Choosing

Super Tuesday is only days away leading us full blown into the upcoming Presidential election. The political ads are in full swing with candidates throwing mud at each other. Posters and yard signs litter the land. Come November people will be asked to make a choice. 

That is not the choice on my mind. I think of a much more important decision. 

Joshua 24:15 (NKJV) 

15  And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 

The more important choice we have to make is if we will choose to serve God. That is not a one time decision. It is multiple times a day decision. It is an hourly decision. It is an everyday for the rest of your life decision. 

Whom will you serve? Who will you bow and give allegiance to? Who will get your best loyalty? There is only one worthy. Only one deserving. God. Yahweh. Jehovah. Elohim. 

We serve ball. We bow down to ball, pay exorbitant fees to play ball, and give our time freely to ball. People choose who will get their acts of service. 

It is not enough for us to choose individually. We need to lead our houses, or put another way, to lead our families to serve God. That means more than just taking to public worship gatherings. It means more than leading them in family devotions. It means leading each one to bow in submission pledging their loyalty and service. It means encouraging our children and grandchildren to choose God for themselves. We can't stop there. We must go further and set the example of what that kind of loyal life devoted to God looks like. 

Listening

I got to the office early today to pray. I paused to listen after awhile. I reclined in the office chair and concentrate on God's leadership. At first, I could only hear the cars driving past. Then, I heard another sound. Softly at first. I tuned my hears to the sound of a bird chirping outside. I did not even notice that sound when I arrived. I listened closer, and made out the distinct sound of a different bird with an entirely different chirp. Later, I noticed a third species larking away.

God gave us a unique brain. We were blessed with the Reticular Activating System. This system allows us to do three things when we hear something. We can tune our ears to notice and emphasize  certain sounds over others. Like a mother with a newborn baby. Likewise, we can filter out certain sounds like living near train tracks or an airport. We can also individualize our perception of certain sounds differently than other might hear.

If we focused on it, we could learn to distinguish the many different species of birds all around us. We could so tune in to those different kinds of chirping that we could block out other sounds.

Listening is a learned skill. The next time you hear music really listen. Listen for the base sound, the guitar, piano, drums, and if there are any horns or woodwinds in the music. Learn to listen for the different instruments that make up the music. If is a group of singers, listen for the harmony sounds.

While listening with our ears is a good thing, that is not what is own my mind today. My thoughts turn to learning to listen to God's voice. I am not referring to an audible voice. I am referencing to His voice through the impressions of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Henry Blackaby states repeatedly in his best selling Bible study, Experiencing God, that God speaks through various means. He speaks through the Bible, the Holy Spirit, circumstances and other people. We should work at listening to God speak. Dr. Blackaby also points out two things were true of people who heard God speak in the Bible. They knew it was God who spoke. They knew exactly what God said and wanted them to do.

I spent two hours today just listening for God to speak. I read scripture. I visited the prayer room twice to hear a fresh word from the Lord. I left disappointed both times. I specifically went to the prayer room to isolate myself from any distractions like phones, computers and traffic on the highway.

I am more determined to listen to God than at any other point in my life. I'm reading a book by Peter Lord titled, Hearing God. I have other books in line after that one titled, Hearing God by Dallas Willard and Whisper by Mark Batterson.

I desire nothing more in life over  seeking God to know Him and  hearing from Him. I desire those things more than what He can do for me or what He can give me. He is the ultimate prize I seek. Hearing Him communicate is my highest priority. I trust He will develop in me the art of listening well. Won't you trust God for the same?

Crazy In Love

Brenda slept so soundly this morning the alarm clock startled her at 5:45 a.m. I had been awake for some time praying, but opted to stay in the bed until she awoke. She rewarded me by rolling over into my arms for a few minutes before getting up to start the day. I held her in my arms and took a snap shot with my heart.

I tried to take every facet of that moment to imprint on my mind. The softness of her fingers intertwined with mine. The smell of her hair. The warmth of her body next to min,e and the softness of her flannel gown. I gently caressed and massaged her shoulders and back. I thanked God for her. I cherish those moments, because we do not sleep in the same bed every night of the week. I spend the working week in Weatherford, while she remains in Runaway Bay with Turner. I miss her. After 28 years I am still crazy in love with her.

We had a perfect weekend. We enjoyed the marriage conference. We spent the afternoon and evening with Turner. We took him to two of his favorite restaurants for lunch and dinner. We shopped for a suit as he prepares to go to his first prom. We enjoyed a clean movie just released titled, Call Of The Wild.

