REPORT ON BETTY – Betty had an MRI several weeks ago and a bone scan last week. When we saw the oncologist this Wednesday he said that her cancer was out of control. Friday she was to start a new chemo just approved by the FDA to see if it will turn things around but she was sick to her stomach all night and we had to cancel. I have rescheduled it for Tuesday. They haven’t told us of the potential side effects of this one yet but I suppose they will when we go in. Please pray for her, as it has been a long and discouraging battle.
MORE OIL – So much has been said by people fearing oil shortages. There is news coming out now that should relieve some of those fears if authorities will just take advantage of the opportunities. We started a church in North Dakota. Most of our people worked in the oil drilling industry. Though that has been a few years I often wondered why many wells were capped off rather than being used. There is some new news about their finding more oil in that area under a large lake and they are finding ways to drill outside the lake and then angled back into the reservoir under the lake. Environment issues were preventing drilling in the lake. Another item, my son Gary found a new item that you might find interesting to read about “seeping oil” that indicates there is far more oil around the world than first thought. If you are interested in learning about the growing amount of oil that contradicts the diminishing supply go to http://www.rense.com/general63/refil.htm you will find it interesting reading. I’d heard some things along these lines before. The thought that comes to my mind is that when God created this old world He provided adequate resources to take care of the growing population if we but learn about and take advantage of His provisions. Could this be an answer to the present oil prices reaching up to nearly $113.00 a barrel? This is something to think about.
ELEMENTARY MASSAGES – Can you believe this? Fox News reported on 4/15/08 of a school that has provided a room for elementary children to go and give massages to one another. I didn’t catch the item in time to write down where this school was located but I suppose if someone wanted to know bad enough where it is they could check with Fox to find out. That is quite an addition to elementary curriculum that we might pray doesn’t catch on. There are too many schools failing to properly teach English and math without adding something of this sort. I’ve been thinking about going to a massage therapist myself to see if it would help the neuropathy caused by my diabetes but I haven’t quite gotten up my courage to give it a try yet. Guess I wasn’t given the right incentive for that sort of thing when I was in grade school. (Smile)
A REVEALING AD – A TV ad I hear repeatedly certainly reveals the worldview today. It made such an impression on me that I don’t even remember the product it advertises and I really don’t want to know. Here it is, “I want if all, I want it all and I want it now.” This is a greedy world and so many are seeking all they can get and they want it immediately. People are hell bound with all their greed and immorality, demanding attitudes and practices rushing to an eternal damnation. I recall a friend years ago when we were driving together from Camas, Washington to Woodburn and Silverton, Oregon. We would be driving the speed limit on curving roads, and cars would go speeding past us and he would say, “Rush on fool, hell is only half full!” People are rushing to a terrible end and not even aware they are doing so.
THE POPE’S WEEK – President Bush’s official welcome of the Pope was a moving event with all the pomp and circumstance, hymns and music, instrumental and vocal. All the news this week has been dominated by the Pope with much fanfare, speeches, masses and crowds of people, many of whom traveled some distance to be able to see the Pope. The repeated apology for the pedophile acts of priests was long overdue and a welcome appeal. Pope Benedict apparently is quite an intellectual and seems to be a humble spirit, up to a point. The messages of love, peace and forgiveness are also welcome words in the face of all the bad news that fills our airways day after day. Even knowing the Pope’s opposition to abortion in the face of millions of murdered babies is refreshing as we observe the continual stance of Obama and Hillary’s defense of the practice. Having said all this, these events do not nullify the many differences of Roman Catholicism’s doctrinal and historic inaccuracies or the many the church has martyred among believers over the centuries. Something that always strikes me is the contrast between all the adoration of the Pope and the Apostle Peter whom the Popes claim to follow. Recalling the “man lame from his mother’s womb” in Acts 3 when Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” Compare that with all the expensive and colorful robes, crowns, etc. that was on display this week. Or, in Revelation 22 when John saw wondrous things the angel had shown him, John “fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he (the angel) said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, … Worship God.” Compare that with people bowing before the Pope and kissing his hand or ring. Even a mighty angel of God would not accept worship from man that belonged alone to God Almighty, yet the Pope accepts veneration from individuals and the gathered crowds. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE!
IMMIGRATION & OPPORTUNITY – I am opposed to the mass of illegal immigration from Mexico and elsewhere, believing they should follow the legal process of entering the country. At the same time I was reminded by the writings of Dr. Charles Woods this week of the opportunity that immigration affords us as Christians. We get so caught up in the political arguments relating to illegal immigration that we forget our responsibility to point lost souls to our Savior and the blessing of eternal life to all who will receive Him. In my mission challenges in numerous churches over the years I have made the point that with the dwindling of missionaries going abroad, God is bringing the masses to us in these United States that we might evangelize the world from right here at home. Baptist Church Planters is putting forth a real effort to reach Hispanics and to start churches through ministry to them. I would encourage you to check out this web sight: www.reachinghispanics.org that David Whitcher has established as our mission representative to the Hispanics. He is doing a great job and you might email him and ask to receive his prayer letters at david@whitchers.com Churches should be considering starting classes that teach Spanish so that our people can seek opportunities to witness to Hispanics. When I first moved to Ohio you seldom saw any Hispanics, now we see them all around us. We need to get back to the business of reaching the lost for Christ.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 2008 #2
VICTORY IN JESUS – In the last “Musings” I touched on the matter of clapping and shouting. Another event comes to mind. Shortly after taking the task of restoring the work of the church at Commercial Point I was called by the local pastor of the Free Will Baptist Church. They were about to close their doors and the pastor called to see if there might be some possibility of recommending the few remaining members attend our services. Before he could do so he had a question for me. I knew what he was going to ask and sure enough, the question was, “Do you teach eternal security?” I answered in the affirmative and his immediate response was, “I was afraid of that, I can’t recommend that our people attend your church.” It was just minutes after his call that I received another call from an elderly member of his church asking the same question. This dear Christian lady and her husband were hoping they could attend our church in the area where they lived. I laughed and told her that we did believe in and teach eternal security. I also asked she and her husband to visit our services and assured her that they would be welcome, adding that if she could accept the fact that I was a true believer in Christ believing in eternal security, I could believe that they were true Christians not believing in eternal security. She too laughed and decided to visit our services. They eventually joined out church, promising that they would not make this difference an issue. Anyway, after all that and getting back to my point, every time we sang “Victory In Jesus” her arm and hand would be extended and held there the whole time we sang it. No one else held their hand up and no one seemed to mind that she did. I knew she was simply expressing her faith and victory in Christ as her Savior. The practice has come from earlier days when she had been a part of the “Holiness Movement.”
AN OFFERING OF CANNED VEGETABLES – Strange things happen in churches. When I was at Rustic Hills Baptist Church in Colorado Springs an unusual woman started attending shortly after I had arrived as their missionary pastor. This was also before I had convinced the people to try using an offering box rather than pass the offering plates. When the offering plate was passed the woman put a can of vegetables in the plate. The usher could hardly believe his eyes and it about broke him up. I was told about this later and we wondered what that was all about. We didn’t know whether she didn’t have any money to give or if it was just one of those eccentric acts. She didn’t attend our services very many times and perhaps sought some other church that might fit her tastes. The three or so years that I pastored that work, before they were able to call a regular pastor, there was never a Sunday that we didn’t have visitors. It was a very unusual area with lots of people moving in, besides several military bases that changed their people around regularly.
HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND AS PARENTS – An elementary school in Reedsburg, Wisconsin schedules a “Wacky Week” on their calendar. One day was planned for a cross dressing day where boys were encouraged to wear girls clothes and the girls were to wear boys clothes. How would you react if your children attended that school? It has raised a lot of discussion in town and from a lot of outsiders as well. I don’t know if it would have raised as much fuss many years ago but today where we have so much promotion of homosexuality, cross gendering and people having surgical procedures to change their sex, it puts forth a wrong message. To me it seems like another occasion to try and disrupt Biblical premises when God created the order of men being men and women being women. God created us in His image to fulfill His purposes. To rebel and to promote something else eventually brings GodÂ’s judgment. Immorality brought the flood and Homosexuality brought judgment in Abraham and Lot’s day with fire and brimstone. With prayer and the Bible out of the schools and adding this kind of nonsense they are moving children’s thoughts in the wrong direction. My, how we need to pray for our nation! It is little wonder that so many Christian families are home schooling to protect their children from a liberal school system.
MC DONALDS – Over the years I have eaten a lot of McDonalds burgers and breakfast sandwiches but that has come to an end. Like the Ford Motor Company, McDonald has decided to promote the homosexual agenda. The American Family Association has sent out the following: “According to McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner, McDonalds will aggressively promote the homosexual agenda.”… “The company gave an undisclosed amount of money to the NGLCC in return for being recognized as a major promoter of the homosexual agenda. In return, NGLCC placed Richard Ellis, vice president of communications of McDonald’s USA, on the NGLCC Board of Directors.”… “Ellis was quoted as saying: “I’m thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce team and ready to get to work. I share the NGLCC’s passion for business growth and development within the LGBT community, and I look forward to playing a role in moving those important initiatives forward.” With homosexuals being less than ten per-cent of our population I wonder why businesses will jeopardize their businesses by take up this these immoral causes.
GRANDSON BEN IS HOME – After nearly three months in the hospital and a heart transplant Ben left the hospital on Wednesday morning. Praise the Lord! It has been a long siege for him and the family. For those who may not know, my grandson is the music director of a church in Stayton, Oregon. How long before he can get back to his ministry I haven’t heard yet. Please continue to pray for him as he regains his stamina. / Ben’s little boy Logan is doing pretty well with his chemo treatments though he has had some nausea from it. They alternated between treatments by infusion and oral chemo. / Ethel, my daughter in law has not gone back to work yet but is doing much better. I do appreciate your prayers for them. / Ben and Meaghan bought an older home just before his heart put him in the hospital. The price was something they could afford and near the church where they minister but it had problems. There was no heating system and they were trying to heat with wood. With all the dampness in Oregon and a leaky roof a mold problem developed when they were away at the hospital in Portland so long. Their church is trying to help them correct those problems and for now they are staying with his mother. Pray they can get worked through these additional difficulties.
SPRING HAS FINALLY ARRIVED – Our daffodils are in full bloom and the buds are coming out on the trees and shrubs. I was ready for it. I donÂ’t know whether spring or fall is my most favored time of the year but I do know I don’t care for the cold winters. Some are fortunate enough to go south for the winter but that is not an option for us. We have lots of small branches to pick up before we will be able to crank the mower up.
AN OFFERING OF CANNED VEGETABLES – Strange things happen in churches. When I was at Rustic Hills Baptist Church in Colorado Springs an unusual woman started attending shortly after I had arrived as their missionary pastor. This was also before I had convinced the people to try using an offering box rather than pass the offering plates. When the offering plate was passed the woman put a can of vegetables in the plate. The usher could hardly believe his eyes and it about broke him up. I was told about this later and we wondered what that was all about. We didn’t know whether she didn’t have any money to give or if it was just one of those eccentric acts. She didn’t attend our services very many times and perhaps sought some other church that might fit her tastes. The three or so years that I pastored that work, before they were able to call a regular pastor, there was never a Sunday that we didn’t have visitors. It was a very unusual area with lots of people moving in, besides several military bases that changed their people around regularly.
HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND AS PARENTS – An elementary school in Reedsburg, Wisconsin schedules a “Wacky Week” on their calendar. One day was planned for a cross dressing day where boys were encouraged to wear girls clothes and the girls were to wear boys clothes. How would you react if your children attended that school? It has raised a lot of discussion in town and from a lot of outsiders as well. I don’t know if it would have raised as much fuss many years ago but today where we have so much promotion of homosexuality, cross gendering and people having surgical procedures to change their sex, it puts forth a wrong message. To me it seems like another occasion to try and disrupt Biblical premises when God created the order of men being men and women being women. God created us in His image to fulfill His purposes. To rebel and to promote something else eventually brings GodÂ’s judgment. Immorality brought the flood and Homosexuality brought judgment in Abraham and Lot’s day with fire and brimstone. With prayer and the Bible out of the schools and adding this kind of nonsense they are moving children’s thoughts in the wrong direction. My, how we need to pray for our nation! It is little wonder that so many Christian families are home schooling to protect their children from a liberal school system.
MC DONALDS – Over the years I have eaten a lot of McDonalds burgers and breakfast sandwiches but that has come to an end. Like the Ford Motor Company, McDonald has decided to promote the homosexual agenda. The American Family Association has sent out the following: “According to McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner, McDonalds will aggressively promote the homosexual agenda.”… “The company gave an undisclosed amount of money to the NGLCC in return for being recognized as a major promoter of the homosexual agenda. In return, NGLCC placed Richard Ellis, vice president of communications of McDonald’s USA, on the NGLCC Board of Directors.”… “Ellis was quoted as saying: “I’m thrilled to join the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce team and ready to get to work. I share the NGLCC’s passion for business growth and development within the LGBT community, and I look forward to playing a role in moving those important initiatives forward.” With homosexuals being less than ten per-cent of our population I wonder why businesses will jeopardize their businesses by take up this these immoral causes.
GRANDSON BEN IS HOME – After nearly three months in the hospital and a heart transplant Ben left the hospital on Wednesday morning. Praise the Lord! It has been a long siege for him and the family. For those who may not know, my grandson is the music director of a church in Stayton, Oregon. How long before he can get back to his ministry I haven’t heard yet. Please continue to pray for him as he regains his stamina. / Ben’s little boy Logan is doing pretty well with his chemo treatments though he has had some nausea from it. They alternated between treatments by infusion and oral chemo. / Ethel, my daughter in law has not gone back to work yet but is doing much better. I do appreciate your prayers for them. / Ben and Meaghan bought an older home just before his heart put him in the hospital. The price was something they could afford and near the church where they minister but it had problems. There was no heating system and they were trying to heat with wood. With all the dampness in Oregon and a leaky roof a mold problem developed when they were away at the hospital in Portland so long. Their church is trying to help them correct those problems and for now they are staying with his mother. Pray they can get worked through these additional difficulties.
SPRING HAS FINALLY ARRIVED – Our daffodils are in full bloom and the buds are coming out on the trees and shrubs. I was ready for it. I donÂ’t know whether spring or fall is my most favored time of the year but I do know I don’t care for the cold winters. Some are fortunate enough to go south for the winter but that is not an option for us. We have lots of small branches to pick up before we will be able to crank the mower up.
Monday, April 7, 2008
April #1
NAME PROBLEMS – I took a package to UPS to ship and found things had changed. Where I use to fill out a shipping slip by hand you now have to use their computers. With a little help from the UPS clerk I finally got it done and the box being a bit heavy he carried it to the counter for me. He looked at the label and said, “Your shipping this for your wife?” I was a bit shocked, I had not mentioned my wife nor had I put her name on the label. Finally it dawned on me that the name “Leslie” registered female with him. Since ID is required I showed my drivers license and he apologized. I have the same problem with mail as it is often address “Ms Leslie Newell.” I was so named after my maternal grandfather who was “Leslie E. White.” So I ended up “Leslie George Newell” having my middle name give after me paternal grandfather. As a child I had a classmate named “Lester” that I did not like and I always hated it when people would call me “Lester.” I am not a “Lester,” I am a “Leslie.” I loved both my grandfathers and did not mind being named after them even though I had nothing to do with it. From time to time I meet a woman named “Leslie” and they are a bit surprised I have the same name. Please don’t call me Ms. or Lester. Like my grandfather I am usually called “Les” any more, it saves a bit of confusion.
