The 10 Most Important Days in the History of the Church

We had an awesome Bible study in our home last night. Our church is not meeting on Sunday nights this summer because, quite frankly, very few have been coming lately. But I still want to get the church together for something: a ministry day, a fellowship, Bible study, something. So we invited everyone over last night. I am pleased with the number who came although I would like more to take advantage of these things. We filled the living room. Maybe one day we can fill several living rooms around the community with life-changing, soul-challenging Bible study on Sunday nights.

The Bible study was from Acts 2. Really Acts 1 and the first few verses of chapter two. We focused on the activity/preparation of the 120 during the time between Jesus' ascension and the Day of Pentecost. The Bible tells us that Jesus died, resurrected three days later, and ascended 40 days after that. Pentecost always occurs 50 days after Passover so that means there were 10 days between the ascension and Pentecost. I intend to research scriptures and church history to support this theory: those were the 10 most important days in the history of the church.

Why? Without preparation and a good start, a prolonged life and good finish are nearly impossible. I see five things that happened during that week and a half that set the tone for the church to begin on the path of carrying out God's mission on earth - AND sustain it. I fully believe and understand that the church does nothing significant without the Holy Spirit. God actually does the work but since he chose to use the church I am looking at the church's preparation as led by the Holy Spirit. (That sounds both redundant and convoluted but I don't want anyone to pick apart my thoughts based on a technicality. If the theology is bad, attack that but don't throw out a good idea because you think I'm leaving out the Spirit.)

Obedience. In Acts 1:4 Jesus told the disciples not to leave Jerusalem. They were to wait for the gift promised by the Father. The gift was the Holy Spirit. Ten days later the disciples (120 of them) were still in Jerusalem waiting for the gift. Today's church must be obedient to everything God says. Go, stay, do, don't. Whatever God says. If my church or yours wants to experience unbelievable, supernatural stuff, we must be obedient.

Prayer. A constant prayer meeting took place during these ten days according to Acts 1:14. Have you ever wondered what they were praying about? Previously in the book the disciples had asked about the timing of when Jesus would establish his kingdom. Jesus dismissed the question and told them to focus on being witnesses in the world when the power of the Spirit came upon them. Surely they were praying about that promise and the task associated with it. And since they were just humans like me and you, they were probably also praying about the coming of the kingdom. I am convinced that when the church prays earnestly about allowing the Spirit to flow through us so that the world hears the gospel, and when we pray that the kingdom come, we will then, and only then, make a huge impact on the lostness of the world.

Focus. Acts 1:15 starts out "in those days." At some point between the ascension and Pentecost, Peter suggested that they choose a replacement for Judas, the betrayer. They felt the need to maintain The Twelve as if that were necessary in order to continue on the mission Jesus had given them. Jesus' mission never changes. He came to seek and to save the lost. He is not willing that any should perish. His mission is our mission. Peter realized that and kept the group focused by filling the vacancy. In verses 21-22, Peter said that this was necessary in order to testify to the resurrection. The church can easily lose focus and take off after one thing and another. Some of those things may be good things but distract from the mission. If we will stay focused on the mission we will see extraordinary events in the life of our church just as the 120 believers experienced a few days later.

Unity. As the second chapter of Acts unfolds we learn that the disciples we all together. The KJV says "in one accord." They were together physically, but they were also together spiritually. A splintered group could not be as effective as a unified group. Divisions, arguments, and cliques would quench the Spirit. It works like that in today's church, too. Maybe you have been in a fractured faith family. The pastor may lead in a direction the church feels is not appropriate. The church may not follow its faithful leadership. One family can feel shafted when the Nominating Committee report is presented. The long-time members may feel like they are being shoved aside. Newcomers could feel like they don't really belong. Ephesians 4:3 says that we are to keep the unity. We don't build unity. The Spirit gives unity. We either keep it or destroy it. If we'll keep the unity in our churches we will see a great movement of the Spirit like most of us have never known.

Action. The amazing scene described in the first verses of Acts 2 finds its apex in the acts of the disciples (of course, the Holy Spirit working through them). The ten days are past. The preparation is done. It is time for action. And the disciples did exactly what Jesus wanted. They spoke up. The moved out. They made a splash. They impacted eternity. Inaction would not do. Sitting back while others acted would not do. I believe 120 followers of Christ were filled with the Spirit that morning and every one of them went into action proclaiming the gospel. Today's churches must follow this example: everyone in action on mission to impact eternity.

Obedience. Prayer. Focus. Unity. Action. I am sure these are necessary components for revival in our church and an explosion of influence in the world. I'm still working on whether or not these ten days are the most important in the history of the church. But I think so.

What to Do after 40 Years

So I'm gonna develop a sermon on this idea: What to Do after 40 Years.

CRBC celebrates our 40th Anniversary tomorrow. The actual date is June 13, I think. Seems like we have underachieved much of the time. Perhaps this milestone is a good time to move forward.

I was talking with one of our members today and she brought this up. Forty years. Kinda ho-hum. Wishes we could/would do/be better.

That's been on my mind, too. Linking the experience the Hebrew children had under the leadership of Joshua to the experience our church could have as we move past 40 seems like a natural application. This in no way downplays past leadership - Moses was the leader of the Hebrews during the 40 years prior to taking the Promised Land. He was a great leader who prepared them for their next era. This does not minimize what God has done through the church - he provided for, protected, and led the Hebrews to get them to right location for moving forward. But staying in Egypt or in the wilderness was not an option.

Sometimes you just have to write the next chapter in the story. We love the first 40 years. We've had great successes. We've had wonderful memories. We've learned from some difficult situations. If you were reading a book you would enjoy the previous chapter then turn the page to the next one.

And the next chapter relates to and builds upon the previous. It's not a complete disconnect. So we will build upon and move beyond our foundations with innovation and freshness. Forty years from now, I hope CRBC will celebrate their past and purposefully move into the future.

I'll post sermon audio when I preach the sermon.

Sandy Sue

I slept last night without a sound familiar over the last four years. Our dog Sandy was hit sometime early yesterday morning and died. No note on the door. They didn't move her out of the road.We got her in January 2007 when she was about 5 months old. I'm not sure there has been a night since then when she did not bark loudly at some point. Sometimes it was a nuisance, sometimes outright annoying. And last night it was missing.

Funny how little things like that stick out in my mind.

An emergency vehicle went be the house a little while ago. Sandy always alerted us about 30 seconds before we heard the siren. She would howl as if in pain when she picked up the faint sound. When I heard the siren today I thought of her.

My office door is about a 60-second walk from the front door of the house. Sandy usually made that trek (both ways) with me several times a day. She would lay in a shady spot in the summer or a sunny spot in the winter waiting for me to come out and walk to the other spot. Most of the time she walked just in front of me but close enough to make me alter my pace. Sometimes she would even be laying on the top step outside the office door - that almost always startled me.

So I'll walk over to the church later this afternoon by myself. I'll sleep tonight without waking up to her barking at something. I'll sit on the deck Monday without her head in my lap.

I'll forget and wonder why she's not howling when the sirens sound. I'll forget and ask Riley if he fed her some morning. I'll forget and start singing one of my little songs about her.

Her lore will likely expand - just like that of John John (the kitty cat). We enjoy having pets, we just don't have them very long.

Patience

I'm kinda patient when it comes to waiting in traffic or helping Riley learn something about baseball. But there's an obvious problem now. I think I'm on the same page with God concerning planting a church in Talitsa, Russia. Surely God wants the people there to know him. Surely it's OK to have believers group together in community. Surely God wants a church in Talitsa.

Just not right now. For whatever reason, it's just not time yet. That frustrates me and exposes my lack of patience which exposes a point of spiritual immaturity.

