Thoughts From the Mound

WHAT IS YOUR MINISTRY?

2010-03-07T21:15:00Z

A close friend of mine who is a preacher was telling me recently at lunch about a sister he knew who made homemade pies for every man in the church on his birthday. One year she made pies on 220 days! That’s a lot of pies!! She explained that it was her ministry. It caused me to think about all the people I have known through the years who minister to others.

In Ephesians 4 Paul speaks of equipping the saints for ministry. We sometimes have the misguided idea that ministry is only for professionals, you know the paid guys. The truth is that ministry is for everyone. The verb, “minister,” comes from a Greek word (diakoneo), meaning to serve. The noun, “minister,” (from the Greek diakonos) means servant or minister. Jesus made it very clear that any one who wants to be great must be a minister (Matthew 20:26). Then our Lord began teaching His followers how to serve one another (John 13). Our Lord performed the ultimate act of ministry when He gave Himself on the cross for us (Mark 10:45). If we wish to be like Him we will be willing to give of ourselves to others (Philippians 2:5-8).

I remember seeing a church sign several years ago that said, “Minister - Every Member.” If every Christian is ministering to others, all of God’s people will have what they need most. It has been my experience over the years in my personal life that I am happiest when I am serving others. It has also been my experience that those who are busy serving others are the least likely to complain. Those who are serving others are the ones most likely to be evangelistic.

Please allow me to share a few personal ministries that I am aware of in hopes it might encourage others to find their own ministry.

The Bicycle Recycle Ministry. A brother noticed he had several bicycles in his garage that were not being used, so he decided to clean them up, tune them up, and give them away to homeless people who had no transportation. He started asking around and learned that there were many others who were in the same situation. People everywhere started bringing him bikes. Organizations have collected bikes for him. He now has given hundreds, perhaps thousands of bikes to people who are on foot.

The Calling Ministry. We have a sister who attempts to make a personal phone call to every visitor who comes to our worship services. She gives each of them a warm welcome, learns what she can about their background, and brags about the church. She has arranged numerous Bible studies and I am convinced that a number of people will be in Heaven because of her ministry.

The Email Ministry. One of our elders emails every visitor to our services. He let's them know how glad we were to have them with us. He invites them back again, and he tells them he will be glad to answer any questions they might have about the church.

The Mowing Ministry. I knew a man who would take his son and mow yards for elderly and shut-in folks who couldn’t do it themselves. He never charged them a dime and in the process he taught his son how to serve others.

The Prayer Chain Ministry. We have a handful of sisters who keep a running list of church members, as well as family and friends of church members, who need special prayers. They print a new list for distribution every time we gather. These sisters make calls or send emails to our elders & preachers to update us on those who need prayers. They also have emergency prayer calls when they are needed.

The Can Ministry. One brother collects cans, sells them to be recycled, then gives the money to children’s homes. Over the years thousands of dollars have been given to homes that has blessed the lives of countless children.

The Children’s Home Ministry. Two teams of ladies go to a local children’s home each week to help however they are needed. They work primarily in helping get clothes ready to sell that raises money for the home. One of the sisters picks up bread from a local restaurant at the end of the day to take with them to the children’s home to be divided among the different houses.

The Pillow Ministry. We have a group that meets in our building each week to make pillows that are taken to local hospitals. They stitch the name and address of the church on the pillow to let the people who receive them know they are loved by the church.

A couple of observations and a request. None of these people care if anybody knows their names. They don’t do this work to be praised or recognized. They do this because they want to be the arms, hands, feet, and hearts of Jesus. They want others to know about the love of the Lord.

During the past thirty plus years of preaching I will occasionally hear someone ridicule the church for being unloving, uncaring, or unsympathetic. Some will say that Christians are only interested in...fill in the blank, doctrine, numbers, money. My experience has been that this type of statement is a smokescreen. People usually speak this way when they are angry, they don’t like something, or they want the church to change. The Christians we have known in our life are the most loving, charitable, caring people in the world.

Now for the request. Would you be willing to share information about your ministry? This article has only highlighted a few of many, many more. I know people who have given up their vacation time for mission trips, youth trips, work camps, etc. I know families who have worked in food kitchens. I know Christians who have gone to help people who have been through natural disasters in our country as well as other countries around the world. I know others who have anonymously supported worthy causes. Why not take a moment and tell us about some ministry you know about it. It can be yours or someone you know. You don’t have to tell us your name, but we can encourage more people to be involved by sharing with one another.

Dear God, thank you for so many wonderful Christians who give of their time, money, and talent to help others. Thank you for those who are so unselfish and who seek no personal glory. Thank you, Father for the many doors of opportunity that You open for us. Help us dear Lord, to do as much good, for as many possible, as long as we can. Help us to have the heart of a servant. Help us to be more like Jesus every day.

THE MARRIAGE REF

2010-03-03T22:30:00Z

While watching the Olympics late one night a commercial about a new TV show arrested my attention. The Marriage Ref is a new show being produced by Jerry Seinfeld with an illustrious panel of “experts” such as Alec Baldwin, Kelly Ripa, Martin Short, Eva Longoria, Ricky Gervais and Madonna, all who apparently want to “save” our marriages. My immediate response was, “Are you serious? This sounds like a “hall of fame,” of people who most certainly should not be giving us marriage advice. I have no intention of tuning in to this comedy of marriage advice errors. This is not what America needs to help heal the thousands of broken homes and broken hearts that are a result of failed marriages.

Having said that, we desperately need help in our homes. We have way to many divided families, broken homes and suffering children in our world. There is a Marriage Ref who can help save our marriages. He is the one who wrote “THE” Marriage Manual. He officiated at the first wedding between the couple He created and brought together many years ago (Genesis 2). His plans are fail-proof. His advice will work every time.