SELECTIVE ART CLASS – The Fox News this week told of a school art class forbidding a drawing with the cross in it. For some reason they didnÂ’t reveal where the school was or else I missed that part. The teacher had even tried to get students to sign a document agreeing to not submit religious art. At the same time another student presented a drawing with demonic or satanic characters that was perfectly acceptable. I have news for that teacher, both the cross, demons and Satan are religious characters clearly portrayed in our Bibles. This simple goes to the devilish turns things have taken in our present day when evil is acceptable but morality and religion (at least not Christianity) is not. I think this teacher needs an advance course in education that might make her aware that satanic cults and atheistic groups gather to promote their vile
Religions.
DENOMINATIONAL EXPENSES – This isn’t new but it was brought to my attention again recently. Denominational ties can be expensive. One small church of maybe 100 in attendance is required to pay annual dues of nearly $15,000.00 to their Conference plus another $2,300.00 plus to their district. Years ago I used to deliver mail from another denomination that sent out bills to their members that created some hard feelings among their members. How thankful I am for our Baptist heritage and the workings of free will offerings and biblical teachings relating to a tithe and giving according to God’s blessing on our lives. The current 2-3% giving of people in this country is shameful, giving as though God had not blessed them. A tithe is just the beginning of biblical giving that God richly blesses without denomination demands. It is also sad when churches belong to their associations or fellowships but fail to support them even with a small gift. God has always been gracious to us in the area of giving and providing our needs on a faith basis. When we honor God and give out of love for his gracious salvation, He cares for His own. I remember the struggle of learning to give but once that trusting relationship was started we found that God far out gave us over the years.
HAND CLAPPING – Previously in these “Musings” I have discussed the matter of hand clapping or applause for those who bring special music in church and my preference of a hearty “Amen” when we are blessed or in accord with those who so serve the Lord. I also know there are churches that clap to the music, something that really doesn’t appeal to me personally. We often hear of black churches that so involve themselves in their church music. Having said all of this, I was struck by this matter when re-reading Psalm 47:1-2, “OH, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Here we have clapping and shouting both. Not in recognition of human service or to keep rhythm with the music but rather a recognition and acknowledgement of our “awesome” God and His Son Who will one day reign as King over “all the earth.” The day will come when all believers will joyfully “clap” and “shout” in recognition of our great God and Savior King. I can visualize the moment (and much longer) when believers will stand before our victorious and holy King applauding His presence and position of authority over all the earth. It will be a time when all lawlessness will be ended and corrupt governments will be brought under His rule. I am not sure how similar exercises might be portrayed today in church services. I wish I could visualize how this was practiced in Israel’s zenith. It is just something to think about.
CLOSED SESSION – Last month there was a “Special Closed Session” of the U.S. House of Representatives supposedly to discuss the pending security surveillance provisions. We didn’t hear much follow up about it in the news media. The reality is that much more was discussed about the coming collapse of the U.S. economy by September of this year and the steps needed to be taken because of possible consequences. There was also discussion about a possible merger with Canada and Mexico and the issuance of a new currency, “The Amero.” Members of the Congress were forbidden to reveal what was discussed. However some were so furious and concerned about the future of the nation that they have started leaking information. It is a frightening situation pointing more and more to the coming one world government prophesied in the Scriptures. Since the media has not reported on this you might want to go to the inter-net as I did and glean the information. Simply type in “Special Closed Session of U.S. House of Representatives” and you will find a lot of sights to search sharing the leaked information. How accurate all this is I don’t know but you may want to get your financial house in order and be looking up for the Savior’s return. Rejoice in the fact that God is in control.
SELECTIVE ART CLASS – The Fox News this week told of a school art class forbidding a drawing with the cross in it. For some reason they didnÂ’t reveal where the school was or else I missed that part. The teacher had even tried to get students to sign a document agreeing to not submit religious art. At the same time another student presented a drawing with demonic or satanic characters that was perfectly acceptable. I have news for that teacher, both the cross, demons and Satan are religious characters clearly portrayed in our Bibles. This simple goes to the devilish turns things have taken in our present day when evil is acceptable but morality and religion (at least not Christianity) is not. I think this teacher needs an advance course in education that might make her aware that satanic cults and atheistic groups gather to promote their vile
Religions.
DENOMINATIONAL EXPENSES – This isn’t new but it was brought to my attention again recently. Denominational ties can be expensive. One small church of maybe 100 in attendance is required to pay annual dues of nearly $15,000.00 to their Conference plus another $2,300.00 plus to their district. Years ago I used to deliver mail from another denomination that sent out bills to their members that created some hard feelings among their members. How thankful I am for our Baptist heritage and the workings of free will offerings and biblical teachings relating to a tithe and giving according to God’s blessing on our lives. The current 2-3% giving of people in this country is shameful, giving as though God had not blessed them. A tithe is just the beginning of biblical giving that God richly blesses without denomination demands. It is also sad when churches belong to their associations or fellowships but fail to support them even with a small gift. God has always been gracious to us in the area of giving and providing our needs on a faith basis. When we honor God and give out of love for his gracious salvation, He cares for His own. I remember the struggle of learning to give but once that trusting relationship was started we found that God far out gave us over the years.
HAND CLAPPING – Previously in these “Musings” I have discussed the matter of hand clapping or applause for those who bring special music in church and my preference of a hearty “Amen” when we are blessed or in accord with those who so serve the Lord. I also know there are churches that clap to the music, something that really doesn’t appeal to me personally. We often hear of black churches that so involve themselves in their church music. Having said all of this, I was struck by this matter when re-reading Psalm 47:1-2, “OH, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Here we have clapping and shouting both. Not in recognition of human service or to keep rhythm with the music but rather a recognition and acknowledgement of our “awesome” God and His Son Who will one day reign as King over “all the earth.” The day will come when all believers will joyfully “clap” and “shout” in recognition of our great God and Savior King. I can visualize the moment (and much longer) when believers will stand before our victorious and holy King applauding His presence and position of authority over all the earth. It will be a time when all lawlessness will be ended and corrupt governments will be brought under His rule. I am not sure how similar exercises might be portrayed today in church services. I wish I could visualize how this was practiced in Israel’s zenith. It is just something to think about.
CLOSED SESSION – Last month there was a “Special Closed Session” of the U.S. House of Representatives supposedly to discuss the pending security surveillance provisions. We didn’t hear much follow up about it in the news media. The reality is that much more was discussed about the coming collapse of the U.S. economy by September of this year and the steps needed to be taken because of possible consequences. There was also discussion about a possible merger with Canada and Mexico and the issuance of a new currency, “The Amero.” Members of the Congress were forbidden to reveal what was discussed. However some were so furious and concerned about the future of the nation that they have started leaking information. It is a frightening situation pointing more and more to the coming one world government prophesied in the Scriptures. Since the media has not reported on this you might want to go to the inter-net as I did and glean the information. Simply type in “Special Closed Session of U.S. House of Representatives” and you will find a lot of sights to search sharing the leaked information. How accurate all this is I don’t know but you may want to get your financial house in order and be looking up for the Savior’s return. Rejoice in the fact that God is in control.