So what do you do when moving forward is not on God's agenda today? Henry Blackaby suggests that we just keep on doing the last thing we are sure he led us to do. In this case, that would be to pray for Talitsa. I'd rather hop on a plane and spend a week talking with a new pastor, meeting Russian believers, and getting the ball rolling. But God is not providing opportunities for those things right now.

So we pray. We are praying for the Southern Baptist missionaries working in the region. We are praying for a person of peace who will help build bridges into the city. We are praying for one or more believers to come forward expressing a desire to have a church. And I'm praying God will help me be faithful to this task while waiting on the next one.

The Last Two Days & The Cooperative Program

The last two days have been rough ones around Arkansas. Two nights of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms make this calm morning with birds chirping a welcome event. As I sit alone in our dining room working on the Bible study for tonight's service, I hear the birds and I hear a clock ticking. It's a battery operated clock so it kept ticking while the power was out. I can also hear the hum of the refrigerator. That was silent for about 24 hours. We are blessed that the power outage wasn't longer and that the food in the fridge stayed cool enough that we don't have to throw everything out.

I can also hear the occasional vehicle drive by. Couldn't hear that with the hard rain and strong winds. I guess you could say things are back to normal now.

But not for the dozens of people across our state who have endured loss the last two days. Some lost family members. Some lost property. Some lost home. Some lost security. For them, today is not back to normal.

Can I go on as normal knowing that people around me cannot? I can't just ignore them, can I? No.

I have several opportunities to be involved. First, I can pray. Only God can really meet the needs these people are experiencing. So I am praying that God intervene in a God-sized way. I know he most often uses people as the conduits for this miracle, so I need to be available to help in ways I can. And I need to be generous with financial support.

A local TV station is promoting a drive for contributions to Red Cross. Other agencies are seeking donations.

Did you know that each time you give to a church that contributes to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention you are giving to disaster relief? (You should ask your church to contribute to CP!) Arkansas Baptists are deployed across the affected areas clearing debris and cooking meals for the displaced and the workers. The other organizations may do a good job and are both effective and efficient with the money given to them, I don't really know. But I do know that Cooperative Program dollars assigned to disaster relief are making a difference. And I contribute every week.

Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief trainings take place around the state pretty often. Check this site for the training schedule or here for more information and pray about getting involved with both your checkbook and your hands.

5 Questions

I've just completed a series of sermons about the 5 most important questions you will ever answer. The audio for these sermons is available on our church's website.

http://www.crbclr.org/sermons

I hope you'll find these helpful as you navigate the sometimes-rough-waters of life.

Who Will You Worship?
Who Will You Believe?
Who Will You Marry?
Who Will You Forgive?
Who Will You Tell?

Testing Faith

I visited with an elderly woman today. She is dealing with a fractured vertebrae and cancer. She asked that I pray that her faith would be stronger.

As I talked with her I came to believe that her faith is pretty well grounded in Christ. She's a Christian. She loves the Lord. What bothers her is that she's uncertain about what she is going through. That uncertain translates into a lack of faith in her opinion.

Faith is a funny thing. You may think you have it but you really don't know until it is tested. There mere fact that faith is tested often shows the limits of our faith. Faithfulness is a lifelong journey. I express faith when I call on Jesus for salvation. That is a faith by which I am saved. Then there is the faith by which I live. Not necessarily a different faith but a different application of faith.

The faith by which I live strengthens (or fades) as I experience things that test my faith. For example, if I am laid off from my job and am unsure about how I will provide for my family, my faith grows when I confidently trust God to provide for us. Or my faith fades when I leave God out of the solution. If this test of my faith produces stronger faith, then I am prepared for greater tests in the future. The next time I'm laid off I probably won't struggle as much as the first time because my faith is strong enough to handle it - assuming my faith has not faded in the meantime.

But what if I am diagnosed with a serious disease? Is my faith strong enough for that? Maybe or maybe not. Once again, my faith is tested. The test is an opportunity for my faith to grow. Jesus asked the disciples why they had such little faith. It wasn't that they had no faith, just that their faith was smaller than the circumstance. When circumstances are bigger than our faith we can make two choices: we can focus on God and our faith grows or we can focus on the circumstance and our faith fades.

Faith passes the test when we can say in the face of uncertainties, "God will take care of this, too."

The woman I talked with today is facing that test of faith. I think she's passing the test. But I also think she is expressing the human uncertainty. That's normal when we face something new. For her, faith trumps uncertainty. She will have stronger faith because of this.

I don't know what you are facing today but I do know your faith will be tested. If not today, it will be soon. Everyone is in one of three places. You are facing a test. You just faced a test. Or you will soon be facing a test. Will you say, when facing the test, "God will take care of this, too"?

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Heb 11:1).

"You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:3).

I hope you faith (and mine) grows.

Making a Difference?

I'm working this morning in a coffee shop while waiting on a lunch meeting about church planting. Two things about that statement - first, this is the loudest coffee shop I've ever been in! At the next table are two women who have just returned from working out. Their conversation makes me blush. Just a few more feet away are two men talking business. Money and more money are their goals. As I listen to the various conversations, I don't really expect people to be talking about yesterday's sermon (if they heard one) but I would expect Christians to at least reflect what they hear in biblical preaching and teaching.

Maybe it's a stretch to think the people sitting near me attended church yesterday or are Christians. The truth is that most people in Little Rock do not attend church even half the Sundays each month. Many people never attend church. Fewer and fewer weddings and funerals are held in churches. Christian ministers speak at fewer of these occasions anymore. Bottom line: we are making little impact on the masses.

That brings me to my next thought - church planting. We'll never reach the masses if we never reach the individual. How many people living near our church know much about us? How many of them know about heaven and hell? How many of them are prepared for eternity? The location of the church and the sign out front are mass appeals - and ineffective appeals. We reach the people one at a time when we establish relationships with them. Church planting is about building relationships with people who are not in church and probably not Christians. Those relationships lead to Bible studies which lead to conversions which lead to Christian communities called churches.

I have been struggling with a call to be involved in church planting for the last 15 years. I'm not really sure what that call is - I just know I need to be involved. That's why I am leading CRBC to pray for the city of Talitsa in Russia. That's why I will lead CRBC to join with other churches to plant a church in central Arkansas. That's why I'm having lunch with a church planting strategist today.

But I'm not convinced that leading my church to plant churches is what this call is about. My call to faithful Christianity and to pastor includes church planting. But is this call a call to be a church planter? Am I supposed to be the guy at the new work rather than the guy at the established church? I can give you a dozen reasons why I shouldn't be the guy. I keep thinking of the one reason I should be: God may be calling me to make a difference, to impact eternity by leading a church plant.

Last night's Bible study was about Jesus calling Andrew, Peter, James and John. One of the points in the text is that these men responded to the call immediately and completely. No hesitation. No fear of risking security. If God is calling me to this, I want to be as responsive as his first disciples.

Pray for me about that.

Are You Ready?

I don't know if the economy is rebounding or not. Some gurus say it is and others warn of another drop in the market. And since we live in a world economy, the stuff going on in Libya and the disaster in Japan make the future more uncertain.

But I do know one thing: God is God. He's present. He's loving. He's in control. He's able. He's my savior. He's my Lord. He's coming again.

Is all the instability around the planet the beginnings of birth pains signaling the end of time? I've read articles claiming just that. The Bible does say that wars, rumors of wars, famine, earthquakes, etc., will signal the end just like contractions indicate the soon arrival of a new baby.

The Bible also says that we cannot know or predict accurately when Jesus will return. The timeline of the past 2000 years is dotted with failed predictions. And disasters have always been with us. I do believe that conditions on earth are right for the Lord's return, as best as I can interpret the Bible and the times. But I cannot say that this is THE right time.

I like the way Jesus and Paul talked about all the predicting. They both said to be prepared and to help others be prepared. So rather than spend all my time trying to figure out whether or not Jesus is about to return, I'm going to do all I can to make sure others are ready for his return.