If you are struggling in your marriage turn to Him. Around 2000 years ago He put two pieces of wood together and opened up a repair shop that has fixed more broken homes, broken hearts, and broken lives that every other “marriage expert” who has ever hung out their shingle. His advice far surpasses anything that you will hear on some television program. He teaches us that marriage is between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:23-24). He teaches us that they should leave the home of their youth and be joined together forever (Genesis 2:24). He teaches us that a man should love his wife like Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), that he should love his wife like he loves his own body (Ephesians 5:28), and that he should love his wife as he loves himself (Ephesians 5:33). He teaches us that a woman should humbly submit to her husband who is to be the spiritual leader of the family (Ephesians 5:22-23; 6:1-4). He teaches us that adultery is not an option (Matthew 19:1-9). He teaches us that we should be faithful to one another as long as we live and that marriage is to be for life.

I doubt seriously that you will hear this type of encouragement and advice by watching “The Marriage Ref.” So why not listen to the Marriage Maker. The one who wants you to succeed more than anyone else. The one who really can strengthen, save, and sanctify your marriage.

Dear God, help us listen to You when it comes to our marriages. Help us Father, to read the original marriage manual and not attempt to substitute worldly advice for Heavenly advice. Thank you for forming the family. Thank you for making marriage. Thank you for giving us everything we need to build strong families.

TELL ME AGAIN...

2010-03-01T04:00:00Z

Two events occurred this past week that encouraged me, challenged me, humbled, me and reminded me of the importance of talking to others about Jesus. The first was a phone call from a sister who just turned ninety years of age. She was requesting assistance in finding a preacher in another state to visit her niece. She has been involved in a Bible study with her niece in recent weeks. She believes that if the right person contacts her niece and if her niece finds the right church she will give her life to the Lord.

The second event was a hospital visit. This time I was visiting a sister who recently turned one hundred years of age who has a blood clot in her leg. When I walked into the room she said, “I’m so glad you came to see me, I have something I want to talk to you about (there are times that a statement like that puts fear in the heart of a preacher, but not this time)! This dear sister continued by asking me if I would be willing to assist her in a Bible study that she has set up with her rehab nurse. She has been talking with her about the Bible and the young woman has agreed, along with her boyfriend, to study the Bible. I told her it would be an honor to be a part of that study. She said, “I thought that’s what you would say”

One sister is ninety years young, the other 100 years of age, and they are involved in teaching people about Jesus! Which brings me to the title of this article, “TELL ME AGAIN WHY WE CAN’T TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT JESUS??” For those of us who are Christians, we have no excuses. If we have been saved we should be telling someone the Good News. We sometimes say we are too busy, we don’t feel well enough, we don’t know enough, we can’t find the people, or we attempt to dismiss what one friend of mine calls our “evangelistic laryngitis,” with some other reason.

Friends, surely we tell someone about our Lord. There are people everywhere who have yet to be introduced to the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. They are in our neighborhood, they are in the malls, the stores, the restaurants, the hospitals, they work with us everyday, and some of them even live in our homes with us.

Sometimes we forget that we have been saved to help others find salvation, we have been redeemed to tell others about redemption, we have been introduced to the Lord so that we might introduce others to Him. Christianity really is, one beggar helping another beggar find bread. My two dear senior Christian sisters make me want to do better. They make me want to work harder to find someone who needs to hear the Good News. They have challenged me in their quiet way to want to tell more people about Jesus. I am thankful for them and I will be a better Christian because of them. What about you? Is there someone in your world that you can reach out to this week?

Dear God, thank You so much for bringing Godly examples into our lives. Thank You for those Christians who challenge us and encourage us to tell others about Jesus. Father, help us to open our eyes this week to those around us who need to hear the Good News. Forgive us when we are weak and when our voice has grown quiet. Help us, dear God to find another beggar this week with whom we can share the Bread of Life.

WHAT I DON’T WANT TO DO WITHOUT

2010-02-22T19:30:00Z

This morning I took my Airbook to the Apple store to be sent off for repairs. The hinge on the back is coming apart. They agreed to repair it at no charge and told me it would likely be delivered to my house by Friday (possibly Thursday, and even a chance for Wednesday.) I told the very nice young lady at the Genius Bar that I wasn’t sure I could do without it that long. She just smiled and said, ‘I bet you’ll be just fine.” On a side note one of the good things about this is it forced me to back everything up (you know, just in case something goes awry!!)

So, I am working with Laura’s Dell Laptop until my Airbook gets back. It’s been four hours and I already miss it. This laptop must weight all of five poundsJ My favorites aren’t locked in (about the only favorites on Laura’s computer are Cold Water Creek and her Google page!) I can’t go down to the left corner of the computer and see that I have twenty-five pages open at once, this is awfulJ So, I’ve been thinking about what I told the young lady at the Apple Store, “I don’t know if I can do without it…” WHO AM I KIDDING??? I’ll be fine if I never see that computer again (at least that’s what I keep telling myself!) I’ll be fine if I lose everything on itL There is much in my life that I could do without. However there are a few thinks in my life that I hope and pray I don’t ever have to do without.

I don’t want to do without my Lord. Jesus makes such a tremendous difference in our lives that we cannot possibly exist without Him. It is Jesus who makes it possible for us to do all things (Philippians 4:13). It is Jesus who makes all of our spiritual blessings possible (Ephesians 1:3). It is Jesus who intercedes for us when we go to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5). It is Jesus who brings peace to our hearts (Romans 5:1; Colossians 3:15). It is Jesus who brings light into our world and enlightens every man (John 1:9). Jesus has promised us that He will not leave us or forsake us (Matthew 28:20). We can choose to separate ourselves from Him, but our lives will be fruitless if we do.