Monday, March 31, 2008
March 2008 #5
WORTH READING – I have just finished reading “The Final Move Beyond Iraq” by Mike Evans and published by Front Line. It has been on the best sellers list, etc. The man has had contact with people high up in government in this country, Iraq, Israel and elsewhere. His insights as a Christian, into the problems in Iraq are amazing. An answer as to how to better deal with the problem through the use of the Kurds makes great sense but I don’t imagine it will ever happen. The reality he shares about the open borders with Iran that allow the situation to continue is frightening. If the Democrats win this up coming presidency and withdraw our troops, there is going to be one of the worst holocausts the world has ever seen. Though his words did not present the thought, it appears to me that we could be closer to the Great Tribulation than most people realize. It all makes us, as Christians realize our Lord’s coming is very near. Keep looking up.
INTELLECT & KNOWLEDGE – A thought that has come to me recently as I evaluate peoples lostness follows: As I observe and hear the world’s intellectuals, who have the wealth of today’s expanding knowledge, they don’t arrive at the right answers. The world’s wisdom doesn’t get people any closer to resolving the expanding problems that surround us. There is a reason for this, they don’t have the spiritual base to properly evaluate and deal with all the knowledge they have and they arrive at the wrong conclusions. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit (and the Trinity) within, they cannot possibly resolve the conditions that exist. Some examples: Our government is so politically divided between Republicans and Democrats that they can’t work together to solve the tremendous problems of the day. They seek to improve our educational system but destroy the moral values that would solve many of its problems. They can’t see the need or find a solution to protecting our borders or to deal with immigration or terrorists. Their divided concerns of the economy actually create the recession they fear and talk about. Multitudes seek solace from false religions that blind them to the truth and to thinking they have found peace while they are actually headed for an eternal hell. We have an energy crisis but can’t see the need to utilize our own available resources. It is an amazing reality, a mind-boggling fact that they bind their own capabilities.
A CRASH EFFORT NEEDED – During the Second World War I remember the crash effort undertaken to develop the nuclear bomb. The Germans were working on developing one, some of their scientists escaped and aided in our effort and through the exertion of a special drive or emphasis we were able to develop it before the Germans did. We then used it to destroy two Japanese cities that brought the war to an end. For all of Barack Obama’s Pastor Jeremiah Wright’s accusations against America for doing so, thousands of American lives were saved in so doing. Further, the unleashing of atomic or nuclear energy opened the door to a new form of energy that we have only partially utilized and limited due to environmentalists fear mongers. If under emergency circumstances the above was accomplished, why doesn’t our government put forth a crash effort to resolve the present oil crisis? They tell us about hydrogen energy potentials. There are the hybrid cars that are presently too expensive to make their use practical for the general population, etc. We need the extreme efforts to develop our own resources and to utilize what we presently know to end our dependence upon oil that is enriching our enemies. Think about the following and tell me why it happened. During the 1950’s Ford had a carburetor that produced better than twice the mileage of today’s cars but shelved it rather than installing it in cars. For some reason, Ford and our government, doesn’t really want to resolve the present energy crisis. More than likely it is greed and most certainly a lack of any real vision for the future or for our preservation as a nation.
PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT – I am encouraged by this humble effort of putting out these weekly “Musings.” Comments keep coming back to me of people enjoying them and reports of occasionally being used as illustrations in other sermons or teachings. At least they are stirring a little thought; mine if no one else’s. I would appreciate your sharing them with others and giving me new email addresses of those who might enjoy them to add to my list.
SIMPLE STUDIES – When B.M.N.A went down I purchased the rights to publish the “Simple Studies In Christian Essentials” that J. Irving Reese prepared for F.B.H. M. years earlier. When I sold out all that I bought from the mission, I reprinted it with a new cover. Many churches, especially Black churches now, use them for their new convert and members classes. There are eleven lessons: (1) Salvation, Or, ‘What It Means to Be Saved; (2) Prayer In the Life of A Christian; (3) How To Use the Bible; (4) The Ordinance of Baptism; (5) The Ordinance of Communion; (6) The Grace of Giving; (7) The Church; (8) Temptation, and How To Meet It; (9) Christian Separation; (10) The Work of A Christian; and (11) Aids To Christian Living. I’ve used them for years, as have many others who now may have forgotten about them. They retail for $2.75, much less than what many charge for similar sized booklets. I sold them at quantities prices varying down to $1.25 when buying 51 or more plus shipping. I am now going to cut back on the price to $1.00 plus shipping no matter how many are purchased. When they are gone I don’t know that I will republish them, wanting to cut back and clear things out. A suggestion for those who may want to do what I do, keep a supply on hand to give to people who come to your door, such as J.W.’s, Mormons, or just service people. It is a way to get God’s Work into people’s hands because the booklet is basically outlines of the above topics, just loaded with Scripture references.
FAMILY REPORT – Betty’s MRI report showed bone tumors on her back. Next week they are going to do a three-hour bone scan. / Ben’s new heart is working great. However, he is having real problems with nausea when eating and is still on a feeding tube. He won’t be able to go home until they resolve this eating problem. / Little Logan has done pretty well taking chemo by infusion and orally for his brain-stem tumor but has had some nausea. / Ethel has been having more intestinal problems, not the same as the surgery for a blockage during John’s funeral, but rather with diverticulitus of the colon. She was helping take care of Logan and Emma but can no longer do so and has not been able to go back to work. / Patty is also going through some problems and will have a surgical biopsy procedure Monday for a pre cancerous condition I don’t know how to spell. / Me, I haven’t said much about it, but I continue to have balance problems and what I call a fuzzy headedness that several doctors and an MRI have found no answers for. Our family needs much prayer!
INTELLECT & KNOWLEDGE – A thought that has come to me recently as I evaluate peoples lostness follows: As I observe and hear the world’s intellectuals, who have the wealth of today’s expanding knowledge, they don’t arrive at the right answers. The world’s wisdom doesn’t get people any closer to resolving the expanding problems that surround us. There is a reason for this, they don’t have the spiritual base to properly evaluate and deal with all the knowledge they have and they arrive at the wrong conclusions. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit (and the Trinity) within, they cannot possibly resolve the conditions that exist. Some examples: Our government is so politically divided between Republicans and Democrats that they can’t work together to solve the tremendous problems of the day. They seek to improve our educational system but destroy the moral values that would solve many of its problems. They can’t see the need or find a solution to protecting our borders or to deal with immigration or terrorists. Their divided concerns of the economy actually create the recession they fear and talk about. Multitudes seek solace from false religions that blind them to the truth and to thinking they have found peace while they are actually headed for an eternal hell. We have an energy crisis but can’t see the need to utilize our own available resources. It is an amazing reality, a mind-boggling fact that they bind their own capabilities.
A CRASH EFFORT NEEDED – During the Second World War I remember the crash effort undertaken to develop the nuclear bomb. The Germans were working on developing one, some of their scientists escaped and aided in our effort and through the exertion of a special drive or emphasis we were able to develop it before the Germans did. We then used it to destroy two Japanese cities that brought the war to an end. For all of Barack Obama’s Pastor Jeremiah Wright’s accusations against America for doing so, thousands of American lives were saved in so doing. Further, the unleashing of atomic or nuclear energy opened the door to a new form of energy that we have only partially utilized and limited due to environmentalists fear mongers. If under emergency circumstances the above was accomplished, why doesn’t our government put forth a crash effort to resolve the present oil crisis? They tell us about hydrogen energy potentials. There are the hybrid cars that are presently too expensive to make their use practical for the general population, etc. We need the extreme efforts to develop our own resources and to utilize what we presently know to end our dependence upon oil that is enriching our enemies. Think about the following and tell me why it happened. During the 1950’s Ford had a carburetor that produced better than twice the mileage of today’s cars but shelved it rather than installing it in cars. For some reason, Ford and our government, doesn’t really want to resolve the present energy crisis. More than likely it is greed and most certainly a lack of any real vision for the future or for our preservation as a nation.