Are you ready? When Jesus comes he will gather all those who have believed in him for salvation - living and dead. For the living, this will be the first moment when accepting Christ will not be an option. For the dead, well, they lost the opportunity when they breathed their last breath. Since we do not know when Jesus will return or when we will die, we must take this moment very seriously. Are you ready?

I'd love to help you or answer any questions you may have. Please reply.

Defending the Gospel

Let me put this out upfront: I have not read Rob Bell's new book Love Wins.

But I have read a few reviews and hundreds of headlines.

Seems that Bell denies the reality of hell. So what? Well, if hell does not exist is heaven a myth, too? If hell does not exist is there any reason to repent of our sin and turn to Christ? If hell does not exist is the gospel relevant at all?

The biblical response is that hell is reall and so is heaven. Repentance and turning to Christ is necessary for salvation. The gospel is relevant.

I'd like to see more splash in the news and on the social networks about the "Good News" and men and women who are getting the gospel to people around the world.

I'm not against all the people who are talking about Bell. This is a real-life application of the illustration many preachers have used at one time or another. How do authorities train agents to identify counterfeit currency? Not by examining the fake bills but by examining the real thing so closely that a counterfeit is obvious.

Rob Bell's gospel is a counterfeit and all the noise is the legitimate reaction.

Ready for Change

Don't let the title of this entry fool you. The change I'm ready for is a change in my heart. I want to be closer to the Lord. I want to be more available to him for his work. I want to know him better and reflect him better.

So I'm ready for change. I just am not sure exactly how or when it will come. I'd like to experience all these things right now. But maybe I'm just not ready for it. My relationship with Christ is precious to me but I can grow. I will put myself in the hand of the Spirit and allow him to do with me whatever he will. I'm ready.

Prayer will be a key. Bible study will be a key. Witnessing will be a key. Serving will be a key.

Starting now is mandatory. Will you join me?

What Matters

I'm glad Deana was looking for what really matters when she met me. I'm not that attractive. I don't have money. I have some bad habits you don't really need to hear about. I'm not friends with influential or famous people. I'm an introvert with a dry sense of humor and much to critical of others.

But I love Jesus. I am a Christian who desires to know God. I want to walk closer with him today that yesterday, and tomorrow than today. I want to love my wife as Christ loved the church. I want to lead my children to love and honor Christ. I want to be part of a church that impacts eternity everyday.

Chasing the "cute guy" or the "gorgeous woman" is like, as Solomon might say, chasing after the wind. Exhausting. Frustrating. Fruitless. Demoralizing. Demeaning. In the end, still chasing.

And still alone. Even if you caught her (or him).

Not sure why Deana decided on me, but this one thing I do know: I got the best deal.

Learning in the Valleys

I don't really understand why sickness, disease, job loss, or broken relationships happen to us. But it seems that within my circle of friends and influence there is always a handful of people dealing with some hardship like this. Sometimes I am the one struggling through a valley.

In the midst of the struggle our vision is blurred if not altogether blinded. We can see only the immediate need but I think it would be helpful if we could see beyond the valley. Just like driving in fog is easier with low beam headlights than with high beams, we tend to focus on the near, of which we are the center.

I know a person who almost is through a series of treatments for a terrible disease. As I walked through this season of life with this person I heard him tell about lessons he was learning while in this valley. Lessons about material things and how to treat others and what is really important. I hoped the lessons in the valley would mold this person into one more closely modeling the character of Jesus.

Now he's beginning to act like his old self again. If that's the case, he didn't apply what he learned in the valley. Maybe he didn't really learn anything after all. Unless we have reached perfection in Christ-likeness, we should not emerge from the valley our same old self. We should be different. We should be more like Christ.

God may or may not cause the hardships a person experiences. For sure, he allows what he does not directly cause. For sure, he is present in the valley. Whatever the cause or reason for your passing through a valley, be sure to leave the old self behind and come away from your troubles having applied what you learned in the valley. Let the valley be the opportunity to become more like Christ.

Benevolence

One of the most difficult tasks of church leadership is determining how to use benevolence resources. The real needs are great but they seem to be matched with an equal or greater number of unnecessary requests - some are even scams. In our church, much of the decision lies with the pastor - that would be me. I pray for discernment and wisdom so that our resources are put to the best use. My understanding of "best use" is to help with needs within the church family AND to meet needs of those outside the church FOR THE PURPOSE OF SHARING CHRIST WITH THEM.

Benevolence without that purpose is just welfare. Believers will need benevolent help. Our church will help them as we can so that this person or family can better understand God's love. We hope that the situation they are currently in will be a point along the journey to spiritual maturity. And we hope that our benevolent help for people who do not know Christ as Savior and Lord will result in their realizing the need for salvation - a point along the journey to spiritual new birth.

A lot of organizations can help meet needs but the church cannot see benevolence as an end in itself. Rather, it is a means to a greater end of drawing people to Christ. A church ceases being a New Testament church when it leaves this greater end out of its objectives.

Acts 20:35 quotes Jesus saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Christians may sometimes need to receive. Christians always need to give.

Waiting on the Lord

I read today's entry in Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost for His Highest." The point was that we should move through life following God's timetable rather than our own. How often do you rush ahead without really considering what God wants? I do that too much and it's time to wait.

I rushed into something 31 years ago that was not according to God's timing. I rushed into something 28 years ago that was not on God's master plan. I rushed into something 12 years ago that was not on God's agenda. I'm sure there are other occasions that also meet this criteria. The three things I mentioned have marked my life and are obstacles even today. I didn't wait on the Lord.

The three things I mentioned represent three different areas of life. I knew in my head that God is supposed to be the center of everything in my life. I knew in my head that God has a plan for me that is all-inclusive. I just didn't know it in my heart so I rushed. Instead of waiting on the Lord I either ran ahead of him, ran away from him, or ran around him.

Eventually, I ran back to him. And he was there each time waiting on me. How much easier (and better) had I been waiting on him. I hope I've learned my lesson.

Lame Duck Session of Congress

Let's see...

Tax reductions are extended for all income brackets. That's a good thing because it allows Americans to keep their money. The government is not efficient nor equipped to do much of what they try to do. Let the government field a military and other entities to protect the public. Let the government maintain national infrastructure. Let the people and free markets take care of everything else. In order to do that the people must keep more of their money rather than send it to the government. Now the government must reduce spending. A balanced budget must accompany lower taxes.

The DREAM Act is dead. This was viewed as an attempt at amnesty for many illegals. We need to protect our borders. We need to deport illegals. We will be better off by spending our money to achieve these goals rather than spending to educate and medicate them.

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has been repealed. In the early years in the Clinton Administration, the president and Congress struck a deal on gays in the military. Up until that time, gays were not allowed to serve. The compromise, known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" allowed gays to serve as long as nobody knew they were gay. The military could not ask. The gays just had to keep it a secret from their commanding officers. What happened in Congress then was the first step toward what happened today.

Conservative Christians could look at this week as a "Win" because we got two out of three. But the biggest concern for us should have been the advancing of the homosexual agenda - and we lost on that one. I'm not diminishing the importance of smaller government (we haven't won anything on this yet) and lower taxes. People should take control of their own lives rather than allowing someone else to give you everything.

That opinion does not fly in the face of grace. Grace is where God gives us something we could in know possible way gain for ourselves. Welfare, entitlements, or handouts give people a reason to not work and get things for themselves. That's not the case 100% of the time so we'll always need some form of welfare, but it's gotten out of hand in the US. Take responsibility, people, and stop taking the handouts!

There is also a conservative Christian perspective on immigration. The US must be careful how it lets people in. And the laws governing this must be followed. Is that unbiblical? I don't think so. God is very careful about who is considered part of his family. The rules are very strict about getting in. Read the New Testament and you'll see that God is careful about how aliens are treated - welcome if they follow the rules.