I don’t want to do without God’s Word. God’s Word is a comfort to us in times of trouble. God’s Word is a light for the pathway of life (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11). God’s Word instructs us, corrects us, and equips us (1 Timothy 3:16-17). We are richly blessed to be able to study and know God’s Word, yet many refuse to avail themselves of the great blessings contained in the Word of God.

I don’t want to do without my wife. My sweet Laura has stood beside me for nearly thirty years. We have been through so much together and she has made the burdens of life so much easier to bear. More than anyone else in the world she taught me about the importance of family. She helped me become a better husband, a better father, a better preacher, a better man, a better friend, and a better Christian. I can’t imagine life without her. I thank God for her everyday.

I don’t want to do without my children. Amanda and Jeremy have brought and continue to bring so much joy into our lives. They have been a blessing to us from the time they entered the world. We are now blessed to watch them share life with their own mates and we are extremely proud of both of them. We are most thankful that they, along with their mates are faithful to the Lord and His cause. We pray daily that this will always be the case. I can’t imagine a life without either of them.

I don’t want to do without the church. The Body of our Lord has blessed my life in ways that are too numerous to count. We have had the privilege of working with four congregations during the past thirty years. Each of them has been unique and each of them has blessed us. We have worked with wonderful elderships and great co-workers in the Kingdom. We have been treated wonderfully by every church we have been with during our ministry. We still have close friends in all of the congregations we have served. They have all taught us and helped us be more of what God wants us to be. The churches where we have worked have stood behind us and been patient with our weaknesses. We feel extremely blessed to work now with the Lewisville church. We are convinced that it is one of the great congregations of God’s people in the world.

I don’t want to do without my friends. My life has been blessed with more wonderful friends than I deserve. My closest friends in the world are preachers. I love preachers and I love to be associated with them. There are a number of preachers that I could call at any moment and they would drop everything to come to my aid (you know who you are guys). I would do the same for them. I love the older preachers who continue to bless my life. I love younger preachers who are receiving the baton from the older guys. We have some wonderful friends who are special to us during these empty nesting days. Thank you, our dear woodsy friendsJ I have friends who are still close from high school and college days. How blessed a man is who has friends.

So, there are many things in this life I can do without. However, there are some things in this life that I hope I never have to do without. My list is not exhaustive, but these are a few that have been on my mind today. What’s on your list? I would love to hear from you?

Dear God, please help us not to get so caught up in the temporary things of this life. Please forgive us when we foolishly focus on things that don’t matter. Father, help me to focus on the people in our lives that matter the most. Help us to express our thanks to those around us for influencing our lives in good ways. Thank You, Father for the tremendous blessings of life that you constantly shower upon us.

IMPRESSIVE OR IMPRESSED?

2010-02-17T04:30:00Z

John Maxwell is a great writer who has encouraged many to become better leaders. He recently penned the following words. “Too often we think that if we can impress others, we will gain influence with them. We want to become others’ heroes – to be larger than life. That creates a problem because we’re real live human beings. People can see us for who we really are. If we make it our goal to impress them, we puff up our pride and end up being pretentious – and that turns people off. “

Maxwell has hit the proverbial nail on the head. It seems that more people in our world are interested in being impressive than they are in being impressed. It happens all the time. It happens among adult children when there is sibling rivalry. One family member wants to outdo or one-up another family member. One family member wants to dominate the conversation and refuses to allow others to talk. One family member thinks that what they have to say is more important than what anyone else has to say.

It happens among preachers and church leaders. A group of preachers get together and it seems like one wants to out-impress the others. Some preachers and church leaders set themselves up to be experts on a wide variety of topics seemingly to impress the masses. They love to talk about their works and how wonderful everything is with them, yet seldom ask about the work that others are doing.

It happens when Christians get together and each one believes their stories are more important than all the others. It happens when one parent or grand parent only wants to talk about their family and never listens to others. It happens when one Christian is obsessed with talking about their own life (victories, joys, sorrows, etc.), yet shows little interest or concern in the lives of others. They love to attract attention to themselves.

This approach to relationships is far different from the attitude of our Lord. “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:5-8) The Apostle who penned these words lived his life in an attempt to follow Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1). Notice his words that express his desire to please God rather than impress man, “But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court...” (1 Corinthians 4:3). In Romans 12:3 he gives us this caution, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think.”

If our goal in life is to be impressive we will mistreat others and we will not be characterized as those who have the mind of Christ. While this attitude may be prevalent among those who do not know Jesus, it should not exist among the people of God. The world wants to impress. The child of God is interested in serving others just as our Lord served the world.

Dear God, please help us to follow the example of our Savior who gave of Himself to all of us. Father help us to show the world that it is not our goal to impress others, but to live a life that pleases You. Help us dear Lord to be interested in others and not just ourselves. Help us to show the love of Christ to everyone around us.

CONNECTIONS

2010-02-10T06:15:00Z

A couple of recent events have caused me to think seriously about connections. The first is the reading of Mitch Albom’s latest offering, “Have A Little Faith.” My family bought me a Sony Reader for Christmas (which I love) and I received one free book with the Reader. The book I chose was Albom’s latest book. I was first introduced to Mitch Albom by my close friend, Chuck. Albom is an accomplished writer. His first book was the best selling, “Tuesday’s With Morrie,” which also became a TV movie. In this latest book Albom writes about the preacher of his youth asking him to give the eulogy at his funeral. This outstanding book details the conversations between Albom and his former minister that Albom would use in preparing the preacher’s eulogy. It is a delightful book which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

In one of the meetings the minister talks to Mitch about why he did the things he did and why he did them the way he did them. “My grandparents did these things. My parents, too. If I take the pattern and throw it out, what does that say about there lives? Or mine? From generation to generation, these rituals are how we remain...” Mitch says of the minister, “He rolled his hand, searching for the word.” “Connected?” I said. “Ah.” He smiled at me. “Connected.” (Thanks, Chuck for introducing me to Mitch Albom!)

