Did you notice the title change? This is by design. My address remains the same for this blog. But my place for publishing will be changed. Our ministry is in transition. We are closing a volume of this journey, opening a new one.
As of April 18th, I will be a pastor in the United States. I will be in the Southern block of those great states, in south Mississippi.
The change is bittersweet. It has been delightful to serve our Lord Jesus in South America. We have done so since 1988, except for a brief return for medical needs at the beginning of the 21st century. So we have plenty of great memories and great hopes that we will see many hundreds of Peruvians and others in heaven one day. Only the Lord knows how many of the thousands that said they believed on the Lord under our ministry truly did. But we have great hopes.
Now it seemed good to the Lord to send us north of the equator once again. And we are excited. It's an exciting time in the world. It's a great time to be an active Christian. I can't wait to be back in the pulpit, equipping believers, challenging the congregation, seeking to evangelize the lost.
So, rejoice with me. But pray with me, too. The change is just now beginning to dawn on us. I look forward to it, but also walk in fear and trepidation.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Counting the Cost?
I wonder if we realize how much of the Bible is plain common sense for every day living? That is one of the things that sometimes we overlook.
One of those common sense teachings is in the Gospel According to Luke. It's Jesus' parable about counting the cost. Now, admittedly and most importantly, it refers to counting the cost to be his disciple. But don't ignore the common sense analogy. You don't go to war against a larger enemy without counting the cost. You don't start a major project without counting the cost. Those are the simple truths that Jesus used to impress the spiritual truth that we must count the cost to be his disciple. More about that in a moment.
First I want to point to the historic vote taking place as I write this. What so many do not know is that these men and women who are voting in favor of what is now called "Obamacare" have no clue as to the real cost of the bill. They are ignorant of that fact. In fact, they don't even know everything that is in that bill. That 3,000-page bill. That monstrosity of legislation. Aside from the bill that Obama's own actuary said he cannot calculate, the Congressional Budget Office only sent an estimated cost. Read that again: an estimated cost. The Dems are pushing for a vote on an item for which they have not counted the cost.
Only a fool votes for something or someone they know nothing about.
They are praying for 217 fools today. I am praying for 218 wise men.
Let this battle be a lesson for believers. Although my heart is broken for the United States, the United States, ultimately, is not my home. Heaven is my main home. The United States is just one place in which I and all believers are pilgrims. This is because I have counted the cost. It is wiser to be on the winning side. Jesus is the winning side, no matter what happens in this crazy world we are passing through.
Let's use this image and the subsequent fallout as an illustration of what happens when you do not count the cost. Many will suffer an eternity in hell because the failed to count the cost and "vote" the right way.
One of those common sense teachings is in the Gospel According to Luke. It's Jesus' parable about counting the cost. Now, admittedly and most importantly, it refers to counting the cost to be his disciple. But don't ignore the common sense analogy. You don't go to war against a larger enemy without counting the cost. You don't start a major project without counting the cost. Those are the simple truths that Jesus used to impress the spiritual truth that we must count the cost to be his disciple. More about that in a moment.
First I want to point to the historic vote taking place as I write this. What so many do not know is that these men and women who are voting in favor of what is now called "Obamacare" have no clue as to the real cost of the bill. They are ignorant of that fact. In fact, they don't even know everything that is in that bill. That 3,000-page bill. That monstrosity of legislation. Aside from the bill that Obama's own actuary said he cannot calculate, the Congressional Budget Office only sent an estimated cost. Read that again: an estimated cost. The Dems are pushing for a vote on an item for which they have not counted the cost.
Only a fool votes for something or someone they know nothing about.
They are praying for 217 fools today. I am praying for 218 wise men.
Let this battle be a lesson for believers. Although my heart is broken for the United States, the United States, ultimately, is not my home. Heaven is my main home. The United States is just one place in which I and all believers are pilgrims. This is because I have counted the cost. It is wiser to be on the winning side. Jesus is the winning side, no matter what happens in this crazy world we are passing through.
Let's use this image and the subsequent fallout as an illustration of what happens when you do not count the cost. Many will suffer an eternity in hell because the failed to count the cost and "vote" the right way.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Integrity
Where has all their integrity gone? Where is integrity in America? Where is it in Congress?
If you have been listening at all to what is going on in Washington, talk is strong that the healthcare bill is going to be deemed to have passed without even voting on it. How can they do that? By changing the rules in the house. It's insane to think about. Passing a bill without voting on it is chicanery. It is the lowest of integrity.
Integrity is all we have, people. You will not stand before God and be a liar. You will not see his face if you are characterized by duplicity. God hates lying. Hear that: GOD HATES LYING! He is the Spirit of Truth. Lying is counter to God.
Pray that we return to integrity, people. Pray for revival in America; perhaps it's not too late.
If you have been listening at all to what is going on in Washington, talk is strong that the healthcare bill is going to be deemed to have passed without even voting on it. How can they do that? By changing the rules in the house. It's insane to think about. Passing a bill without voting on it is chicanery. It is the lowest of integrity.
Integrity is all we have, people. You will not stand before God and be a liar. You will not see his face if you are characterized by duplicity. God hates lying. Hear that: GOD HATES LYING! He is the Spirit of Truth. Lying is counter to God.
Pray that we return to integrity, people. Pray for revival in America; perhaps it's not too late.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Why All the Disasters?
Unless you have been totally isolated in some dark part of the world, or have been held hostage and kept away from all forms of media, or have been in a coma, you know that recently there have been unimaginable natural disasters in the world. The latest of these is to the south of us, in Chile. We have a little first-hand information about that, because one lady who is from Chile is in our home. She was to have returned the night the 8.8 earthquake hit. Now she is a refugee, separated from all her family (all safe, they live well north of Concepcion). With the intermittent communication systems the lady has been able to talk to her family; she has even had to Skype video chats for about 5 minutes each. Each time she comes downstairs our friend tells us another story that her family relays to her about the earthquake.