And the Bible is clear about homosexuality. It is a sin. Since it is a sin, it is forgive-able but it is not OK. Albert Mohler wrote an article that lays out the Christian perspective on the repeal of DADT. Please take a look at it. http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/06/04/homosexuality-and-the-military-whats-really-at-stake/

I like what Rep. Boenher said last week. He will not compromise, he will look for common ground. Compromise is always lose/lose. Common ground is the only way to get to the right answers.

And I like what Mike Huckabee said about the lame duck session of Congress. He said Congress should ends every session at the election. No session of Congress until January 1 (or whenever) the following year with the newly elected congressmen. That would put an end to stuff like this. The new Congress would have extended the tax cuts, stopped the DREAM Act, and left "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" alone.

"Dandy" Don

Don Meredith passed away today at the age of 72. He suffered a stroke a few years ago, had emphysema, and died of brain hemorrhage.

You may remember him as the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. I don't. Roger Staubach was the first Cowboys QB I remember. But Meredith was a Cowboy legend having earned a spot in the team's ring of honor.

He retired from playing at age 31 and moved into ABC's Monday Night Football booth next to Frank Gifford and Howard Cosell. That's how I remember "Dandy" Don. Football was different then. And football broadcasts were different. Those three men captivated this young boys imagination and cultivated love for the game At least, for the game as it was then.

I watched Sunday Night Football last night and really got a sick feeling watching the players showboat and try to hurt each other. Maybe that was also part of the game 40 years ago but this young boy couldn't see it. Many players today make more money in one year than the best players did then in their entire careers. All professional sports has taken the same turn…for the worse, in my opinion.

But MNF with "Dandy" Don was a weekly event that drew attention to what has now become an icon in America's game. By the way, it saddens me to call the NFL "America's game" because I am a huge baseball fan. But the truth is the truth.

I guess Madden came closer than anyone else in being the character/icon that Meredith was. He is my favorite football announcer because he was part of the scene when I began loving football. It's a sad even but one that takes me back to happy times.

"Turn out the lights, the party's over."

I wonder if Don Meredith was a Christian. Nothing he could accomplish in football matters to him right now. The only thing that matters is whether he embraced Jesus as Savior and Lord before he died.

It's the same for me and you. Embrace the Light of the World before the lights on your party go out.

Reluctant to Change

I just saw a commercial for the TV program "V." In the ad a woman shows a typical human reaction to change: the humans have to fight back because the aliens "are trying to change us."

That made me think about the Holy Spirit working in our lives. As Christians, we are being transformed, made new, changed from what we were/are to what God wants us to be. And we can be just as turned off by change as the woman in the commercial. Why is that?

One reason is our selfish nature. We want to be in total control of our lives. We don't like it when anyone has authority over us. Don't believe it? Do you drive 70 mph on the interstate or 73? Do you push the limits of the dress code at work or school? You may say that things like this don't really matter, but they show a lack of respect for authority. And a reluctance to change. So when the Holy Spirit convicts you about your language or how you treat your spouse, you push back. And you justify your actions either by comparing yours to someone else's or convincing yourself that it's not really that bad.

God created us to bring glory to him by honoring him, worshiping him, and obeying him. He also created us with a free will so that we can choose to do these things. Or we can choose not to do them.

If you believe God is all-knowing then you must believe he knows what is best for you. If you believe he is all-loving then you must believe he wants what is best for you. If you believe he is all-powerful then you must believe he can do what is best for you.

So when we choose to reject the Holy Spirit's work in our lives we are saying we know better, we care better, and we can do better. That's arrogant and selfish. And it robs you of God's blessings.

A reluctance to change will cost you. You are to be a new creation You are to be transformed. You are to be clay in the potter's hands.

Thanksgiving

Every day this week is a unique experience. Riley is out of school all week for Thanksgiving. So we are watching a bunch of Nick and Disney shows. Those of you with kids or grandkids about 9 years old know what I'm talking about!

Then he gets tired of that and plays Wii. Then he gets tired of that and…

But I'm glad he's home and I can be with him. Not many dads get that chance. I didn't get it with my older boys.

So this Thanksgiving I'm thankful for my boys. Jim is 26 and is married to Ashley. He lives in Conway and teaches music in one of the middle schools. He's a good guy.

Caleb is 24. He lives in Bentonville and works at Best Buy in Rogers. He's a sharp guy who's making a good way for himself.

Riley is 9, lives at home, and is in 4th grade at Arkansas Baptist Elementary School. He's a good kid and will be a good man, too.

We don't get to spend holidays together but I'm thankful for them. And I love them.

Enjoy the unique experiences with your children. They'll be grown and gone before you know it. But that's just a chance to enjoy more unique experiences. Don't ever stop being their dad. They may not know it or admit it, but they need it as much as you do.

A week in Alaska

Everybody ought to have the chance to do what I've just done. Spend a week in Alaska with Christian people who are excited about what God is doing through their church.

Alaska is a beautiful place. Even though most of the days were either snowy or overcast, the natural beauty is breath-taking. Just knowing that even more amazing scenic views are behind the clouds and under the snow makes me want to come back. I hope to come back with family and friends.

If/when I do, I'll make it a point to meet up with Scott Coffman and the folks at College Heights Baptist Church. We formed friendships this week that I know will endure time and distance. With email, skype, facebook, and other wonders of technology that we have these days, keeping in touch will only be hindered by our lack of desire. Lord, help me stay in touch with these wonderful Christians.

So, I'm packing up and heading home later tonight. Catching the redeye to Houston. Then on to Little Rock by 2:00 tomorrow. I'm thankful for the trip, the sights, the people, and the experience. And I'm ready to get home to my family and my church.

Alaska

I'm in Alaska for a Men's Advance for churches in the Soldotna area. Then I'll be part of revival services at College Heights Baptist Church in Soldotna. I'm here through Thursday.

Not doing what you might think. I am a preacher and I love to preach and teach. But in my wide variety of experience, I am a musician of sorts. I don't think I'm all that, but I do enjoy it. And I spent many years leading music in churches and singing in gospel groups.

Through a strange connection of events, I'm here to lead music for the conference and revival. I kinda like that. I enjoy the few minutes each Sunday when I sit at the piano and lead our church in worship. But I'm a little apprehensive doing this for folks who have been led to believe I'm good at it. Danny Johnson is quite the salesman – even though he won't admit it.

So here I am. November is Alaska reminds me of Russia. There's not as much snow, yet, and the temperatures are around 0 degrees C instead of 0 degrees F. But the tall pines weighted down with snow is a pretty sight – and one that makes me think of the Sverdlovskaya Oblast.

Chuck, the man who owns the facility where I am staying – a VERY nice facility – took me out onto the deck this morning with excitement. It was 8:00 but still very dark because we are so far north. He took a spotlight and shined it alongside the road leading to the house. I large moose was munching on some grass sticking up through the snow. Chuck says it's only about a year old – just a small moose. But it must have been seven or eight feet tall! I hope I get to see a BIG one.

Just a few minutes ago I raised the blinds on my window to take a picture of the pretty scene just outside my room. I took a couple of pictures, turned away for a few seconds, then turned back to see the same moose walking past. I am a little slow getting the camera set to take a picture so I just have his backside. Check it out on www.facebook.com/bobloyd.

It's gonna be a great week It will be full of worship, teaching, sharing, and beautiful scenery. I'll try to post some pictures here as well as on my Facebook page.

Migrating

I bought a MacBook Pro last week. Now I’m trying to get everything from my HP laptop over to the MacBook. Not everything on the old computer will be useful on the new one. Not everything on the old computer will even work on the new one. For me, this is a hit and miss opportunity.

But it makes me think about people who come to Christ for salvation. (Not that Apple should be compared to our Savior.) Many new believers try to simply plug their old lifestyle into the new life. Just like with the computers, not everything is useful and not everything works.