The other event that has caused me to think about connections is the annual Freed Hardeman University Bible Lectures. For those of you who don’t know, Freed Hardeman is a Christian University that is in the small burg of Henderson, Tennessee (about ninety miles east of Memphis). This year is the seventy-fourth year the school has hosted a Bible lecture series. The estimate is that around five thousand people will attend the lectures (more people than live in the town of Henderson). By the way, while many say the day for lectureships is gone, it seems to me that there are more people here this week than we have had in a number of years. People will come from all over the country, as well as a number of foreign countries. I attended my first lectureship at FHU when I was a junior in high school. My dad allowed me to miss a week of school to attend. It has been my privilege to attend each year since 1976. It is one of my favorite weeks of each year. Most of the people who attend the lectures are preachers. Some are elders in the church and others are Christians who enjoy the fellowship, as well as the teaching.

I feel connected to Freed Hardeman for a number of reasons. I met the love of my life at Freed Hardeman. My parents attended FHU, Laura's parents attended FHU, our two children and their mates attended Freed Hardeman and we hope that someday our grandchildren will also attend. We made life long friends when we were in school at FHU. The Bible lectureship program reminds me of the importance of connections. It is during this week that I get to see many members of my family. There are some very dear friends that I see only one time a year, during the lectureship. Each year I see someone that I haven’t seen in many years. Each year it is a privilege to meet someone we have never known before. We are connected because of our love for FHU and the Bible lectures. We are connected by the type of messages that are delivered. We are connected primarily because of Christ. It is the cross of Jesus that binds us together. Galatians 3:26-27 says, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

This article is not really about Mitch Albom or Freed Hardeman, however they both remind me of the importance of connections. My prayer for you is that you have some strong connections in your life and that these connections will always be dear to you. My prayer is that these connections will remind you constantly who you are and where you came from as you live your daily life. My prayer is that we will remember the great pain that occurs when connections are broken in families, in the church, and among close friends. My prayer is that we will remember that when we throw out long held patterns of our families it says something about our families, and it says something about us. Connections are a vital part of our lives. They remind us of where we have come from. They help shape our lives for the present as well as the future. Connections sustain us when times are difficult.

Dear God, please help us to realize how important the connections in our live are to us. We thank You, Father for the connections we enjoy because of our family and friends. We pray that our children and grandchildren will not throw away the connections that have been passed down to them. We ask that You will help us to be thankful for the strong connections that are a part of who we are.

EATING WITH IMPUNITY

2010-02-06T16:52:00Z

While watching the late news the other night we saw one of those world class chefs being interviewed about the different kinds of foods people eat on Super Bowl Sunday. By the way, did you know that more food is eaten by Americans on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year other than Thanksgiving? How’s that for a free fun fact!! That also reminds me of another interesting fact I learned recently from a friend of mine. Did you know that the average time that plays are actually in progress during a football game (which in the case of the Super Bowl will last more than four hours) is eleven (yes, you read that right) eleven minutes! Astonishing, however that last little tidbit of information has really nothing to do with this article. So, back to the chef. At one point during the interview he was talking about how much he loves to eat. He made the statement, “My one goal in life is to eat with impunity.”

I started thinking about that statement and how I had never heard of or thought of the idea of impunity associated with eating I pulled up dictionary.com, (you know the modern day Webster’s) to make sure I was right about what impunity means. It told me that impunity comes from a Latin word meaning to be exempt from punishment or immune from detrimental effects. Now wouldn’t that be super? To be able to spend your life eating without any detrimental effects. In our day it seems that this is impossible. It seems that there are some detrimental effects tied to everything we eat (at least those things that we really enjoy eating)!

While that may be a worthy physical goal, albeit a very difficult (if not impossible) one to achieve there is something we can do in this life without impunity. We can make decisions and choices that will exempt us from punishment. We can choose to follow Jesus in everything we do and we will not be punished, rather ultimately we will be rewarded.

When we are in Christ we receive the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). That is what it means to live life with impunity. Paul also declares that for those who are in Christ there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1). That’s what it means to live life with impunity. Does it mean, as some would have us to believe, that we will never sin again? No, John reminds Christians that if we claim that we have no sin we are only deceiving ourselves (1 John 1:8). We will continue to sin, however “if we confess our sin, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us.” (1 John 1:9) It is when we are walking in the light that His blood cleanses us (1 John 1:7). That is what it means to live life with impunity.

There are too many Christians who are walking in the light and who are continually being cleansed by the blood of Jesus living a life of guilt. They are wondering if they are lost or saved. They question whether or not God is willing to forgive their sin. They allow some sin in the past to keep them from living for God now. They are bound by some present sin, not knowing if they can really receive God's forgiveness. An old preacher in Alabama used to say living the Christian life is not like being on a yoyo. We are not lost one minute and saved the next. Jesus came to bring us the abundant life (John 10:10). When we walk with Him we can live that abundant life with impunity and we can know that eternal salvation is ours (1 John 5:13).

Dear God, help us to know that if we are walking with the Savior that we can live the abundant life with impunity. Father, help us to know that we have an abundant entrance into the eternal home of the soul, where there is rest, sweet rest. Thank You for saving us and allowing us to partake of Your righteousness.

IMMERSED IN THE WORD

2010-02-03T14:20:00Z

A Christian sister who has two PhDs and has taught on the collegiate level wrote these words about a friend of hers who is a preacher. “He stands as a beacon to those who are looking for Truth to come from the pulpit. If one is immersed in the Word, accepting its authentic origin and message, one will not be arrogant and dismissive of its doctrines. True study--not critical analysis--humbles the reader of the Bible."

