Yesterday, while mowing a huge yard, I thought I would use the time of riding the mower to let my heart commune with God. I'll admit that I felt pretty good about my willingness to pray and meditate even while working.
As I began to fellowship with the Lord, I praised Him for His majesty and glory. I thanked Him for His grace toward me and His mercy on me (Oh! How I lean on His mercy). Then, as usual, I began to confess my failures and lament my shortcomings as a child of God and as a preacher of the gospel
Oddly enough, even as I was confessing these things, I was feeling pretty good about myself as I said " I wish I were more spiritual." "I wish I walked closer to you." I wish I had gone further and worked harder in the study of Your Word."
Then, in a flash, this thought came to my mind:" You might not be as spiritual as you wish you were , but you are as spiritual as you want to be." Ouch!
Friends, it appears that I had been neglecting to truly repent of failure in the sanctification process of my spiritual life by comforting myself with the thought that I wish I were better than I am. Jeremiah nailed it when he said:"The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked:..." (Jer.17:9) All this time, I thought I was a pretty sincere fellow. I thought I was really pleasing God by confessing what I wish I were.
The fact is, folks, we mostly are what we want to be. We pray as much and as sincerely as we want to. We display Christ in our lives as much as we really want to. We dig into God's word as much as we really want to. We walk as closely with Him as we really want to.
To say I wish to be what I am unwilling to pay the cost to be, reveals the deep seated depravity and hypocrisy of my heart.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
THIS HAS GOTTA BE THE PROBLEM
I think I have figured out why the multitudes are not flocking to hear me preach. The image at the top is an example of what is in my head while I'm trying to prepare my sermon. The bottom is the result when I get to the pulpit.
This has been a difficult confession, but healing can't start until the disease has been identified.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
OLD CHEVY QUIZ
For some reason, I can't seem to make these photos appear in the right order. Nevertheless, I'd like to see who can identify the correct year and body style of these 5 old Chevys. Aside from the model year and cosmetics, there is one major difference in the body style of these cars. What is it?
If you guess right, you won't win anything. However, at least we will know that you have not completely wasted your life.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
BE STILL, MY HEART!
Some preachers have trouble with lust in a variety of areas. Mine happens to be in the area of old Chevys. I try not to look, but then I look. I try not to touch, but then I touch. I say that I'll never do it again, but I do. I have sought deliverance, and finally, it seems that the Lord has heard my anguished cry. I'm broke. Now if I could just do something about these tormenting automotive dreams.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
DO YOU TRULY WORSHIP GOD?
It's 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, and I'm thinking about true worship. As we start our services on Sundays, I always say something like:"Brethren we have met to worship the only One who is worthy of our adoration, and that is the God of the Bible". I say that hoping to encourage our people to focus their attention on God, and hopefully, to truly worship Him.
However, as I think about it this morning, it may very well be impossible for some (or should I say many) of our folks to really worship. Why? Because Worship on Sunday cannot be separated from how we have responded to God from Monday thru Saturday.
If we really want to worship God on Sunday, we must be worshipful on all the other days. We do that by looking to the Word of God as a revelation of His glory and His will for us. As we do so, according to IICor.3:18, we begin to progressively reflect God's glory, from one degree to another, and to another , and another, and so on until we become reflections of God's glory in this world. It is a never ending process. If we stop progressing, we stop reflecting.
In light of this, I think that at least one aspect of true corporate worship is God's people coming together in one place and , in a sense, reflecting back to Him the image that has been stamped upon us through our faithfulness and obedience to His Word. If that image is being reproduced in us, we will worship and be carried to another degree of glory. If that image is not being imprinted on us we will not be able to truly worship Him.
In other words, we can't live careless, half-hearted, and largely disobedient lives all week and then expect to acceptably worship God on Sunday.
However, as I think about it this morning, it may very well be impossible for some (or should I say many) of our folks to really worship. Why? Because Worship on Sunday cannot be separated from how we have responded to God from Monday thru Saturday.
If we really want to worship God on Sunday, we must be worshipful on all the other days. We do that by looking to the Word of God as a revelation of His glory and His will for us. As we do so, according to IICor.3:18, we begin to progressively reflect God's glory, from one degree to another, and to another , and another, and so on until we become reflections of God's glory in this world. It is a never ending process. If we stop progressing, we stop reflecting.
In light of this, I think that at least one aspect of true corporate worship is God's people coming together in one place and , in a sense, reflecting back to Him the image that has been stamped upon us through our faithfulness and obedience to His Word. If that image is being reproduced in us, we will worship and be carried to another degree of glory. If that image is not being imprinted on us we will not be able to truly worship Him.
In other words, we can't live careless, half-hearted, and largely disobedient lives all week and then expect to acceptably worship God on Sunday.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
ARE YOU IN TUNE WITH GOD?