My only agenda Saturday was to enjoy her and Turner after the conference. That carried over to Monday morning. Our love has grown over the past near three decades. We still laugh together. She is undoubtedly my best friend. I would rather spend time with her than any other person on this earth. We enjoy one another. We still greet each other with a kiss when I come back home. She calls me "Daddy or Popalicious." I call her "Sweetie and My Love." I am so crazy in love with her I find myself wandering aimlessly behind her window shopping in stores. More than once, I have been dragged down every aisle of a grocery store,  I play a game to see what I can slip in without her noticing. I always get kick out of it when she asks at the cash register, "How did this get in here?" I look away like I didn't hear her. It used to bother me to go to the grocery store. Now, I see it as time for us to be together.

Sometimes I stare at her. She catches me, and asks what in the world I'm staring at her for. Truth is, I do it because I am still crazy in love with her.

It started 31 years ago on the campus of Howard Payne University. It took me half a semester to work up the courage to speak to her. I watched her for weeks before I ever spoke to her. She jogged around the campus at night. I seated myself in strategic places to watch her as she scurried past. Made my heart flutter. I nearly bumbled the whole first communication with her. Sitting on the front steps of the girls dormitory with my friend, Eric Adcock, I could only manage, "Has anyone ever told you that you are hot enough to fry eggs," when she got off work that night. Embarrassed, she hurried in the doors. What a corny first communication. She should have run far away in the other direction. Fortunate for me, God moved her in subsequent weeks toward me. We talked about Jesus on our dates. We started a couples Bible study at the Howard Payne University President's home. Several couples came. Jesus brought Brenda into my life. When we renewed our vows this past Saturday, my mind drifted back to June 29, 1991 at First Baptist Hurst, TX where we exchanged vows. My pants were too short, because I did not try them on. I took off too big a hunk of bread when I served the two of us communion. I gnawed on that bread the rest of the service. I loved her then. I am crazy in love with her today.

She radiates the joy of Jesus. She is the kindest most loving person I know. She loves giving others gifts. She willingly volunteers. She believes me, and builds me up.  She goes without so the boys and I can have. She serves our family and the church. She is shy and prefers to be behind the scenes without attention drawn to her. I try to draw attention to her often. She is my best friend. My soul mate. My help mate. My great love. My wife. My fellow laborer in the Lord. After all these years, I'm still crazy in love with her, and I don't care who knows it.

Wholly Follow

In Joshua 14 verses 8, , 9, and 14 we read about Caleb. Caleb and Joshua were the only two of the twelve spies who voted to go take possession of the land. Fact is, they were the only two of the whole nation. I have always said the majority can vote not to do the will of God. Caleb and Joshua courageously opted to go into the promised land. God rewarded them both by allowing them to be the only ones from their generation to get to enter.

Caleb and Joshua suffered the same punishment as the rest of the nation. 40 years of wandering aimlessly in the desert until the rest died.

In the above three mentioned verses there is a phrase repeated three times to describe Joshua. He "wholly followed." That means he consecrated himself to fully and diligently pursue and run after God and what Yahweh was doing. What a great epitaph the Bible paints of Caleb. Forever preserved in Scripture that Caleb wholly followed God.

If God were writing your epitaph could He say you wholly followed Him? That does not mean that Caleb was perfect. He sinned just like the rest of us. God saw something different in Caleb than the others in his generation.

Caleb remained on the relentless pursuit to run after God by faith and obedience. He consecrated his life to that task. He did not take the path of least resistance. The context of those scriptures was that he wanted the hill country for his possession. Anyone well versed in military strategy knows the high ground is advantageous. That meant Caleb and his band would have to fight from downhill and work their way to the top to dispossess the land, at age 85 mind you. Dangerous. Risky. Faith fighting.

I know many who at age 85 no longer follow. They feel they have earned the right to take the easy path. I love that Caleb wholly followed and did not use his age as an excuse for not trusting God for a risky assignment. That inspires me to wholly follow God all the remaining days of my life.

I want to awake daily in the full out sprint of chasing God and His call. It is the most worthwhile pursuit. The quest of a lifetime. The adventure to surpass all other adventures to wholly follow God and Jesus.

We used to sing, "Wherever He Leads I'll Go." I love that song. It sums up the life of Caleb. It is what we should all strive for. Sadly, so many hold back. For security. For selfishness. For fear. For lesser things that can never satisfy. Several times Jesus said, "Follow Me." I don't believe that message has changed. He is looking for people willing to adjust their lives devoted to going hard after Him and His purposes. Though none go with us, like Caleb's generation, may we still follow. No turning back!No turning back!

I Forgot My Notes

My nightmares always revolve around not being able to find my Bible when it is time to preach, or not being prepared to preach. Sometimes they include not being able to locate my notes. My nightmare came true Sunday morning. I sat my notes on my desk after looking over them. I went to teach a class noticing at the end I needed to get my notes.