PERSONAL ENCOURAGEMENT – I am encouraged by this humble effort of putting out these weekly “Musings.” Comments keep coming back to me of people enjoying them and reports of occasionally being used as illustrations in other sermons or teachings. At least they are stirring a little thought; mine if no one else’s. I would appreciate your sharing them with others and giving me new email addresses of those who might enjoy them to add to my list.
SIMPLE STUDIES – When B.M.N.A went down I purchased the rights to publish the “Simple Studies In Christian Essentials” that J. Irving Reese prepared for F.B.H. M. years earlier. When I sold out all that I bought from the mission, I reprinted it with a new cover. Many churches, especially Black churches now, use them for their new convert and members classes. There are eleven lessons: (1) Salvation, Or, ‘What It Means to Be Saved; (2) Prayer In the Life of A Christian; (3) How To Use the Bible; (4) The Ordinance of Baptism; (5) The Ordinance of Communion; (6) The Grace of Giving; (7) The Church; (8) Temptation, and How To Meet It; (9) Christian Separation; (10) The Work of A Christian; and (11) Aids To Christian Living. I’ve used them for years, as have many others who now may have forgotten about them. They retail for $2.75, much less than what many charge for similar sized booklets. I sold them at quantities prices varying down to $1.25 when buying 51 or more plus shipping. I am now going to cut back on the price to $1.00 plus shipping no matter how many are purchased. When they are gone I don’t know that I will republish them, wanting to cut back and clear things out. A suggestion for those who may want to do what I do, keep a supply on hand to give to people who come to your door, such as J.W.’s, Mormons, or just service people. It is a way to get God’s Work into people’s hands because the booklet is basically outlines of the above topics, just loaded with Scripture references.
FAMILY REPORT – Betty’s MRI report showed bone tumors on her back. Next week they are going to do a three-hour bone scan. / Ben’s new heart is working great. However, he is having real problems with nausea when eating and is still on a feeding tube. He won’t be able to go home until they resolve this eating problem. / Little Logan has done pretty well taking chemo by infusion and orally for his brain-stem tumor but has had some nausea. / Ethel has been having more intestinal problems, not the same as the surgery for a blockage during John’s funeral, but rather with diverticulitus of the colon. She was helping take care of Logan and Emma but can no longer do so and has not been able to go back to work. / Patty is also going through some problems and will have a surgical biopsy procedure Monday for a pre cancerous condition I don’t know how to spell. / Me, I haven’t said much about it, but I continue to have balance problems and what I call a fuzzy headedness that several doctors and an MRI have found no answers for. Our family needs much prayer!
March 2008 #4
GOOD FRIDAY – I attended Good Friday services at our church Friday evening. The service lasted just an hour and clearly portrayed the purpose of the service to reveal the cross and Christ’s death on behalf of our sins. As much as I enjoyed the service and fellowship with other believers who were remembering the blessed event, I am still from the old school and have a problem with the timing. In years gone by evangelicals did not hold Good Friday services, only those that had followed the Catholic Church calendar and their practices of the past. Relating to the timing Matthew 12:40 says, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” I have difficulty getting three nights and three days from Friday until Sunday morning when Christ arose from the grave. I know the typical explanation of Jewish counting of any part of the three days and three nights even though the actual times had not transpired. I guess I am too much of a literalist to buy into that nor does my addition fit into that timing. There are those who have had the ability to search out the matter, coming up with an understanding of a different day for Christ’s death that fits the verse mentioned above. Most, these days, have decided it is easier to go with the trend and maintain a Good Friday Service. I am not trying to create problems, I just wanting to keep the record straight so no questions are raised as to the validity of the Scriptures in the light of our practices. When the Bible says that Christ would be “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” that is exactly how it actually happened. Whatever calendar we follow, it does not invalidate the validity of the Scriptures. Enough said!
QUESTION OF FOODS AND DAYS – This week I was reading Romans 14 again. As I did I recalled the debates and discussions of the past when Christians talked about which day of the week we should worship and whether we should eat pork or not. I remember as a teenager living with friends during my junior year in high school. A visitor was coming to the home and great care was being taken to not serve pork for the meal since the lady was a Seventh Day Adventists and they believed it was wrong to eat pork. If I understand correctly Jews were not allowed to eat pork, as it was an unclean meat and so forbidden in the Old Testament Scriptures. Along the same lines Jews were to keep the Sabbath Day, which was Saturday. Jews today still keep a Saturday Sabbath as do Seventh Day Adventists and a few Seventh Day Baptists. When you read Romans 14 the Apostle Paul was dealing with such problems when he wrote, “RECEIVE one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.” (Vs. 1) Then in Vs. 3, “Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him that does not eat judge him who eats’ for God has received him.” Then verses 5 & 6 deals with observing different days. What I find interesting is that I don’t hear much discussion about these issues these days. Some younger Christians have probably never even known these matters to be issues. I think it partly depends on where you live as to whether you run into these discussions. I have lived in enough different places now that I have run into all the various religions that raise discussions but I realize many have not. Still we need to read this chapter and to be familiar with how we are to react to these issues when they come up. God has given us great liberty and we need to be understanding of others who are weak in faith and not cause them to stumble. At the same time we need to be guarded in that we do not find ourselves condoning false teachings. It makes a great study.
MORE ON DEPUTATION – Last week I spoke about deputation. Though I may be repetitive of other occasions, wanting to be helpful to the many missionaries on my mailing list I want to add an additional thought. The ministry of deputation never ends for missionaries. Even when full support is obtained there are always losses when churches get into trouble and drop their missionary support. The same happens with individuals who support missionaries when changes come in their circumstances and they cannot continue support. Consequently this is an unending effort through prayer letters and required travel. As a home missionary I don’t ever remember taking a vacation just for the sake of needing a vacation. There were always speaking engagements along the way to report to supporting churches and to give the challenge of missions in new churches. It was not just the matter of support, it was a desire to preach and teach, sharing the need to witness and share the gospel with a lost world. God’s people were always gracious with us in opening their doors and hearts to us. That common bond in Christ is priceless and we can seldom travel without finding someone who knows us.
A FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY – We were recently contacted about participating in one of our churches 40th anniversary. With the Lord’s help in 1967 we slid in on the ice and snow on Thanksgiving Day in Williston, ND. They had Thanksgiving dinner waiting for us when we arrived. God gave us a great work in Williston, starting with the 3 or 4 families that had asked for our help. The attendance was in the eighties when we departed in 1970, having led them through the process of calling their first regular pastor. Sadly we are not able to be with them on April 13th. I just don’t feel up to that long drive alone and I cannot leave Betty alone for the time it would take to make the round trip. They have gone through their ups and downs during the preceding years but are now building back up. There is only one person in the church that was there when we were there as so many have moved on to other places. Pray for this church, Calvary Baptist and their pastor B. J. Hampton, as they have this special celebration.
COUNCIL MEETING – This months annual Council meeting of Baptist Church Planters is the first meeting I have not attended since the mission was founded with the exception of one year when we were out west on deputation. It didn’t feel quite right not going but that is life and the changes that come our way.. Please remember Baptist Church Planters in your prayers and their efforts to start new churches across the nation. As sad as it was when B.M.N.A. closed I cannot help but believe God used that to start the new mission and the new ministries that have opened up. Just the new approach that puts a percentage of missionaries on the Council was a great step forward that many thought couldn’t be successfully done. Praise the Lord!