While I do not agree with everything John MacArthur writes, much of what he says is very thought-provoking. Such are these words he recently penned. “Those who take God’s Word seriously spend many hours in study. Coming out of diligent study are lessons, sermons, articles, and books that are deep, weighty, sober, doctrinally coherent, and theologically consistent. Sadly, today’s evangelicals aren’t known for being profound, sober-minded, or consistent; instead they’ve developed a reputation for being superficial, trivial, doctrinally erratic, and theologically naïve. Want proof? Walk into your local Christian bookstore, sample the preaching online, survey the blogs—the shoe fits. So if the way back is to fear God, honor His Word, and work hard to understand and teach it accurately, what kinds of things are standing in the way?”

To answer that question two primary passages come to mind. The first is 2 Timothy 4. Every preacher is commanded to “preach the Word.” This is a solemn charge. We are to be serious about preaching God’s Word. Some have seemingly turned the preaching of God’s Word into something akin to a circus side show. Every time I stand before an audience to proclaim God’s Word this verse strikes me with a Holy fear. I will someday stand before the judge of the universe and give an account of how I handled His Word. We are to be instant in season and out of season. This statement simply means we are to preach the Word all the time.

The other passage that immediately comes to my mind is Hebrews 4:12. This verse gives us the characteristics of the Word of God. The Word of God is precise and accurate. We need preachers of God’s Word who are skilled in handling the Word. They should be skilled in the reading, interpretation and exposition of His Word. The faithful preacher must spend many hours in study and in prayer to rightly divide the word of truth. There can be no substitute for this study. I remember as a young preacher hearing about brother Gus Nichols studying the Word for four hours every morning long before most people were up and around. Brother Franklin Camp who was one of the great students of the Old Testament in the previous generation stated that if brother Nichols needed to study four hours he would need to study five hours each morning. And this he did! There is no room for laziness. We cannot be infatuated with the culture. The Apostle Paul stated that he was more concerned with what the Lord thought about his teaching than what others thought. (1 Corinthians 4:3)

May God help those of us who preach give the time and attention to study that is so desperately needed in our day. There has been a famine in the land when it comes to the study of the Word. Those of us who stand and proclaim God’s Word must lead the way. If we do not study, neither will those who hear us.

If you are an elder in the church, demand that your preacher give proper attention to study. Make it possible for him to have the time he needs. Brother George Bailey tells about a congregation who rented a room in a local hotel so that he could get away from the office every day to study.

If you are a member of a church who has a preacher who proclaims the whole counsel of God, pray for him, encourage him, and give him the time he needs to prepare sermons that will help the church grow spiritually as well as numerically.

Dear God, in a day when Your Word is not held in high esteem, we pray that You would help those of us who preach as well as those of us who listen to immerse ourselves in Your Word. Help those of us who preach to stand as beacons for those who are looking for Truth to come from the pulpit. Father, help all of us to grow in our faith and in the knowledge of Your Word.

"THE PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING"

2010-01-31T19:10:00Z

While watching the late news the other night we saw a young man being interviewed about the NBC Late Night television fiasco. If you have watched any news (it was even on Fox) or read any news in recent days you have heard something about the Jay Leno/Conan O’Brien late night wars. They asked this young man what he thought about the situation and he responded by saying something similar to, “They need to get on with it, because the fans, the people are suffering.” I thought you have got to be kidding? “The people are suffering???” Have we become so inane that we really believe suffering occurs because of some television wars? Isn’t it amazing what we call suffering in our day?

There are many people in our world who are suffering, but suffering is not enduring the “late night wars.” The people who have lost loved ones and everything they own in Haiti are suffering. The people in our world who will not have a meal today or tomorrow are suffering. The family who lost their only son in war is suffering. The Christian family who lost their child in a car accident is suffering. The woman whose husband walked out on her for someone else and left her to raise the children by herself is suffering. The man who lost his job after many years of committed service to the company is suffering. The family whose child has forsaken the Lord and everything that they were taught is suffering. The preacher who was “let go,” because the church needed a younger man is suffering. The church that has been divided because some member felt that their way was more important than “His Way” is suffering. The teen who lives for God and is ridiculed and isolated while others follow the way of the world is suffering. The elderly couple who has no family around to care for them is suffering. The woman who has lived with her husband for fifty plus years, but who no longer knows his name, because of Alzheimer's is suffering.

If we suffer because of our faith we will be blessed. If we suffer we are in good company. Our Savior suffered for us (Luke 24:46; 1 Peter 2:21). He told us that in this world we would have tribulation (John 16:13). He reminds us that if we “suffer with Him,” we will also be “glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:17) He also told us to remember that we should not find it strange that we suffer because if the Master suffers persecution the servants will also suffer persecution (John 15:20). Suffering can make us stronger if it is handled correctly (James 1:2-3).

It isn’t that people do not or will not suffer. It’s just that we confuse what we sometimes believe to be suffering with real suffering. We will all face some suffering in our lives. If you are suffering today may God give you the strength to endure. Above all things, remember these words from the Apostle Paul, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Dear God, please help us understand that so much of what masquerades as suffering is not real. Help us to pray for and encourage those around us who are truly suffering. Help us to endure the suffering that is a part of our life with faithfulness so that someday we can live forever with the One who suffered for us.

A Personal Note:

This is post number thirty one since this blog was started five months ago. We have now had nearly 12,000 "hits" on this blog. It is an humbling experience to hear from so many who have expressed appreciation for the articles that have been posted. My sincere prayer is that each article will help in some way and that together we can grow in our faith and in our love for Him.