In between class, our Pastor's Prayer Partners meeting and getting wired up, I totally forgot about the notes left on my desk. That is until I stood behind the pulpit. I wondered what to do. Should I revert back to some message I had preached in the past, or should I go ahead without the notes. I felt impressed to preach without the notes. Most of that message is a blur. God showed up and helped this stammering preacher again. It goes to show it is God doing the work through the preaching or teaching. It is God moving in hearts. It is God revealing truth. It is God working.

I stood amazed as multiple people came forward to the altar kneeling to pray. That has not happened in months here. All glory to God. He is not needful or limited by my studying or lack of studying. He is not bound by notes on a page. He is God. He can overcome notes on a page left on a desk. He is perfectly able to communicate His truth through whomever He chooses. He once used a donkey. I have no room to boast. It is Him doing the work. It has always been Him doing the work. Not something I take for granted.

I thank Him for revealing truth when I study. I thank Him for welling up passion for His truth in me. I thank Him for strength and zeal to deliver the message. I thank Him for using His word to comfort, convict, inspire and inform. I am humbled He chose me to declare the wonders of His glorious word to listeners. I am thankful He works even when I forget my notes. It is not about me. I dare not preach for pats on the back. I abhor fishing for compliments. I repulse that I, or any preacher, would ever preach for self glorification.

It is not about us. It is about Him. It is about His word. It is about His truth infiltrating hearts and minds leading many to repentance and a closer walk with Yahweh.

Thank You God for helping this stammering prophet. Thank You for opening the flood gates of revelation and inspiration Your people. Thank You for flooding the altar with those seeking You. Thank You for this calling to be a preacher of the gospel and Your Holy Word. All glory to You. Especially when I forget my notes.

Rocking Between Two Worlds

Saturday night we went out to eat at Cracker Barrell. I enjoy dinging there. I love the old time feel and down home food. Turner and I looked all over the walls at the decorations seeing how many things we could identify. An old wooden tennis racket in a wooded case. A pitchfork, yoke, boat paddle, along with old pictures. He loves the checker boards. I love feeling like I walked right back into Papaw's and Mamaw's house back in Lufkin, TX. I grew up playing with stick horses, pop guns, Saturday morning cartoons, jeans, boots and Old Betsy, my bb gun. I had boots and one pair of sneakers. I either rode my single speed bike or ran most places to play. Punishment meant not getting to go outside to play. I played until just before dark, staying outside until the last possible minute. I walked or rode my bike to school in elementary school. I found the crossing guard too slow and cut across without him to hurry home for the game with all my friends.

Walking into Cracker Barrel feels like walking back in time some ways. We enjoyed the food. I ate breakfast. Brenda ate grilled chicken. Turner had his usual of chicken and dumplings with two sides of more dumplings.

Afterward, Brenda and Turner wanted to look around the store. I excused myself to a rocker outside. I love a good rocking chair. The contrast of the old time feel inside, and blur of traffic on I-20 with multitudes of patrons brought me back to reality. I rocked in the glow of neon signs for  department stores and restaurants. None of it was there when Brenda and I lived here nearly 30 years ago. Not even the Cracker Barrell.

Inside, I could find old fashioned candy and toys I enjoyed as a kid. Outside, I was hit with modern society. I rocked back and forth on that front porch reminding me of simpler times. I am thankful I serve a country church where it is still simple, but the city is fast encroaching on us. There are houses going up everywhere.

I live between two worlds on many levels. I sit in my office as I write. A simple office lined with custom bookshelves. Beautiful woodwork that has a rustic feel. Across the street lies the cemetery. Next door sits the tabernacle. I can often hear cows mooing  down the road. Pasture is located directly behind the church.

There is concrete everywhere in town. More subdivisions spring up all over the county. There are eating establishments everywhere. Our chairman of deacons told me when he grew up here there was only a Dairy Queen and a Dairy Mart in town. Times have changed.

I also live between the worlds of Runaway Bay, TX, where we have our home, and the parsonage here in Weatherford next to the church. I have part of my clothes here and part over there,, as I split time between both houses. I have actually awoke in the night forgetting which home I slept in and ran into walls.

I often think living between life on earth, and my citizenship in heaven. I reside here, but I am increasingly homesick for Beula Land. I dwell here, but wait for that land that is fairer than day. I show up for work here, but one day I will show up for my first day in heaven when the Roll is Called Up Yonder. I look forward to my mansion on a hill top where I  will forever find It is Well With My Soul. One day, in the not so distant future I'LL Fly Away. Today, I stand on Jordan's Stormy Banks and cast a wishful eye. I am constantly reminded This World Is Not My Home, and that I rock between two worlds.