Luk 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
One of the things that characterized the humanity of Jesus was His praying. Luke, who focuses much on the perfection of His humanity, was obviously awed by the praying of Jesus, leading him to write more about it than any of the other gospel writers. Jesus' communion with the Father surely would have been an awesome thing to witness. It was during one of these times of divine interaction between the Son on earth and the Father in heaven that one of His awe-struck disciples said:"Lord, teach us to pray".
In His response to this request, Jesus gave to His disciples and to us the secret of successful praying. What is that secret? Simply stated it is this: Get in tune with God. By that I mean that when Jesus taught prayer to His disciples, He simply told them to pray for the things that the Father intends to do. He taught His followers to desire the things that God desires.
In this model prayer, each item that we are to pray for is something that God is doing or that He desires. As John Piper constantly reminds us, God is passionate for His glory. Therefore, we are taught to pray "...hallowed be thy name" .We know that God has a plan and that He is accomplishing His will in the earth, so Jesus teaches us to pray "...thy kingdom come, thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth". God is the source of all that we need and He delights to provide for His own, therefore, we are told to pray "...give us day by day our daily bread". God is full of mercy. He delights to show mercy and He wants His people to love it and show it like He does, so we are instructed, not only to seek it for ourselves, but to be a channel of mercy to others as we pray"...forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us". God's will for us is to lead us in the way of holiness, and He wants us to want that way also, so we are lead to pray"And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."
Why would Jesus teach us to pray for things that, in a very real sense, our Father in heaven is doing anyway? The answer is simply this: Real prayer is not my attempt to get God to 'tune in' to me, but real prayer is me getting in tune with God. It is not about convincing God to get in on what I am doing, but about me getting in on what God is doing.
Luk 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Luk 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luk 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
One of the things that characterized the humanity of Jesus was His praying. Luke, who focuses much on the perfection of His humanity, was obviously awed by the praying of Jesus, leading him to write more about it than any of the other gospel writers. Jesus' communion with the Father surely would have been an awesome thing to witness. It was during one of these times of divine interaction between the Son on earth and the Father in heaven that one of His awe-struck disciples said:"Lord, teach us to pray".
In His response to this request, Jesus gave to His disciples and to us the secret of successful praying. What is that secret? Simply stated it is this: Get in tune with God. By that I mean that when Jesus taught prayer to His disciples, He simply told them to pray for the things that the Father intends to do. He taught His followers to desire the things that God desires.
In this model prayer, each item that we are to pray for is something that God is doing or that He desires. As John Piper constantly reminds us, God is passionate for His glory. Therefore, we are taught to pray "...hallowed be thy name" .We know that God has a plan and that He is accomplishing His will in the earth, so Jesus teaches us to pray "...thy kingdom come, thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth". God is the source of all that we need and He delights to provide for His own, therefore, we are told to pray "...give us day by day our daily bread". God is full of mercy. He delights to show mercy and He wants His people to love it and show it like He does, so we are instructed, not only to seek it for ourselves, but to be a channel of mercy to others as we pray"...forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us". God's will for us is to lead us in the way of holiness, and He wants us to want that way also, so we are lead to pray"And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."
Why would Jesus teach us to pray for things that, in a very real sense, our Father in heaven is doing anyway? The answer is simply this: Real prayer is not my attempt to get God to 'tune in' to me, but real prayer is me getting in tune with God. It is not about convincing God to get in on what I am doing, but about me getting in on what God is doing.
Friday, August 18, 2006
HOW TO FACE JUDGEMENT WITH JOY
1Jo 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Regardless of our eschatological positions, we all have to believe that (a) Jesus is coming and(b) we must give an accounting of our stewardship (Rom.14:12 ).
The fact that we must give account of ourselves to God seems to have thrown cold water on many a believer's longing for the return of Christ. The reason for this guilt induced coolness is that we know that we have not been obedient and faithful with the time, treasures, and talents with which we have been entrusted.
This is sad, brethren, because our Lord never intended it to be this way. He never intended that His people dread His coming. For this reason He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His Church to guide us so that we might be able to greet His coming with confidence and not with shame.
The purpose of this post is to help God's people to so order their lives that they will be able to look forward to the review of their works (whenever and however that may take place [Insert your time table here.]) with joy. I'm not on an ego trip here. I really can tell you how you can not only endure the review of your life as a Christian, but how you can do it with joy.
# 1. Desire to honor Him more than you desire to be honored.
Make His glory your passion.
In every decision and in every deed, ask yourself: How can I most glorify my Heavenly Father
in this?
# 2. Desire to be holy more than you desire to be happy.
Sadly, we make most of our decisions based on what will make us happy. If we make
holiness our goal, we might not always be happy, but we will experience a Spirit wrought
joy and peace that passes understanding.