Some things about the MacBook are similar. The ABCs and 123s are in the same place on the keyboard. But the CTRL, FN, and ALT keys I have become very comfortable with are not in the same place and maybe not even there at all or maybe called something else and doing something else.

And what happened to “My Computer”? Finding stuff on the MacBook takes me a while.

I’ll have to learn new applications for word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. I may buy Office for Mac but I expect there will be some adjusting to do even taking this easier pathway.

In short, life is different now. And life is different for a new believer. It’s easier to keep on doing what you’ve always done. It’s safer to stick with the same friends. It’s more comfortable going to the same old places. But Christianity requires that we change. God’s Spirit is with us to make sure the change goes as planned – and that’s a good thing! All we have to do is follow the Spirit’s leadership.

Sure wish changing from a pc to a mac was that easy.

chasing false gods

Tonight in the worship service at CRBC, I preached from 1 Kings 11:1-13. Most of us would, when we read the text, remember that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. But that’s not the problem and not the point of the text. The problem is that Solomon disregarded God’s word regarding marriage and how a king should conduct himself and followed false gods. The result of the problem was 1,000 sexual relationships in his life, God was angry at him, and God revoked an intended blessing that Solomon’s descendants would always be on the throne of Israel.

So I got to thinking about these questions.

Do I seek God’s counsel and then obey what I learn?
Do I spend time in prayer concentrating on myself or on others?
Do I share the gospel with others or even care that they may be lost?
Do I give of myself to my church?
Do I honor God with my money…all of it?

The answers to these questions indicate whether I am following the Lord wholeheartedly or sometimes chasing after false gods. False gods of pride, success, secular solutions, selfishness.

Like Solomon, sometimes I get full of myself. Do you ever think you are bulletproof? Do you think some or all of the Bible’s commands do necessarily apply to you? Do you have patterns of selfishness in your lifestyle and spending habits?

God was angry at Solomon. The thought of God being angry with me scares me. I want to please my heavenly Father. I want to hear him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” I want others to know that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation and eternal life.

Father, I confess that I am a sinner. Forgive me and purify me from all unrighteousness. Please make me into the person you want me to be. Lead me in paths that honor you. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Accountability

A friend left for Fort Worth early Monday morning. He made a commitment to the Lord before he left that he would share the gospel with at least one person each time he stopped along the way. He called me mid-morning and left a message, “Hey, call me. I need an accountability partner.” I could only imagine what kind of temptation he was facing.

I returned the call and he told me about his promise to the Lord. He wanted me to hold him accountable to that promise. He called me again last night on his way home. He has shared his faith with someone each time he has stopped for food or gasoline or anything.

I find that I can make promises with ease. Good promises that reflect good intentions. But as good at making promises as I am, I’m better at breaking them. Especially promises I make to the Lord. I need someone to hold me accountable.

Accountability requires transparency and I’m about as good at that as I am at keeping promises and commitments. David wrote these words in Psalms. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV). That is transparency before the Lord.

Being transparent before the Lord is much easier than being transparent before our friends and family. The Lord KNOWS everything. My friends and family know only what I reveal to them. I can hide NOTHING from God but my friends and family know very little about me.

Why is transparency so important? Why does accountability matter? My friend traveling to and from Fort Worth put it like this. “How can I share the gospel with someone when I know I have unconfessed sin in my life?”

O God, search me, test me, know me, lead me.

And may I find at least one person with whom I can confide for the purpose of accountability.

Rain

It’s raining. And the prospect for a good rain today is pretty good. It’s been a while since that has happened.

And we need it. Our county has been under a burn ban for several weeks. The chance for a wildfire is high. The longer we go without rain the more dangerous the fire danger gets.

Reminds me of my spiritual life. It’s easy to dry out. It’s dangerous to dry out.

We enjoy the beautiful weather yet all the while the trees and grass get dryer and dryer. Sometimes I just coast through life enjoying things and neglecting the Lord. Before I realize it, my life is dry.

Rain on me, Lord. And let me soak it up.

Back and Forth

This has been a roller coaster kind of week, but without the fun! A couple of key circumstances presented themselves over the last few months and I’ve been swaying back and forth trying to make a decision. Caught in the middle of all this is my doctoral studies.

I am writing a Final Project Prosposal to submit to my faculty advisor and the ProDoc committee for approval. Once approved, I can implement my project, write the Project Report, take the project interview, and graduate. I’ve been on this road for a long time and want to finish well.

Timing seems to be the issue placed on the table by circumstances. I must get most of my doctoral work completed within the next 5-6 months or wait almost 2 years.

I’m not sure why that frustrates me. I always procrastinate then complete my work under short deadlines. But in this situation, I’m not in control of the time table. I guess that’s what bothers me.

Wednesday, I decided to put the doctoral project on hold. Thursday, I decided to pick it up again. Counsel from godly people but a difference of opinion. So, like Steve Lemke told the doctoral workshop last month: “You da man!” I must make the decision. I am going forward with the doctoral project with the goal of completing the implementation step of the project by the end of February 2011. Then I’ll have until September 15 to write the Project Report. I’ll graduate with a Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in December 2011.

Are we gonna follow the Holy Spirit or not?

In my sermon yesterday I talked about being ready to respond to anything the Lord says. Like Paul and his missionary friends were ready to move into Macedonia when the Lord gave the OK, we need to be ready to move, too. That means that as a church (or even an individual Christian) we must have processes in place that will allow us to proceed rather than hinder our obedience.

As an illustration I used my own family. I said, “Suppose the Lord wanted Deana and me to move to Russia to take Rusty and Lori Hart’s place in Ekaterinburg.”

A voice from the congregation shouted, “No!”

I was stunned. My response was that I had not sensed the Lord’s call in this but was just using it as an example. But what if Deana and I really did feel led to apply to the International Mission Board with the desire to be appointed to serve internationally? Would someone really say, “No!” to the Lord’s calling in our lives?

I hope Deana and I would say, “Yes!” I hope Riley would say, “Yes!” I hope our grown boys and our parents would say, “Yes!” I hope our friends would say, “Yes!”

And I hope my church would say, “Yes!” Maybe some would be glad to get rid of me! But I hope I’ve led this group of believers to understand that God’s agenda trumps ours. God does not give suggestions or options, he gives orders. If we say, “No!” to this, I wonder what other instructions from the Lord we are refusing to follow.

We can look inwardly (selfishly) and go against the Lord’s will or we can look toward eternity and say, “Yes!”

I guess the question is, “Are we going to follow the Holy Spirit or not?”

By the way, the point of my illustration was that my health and my financial situation would limit my ability to obey the Lord if he called me to serve in Russia. Would you pray for me about that?

Connecting with Your Children

Riley and I love baseball and watch games whenever we can find one on TV. When I left to come to the office this afternoon Riley was watching the playoff game between the Texas Rangers and the Tampa Bay Rays. We are rooting for the Rangers.

Riley has come up with a cheer for one for the Rangers players. His last name is Cruz and Riley has been chanting “Cruz around the bases. Cruz around the bases.” I told him that would be a great homerun cheer.

The phone rang a few minutes ago. I answered and immediately heard, “Cruz around the bases. Cruz around the bases.” I knew he had hit a homerun. I asked what the score was, Riley told me, and we hung up. Short but special conversation.

You need a way to stay connected with your kids. What do you use?

Computer Updates

My laptop is almost 4 years old. Seems like each week I can actually feel it getting slower and slower. Some of my software requires regular updates (big ones) and that takes forever! Plus, the internet connection out here is terribly slow but I won’t talk bad about HughesNet in this post.

Computer use can be frustrating. And expensive.