We all know that this one did not compare with the death and mayhem in Haiti. But it was at least 500 times stronger than the earthquake that destroyed so much in Haiti.
My question may be yours? Why is all this happening? The scientists have given us their answer. The tectonic plates pushed and shifted, creating undue stress that was relieved by the seismic activity. I would be the last to argue that. Anyone who does would be trying to restrain the wind. I think, however, there is another answer that is more profound--though it may not appear to be so in the eyes of some.
A little-noticed verse in Romans 8 teaches us that all creation groans, waiting for redemption. Meditate on that for a moment. When Adam and Eve sinned, setting in motion the curse of sin, it was not just on mankind. The earth was cursed, too. That which was once perfect was now imperfect. That which was called "good" in Genesis 1, is now described as "groaning" in Romans 8.
That original sin had far-reaching consequences. Trees began to grow deformed. Thorns sprang up. Eventually, God placed fear in the animals, because he had given them to us for food (I cannot imagine being a vegetarian, but everyone was at one time).
Your sin and mine also have consequences. I don't know how far-reaching it may be; I think that depends on the sin. But they do have consequences. I believe when nations rebel, there are consequences. When we violate God's moral law, there are consequences. Does this rebellion merit natural disasters of gargantuan proportions? I am not God; I won't answer that here. Further, God did not "tell" me that they did. But I suspect that it should be considered in the realm of probabilities.
Those who find it difficult to believe that God might consider using natural disasters to get our attention are often those who find it difficult to believe that God will punish any sin for anyone. If God tolerates sin, then God is not holy. Then the Bible is a lie. Then Jesus died for nothing. But God is holy. His word is true. Jesus died to deliver both us and this creation that groans more and more.
In light of the horrendous calamity we have witnessed, we should do two things. One, pray for those in the throes of the calamity. Two, consider ourselves, because we are no better than they.
We all know that this one did not compare with the death and mayhem in Haiti. But it was at least 500 times stronger than the earthquake that destroyed so much in Haiti.
My question may be yours? Why is all this happening? The scientists have given us their answer. The tectonic plates pushed and shifted, creating undue stress that was relieved by the seismic activity. I would be the last to argue that. Anyone who does would be trying to restrain the wind. I think, however, there is another answer that is more profound--though it may not appear to be so in the eyes of some.
A little-noticed verse in Romans 8 teaches us that all creation groans, waiting for redemption. Meditate on that for a moment. When Adam and Eve sinned, setting in motion the curse of sin, it was not just on mankind. The earth was cursed, too. That which was once perfect was now imperfect. That which was called "good" in Genesis 1, is now described as "groaning" in Romans 8.
That original sin had far-reaching consequences. Trees began to grow deformed. Thorns sprang up. Eventually, God placed fear in the animals, because he had given them to us for food (I cannot imagine being a vegetarian, but everyone was at one time).
Your sin and mine also have consequences. I don't know how far-reaching it may be; I think that depends on the sin. But they do have consequences. I believe when nations rebel, there are consequences. When we violate God's moral law, there are consequences. Does this rebellion merit natural disasters of gargantuan proportions? I am not God; I won't answer that here. Further, God did not "tell" me that they did. But I suspect that it should be considered in the realm of probabilities.
Those who find it difficult to believe that God might consider using natural disasters to get our attention are often those who find it difficult to believe that God will punish any sin for anyone. If God tolerates sin, then God is not holy. Then the Bible is a lie. Then Jesus died for nothing. But God is holy. His word is true. Jesus died to deliver both us and this creation that groans more and more.
In light of the horrendous calamity we have witnessed, we should do two things. One, pray for those in the throes of the calamity. Two, consider ourselves, because we are no better than they.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Something Has to Be Said
The primary purpose of this blog is related to all things Christian. But sometimes I just get angry at what I read.
The latest dog and pony show going on in DC right now is "The Healthcare Summit." But you need to know, it does not matter what is said at this summit; Dems have already made up their mind and have their plans in place. Read about it here.
Then write your senator or representative and file a protest over the chicanery and rejection of your wishes. Send a strong message, because something has to be said.
The latest dog and pony show going on in DC right now is "The Healthcare Summit." But you need to know, it does not matter what is said at this summit; Dems have already made up their mind and have their plans in place. Read about it here.
Then write your senator or representative and file a protest over the chicanery and rejection of your wishes. Send a strong message, because something has to be said.
Friday, February 19, 2010
They Won't Take No for an Answer
Barack Hussein Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi don't play nice. In disregard to the overwhleming majority of Americans, this gruesome threesome intend to ram an unwanted healthcare plan down Americans' throats and make the very obese government even fatter. The plan is amazing. They plan to use a filibuster-proof method called "budget reconciliation." Read about it here. It only requires 51 votes in the Senate. There are 51 insane senators that will grovel at the feet of the threesome, in exchange for future (and some immediate) favors. For those less-liberal senators, they can abstain or vote against it, improving their chances to be reelected. In the mind of the liberal, this is a win-win. For America, it is a total loss.
This is not the once-famous character named Fat Albert we are talking about here. But down the road trod the trio, pulling the frightened Democrat party with them, crying, "HEY, HEY, HEY!!", running roughshod over any voter and any citizen who dare to stand against their socialist agenda.
The days of representative government seem over for those sitting in Washington. The days of the oligarchy have arrived.
This is not unlike Israel. Israel's leaders, in Israel's days of rebellion against God, simply chose to reject anything logical and godly. Even when they asked for God's guidance, when the prophets shared the plan, they would call them liars and do what they wanted anyway.
America has rebelled, true. America is ignoring God in many, many ways. More may now call themselves "spiritual," but they follow the wrong spirit. All that is duly noted.