# 3. Desire to rob hell more than you desire to reach heaven.
This is a tough one. It will take some major restructuring of our priorities by the Holy
Spirit. This was the sacrificial spirit of Christ who left heaven to effectually redeem His
people. It was the sacrificial spirit that was reproduced in Paul who wrote:
9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Rom 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Of course, it's impossible for us to give up our salvation so that someone else can be saved.
However, if we had that kind of passion for the lost, we would be able to give up a meal or
two in order to pray for them.
We would be able to give up a little of our time in order to go give them the Good News.
We would be able to give up some of our money to missionary projects.
All said, this is simply Christ-likeness. It is the image of Christ reflected in a human life. I think God would be pleased with that.
Sure. There's probably more to it than that, but while we try to come up with more, let's start on these.
Regardless of our eschatological positions, we all have to believe that (a) Jesus is coming and(b) we must give an accounting of our stewardship (Rom.14:12 ).
The fact that we must give account of ourselves to God seems to have thrown cold water on many a believer's longing for the return of Christ. The reason for this guilt induced coolness is that we know that we have not been obedient and faithful with the time, treasures, and talents with which we have been entrusted.
This is sad, brethren, because our Lord never intended it to be this way. He never intended that His people dread His coming. For this reason He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His Church to guide us so that we might be able to greet His coming with confidence and not with shame.
The purpose of this post is to help God's people to so order their lives that they will be able to look forward to the review of their works (whenever and however that may take place [Insert your time table here.]) with joy. I'm not on an ego trip here. I really can tell you how you can not only endure the review of your life as a Christian, but how you can do it with joy.
# 1. Desire to honor Him more than you desire to be honored.
Make His glory your passion.
In every decision and in every deed, ask yourself: How can I most glorify my Heavenly Father
in this?
# 2. Desire to be holy more than you desire to be happy.
Sadly, we make most of our decisions based on what will make us happy. If we make
holiness our goal, we might not always be happy, but we will experience a Spirit wrought
joy and peace that passes understanding.
# 3. Desire to rob hell more than you desire to reach heaven.
This is a tough one. It will take some major restructuring of our priorities by the Holy
Spirit. This was the sacrificial spirit of Christ who left heaven to effectually redeem His
people. It was the sacrificial spirit that was reproduced in Paul who wrote:
9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Rom 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
Rom 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Of course, it's impossible for us to give up our salvation so that someone else can be saved.
However, if we had that kind of passion for the lost, we would be able to give up a meal or
two in order to pray for them.
We would be able to give up a little of our time in order to go give them the Good News.
We would be able to give up some of our money to missionary projects.
All said, this is simply Christ-likeness. It is the image of Christ reflected in a human life. I think God would be pleased with that.
Sure. There's probably more to it than that, but while we try to come up with more, let's start on these.
Friday, August 11, 2006
OBEDIENCE IS WORTH IT ALL
During most of the year of 1991, I was preparing to go to Old Mexico as a missionary. As an Independent Baptist, I had to go on "deputation". This means that, since there was no single Independent Baptist agency that sanctions and supports missionaries, I had to go to churches and seek their individual support. Basically, if they liked me and were convinced that I was sincere in my calling, they would promise to contribute a certain amount of money each month toward my financial support. Of course there are advantages and disadvantages to this method.
Often, as I was speaking with the pastor or one of the members, either before or after the service, this assertion would be made: "Bro. Weaver, if you spend your whole life in Mexico and just one soul gets saved, it will be worth it all." Now, nobody would want to disagree with a statement like that, least of all a missionary seeking financial support. However, this was always my response: "Since I am going to Mexico in obedience to the call of God, and since the power to save is not mine anyway( I can only deliver a message. Only God can call and covert my hearers), and since it is all for His glory; if I spend my whole life there in obedience to my Lord and no one gets saved, it will still be worth it all. "
How's that for a long and controversial sentence?
Feel free to question it, comment on it, or criticize it.
Thank God, some were saved! It certainly wasn't because of me, though. God, in His great mercy, quickened the hearts and ears of some to hear and understand a gringo preaching in Spanish with a Tennessee hillbilly accent, the Gospel of Christ. One of those eventually became my daughter- in- law(Jeremy's wife, Magaly).
It really is "Worth it all".
Often, as I was speaking with the pastor or one of the members, either before or after the service, this assertion would be made: "Bro. Weaver, if you spend your whole life in Mexico and just one soul gets saved, it will be worth it all." Now, nobody would want to disagree with a statement like that, least of all a missionary seeking financial support. However, this was always my response: "Since I am going to Mexico in obedience to the call of God, and since the power to save is not mine anyway( I can only deliver a message. Only God can call and covert my hearers), and since it is all for His glory; if I spend my whole life there in obedience to my Lord and no one gets saved, it will still be worth it all. "
How's that for a long and controversial sentence?