My computer woes resemble my spiritual woes I sometimes experience. The first problem is the speed of my connection with the Lord. He’s always available and I can communicate with him whenever I want. The problem is…sometimes I don’t want to or I let the busy-ness of life distract me. My internet connection is via satellite so sometimes clouds and storms can block the signal – because the satellite is so far away. Prayer is not like that at all, or it doesn’t have to be. God is not far away. Nothing has to be between us. Sin sometimes does get in between me and God but the clouds of guilt are easily dispersed when I confess. God always forgives when I confess. Immediately – clear connection.

But my software may need upgrades. If I don’t read the Bible and pray every day, I don’t have the latest word from the Lord. It seems like I always get something for that day. Obviously, if I miss my quiet time I miss a word from the Lord. And I can’t make it through the day without something stalling like a non-responsive program in the computer.

And then sometimes the hardware has to be replaced. God’s Spirit is working in my life to change me from who I was (even who I am) into who he wants me to be. These are not often just subtle changes or tweaks but complete overhauls. I like my old laptop. I’m used to it. I know what all the buttons do. I like my old self, too. I’m comfortable with me! But I’m sure God looks at me and easily sees what is not useful, or even harmful, in my life. And he wants to upgrade.

I always like my new computer after just a few days or weeks. And I always like the changes God makes in my life. I don’t know why I want to hang on to the familiar, comfortable, old me.

I really need a new laptop. But I really need a new me. And God is ready to do it.

Playoffs

I love baseball. I get excited when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. I listen for news from training camp about the Cincinnati Reds. I look forward to Opening Day. Sunday Night Baseball with Jon Miller & Joe Morgan is about as good as it can get. And MLB Network is the bomb!

So now we are a day away from the Playoffs. The Reds go to Philadelphia for a divisional series with the Phillies. The gurus on the sports networks aren’t giving them much of a chance against the defending National League Champions. But I think they will do it and move on the face either the Giants or the Braves for the NL Pennant.

By the end of October we should know who wins the World Series. My prediction: Reds over Rangers in 6. That’s wishful thinking but let’s see how it plays out.

It’s a long season. 162 games in regular season and as many as 19 more to win the Series. Sometimes (almost this year) a tie-breaker game must be played to determine who gets the last playoff spot. About April 1 until October 31 is baseball season. Winter is my favorite season but it would be even better if there was baseball!

Life is long, too. We aren’t promised anything except that life will be full of choices, obstacles, opportunities. How we face each will determine much of what happens next. Sometimes the years seem to fly by and at other times it seems the day will never end. Is anything constant in life? Yes, only one thing: Jesus Christ.

Jesus loves you, died for you to pay your sin debt, lives again defeating death for you, offers forgiveness and hope, and will return one day for you if you commit your life to him. I did this on the first Thursday of August 1972. That was 38 years ago. Each day, the Lord works on me, in me, and through me to make a difference in my life and in others’. He wants to do that for you, too. Click here to find out how you can commit your life to him.

DMin Progress

I spent the week in New Orleans attending a Doctor of Ministry workshop. If all goes as planned, I will receive and earned DMin from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in December 2011. That’s pretty exciting.

What stands between now and then, between here and there? Really, only me. I no longer will have deadlines imposed by a professor. I am in control of the rest of the journey. I will interact with a faculty mentor, a style reader, faculty readers, a field mentor, the ProDoc committee, and the exit interview team. Other than that, it’s on me.

Now will be a great time to finally get over procrastination. I’ve been meaning to do it for a long time but never got around to it. I keep putting off stopping procrastinating.

Tony Greene

One of my many endeavors over the years was promoting Southern Gospel concerts in Russellville, Arkansas. I grew up going to the Hughes Center in Russellville for concerts promoted by Ray Baker. He would bring in the Rambos, the Galileans, and the Arnolds. Probably other groups, too.

Then Tom and Tommy (can’t remember their last names) promoted concerts at Witherspoon Auditorium on the campus of Arkansas Tech University. They brought the Kingsboys in at the height of that groups popularity.

I went to Little Rock and Fort Smith every time Frank Arnold promoted a concert. The Hinsons, Hemphills, Nelons, Cathedrals, and many more. I had fallen in love with a style of music that overlays everything I do today.

Sitting in Parsons Rodeo Arena in Springdale, Arkansas one hot August night I heard a group of siblings who were barely in their twenties. The first time I heard the Greenes I was impressed: impressed with their harmonies, impressed with their lyrics, impressed with their stage presence, impressed with everything about them. The Hinsons had recently retired – and I loved the Hinsons. I told myself that the Greenes could replace the Hinsons because of their vocals, stage presence, and spirit. That never really developed because the young Greenes’ development took them another direction. But I was hooked.

So when I thought about promoting concerts, I knew I wanted the Greenes. The normal rate to get them was $1,200 but they did not travel from North Carolina to Arkansas very often and my concert would be a special trip. I offered $2,000. I’m not a very good businessman. But Tony Greene is. He took the offer and the concert was set. I am so thankful for business sponsors who absorbed the deficit for this and every other concert I ever promoted – again, I’m not a very good businessman.

My sponsors and I had the most expensive tickets in the house! But it was worth it to me when the Greenes sang “When I Knelt the Blood Fell,” their first number one song and number one on the charts at the time they came to Russellville. It was worth it when the Greenes sang “Miracle in Me,” one of my all-time favorites from the Greenes. It was worth it when I was able to sit around the table at Shoney’s after the concert and get to know Tony Greene, his brother Tim Greene, and Amy Lambert. I was in heaven!

I brought the Greenes back to Russellville again and again. Each time was special. Tony invited my group Jubilee to come to North Carolina and sing on the Singing at Grandfather Mountain concert he promoted. We did that twice and had a ball. Jubilee recorded our last album at the Loft Studio with Tim Greene.

Then I dropped off the Southern Gospel radar. Churches who like Southern Gospel don’t embrace a divorced man. But Tony always did. Each time I saw him at NQC or some other venue, he remembered me and treated me like a buddy. I appreciate that. Tony, along with Mark and Kenny Bishop and Steve Perkins of the Bishops, always made me feel like I still belonged.

Tony died this Tuesday, September 28, 2010. He is now singing IN the presence of Jesus whom he so often sang ABOUT.

Homework

I’ve been in post-graduate studies since 1996. When I began seminary, my Dad took me to Little Rock to shop for a computer. He said a computer would be indispensible. He did his masters and doctoral work using an electronic typewriter.

The homework assignment due this morning in the Project in Ministry Design Workshop – the last formal classroom situation of my doctoral in ministry – is to right out the context, scope, emphasis, product, and one sentence statement for my project. The professors said it is OK to turn this in on notebook paper in handwriting. I haven’t done that in a long, long time.

My handwriting is awful. Hope that doesn’t bring down my grade.

Am I Really Cut Out For This?

Here I sit on Friday with my DMin workshop looming on Monday. Have I mentioned lately that I am a procrastinator? Once again, deadlines near and I have much to do.

Got some disappointing news last night but have to get past that. Dealing with a hurdle today but can’t let it take too much attention.

Lots of people told me the DMin would be time-consuming. I’m OK with that when I can take care of other stuff in a timely manner. But I don’t do that very well.

Pray for me. Pray that I’ll stay on top of everything – the DMin project, the church/job, and especially the family.

Together

Today I met with pastors from three other churches – all within 5 miles of Cross Road Baptist Church. We talked about working together to make sure every household in our communities received a gospel message. I have not seen any demographical data, but I’m guessing that could be 10,000 people or more. That’s three times as many people as lived in my hometown when I was in high school.

An undertaking of this size requires cooperation. Southern Baptists are known for cooperation. We claim to be cooperative. We named our missions funding mechanism the Cooperative Program. We are all autonomous, independently organized churches, but we do best when we work together.