From I Do To I Don't

A young starry eyed couple stand before the preacher or a judge. The one officiating asks the couple to exchange some promises better known as wedding vows. They are asked if they so promise. Normally the couple will answer, "I do." The marriage covenant is sealed with rings and  a kiss. All is bliss. The fairy tale will say they lived happily ever after.

Reality is much different than the fairy tale. Years down the road that same couple, who once were so deeply in love, are now at each other's throats. Their normal routine is fussing and fighting. Then one or both go from, "I do," to, "I don't." A lawyer is secured and divorce is put into legal motion.

What happened? How did the once happ[y couple end up there? The reasons are many. Most come into the marriage with unrealistic expectations. They don't understand that marriage is hard work. It takes sacrifice. It requires servanthood on both parts. I requires a commitment to covenant even when the spouse can make you as mad as a hornet. It is keeping the romance alive by still dating. It takes open communication to work through hurt feelings, misunderstandings and selfishness.

All of this takes lots of work. Marriage is not easy. It takes adjustments. I came into my marriage with Brenda with some unrealistic expectations. I grew up in a house with my mother and grandmother. They were excellent cooks. They cooked from scratch. Not one time in my childhood or high school years did they ever cook a casserole. I grew up on homemade yeast biscuits. Made from scratch pancakes, except we called them hot cakes. We ate stew, stuff bell peppers, roast and potatoes, stew and a delightful meatball and spaghetti recipe that takes me back to those years just smelling it. Everything was homemade. I grew up spoiled.

Breda is an exceptional cook. She did not grow up eating the same way. When we married there was an adjustment period. I made the mistake of telling her once my mother did not cook the way she did at which she responded, "I'm not your mother!" I backed away cautiously.

I also had a mother who picked up my dirty clothes from off the floor to wash them. Something Brenda wasted no time training me to do otherwise. The same thing with dishes. I could go on. I had a lot to learn.

One thing Brenda and I decided while dating. Divorce would not be an option. We both grew up with divorced parents.  Our mothers did the best they could. We never wanted our children to experience that. Along the last 29 years there have been some rocky times. Times when I wounded her. Times when we both worked too much and neglected one another. Added to all that, was the addition of four unplanned for sons in rapid succession. Unplanned by us, but planned by God. There have been never ending financial trials, relocations, ministry successes and failures.

Through it all I have grown to love her more than ever. I walked in the bathroom while she was putting her make up on for work this morning. I commented to her, "I am madly in love with you." Then I started kissing her, at which she found displeasure interrupting her from getting ready. We still laugh together. We share private jokes. We also have some hidden codes like SHMILY. Ask me sometime I will tell you what that means. We leave those letters for each other or send them in texts. We still flirt. We enjoy dates. She is my best friend. IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY.

Marriage is work. A happy marriage is even harder work. The Bible lays out responsibilities for both the husband and the wife. It takes a lot of servanthood. A lot of working together. Much communication. She is still the woman of my dreams. She has followed me down hard paths. She is not afraid to speak her mind if she thinks I am missing God's leadership.

When she calls I still answer, "Hello my love." I made up a song for her just the other day that went like this, "Brenda, Brenda, Brenda you are own my agenda." I sang it so much privately and publicly she grew tired of it. That girl captured my heart in college, and never let it go. Today, I still say, "I do."

I Am

Driving yesterday I heard a song with the words "I am," in the lyrics. I got to thinking about all the things that I am. Here goes. 

I am weak. I am a sinner prone to wander and leave the God I love. I am dependent on God for help. I am powerless apart from God's help through the Holy Spirit. I am insignificant apart from my relationship with Jesus. I am well intentioned, but often weak on follow through. I am nothing apart from Jesus. Everything good in my life I owe to Him. My salvation. My wife and sons. My calling to preach. My friends. All benefits of Jesus. 

I am saved. I am redeemed. I am a child of God. I am blood bought. I am declared righteous. I am a follower of Jesus. I am a man on a relentless pursuit to know God. I am a Bible student. I am a gospel preacher. I am an under-shepherd. I am a husband and father. I am blessed. All of it I owe to God. 