JAY LOCKHART

2010-01-28T22:00:00Z

Jay Lockhart is one of a few men who could be called a Preacher’s Preacher. If someone forced me to name my five favorite preachers he would be on that list. From the first day I had the privilege of meeting my dear friend, brother Jay, he has been a tremendous blessing and a great source of encouragement to my life. During the past few years I have watched him encourage numerous young preachers through his teaching and through his life. For those reasons and many more we are thrilled to highlight brother Jay Lockhart in this installment of Preacher's Notes.

Jay Lockhart grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He attended Freed Hardeman University, David Lipscomb University, Harding Graduate School, and Trinity where he received a PH.D. Brother Jay was influenced most in his decision to preach by his parents. He states, “While they did not pressure me, my parents were my greatest influence in preaching.” Brother Jay first preached in his home town of Parkersburg. Some of his favorite preachers during his early years were H.A. Dixon, Batsell Barrett Baxter, and Jim Bill McInteer.

He and his wonderful wife, Arlene have three children and six grandchildren. They are very proud of all of them. Brother Jay is a wonderful role model of what it means to be a Christian husband, father, and grandfather. Every young preacher could learn a great deal about family from brother Jay.

Brother Jay has preached full time in Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Texas. He currently preaches for the Benton Church of Christ in Benton, KY. He has preached in about one half of the states in our country and in six foreign countries. Each year brother Jay preaches in numerous Gospel meetings, Workshops, Seminars, and Lectureships. He has been active in helping young men through speaking at a number of Preacher Training Camps. He is also involved in helping young Christians through his work as a member of the Freed Hardeman University Board of Trustees.

I asked brother Jay why he believes that preaching is so important in our day. He responded by saying, “Preaching has always been an important part of God’s purpose in the world. Preaching meets two of our most important needs: Salvation and Edification.”

When asked to give advice to young preachers concerning the preparation of sermons, here is what he said:

⓵ Plan sermons well in advance so you know where you are going.

⓶ Be sure you are balanced in preaching - check up on where you have been and where you plan to be in preaching.

⓷ Allow ample time for study.

⓸ Preach the text of Scripture and answer three questions: What does the text say? What does the text mean? How does this text apply to our lives?

We also asked brother Jay to give advice to young preachers concerning the act of preaching (Sermon delivery). Here are his suggestions:

⓵ Be yourself.

⓶ Be well prepared.

⓷ Be enthusiastic.

⓸ Do not apologize if you use notes and do not pretend that you are not using notes. Try to be free from being tied to notes.

Brother Jay does not use notes when he preaches. He typically does not stand behind a podium. He holds a Bible in his hand but his sermons are such a part of who he is and who he has been that he does not use notes. The outline presented below is a copy of his study notes. These are not notes that he carries with him in the pulpit, but he uses them in preparation for the preaching event. Our prayer is that it will help preachers see how brother Jay crafts his sermons. By the way, if you have never heard brother Jay speak you can hear him at this year’s Freed Hardeman lectureship. He will be speaking Tuesday-Thursday morning at 9:30. If you can’t attend, you can listen on line at www.fhu.edu.

We asked Dr. Bill Morgan who serves as an elder for the Benton Church of Christ where brother Jay serves as preacher to comment on Jay Lockhart as a preacher. Here is what brother Morgan said: “Jay Lockhart has committed himself fully to the task at hand. He is always prepared. He is committed to preaching the Gospel in it’s fullness. He is always very prepared and he knows when he is through (brother Morgan went on to say that some preachers do not know when to end their sermons!) Jay understands what is expected of a local preacher and he fulfills those expectations very well. He fulfills his responsibilities in every area of his life.”

MAY I HELP YOU?

2010-01-26T15:00:00Z

Laura and I visited a wonderful Christian sister in the hospital the other day. As we were leaving the hospital we were stopped at an extremely busy intersection. While sitting there we noticed a car stopped in the middle of the road on the other side of the highway. We could see an elderly lady in the car and she had her head bowed down. We decided to try to help, so I jumped out to see if we could help and Laura crawled over to the driver’s side and went down the street to turn around. When I got out of the car it started raining. I waited for traffic to clear up, walked over to her car, tapped on her window and said, “Ma'am, are you alright? Is there any way I can help you?” She rolled the window down and said, “No thank you, I’m just waiting for someone to come out of the IHOP across the street! But thank you very much and God bless you.” I said, “ma'am, maybe you should pull out of the middle of the road into the parking lot.” She said, “Oh, thank you, that’s a good idea!” To say the least, I was not thrilled about standing in the rain as I waited for Laura to find a convenient place to turn around. However, if we would have continued driving and not stopped to try to help I would have felt really bad. Next time I see a stalled car with a little old lady I will stop again, even if nothing is wrong.

In our world, it is so easy to refuse to help others. It is easy to keep driving. It is easy to walk by on the other side of the road (Luke 10). However, if we want to be true servants of Christ we must be willing to stop and help others. Jesus often stopped along the way to help others. He showed us the true meaning of service when He washed His disciple’s feet (John 13). We have opportunities every day to show Jesus to people in the world around us. We are the eyes of Jesus to look for those who are hurting. We are the arms of Jesus to reach out to the down trodden. We are the hands of Jesus to lift up those who have fallen. We are the feet of Jesus to take the Gospel to those who have not heard.

We must be willing to help others in a physical way, just as our Savior did (Matthew 11:5). Luke reports to us that Jesus went everywhere doing good for others (Acts 10:38). As His disciples we also should do good for as many as we can, as often as we can, as much as we can. But let us never forget that the primary purpose for Christ coming to the earth was so seek and save all of us who were lost (Luke 19:10). In our doing good for others, let’s be certain that we do not forget to tell them about the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Dear God, help us to reach out to others and do as much good as we can. Please help us to be have the mind and heart of Jesus. Help us tell as many people as possible the Good News that Jesus takes away sins.

