Psa7872

Technology Dependece Therapy...

2011-01-03T11:38:00.000-06:00

Are Americans too technologically dependent?

This past Sunday a "glitch" occurred that has never happened in my many years of ministry - I slept in! That's right, I slept until 7:32 AM when my wife awoke, looked at the clock and said, "Byron, it's 7:32." The first panicked words out of my mouth were "Oh my dear Lord Jesus!" Why the panic? Because our early service begins at 8:00, because it takes 15 minutes to drive from my house to the church, because I look really bad in the mornings when I awake and therefore need a shower and because I pride myself on being Mr. Punctual. In an instant our house became a scene from the movie Home Alone when they slept in and almost missed their trip to Paris. I grabbed my iPhone and told Andi to start calling my minister of music or whoever she could get to tell them that I was going to be late. Of course, they may have figured this out already when they arrived and my car wasn't there because I am always the first at church every Sunday.

What happened? The entire 20 minutes I got ready to leave I asked myself that question. I couldn't figure how this could have happened. How could I have been so tired that I slept through my alarm? I wasn't! How could I have failed to set my alarm? I didn't! How could I have not checked my alarm to make sure it was set? I did! What could have happened? What sin did I need to confess for God to allot this punishment to me? How was I going to enter the church service late and not be seen? I can't! My anxiety was through the roof and I wanted to throw up!

I arrived at the church at 8:15, grabbed my sermon outline and walked into the service at 8:17 to a round of applause. Oh there might have been one or two who were thinking "I'm glad you could see fit to join us pastor!" But most seemed took a good-natured approach to the realization that their pastor had clay feet and was far from perfection. Of course, to add insult to injury, I knew I had to address it in our late service because the word would spread and it needed to be cut off before it reached wildfire proportions. And the joking began.

But redemption is sweet! Later that morning others began to share with me how their iPhone failed them as well and they overslept. I logged onto Facebook that afternoon and numerous others were talking about their iPhone alarm failure. All of a sudden I didn't feel nearly as bad; I felt the power of redemption. It wasn't me after all. I had done everything right, following the same Saturday night routine I had followed for years. It was the phone - a piece of technology made out of plastic and silicone. Even the NY Times reported on this widespread technological malfunction that wreaked havoc around the world (http://nyti.ms/fXdT3y).

That brings me back to the original question - are we too technologically dependent. The answer for all is "yes" but there is little to nothing we can do about it. We are stuck. Computers, Smart Phones, Hi-Speed Internet, syncing and interfacing are all techno driven and are here to stay. As a result, I am pondering whether to start a new ministry at FBC-Odessa called "TDT - Technology Dependence Therapy" because I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who needs a 12 step program for technology dependence. So if you are interested, give us a call, you'll be glad you did.

But first I'm going to set my 20 year old digital alarm clock that does not interface with anything because I never want to feel that sense of Sunday morning panic again!

Christmas Celebration, World Mission Offering & Christmas Eve...

2010-12-22T16:01:00.000-06:00

I hope you are ready for Christmas. It is only 3 days away so if you have not bought that final gift, it is time to get on the ball. We are so looking forward to Christmas morning at the McWilliams' house.

2010 Christmas Celebration
If you were unable to attend the 2010 Christmas Celebration you truly missed a blessing. Next to the first performance at the Ector County Coliseum, this was my most favorite. We had record attendance in our 5 performances. Each performance was full to overflowing with the final one Sunday night being a totally packed house. It is impossible to tell how many people came to Christ, but there is no doubt God used the work of so many to advance His Kingdom. A huge thank you goes out to every person involved in making this year's Christmas Celebration so fantastic!

World Missions Offering
Are you ready for this? The world missions offering goal for FBC Odessa was $440,00 for 2010. As of this date we have collected over $540,000 - that is more than $100,000 in excess of the goal. Wow! God is so good and worthy of all praise! There is truly no limit to what can be done when God is being honored and His people are faithful.

Christmas Eve at FBC-Odessa
Just a reminder that our Christmas Eve service will be Friday night from 6:00 to 7:00. We will observe the Lord's Supper and close the night lighting candles. Please make your plans to attend. You will be glad you did.

