy. If there is a hell, Osteen’s message won’t stop you or the people you love from going there, because the savior in his messages is YOU and the salvation he offers is a NEW ATTITUDE, and some resulting real estate. The question becomes, will evangelicals do anything? Will they say anything? Will they register their objections to Osteen’s reshaping of the Reformation gospel into a positive thinking message that makes Robert Schuller look like John Calvin in comparison?”
Yesterday I listened to Dan McVey talk about the advancement of Islam in North America. It is the fastest-growing religion in North America. (On a global scale, protestant Christianity is by far the fastest growing religion, however. It outpaces Islam in growth by 3-1, I believe Dan said.) In this culture of ease and consumerism, Islam offers a faith of discipline and serious devotion. Of course, Christianity does too (along with a framework of grace and a God who has come near in Christ) — just not in the versions that have become so popular in “Christian” bookstores.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Back From ACU
Just returned yesterday from the ACU lectures. We intended to stay for more of them, but got a call Monday night that Beverly's dad would have a procedure on Tuesday that was very serious. So, we left early Tuesday to try to get her back to Tyler. But about halfway home, we got a call that all had gone well. So, Beverly dropped me off in Decatur and she headed on to Tyler. Hopefully, she will come home today, and her dad will go home tomorrow. Thanks to all for your prayers.
It was nice having the lectures in September. I always love going back to Abilene and seeing some of my favorite people in the world.
____________________________
I have a calendar called, "Amazing But True Golf Facts." Yesterday's was cool. It reads, "If you're looking for a good guy to root for on the PGA Tour, you couldn't do much better than Kenny Perry, who still lives in his hometown of Franklin, Kentucky. For years, he's taken every September off to coach the boys' and girls' golf teams at Simpson High School. His ball mark is a coin with an angel on it, and he never travels anywhere without his Bible."
This calendar is a secular one, so I found the comments interesting. Kenny Perry is a deacon in the Franklin Church of Christ. He donates 5% of his earnings to the David Lipscomb University golf team. Over the last few years, that would be in the neighborhood of $250,000-300,000 a year.
He was in the top ten in the world last year. Unfortunately, an off-season knee operation has reallly slowed him down this year.
_____________________________
Speaking of golf: Set your VCRs or TIVOs this week. RYDER CUP, baby! Friday through Sunday. I think I feel a three-day bug about to hit Friday morning.
It was nice having the lectures in September. I always love going back to Abilene and seeing some of my favorite people in the world.
____________________________
I have a calendar called, "Amazing But True Golf Facts." Yesterday's was cool. It reads, "If you're looking for a good guy to root for on the PGA Tour, you couldn't do much better than Kenny Perry, who still lives in his hometown of Franklin, Kentucky. For years, he's taken every September off to coach the boys' and girls' golf teams at Simpson High School. His ball mark is a coin with an angel on it, and he never travels anywhere without his Bible."
This calendar is a secular one, so I found the comments interesting. Kenny Perry is a deacon in the Franklin Church of Christ. He donates 5% of his earnings to the David Lipscomb University golf team. Over the last few years, that would be in the neighborhood of $250,000-300,000 a year.
He was in the top ten in the world last year. Unfortunately, an off-season knee operation has reallly slowed him down this year.
_____________________________
Speaking of golf: Set your VCRs or TIVOs this week. RYDER CUP, baby! Friday through Sunday. I think I feel a three-day bug about to hit Friday morning.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Saturday Night Update
I appreciate so much the many calls and prayers on behalf of my father-in-law. As of Saturday night, he is doing better -- stable and improving. Please continue to keep Billie Jones in your prayers. Thank you so much!
Beverly plans to leave Tyler in the morning (Sunday) and be back in Decatur in time for Bible Class. Tomorrow afternoon, we will leave for Abilene. ACU has moved their lectures from February to September, and I will be teaching a class on Tuesday at 2 PM. I will be sharing my journey as an ACOA. I will also be presenting this information at church tomorrow morning. Please pray for me and for the hearts of those who are struggling with similar issues. I would love for the Lord to use this beyond just these two presentations.
Beverly and I plan on returning home Tuesday afternoon. I will blog again on Wednesday morning.
___________________
On a lighter note, I don't think any college team I wanted to win did on Saturday. Well, Texas did. But big deal. They were playing Rice.
Beverly plans to leave Tyler in the morning (Sunday) and be back in Decatur in time for Bible Class. Tomorrow afternoon, we will leave for Abilene. ACU has moved their lectures from February to September, and I will be teaching a class on Tuesday at 2 PM. I will be sharing my journey as an ACOA. I will also be presenting this information at church tomorrow morning. Please pray for me and for the hearts of those who are struggling with similar issues. I would love for the Lord to use this beyond just these two presentations.
Beverly and I plan on returning home Tuesday afternoon. I will blog again on Wednesday morning.
___________________
On a lighter note, I don't think any college team I wanted to win did on Saturday. Well, Texas did. But big deal. They were playing Rice.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Pray For Beverly's Dad
We received a call at about 7 this morning that Beverly's dad was being taken to the hospital. It seems that his blood pressure has dropped extremely low. He is in ICU. They called Beverly and told her she needs to come on down there.
Please be praying for Billie Jones today. He has been a tremendous influence in my life. He is perhaps the most honest man I have ever known. He is so ready to go to be with the Lord, and we selfishly want to hold on to him. Just pray that the Lord will do what is best. Thank you.
Please be praying for Billie Jones today. He has been a tremendous influence in my life. He is perhaps the most honest man I have ever known. He is so ready to go to be with the Lord, and we selfishly want to hold on to him. Just pray that the Lord will do what is best. Thank you.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
State Fair Time
Thanks to those who prayed for me last night. I feel like things went well. It's always encouraging to me to share my story and see how many people are relating to it.
Someone last night asked me if I was scared to share such personal information about myself. But, you know, every time I have shared it, the people have been incredible. Sure, there may be someone who goes away thinking, "A preacher who is admitting to depression? Sounds crazy." (no pun intended). But you know -- it just doesn't matter to me any more. I want so much to help people, and God has given me this special avenue. So, I'm not real concerned about my reputation. If my story can help one person to break the shackles of depression, it has all been worth it.
Continue to keep me in your prayers.
_______________________________
I didn't know until this morning that Ann Richards had died. Agree with her politics or not, she was an interesting woman. Certainly had a lot of spunk.
_______________________________
The state fair opens soon. This has become an annual event for Beverly and Malaya and me. (We let David and Jenny come along, too.) I usually try whatever fried concoction is the "in" thing for that year. Last year's fried peanut butter and banana sandwich wasn't bad. Beverly has to have a corn dog and Malaya has to have cotton candy. Of course, a funnel cake and potato curl is a must to share as well.
Any favorites out there?
Someone last night asked me if I was scared to share such personal information about myself. But, you know, every time I have shared it, the people have been incredible. Sure, there may be someone who goes away thinking, "A preacher who is admitting to depression? Sounds crazy." (no pun intended). But you know -- it just doesn't matter to me any more. I want so much to help people, and God has given me this special avenue. So, I'm not real concerned about my reputation. If my story can help one person to break the shackles of depression, it has all been worth it.
Continue to keep me in your prayers.
_______________________________
I didn't know until this morning that Ann Richards had died. Agree with her politics or not, she was an interesting woman. Certainly had a lot of spunk.
_______________________________
The state fair opens soon. This has become an annual event for Beverly and Malaya and me. (We let David and Jenny come along, too.) I usually try whatever fried concoction is the "in" thing for that year. Last year's fried peanut butter and banana sandwich wasn't bad. Beverly has to have a corn dog and Malaya has to have cotton candy. Of course, a funnel cake and potato curl is a must to share as well.
Any favorites out there?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Please Pray for Me Tonight
For a couple of weeks, I have really been obsessed with getting my thoughts together for what I will be sharing at ACU Lectureship next Tuesday. Well, I finally got finished yesterday. I have been asked to share this same information tonight at the Saturn Road Church of Christ. I will be sharing about what it is like to be an ACOA (Adult Child of an Alcoholic). It is amazing how every time I talk on this subject, there will be a number of people who share similar struggles. I want to provide tools for people to be able to overcome.
Please pray that the Lord will use my words beyond simply tonight or ACU.
___________________________
I hope you don't get tired of reading quotes from things I have read. It's just that some days, they hit me so powerfully that I feel compelled to share them. Here is more from Yancey:
He quotes Eugene O'Neill: "Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue."
Later, he observes: Strangely, God is closer to sinners than to "saints." (By saints I mean those people renowned for their piety -- true saints never lose sight of their sinfulness.) As one lecturer in spirituality explains it, "God in heaven holds each person by a string. When you sin, you cut the string. THen God ties it up agains, making a knot -- and thereby bringing you a little closer to him. Again and again your sins cut the string -- and with each further knot God keeps drawing you closer and closer."
Please pray that the Lord will use my words beyond simply tonight or ACU.
___________________________
I hope you don't get tired of reading quotes from things I have read. It's just that some days, they hit me so powerfully that I feel compelled to share them. Here is more from Yancey:
He quotes Eugene O'Neill: "Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue."
Later, he observes: Strangely, God is closer to sinners than to "saints." (By saints I mean those people renowned for their piety -- true saints never lose sight of their sinfulness.) As one lecturer in spirituality explains it, "God in heaven holds each person by a string. When you sin, you cut the string. THen God ties it up agains, making a knot -- and thereby bringing you a little closer to him. Again and again your sins cut the string -- and with each further knot God keeps drawing you closer and closer."
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Five Years Ago Today
Today is my oldest son, Josh's, birthday. Hard to believe he is 26. I am so proud of him. The degree he recently earned was quite an achievement. I feel like a dummy when we talk theology -- like a 1st grader talking with an expert. But not because of anything he does to make me feel that way. He is so humble -- about most things. Just kidding. He is a spiritually humble and compassionate man. Every Sunday morning, I can count on a phone call from him at about 8:30 to tell me that he is praying for his dad.
His 21st birthday was extra-special. It was the day after 9-11. Beverly and I were living in Forney at that time, and he and his girlfriend had come for a visit. Why they were there on September 12 (a Wednesday) when school was going on, I don't know. I'm sure that he never cut a class. But anyway, he and Kayci left for a while -- supposedly to go to a concert, if I remember right. A little while later, they came back to the house. Kayci had a ring! They were engaged! And we were so happy. So, last night when we were talking, Josh said, "Tomorrow is a special day for you and mom and me. For 26 years, I have brought joy into your life." I said, "Yes, most of the time. But especially 5 years ago -- when you brought Kayci Joy into our lives."
Happy Birthday, Buddy. You have given me so many good memories that I could never even begin to recount them here. I am really anticipating next May. That baby will be one lucky child.