A LATE NIGHT PRAYER

2010-01-23T03:00:00Z

As I type these words I’m on a plane somewhere between Atlanta and Dallas. It is late. By the time I get home tonight it will be after midnight. I’m tired. It’s been a long couple of days. We were in Board meetings all day today at Freed Hardeman. They were great meetings and once again it was a reminder of many of the reasons why we love FHU so much. It’s been an extremely busy first month of the year, and we’re just getting started. While we were taking off tonight from Atlanta I felt a little sorry for myself. I closed my eyes for just a minute, said a prayer (primarily for my family), then it hit me. “Jeff, who are you kidding? You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Here you are flying on a plane (that has Wifi, wahoo!), you will get in your nice, comfortable car (if I can find my keys when we land), drive home to a warm house, crawl in a very warm comfortable bed with the woman you love more than life, have dinner tomorrow night with friends, and worship Sunday with some of God’s greatest people!”

There are hundreds of thousands of people in Haiti tonight who will not get into a vehicle because they don’t have one, they will not walk into a house tonight because their house is gone, they will not sleep in a bed tonight, they will eat meals tomorrow (if they have a meal) without friends and family because they lost them in this terrible disaster. As you know, hundreds of thousands of Haitians have lost loved ones, lost homes, and everything they own. Our hearts ache for those who are suffering tonight. God’s Word teaches that we are to “weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) He also instructs us to bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters who are troubled (Galatians 6:1-2).

It is encouraging to know that so many people around the world are coming to the aide of the people of Haiti. It is encouraging to know that so many Christians and churches are joining in to bring relief. I know there are hundreds of churches across this land who are involved in helping in some way. By the way, if you are reading this and you are looking for a place to help, or if you just want to learn about some of the good that is being done, allow me to encourage you to take a look at Brotherhood News (www.brotherhoodnews.com). Randal Matheny and his crew have done a tremendous job compiling and highlighting some of the work that is being done. Maybe you have yet to help but would like to do so. If you know of other works that are being carried out to help the people of Haiti please feel free to let us know and we will pass it along.

I am going to say another prayer before I land. “Dear Father, please forgive me for being self-centered. Please help all of us to do a better job of following the example of our Savior who was always looking for ways to serve others. Father, help us to find ways to reach out to those who are suffering. Please dear God, be with the people of Haiti who are hurting tonight, as well as others around the world who are suffering. Help Your people be the hands, feet, mouth, and heart of Jesus.”

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS

2010-01-18T02:30:00Z

In most areas of our life we love to share good news. If our favorite team wins, if we get a job promotion, if we learn we are going to have children/grandchildren, if we get a new car, if our children/grandchildren do something outstanding, if we have a large crowd at church, if we get good news from a doctor’s visit, if we get engaged, and the list could keep growing. We love to share our good news.

The most wonderful good news that we can ever share with others has to do with eternity. The death and resurrection of Jesus secures a bright future for those who obey Him. There are many around the world who are proclaiming the Good News to others. Our friend, Ralph Burcham recounts the following experience. “As you may know, our mission story in Vietnam during the war years has been published and I have received some of the most encouraging e-mails from people who read the book that I do not know. Several months ago, I started a Bible study with a fellah who had a mountain climbing accident; one leg is amputated just below the knee and the other foot is half gone. He has been unfaithful for years. When we started, I asked him to assess his relationship to Christ and His Church; to my surprise he said that it was nonexistent. We use I Timothy 2:3,4 as our theme. It has been so rewarding to see his faith blossom. He started attending the men's Bible class with me, next he came to worship, and now he attends both Bible class and worship.”

I know that there are countless other inspiring stories such as this one that could be told. By the way, brother Ralph’s book is entitled “VIETNAM—Triumphs and Tragedies—Our Mission Story.” He and his wife have been invited by The Edmond Historical Society, which is at 431 South Boulevard, to an Edmond Authors’ book signing on Saturday, January 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Copies of the book will be available. Also, it can be purchased at the Oklahoma Christian Campus Bookstore, the bookstore’s Web site, and Amazon.com. If you are in the Edmond/Oklahoma City area is next Saturday I would encourage you to stop by and meet this wonderful couple.

Our shepherds at the Lewisville church have challenged the entire church to share the Good News with one person this year. Our elders and all of our ministers are committed to reaching one individual with the Gospel during the year 2010. The elders have challenged us with the theme, “Each One, Reach One.”

My prayer is that all of us who have been redeemed will be as willing to share this Good News as we are the other good news in our life. Dear God, please help us to humbly, yet boldly share the Good News of Salvation with others. Help us not to keep it to ourselves, but to tell as many as we can. What are you doing this year to share the Good News?

CAN'T GET THE HANG OF IT

2010-01-12T22:46:00Z

Some of our dearest friends have two precious grandchildren. During a recent visit to see them, Maw-Maw was talking to the oldest child and as is often the case he was entertaining. He said of his younger brother, “Maw-Maw, he just cannot get the hang of responsibility!” This would be quite humorous, however it is all the more so when you realize that older brother just turned five and little brother (the one who can’t get the hang of responsibility) is sixteen months!! I have laughed until I’ve cried on that one One factor that causes me to enjoy this story so much is that I know that both of these boys are going to get the hang of responsibility. They have wonderful Christian parents and grand parents who will train them in the admonition of the Lord.

This little serendipity has caused me to think about how sad it is that there are so many adults who just cannot seem to get the hang of responsibility.

Men who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to being the Spiritual leader in the family.

Women who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to being the helper God wants them to be.

Parents who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to training children in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord.