January is going to be an incredible month at First Baptist Church. We will reintroduce the plans for a new sanctuary to the faith family and will be voting on January 30th as a body to determine our next step. Please begin to pray for God's will to be done in this matter.

Have a Merry Christmas!

World Missions Offering

2010-12-16T14:11:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest on the FBC-Odessa World Mission Offering. The goal was $440,000 and as of this morning we have received (drum roll please!)...

$443,198.

What a fantastic missions-minded faith family is FBC-Odessa! You did a great job and together we are playing our part in advancing the Kingdom of God throughout the world. I love and appreciate you. I'm honored to be your pastor.

Wednesday Updates...

2010-12-15T10:08:00.000-06:00

Good morning. Just a few updates for some of the happenings at FBC-Odessa.

World Missions Offering
FBC Odessa, you are incredible! As of Tuesday afternoon we have collected contributions totalling $439,600 toward our World Missions Offering goal of $440,000. There is no doubt in my mind we will reach our goal and probably before Sunday. Incredible job FBC-Odessa! Your love for missions is wonderful. I am honored to be your pastor.

2011 Budget Discussion
Tonight in the fellowship hall we will discuss the 2011 budget from 5:30-6:00. If you have already received your copy of the budget overview you will have noted that we are not increasing the budget at all. In fact, we are reducing the budget by a slight amount. Thank you for your faithful giving to the Kingdom work being done at FBC.

Christmas Blitz Update
Yes, we did it! All 10,000 candy canes have been delivered to homes in Odessa. As of Tuesday morning the church family had delivered 9,400. To complete the goal some of the ministers on staff met at the westside Wal-Mart and handed out the remaining 600 invitations. FBC you did a phenomenal job in coming together to accomplish this goal! I love and appreciate you for rising to the occasion!

Permian Basin Christmas Celebration
Tickets are going fast. Some of the 5 services are already full. If you have not picked up your tickets yet, you need to get with it quickly. Please be in prayer for this great event. God is on the move and we are getting to be part of His work.

Have a great rest of the week. Only two more Wednesdays left in 2010. Have you been thinking about some new and fresh goals for 2011?

Sunday Thoughts and World Missions Offering...

2010-12-13T09:01:00.000-06:00

Yesterday at FBC was another wonderful day of worship. The sanctuary is in shambles due to the preparation for our annual Christmas Celebration coming this weekend but the good people of FBC have learned to take the disruptions in stride. We had a number of decisions yesterday. God is so good!

World Mission Sunday
Yesterday was our in-gathering for our World Mission Offering. We take one missions offering a year so as to not be hitting our folks up multiple times throughout. Our goal for 2010 was $440,000. Yesterday we received $426,000 making us just $14,000 short of the goal as of yet. If past history is any indicator of the future, we will probably meet our goal before next Sunday and certainly before December 31. From your pastor, I want to say a HUGE thank you to all who gave to world missions at FBC-Odessa! I love you guys.

We have one of the biggest weeks of the year ahead as we prepare for the Christmas Celebration. I'm praying God's huge blessing on every person involved. I'm believing God for a greater Celebration than any other because of all the hard work of so many FBC folks who are getting the word out. You guys are great!

Oh yeah, I updated my profile picture with a family shot. My wife and kids sure help me look better!

Have a good week!

Candy Cane Blitz Update

2010-12-13T08:35:00.000-06:00

Last night many of the faith family at FBC-Odessa assembled again to knock on doors inviting people to attend the Christmas Celebration this coming Friday - Sunday. As of today we have hit about 8,500 doors on our way to 10,000. Tonight is the final night and it is gonna be a blast!

Come on out FBC and let's get it done!

Candy Cane Blitz @ FBC-Odessa

2010-12-07T13:34:00.000-06:00

For the past two evenings FBC-Odessa has gathered to go out into our community on what we are calling the "Candy Cane Blitz." We set a goal to knock on 10,000 doors in four nights in Odessa inviting the residents to our annual Christmas Celebration. Yes, that's right, 10,000 doors. After Sunday and Monday nights we have exceeded our expectations and have hit over 6,500 doors. Next Sunday and Monday will be our final two nights and I have no doubt we will meet our goal.