His 21st birthday was extra-special. It was the day after 9-11. Beverly and I were living in Forney at that time, and he and his girlfriend had come for a visit. Why they were there on September 12 (a Wednesday) when school was going on, I don't know. I'm sure that he never cut a class. But anyway, he and Kayci left for a while -- supposedly to go to a concert, if I remember right. A little while later, they came back to the house. Kayci had a ring! They were engaged! And we were so happy. So, last night when we were talking, Josh said, "Tomorrow is a special day for you and mom and me. For 26 years, I have brought joy into your life." I said, "Yes, most of the time. But especially 5 years ago -- when you brought Kayci Joy into our lives."
Happy Birthday, Buddy. You have given me so many good memories that I could never even begin to recount them here. I am really anticipating next May. That baby will be one lucky child.
Monday, September 11, 2006
9-11 Revisited
There are moments in time that are indelibly printed on my mind. I can remember where I was, and details about my surroundings. It's almost like I can project myself back into those moments.
I can still vividly remember where I was on November 22, 1963. I was in my 2nd grade classroom when the teacher announced that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas. School was dismissed, but we didn't go home to play. There was a somberness that fell over all of us -- even us 7 year olds.
I can remember when Martin Luther King was shot. I remember vividly the picture of his associates on the balcony of his hotel room, surrounding his fallen body -- and pointing to where the shots had come from.
I remember hearing of Bobby Kennedy's assassination. It was late in the evening, since we lived in Lexington, Kentucky at that time. As a 6th-grader, I could not comprehend why all these good men were being killed.
I remember where I was when both of the shuttle disasters took place. And I remember being in Junior High as we sat on pins and needles hoping that Apollo 13 would make it home safely.
Five years ago today, I remember so clearly where I was. A group of us from the Mesquite Church of Christ went once a year for a two-day golf outing where we played a Ryder Cup format. This particular year we were playing at a course close to Tyler, so we didn't stay overnight. We had played on Monday -- and had a great time. On Tuesday morning at about 7:45, I stood in our driveway waiting for a couple of the guys for our ride to Tyler. There was a little bit of a fall feel in the air.
When my friends drove up, I opened the door to get in. They had the radio on. Frank (the driver) said, "An airplane has just hit one of the World Trade Center towers. We had no idea at that time what the implications were. We had all seen pictures of the plane that hit the Empire State Building way back (in the 30s or 40s), and we just assumed that must have been what happened.
By the time we got to Tyler and walked in the clubhouse, I will never forget the look on the faces of everyone who was there. There was a feeling of numbness and disbelief. We looked up at the TV, and saw the towers smoking. Not long after arriving, the 1st tower collapsed.
I stayed glued to the TV for hours. I kept wondering what could cause human beings to hate so much. I struggled with the injustice of it all. I wondered what our response as a nation would be. And I prayed.
I continue to pray to this day that Islam -- that false system of faith that is anything but peaceful -- will collapse (look at any place in the world historically that they occupy and tell me where "peace" defines them). I pray that it will collapse just as those twin towers did (figuratively). I don't pray for it to collapse under violence -- but that it will simply implode because it is built on a false, sick foundation.
And I pray that we will never forget that day 5 years ago. God forbid that it ever happen again.
I can still vividly remember where I was on November 22, 1963. I was in my 2nd grade classroom when the teacher announced that President Kennedy had been shot in Dallas. School was dismissed, but we didn't go home to play. There was a somberness that fell over all of us -- even us 7 year olds.
I can remember when Martin Luther King was shot. I remember vividly the picture of his associates on the balcony of his hotel room, surrounding his fallen body -- and pointing to where the shots had come from.
I remember hearing of Bobby Kennedy's assassination. It was late in the evening, since we lived in Lexington, Kentucky at that time. As a 6th-grader, I could not comprehend why all these good men were being killed.
I remember where I was when both of the shuttle disasters took place. And I remember being in Junior High as we sat on pins and needles hoping that Apollo 13 would make it home safely.
Five years ago today, I remember so clearly where I was. A group of us from the Mesquite Church of Christ went once a year for a two-day golf outing where we played a Ryder Cup format. This particular year we were playing at a course close to Tyler, so we didn't stay overnight. We had played on Monday -- and had a great time. On Tuesday morning at about 7:45, I stood in our driveway waiting for a couple of the guys for our ride to Tyler. There was a little bit of a fall feel in the air.
When my friends drove up, I opened the door to get in. They had the radio on. Frank (the driver) said, "An airplane has just hit one of the World Trade Center towers. We had no idea at that time what the implications were. We had all seen pictures of the plane that hit the Empire State Building way back (in the 30s or 40s), and we just assumed that must have been what happened.
By the time we got to Tyler and walked in the clubhouse, I will never forget the look on the faces of everyone who was there. There was a feeling of numbness and disbelief. We looked up at the TV, and saw the towers smoking. Not long after arriving, the 1st tower collapsed.
I stayed glued to the TV for hours. I kept wondering what could cause human beings to hate so much. I struggled with the injustice of it all. I wondered what our response as a nation would be. And I prayed.
I continue to pray to this day that Islam -- that false system of faith that is anything but peaceful -- will collapse (look at any place in the world historically that they occupy and tell me where "peace" defines them). I pray that it will collapse just as those twin towers did (figuratively). I don't pray for it to collapse under violence -- but that it will simply implode because it is built on a false, sick foundation.
And I pray that we will never forget that day 5 years ago. God forbid that it ever happen again.
Friday, September 08, 2006
5 Years Already?
Last night I watched "Flight 93." I don't know about you, but the events of 9-11 are still too fresh for me. Hard to believe that the 5th anniversary is coming up on Monday. Oh, how I hope that we never forget that day. And I pray for wisdom for our leaders to do what would most be within the will of God to assure that we never experience anything like that again.
As I watched, my fleshly reaction was that we need to round up anyone remotely associated with terrorism and shot them. Then I got to thinking that they are doing what they do from similar emotions. They want to extract revenge for wrongs (real or perceived) done to them. That hardly excuses their cowardly and unconscionable methods in any way. But eye-for-eye is probably not the best way of ending this war of cultures.
And then it hit me, as I sat with Philip Yancey's What's So Amazing About Grace? on my lap: Those terrorists are as deserving of God's grace as I was / am. All humanity is in the same condition -- lost and in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus.
As I watched, my fleshly reaction was that we need to round up anyone remotely associated with terrorism and shot them. Then I got to thinking that they are doing what they do from similar emotions. They want to extract revenge for wrongs (real or perceived) done to them. That hardly excuses their cowardly and unconscionable methods in any way. But eye-for-eye is probably not the best way of ending this war of cultures.
And then it hit me, as I sat with Philip Yancey's What's So Amazing About Grace? on my lap: Those terrorists are as deserving of God's grace as I was / am. All humanity is in the same condition -- lost and in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Reflections from Wednesday
Beverly and I received exciting news yesterday. And since she has been shouting it from the rooftops (even wrote a blog -- her 3rd this week!), probably all of you know by now. But I still want to say it. Our third grandbaby is on the way! That's right! My favorite oldest son and my favorite oldest daughter-in-law are going to have a baby! Due date: May 5th. My thought right now is this: Bless Kayci's heart. She will be raising two kids (just kidding, favorite oldest son).
Our 1st men's class went really well last night. We are using Being God's Man in the Face of Temptation as a guide for our studies. The book identifies 8 temptations that men face, and shows how James addresses these 8 issues. The men last night really interacted well, and I was glad to see a number of grayer heads in there. I look forward to them sharing from their life experiences so that maybe others can learn from their successes and avoid their mistakes.
Speaking of grayer heads, Ray Foster told me something funny the other day. He said there are three stages in life: young, middle-aged and "You're looking good."
On a similar thought: On Thursday mornings, I go out to Governor's Ridge (an assisted care facility here in Decatur) and lead a Bible study. At about 9:45, I will tell Joy, our secretary, " I'm going to the nursing home." Jacob (the youth minister that I bragged about yesterday) will say, "I'll come visit you" -- or some other smart-aleck response. I'm gonna have to slap that boy.
Our 1st men's class went really well last night. We are using Being God's Man in the Face of Temptation as a guide for our studies. The book identifies 8 temptations that men face, and shows how James addresses these 8 issues. The men last night really interacted well, and I was glad to see a number of grayer heads in there. I look forward to them sharing from their life experiences so that maybe others can learn from their successes and avoid their mistakes.
Speaking of grayer heads, Ray Foster told me something funny the other day. He said there are three stages in life: young, middle-aged and "You're looking good."
On a similar thought: On Thursday mornings, I go out to Governor's Ridge (an assisted care facility here in Decatur) and lead a Bible study. At about 9:45, I will tell Joy, our secretary, " I'm going to the nursing home." Jacob (the youth minister that I bragged about yesterday) will say, "I'll come visit you" -- or some other smart-aleck response. I'm gonna have to slap that boy.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Special People
I've just come from the hospital. Jerry Nicholas is having a series of stress tests today. Jerry has become one of my heroes. He is battling cancer, and has been dealing with the difficulty of chemo treatments for about a year. Sunday right after worship, it appears as if he might have had a heart attack. I have visited him several times since Sunday, and never heard a word of complaining. He and his wife, Anna, have dealt with blow after blow in the year and a half I have known them. Any one of the blows would have devastated many. But they just keep on going -- and enjoying life as it unfolds for them.
Back in May, while in the midst of chemo, etc. -- Jerry (who also has a prosthetic leg) played in our church golf tournament. He came within about an inch of a hole in one, thus obviously winning our closest-to-the-hole prize.
Pray for Jerry and Anna.
Last night, Beverly and I went to Jacob and Heather Baker's for supper. We had a wonderful meal with them. It is an incredible blessing to work with such a couple in ministy. When we left last night, Beverly said, "They are such an easy couple." And they are. I am thankful to be able to come to the office each day and share time with Jacob. Yesterday afternoon he and I went out and played golf. It was a wonderful day. The temperature was just right. The golf course was beautiful. And the company was ideal.
I count my blessings today to have such people as the Nicholases and Bakers in my life.
Back in May, while in the midst of chemo, etc. -- Jerry (who also has a prosthetic leg) played in our church golf tournament. He came within about an inch of a hole in one, thus obviously winning our closest-to-the-hole prize.
Pray for Jerry and Anna.
Last night, Beverly and I went to Jacob and Heather Baker's for supper. We had a wonderful meal with them. It is an incredible blessing to work with such a couple in ministy. When we left last night, Beverly said, "They are such an easy couple." And they are. I am thankful to be able to come to the office each day and share time with Jacob. Yesterday afternoon he and I went out and played golf. It was a wonderful day. The temperature was just right. The golf course was beautiful. And the company was ideal.