Feel free to question it, comment on it, or criticize it.
Thank God, some were saved! It certainly wasn't because of me, though. God, in His great mercy, quickened the hearts and ears of some to hear and understand a gringo preaching in Spanish with a Tennessee hillbilly accent, the Gospel of Christ. One of those eventually became my daughter- in- law(Jeremy's wife, Magaly).
It really is "Worth it all".
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
WHAT WE BELIEVE REALLY DOES MATTER
Has anyone ever said this about you ?"He doesn't practice what he preaches"? I suppose we all have been accused of that at one time or another. The thing that is so troubling about this
particular accusation is that it's true. We may be accused of 1001 things that are completely untrue. But this is not one of them. It is true. We don't always practice what we preach. The Bible that we preach is a revelation of a perfect God in whom is" no darkness at all"(1Jn.1:5). The effects of the fall have left us incapable (in this life at least) of perfect obedience to the perfect precepts and commands of Holy Scripture. Our problem in this regard is that although our fallen natures have not been irradicated by the new birth, we are called upon to declare glorious truths and lofty concepts. And since there is little or no impediment to our talking better than we live, we become guilty as charged.
Though we don't always practice what we preach, we do always practice what we believe. What we really believe always comes through in our actions. A correct understanding of God and His attributes will cause me to live in a way that is consistent with that understanding. Likewise, a faulty conception of God will allow me to live far below the Scriptural standard.
This is why the study of theology is so important. Wrong thinking leads to wrong living and wrong living leads to a confrontation with a holy God.
This is also why we, as pastors should be as passionate about the preparation of our sermons as we desire to be in their delivery. We must expound the scriptures to our people tirelessly so that they may think rightly about God. Paul's words to Timothy were "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."(2Tim.4:2)
Preach the Word, brethren. It will have a life - changing effect on it's hearers. "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."(2Tim.3:15)
particular accusation is that it's true. We may be accused of 1001 things that are completely untrue. But this is not one of them. It is true. We don't always practice what we preach. The Bible that we preach is a revelation of a perfect God in whom is" no darkness at all"(1Jn.1:5). The effects of the fall have left us incapable (in this life at least) of perfect obedience to the perfect precepts and commands of Holy Scripture. Our problem in this regard is that although our fallen natures have not been irradicated by the new birth, we are called upon to declare glorious truths and lofty concepts. And since there is little or no impediment to our talking better than we live, we become guilty as charged.
Though we don't always practice what we preach, we do always practice what we believe. What we really believe always comes through in our actions. A correct understanding of God and His attributes will cause me to live in a way that is consistent with that understanding. Likewise, a faulty conception of God will allow me to live far below the Scriptural standard.
This is why the study of theology is so important. Wrong thinking leads to wrong living and wrong living leads to a confrontation with a holy God.
This is also why we, as pastors should be as passionate about the preparation of our sermons as we desire to be in their delivery. We must expound the scriptures to our people tirelessly so that they may think rightly about God. Paul's words to Timothy were "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."(2Tim.4:2)
Preach the Word, brethren. It will have a life - changing effect on it's hearers. "And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."(2Tim.3:15)
Thursday, August 03, 2006
SHOOT A MONKEY! I'VE BEEN TAGGED!
I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I haven't been posting regularly. I really don't have a reason for not posting, just excuses.
Excuse #1 I'm a busy man.
Excuse#2 I've been away, which means I had a lot of catching up to do when I got back.
Excuse#3 I'm a lazy man. Hey! maybe that's a reason.
Excuse#4 I'm not a smart man. I have great difficulty with expressing my thoughts in writing. For example, I've been trying to write a post on Luke 13:23 for a while now, and it still doesn't read right.
But anyway, to my surprise, while I was bouncing along in slacker heaven, I got tagged! Good ol' Terry Stauffer, of NEW LUMPS fame, put the 'hit' on me.
Ordinarily, it wouldn't be a problem for me to answer these questions about books since I recently did a post on books and reading. However, after reading Terry's answers to these questions, I'm a little embarrased by my light -weight (by comparrison) responses. I guess Canadians are deep thinkers (with the obvious exception of Bugblaster).
O.K. Enough whining. Here are my resposes:
1.One book that changed your life:
Early in my Christian life, I was greatly influinced by A.W. Tozer, E.M.Bounds, and Leonard Ravenhill. However, I would have to say that DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE by John Piper, is currently having a great impact on my life. The more I read it, the more I am convicted and motivated .
2.One book that you've read more than once:
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS by John MacArthur.
3.One book that you'd want on a deserted island:
Since it's a deserted island, Let's Go Soul Winning by Jack Hyles is out of the running. If I had to choose one book only, it would have to be a Bible. If I had to choose only one book besides the Bible, it would probably be STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
4.One book that made you laugh:
WHAT LOVE IS THIS by Dave Hunt, because it was given to me by a pastor who had invited me to preach a revival in his church. He gave me the book just before I went to the pulpit on the 2nd night of the meeting.