But we don't have to take this kind of thing lying down. We can make those men pay who disregard the will of the people. After all, this is still a government of, for, and by the people. They won't take no for an answer; we can make them pay the fullest consequence of their actions. Write your representatives and senators. Tell them what you will do if they don't take no for an answer.
This is not the once-famous character named Fat Albert we are talking about here. But down the road trod the trio, pulling the frightened Democrat party with them, crying, "HEY, HEY, HEY!!", running roughshod over any voter and any citizen who dare to stand against their socialist agenda.
The days of representative government seem over for those sitting in Washington. The days of the oligarchy have arrived.
This is not unlike Israel. Israel's leaders, in Israel's days of rebellion against God, simply chose to reject anything logical and godly. Even when they asked for God's guidance, when the prophets shared the plan, they would call them liars and do what they wanted anyway.
America has rebelled, true. America is ignoring God in many, many ways. More may now call themselves "spiritual," but they follow the wrong spirit. All that is duly noted.
But we don't have to take this kind of thing lying down. We can make those men pay who disregard the will of the people. After all, this is still a government of, for, and by the people. They won't take no for an answer; we can make them pay the fullest consequence of their actions. Write your representatives and senators. Tell them what you will do if they don't take no for an answer.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Do You Have Passion?
I preached for the first time in my life 32 years ago tonight, February 12th. Thirty-two years. I remember where I preached and what I preached. I still have the outline on a yellow and faded sheet of legal paper. It was at least a 12-point outline. Those poor folks!
It's been a great ride. I discovered quickly that preaching was my passion. It's more than a calling. It's a gifting for me. And because it is a gift, there is a level of passion that cannot be easily explained.
The passion a believer has to use his or her spiritual gifts has an underlying secret source of unfailing strength.
First, there is the understanding of just how much Christ paid to save you. Your sins placed Jesus on the cross. Your SIN (singular) placed him there, too. The difference is that your sins are what you did and sometimes do. Your SIN is your nature before knowing Christ. Sadly, too many believers do not understand how sinful sin (forgive the redundancy, please) really is. The one who understands just how much they have really been forgiven tends to have more passion about being with the Lord and serving him.
Then there is the fellowship and worship factor. To the measure a believer seeks the face of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to that measure will his passion grow. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "The Love of Christ compells me..." As you seek the Lord's face, you get lost in his love. As you get lost in his love, your passion increases.
Do you have passion for the Lord and those things that interest him? If so, unleash it! Life is good! Enjoy the ride.
It's been a great ride. I discovered quickly that preaching was my passion. It's more than a calling. It's a gifting for me. And because it is a gift, there is a level of passion that cannot be easily explained.
The passion a believer has to use his or her spiritual gifts has an underlying secret source of unfailing strength.
First, there is the understanding of just how much Christ paid to save you. Your sins placed Jesus on the cross. Your SIN (singular) placed him there, too. The difference is that your sins are what you did and sometimes do. Your SIN is your nature before knowing Christ. Sadly, too many believers do not understand how sinful sin (forgive the redundancy, please) really is. The one who understands just how much they have really been forgiven tends to have more passion about being with the Lord and serving him.
Then there is the fellowship and worship factor. To the measure a believer seeks the face of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to that measure will his passion grow. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "The Love of Christ compells me..." As you seek the Lord's face, you get lost in his love. As you get lost in his love, your passion increases.
Do you have passion for the Lord and those things that interest him? If so, unleash it! Life is good! Enjoy the ride.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Who's Fault Is It?
In Haiti, some authorities are reporting the death toll at 230,000. They expect this to continue to rise as authorities uncover more bodies and continue to investigate the many private burials that have also occurred. It's nothing short of an inexpressible tragedy.
Meanwhile, strong rains pound the mountains of Peru. Thousands have been left homeless from the northernmost mountain villages, all the way through southern Peru.
It wasn't too long ago that one famous evangelical figure tried to make some kind of correlation between Haiti and their love affair with Voodoo, and this earthquake. Perhaps one could even make a correlation between Peru and the prevalence of shamans and witch doctors here. Perhaps.
But then I read the words of Jesus, who asked the, in Luke 13:1 - 5:
Some present with Jesus reported to him about how Pilate mixed the blood of some Galileans with their sacrifices. Jesus asked them, "Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all other Galileans because they suffered like this? I tell you, no. Unless you repent you will also perish. Or do you think the eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed were more sinful than all others in Jerusalem? I tell you, no. Unless you repent, you will also perish. [somewhat paraphrased by this writer]
Do not miss this. Jesus is saying we are all in the same boat. All of us. Several years ago a prominent man in my home church lost his home to a fire. The preacher who happened to be there that Sunday actually insinuated that this prominent man lost his home to the fire because he had failed to tithe (give a tenth of his possessions). So God took his home. That very week, the preacher's home caught fire and burned. Someone went to him and asked, "What happened? You forget to tithe this month?"
Do not think that we are better than those poor, Haitians. Do not think we are better than those thousands of Peruvians wading through knee-deep (and deeper) mud, whose rivers have swept away their houses.
Do not think you are better than those snow-bound folks on the East Coast of the US, or those in California, fighting their own natural disasters.
You live today because God allowed it. You were blessed with the wonderful mercy of God. So weep with those who weep and rejoice with those whose rejoice.
Meanwhile, strong rains pound the mountains of Peru. Thousands have been left homeless from the northernmost mountain villages, all the way through southern Peru.
It wasn't too long ago that one famous evangelical figure tried to make some kind of correlation between Haiti and their love affair with Voodoo, and this earthquake. Perhaps one could even make a correlation between Peru and the prevalence of shamans and witch doctors here. Perhaps.