I count my blessings today to have such people as the Nicholases and Bakers in my life.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Just Stuff
Another week on the PGA tour, and another TIger win. I read that this year he is averaging $2,500 per shot! What a tough way to make a living. That sounds funny. The guy makes about $80 million a year!
Early prognosticators said this would be a violent hurricane season. So far, it has been a whimper -- thank the Lord. I realize we still have a while left in hurricane season. But let's hope the trend continues.
Yesterday was so nice here! It rained all day. Not heavy (we only got about an inch at my house). But is was steady from morning until evening. And the temperatures for the last few days have been incredible!
I was saddened to hear about Steve Irwin's death. I started watching "the crocodile hunter" when Jonathan was still home. At first I thought, "This guy is a nut!" But he really was a contagious personality. Jonathan was stung by a stingray on his foot when he and Jennifer were on their honeymoon. He got so sick that Jennifer thought she might be a widow after only a few days of marriage. But Irwin's sting was to his heart. So sad.
Question of the day: Will the Longhorns beat the Buckeyes on Saturday?
Early prognosticators said this would be a violent hurricane season. So far, it has been a whimper -- thank the Lord. I realize we still have a while left in hurricane season. But let's hope the trend continues.
Yesterday was so nice here! It rained all day. Not heavy (we only got about an inch at my house). But is was steady from morning until evening. And the temperatures for the last few days have been incredible!
I was saddened to hear about Steve Irwin's death. I started watching "the crocodile hunter" when Jonathan was still home. At first I thought, "This guy is a nut!" But he really was a contagious personality. Jonathan was stung by a stingray on his foot when he and Jennifer were on their honeymoon. He got so sick that Jennifer thought she might be a widow after only a few days of marriage. But Irwin's sting was to his heart. So sad.
Question of the day: Will the Longhorns beat the Buckeyes on Saturday?
Friday, September 01, 2006
I Pledge Allegiance to What Kingdom?
As I have become obsessed with the idea that we Christians are a counterculture, I have become more aware of how much of the current Christian lingo is tied to politics. Some people today think one cannot be a Christian unless they are aligned with a particular American political party. Yet, I know people in both major political parties who walk with Jesus.
So, Yancey grabbed my attention with both hands yesterday. I assume you know how morally vile the Roman Empire of the 1st century was. Listen to Yancey:
"The apostle Paul had much to say about the immorality of individual church members but little to say about the immorality of pagan Rome. He rarely railed against the abuses in Rome -- slavery, idolatry, violent games, political oppression, greed -- even though such abuses surely offended Christians of that day as much as our deteriorating society offends Christians today."
He then mentions how Romans would give birth to full-term babies, and -- if undesired -- would leave them to die. He tells about the common practice of older men keeping young boys as sex slaves. Then he adds, "Jesus and Paul doubtless knew of these deplorable practices . . . Both concentrated not on the pagan kingdom around them but on the alternative kingdom of God."
"For this reason, I wonder about the enormous energy being devoted these days to restoring morality in the United States. Are we concentrating more on the kingdom of this world than on the kingdom that is not of this world? The public image of the evangelical church today is practically defined by an emphasis on two issues that Jesus did not even mention. How will we feel if historians of the future look back on the evangelical church of the 1990s and declare, "They fought bravely on the moral fronts of abortion and homosexual rights," while at the same time reporting that we did little to fulfill the Great Commission, and we did little to spread the aroma of grace in the world?"
So, Yancey grabbed my attention with both hands yesterday. I assume you know how morally vile the Roman Empire of the 1st century was. Listen to Yancey:
"The apostle Paul had much to say about the immorality of individual church members but little to say about the immorality of pagan Rome. He rarely railed against the abuses in Rome -- slavery, idolatry, violent games, political oppression, greed -- even though such abuses surely offended Christians of that day as much as our deteriorating society offends Christians today."
He then mentions how Romans would give birth to full-term babies, and -- if undesired -- would leave them to die. He tells about the common practice of older men keeping young boys as sex slaves. Then he adds, "Jesus and Paul doubtless knew of these deplorable practices . . . Both concentrated not on the pagan kingdom around them but on the alternative kingdom of God."
"For this reason, I wonder about the enormous energy being devoted these days to restoring morality in the United States. Are we concentrating more on the kingdom of this world than on the kingdom that is not of this world? The public image of the evangelical church today is practically defined by an emphasis on two issues that Jesus did not even mention. How will we feel if historians of the future look back on the evangelical church of the 1990s and declare, "They fought bravely on the moral fronts of abortion and homosexual rights," while at the same time reporting that we did little to fulfill the Great Commission, and we did little to spread the aroma of grace in the world?"
Thursday, August 31, 2006
The Power of Pornography
It was so good to have Ron Carlson here to speak in Decatur last night. He is one of the most sincere Christians I have ever known. He is such a lover of people. I wish I had his energy, too.
After church, we went to Brahm's for ice cream. Ron told me that he is going to spend 5 weeks speaking about the epidemic of sexual sin. We got to talking about how many preachers we know who have been taken down by this weapon of Satan's. Ron has also been doing a lot of research on internet pornography. He said research shows that 60% of Christian men visit a porn site every day! He also told me that the NFL, in their recent renegotiations, had to drop their asking price because viewership is down. Why? Because men in the target audience (age 15-34) are on porn sites rather than watching the games.
Why would we choose to do that which will destroy relationships and rot our souls? Because Satan knows how to wrap up poison to make it look good.
Next Wednesday night, we will begin our men's class again here at church. I think I know what our topic will be.
After church, we went to Brahm's for ice cream. Ron told me that he is going to spend 5 weeks speaking about the epidemic of sexual sin. We got to talking about how many preachers we know who have been taken down by this weapon of Satan's. Ron has also been doing a lot of research on internet pornography. He said research shows that 60% of Christian men visit a porn site every day! He also told me that the NFL, in their recent renegotiations, had to drop their asking price because viewership is down. Why? Because men in the target audience (age 15-34) are on porn sites rather than watching the games.
Why would we choose to do that which will destroy relationships and rot our souls? Because Satan knows how to wrap up poison to make it look good.
Next Wednesday night, we will begin our men's class again here at church. I think I know what our topic will be.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Fall is Just Around the Corner
The cooler weather over the last couple of days and nights has been invigorating. I left the house this morning right at daybreak, and it felt so good!
We are entering my favorite season of the year. I love the Fall (not the Adam and Eve one, but the season). After a long Texas summer, it is refreshing. I love the changing of the leaves. I love the cool nights. High school football. College game day. I used to live for hunting season. Even now, I have such vivid memories of sitting in the woods on a crisp autumn morning.
I imagine most people are "Spring" people. I like Spring, but it is too much of a reminder of the long summer to come.
How about you? Submit your vote. Spring? Summer? Fall? Winter? I guess I don't need to put winter. We don't have one in Texas.
We are entering my favorite season of the year. I love the Fall (not the Adam and Eve one, but the season). After a long Texas summer, it is refreshing. I love the changing of the leaves. I love the cool nights. High school football. College game day. I used to live for hunting season. Even now, I have such vivid memories of sitting in the woods on a crisp autumn morning.
I imagine most people are "Spring" people. I like Spring, but it is too much of a reminder of the long summer to come.
How about you? Submit your vote. Spring? Summer? Fall? Winter? I guess I don't need to put winter. We don't have one in Texas.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
I Want To Be Like Jesus!
I was reading Philip Yancey yesterday and came across this. I hope it means as much to you as it did to me.
A phrase used by both Peter and Paul has become one of my favorite images from the New Testament. We are to administer, or "dispense," God's grace, say the two apostles. The image brings to mind one of the old-fashioned "atomizers" women used before the perfection of spray technology. Squeeze a rubber bulb, and droplets of perfume come shooting out of the fine holes at the other end. A few drops suffice for a whole body; a few pumps change the atmosphere in a room. That is how grace shouuld work, I think. It does not convert the entire world or an entire society, but it does enrich the atmosphere.
Now I worry that the prevailing image of Christians has changed from that of a perfume atomizer to a different spray apparatus: the kind used by insect exterminators. There's a roach! Pump, spray, pump, spray. There's a spot of evil! Pump, spray, pump, spray. Some Christians I know have taken on the task of "moral exterminator" for the evil-infested society around them.
I share a deep concern for our society. I am struck, though, by the alternative power of mercy as demonstrated by Jesus, who came for the sick and not the well, for the sinners and not the righteous. Jesus never countenanced evil, but he did stand ready to forgive it. Somehow, he gained the reputation as a lover of sinners, a reputation that his followers are in danger of losing today. As Dorothy Day put it, "I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least."
A phrase used by both Peter and Paul has become one of my favorite images from the New Testament. We are to administer, or "dispense," God's grace, say the two apostles. The image brings to mind one of the old-fashioned "atomizers" women used before the perfection of spray technology. Squeeze a rubber bulb, and droplets of perfume come shooting out of the fine holes at the other end. A few drops suffice for a whole body; a few pumps change the atmosphere in a room. That is how grace shouuld work, I think. It does not convert the entire world or an entire society, but it does enrich the atmosphere.
Now I worry that the prevailing image of Christians has changed from that of a perfume atomizer to a different spray apparatus: the kind used by insect exterminators. There's a roach! Pump, spray, pump, spray. There's a spot of evil! Pump, spray, pump, spray. Some Christians I know have taken on the task of "moral exterminator" for the evil-infested society around them.
I share a deep concern for our society. I am struck, though, by the alternative power of mercy as demonstrated by Jesus, who came for the sick and not the well, for the sinners and not the righteous. Jesus never countenanced evil, but he did stand ready to forgive it. Somehow, he gained the reputation as a lover of sinners, a reputation that his followers are in danger of losing today. As Dorothy Day put it, "I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least."
Monday, August 28, 2006
Monday Morning Ramblings
Just a quick Monday morning blog. Ho-hum, Tiger won again -- with his "C" game.
Last night was great! My sweetie got home. Beverly had left Wednesday night to go be with her mom as she had surgery on Thursday morning. Then she stayed for a few days to assist her mom and dad. I do OK when she is away -- for about 6 hours. So I was really glad to see her safely home last night.
And it's raining! Thank you, Lord. Over the last few weeks, we have been getting about a half in to an inch a week. It has been so good for our lawns! And it is so refreshing. But Lord, our reservoirs need a tropical depression to camp out here for a couple of days.
____________________________
A couple of months back, the Cowboys signed T.O. I said at the time that it was the last straw for me. People said that I ought to give T.O a chance. They said that he had changed. Well, it's looking like he is well on the way to destroying a third team. And it's a shame, because it looks like the Cowboys could be competitive. What a waste.