5.One book that made you cry:
WHAT LOVE IS THIS by Dave Hunt for the same reason listed above and for it's content.
6.One book that you wish had been written:
A SURE-FIRE WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE BE FAITHFUL IN CHURCH ATTENDANCE by Anybody Jones.
7.One book you wish had never been written:
Can I say the same one again? WHAT LOVE IS THIS.
8.One book that you are currently reading:
GETTING THINGS DONE by David Allen. This book arrived by mail yesterday from my son Steve. I started reading it immediately. It looks like it's going to be very helpful. Hopefully it'll hep me git stuff did.
One book that you've been meaning to read:
THE WORKS OF HENRY SCOUGAL by Henry Scougal.
Excuse #1 I'm a busy man.
Excuse#2 I've been away, which means I had a lot of catching up to do when I got back.
Excuse#3 I'm a lazy man. Hey! maybe that's a reason.
Excuse#4 I'm not a smart man. I have great difficulty with expressing my thoughts in writing. For example, I've been trying to write a post on Luke 13:23 for a while now, and it still doesn't read right.
But anyway, to my surprise, while I was bouncing along in slacker heaven, I got tagged! Good ol' Terry Stauffer, of NEW LUMPS fame, put the 'hit' on me.
Ordinarily, it wouldn't be a problem for me to answer these questions about books since I recently did a post on books and reading. However, after reading Terry's answers to these questions, I'm a little embarrased by my light -weight (by comparrison) responses. I guess Canadians are deep thinkers (with the obvious exception of Bugblaster).
O.K. Enough whining. Here are my resposes:
1.One book that changed your life:
Early in my Christian life, I was greatly influinced by A.W. Tozer, E.M.Bounds, and Leonard Ravenhill. However, I would have to say that DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE by John Piper, is currently having a great impact on my life. The more I read it, the more I am convicted and motivated .
2.One book that you've read more than once:
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JESUS by John MacArthur.
3.One book that you'd want on a deserted island:
Since it's a deserted island, Let's Go Soul Winning by Jack Hyles is out of the running. If I had to choose one book only, it would have to be a Bible. If I had to choose only one book besides the Bible, it would probably be STUDIES IN THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
4.One book that made you laugh:
WHAT LOVE IS THIS by Dave Hunt, because it was given to me by a pastor who had invited me to preach a revival in his church. He gave me the book just before I went to the pulpit on the 2nd night of the meeting.
5.One book that made you cry:
WHAT LOVE IS THIS by Dave Hunt for the same reason listed above and for it's content.
6.One book that you wish had been written:
A SURE-FIRE WAY TO MAKE PEOPLE BE FAITHFUL IN CHURCH ATTENDANCE by Anybody Jones.
7.One book you wish had never been written:
Can I say the same one again? WHAT LOVE IS THIS.
8.One book that you are currently reading:
GETTING THINGS DONE by David Allen. This book arrived by mail yesterday from my son Steve. I started reading it immediately. It looks like it's going to be very helpful. Hopefully it'll hep me git stuff did.
One book that you've been meaning to read:
THE WORKS OF HENRY SCOUGAL by Henry Scougal.
Monday, July 10, 2006
DOES THIS TRUCK MAKE ME LOOK FAT?
Sunday morning, sunshine, God's people, God's Word, and an old Chevy truck! Can it get any better than that?
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Saturday, July 01, 2006
ODDS AND ENDS
At the moment we are awaiting the launch of the space shuttle. My wife and I have a pretty good view of the shuttle from our yard as it clears the tree tops .
The shuttle is very important to our town because this area is almost totally dependant on the space industry.
Many of our church folks either are now working at "the Cape" or are retired from there.
One of our most faithful ladies works directly on the shuttle.
DIGITAL CAMERA
I heard that Office Depot had a digital camera on sale with the photo printer for $100, so off to Merrit Island I went to snag one. They were sold out. Bummer! But there is good news. I whined about how I can't never git nuthin' to one of my deacons. He said I'm going on a trip, so I'll see if I can find one in another town. He called about 3 hours later and said," I got one." Ain't he a nice deacon?
REAL ESTATE
For those who are interested, I passed my real estate test with semi-flying colors.
FUTURE POST
I am working on a post (or posts )on Luke 13:23..."are there few that be saved?" I'm gonna have to require all readers to wear seat belts. It could get a little rough.
SITE METER
I just broke 1000 hits on this blog. Never mind that 900 of them were me clicking away and then clicking back.
MACARTHUR BOOK
My lovely wife, Jan, went to the mail box a few minutes ago and returned with a nifty little book by John Mac entitled THE QUEST FOR CHARACTER . How did he know that I needed a book on character? Hey, Jan ! Have you been talking to MacArthur?