Parents who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to living their faith as a model for their children.

Parents who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to teaching their children the Word of God, rather than thinking that is the job of the Youth Minister, Bible class teachers, Preachers, Elders, etc.

Elders who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to shepherding the flock of God, rather than serving as a board.

Elders who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to making certain that Truth is taught in the pulpit and in the Bible class.

Deacons who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to fulfilling their obligation to be active, faithful servants.

Preachers who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to preaching the truth in love.

Preachers who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to fulfilling the word of a minister.

Christians who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to seeking first the Kingdom of God in everything we do.

Christians who cannot get the hang of responsibility when it comes to sharing the Good News with family, friends, coworkers, classmates, and teammates.

Dear Father, please help us get the hang of responsibility and be the kind of people You want us to be.

ANONYMOUS

2010-01-06T14:30:00Z

This is a post I’ve been thinking about for a while and trying to save for just the right moment. Well, the right moment is here, and it probably has nothing to do with the fact that we are just a few hours from kicking off the National Championship game between Alabama & Texas I happen to be from Alabama, but I live now in Texas. We love Texas, for many reasons, but I am a huge fan of the Crimson Tide. Have been all my life. In our wonderful congregation of just over 1000 folks we have approximately six people (as far as I know) who claim to be from Alabama. Three of us are fans of the Crimson Tide and three of us are fans of that other team from Alabama While there are fans from various schools/teams around the nation most of our folks are fans of Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A & M, and Texas Tech. There is much to like about the Longhorns this year. They have an excellent coaching staff, they have outstanding players (including some wonderful young men who are Christians), and they play an exciting brand of football. I’ve tried (with the emphasis on tried) not to say too much about the game for fear that my team would lose and I would have to eat a lot of crow from all of these Texans! So, this is all pretty exciting, and I hope the team from T-Town will put it on the team in burnt orange.

Having said all of that, this post was not intended to be about a football game. It was meant to be about an anonymous gift I received. One of my favorite gifts of all time! Now, through the years I have receive many anonymous gifts? There have been unsigned letters from people that did not like something that was said in a sermon or who were angry about some decision made by the church. For a number of years, every January I received an envelope with no return address that contained a one page flyer about a special seminar that would help me become a better public speaker. It was never signed, but it came like clock work every year. Then one year it just stopped.

This gift is different. The helmet in the picture is an authentic Crimson Tide Helmet autographed by Gene Stallings, who happens to be the last coach that took Alabama to a National Championship. It was auctioned off at a benefit dinner that we attended several weeks ago. While I don’t know the exact amount, I do know that it took a rather large sum of money to purchase this gift. I have know idea who bought it and gave it to me. I am deeply thankful not only for the gift, but also for the very kind note that was attached to it when it was placed on my desk. The money went to a wonderful cause (the training of young men to Preach the Gospel). Part of me wishes I knew who gave me this wonderful gift so that I could express proper appreciation. Another part of me is thankful that the anonymous giver can enjoy knowing that they made this preacher a very happy man. So, if you are reading this, thank you, thank you, thank you. I will cherish this wonderful gift for many years to come.

My life has been blessed by knowing many givers. The kind of givers that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 25 who will give a cup of cold water in His Name. The kind of givers like the widow in Luke 21 who Jesus holds up before us as a model giver. The kind of givers like the Macedonian Christians who gave beyond their ability (2 Corinthians 8). The kind of givers who give in secret and their gifts are known only by the Father (Matthew 6:1-4). These are the kind of people who have learned from the greatest Giver of all (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). These are the givers who make our world a better place.

Thank you Father, for people who have learned how to give from You. Thank You, for people who give unselfishly of their time, their money, their talents, and their lives. Thank You most of all for giving us the greatest gift ever given! Help us all to learn to give like You.

EVERYBODY'S A ROLE-MODEL

2009-12-30T14:00:00Z

When I was a boy playing little league football it seemed like every young boy who played the game had to have a hair cut just like Johnny U. Now, if you can remember that you are showing your age As a boy I wanted that Johnny U haircut, but I wanted to be able to throw like Joe Willie! All my life I have watched individuals look up to professional athletes as role-models. In recent years we have heard some of them proclaim boldly that they will not be role-models and no one should look up to them. I can only say, “Are you kidding us?” You think you can be paid millions of dollars, have your image splashed across every TV in America, and not have young boys want to be just like you? The same is true with singers, movie stars, and a hosts of other famous people in our country.

Steve Farrar in Anchor Man, tells a story from the life of Tommy Bolt—known years ago on the PGA tour for his elegant swing and his nasty temper. "Bolt was conducting a golf clinic one afternoon for a group of businesspeople. Bolt was showing them how easy the mechanics of the swing really were and to demonstrate, he turned to his teenage son and said, 'Son, imitate what I do for this gentleman.' His son immediately took his nine-iron and threw it into the lake." We can only hope that there are not too many young men who will demonstrate some of the recent antics of some of today's professional athletes.

The reality is that the rich and famous are not the only ones who are being watched. The truth is we are all role-models. Someone is watching every one of us. Some young person wants to be just like you. Parents, if we have young children or even teenagers in our home their ears are like recorders. They hear everything we say and will repeat some of it. They watch everything we do and many of them want to be like us. Preachers, there are young men who are looking up to us to see if how we live matches what we say. They want to know if our walk matches our talk. Teenagers, there are younger children who idolize you, they watch everything you do and they want to be just like you. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” We should always remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

As we approach a New Year may God help all of us to be conscious of the fact that we are all role-models. May we live this year to bring glory to Him and to encourage those around us. Would you be willing to share some ways we can be better role-models in the New Year?

Dear Father, help us to realize that whoever we are someone is watching us. Help us to imitate You so that we can lead others to Christ.