QUESTION OF FOODS AND DAYS – This week I was reading Romans 14 again. As I did I recalled the debates and discussions of the past when Christians talked about which day of the week we should worship and whether we should eat pork or not. I remember as a teenager living with friends during my junior year in high school. A visitor was coming to the home and great care was being taken to not serve pork for the meal since the lady was a Seventh Day Adventists and they believed it was wrong to eat pork. If I understand correctly Jews were not allowed to eat pork, as it was an unclean meat and so forbidden in the Old Testament Scriptures. Along the same lines Jews were to keep the Sabbath Day, which was Saturday. Jews today still keep a Saturday Sabbath as do Seventh Day Adventists and a few Seventh Day Baptists. When you read Romans 14 the Apostle Paul was dealing with such problems when he wrote, “RECEIVE one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.” (Vs. 1) Then in Vs. 3, “Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him that does not eat judge him who eats’ for God has received him.” Then verses 5 & 6 deals with observing different days. What I find interesting is that I don’t hear much discussion about these issues these days. Some younger Christians have probably never even known these matters to be issues. I think it partly depends on where you live as to whether you run into these discussions. I have lived in enough different places now that I have run into all the various religions that raise discussions but I realize many have not. Still we need to read this chapter and to be familiar with how we are to react to these issues when they come up. God has given us great liberty and we need to be understanding of others who are weak in faith and not cause them to stumble. At the same time we need to be guarded in that we do not find ourselves condoning false teachings. It makes a great study.
MORE ON DEPUTATION – Last week I spoke about deputation. Though I may be repetitive of other occasions, wanting to be helpful to the many missionaries on my mailing list I want to add an additional thought. The ministry of deputation never ends for missionaries. Even when full support is obtained there are always losses when churches get into trouble and drop their missionary support. The same happens with individuals who support missionaries when changes come in their circumstances and they cannot continue support. Consequently this is an unending effort through prayer letters and required travel. As a home missionary I don’t ever remember taking a vacation just for the sake of needing a vacation. There were always speaking engagements along the way to report to supporting churches and to give the challenge of missions in new churches. It was not just the matter of support, it was a desire to preach and teach, sharing the need to witness and share the gospel with a lost world. God’s people were always gracious with us in opening their doors and hearts to us. That common bond in Christ is priceless and we can seldom travel without finding someone who knows us.
A FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY – We were recently contacted about participating in one of our churches 40th anniversary. With the Lord’s help in 1967 we slid in on the ice and snow on Thanksgiving Day in Williston, ND. They had Thanksgiving dinner waiting for us when we arrived. God gave us a great work in Williston, starting with the 3 or 4 families that had asked for our help. The attendance was in the eighties when we departed in 1970, having led them through the process of calling their first regular pastor. Sadly we are not able to be with them on April 13th. I just don’t feel up to that long drive alone and I cannot leave Betty alone for the time it would take to make the round trip. They have gone through their ups and downs during the preceding years but are now building back up. There is only one person in the church that was there when we were there as so many have moved on to other places. Pray for this church, Calvary Baptist and their pastor B. J. Hampton, as they have this special celebration.
COUNCIL MEETING – This months annual Council meeting of Baptist Church Planters is the first meeting I have not attended since the mission was founded with the exception of one year when we were out west on deputation. It didn’t feel quite right not going but that is life and the changes that come our way.. Please remember Baptist Church Planters in your prayers and their efforts to start new churches across the nation. As sad as it was when B.M.N.A. closed I cannot help but believe God used that to start the new mission and the new ministries that have opened up. Just the new approach that puts a percentage of missionaries on the Council was a great step forward that many thought couldn’t be successfully done. Praise the Lord!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
March 2008 #3
A SAD, SAD DAY – Before I resigned from Grace Baptist Church in Sunbury 4 years ago we endeavored to close the church and sell the properties to be used in helping other works of like faith. By one vote we failed to accomplish the task because a couple that had not attended the services for several months participated in secret meetings to gather the people to prevent such a decision when the called business meeting was scheduled. He wanted the work for himself and he got it, but he was not able to handle it and turned it over to a friend who was a Grace Brethren pastor who illegally changed the church into a Grace Brethren Church. That was contrary to the churches constitution. March 10, 2008 this same man was charged with raping a fifteen-year-old girl who had come to the church offices for help with her studies. His picture and that of the church building has been shown on TV news several times. Thankfully, there was no longer a Baptist Church sign on the property. The few remaining people would have been far wiser to have closed the church and allowed the resources to be used to promoted works of like faith.
NEW CARS OR OLDER USED CARS – A good number of years ago I decided to make the effort to purchase new cars rather than used cars. I was not always able to do so but for the most part I was able to do so. I know some had raised eyebrows over my doing so. Here was my reasoning: I am not mechanically inclined, nor did I have the tools necessary to try and maintain an older car. Further, being in the Lord’s work that often required doing visitation and taking others to meetings, I needed a dependable vehicle. I had also observed pastors spending much time trying to repair and maintain their older cars. I had known some who drove older cars that broke down while caring children or young people to camp and youth meetings. That was trouble I didn’t want to have, nor did I consider it a wise chance to take. We never had a large income that might justify purchasing new cars but when you begin comparing the cost of parts, repairs, tools and the expenditure of time, I decided it was less expensive to make care payments.
WOULD YOU CHANGE CHURCHES – Up to now Barack Obama has gotten a free ride by the liberal media and his popularity has exploded in the Democratic primary race. The tide for Obama may now be changing as he now finds himself under fire for his church membership and the hate America sermons of his pastor and mentor, Jeremiah Wright. I cannot imagine a pastor, black or white, in these United States of America, repeatedly crying out “God d—n America” and accusing our government of purposely spreading HIV among blacks and saying the chickens have come home to roost when over 3000 died on 9-11. On and on the news media (particularly Fox) are playing video segments of Wright’s sermons and his accusations against the nation. They are appalling. Obama is claiming to have never been present when these types of sermons were preached. I canÂ’t imagine being a member of a church for twenty years and not being aware of this type of preaching. Barack has now publicly denounced or repudiated Pastor Wright’s radical preaching. Personally, if I found myself a member of such a church I’d make a quick departure and seek out a different one to attend. I don’t know how Obama will be able to escape the necessity of leaving the Trinity United Church of Christ while continuing to seek the presidency. If he does end his membership he will then probably be accused by some of doing so for political expediency rather than for personal convictions. Barack Obama has a serious problem that goes far beyond his liberal politics.
DEPUTATION & FULL SUPPORT FOR HOME MISSIONARIES – I have observed over the years missionaries that shunned deputation and endeavored to start churches on a part time basis. Some said it was too difficult for home missionaries to gain full support. I believe some lacked the faith to believe God was able to meet their needs as they left secular work behind to undertake deputation. Others simply wanted to cling to their particular employment as they ministered in the local church. It is a known fact that church planters here at home do have a more difficult task in raising support than those going to a foreign field or for those having a specialty ministry at home such as ethnic or deaf ministries. I did find myself dealing with the attitude of some churches that felt the home missionary could always take a secular job to support their ministries, something that missionaries going abroad could not do. Most countries will not allow missionaries to take up secular employment. Going beyond that kind of mindset, a home missionary without full support limits their capability of establishing a church, not being able to put in the time and effort necessary to accomplish the task. There are many little struggling churches that never got off the ground and continue to struggle for years due to the inability of the church planter to put his full efforts into the establishment of the work. The task of deputation and raising full support is not easy but the home missionary, the same as for the foreign missionary, can do it even if it does take longer to do so. There is a certain security and peace of mind that comes from having full support as well as being able to put the proper time and effort into the start of a work. In many church plants problems arise where the missionary has to take a stand for principle and sound doctrine and not be threatened by the loss of salary from the local work by taking the necessary stand. Many a pastor and under supported missionaries have been forced to leave in the face of such circumstances in order to meet the needs of his family. Thankfully, home mission agencies are taking a more forceful stand on requiring the obtaining of full support by their approved candidates. If God calls someone to ministry He also provides for him to do so. If you don’t have the type of faith to believe God will provide, maybe you shouldn’t become a home missionary.