Our rural area is home to folks who grew up here and have lived here all their lives or have returned here after some years away. The area is also home to former city-dwellers who have built our bought homes as an escape or retreat from the city hassles. A wide diversity lives here. Not so much ethnic diversity as socio-economic diversity. Our churches are charged (by the Lord) to minister to all of them and reach them all with the gospel.

Cross Road may need to re-tool. The church was started in the early ‘70s but this is 40 years later. The gospel is the same but the people who need it are different. How can we take the same gospel to people in ways that are relevant to them. Don’t misunderstand: the gospel is always relevant but the method of delivery can become outdated. Just like milk is still milk, but the horse-drawn wagon has been replaced with the diesel tractor-trailer.

Even with the most relevant method of delivery, CRBC can’t reach everyone without working together with sister churches. I imagine those 10,000+ people who receive a gospel message from our churches will either reject the message or accept it and find meaningful worship and opportunities to grow and serve in one of our churches.

God will get the glory when we live out our Christianity in effective cooperation with one another.

River Market

Little Rock has a trended night spot called the River Market. It’s full of restaurants (bars with food, really) and other cultural grabs. The Clinton Presidential Library is not too far away. I guess it’s been good for Little Rock’s economy, especially the downtown area.

We are headed there tonight. Deana’s boss gave her a gift certificate to one of the restaurants and we don’t like to let free food escape! We’re going early, though. Maybe we’ll miss most of the bar-hopping and general indecency. Hope I don’t show up on the 10 o’clock news.

Forgiveness

Christians are not perfect people, just forgiven people. That should be a comforting thought to us but many can’t grasp the depth of the truth. They continue to live with the burden of sin weighing on their lives. And it’s not necessary.

Two issues are at play here. One is that the Christian can’t accept that God has forgiven him. He prays asking the Lord to forgive him and “leaves it all on the altar.” But when he gets up from the altar he gathers up everything he just laid out on the altar and takes it back with him. All the guilt that should be released through forgiveness, he still carries. All the disappointment. All the shame. Yes, Christians should feel guilty, disappointed, and ashamed – before forgiveness. But once forgiven, he should take the same position God takes: that is, God forgives and no longer holds the sin against the sinner. Jesus died for this.

The second issue concerns unconfessed sin. It’s one thing to feel guilty, disappointed, and ashamed after you have confessed your sin – it’s unnecessary and unhealthy. But those feelings are completely appropriate when you have not confessed your sin. The Holy Spirit works in your life to convict you of sin, this leads to those feelings. Forgiveness is designed to alleviate those feelings and return the sinner to right standing with God. The solution is simple: confess your sin and God will forgive you.

But we don’t confess our sins because we would have to admit we’ve been wrong in our relationships, attitudes, actions, etc. Confession implies falling short of expectations. Confession indicates weakness – and it should! Our sin nature is a chink in the armor. We are not perfect, just forgiven…when we confess our sins.

Many dangers exist with unconfessed sin, but one ties these two issues together. The response  you may have when you can’t accept God’s forgiveness may begin to look and feel just like the conviction of unconfessed sin. So the two completely separate issues blur into one. In other words, you begin to think you have not really confessed or God has not really forgiven because you still feel guilty, disappointed, and ashamed. Or, even worse, you think you don’t have to confess because not confessing feels just like confessing – the stench of sin loses its fowl odor.

Listen to the truth of scripture. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Can you believe that? If you can, you can live as a forgiven Christian. God is faithful: he will do what he says. God is just: he will do what is right.

Will you confess your sins? If you need to talk, please send me a message.

Podcasts

I love preaching. I love to do it and I love to hear others do it. In person, on TV, on the radio, and now on podcasts. Technology is wonderful!

As I ran errands today I listened to a couple of sermon podcasts that I pickup on iTunes. Driving to and from revival services (about 40 minutes each way) I listened to a couple more. For me, the key is to pick speakers you really like and listen to just about everything they do. I like to listen to Ed Stetzer, Al Mohler, Bruce Chesser, and a few others. Seems like their podcasts are always helpful.

Now I need a GMC pickup with an MP3 input. My Chevy Classic doesn’t have one. That’s a good enough reason to buy a truck, isn’t it?

Revival at Ironton

I have the special privilege to preach for revival services at Ironton Baptist Church beginning Sunday. Pastor Sidney Thompson has led the church in growth and construction. I’m looking forward to these meetings.

Revival is the spiritual stirring in the heart of a believer toward deeper commitment and greater action. So I’ll speak about the marks of a revived Christian, knowing God, pressing on to Christlikeness, and following the Spirit.

Pray for Ironton, Cross Road, and me.

Emphasizing Evangelism

I’ve been thinking. That could lead to trouble! But maybe not; let’s see how this goes.

What if every Christian would have a meaningful gospel conversation with an unbeliever this week? What would happen? Can you imagine the impact that would have?

I’ve read articles citing studies indicating that fewer than 5% of believers ever have such a conversation. And we wonder why the church is not keeping pace with population growth in Arkansas? Five people are doing the work for themselves and nineteen other people when it comes to sharing their faith. And every believe is called by God to do it. It certainly is not the 5% who are at fault.

Churches work like this (at least the churches I’ve been involved with): any person who shows any interest in do anything in/for/through the church is allowed to do it asked to do more. This enables the people who show no interest or little interest to be spectators when Christianity is really an all-involved undertaking.

So I’m guessing that if this holds true with most situations in churches it holds true in evangelism, too. If a person shows interest in sharing the gospel, then those who have little or no interest in it sit back and let them do it.

Maybe the 5% has some responsibility for the problem. Not in the fact that they are sharing, because we are all supposed to share. But in the fact that they probably gladly accept the extra responsibility placed upon them by those with little or no interest. Anyone who is carrying the load for someone else, when the other person can and should be carrying their own load, is hurting the spread of the gospel. How can this be? Well, it seems obvious to me that more people can win more people to Christ. One person can lead a few more to Christ – all of us could. But many more people involved in sharing their faith will result in multiplication or exponential growth.

I’m taking an honest look at my evangelistic activity to see where I can do more – not more than I should, but as much as I should. Will you join me in that pursuit? Maybe you can do better; I think I can.

I’m also evaluating my leadership. I should be leading the people whom I pastor to share their faith. I can do better at that, too. And I will when evangelism becomes a priority in reality for me.

And I’m going to pray for evangelism more than I have before. I will pray for the lost to be saved and for the saved to reach out to the lost.

Labor Day

Labor Day weekend marks the end of Summer for many people. For me, it marks the beginning of Fall. Yes, I am aware that Fall doesn’t officially come til September 21, but the Summer routines are behind us and the Fall routines are here. Personally, I’m glad.

I don’t do well in hot weather. I sweat too much. “Not much for a fat guy” is what a friend actually told me once. Too much for anybody, I think.

I prefer lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. Perfect weather! Too bad I can’t order up a perfect day every day.

One day everything will be perfect…every day. I’m looking forward to Fall and Winter but not as much as I’m looking forward to Heaven. The Bible tells us a little about it but only a little. Folks like to speculate but nobody really knows. It is beyond our imagination. I had a fortune cookie that told me I have an active mind and a keen imagination. Still, I can’t imagine what Heaven will be like. But I’m looking forward to it. And I’m ready for it.

I hope you are, too. Getting ready for Heaven requires accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.

Do you know that you are a sinner? We all are so you might as well admit it. More importantly, God knows.

And God did something about you sin (which would keep you away from God). Jesus Christ – God’s son, God himself – died on the cross paying the penalty for your sins. Do you believe that? I mean believe it so that it drives who you are?

If you will confess (or proclaim) that Jesus is your Lord and commit to live your life his way and for his glory, you’ll be ready for Heaven.

In Christian-ese, we call that “being saved.” I hope you are ready for Heaven. Let me know if you’d like to talk about it.