The shuttle is very important to our town because this area is almost totally dependant on the space industry.
Many of our church folks either are now working at "the Cape" or are retired from there.
One of our most faithful ladies works directly on the shuttle.
DIGITAL CAMERA
I heard that Office Depot had a digital camera on sale with the photo printer for $100, so off to Merrit Island I went to snag one. They were sold out. Bummer! But there is good news. I whined about how I can't never git nuthin' to one of my deacons. He said I'm going on a trip, so I'll see if I can find one in another town. He called about 3 hours later and said," I got one." Ain't he a nice deacon?
REAL ESTATE
For those who are interested, I passed my real estate test with semi-flying colors.
FUTURE POST
I am working on a post (or posts )on Luke 13:23..."are there few that be saved?" I'm gonna have to require all readers to wear seat belts. It could get a little rough.
SITE METER
I just broke 1000 hits on this blog. Never mind that 900 of them were me clicking away and then clicking back.
MACARTHUR BOOK
My lovely wife, Jan, went to the mail box a few minutes ago and returned with a nifty little book by John Mac entitled THE QUEST FOR CHARACTER . How did he know that I needed a book on character? Hey, Jan ! Have you been talking to MacArthur?
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
TO BOTH OF MY FAITHFUL READERS
I'm sorry that I haven't posted for a while. I know how frustrating that must be for those of you who view this blog as a necessary part of your daily goof off time.
I realize how irresponsible it is for me to be so lax in providing this mighty weapon against spiritual wickedness and non-Chevy products. I have been pretty busy lately, but I plan to do better in the near future.
Hopefully, I will soon be able to post some pictures of the '68 Nova that I recently aquired.
Oh yeah, and I plan to say some nice things about Jesus too.(Note to self: Work on your priorities, dude!)
STAY TUNED!
I realize how irresponsible it is for me to be so lax in providing this mighty weapon against spiritual wickedness and non-Chevy products. I have been pretty busy lately, but I plan to do better in the near future.
Hopefully, I will soon be able to post some pictures of the '68 Nova that I recently aquired.
Oh yeah, and I plan to say some nice things about Jesus too.(Note to self: Work on your priorities, dude!)
STAY TUNED!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
A MONERGISM TEE SHIRT GOES TO REAL ESTATE SCHOOL
This week and next week I am in real estate school. Yep, I sell real estate too. This is a required 45 hour continuing education course that also gives me the 1st leg of my GRI.
So, on Thursday, I wore the tee shirt to school and it created a small stir. I'm not sure if it was all about the shirt. It easily could have had something to do with my manly physique being shown off in a tee shirt, but anyhoo, it got some attention. One person asked, "Is that Latin? What does it mean?" I said," It means after darkness light. It refers to the Reformation." Puzzled look. I said, "It's Christian...." Look of horror! Varoooom! Gone!
Another asked and again I explained and this one said, "Whose are the pictures on the back?" I gave the names and she responded,"I used to be a Lutheran , but now I'm a Methodist." I said, "Oh? That's interesting"(Hoping to find out if the change was for doctrinal reasons, and thereby opening an opportunity for spiritual discussion). To which she responded, "Yeah, the Lutheran church was way across town and the Methodist was just down the street, so we became Methodists." Side note: Apparently in religion as well as real estate it's :LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Another who overheard said, "I'm Christian Science, I think that the problem most people have is that they take the Bible too literally." I said, "Yep, I'm one of 'em." "You are?" "Yep, I preach it verse-by-verse. I take the point of the scriptural passage as the point of my sermon." She said,"One thing I don't do. I don't discuss religion or politics."
Long story short, the Monergism tee shirt didn't make any converts. Maybe next week I will be able to get at least one person to bow his / her head, repeat the 5 solas, and receive John Calvin as their personal theologian.
On Wednesday night I received a Father's Day gift from my son Steve. The package contained a Martin Lloyd-Jones book and a Monergism.com tee shirt. The shirt has a small Monergism logo on the front left (where the pocket would be ) with the phrase "After darkness light" in both Latin and English. On the back it has pictures of Luther, Calvin, Edwards, and Spurgeon with the 5 solas of the Reformation.
So, on Thursday, I wore the tee shirt to school and it created a small stir. I'm not sure if it was all about the shirt. It easily could have had something to do with my manly physique being shown off in a tee shirt, but anyhoo, it got some attention. One person asked, "Is that Latin? What does it mean?" I said," It means after darkness light. It refers to the Reformation." Puzzled look. I said, "It's Christian...." Look of horror! Varoooom! Gone!