Last night was great! My sweetie got home. Beverly had left Wednesday night to go be with her mom as she had surgery on Thursday morning. Then she stayed for a few days to assist her mom and dad. I do OK when she is away -- for about 6 hours. So I was really glad to see her safely home last night.
And it's raining! Thank you, Lord. Over the last few weeks, we have been getting about a half in to an inch a week. It has been so good for our lawns! And it is so refreshing. But Lord, our reservoirs need a tropical depression to camp out here for a couple of days.
____________________________
A couple of months back, the Cowboys signed T.O. I said at the time that it was the last straw for me. People said that I ought to give T.O a chance. They said that he had changed. Well, it's looking like he is well on the way to destroying a third team. And it's a shame, because it looks like the Cowboys could be competitive. What a waste.
Friday, August 25, 2006
A Mixed Bag
Beverly's mom's surgery went well yesterday. Beverly will stay down there for a few days. I sure miss her when we are apart.
___________________________
Well, the oil companies are pulling another one. This is one area I admit to being especially cynical about, but having worked for one years ago I know how they play their game. Last report was that our inventories were up. So, the prices have been coming down for the last couple of weeks. Well, this morning they are headed back up. Why? Because of concerns over a hurricane. Huh? Could it be that they are simply playing on the pubiic's memories from Katrina -- which was forming this time last year? The current storm that is now in the Atlantic, Debby, is expected to take a hairpin turn and never approach the US.
___________________________
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the growth of Islam in our world. Islam means "submission." Publicly, they claim to be peace-loving. However, as I look at the world globe -- anywhere they inhabit is anything but peaceful. The Koran calls for imposing "submission to Allah" upon the world. If it is only the radical, fundamentalists who are violent and who foster terrorism, why hasn't any moderate voice come out to speak against them?
What do you think? Are Moslems, in general, peace-loving and tolerant people. Or could it be that they are presenting one face to us to try to keep us complacent while building toward something sinister (ala Nazi Germany).
___________________________
Well, the oil companies are pulling another one. This is one area I admit to being especially cynical about, but having worked for one years ago I know how they play their game. Last report was that our inventories were up. So, the prices have been coming down for the last couple of weeks. Well, this morning they are headed back up. Why? Because of concerns over a hurricane. Huh? Could it be that they are simply playing on the pubiic's memories from Katrina -- which was forming this time last year? The current storm that is now in the Atlantic, Debby, is expected to take a hairpin turn and never approach the US.
___________________________
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the growth of Islam in our world. Islam means "submission." Publicly, they claim to be peace-loving. However, as I look at the world globe -- anywhere they inhabit is anything but peaceful. The Koran calls for imposing "submission to Allah" upon the world. If it is only the radical, fundamentalists who are violent and who foster terrorism, why hasn't any moderate voice come out to speak against them?
What do you think? Are Moslems, in general, peace-loving and tolerant people. Or could it be that they are presenting one face to us to try to keep us complacent while building toward something sinister (ala Nazi Germany).
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Who Compares to Tiger?
While Beverly and I were gone on our trip, Tiger Woods won his 12th major. He is 3 years ahead of Jack Nickaus' record major pace of 18. He totally dominates the game of golf today. In the world golf rankings (a weird formula), he has lapped the field. His ranking is 19+. Phil Michelson is second at 9+. Tiger is further ahead of number two than number two is ahead of the very last place. He is a stud.
I know that there are those who would argue that golfers are not athletes. When I look at Tim Herron or John Daly (even Phil looks like he is spending more time with the ice cream than on the practice range), I am tempted to agree. But you would be hard-pressed to say that Tiger Woods is not an athlete. As one writer in this morning's Dallas Morning News said, I find it hard to believe Tiger would not have excelled at any sport he set his mind to.
So, here is your challenge: Who even comes close to dominating his / her sport (game) like Tiger Woods. (And those who use body-enhancing drugs don't count).
___________________________________
On another note: Beverly's mom is having knee surgery this morning. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.
I know that there are those who would argue that golfers are not athletes. When I look at Tim Herron or John Daly (even Phil looks like he is spending more time with the ice cream than on the practice range), I am tempted to agree. But you would be hard-pressed to say that Tiger Woods is not an athlete. As one writer in this morning's Dallas Morning News said, I find it hard to believe Tiger would not have excelled at any sport he set his mind to.
So, here is your challenge: Who even comes close to dominating his / her sport (game) like Tiger Woods. (And those who use body-enhancing drugs don't count).
___________________________________
On another note: Beverly's mom is having knee surgery this morning. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
The Journey
Enjoy this quote from Tozer, and may your journey today be blessed.
O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
--Jeremiah 10:23
The prophet here turns to a figure of speech, one which appears in the Scriptures so frequently that it is not easy to remember that it is but a figure. Man is seen as a traveler making his difficult way from a past he can but imperfectly recollect into a future about which he knows nothing. And he cannot stay, but must each morning strike his moving tent and journey on toward--and there is the heavy problem--toward what?
It is a simple axiom of the traveler that if he would arrive at the desired destination he must take the right road. How far a man may have traveled is not important; what matters is whether or not he is going the right way, whether the path he is following will bring him out at the right place at last. Sometimes there will be an end to the road, and maybe sooner than he knows; but when he has gone the last step of the way will he find himself in a tomorrow of light and peace, or will the day toward which he journeys be "a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness"?
The Set of the Sail, pp. 105-106
O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
--Jeremiah 10:23
The prophet here turns to a figure of speech, one which appears in the Scriptures so frequently that it is not easy to remember that it is but a figure. Man is seen as a traveler making his difficult way from a past he can but imperfectly recollect into a future about which he knows nothing. And he cannot stay, but must each morning strike his moving tent and journey on toward--and there is the heavy problem--toward what?
It is a simple axiom of the traveler that if he would arrive at the desired destination he must take the right road. How far a man may have traveled is not important; what matters is whether or not he is going the right way, whether the path he is following will bring him out at the right place at last. Sometimes there will be an end to the road, and maybe sooner than he knows; but when he has gone the last step of the way will he find himself in a tomorrow of light and peace, or will the day toward which he journeys be "a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness"?
The Set of the Sail, pp. 105-106
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
What Ever Happened to Common Sense and Manners?
Yesterday I shared about our wonderful trip to the Northeast. Today, I want to make some cynical observations (with my tongue half planted in my cheek).
I know we are not to judge other people's motives. Still, I sometimes struggle with that. Such as, on an airplane -- right before taxiing or right after landing, what's with those few people who want to talk on their cell phones so loudly that no one around them can think? I truly believe I have a sign on my back that only such people can see. It says: "Please speak loudly on your cell phone when in my presence." Whether it is an airplane seat or a movie theater -- I will inevitably be seated right next to or in front of this person. Maybe I'm just not "with the times" -- but it seems to be such boorish behavior.
And what's with no manners these days? I'm on an elevator or on the subway. I go to get off. But before I can get off -- a pack of four or five people want to get on. Uh, is it just me, or doesn't it just make common sense that those getting on should first allow people to get off? "Let's all pack into this elevator and see how difficult we can make it for you to then weave your way out."
One last one. We live in America! In America, you travel on the right. Why, whether walking on a sidewalk or down an aisle or some other confined space, do people walk down the left -- and expect others to just stop in thier steps to avoid a collision?
Just some observations. I'm thinking about preaching on this, once I can come up with a Scripture that will support me.
I know we are not to judge other people's motives. Still, I sometimes struggle with that. Such as, on an airplane -- right before taxiing or right after landing, what's with those few people who want to talk on their cell phones so loudly that no one around them can think? I truly believe I have a sign on my back that only such people can see. It says: "Please speak loudly on your cell phone when in my presence." Whether it is an airplane seat or a movie theater -- I will inevitably be seated right next to or in front of this person. Maybe I'm just not "with the times" -- but it seems to be such boorish behavior.
And what's with no manners these days? I'm on an elevator or on the subway. I go to get off. But before I can get off -- a pack of four or five people want to get on. Uh, is it just me, or doesn't it just make common sense that those getting on should first allow people to get off? "Let's all pack into this elevator and see how difficult we can make it for you to then weave your way out."
One last one. We live in America! In America, you travel on the right. Why, whether walking on a sidewalk or down an aisle or some other confined space, do people walk down the left -- and expect others to just stop in thier steps to avoid a collision?
Just some observations. I'm thinking about preaching on this, once I can come up with a Scripture that will support me.
Monday, August 21, 2006
What a Trip!
We are back. What a great 30th anniverary trip! We left cool weather and arrived home at about 11 PM last night. It was much hotter at that hour than we experienced on our trip.
We were in Boston on Monday and Tuesday. We spent a whole day on the Freedom Trail. It was very interesting reliving the history of the Revolution and seeing cemeteries with markers from the 1600s. Especially interesting was North Church -- where the lanterns were placed in the window for Paul Revere. Inside the church, the pews are petitioned so that each family sat by themselves in little cubicles. The more they paid for their seats, the CLOSER to the front. Interesting.
On Wednesday, we went on a whale-watch. A boat took us about 20 miles out into the Atlantic where we saw about 20 humpback whales. It was really cool! That night we stayed in a bed-and-breakfast in Marblehead, Mass. We slept in the same bed as Keith Richards had slept in! And we didn't even get high!
Thursday, we toured the Crane Estate in Ipswitch. It was unbelievable! A summer home used only a couple of weeks a year back in the early 19th century -- but it is incredible! Mrs. Crane didn't like the first mansion they built, so Mr. Crane had it leveled and built this beautiful home. The grounds were absolutely beautiful.
That night we stayed in Kennebunk at a quant b-and-b. It was built in the late 1600s, and had been a hiding place for the underground railroad. We slept with the windows open that night -- no AC necessary.
Friday we drove up the coast of Maine and viewed the gorgeous coastline (a couple of beautiful lighthouses). Then we cut over into New Hampshire and drove through the White Mountains. Wow! Mountain streams. Beautiful trees. It was great. Then,we drove down into the Lakes Region. We drove around the lake where "On Golden Pond" was filmed. We stopped and got an ice cream cone and sat in the twilight looking over the lake.
Saturday we went back to Boston and took in a few more sights and did a little shopping. We drove around Harvard University. ACU has it beat!
Then, Sunday we drove around Fenway Park. Wow! It is a city within a city. And we toured the JFK Presidential Library. Another opportunity to relive some history that we actually did experience (though very young, I might add). The library sits on the Bay looking out into the Atlantic and overlooking the city of Boston. Definitely a Kodak moment.
It's good to be home. But it was a delightful way to spend a 30th anniversary.
Oh, yeah, the seafood was delicious. I had never eaten clam chowder. I think I had it every day on the trip. Delicious!