Church Planting

I will be in a meeting today talking about church planting with other pastors from around our state. We hope to develop a network that will assist smaller churches like Cross Road to be involved. So many times when I mention planting a church I get responses like “What can we do?” or “We don’t have enough money” or “That takes more people than we have.” I’m hoping to rebut those responses by joining with other churches to start churches.

Cross Road won’t have to come up with the resources alone. We can partner with other churches of various sizes. Our people can experience church planting! So I’m looking forward to today’s meeting and to the Great Commission ministry that will grow from it.

Tithing

I believe in the biblical principle of tithing. In short, tithing is my acknowledgement that God owns all things, is worthy of my worship, and knows my needs better than I do. A tithe is 10% of your gain. It is based on gross income. It includes investment income. It includes gifts. It goes to the local church. It goes into the general budget fund.

A church made up of tithers is a church made up of maturing Christians.

When a Christian does not tithe he is showing his lack of faith in God.

The church can fully fund needed staff positions, ministry projects, missions trips, etc., through the tithe. The reason churches have to conduct fund raisers and have designated accounts is to fund projects the tithe should fund.

Do you tithe? For all pastors, I say “Thank you.”

Do you not tithe? Why not? Do you not believe God owns all things? Do you not believe God is worthy of your worship (tithing is an act of worship)? Do you not believe that God knows your needs better than you do?

Deana and I began exceeding the tithe many years ago. A few times throughout the year we increase our giving by $5 or $10 per week and maintain that new level of giving. I really cannot tell you what percentage we currently give because we increase our tithe like this. I’ve heard of others who increase their tithe annually by 1%. Over many years they are now giving well above the tithe, too. People with practices like these, including my family, can testify to God’s abundant blessings. I will not tell you that our income skyrockets when we are faithful, but I will tell you that God’s blessings come in many different packages – and his blessings always come.

I challenge you to be a tither.

Doubling Up

Hard times have set in at the Loyd household. We are able to buy groceries and make the car payments. The church provides a house and utilities. But for the third budget in a row, they won’t be able to increase their financial support. Deana and I feel like we’ve been pretty good stewards during this time by reducing our spending and eliminating or doing without some extras. But it’s been tight. So I’m looking for a job to provide additional income.

The main reason we need to do this is because we elected to put Riley back into private school this year. He attended Arkansas Baptist Elementary School for K4-K5. When I became pastor of CRBC I no longer had a secular job so we couldn’t afford to keep him there. Now, after three years of cutting back, a paid-in-full loan payment we’ve had for a few years, and the start of a tuition discount for pastors, we are pretty close to being able to put him back in ABES. So we did it.

Now I’m looking for a second job to make sure we are able to cover the tuition payments. So far, the best prospect is substitute teaching at ABES. The superintendent was pleading with parents to apply so maybe I’ll get all the days I need. Not even sure what it pays. Hopefully, I’ll have an interview soon and start before long.

That’s a prayer request. And a praise.

Healthy Living

How many times have I written about this? So many that you probably roll your eyes. I get it. But I’ve decided to start living healthy. As a matter of fact, I’ve lost about 5 pounds this week. I need to stay on an aggressive weight-loss plan because I have a lot to lose. I don’t want to take three years to lose it. I want to lose it quickly – I understand the problems with quick weight-loss – and I want to change my eating and exercise habits so that I can maintain a healthy body weight.

So far, I’ve only changed my diet. And that by only a little. I’m snacking much less than before. I’ve substituted my regular high calorie, high fat lunch with a large portion of raw vegetables. I eat celery, cucumber, bell pepper, and carrots for lunch. I’m eating a better supper. I’ve been good at breakfast for quite a while. My main problem is eating when I’m away from the house. Too many fast food value meals.

So I need to stay with my breakfast and lunch plans, do better at supper, and stay away from fast food restaurants. And add daily exercise.

I’ll post updates from time to time. Pray for me.

Memphis Pastors Conference

I like good preaching. I like good teaching. We got some of both at the Pastors Conference hosted by Steve Gaines a Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis. I wish the part on apologetics would have drilled down a little deeper. We heard the Why is Apologetics Needed? and the What is Apologetics? but I sure could use a little help with the How do You do Apologetics? Guess I’ll have to add some books to my reading list.

The best part of the day was the fellowship with other pastors. Twenty-one guys from Pulaski Baptist Association and 11 from Faulkner Baptist Association road together on a bus provided by Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. That was a lot of fun. Every time we get together you can count on some clowning around, some deep discussions, and world-problem solving.

Thanks to Danny, Larry, Doug, and Jeff for making this possible.

First Day

Today is Riley’s first day of 4^th grade. He’s done the “first day” thing several times now but today was a little different. He says he doesn’t like school. That’s different. Riley has always liked school and the first day has been a time for excitement and surprises. I go to pick him up in less than two hours. We’ll see how he liked it.

I think the issue Riley is dealing with is two-fold. This is his 6^th first day, counting K4 and K5. It’s old hat. The flair is gone. He’s seen it all, he thinks. Have you ever grown complacent in your relationship with God and his people?
“It’s just another Sunday.”
“Is it time for another revival already?”
“Can’t I just take a break from teaching my class for a while?”
“Please don’t ask me to help on this project.”
Complacency is your own failure to see the excitement in something. Bottom line, it’s the result of lagging behind the Lord in your daily walk.

Riley’s second issue may also inflict church-goers. He’s been hearing from other kids that school is no fun. He’s starting to believe it. And if he acts upon those beliefs, reality will fall right in line. School wont’ be fun if you know it’s not going to be fun. Do you know anyone who thinks about church like this? One sour attitude attracts others like a dead ‘possum attracts vultures. And I mean to draw parallels in just about all the ways you can think! Going to church is a terrible experience when you hang out with others who think the same thing. Sitting through a service is boring (I can’t stand the way people use that term to describe what is really their own lack of desire to get involved) when you sit back and do nothing.

Yes, it is true that God doesn’t change, but the depths of his character is beyond our ability to completely research during a lifetime. The Bible says his mercies are new every morning; so I believe each worship experience can be new and fresh even though you been to hundreds of them. You can listen to people who have a poor walk with Jesus, you can make up your mind before you get here, or you can come to church this weekend like it’s the first day.

The last week or so has been a span of hot, hot days. Temps reached 100+ and humidity was off the scale. But a front passed through yesterday and immediately the temperature and humidity were much lower. I think we all praised the Lord for the relief.

The transition between the hot weather and the cooler weather was accompanied by a storm. As the comforting air collides with the stifling air, a storm brews. The comforting air always wins.

Seems like this is the way our troubles are, too. At least my storms always seem to be the transition from turmoil to calm. The most difficult times in my life have been when I realized I needed to be closer to the Lord. God has always waited patiently for me and Satan has always put obstacles in the way. The result: epic storms.

Some people are afraid of storms. I understand that, but don’t be afraid of the storms that usher in the peace of God. Change is uncomfortable but what God’s Spirit will change you into is worth it.

Urgency

I spent about 90 minutes on a Facebook chat with a man who graduated from the same high school that I did but several years earlier. We didn’t really know each other but through a sequence of posts on Facebook we began the chat.

Regarding religion, he is Buddhist, it anything. He leaned that way but really didn’t believe anything.

I’m Christian and unashamedly so.

The chat was interesting.

I talked about salvation in Jesus Christ alone. He said he could embrace Christianity except for the part about Jesus being God. The problem is that you can’t be Christian and not believe that.

My friend was home in Arkansas for just a short time then returned overseas to teach. We had no contact since then.

I learned that he died earlier this week. To my knowledge, he had not embraced Jesus Christ for salvation. I hope there is something I don’t know and that he and I can strike up a friendship in heaven for eternity.

I learned something a year ago. Everyone wants love, forgiveness, and redemption. They may not know how to express that desire but that is an inner longing.

I learned something this week. The need to share the gospel with all people is an urgent need. Time is short. Eternity awaits us all.