But then I read the words of Jesus, who asked the, in Luke 13:1 - 5:
Some present with Jesus reported to him about how Pilate mixed the blood of some Galileans with their sacrifices. Jesus asked them, "Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all other Galileans because they suffered like this? I tell you, no. Unless you repent you will also perish. Or do you think the eighteen who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed were more sinful than all others in Jerusalem? I tell you, no. Unless you repent, you will also perish. [somewhat paraphrased by this writer]
Do not miss this. Jesus is saying we are all in the same boat. All of us. Several years ago a prominent man in my home church lost his home to a fire. The preacher who happened to be there that Sunday actually insinuated that this prominent man lost his home to the fire because he had failed to tithe (give a tenth of his possessions). So God took his home. That very week, the preacher's home caught fire and burned. Someone went to him and asked, "What happened? You forget to tithe this month?"
Do not think that we are better than those poor, Haitians. Do not think we are better than those thousands of Peruvians wading through knee-deep (and deeper) mud, whose rivers have swept away their houses.
Do not think you are better than those snow-bound folks on the East Coast of the US, or those in California, fighting their own natural disasters.
You live today because God allowed it. You were blessed with the wonderful mercy of God. So weep with those who weep and rejoice with those whose rejoice.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Above the Law?
Many of us have followed the tragedies in Haiti, wondering what could be done to help them faster. Then arrives a group of missionary volunteers, armed with information about how to help orphans. Their desire is to help. But, from all appearances at this moment, someone coordinating the group made decisions that has cost this group their freedom. Why does such as this happen? What entered into the mind of the "leader" that would justify what some news sources report as an attemt to circumvent the law? Are missionaries and their volunteers above the law? Or should we also follow the norms and statutes of a country where we may happen to be serving?
I am speaking from personal experience. Not that I have attempted to be above the law (that I am aware of!); there have been volunteers and others who have come down and decided that their cause is a noble one and, therefore, they do not have to obey the law.
Take, for example, those who arrive here, rent vehicles, and then drive off as though they were in a cross-country rally. Speed limits mean little or nothing. Respect for local laws in the target community may be ignored as well. The thought seems to be, "I am an American (or Candadian, or Englishman, whatever) and I have my rights." Those rights do not include trampling local laws, though, to the surprise of many.
Others have arrived here in the airport with as much as 20 thousand dollars of meds that they intend to smuggle in. Why? Because they don't agree with the tax laws! Neither do I, for that matter; but the law is the law and we leave a bad testimony when those bags are opened and the customs agents discover a swimming pool of prescription drugs.
The group melting in the oven-like jail in Haiti serves as a stern example for us. If they had gathered the proper paperwork for their trek into the D.R., this group would be newsworthy for a different reason.
We can only hope someone shows them mercy for their recent attempts that led them down this unfortunate road.
Meanwhile, let's try to remember: our heritage does not give us the right to trample the laws of our host countries when we travel out on mission for Jesus. As said Peter, we don't need to be surprised when we suffer persecution because we broke the law, just as we should not be surprised when we suffer for the glory of Christ. This group's best move will be to ask the court's mercy. Let's pray they find it.
I am speaking from personal experience. Not that I have attempted to be above the law (that I am aware of!); there have been volunteers and others who have come down and decided that their cause is a noble one and, therefore, they do not have to obey the law.
Take, for example, those who arrive here, rent vehicles, and then drive off as though they were in a cross-country rally. Speed limits mean little or nothing. Respect for local laws in the target community may be ignored as well. The thought seems to be, "I am an American (or Candadian, or Englishman, whatever) and I have my rights." Those rights do not include trampling local laws, though, to the surprise of many.
Others have arrived here in the airport with as much as 20 thousand dollars of meds that they intend to smuggle in. Why? Because they don't agree with the tax laws! Neither do I, for that matter; but the law is the law and we leave a bad testimony when those bags are opened and the customs agents discover a swimming pool of prescription drugs.
The group melting in the oven-like jail in Haiti serves as a stern example for us. If they had gathered the proper paperwork for their trek into the D.R., this group would be newsworthy for a different reason.
We can only hope someone shows them mercy for their recent attempts that led them down this unfortunate road.
Meanwhile, let's try to remember: our heritage does not give us the right to trample the laws of our host countries when we travel out on mission for Jesus. As said Peter, we don't need to be surprised when we suffer persecution because we broke the law, just as we should not be surprised when we suffer for the glory of Christ. This group's best move will be to ask the court's mercy. Let's pray they find it.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Pray for Cusco, Peru
Cusco, Peru, the home of Machu Picchu, is under water. The heavy rains have fallen for days now. In one community alone 400 families are now homeless. The rains loosened rocks in Machu Picchu, killing at least one person. Others have died in the area from the severe flooding.
Pray for those seeking to meet this disaster head-on. Pray for wisdom in sharing the gospel as a result of the open doors this tragedy will create.
Pray for those seeking to meet this disaster head-on. Pray for wisdom in sharing the gospel as a result of the open doors this tragedy will create.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Huaraz 2010
Last week men and women from Ingleside Baptist Church, Macon, GA, came to Huaraz, Peru for the annual leadership conference. This conference has been a growing annual event for the past four or five years.
Huaraz, Peru is a mountain town of about 100 thousand. It is situated at more than 10 thousand feet (3,100 meters) above sea level. On the west and the east stand tall, rugged mountains. In the hills and valleys of those mountains live thousands of people. Some live hours from the closest thing that could be called a "road."
The conference began on a Tuesday, but Pam and I could not even get there before Wednesday night. My first session was Thursday morning. I stood on the podium, looking out over more than 300 men and women. They had a look of hunger in their eyes--spiritual hunger. I did not want to serve them an empty plate.
Some of these men and women had traveled for hours to get there. We had traveled 7 hours ourselves; but we did it in a Toyota RAV. Some of them had walked more than that just to get where they could ride in the back of a truck for 7 hours. It's not an easy stroll along a meandering path, either. That walk would have been up one hill and down another, looking for places to cross streams. The night temps, for they would have left before daylight, would have been in the low 40's. And it is rainy season there, so the paths would have been muddy and slippery. But onward they came, gathering from many towns and villages.