Here are things that God says about Himself. I Am. I am holy. I am just. I am righteous. I am Almighty. I am wise. I am sovereign. I am King. I am Jehovah. I am Yahweh. I am Lord. I am Heavenly Father. I am merciful. I am loving. I am gracious. I am slow to anger. I am eternal. I am Creator. I am Redeemer. I am King of Kings. I am in control. I am compassionate. I am a present help in troubled times. I am the Great Shepherd. I am peace in the storm. I am strength to the weak. I am the Light of the World. I am the Bread of Life. I am the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. I am the Lamb of God. I am the Prince of Peace. I am Provider. I am Sustainer. I am Omniscient and Omnipresent. I am Father to the fatherless. I am Deliverer. I am Healer. I am Wisdom. I am Revealer. I am the Giver of Abundant Life. I am coming again. 

In comparison to all that God is, has been and forever will be, I am nothing. He must increase, and I must decrease. I am a devoted servant to the Great I Am. 

Exodus 3:14 (NKJV) 

14  And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' " 

Tranquility

I could not find the patient at the hospital. The registration desk had no record for that person. I texted several people to no avail. Eventually I sat in the lobby in a lounge chair to wait for one other response. I laid my head back against the chair and closed my eyes. People visited in the corridor. Many walked toward their destination. People scurried about like squirrels.

I started praying and sitting before the Lord. It had been a hectic morning. Three hospital visits in a row. I had rushed all morning long to get to each one. For the first time that day I exhaled my business and inhaled the presence of God. Then I heard it. A soft sound I had not noticed previously. The more I tuned in the more distinct the sound became. I listened more intently, and came to the conclusion there was no mistake. I heard the sound of trickling water.

I concentrated on that sound. Soon every other sound got drowned out of my ears, except the trickling water. I felt total tranquility. I felt relaxed, content and refreshed in that lobby. The sound of that water, along with sitting with God, totally erased the stress from navigating Fort Worth rush hour traffic, parking garages and trying to find each of the patients.

We all need times when we sit still before God, and let His tranquility wash over us. He might do it through a song, a slow walk in nature, sitting back in an office chair for some prayer, visit to a prayer room or even listening to soft sounds of trickling water. I am thankful for God's tranquility. If I had sat there longer I am sure I could have drifted off to sleep blissfully.

My little tranquil sanctuary was interrupted by a family member telling me where to find the patient. Then, it was off and running again. I am grateful for those beautiful tranquil moments in the lobby of a metropolitan hospital. God is everywhere, and waits to be discovered and enjoyed. His tranquility is available to all who seek Him. I thank Him for it.

Mother Mystery

Truth is stranger than fiction. Here is a real head scratcher. A Christian university held a chapel service. This is not uncommon. Brenda and I were required to attend chapel services at Howard Payne University as well. Typically, some guest is invited to preach, teach, or share during the chapel hour.

The college I am writing about did the same. A very old prestigious university with a rich heritage. A friend of mine who graduated from there relayed the following information there. A liberal lady preacher was invited to come speak to the students. She definitely had a liberal agenda. She actually prayed to open and close her talk to the "Mother Mystery."

I could not believe what I read. I remind you this famous university has launched many preachers who became champions of the faith and led powerful churches. The school was founded by one of those famous preachers. You may have already guessed I am talking about Baylor University. Founded by B.H. Carroll. Baylor produced such preachers as George W. Truett who pastored First Baptist Church Dallas for 47 years. W.A. Criswell also graduated from Baylor who followed Truett at FBC Dallas and remained for 50 years. Interestingly enough Baylor also the alma mater of Robert Jeffress who currently pastors at FBC Dallas.

Louie Giglio and David Crowder both attended Baylor, and are both being used mightily of God today to reach college students and young adults.

What in the world was Baylor thinking inviting a liberal who refused to pray to Jesus or in His name, but rather addressed her prayer to Mother Mystery. Professing to be wise that lady made herself look foolish. The leaders of Baylor have turned far from their original intent of B.H. Carroll. The progressive liberal agenda has found a nesting place in a once theologically conservative institution. It is a tragic fact. Those in charge there will have much to answer for from Yahweh. not Mother Mystery. May God help those young preacher students not be infected with such nonsense.

It's Been Awhile

It's been a while since I put thought to print,
Squeezed by a schedule that won't relent,
Little time to sit and jot my reflections,
Pulled in so many different directions,
I pause slowing on this country mile,
Fully aware that it has been awhile,
It's time to slow down and ponder,
Eternal things located over yonder,
To leave the frantic rat race undone,
So that more like Christ I become,
To get more in touch with eternal,
Drawing nearer to Christ supernal,
Yes, it's been a long long while,
Since writing that makes me smile.

How Can We Pray For You

I am happy to announce a new way Spring Creek Baptist Church is taking our role to pray more seriously. We are in the process of having thousands of prayer cards printed. The front side will simply ask the question, "How can we pray for you?" The back side will give them our web address where on the home page they will see the how can we pray for you link. They fill out a simple form with their prayer request. They can fill the form out anonymously or include their contact information.