We were in Boston on Monday and Tuesday. We spent a whole day on the Freedom Trail. It was very interesting reliving the history of the Revolution and seeing cemeteries with markers from the 1600s. Especially interesting was North Church -- where the lanterns were placed in the window for Paul Revere. Inside the church, the pews are petitioned so that each family sat by themselves in little cubicles. The more they paid for their seats, the CLOSER to the front. Interesting.
On Wednesday, we went on a whale-watch. A boat took us about 20 miles out into the Atlantic where we saw about 20 humpback whales. It was really cool! That night we stayed in a bed-and-breakfast in Marblehead, Mass. We slept in the same bed as Keith Richards had slept in! And we didn't even get high!
Thursday, we toured the Crane Estate in Ipswitch. It was unbelievable! A summer home used only a couple of weeks a year back in the early 19th century -- but it is incredible! Mrs. Crane didn't like the first mansion they built, so Mr. Crane had it leveled and built this beautiful home. The grounds were absolutely beautiful.
That night we stayed in Kennebunk at a quant b-and-b. It was built in the late 1600s, and had been a hiding place for the underground railroad. We slept with the windows open that night -- no AC necessary.
Friday we drove up the coast of Maine and viewed the gorgeous coastline (a couple of beautiful lighthouses). Then we cut over into New Hampshire and drove through the White Mountains. Wow! Mountain streams. Beautiful trees. It was great. Then,we drove down into the Lakes Region. We drove around the lake where "On Golden Pond" was filmed. We stopped and got an ice cream cone and sat in the twilight looking over the lake.
Saturday we went back to Boston and took in a few more sights and did a little shopping. We drove around Harvard University. ACU has it beat!
Then, Sunday we drove around Fenway Park. Wow! It is a city within a city. And we toured the JFK Presidential Library. Another opportunity to relive some history that we actually did experience (though very young, I might add). The library sits on the Bay looking out into the Atlantic and overlooking the city of Boston. Definitely a Kodak moment.
It's good to be home. But it was a delightful way to spend a 30th anniversary.
Oh, yeah, the seafood was delicious. I had never eaten clam chowder. I think I had it every day on the trip. Delicious!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Prayer Walk
Moments ago, Beverly and I completed our church's prayer walk. It was absolutely incredible! The goal is to have someone in our church praying for our young people (school age) for the next 24 hours. The room is set up in 10 stages, and at each stage we prayed for different children by name. We prayed for specifics -- for them to be light, for them to overcome temptation, for them to share Jesus, etc. It was a quick 30 minutes, and one of the coolest prayer times I have been a part of. Thank you to Jacob and Heather Baker and Tonya Hamilton for coming up with this great idea and for setting up the room in such an inviting way. If you read this blog today and have not signed up, call Jacob at the office. You won't be sorry.
On Monday morning, Beverly and I will be flying to Boston to spend a week together celebrating our 30th anniversary. We will spend a couple of days in Boston, and then drive up the coast into Maine. From there we will drive over into New Hampshire, and then return to Boston. I am really looking forward to the cooler weather! Highs in Boston this week have been in the upper 70s and low 80s. I will try to blog some while we are gone. Please do pray for our safety.
On Monday morning, Beverly and I will be flying to Boston to spend a week together celebrating our 30th anniversary. We will spend a couple of days in Boston, and then drive up the coast into Maine. From there we will drive over into New Hampshire, and then return to Boston. I am really looking forward to the cooler weather! Highs in Boston this week have been in the upper 70s and low 80s. I will try to blog some while we are gone. Please do pray for our safety.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Yes, I Have Been to Paris
Beverly and I made it home late last night from Paris (just saying that makes me feel like a jet-setter). The church there was very interesting. It dates back to around the Civil War. On one wall they have pictures of all of their preachers. It was like taking a tour through the American Restoration Movement. F. D. Srygley, J. W. McGarvey, Foy Wallace, Sr -- and several others I cannot remember at the moment.
We had a nice evening there. The preacher, Patrick Cannon, seems like a fine, young man. He and his wife were very helpful. It was also good to see Roy and Anna Bolton. Roy was one of the elders who hired me when I went to the Mesquite church in 1993. After services last night, we went to Brahm's with them and did a little reminiscing. He and I laughed as we recalled after I had been at Mesquite for a while. That church was a good, stable church -- but it had a handful of people who were malcontents. To some extent, it was driven by at least one elder. In fact, two elders (including the one just mentioned) resigned within the first two weeks I was there -- throwing things into an uproar.
So, after I had been there a while, I remember asking Roy, "Roy, during the interview process, I asked you elders if there was any tension in the eldership and you told me 'no.' Why?" Give him credit for his frankness. He said, "If we had told you that, you wouldn't have come."
We had a nice evening there. The preacher, Patrick Cannon, seems like a fine, young man. He and his wife were very helpful. It was also good to see Roy and Anna Bolton. Roy was one of the elders who hired me when I went to the Mesquite church in 1993. After services last night, we went to Brahm's with them and did a little reminiscing. He and I laughed as we recalled after I had been at Mesquite for a while. That church was a good, stable church -- but it had a handful of people who were malcontents. To some extent, it was driven by at least one elder. In fact, two elders (including the one just mentioned) resigned within the first two weeks I was there -- throwing things into an uproar.
So, after I had been there a while, I remember asking Roy, "Roy, during the interview process, I asked you elders if there was any tension in the eldership and you told me 'no.' Why?" Give him credit for his frankness. He said, "If we had told you that, you wouldn't have come."
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Forgiveness
Today, it's off to East Texas where I will be speaking at the Lamar Avenue Church of Christ this evening. Still waiting for that call to Del Rio (see yesterday's blog).
On the way home from our Texas tour over the weekend, the air conditioner in my car went out. Yesterday was a slap of reality as I got bids on repairing it. The best bid? $1,200! So, if you see me over the next few weeks and I smell like I've been outside working, you will know why. Even the 5 minute drive home from the office works up a pretty good sweat.
I'm re-reading Philip Yancey's book, What's So Amazing About Grace. Yancey scares me because he thinks so much like I do at times. It's like he expresses what is in my head and heart. Listen to what he says about forgiving:
"By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out . . . Such a decision involves risk, of course: the risk that God may not deal with the person as I would want . . .I never find forgiveness easy, and rarely do I find it completelly satisfying. Nagging injustices remain, and the wounds still cause pain. I have to approach God again and again, yielding to him the residue of what I thought I had committed to him long ago." (p. 93)
It truly is a daily battle -- waiting for wounds to become scars.
On the way home from our Texas tour over the weekend, the air conditioner in my car went out. Yesterday was a slap of reality as I got bids on repairing it. The best bid? $1,200! So, if you see me over the next few weeks and I smell like I've been outside working, you will know why. Even the 5 minute drive home from the office works up a pretty good sweat.
I'm re-reading Philip Yancey's book, What's So Amazing About Grace. Yancey scares me because he thinks so much like I do at times. It's like he expresses what is in my head and heart. Listen to what he says about forgiving:
"By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out . . . Such a decision involves risk, of course: the risk that God may not deal with the person as I would want . . .I never find forgiveness easy, and rarely do I find it completelly satisfying. Nagging injustices remain, and the wounds still cause pain. I have to approach God again and again, yielding to him the residue of what I thought I had committed to him long ago." (p. 93)
It truly is a daily battle -- waiting for wounds to become scars.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Texas: It's a Bigggg State!
Beverly and I had a very interesting weekend. Friday morning, we headed out for Lovington, New Mexico -- where we were to do a retreat. We got about 5-1/2 hours away (nearly to Lamesa) when our gas light came on. So, we pulled over in a little town which had no gas stations. A kind lady who ran a little grocery store helped us get enough gas to get us to the next town.
Since this unexpected delay set us back on our arrival time, I decided to call my friend who ministers at the church in Lovington to tell him we were running late. He said, "Brother, you're not late. You're two weeks early." Yes, Rick Ross (mind like a steel-trap) had messed up the date.
So, Beverly and I turned around and pulled over on the side of the road. What do we do now? I got ahold of one of my elders by cellphone (Mike McDowell) and told him what had happened. After he quit laughing (actually, he was still snickering), I told him that I get two weekends a year for meetings and was only using one this year. And, since those covering for me had already made preparations, would it be OK for Beverly and me to go visit our kids in Houston. Mike was so gracious (although still laughing), and said of course.
We drove 5-1/2 hours back to Decatur. Then we got up Saturday morning and went to Houston. Got to spend time with our grandson. Got to spend one night with Josh and Kayci and went to church with them Sunday morning and heard him preach an excellent sermon on "The Table." Sunday evening, we went back to Jonathan and Jennifer's and spent the night. We were able to hear him lead worship (he is so good!) on Sunday night.
So, we went to West Texas. And we went to the Gulf Coast. Tomorrow night we head for Northeast Texas (Paris) -- where I will preach on their Wednesday night program. I guess all I need is a call to go to Del Rio, and we have covered the state.
Since this unexpected delay set us back on our arrival time, I decided to call my friend who ministers at the church in Lovington to tell him we were running late. He said, "Brother, you're not late. You're two weeks early." Yes, Rick Ross (mind like a steel-trap) had messed up the date.
So, Beverly and I turned around and pulled over on the side of the road. What do we do now? I got ahold of one of my elders by cellphone (Mike McDowell) and told him what had happened. After he quit laughing (actually, he was still snickering), I told him that I get two weekends a year for meetings and was only using one this year. And, since those covering for me had already made preparations, would it be OK for Beverly and me to go visit our kids in Houston. Mike was so gracious (although still laughing), and said of course.
We drove 5-1/2 hours back to Decatur. Then we got up Saturday morning and went to Houston. Got to spend time with our grandson. Got to spend one night with Josh and Kayci and went to church with them Sunday morning and heard him preach an excellent sermon on "The Table." Sunday evening, we went back to Jonathan and Jennifer's and spent the night. We were able to hear him lead worship (he is so good!) on Sunday night.
So, we went to West Texas. And we went to the Gulf Coast. Tomorrow night we head for Northeast Texas (Paris) -- where I will preach on their Wednesday night program. I guess all I need is a call to go to Del Rio, and we have covered the state.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
A Special Day
On August 3, 1978 the people of Albany, Texas (north of Abilene) were overwhelmed with 20 inches of rain. The Great Albany Flood. That same day, Beverly and I were overwhelmed with the birth of our oldest child. During Beverly's pregnancy (which she loved. I know you will find it surprising that she found joy in that), people would ask if we wanted a boy or a girl. I wished for a girl. And the Lord granted my wish.