To all of the wonderful people at FBC-Odessa who have walked down streets knocking on doors - THANK YOU! To all of you who tied the plastic cards to the candy canes - THANK YOU! And to everyone else who played a role in the success of this event, regardless of how small it may have been - THANK YOU!

I love you guys and praise God for the opportunity to be your pastor. Now let's continue to pray for God's blessings on all of the hard work. It will happen because God always rewards our work for His Kingdom.

Have a great day!

Movie Recommendation...

2010-08-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

If you have known me for long, you know that I publicly recommend very few movies. Why? Because most of what Hollywood churns out is nothing but worldly fodder that denies what I stand for. But also, I take very seriously my role as a spiritual leader and would not want to endorse that which does not honor God. Every now and then, however, a movie comes along that merits a public "check it out" from me, and today I want to share one such movie with you.

My youngest daughter viewed this movie at the theater several months back. When it appeared on DVD this week she picked it for our Saturday night entertainment. To Save A Life is the movie and you can watch the trailer at the link below.

I like this movie because it pulls no punches. It reveals the hardhitting lifestyle that many of our teenagers face on a daily basis as they seek to navigate the student world - alcohol, sex, drugs, peer pressure, teen pregnancy and dishonesty. Primarily though, it is a very powerful and effective message against a dangerous temptation among some students (and some adults) that Satan seeks to flourish - teen suicide. For these reasons, I encourage you to check it out. Have a movie night at your house and watch it with your teenage kids. Then talk about it. Quit being afraid to address the really difficult and touchy issues with your children that the world throws at them. Talk to them about alcohol, sex, peer pressure and the need to fit in. And most importantly, convey to them that suicide is never an option. But don't expect them to come to you and bring up these topics. That's your job.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/movie-trailers-to-save-a-life/db04473e18b674826617db04473e18b674826617-165597283439?q=Movie%20%22To%20Save%20A%20Life%22&FORM=VIRE1

28 Truths Regarding Money from 28 Years of Marriage...

2010-07-31T05:55:00.010-05:00

Last night my wife, Andi, and I taught a marriage class together on conflict resolution and finances. In the course of the evening we shared "28 Truths Regarding Money from 28 Years of Marriage." I am providing the items in this format as some have already requested I share them on my blog. Hope you enjoy, smile, and maybe receive some help in an area or two.
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1. That money really does not grow on trees.

2. That “Easy Come/Easy Go” is a one-sided lie – earning money is hard work!

3. That impulse purchases are always a bad idea.

4. That professional salesmen have that name for a reason.

5. That my family really does deserve the best – but only the right way!

6. That full disclosure with each other regarding purchases is always best!

7. That money plays a role in some of the disagreements we’ve had over the years.

8. That most people can never wait long enough so they can “afford” a baby.

9. That saving a little is better than saving none.

10. That eating at home is far cheaper than eating out.

11. That, with rare exception, it takes years to learn maturity in handling credit cards.

12. That you don’t have to have credit cards to be happy – cash is king!

13. That debt collectors can’t come and take your children from you.

14. That you have the right to hang up the telephone on rude people.

15. That owning your own home does not have to come in the first 5 years.

16. That the baby brought home to an apartment isn’t concerned about a backyard.

17. That when baby makes three a will is an essential piece of family business.

18. That if you have the guts (operative word), you really can make it on one income.

19. That living with blinders on is a necessity if you try to make it on one income.

20. That starting new careers always costs - but sometimes you have no choice.

21. That fear and panic leave when you take control of your finances.

22. That being on a budget really does work.

23. That money management is tedious work!

24. That financial goals are good when aligned with God’s priorities.

25. That God owns everything.

26. That being a good steward brings an inner peace that is highly valued.

27. That God helps those who honor Him with their finances.

28. Prayer works!

It was fun when we sat down and put this list together. We laughed about the fun times we had (even when they didn't feel so fun at the time). Most of what I'm sharing is common sense, but again, I hope they bring a smile and maybe some assistance/encouragement in your journey.

Faith and Discouragement...