I get the emails of those prayer requests which we will take seriously. I will pray and lead our church to pray over these needs. Our hope is that through the compassionate act of prayer, we might really minister, make connection with people, believe God to help them and hopefully watch miracles unfold.

This is the way it will work. You will get the cards and keep them on you. Wherever you go out to eat, check out at a store, or random other places you simply ask the question, "How can we pray for you?" You hand people the card. Of course if they give them something to pray about, by all means keep your word and pray. If they tell you something in person, you can write it down on the prayer request cards in the prayer room.

If they choose to go to the website and fill out the prayer request form, I immediately get an email with the request on it. If they include their contact information, I will contact them. If not, we will still pray for these needs. This was not my idea. It came from one of God's faithful devoted followers in the flock. It is one more way we are trying to take ministry outside the walls of Spring Creek into the community. It is also another way we are trying to honor Jesus' declaration that His house would be a house of prayer.

It is just one more step forward in our ever growing prayer ministry. Each week on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the sanctuary is open for Community Prayer Room (C.P.R.) for a come and go time of prayer at your convenience. Once a month we hold Power Band prayer meetings in someone's home on Sunday evenings. Now we are preparing to launch our How Can We Pray For You campaign.

The exciting thing about this ministry is that it could literally reach around the world to anyone who has access to the internet. It can be used for church members, community residents and people on the other side of the world. My pledge is that the prayer requests entrusted to us will be prayed for individually by me or those in our prayer ministry. This is a sacred trust we take seriously.

All you have to do  is log on at www.myspringcreek.org. In the right hand corner on the home page you will find the link to the prayer request form. Click on that link, and put in your request. Then, click submit. We at Spring Creek count it a privilege to stand in the gap for you. May God answer those prayers and move many mountains. May He be glorified.

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Spring Creek dedicated our newly refurbished prayer room this past Sunday. We dedicated it the only way a prayer room should be dedicated. Our two longest tenured members cut a red ribbon, and went into the room to pray a dedication. When they exited, the rest of the church body had the chance to go into room to prayerfully dedicate. The whole time proved very moving.

There is a quote on the wall of that room with these words, "My soul has often found relief, and often escaped the tempter's snare, by thy return sweet hour of prayer." William Walford penned those words around 200 years ago. How true they are.

I've frequented the prayer room several times already. The flock has been lifted before the Lord. God's direction and counsel has been sought. Miracles have been petitioned. Revival requested. More workers asked. Burdens laid down and new God sent ones received. Solace found. Comfort enjoyed. Peace embraced. Gratitude expressed. Scripture promises cashed in. Lost souls asked to be brought into the harvest. The sick uplifted for healing. Other churches and ministers laid before the LORD. Provision sought and believed. Wisdom needed. Loved ones encircled in protective prayer. Revelation needed. Empowering boldly petitioned at the throne of grace.

All of this in the sacred room we have dedicated exclusively for the purpose of prayer. A prayer room unused is nothing more than a room. A prayer room used becomes a war room. It becomes a place where battles are fought and one. It is a room where victories are secured. It is a room of refuge. It is a room to find relief. It is a room where revival is born.

Thank you God for the prayer room and the hours of prayer You see and hear there. May history record the answers to those prayers offered for the glory of Your name. Amen.

We Chose Not To Follow That

I had lunch with a fellow pastor today. We talked about the joys and sorrows of ministry. He told me a story I couldn't believe. In a meeting, he opened the Bible to a relevant passage to the purpose for which they met, and read it. After finishing the reading, one of the team members said, "We previously decided not to follow that."

I thought I misunderstood. I asked him to clarify. Sure enough, I heard perfectly well. So let's get this straight. A pastor met with several church members for an important meeting. The pastor read from the Bible seeking direction about the meeting. The group as a whole, affirmed the expression of one that they chose collectively not to abide by the teachings of the Bible.

I am still shocked. This meeting included some of the most influential decision makers of the church. In essence they said, "We don't care what the Bible says, we are going to do it the way we think is best."

I knew the church had a lot of trouble when it came to promoting and adhering to the Bible. I have to confess that was a new one for me. People stating outright they chose to not to follow God's Word, or to put it another way, to dismiss scriptural truth. What a dangerous practice. If you can do that on one point, what keeps a group from arbitrarily choosing what they will and what they will not follow. It is all to be followed.

I'm stunned. Flabbergasted. Bewildered. Shocked. Dumbfounded. Supposed people of God rejecting the word of God.

I shouldn't be surprised. Those same people revolted when the pastor began preaching verse by verse through different books of the Bible. They had no spiritual stomach for it. One little boy told his parents he did not need to take his Bible, because they never used it in class.