Yes, these men and women had made great sacrifices to get where they were. Many were sleeping in less than desirable conditions while there. I did not want to leave them wishing they were elsewhere.
I took a breath, said a silent prayer for grace to preach and teach, and proceeded to try to feed this group of leaders from many Christian groups. For three hours on Thursday and three more on Friday we studied God's word together. We laughed together. We groaned together. We grew together.
It was a great moment of inpsiration for at least one of us. I can only pray the 348 men and women who had gathered felt as much. I can only wish more of us were so hungry for the word of God that we would be willing to walk a day to get to a place we could ride in a truck bed for another 7 hours to be able to be fed.
Huaraz, Peru is a mountain town of about 100 thousand. It is situated at more than 10 thousand feet (3,100 meters) above sea level. On the west and the east stand tall, rugged mountains. In the hills and valleys of those mountains live thousands of people. Some live hours from the closest thing that could be called a "road."
The conference began on a Tuesday, but Pam and I could not even get there before Wednesday night. My first session was Thursday morning. I stood on the podium, looking out over more than 300 men and women. They had a look of hunger in their eyes--spiritual hunger. I did not want to serve them an empty plate.
Some of these men and women had traveled for hours to get there. We had traveled 7 hours ourselves; but we did it in a Toyota RAV. Some of them had walked more than that just to get where they could ride in the back of a truck for 7 hours. It's not an easy stroll along a meandering path, either. That walk would have been up one hill and down another, looking for places to cross streams. The night temps, for they would have left before daylight, would have been in the low 40's. And it is rainy season there, so the paths would have been muddy and slippery. But onward they came, gathering from many towns and villages.
Yes, these men and women had made great sacrifices to get where they were. Many were sleeping in less than desirable conditions while there. I did not want to leave them wishing they were elsewhere.
I took a breath, said a silent prayer for grace to preach and teach, and proceeded to try to feed this group of leaders from many Christian groups. For three hours on Thursday and three more on Friday we studied God's word together. We laughed together. We groaned together. We grew together.
It was a great moment of inpsiration for at least one of us. I can only pray the 348 men and women who had gathered felt as much. I can only wish more of us were so hungry for the word of God that we would be willing to walk a day to get to a place we could ride in a truck bed for another 7 hours to be able to be fed.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Praying for Haiti
I am, as I am sure you are, praying for the tiny nation of Haiti. The latest report on Drudge.com's aggregate news site says that some authorities fear that as many as 500 thousand may be dead. Many are "comfortable" with saying that the death toll will exceed 100 thousand.
Tens of thousands are homeless. Water problems abound. Food problems abound. It is, in general, a picture of complete chaos.
Pray for Haiti. Pray hard. Southern Baptists can give via the International Mission Board's emergency relief. Contact them at 800-999-3113 and ask how to help. IMB response teams are headed there in the next few hours.
Many other organizations can also help you help Haiti. Choose one and give these unfortunate souls a hand.
Again, pray for Haiti. Pray hard.
Tens of thousands are homeless. Water problems abound. Food problems abound. It is, in general, a picture of complete chaos.
Pray for Haiti. Pray hard. Southern Baptists can give via the International Mission Board's emergency relief. Contact them at 800-999-3113 and ask how to help. IMB response teams are headed there in the next few hours.
Many other organizations can also help you help Haiti. Choose one and give these unfortunate souls a hand.
Again, pray for Haiti. Pray hard.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
A Look Ahead
I don't really want to do what so many others have already done, which is philosophize over all the opportunities that the new year will give us. But I am going to, anyway. That being said, I want to lay out a challenge for the few that read this.
You now have 363 days left to be able to do at least one good thing for someone else during 2010. 363 good things. Now that won't open a single door in heaven; Jesus Christ is the door and you cannot crawl in through the window. But what a difference it will make around you.
You have 363 days you can tell someone about Jesus. If even one person turns to Christ during those 363 days, you will have done more than most.
You have 363 days left to pray for others. We are good about praying for ourselves. But what about praying for others? Do not underestimate the power of the One who answers prayer offered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You have the opportunity to give out at least 363 smiles. There was once a song that said,
Give the world a smile each day
Helping someone on life's way...
A friendly smile may make many suspect you are up to something. But believe me, a smiling person is much more delightful to be around.
You have 363 days left to laugh at least once a day. Did you know that the Bible says that laughter does good, like medicine. Do not be afraid to laugh at the right things. It will heal your body of a lot of ills. Go see a good comedy. Read some good jokes. Laugh.
You have 363 days left to tell the Lord how grateful you are for his inexpressable love. Tell God you love him. Then live like you do.
You have 363 days to look forward. Do it. Don't spend your time looking backward. You can't accomplish a lot if you keep looking over your shoulder. If you have to spend your time like that, you probably have something you never resolved. Resolve it to the best of your ability and move on.
I am looking forward to a great year. It will be great because God is great. The Father is great. Jesus is great. The Holy Spirit is great.
Looking up,
Kevin, in South America
You now have 363 days left to be able to do at least one good thing for someone else during 2010. 363 good things. Now that won't open a single door in heaven; Jesus Christ is the door and you cannot crawl in through the window. But what a difference it will make around you.
You have 363 days you can tell someone about Jesus. If even one person turns to Christ during those 363 days, you will have done more than most.
You have 363 days left to pray for others. We are good about praying for ourselves. But what about praying for others? Do not underestimate the power of the One who answers prayer offered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
You have the opportunity to give out at least 363 smiles. There was once a song that said,
Give the world a smile each day
Helping someone on life's way...
A friendly smile may make many suspect you are up to something. But believe me, a smiling person is much more delightful to be around.
You have 363 days left to laugh at least once a day. Did you know that the Bible says that laughter does good, like medicine. Do not be afraid to laugh at the right things. It will heal your body of a lot of ills. Go see a good comedy. Read some good jokes. Laugh.