It was still in the days where the father was not allowed back with the mother during delivery. So, when I finally got to hold that beautiful bundle, it was just unbelievable. She brought so much joy into our lives.
She was born with a voice like an angel. Her cry was soft -- almost considerate. But from the time she began to talk, she could sing on pitch. To this day, her voice gives me goosebumps.
So many wonderful memories. I loved rocking her to bed every night, and reading her bedtime stories. Butterfly kisses. Working puzzles. Icees. Going for walks. PIcking the "Ok-ok" (that's okra for you grown-ups) out of my garden.
Whenever we traveled, she would shout, "I see choo-choo train." And she would continue saying it until we said, "Yes, Jenny. It's a choo-choo train."
When she was in kindergarden, she came home from school with an assignment: Write a letter to Santa Claus. So, she and I sat down to write. I asked, "What would you like to say?" No response. I said, "How about let's begin with 'Dear Santa.' What do you want to say next?" She thought for a moment and said, "Rabbit Santa."
I am so glad that Jenny is our first child. If we had had one of the boys first, we might have been tempted to stop there (Just kidding, guys). My only regret is that I was so new at the parenting thing, I made a lot of mistakes with her. If I could do it over again, she would never doubt that she is the pride of her father's heart.
I am so very pleased with the woman my daughter has become. She is an outstanding mother, wonderful volunteer, and a woman of strong faith and conviction. She made an excellent choice in a mate. David is a father-in-law's dream. And I am so very grateful for the way in which she shares precious Malaya with Grammy and Grampy.
Happy 28th birthday, my sweet girl. Hard to believe. That makes me nearly 40! You have made your daddy a proud man. See you tonight at Joe T. Garcia's.
It was still in the days where the father was not allowed back with the mother during delivery. So, when I finally got to hold that beautiful bundle, it was just unbelievable. She brought so much joy into our lives.
She was born with a voice like an angel. Her cry was soft -- almost considerate. But from the time she began to talk, she could sing on pitch. To this day, her voice gives me goosebumps.
So many wonderful memories. I loved rocking her to bed every night, and reading her bedtime stories. Butterfly kisses. Working puzzles. Icees. Going for walks. PIcking the "Ok-ok" (that's okra for you grown-ups) out of my garden.
Whenever we traveled, she would shout, "I see choo-choo train." And she would continue saying it until we said, "Yes, Jenny. It's a choo-choo train."
When she was in kindergarden, she came home from school with an assignment: Write a letter to Santa Claus. So, she and I sat down to write. I asked, "What would you like to say?" No response. I said, "How about let's begin with 'Dear Santa.' What do you want to say next?" She thought for a moment and said, "Rabbit Santa."
I am so glad that Jenny is our first child. If we had had one of the boys first, we might have been tempted to stop there (Just kidding, guys). My only regret is that I was so new at the parenting thing, I made a lot of mistakes with her. If I could do it over again, she would never doubt that she is the pride of her father's heart.
I am so very pleased with the woman my daughter has become. She is an outstanding mother, wonderful volunteer, and a woman of strong faith and conviction. She made an excellent choice in a mate. David is a father-in-law's dream. And I am so very grateful for the way in which she shares precious Malaya with Grammy and Grampy.
Happy 28th birthday, my sweet girl. Hard to believe. That makes me nearly 40! You have made your daddy a proud man. See you tonight at Joe T. Garcia's.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Trip to Lovington, New Mexico
Friday Beverly and I will be heading to Lovington, New Mexico for a weekend with the church there. She will lead a ladies' day on Saturday. On Friday night, two sessions Saturday night and four sessions Sunday, I will be teaching from the Sermon on the Mount.
This is the third straight year we have made this trip. It is so special. The church is warm and friendly. And we get to spend time with our dear friends, Larry and Aleta Tittle. Larry serves as a minister there.
We will be returning on Monday, arriving in the evening. So I will be missing from the blogger world for a few days.
I'm writing this today to ask you to be praying for us this weekend, that the Lord will use us to bring words of blessing. Also, I'm writing it today because tomorrow will be dedicated to a very special person in my life.
This is the third straight year we have made this trip. It is so special. The church is warm and friendly. And we get to spend time with our dear friends, Larry and Aleta Tittle. Larry serves as a minister there.
We will be returning on Monday, arriving in the evening. So I will be missing from the blogger world for a few days.
I'm writing this today to ask you to be praying for us this weekend, that the Lord will use us to bring words of blessing. Also, I'm writing it today because tomorrow will be dedicated to a very special person in my life.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Softball and Mel Gibson
Well, the softball season is about over. We began our post-season tournament last night. We played Grace Baptist. I think they need to reconsider their name. Last week, they beat us 35-0. Last night we had similar results: 36-6.
Obviously, we are not very good. We won less than half our games during the season. But "Grace" Baptist? They surely didn't show us any. I'm really just kidding. After the game, one of the guys apologized for running up the score. He said that the tournament winner could come down to runs scored. I told him not to worry about it. I said that they way we played, they would have had to sit down on the bases to keep from running up the score.
We play again tonight. Chances are this will be our last game.
_____________________________________
I really like Mel Gibson. I have heard some discussion about his being stopped for drunk driving last week. But I don't know for sure what the hoopla is about what he said in his drunkenness. I need to find an article where that is detailed. It is certainly serving as fodder for the talk shows. Even on GMA this morning they were talking about alcohol's affect on our inhibitions.
Obviously, we are not very good. We won less than half our games during the season. But "Grace" Baptist? They surely didn't show us any. I'm really just kidding. After the game, one of the guys apologized for running up the score. He said that the tournament winner could come down to runs scored. I told him not to worry about it. I said that they way we played, they would have had to sit down on the bases to keep from running up the score.
We play again tonight. Chances are this will be our last game.
_____________________________________
I really like Mel Gibson. I have heard some discussion about his being stopped for drunk driving last week. But I don't know for sure what the hoopla is about what he said in his drunkenness. I need to find an article where that is detailed. It is certainly serving as fodder for the talk shows. Even on GMA this morning they were talking about alcohol's affect on our inhibitions.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Gems from Bible Study
Last night I led a Bible study from James 5, where he 1. gets pretty direct with those who are rich (us) and 2. encourages his readers to live in the awareness that Jesus is coming. So this morning let me share a couple of quotes.
In relation to wealth, Andrew Carnegie, one of the great industrialists of the 19th century, once said: "I was born in poverty and would not exchange its sacred memories with the richest millionaire's son who ever breathed . . . Some men think that poverty is a dreadful burden and that wealth leads to happiness. What do they know about it? They know only one side. They imagine the other. I have lived both, and I know there is very little in wealth that can add to human happiness beyond the small comforts of life. Millionaires who laugh are rare."
And on the subject of Jesus' return, C. S. Lewis wrote: "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."
Have a great weekend!
In relation to wealth, Andrew Carnegie, one of the great industrialists of the 19th century, once said: "I was born in poverty and would not exchange its sacred memories with the richest millionaire's son who ever breathed . . . Some men think that poverty is a dreadful burden and that wealth leads to happiness. What do they know about it? They know only one side. They imagine the other. I have lived both, and I know there is very little in wealth that can add to human happiness beyond the small comforts of life. Millionaires who laugh are rare."
And on the subject of Jesus' return, C. S. Lewis wrote: "If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this."
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Justice? Or Mercy?
Justice and mercy. We humans rarely balance the two out well. I confess it is a concept I often find myself struggling with -- from world events to the local church to close relationships.
So this Andrea Yates case brings the whole issue up again. This woman murdered five of her own children! Yet in her retrial, she has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. I agree! A person would have to be insane to kill her 5 children. But where is the accountability? Where is the justice for those 5 innocent lives that were snuffed out by a person whom they should have been able to trust? I don't know what the answer is. If she is indeed insane, I hope for her sake and others' that she remains in the state mental hospital for a long time.
In Romans 3, Paul talks about how God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement. He then says in vv. 25-26: He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished -- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justified those who have faith in Jesus.
Through this, we see that God is both Just and the Justifier. So, I rest in that thought. I know that I want mercy. Therefore, I believe it best for me to err on the side of mercy in my dealings with others.
On a lighter note (pardon the blond joke, but sometimes truth is greater than fiction): Runway model Tatyana Simanava, 21, was hospitalized in May after she turned the wrong way upon emerging from the rest room of the luxury motor home she was riding in through Brooklyn, N.Y., and fell out the back door into traffic, suffering a broken arm and wrist. Newspaper stories described her as a blonde.
So this Andrea Yates case brings the whole issue up again. This woman murdered five of her own children! Yet in her retrial, she has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. I agree! A person would have to be insane to kill her 5 children. But where is the accountability? Where is the justice for those 5 innocent lives that were snuffed out by a person whom they should have been able to trust? I don't know what the answer is. If she is indeed insane, I hope for her sake and others' that she remains in the state mental hospital for a long time.
In Romans 3, Paul talks about how God presented Jesus as a sacrifice of atonement. He then says in vv. 25-26: He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished -- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justified those who have faith in Jesus.
Through this, we see that God is both Just and the Justifier. So, I rest in that thought. I know that I want mercy. Therefore, I believe it best for me to err on the side of mercy in my dealings with others.
On a lighter note (pardon the blond joke, but sometimes truth is greater than fiction): Runway model Tatyana Simanava, 21, was hospitalized in May after she turned the wrong way upon emerging from the rest room of the luxury motor home she was riding in through Brooklyn, N.Y., and fell out the back door into traffic, suffering a broken arm and wrist. Newspaper stories described her as a blonde.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Prayer Request
Each Wednesday morning I meet with a few guys to share and pray. This morning, we were talking for a while about Lasik surgery, and it occurred to me that it has been nearly 6 years to the day since I had Lasik. For me, it has been an incredible experience -- as it corrected not only my near-sightedness, but also my astigmatism.
However, I find my prayers and thoughts constantly going right now to a good brother who had an eye procedure done a couple of weeks ago, and is really struggling with the results at this time. His name is Kyle Reeves. He is a dentist (a very good one, I might add). And so his recovery is doubly difficult because he is unable to work right now. Kyle and his wife, Shelly, are an incredible couple. They are extremely mission-minded, servant-minded and generous. They are truly in love with Jesus.
So, please lift Kyle up in your prayers today. He usually reads my blog (I'm not sure if he is now, because of his eyes). I would like to encourage you to reply to this blog with a note of encouragement for him and Shelly today. Thanks.
However, I find my prayers and thoughts constantly going right now to a good brother who had an eye procedure done a couple of weeks ago, and is really struggling with the results at this time. His name is Kyle Reeves. He is a dentist (a very good one, I might add). And so his recovery is doubly difficult because he is unable to work right now. Kyle and his wife, Shelly, are an incredible couple. They are extremely mission-minded, servant-minded and generous. They are truly in love with Jesus.