When Jesus saved me, one of His great gifts to me included planting me in a church with a Bible preaching pastor. Verse by verse. I confess much of it was over my head in those first days. I cut my teeth on solid spiritual meat. Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday. We had no youth service. I sat right next to my friends surrounded by adults studying the Bible, and I did not miss.

I went to school to learn to study the Bible. I am still a Bible student to this day. I am a Bible preacher and teacher myself. Apart from the Bible, what does a preacher or teacher use for material? Even study material should be saturated with scripture. If not, what are we doing.

I admit I am old fashioned. I believe the Bible is the divinely inspired, God breathed, inerrant and infallible word of God. The Bible is authoritative as God's word for the church and all the members making up the congregation. The Bible is the written revelation of God handed down through men. It is the official text book for the local church. For all blood bought churches.

I realize we are living in a day when the Bible is out of vogue. Recently, someone informed me on their quest to find a church home they have discovered a lack of Bible preaching and teaching. Some read a text and then spew their own philosophical insights instead of taking their cues from the Bible. It boggles my mind that this occurs. It more than staggers me that people put up with this, and actually prefer it.

I thank God for churches I served in the past who all hungered for God's word. I praise God for planting me in Spring Creek Baptist Church where I picked up on teaching through the book of Acts when I arrived. We have spent months in the sermon on the mount on Sunday morning and in the Psalms on Sunday night. They hunger for God's holy word. I've never heard, nor expect to ever hear, "We chose not to follow that Bible truth." Thank God for putting in a church with my kind of people.  Bible people. May our numbers increase all over the land.

Amos 8:11-12 (ESV)
¹¹  “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I will send a famine on the land— not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.

¹²  They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the LORD, but they shall not find it.

Rat Race

From my office this morning, I heard the rush of cars driving by. I imagined men and women off to the rat race of work. I pictured men donning jeans and boots and some suits and ties. I could see women wearing dresses, paint suits, and surgical scrubs all headed into the rat race we call life.

Filled with activity. Constant motion. For younger families it does not end when the work day is over. Then they chase their children in all their extra curricular activities. Most likely, they will pick up something for dinner, make sure homework is completed, do a few chores around the house before falling into bed exhausted. The following day it starts all over again.

That was not my experience this morning. I stole away to spend some time with God. While others rushed off to work, I sat before my King in tranquility, peace, isolation and contentment. I thought of those rushing by wondering about the condition of their souls. Do they even think about matters of eternity.

People are used to living in constant motion. There is little to no time for reflection, meditation, pondering, praying or properly aligning with the Prince of Peace. One of the result,s is living in constant stress. This takes a toll on the family dynamic. It also takes a toll on people's health with things like high blood pressure, insomnia and headaches.

Slowing down is a good thing at some point. Maintaining a quiet time is vital to maintaining a thriving relationship with Jesus. Finding some solitude, tranquility and time to attend to the soul is a vital strategy to surviving and reshaping your rat race life.

You can start by reflecting on the 23rd Psalm. Many love this scripture, but have seldom slowed down to really reflect on it. Especially the first three verses.  Do so today and maybe the cadence of your soul with look less like a mad dash, and more like a casual stroll with your King Jesus.

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
¹

 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

³  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

⁴  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

⁵  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

⁶  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Unequally Yoked

Numbers 25:2-5 (ESV)
²  These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.
³  So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.
⁴  And the LORD said to Moses, “Take all the chiefs of the people and hang them in the sun before the LORD, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.”
⁵  And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Each of you kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor.”

Yahweh loved Israel. He made them His chosen people. He covenanted with them and blessed them. Time would fail me to recount all that He did for Israel. They chose to yoke themselves to a false god anyway. The word yoke means to join or to attach to something or someone. Israel should have attached themselves to Yahweh.  They chose to attach themselves to what God forbade.

It still happens today. Christians attach themselves to all sorts of things they have no business being joined. Christians yoke themselves to ungodly business partners in efforts to make more money. I know those who had money embezzled by those ungodly business associates. Teenagers  align themselves with ungodly friends who drag them down. Men and women get yoked into adultery. Believers yoke themselves to in dating and marriage when it is strictly forbidden.

Do we not understand that God is just as offended when we do this today as He was with Israel for yoking with Baal? There are consequences for sin. When we disobey God and become attached to things He forbids, He will chastise. Yahweh did it with His chosen people. He will do it to us as well.

What are you yoked to? With whom are you yoked? Maybe a better question would be, is there anything or anyone you are yoked with that offends God and violates His commands? A tough question.