You have 363 days left to tell the Lord how grateful you are for his inexpressable love. Tell God you love him. Then live like you do.
You have 363 days to look forward. Do it. Don't spend your time looking backward. You can't accomplish a lot if you keep looking over your shoulder. If you have to spend your time like that, you probably have something you never resolved. Resolve it to the best of your ability and move on.
I am looking forward to a great year. It will be great because God is great. The Father is great. Jesus is great. The Holy Spirit is great.
Looking up,
Kevin, in South America
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
It's Still the Bible Belt
Mississippi. The butt of so many bad stories. The disdain of many as an undesirable place. Well, we're number one! We are the most religious place in America. You may laugh at our overweight populous. You may snicker about the rednecks that live there. You may overlook them for so many things. But you will find that we are the buckle of the Bible belt. You will find more people willing to pray for you there. More will invite you to church there. More will stand up for the Lord there.
So, come on down and enjoy a plate of fried catfish and fried dillpickles; and then come on to church with us...
So, come on down and enjoy a plate of fried catfish and fried dillpickles; and then come on to church with us...
Thursday, December 17, 2009
May It Never Be!
The desperate Demmies in Washington have planned a nasty Christmas for you. They want healthcare passed on Christmas Eve. Why such a rush? Why the hurry? Here is one opinion: they have more taxes they need to impose on Americans. Did you know that they have not even allowed the Senate bill to be seen outside of Mr. Reid's private circle? If you are American, your senators have not even seen that bill! And they want to vote on it! They need to force it down your throat before you discover how damaging it will be for you.
I have another opinion, not that men like Mr. Limbaugh are necessarily wrong. My opinion is that the ultraliberal democrat party members believe that they have finally arrived and that now is the time to impose their socialist agenda on America.
Why is that a problem? It denies the foundational principles that have been a part of America for well over 200 years. And one of those principles is the God principle. That is, God Almighty is to be at the heart of any well-governed nation. Socialism and freedom through Christ do not mix. They are antithetical. And there is no synthesis that can lead to anything righteous. Anywhere such a synthesis has been attempted has resulted in such a secular humanist society that Christianity is actually bound and prohibited in much of public life. Oh, wait! Now it sounds like what America is becoming!
Many oppose the healthcare bill for economic reasons. Me? It's a matter of righteousness. So I am praying against this thing. Please join me in praying against another move towards the fall of America.
I have another opinion, not that men like Mr. Limbaugh are necessarily wrong. My opinion is that the ultraliberal democrat party members believe that they have finally arrived and that now is the time to impose their socialist agenda on America.
Why is that a problem? It denies the foundational principles that have been a part of America for well over 200 years. And one of those principles is the God principle. That is, God Almighty is to be at the heart of any well-governed nation. Socialism and freedom through Christ do not mix. They are antithetical. And there is no synthesis that can lead to anything righteous. Anywhere such a synthesis has been attempted has resulted in such a secular humanist society that Christianity is actually bound and prohibited in much of public life. Oh, wait! Now it sounds like what America is becoming!
Many oppose the healthcare bill for economic reasons. Me? It's a matter of righteousness. So I am praying against this thing. Please join me in praying against another move towards the fall of America.
Copenhagen 2009: What's it all about?
You want to know what the summit on climate change is about? Look at who gets the hearty applause: none other than the likes of Hugo Chavez.
Folks this meeting is not about climate change--not the kind you are thinking about. It's a climate change, to be sure. The perpetrators want to globalize the nation. They want the wealth of Australia, New Zealand, the US, England, Canada, France--anywhere that has even the slightest semblance of capitalistic ideology--to be seized and passed on to the rest of the world.
To sign on to Copenhagen 2009 means signing away the sovereignty of one's nation.
Beware the buyer!
Folks this meeting is not about climate change--not the kind you are thinking about. It's a climate change, to be sure. The perpetrators want to globalize the nation. They want the wealth of Australia, New Zealand, the US, England, Canada, France--anywhere that has even the slightest semblance of capitalistic ideology--to be seized and passed on to the rest of the world.
To sign on to Copenhagen 2009 means signing away the sovereignty of one's nation.
Beware the buyer!
Was it a Revival?
Last Sunday I took a trip to a city north of here, not far from the equator. I had promised to make this trip and speak to the leadership and church in this particular city. I had also heard for a long time what an exciting thing was going on up that way. So I was looking forward to this trip. Sort of.
The night before I took my bride to the airport so she could celebrate Christmas with our girls and our grandson. When I got home at ten, my neighbors had cranked up a party. As it so happens with such parties, the music grew louder and louder as the alcohol bottles grew emptier and emptier. Sleep was not going to come.
I had to leave the house at 2:30, anyway; so I got on up and headed to the airport for my 4 AM flight. It should be against the law to fly at that hour. It means being up all night for most of us. I mean, I don't live there; I don't even live close to the airport. So, with no sleep to rest my eyes, off I went, arriving at my destination at 5:30. There is not a lot one can do at 5:30 AM. But I had investigated and found a 4-star hotel there with a nice breakfast buffet. And off I went, polishing off a nice breakfast and settling in on a very comfortable leather couch. There, I managed a thirty-minute nap to give my brain a rest before preaching.
The time finally crawled on to the hour the local pastor said he would get me from the nice hotel. The pastor showed up and drove me to the rented facility. His church would not hold all the leaders that would be there. I asked how many would be there; he told me only about 4oo, or more. This was their "small" meeting. Now for you megachurch types, that may be small. But these are missionaries and lay preachers, plus cell group leaders. It's quite a sight.
I watched and listened as the pastor called forward each one of these. This is where I was so impressed. This church has started 31 churches over the past 10 or 15 years. Thirty-one. They train a leader and head out to a new village or community. There they preach the gospel and let God go to work.