So, please lift Kyle up in your prayers today. He usually reads my blog (I'm not sure if he is now, because of his eyes). I would like to encourage you to reply to this blog with a note of encouragement for him and Shelly today. Thanks.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Congrats to Tiger
Over the weekend, I enjoyed watching the British Open. If Tiger stays with his new strategy of hitting irons off the tee and staying in the fairway, he might be unstoppable. And what an incredible show of pent-up emotions after he finished!
I promise not to make this blog simply an A. W. Tozer quote of the day. But right now, his words are hitting us (me) right between the eyes. Listen to this:
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. --Galatians 6:14
The old cross slew men; the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh; the new cross encourages it. The old cross brought tears and blood; the new cross brings laughter. The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross; before that cross it bows and toward that cross it points with carefully staged histrionics--but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross it stubbornly refuses to bear.
I well know how many smooth arguments can be marshalled in support of the new cross. Does not the new cross win converts and make many followers and so carry the advantage of numerical success? Should we not adjust ourselves to the changing times? Have we not heard the slogan, "New days, new ways"? And who but someone very old and very conservative would insist upon death as the appointed way to life? And who today is interested in a gloomy mysticism that would sentence
its flesh to a cross and recommend self-effacing humility as a virtue actually to be practiced by modern Christians? These are the arguments, along with many more flippant still, which are brought forward to give an appearance of wisdom to the hollow and meaningless cross of popular Christianity. The Pursuit of Man, 53,54.
I promise not to make this blog simply an A. W. Tozer quote of the day. But right now, his words are hitting us (me) right between the eyes. Listen to this:
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. --Galatians 6:14
The old cross slew men; the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh; the new cross encourages it. The old cross brought tears and blood; the new cross brings laughter. The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross; before that cross it bows and toward that cross it points with carefully staged histrionics--but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross it stubbornly refuses to bear.
I well know how many smooth arguments can be marshalled in support of the new cross. Does not the new cross win converts and make many followers and so carry the advantage of numerical success? Should we not adjust ourselves to the changing times? Have we not heard the slogan, "New days, new ways"? And who but someone very old and very conservative would insist upon death as the appointed way to life? And who today is interested in a gloomy mysticism that would sentence
its flesh to a cross and recommend self-effacing humility as a virtue actually to be practiced by modern Christians? These are the arguments, along with many more flippant still, which are brought forward to give an appearance of wisdom to the hollow and meaningless cross of popular Christianity. The Pursuit of Man, 53,54.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Another Tozer Quote
This is an exciting weekend. British Open in the morning. Tomorrow night, Beverly and I are going with Jenny and Malaya and some of our friends to see my favorite artist, Stephen Curtis Chapman. I'll be up late Saturday night. So, hopefully I won't fall asleep in the sermon.
In past weeks, I have shared thoughts from A. W. Tozer. Here is another:
We do have many professing Christians in our day who are not joyful, but they spend time trying to work it up. Now, brethren, I say that when we give God His place in the church, when we recognize Christ as Lord high and lifted up, when we give the Holy Spirit His place, there will be joy that doesn't have to be worked up. It will be a joy that springs like a fountain. Jesus said that it should be a fountain, an artesian well, that springs up from within. That's one characteristic of a Spirit-filled congregation. They will be a joyful people, and it will be easy to distinguish them from the children of the world.
I wonder what the Apostle Paul would say if he came down right now and looked us over in our congregations. What if he walked up and down the aisles of our churches, then went to a theater and looked them over, then on to a hockey game, on to the crowds at the shopping center and into the crowded streets? Then when he came back and looked us over again, I wonder if he would see very much difference?
Have a great weekend!
In past weeks, I have shared thoughts from A. W. Tozer. Here is another:
We do have many professing Christians in our day who are not joyful, but they spend time trying to work it up. Now, brethren, I say that when we give God His place in the church, when we recognize Christ as Lord high and lifted up, when we give the Holy Spirit His place, there will be joy that doesn't have to be worked up. It will be a joy that springs like a fountain. Jesus said that it should be a fountain, an artesian well, that springs up from within. That's one characteristic of a Spirit-filled congregation. They will be a joyful people, and it will be easy to distinguish them from the children of the world.
I wonder what the Apostle Paul would say if he came down right now and looked us over in our congregations. What if he walked up and down the aisles of our churches, then went to a theater and looked them over, then on to a hockey game, on to the crowds at the shopping center and into the crowded streets? Then when he came back and looked us over again, I wonder if he would see very much difference?
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Life in the Fast Lane
It was so nice being back in Crockett. Seeing old friends and preaching last night for them was a special treat. Beverly and her parents and I met Jed for lunch yesterday. His parents tagged along as well. We ate and then visited for about an hour and a half -- just taking turns holding the little booger. He is so cute!
Last night after church, we got on the road -- arriving home about 12:30. Beverly called her mom on the way home, and it was raining in Crockett. So, I just missed seeing my first rain in a couple of months.
Are we spoiled or what? As I got to the office this morning, I went on line. We have DSL, and it is running slower than the old dial up. I'm sitting in front of my monitor tapping my foot. "Come on! You're wasting my precious time!"
I can remember when dial up internet was incredible. And that was only a few years ago!
I have to keep telling myself to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Last night after church, we got on the road -- arriving home about 12:30. Beverly called her mom on the way home, and it was raining in Crockett. So, I just missed seeing my first rain in a couple of months.
Are we spoiled or what? As I got to the office this morning, I went on line. We have DSL, and it is running slower than the old dial up. I'm sitting in front of my monitor tapping my foot. "Come on! You're wasting my precious time!"
I can remember when dial up internet was incredible. And that was only a few years ago!
I have to keep telling myself to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Returning to Crockett
Today after work, I am picking up Beverly in Grapevine and we are going to go spend the night in Crockett with Beverly's parents. Tomorrow night I will be speaking there.
Crockett was my first full-time work. Even though we were only there 5 years, in many ways it still seems like home. We made life-long friends there. It was the perfect place for an inexperienced preacher to cut his teeth. They were so supportive, and must have endured some real yawners.
I think we sense many of the positives in Decatur that we did in Crockett. We like the smaller town, and the genuineness of the people.
Hopefully, our ministry career can be bookended with the Crockett experience and the Decatur experience. That would be cool. I only hope that there aren't as many yawners left in my repertoire.
Crockett was my first full-time work. Even though we were only there 5 years, in many ways it still seems like home. We made life-long friends there. It was the perfect place for an inexperienced preacher to cut his teeth. They were so supportive, and must have endured some real yawners.
I think we sense many of the positives in Decatur that we did in Crockett. We like the smaller town, and the genuineness of the people.
Hopefully, our ministry career can be bookended with the Crockett experience and the Decatur experience. That would be cool. I only hope that there aren't as many yawners left in my repertoire.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Pray for Relief!
Wow! It's hot! Today it is supposed to be 104. No rain in sight. I'm about to go mow while it's still cool (meaning under 95).
How about let's join in praying for rain. Those of you who read my blog in the Houston area or other areas that have gotten an abundance of rain, you can still join us in praying -- just be sure to state your specified target. We are desperately in need of rain here in Decatur (and the whole DFW Metroplex).
Tonight at 8 (the temperature ought to be down to about 100 by then), we have a softball game. Our team (the Decatur Church of Christ JV) is playing the Deatur Church of Christ Varsity. It could turn real ugly.
Lord, please bring us an abundance of rain. Eight o'clock tonight would be nice.
How about let's join in praying for rain. Those of you who read my blog in the Houston area or other areas that have gotten an abundance of rain, you can still join us in praying -- just be sure to state your specified target. We are desperately in need of rain here in Decatur (and the whole DFW Metroplex).
Tonight at 8 (the temperature ought to be down to about 100 by then), we have a softball game. Our team (the Decatur Church of Christ JV) is playing the Deatur Church of Christ Varsity. It could turn real ugly.
Lord, please bring us an abundance of rain. Eight o'clock tonight would be nice.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Friday Morning Scattershooting
OK, enough of the Michelle Wie hype! I realize that she is an incredlble 16 year old golfer. But she has yet to even win an LPGA event. Yet, for several months, the John Deere Classic has been hyping her attempt to make the cut in this week's PGA event. It is one of the weakest fields of the year on the PGA tour -- being the week before the British Open. Result yesterday: Only two men in the field scored higher than Wie. She has had similar results in past PGA events. So, stop with trying to make this a story! PLEASE!
______________________________
I didn't know until this morning that the Dallas Mavericks 1st round draft choice, Maurice Ager from Michigan State (drafted 28th over all) is a faithful Christian and member of the Church of Christ.
______________________________
Wow! I can't recall if the world has ever been in such a volatile state in my life! Iraq. Afghanistan. Iran. North Korea. Israel / Lebanon. In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?" Big oil is licking it's greedy lips -- with crude topping $78 a barrel. The worse the conditions in the world, the better their bottom line. What a sick way to make a profit.
Of course, Pat Robertson and his ilk are also enjoying this, as they try to predict how all of this is the playing out of Biblical prophecy. I imagine donations go up as people attempt to "get right with God" before Armegeddon.
Sorry. I'm probably sounding a little cynical this morning.
______________________________
I didn't know until this morning that the Dallas Mavericks 1st round draft choice, Maurice Ager from Michigan State (drafted 28th over all) is a faithful Christian and member of the Church of Christ.
______________________________
Wow! I can't recall if the world has ever been in such a volatile state in my life! Iraq. Afghanistan. Iran. North Korea. Israel / Lebanon. In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?" Big oil is licking it's greedy lips -- with crude topping $78 a barrel. The worse the conditions in the world, the better their bottom line. What a sick way to make a profit.
Of course, Pat Robertson and his ilk are also enjoying this, as they try to predict how all of this is the playing out of Biblical prophecy. I imagine donations go up as people attempt to "get right with God" before Armegeddon.
Sorry. I'm probably sounding a little cynical this morning.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Eyes for the Poor
I stayed up way past my bedtime last night. My son Josh and his wife Kayci were in town. Josh spoke at our church last night, and did an incredible job.
Josh has such a passion for the poor. So, we stayed up late -- sitting on the patio talking about the plight of the poor, and the failure of the government, the church, etc. to adequately address this issue. We've all heard people say, "God helps those who help themselves." That's not in Scripture. In fact, when it comes to spiritual matters -- that statement is even unbiblical. But Paul does say, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thess. 5: 8). And he said that anyone who does not provide for for his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5: 8).
So, yes, those verses address those who refuse to work. But people are poor for any number of reasons. And there is no way to morally place them all in the same box. I was especially convicted last night as Josh said that, for the most part -- we never even see the poor. They live "over there." Rarely do we even encounter them.