Many years ago I preached a message entitled "Breaking Up With The Devil," at a youth camp outside Abilene, TX. I challenged students to align themselves with God totally and to get rid of of anything that did not honor Him. I remember a girl named Jessica at the front that night weeping. I had the chance to pray with her. She dated an unbeliever. God convicted her about it that night. She told me she was going outside to a pay phone to call him. She wanted to ask him to get saved and live for God or she would break off their relationship. I prayed for her, and she followed through. He did not commit his life to Jesus and she broke up with him. She never went back to him.

I ran into her a decade later at a doctor's office. She married and had children by that time. She married a Christian and served actively in a church. Good for her following through on a commitment she made as a teenager at youth camp.

If you are yoked to something that offends God, will you make it right? Will you honor God and obey Him?

Waiting on God To Move

God led Israel out of Egyptian bondage. They didn't know where to go. God used a cloud to lead them by day and fire by night. He used these means to lead them through the Red Sea and away from Egypt forever.

When they got in the wilderness, God used those same means to lead His people. When the cloud stopped, so did the people. They set up camp. Sometimes the cloud stopped for a day, and at other times it stopped for a month. The people had to wait on God to know where to go next.

Think of them waking everyday and looking to the cloud, or more precisely to God, moving in the cloud to know what to do for the day. There were days to pack up camp and to travel onward. There were also seasons to wait. They dared not venture out on their own. They depended on God's guidance.

It shouldn't be any different today, though we do not have the cloud and fire to guide us. We have two things they did not have. We have the Holy Spirit and we have God's word to direct our steps. Even with those two there are still times we have to wait.

Do you enjoy waiting? Are you more impatient and want to hurry things along, and if we were honest to hurry God along too? You don't have to look too long before you discover someone waiting on God to do something. To open a closed door. To lift a burden. To reclaim a prodigal. To heal. To provide. To revive. To save. To deliver. You get the point.

Most of us have the attitude of the little boy who once prayed, "Lord, I ask you to give me patience and could you hurry up in doing it."

God has His purposes for seasons of waiting. If nothing else, it forces us to depend on Him and seek Him. Those are vitally important as we journey through life. They develop patience and perseverance. We are also forced to slow down, or hurry up to move at God's pace.

God has His purposes. He has His plans. He also has His seasons. He knows and sees how it all fits together though we often are blinded to His ways. When He requires us to wait, there is love and wisdom behind it. That may be hard for us to see. We often equate waiting as wasting time. God does not waste.

Waiting really comes down to this. Do we believe God knows what is best better than we do? Do we trust Him? I am not saying periods of waiting are easy. If you are serous about following and serving Yahweh and Jesus, you might as well expect there will be seasons of waiting. There will be times when God comes to a standstill. He may even be silent during that time. That does not mean that He is not on schedule or does not know what to do next.

If you are waiting on God now, I challenge you to get busy about serving Him. Time seems fly faster when you are occupied in some activity. If you awake everyday fixated on your watch and calendar, time may appear to drag on slowly. Don't get impatient and give up on Him. Perhaps these words from scripture will help today.

Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV)
¹³  I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!

¹⁴  Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

The Use Of Hands When We Pray

Have you ever thought about the many ways a person might use their hands when they pray. Different hand positions can mean different kinds of praying.

For example, if a person were praying with their hands lifted high, that might mean they were praising and thanking God. It reminds me of the words to an old praise song written by Dennis Jernigan. "With our hands lifted high to the sky and the world wonders why, we'll just tell them we are loving our King." Sadly, some have attributed such an act of worship associated with a select few of God followers. It is a biblical way of expressing adoration.

Many pray with placing the palms of their hands to together to make what has become known as praying hands. We often do this as a sign of reverence and sincerity. We put our hands together to make supplication and petitions.

A person could cup one fist over the other in a sign of pleading for God's help. In desperate times and in moments of critical need this cupping of the fists might be an appropriate response.

If person covered their face with their hands, it could be a sign of remorse and confession of sin. It could also be a sign of repentance and pleading God forgive us of trespasses.

When a person sits with hands turned palms up, this is a sign of receiving something from the Lord or surrendering burdens. If you believe God has things to speak to you and blessings to share with you, this posture is one way of expressing it. It is also a way of surrendering yourself and all your cares.

I challenge you to experiment. Use different postures in your prayer time. Try kneeing if your legs permit it. One of my favorites is to lay prostrate. No matter how you choose to express yourself in prayer the important part is that you actually pray. Commune with your Maker. Grow closer to Him. Trust Him in the harshness of life. Seek Him in the darkest of times. Praise and thank Him for His many benefits. Confess sins quickly. Plead your petitions for others. You might be surprised how often you use your hands to do all these things.