I am amazed at their response. They are hungry for the things of God and want to be more involved. Is that revival? Is that what I saw? Or is it just simple obedience--the church being the church?
Whichever it may be, we should all be so motivated by the things of God. They get excited over spiritual things. Do you? When they are stirred, they do something about it. Do yo? Do I?
It was a great ending to an exciting year. May we see yet more of it next year!
The night before I took my bride to the airport so she could celebrate Christmas with our girls and our grandson. When I got home at ten, my neighbors had cranked up a party. As it so happens with such parties, the music grew louder and louder as the alcohol bottles grew emptier and emptier. Sleep was not going to come.
I had to leave the house at 2:30, anyway; so I got on up and headed to the airport for my 4 AM flight. It should be against the law to fly at that hour. It means being up all night for most of us. I mean, I don't live there; I don't even live close to the airport. So, with no sleep to rest my eyes, off I went, arriving at my destination at 5:30. There is not a lot one can do at 5:30 AM. But I had investigated and found a 4-star hotel there with a nice breakfast buffet. And off I went, polishing off a nice breakfast and settling in on a very comfortable leather couch. There, I managed a thirty-minute nap to give my brain a rest before preaching.
The time finally crawled on to the hour the local pastor said he would get me from the nice hotel. The pastor showed up and drove me to the rented facility. His church would not hold all the leaders that would be there. I asked how many would be there; he told me only about 4oo, or more. This was their "small" meeting. Now for you megachurch types, that may be small. But these are missionaries and lay preachers, plus cell group leaders. It's quite a sight.
I watched and listened as the pastor called forward each one of these. This is where I was so impressed. This church has started 31 churches over the past 10 or 15 years. Thirty-one. They train a leader and head out to a new village or community. There they preach the gospel and let God go to work.
I am amazed at their response. They are hungry for the things of God and want to be more involved. Is that revival? Is that what I saw? Or is it just simple obedience--the church being the church?
Whichever it may be, we should all be so motivated by the things of God. They get excited over spiritual things. Do you? When they are stirred, they do something about it. Do yo? Do I?
It was a great ending to an exciting year. May we see yet more of it next year!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Enough, already!
Okay, guys; I am sick of it. "It" refers to all the press coverage of Tiger Woods' personal junk. While what the man apparently has done is repugnant and indicative of an unregenerate nature, I don't think it is any of our business. But you cannot turn on the tube, or go online to any news site without seeing extensive coverage of his dirty deed. Please, if we did not have such a morbid sense of curiosity, such a desire to dig up dirt on any and everyone we can, we would not be facilitating the media's desires to publicize this garbage. But we love to read about it, we love to see stories on it, so we foment the gossip.
Yes, gossip. True or not, it's gossip. Gossip is poison, ladies and gents. Gossip is unbridled tongues that wag faster than my dog's tail. Gossip is sipping from a teacup filled with sewage water. God hates it. And God loathes our hearty approval of those who engage in that, along with a long list of other sins (read Romans 1 and you will see).
Some argue that people like Mr. Woods are public figures, and therefore have no private lives. Wrong. My single right to Mr. Woods' life is what he does publicly, unless he personally invites me into his private circle. All of us are public figures to some extent; the size of our public is the difference. Our influence is the difference. Do you believe we should apply that same standard across the board? Shall we contact the local media and report our gossip on one another?
With that in mind, I have chosen to ignore all news articles and broadcasts that spread this poison. It's not "news." It's trash. God help Mr. Woods and his wife to heal their relationship. God help them to find forgiveness in Jesus Christ. God help us to learn to ignore such junk.
Yes, gossip. True or not, it's gossip. Gossip is poison, ladies and gents. Gossip is unbridled tongues that wag faster than my dog's tail. Gossip is sipping from a teacup filled with sewage water. God hates it. And God loathes our hearty approval of those who engage in that, along with a long list of other sins (read Romans 1 and you will see).
Some argue that people like Mr. Woods are public figures, and therefore have no private lives. Wrong. My single right to Mr. Woods' life is what he does publicly, unless he personally invites me into his private circle. All of us are public figures to some extent; the size of our public is the difference. Our influence is the difference. Do you believe we should apply that same standard across the board? Shall we contact the local media and report our gossip on one another?
With that in mind, I have chosen to ignore all news articles and broadcasts that spread this poison. It's not "news." It's trash. God help Mr. Woods and his wife to heal their relationship. God help them to find forgiveness in Jesus Christ. God help us to learn to ignore such junk.
Friday, November 27, 2009
They're Going Home
Did you think that the economic downturn in the world stopped at the steps of the church? Think again. Many are headed home. They don't want to--most of them, that is. But many are leaving with tears in their eyes.
The latest public announcement came from Southern Baptists. The International Mission Board (IMB) has reached a point that it can no longer increase its missionary force. Not only that, but it cannot sustain its current level of 5,600 missionaries serving around the world. In spite of 12 billion dollars in offerings in the churches in 2008, Southern Baptists did not or could not give to missions at a level that can sustain its missionaries. If just 3% of that 12 billion dollars reached the field through the IMB, there would be a budget of 400 million. Three percent. Three. JUST THREE.
When I think of the reduction in personnel, the consequences are not pleasant. Less people will hear the gospel through IMB efforts. Less of those who are called will have a venue to fulfill their calling. Let me put that in very clear terms: more lost men and women will go to hell because we cut our giving and reduced our personnel.
Do not misunderstand me. The IMB is not the panacea for the lostness of the world. We are not the savior, Jesus is. But the downturn is unmistakable. Some would say this means we have to step up and do something else, and we do. Some would say that means the national believers will have to step up in their own countries, and they should. But let's be realistic. If God is still calling, and he is, then God must have a reason for wanting to send out the ones he has called. God has some in mind that only those he called can reach. God has plans in mind that involve the ones he has called. It should not be an either-or situation; it must be a both-and effort.