Another asked and again I explained and this one said, "Whose are the pictures on the back?" I gave the names and she responded,"I used to be a Lutheran , but now I'm a Methodist." I said, "Oh? That's interesting"(Hoping to find out if the change was for doctrinal reasons, and thereby opening an opportunity for spiritual discussion). To which she responded, "Yeah, the Lutheran church was way across town and the Methodist was just down the street, so we became Methodists." Side note: Apparently in religion as well as real estate it's :LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.
Another who overheard said, "I'm Christian Science, I think that the problem most people have is that they take the Bible too literally." I said, "Yep, I'm one of 'em." "You are?" "Yep, I preach it verse-by-verse. I take the point of the scriptural passage as the point of my sermon." She said,"One thing I don't do. I don't discuss religion or politics."
Long story short, the Monergism tee shirt didn't make any converts. Maybe next week I will be able to get at least one person to bow his / her head, repeat the 5 solas, and receive John Calvin as their personal theologian.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
THOUGHTS ON BOOKS AND READING
Recently, while eating breakfast with a friend who has been in the ministry for many years, he shocked me by saying :"I really don't like to read that much." I replied:"Then you've got to force yourself to read!"
It would be impossible for me to over-emphasize the impact that reading good books has had on me personally and on my ministry. Study and preparation are part and parcel of the gospel ministry. My caution to young men who are about to enter the ministry is: "If God didn"t give you a desire to study, He probably hasn't called you to preach."
There are many authors and books that have radically influenced my life and ministry. The following is a partial list of the books and authors that have been the greatest blessing in my own ministry.
A.W. Tozer-"THE PURSUIT OF GOD". I can trace a spiritual transformation in my life back to this book. It lead me to read every thing I could get by him.
Leonard Ravenhill-"WHY REVIVAL TARRIES"
E.M.Bounds-All his books on prayer.
A.W.Pink
C.H.Spurgeon
John MacArthur
THE LIFE AND DIARY OF DAVID BRAINERD by Jonathan Edwards.
Jonathan Edwards
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
John Piper
R.C.Sproul
J.I.Packer-Particularly "KNOWING GOD" and "EVANGELISM AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD."
Mark Dever-"9 MARKS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH."
More recently I am being blessed by the writings of C.J.Mahaney.
I haven't read a lot of Calvin other than his commentaries, but I am definitely influenced by many who have been influenced by him.
As I said, this is not an exhaustive list of all the beneficial books I've read, but these are the books and authors that I consider to have been the most helpful. I'm sure that most of you are avid readers also. What are some of the books you consider to be most influential in your life and ministry?
It would be impossible for me to over-emphasize the impact that reading good books has had on me personally and on my ministry. Study and preparation are part and parcel of the gospel ministry. My caution to young men who are about to enter the ministry is: "If God didn"t give you a desire to study, He probably hasn't called you to preach."
There are many authors and books that have radically influenced my life and ministry. The following is a partial list of the books and authors that have been the greatest blessing in my own ministry.
A.W. Tozer-"THE PURSUIT OF GOD". I can trace a spiritual transformation in my life back to this book. It lead me to read every thing I could get by him.
Leonard Ravenhill-"WHY REVIVAL TARRIES"
E.M.Bounds-All his books on prayer.
A.W.Pink
C.H.Spurgeon
John MacArthur
THE LIFE AND DIARY OF DAVID BRAINERD by Jonathan Edwards.
Jonathan Edwards
Martyn Lloyd-Jones
John Piper
R.C.Sproul
J.I.Packer-Particularly "KNOWING GOD" and "EVANGELISM AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD."
Mark Dever-"9 MARKS OF A HEALTHY CHURCH."
More recently I am being blessed by the writings of C.J.Mahaney.
I haven't read a lot of Calvin other than his commentaries, but I am definitely influenced by many who have been influenced by him.
As I said, this is not an exhaustive list of all the beneficial books I've read, but these are the books and authors that I consider to have been the most helpful. I'm sure that most of you are avid readers also. What are some of the books you consider to be most influential in your life and ministry?
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
THOUGHTS ON OLD CHURCH BUILDINGS
This past Sunday afternoon, my wife and I decided to take a little R&R. So after making arrangements to leave the evening service in the capable hands of Bro. Jim Core, and inviting our friends (Louie and Cathy Human) to go with us, off we went to St. Augustine, Fl.
St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city and a popular tourist spot. The city was named for... you guessed it! Augustine, bishop of Hippo and one the heroes of those of us who love the doctrines of grace.
On Sunday evening, we went to the Ancient City Baptist Church. We didn't know anything about the church, so we didn't know what to expect. However we were greatly blessed as we heard the pastor, Dr. David Rice,preach an expository sermon on the 31st Psalm.
On Monday morning, we took one of the trolley tours through the old part of the city.At one point we got off the trolley and walked through the Memorial Presbyterian Church. This church was estabished in 1824 and the present building was dedicated to the glory of God on March 16th 1890.