MORE ON THE ABOVE – Having said the above, I want to also recognize there are exceptions to what I have said. Sometimes there are circumstances where God may lead an individual to support his ministry through secular work. There may be health issues, family issues and assorted matters that God will use and bless. Even though the tasks may appear to be difficult undertakings that combine ministry and secular work. I have had to do both, ministry and secular work in the early days of my ministry. That was a learning time for me. I have observed others that have had an amazing amount of stamina to do both but they are rare souls. Home mission agencies like Baptist Church Planters are now opening up ministries for those who take up support ministries with church planting missionaries, supporting the team ministry by their secular work. Retirees are filling in the gaps with short-term ministries, etc. that are proving very effective. God uses willing servants in many different circumstances and capacities, so don’t think I am being judgmental by the previous paragraph.
NEW CARS OR OLDER USED CARS – A good number of years ago I decided to make the effort to purchase new cars rather than used cars. I was not always able to do so but for the most part I was able to do so. I know some had raised eyebrows over my doing so. Here was my reasoning: I am not mechanically inclined, nor did I have the tools necessary to try and maintain an older car. Further, being in the Lord’s work that often required doing visitation and taking others to meetings, I needed a dependable vehicle. I had also observed pastors spending much time trying to repair and maintain their older cars. I had known some who drove older cars that broke down while caring children or young people to camp and youth meetings. That was trouble I didn’t want to have, nor did I consider it a wise chance to take. We never had a large income that might justify purchasing new cars but when you begin comparing the cost of parts, repairs, tools and the expenditure of time, I decided it was less expensive to make care payments.
WOULD YOU CHANGE CHURCHES – Up to now Barack Obama has gotten a free ride by the liberal media and his popularity has exploded in the Democratic primary race. The tide for Obama may now be changing as he now finds himself under fire for his church membership and the hate America sermons of his pastor and mentor, Jeremiah Wright. I cannot imagine a pastor, black or white, in these United States of America, repeatedly crying out “God d—n America” and accusing our government of purposely spreading HIV among blacks and saying the chickens have come home to roost when over 3000 died on 9-11. On and on the news media (particularly Fox) are playing video segments of Wright’s sermons and his accusations against the nation. They are appalling. Obama is claiming to have never been present when these types of sermons were preached. I canÂ’t imagine being a member of a church for twenty years and not being aware of this type of preaching. Barack has now publicly denounced or repudiated Pastor Wright’s radical preaching. Personally, if I found myself a member of such a church I’d make a quick departure and seek out a different one to attend. I don’t know how Obama will be able to escape the necessity of leaving the Trinity United Church of Christ while continuing to seek the presidency. If he does end his membership he will then probably be accused by some of doing so for political expediency rather than for personal convictions. Barack Obama has a serious problem that goes far beyond his liberal politics.
DEPUTATION & FULL SUPPORT FOR HOME MISSIONARIES – I have observed over the years missionaries that shunned deputation and endeavored to start churches on a part time basis. Some said it was too difficult for home missionaries to gain full support. I believe some lacked the faith to believe God was able to meet their needs as they left secular work behind to undertake deputation. Others simply wanted to cling to their particular employment as they ministered in the local church. It is a known fact that church planters here at home do have a more difficult task in raising support than those going to a foreign field or for those having a specialty ministry at home such as ethnic or deaf ministries. I did find myself dealing with the attitude of some churches that felt the home missionary could always take a secular job to support their ministries, something that missionaries going abroad could not do. Most countries will not allow missionaries to take up secular employment. Going beyond that kind of mindset, a home missionary without full support limits their capability of establishing a church, not being able to put in the time and effort necessary to accomplish the task. There are many little struggling churches that never got off the ground and continue to struggle for years due to the inability of the church planter to put his full efforts into the establishment of the work. The task of deputation and raising full support is not easy but the home missionary, the same as for the foreign missionary, can do it even if it does take longer to do so. There is a certain security and peace of mind that comes from having full support as well as being able to put the proper time and effort into the start of a work. In many church plants problems arise where the missionary has to take a stand for principle and sound doctrine and not be threatened by the loss of salary from the local work by taking the necessary stand. Many a pastor and under supported missionaries have been forced to leave in the face of such circumstances in order to meet the needs of his family. Thankfully, home mission agencies are taking a more forceful stand on requiring the obtaining of full support by their approved candidates. If God calls someone to ministry He also provides for him to do so. If you don’t have the type of faith to believe God will provide, maybe you shouldn’t become a home missionary.
MORE ON THE ABOVE – Having said the above, I want to also recognize there are exceptions to what I have said. Sometimes there are circumstances where God may lead an individual to support his ministry through secular work. There may be health issues, family issues and assorted matters that God will use and bless. Even though the tasks may appear to be difficult undertakings that combine ministry and secular work. I have had to do both, ministry and secular work in the early days of my ministry. That was a learning time for me. I have observed others that have had an amazing amount of stamina to do both but they are rare souls. Home mission agencies like Baptist Church Planters are now opening up ministries for those who take up support ministries with church planting missionaries, supporting the team ministry by their secular work. Retirees are filling in the gaps with short-term ministries, etc. that are proving very effective. God uses willing servants in many different circumstances and capacities, so don’t think I am being judgmental by the previous paragraph.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
March #2
NEW HEART FOR BEN – After waiting in the hospital about two months a new heart became available and it was implanted successfully a week ago Friday. He is still being kept sedated and they had to go back in to stop some leaking blood. Much prayer will be needed as they give the medications designed to prevent rejection. / His son Logan has now had two of his weekly chemo treatments to try and reduce his brainstem tumor.
CONDOLENCES CARDS – We are grateful for the cards and emails that continue to come in remembering the loss of my son John. – Ethel continues to improve from her surgery for an intestinal blockage that took place a few days after John’s passing. She has not been able to return to work yet. Thank you for your prayers on the families behalf.
A COUPLE REDICULOUS ITEMS – It is amazing what is news worthy and what people are trying to do in their concern for the worlds end, etc. One announcement in the news last week informed us that it will take 7.6 billion years for the world to come to an end as it speeds further away from the sun. / Then, in preparations for some terrible disaster and in an effort to save the world, there is a seed vault storage space 400 feet underground somewhere near the North Pole. Seeds are being gathered from around the world and stored to eventually restore the world after some deadly disaster or to protect from the disappearance of plants that are in danger of extinction. (NBC, Tues, Feb. 23, 2008) / Money, time and energy would be better spent to inform people of their lostness because of their fallen natures and how to get right with God before they enter an eternal hell. Man is continually making an effort to save a world that is under judgment because of the fall rather than acknowledging his need to find forgiveness of sin before he stands before the Creator God.
POLITICS IN THE LIGHT OF THE PSALMS – I find politics interesting and we wonder how the 2008 election is going to turn out, while expressing our fears and concerns if this one or that one should get into office. In reality, as Christians, we know that God is in control for all out concerns politically. Psalm 47-48 tells us, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” I will continue to express myself politically, having that right as a citizen of these United States of America but I will not fear the outcome. We have a privilege in this great land of ours that many around the world do not have and we should so participate and voice our opinions. Still, we know that the outcome is in God’s hands. Praise the Lord! Enjoy the skirmish but don’t fear the end results. Those who read their Bibles have a different perspective of the fray.