Now then, what the article I cited does not say: those remaining 5,000 (or less) missionaries must learn how to do more ministry with fewer resources because the remaining force will still be significantly challenged by the overall level of funding.
This year we Christians must demonstrate our willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. This year, we around the world as you to step up to the plate. Perhaps that means you will ask your church to reconsider its giving plan to be sure more funds make it to missions causes. Perhaps it means giving more than ever. What it certainly means is that we must show ourselves faithful.
While you read this, some were were preparing the bags. Because they are going home.
May we change the trend now!
The latest public announcement came from Southern Baptists. The International Mission Board (IMB) has reached a point that it can no longer increase its missionary force. Not only that, but it cannot sustain its current level of 5,600 missionaries serving around the world. In spite of 12 billion dollars in offerings in the churches in 2008, Southern Baptists did not or could not give to missions at a level that can sustain its missionaries. If just 3% of that 12 billion dollars reached the field through the IMB, there would be a budget of 400 million. Three percent. Three. JUST THREE.
When I think of the reduction in personnel, the consequences are not pleasant. Less people will hear the gospel through IMB efforts. Less of those who are called will have a venue to fulfill their calling. Let me put that in very clear terms: more lost men and women will go to hell because we cut our giving and reduced our personnel.
Do not misunderstand me. The IMB is not the panacea for the lostness of the world. We are not the savior, Jesus is. But the downturn is unmistakable. Some would say this means we have to step up and do something else, and we do. Some would say that means the national believers will have to step up in their own countries, and they should. But let's be realistic. If God is still calling, and he is, then God must have a reason for wanting to send out the ones he has called. God has some in mind that only those he called can reach. God has plans in mind that involve the ones he has called. It should not be an either-or situation; it must be a both-and effort.
Now then, what the article I cited does not say: those remaining 5,000 (or less) missionaries must learn how to do more ministry with fewer resources because the remaining force will still be significantly challenged by the overall level of funding.
This year we Christians must demonstrate our willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. This year, we around the world as you to step up to the plate. Perhaps that means you will ask your church to reconsider its giving plan to be sure more funds make it to missions causes. Perhaps it means giving more than ever. What it certainly means is that we must show ourselves faithful.
While you read this, some were were preparing the bags. Because they are going home.
May we change the trend now!
Friday, November 20, 2009
What Are They Thinking?
The House of Representatives has passed an historic tax and destroy bill, one known by many names: Obamacare, Pelosicare, and by the oxymoronic Healthcare Bill. Congressmen and women, like the proverbial lemmings, hurled themselves off the cliff. They got their votes by bribing so-called conservatives with the abortion-exclusion clause. So they got their majority and crammed it down our collective throats.
Now it is the Senate's turn. This week--tomorrow, in fact--they will begin debate on their version. Madame Pelosi's bill was 2,034 pages. Mr. Reid's bill is over 2,075 pages. We have not heard the same ruckus over his additional pages; nor have we heard a lot about the built-in bribes within the bill, those which will satisfy the senators who have chosen to prostitute themselves in order to ride the party wave. Nauseating does not begin to describe the idea...
The Repubs and few Independents in the Senate are strangely silent. Have they also prostituted themselves over this destructive piece of legislation? What are they thinking? Why so silent?
My greatest fear is that they are going to allow this bill to pass, then make all kinds of political noise about it after the fact, all so that they can make political hay in 2010. So many are so corrupted by power that I would not put it past them. This tactic has been tried in the past; sometimes it works, sometimes not. It is not a good strategy. Country must come first.
Make no mistake about it, this bill will damage America in so many ways. It will be a nail in its coffin. It will strap your children with great debt. It will sap your wallet within 2 or 3 years of its implementation. Your healthcare costs will not go down, they will go up. Way up. Fox News has reported it to be as high as 2.5 trillion dollars, not just the totally insane 1 trillion that they promised to stick you for. You will be forced to pay an abortion tax. It's there. The president wants it and will not settle for anything less. Listen, please: YOUR TAXES ARE ABOUT TO GO WAY UP AND YOUR FREEDOMS WAY DOWN!
So what are they thinking? It's time for action, ladies and gents. It's time to spend time on your knees and seek the Lord. Perhaps he will be pleased to show us some mercy...
Now it is the Senate's turn. This week--tomorrow, in fact--they will begin debate on their version. Madame Pelosi's bill was 2,034 pages. Mr. Reid's bill is over 2,075 pages. We have not heard the same ruckus over his additional pages; nor have we heard a lot about the built-in bribes within the bill, those which will satisfy the senators who have chosen to prostitute themselves in order to ride the party wave. Nauseating does not begin to describe the idea...
The Repubs and few Independents in the Senate are strangely silent. Have they also prostituted themselves over this destructive piece of legislation? What are they thinking? Why so silent?
My greatest fear is that they are going to allow this bill to pass, then make all kinds of political noise about it after the fact, all so that they can make political hay in 2010. So many are so corrupted by power that I would not put it past them. This tactic has been tried in the past; sometimes it works, sometimes not. It is not a good strategy. Country must come first.
Make no mistake about it, this bill will damage America in so many ways. It will be a nail in its coffin. It will strap your children with great debt. It will sap your wallet within 2 or 3 years of its implementation. Your healthcare costs will not go down, they will go up. Way up. Fox News has reported it to be as high as 2.5 trillion dollars, not just the totally insane 1 trillion that they promised to stick you for. You will be forced to pay an abortion tax. It's there. The president wants it and will not settle for anything less. Listen, please: YOUR TAXES ARE ABOUT TO GO WAY UP AND YOUR FREEDOMS WAY DOWN!
So what are they thinking? It's time for action, ladies and gents. It's time to spend time on your knees and seek the Lord. Perhaps he will be pleased to show us some mercy...
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