I am always impressed by these old church buidings. The architecture, design, and lay-out say so much about the congregation and their leaders' perception of God as well as their attitude toward worship.
The sanctuary of this particular church is arranged in the shape of a cross. The the pulpit is to the right side while the lecturn (where the Bible is always present and always open, and from which it is read) is in the center, indicating the centrality of the Word of God. These are subtle, or not so subtle indications of the focus of the original planners and builders of this edifice. No expence was spared in their efforts to make it beautiful, for they obviously believed that the God they intended to worship in this place, deserved the very best they could give Him.
Although there was no congregation in attendance on a Monday morning, no choir singing praises, nor was there one reading or preaching the Word; there was no doubt about the purpose for which this building was designed. Just to walk in and look around, you know that this place is meant for the worship of a high and holy God.
This is a far cry from the design of many of our modern church buildings. Some are more reminiscent of a movie theater or a play house than a place of worship. Some congregations build a gymnasium that they use all week as a recreational center. On Sunday they retract the basketball hoops, set out the folding chairs, and bring in the portable pulpit and PRESTO! It's a church! This too speaks volumes about the congregation's view of the worship of God. The testimony of their design and architecture can be boiled down to this: They deserve the best and God gets what's left. It often appears, to me at least, that it is more about pragmatism, seeker friendliness, and great fun than about worshiping the God of the Bible.
I am not so naive as to believe that all congregations that meet in circumstances like those described above are failing to worship God. Nor do I believe that every congregation meeting in a perfectly desingned edifice is truely worshiping God. There is much more to true worship than just the design of the building in which we meet. However, the way we arrange our worship space does say something about us and our view of God.
St. Augustine is the nation's oldest city and a popular tourist spot. The city was named for... you guessed it! Augustine, bishop of Hippo and one the heroes of those of us who love the doctrines of grace.
On Sunday evening, we went to the Ancient City Baptist Church. We didn't know anything about the church, so we didn't know what to expect. However we were greatly blessed as we heard the pastor, Dr. David Rice,preach an expository sermon on the 31st Psalm.
On Monday morning, we took one of the trolley tours through the old part of the city.At one point we got off the trolley and walked through the Memorial Presbyterian Church. This church was estabished in 1824 and the present building was dedicated to the glory of God on March 16th 1890.
I am always impressed by these old church buidings. The architecture, design, and lay-out say so much about the congregation and their leaders' perception of God as well as their attitude toward worship.
The sanctuary of this particular church is arranged in the shape of a cross. The the pulpit is to the right side while the lecturn (where the Bible is always present and always open, and from which it is read) is in the center, indicating the centrality of the Word of God. These are subtle, or not so subtle indications of the focus of the original planners and builders of this edifice. No expence was spared in their efforts to make it beautiful, for they obviously believed that the God they intended to worship in this place, deserved the very best they could give Him.
Although there was no congregation in attendance on a Monday morning, no choir singing praises, nor was there one reading or preaching the Word; there was no doubt about the purpose for which this building was designed. Just to walk in and look around, you know that this place is meant for the worship of a high and holy God.
This is a far cry from the design of many of our modern church buildings. Some are more reminiscent of a movie theater or a play house than a place of worship. Some congregations build a gymnasium that they use all week as a recreational center. On Sunday they retract the basketball hoops, set out the folding chairs, and bring in the portable pulpit and PRESTO! It's a church! This too speaks volumes about the congregation's view of the worship of God. The testimony of their design and architecture can be boiled down to this: They deserve the best and God gets what's left. It often appears, to me at least, that it is more about pragmatism, seeker friendliness, and great fun than about worshiping the God of the Bible.
I am not so naive as to believe that all congregations that meet in circumstances like those described above are failing to worship God. Nor do I believe that every congregation meeting in a perfectly desingned edifice is truely worshiping God. There is much more to true worship than just the design of the building in which we meet. However, the way we arrange our worship space does say something about us and our view of God.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
ANOTHER AMAZINGLY GRACEFUL OLD CHEVY
This is my favorite make, model and year ('66 Chevelle). It's painted my favorite color (hugger orange), and it's sittin' on my favorite wheels (American Torque ThrustII). It also has my favorite engine(396).How do you like this one Terry?
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Hey! You gotta admit, that's purdy. See? It's even smilin' for the picture. It is a work of art.It's all American. It's a Chevy. It's old, and I love it. What's not to love about it? It's an amazingly graceful old Chevy.Before you ask, no, it isn't mine. I found this picture somewhere else on the internet. At present I don't have a digital camera, so I can't post pictures of my stuff yet. Not only that, but I don't yet know how to scan my photos in. Believe me, ignorance is not bliss.
For those who would say that it is extremely carnal for a pastor to love old cars so much, you'll get no argument from me. All I can say is "O wretched man that I am..."
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