I want to challenge us today to have the eyes of Jesus. And let His words from Matthew 25 penetrate our hearts and work on our consciences today:
"Then the righteous will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, our thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
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.'"
Josh has such a passion for the poor. So, we stayed up late -- sitting on the patio talking about the plight of the poor, and the failure of the government, the church, etc. to adequately address this issue. We've all heard people say, "God helps those who help themselves." That's not in Scripture. In fact, when it comes to spiritual matters -- that statement is even unbiblical. But Paul does say, "If a man will not work, he shall not eat" (2 Thess. 5: 8). And he said that anyone who does not provide for for his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim. 5: 8).
So, yes, those verses address those who refuse to work. But people are poor for any number of reasons. And there is no way to morally place them all in the same box. I was especially convicted last night as Josh said that, for the most part -- we never even see the poor. They live "over there." Rarely do we even encounter them.
I want to challenge us today to have the eyes of Jesus. And let His words from Matthew 25 penetrate our hearts and work on our consciences today:
"Then the righteous will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, our thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
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.'"
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
More from Tozer
Here's another thought from A. W. Tozer:
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
--1 Timothy 6:17
We in the churches seem unable to rise above the fiscal philosophy which rules the business world; so we introduce into our church finances the psychology of the great secular institutions so familiar to us all and judge a church by its financial report much as we judge a bank or a department store.
A look into history will quickly convince any interested person that the true church has almost always suffered more from prosperity than from poverty. Her times of greatest spiritual power have usually coincided with her periods of indigence and rejection; with wealth came weakness and backsliding. If this cannot be explained, neither apparently can it be escaped. . . .
The point I am trying to make here is that while money has a proper place in the total life of the church militant, the tendency is to attach to it an importance that is far greater than is biblically sound or morally right. The average church has so established itself organizationally and financially that God is simply not necessary to it. So entrenched is its authority and so stable are the religious habits of its members that God could withdraw Himself completely from it and it could run on for years on its own momentum. The Warfare of the Spirit, 9-11.
That last part reminds me of a quote I once heard (it may have been Tozer). It went something to the effect of "Remove the Holy Spirit from the early church and everything would have stopped. Remove the Holy Spirit from the church today, and we would go on with business as usual."
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
--1 Timothy 6:17
We in the churches seem unable to rise above the fiscal philosophy which rules the business world; so we introduce into our church finances the psychology of the great secular institutions so familiar to us all and judge a church by its financial report much as we judge a bank or a department store.
A look into history will quickly convince any interested person that the true church has almost always suffered more from prosperity than from poverty. Her times of greatest spiritual power have usually coincided with her periods of indigence and rejection; with wealth came weakness and backsliding. If this cannot be explained, neither apparently can it be escaped. . . .
The point I am trying to make here is that while money has a proper place in the total life of the church militant, the tendency is to attach to it an importance that is far greater than is biblically sound or morally right. The average church has so established itself organizationally and financially that God is simply not necessary to it. So entrenched is its authority and so stable are the religious habits of its members that God could withdraw Himself completely from it and it could run on for years on its own momentum. The Warfare of the Spirit, 9-11.
That last part reminds me of a quote I once heard (it may have been Tozer). It went something to the effect of "Remove the Holy Spirit from the early church and everything would have stopped. Remove the Holy Spirit from the church today, and we would go on with business as usual."
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Comic Criminals
I love reading about silly things criminals do. Here are a couple I came across this morning:
1. Richard and Stephanie North were arrested in April and charged with taking a big-screen TV from an appliance store in Middletown, N.Y. Police had stopped their car on suspicion because a rear door was propped open to accommodate the huge TV set sticking out of the back seat.
2. Richard Costello, 29, was arrested in Clearwater, Fla., in May and charged with stealing motorcycle parts after police recovered photos of the parts, which they suspect were snapped by Costello. At the bottom of each photo, the photographer's bare toes are visible and display the tattoos "white" and "trash," matching Costello's own tattooed toes.
I guess I like reading / hearing about such things because it makes me feel smarter. But this morning, I was reminded that God and the hosts of heaven probably grin when they watch me bumble through life, too.
1. Richard and Stephanie North were arrested in April and charged with taking a big-screen TV from an appliance store in Middletown, N.Y. Police had stopped their car on suspicion because a rear door was propped open to accommodate the huge TV set sticking out of the back seat.
2. Richard Costello, 29, was arrested in Clearwater, Fla., in May and charged with stealing motorcycle parts after police recovered photos of the parts, which they suspect were snapped by Costello. At the bottom of each photo, the photographer's bare toes are visible and display the tattoos "white" and "trash," matching Costello's own tattooed toes.
I guess I like reading / hearing about such things because it makes me feel smarter. But this morning, I was reminded that God and the hosts of heaven probably grin when they watch me bumble through life, too.
Monday, July 10, 2006
The World Cup
Yesterday, I watched bits and pieces of the World Cup. I am amazed at the popularity of soccer (futbol) worldwide. No doubt, it is the world's most popular sport. But it would take some getting used to before I could be a fan.
Now rugby is another matter. Two years ago, when I was in Australia -- they were in the middle of the rugby playoffs. It is a great game, somewhat like football without the 40 second break in between plays. Much faster moving than our football.
Anyway, so I'm watching the game yesterday: Italy vs. France. I'm surprised France didn't just surrender (just joking). After regulation, the score was tied. So, they played one overtime period -- and it was still tied. So the World Cup comes down to this: Who can make the most penalty kicks in 5 tries? Huh?
These guys have been playing in the World Cup tournament for what seems like a couple of months -- with up to a billion people watching. And the champions are going to be determined by who can make the most penalty kicks in 5 tries?
Can you imagine the Super Bowl coming down to this: Game tied after regulation. They play one overtime period -- still tied. So, the game will be decided by which field goal kicker can make the most extra points in 5 tries.
Or the NBA championship being decided by who can make the most free throws in 5 tries.
Needless to say, I was not impressed. But I realize that my American point of view is not one that is shared by the rest of the world. So, congratulations to Italy!
Now rugby is another matter. Two years ago, when I was in Australia -- they were in the middle of the rugby playoffs. It is a great game, somewhat like football without the 40 second break in between plays. Much faster moving than our football.
Anyway, so I'm watching the game yesterday: Italy vs. France. I'm surprised France didn't just surrender (just joking). After regulation, the score was tied. So, they played one overtime period -- and it was still tied. So the World Cup comes down to this: Who can make the most penalty kicks in 5 tries? Huh?
These guys have been playing in the World Cup tournament for what seems like a couple of months -- with up to a billion people watching. And the champions are going to be determined by who can make the most penalty kicks in 5 tries?
Can you imagine the Super Bowl coming down to this: Game tied after regulation. They play one overtime period -- still tied. So, the game will be decided by which field goal kicker can make the most extra points in 5 tries.
Or the NBA championship being decided by who can make the most free throws in 5 tries.
Needless to say, I was not impressed. But I realize that my American point of view is not one that is shared by the rest of the world. So, congratulations to Italy!
Friday, July 07, 2006
What if . . .?
An interesting question was posed last night at our covenant group / Bible study. Suppose you lived in the time when Jesus was in the flesh. How do you think you would have received Him?
I had to admit that I am glad I live now -- post-resurrection. As cynical as I tend to be when people make claims for themselves or about others, I fear that I would have missed Him. I don't think I would have sided with the Pharisees. I probably would have simply been one in the crowd who saw (or heard), weighed it against my own experiences -- and returned home to my routine.
It's a scary thought.
I had to admit that I am glad I live now -- post-resurrection. As cynical as I tend to be when people make claims for themselves or about others, I fear that I would have missed Him. I don't think I would have sided with the Pharisees. I probably would have simply been one in the crowd who saw (or heard), weighed it against my own experiences -- and returned home to my routine.
It's a scary thought.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Missed Rain, Jedidiah, and Ken Lay
I did not realize when Beverly and I moved to Decatur that we were moving to the largest dome in the world. Since Monday, it has rained all around us. Over the last several days, the DFW metroplex has received multiple inches of rain. Within 4 miles of my house, a friend got two inches on Tuesday. But we are dry.
Beverly and I had a nice treat yesterday. Jedidiah came to see us! (Oh, yeah. Their parents, Jonathan and Jennifer, came too). They spent the night with us last night, and are on their way to Odessa today -- then to Abilene for the weekend and next week. Jonathan is leading singing for Kadesh camp there.
I told Beverly that I would not rub it in, but it is quite a coincidence. Our 1st grandbaby, Malaya, smiled first at her grampy. And last night? Jed smiled at me (1st again). But I won't rub it in.
Ken Lay passed away yesterday. I could not believe the newspaper headlines this morning. It was about how Lay got out of paying restitution for his crime! For goodness sakes! The man is dead! I realize his crime was a grievous one -- leaving many people hurt. But where has our common decency gone?
Beverly and I had a nice treat yesterday. Jedidiah came to see us! (Oh, yeah. Their parents, Jonathan and Jennifer, came too). They spent the night with us last night, and are on their way to Odessa today -- then to Abilene for the weekend and next week. Jonathan is leading singing for Kadesh camp there.
I told Beverly that I would not rub it in, but it is quite a coincidence. Our 1st grandbaby, Malaya, smiled first at her grampy. And last night? Jed smiled at me (1st again). But I won't rub it in.
Ken Lay passed away yesterday. I could not believe the newspaper headlines this morning. It was about how Lay got out of paying restitution for his crime! For goodness sakes! The man is dead! I realize his crime was a grievous one -- leaving many people hurt. But where has our common decency gone?
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Founding Fathers
I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. I did. Beverly and I (mainly Beverly) got some projects accomplished at the house. More pictures hung. But the best thing: MY CAR IS NOW IN THE GARAGE! This is one of the best signs that we are officially moved in to a house. There isn't a day goes by that Beverly and I don't thank the Lord that we are in Decatur.
Every 4th of July I am again reminded of what an incredible group of men the Lord brought together 230 years ago to birth this nation. I wonder what our founding fathers would think about us today. Would they be proud of their "kids"? Or would they be ashamed?
I sometimes think those same thoughts about Jesus, Peter, Paul, etc. Would they be proud of where the church is today? What would they commend? What would make them sad?
I think I know at least some of the answers to both.
Every 4th of July I am again reminded of what an incredible group of men the Lord brought together 230 years ago to birth this nation. I wonder what our founding fathers would think about us today. Would they be proud of their "kids"? Or would they be ashamed?
I sometimes think those same thoughts about Jesus, Peter, Paul, etc. Would they be proud of where the church is today? What would they commend? What would make them sad?
I think I know at least some of the answers to both.
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