A TIP FOR S.S. TEACHERS – As a junior age boy my Sunday School teacher was Mrs. Hunter. She not only taught us the Bible each Sunday, she also planned occasional outings for her class, usually along with the junior girls class. Her husband owned a small coalmine in Oregon. She would take us to visit the mine and a picnic that would also include some hiking through the forest and over the rocks. She cared enough for her class, and their coming to know Christ, that she made the extra effort to plan beyond the class time itself. We loved our S.S. teacher. / My son Gary, I believe when he was a high school junior, asked to teach the junior age boys. It was an interesting situation. The lady teaching the boys and girls but decided she couldn’t handle both so she asked her husband to take the junior boys to teach. He tried but couldn’t handle them either. (Both were dedicated and faithful teachers.) That was when Gary asked if he could teach them. I talked to the S.S. Superintendent and he agreed to give it a temporary try to see how Gary did. He did well and he had the boy’s attention. You might ask how a high school student was able to manage wiggly, noisy junior boys when an experienced teacher and her husband could not. The answer is quite simple and a solution to an effective class ministry for others. He spent extra time with his boys. He took them out on Saturdays for a coke. He’d take them down to the river to skip rocks and other simple events letting them know he cared for them. When it came time for us to end out ministry at Williston, N.D. those boys came to Gary and told him they weren’t going to attend S.S. any more since he wasn’t going to be the teacher anymore. That was not his desired effect in leaving but it does help us realize the kind of impact he had on their lives. (I may have shared some of this before but it is worth repeating.)
A WAY NOT TO RAISE CHURCH FUNDS – We receive a church paper from a Methodist Church near us that Betty attended before she was saved and became a Baptist. (This is the same church I mentioned previously that conducts euchre parties.) The church is getting ready for it’s spring “Mulch Sale.” They also plan to sell flowers and plants for Easter or Mother’s Day. This church is not alone in these and similar sales and fundraisers. Whenever I read or see these things my mind goes to the scriptural event when Christ threw the moneychangers out of the temple. I have been convinced from the beginning of my church experience that there is only one way to support the local church. That is through our tithes and offerings, it is the Biblical way and it works. God always provides for His places of worship and ministries by freewill, faith giving. Years ago when we were at Welch Road Baptist Church an elderly couple were going to sell their place and move away. The lady asked if our people would sponsor a food booth at their sale to help provide funds for the church. It did not agree to that but I didn’t want to offend the elderly couple and they did need to have refreshments available to aid in their sale. What to do? I asked people in the church to help the elderly couple provide the needed refreshments for their moving sale, which they did but not to gain funds for the church. God takes care of His own His way, not the world’s way.
SNOWED IN – A series of storms came through our area this weekend. We were well warned ahead of time and the grocery stores were busy getting pantries filled. They started ou telling us we would have 6-10 inches of snow along with blowing and drifting. We ended up with 20 inches. Our five acres are beautiful covered in the white snow and the trees weighted with snow are a sight to see. As pretty as it is, we have a long drive way and there was no way to drive oshape to shovel snow. Thankfully I was finally able to find someone to come clear it out for us at a reasonable price. It is kind of a helpless feeling to not be able to get out if you might need to with a medical emergency. Makes you wonder about days gone by when they couldn’t run to the store every day and have medical help as available as we do. We are indeed fortunate, even when bad weather comes.
CONDOLENCES CARDS – We are grateful for the cards and emails that continue to come in remembering the loss of my son John. – Ethel continues to improve from her surgery for an intestinal blockage that took place a few days after John’s passing. She has not been able to return to work yet. Thank you for your prayers on the families behalf.
A COUPLE REDICULOUS ITEMS – It is amazing what is news worthy and what people are trying to do in their concern for the worlds end, etc. One announcement in the news last week informed us that it will take 7.6 billion years for the world to come to an end as it speeds further away from the sun. / Then, in preparations for some terrible disaster and in an effort to save the world, there is a seed vault storage space 400 feet underground somewhere near the North Pole. Seeds are being gathered from around the world and stored to eventually restore the world after some deadly disaster or to protect from the disappearance of plants that are in danger of extinction. (NBC, Tues, Feb. 23, 2008) / Money, time and energy would be better spent to inform people of their lostness because of their fallen natures and how to get right with God before they enter an eternal hell. Man is continually making an effort to save a world that is under judgment because of the fall rather than acknowledging his need to find forgiveness of sin before he stands before the Creator God.
POLITICS IN THE LIGHT OF THE PSALMS – I find politics interesting and we wonder how the 2008 election is going to turn out, while expressing our fears and concerns if this one or that one should get into office. In reality, as Christians, we know that God is in control for all out concerns politically. Psalm 47-48 tells us, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.” I will continue to express myself politically, having that right as a citizen of these United States of America but I will not fear the outcome. We have a privilege in this great land of ours that many around the world do not have and we should so participate and voice our opinions. Still, we know that the outcome is in God’s hands. Praise the Lord! Enjoy the skirmish but don’t fear the end results. Those who read their Bibles have a different perspective of the fray.
A TIP FOR S.S. TEACHERS – As a junior age boy my Sunday School teacher was Mrs. Hunter. She not only taught us the Bible each Sunday, she also planned occasional outings for her class, usually along with the junior girls class. Her husband owned a small coalmine in Oregon. She would take us to visit the mine and a picnic that would also include some hiking through the forest and over the rocks. She cared enough for her class, and their coming to know Christ, that she made the extra effort to plan beyond the class time itself. We loved our S.S. teacher. / My son Gary, I believe when he was a high school junior, asked to teach the junior age boys. It was an interesting situation. The lady teaching the boys and girls but decided she couldn’t handle both so she asked her husband to take the junior boys to teach. He tried but couldn’t handle them either. (Both were dedicated and faithful teachers.) That was when Gary asked if he could teach them. I talked to the S.S. Superintendent and he agreed to give it a temporary try to see how Gary did. He did well and he had the boy’s attention. You might ask how a high school student was able to manage wiggly, noisy junior boys when an experienced teacher and her husband could not. The answer is quite simple and a solution to an effective class ministry for others. He spent extra time with his boys. He took them out on Saturdays for a coke. He’d take them down to the river to skip rocks and other simple events letting them know he cared for them. When it came time for us to end out ministry at Williston, N.D. those boys came to Gary and told him they weren’t going to attend S.S. any more since he wasn’t going to be the teacher anymore. That was not his desired effect in leaving but it does help us realize the kind of impact he had on their lives. (I may have shared some of this before but it is worth repeating.)
A WAY NOT TO RAISE CHURCH FUNDS – We receive a church paper from a Methodist Church near us that Betty attended before she was saved and became a Baptist. (This is the same church I mentioned previously that conducts euchre parties.) The church is getting ready for it’s spring “Mulch Sale.” They also plan to sell flowers and plants for Easter or Mother’s Day. This church is not alone in these and similar sales and fundraisers. Whenever I read or see these things my mind goes to the scriptural event when Christ threw the moneychangers out of the temple. I have been convinced from the beginning of my church experience that there is only one way to support the local church. That is through our tithes and offerings, it is the Biblical way and it works. God always provides for His places of worship and ministries by freewill, faith giving. Years ago when we were at Welch Road Baptist Church an elderly couple were going to sell their place and move away. The lady asked if our people would sponsor a food booth at their sale to help provide funds for the church. It did not agree to that but I didn’t want to offend the elderly couple and they did need to have refreshments available to aid in their sale. What to do? I asked people in the church to help the elderly couple provide the needed refreshments for their moving sale, which they did but not to gain funds for the church. God takes care of His own His way, not the world’s way.
SNOWED IN – A series of storms came through our area this weekend. We were well warned ahead of time and the grocery stores were busy getting pantries filled. They started ou telling us we would have 6-10 inches of snow along with blowing and drifting. We ended up with 20 inches. Our five acres are beautiful covered in the white snow and the trees weighted with snow are a sight to see. As pretty as it is, we have a long drive way and there was no way to drive oshape to shovel snow. Thankfully I was finally able to find someone to come clear it out for us at a reasonable price. It is kind of a helpless feeling to not be able to get out if you might need to with a medical emergency. Makes you wonder about days gone by when they couldn’t run to the store every day and have medical help as available as we do. We are indeed fortunate, even when bad weather comes.
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