2010-07-29T13:45:00.001-05:00

The following is an article I wrote for the SBTC this fall. Hope it speaks to your heart.
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While having lunch with a fellow pastor recently, I was asked an interesting question: “Do you see many pastors experiencing joy and victory in ministry?” Struck by the pertinence of his question, I began to reflect on my ministry as well as those I have encountered while traveling in Texas and beyond in 2010. With some hesitation I replied in the affirmative but I couldn’t help adding a footnote that “I don’t see many churches attempting that which requires great faith.” The ensuing discussion left me pondering faith and discouragement in ministry. I hope the following will be a help as we explore this topic together.

Faith is the central dynamic of the Christian life. It is not static but changes and fluctuates as we walk in fellowship with God. Sometimes our faith is strong; sometimes weak. It is an essential component of Christian living as any attempt to approach, serve, pray, or praise God apart from faith is futility of epic proportion. Without faith we cannot experience all God has in store for us or hear the still small voice of His Spirit whisper guidance in our heart. True faith is the primary means through which we deny Satan the glory he desperately craves and credit to Almighty God the glory He desperately deserves. It is true that nothing of eternal value can be accomplished apart from faith and equally true that nothing is impossible to him who has faith rightly directed in God. Faith matters immensely, even when weak and struggling.

Not long ago I was preaching a sermon on faith and I brought a cup of mustard seeds into the pulpit to make my illustration. There must have been 10,000 seeds in that one cup. Afterwards my wife asked to see the seeds up close and personal. I handed her the cup but she took only one tiny seed. She then taped the seed in her Bible next to Matthew 17:20 as a reminder of the quantity of real faith God is looking for in His followers. She is expecting mountains to move in her life as she understands faith to be the central dynamic of her walk with God.

Faith is particularly necessary when we come under trial and attempt to “count it all joy” as James implores. No person can look up from the bottom of a pit and praise God apart from a living faith that believes circumstances can change on-a-dime with the Lord. While corporate faith may be on the decline, discouragement is on the rise among God’s chosen leaders. Many of the pastors and church leaders I have crossed paths with this year as president of the SBTC face daily discouragement. These wonderful servants of Christ possess a deep passion for the things of God. They rejoice in their calling and daily seek to honor the Lord by faith. The pastors are men who desire their churches to grow for the glory of God and see the lost come to Jesus. Yet, like high blood pressure, discouragement is the “silent killer” of ministers, regardless of church size. At one time I thought only those serving God away from highways and high-speed internet, malls and movie theaters were the ones primarily subject to discouragement. Was I ever wrong! Satan has no respect for God’s minister regardless of whether he receives his mail on a rural route or while seated in a high-rise. So what is the answer? Let me encourage you with the following.

First, recalibrate your focus on “Who” matters most. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Whenever discouragement seeks to replace faith in my life, I always know my focus has shifted not from “what matters most” but from “who matters most” – the Lord Jesus. God knows that all who serve Him have the propensity to be just like Peter when the wind and waves begin to roll and we take our eyes off Jesus. So fix your eyes on the Master and the faith you exhibit will conquer the discouragement you face.

Second, maintain a hope that refuses to doubt God’s power. When Satan attacks your mind by telling you that what you are doing for God does not matter, refuse to believe his lie and doubt God’s power. If you are praying and working as you should, you are making a difference regardless of what circumstances may say. A recent note on Twitter I received shared a quote from A.T. Robertson on difficult pastorates: “Young man, if you go to a hard field, stay by it. For, while you may not help the field, it will help you." My only addition would be to stay by that hard field with an expectant hope that God can transform even the most difficult circumstance for His glory. Place a mustard seed in your Bible if necessary.

Finally, maintain a faith that refuses to shrink back. Years ago I was struggling with discouragement in ministry on a supreme level. It wasn’t the first time; it will not be the last. On that day, I well remember driving the 45 miles to the hospital for visitation and crying out in desperation for God to move the entire trip. I felt I was nearing the end of my rope. Discouragement had caused me to lose my focus and doubt whether I was making any difference for the Kingdom. That afternoon when I returned to my office I did the only thing I knew to do – I poured over Scripture in prayer, seeking a word of encouragement from the Lord. While doing so the Holy Spirit brought me to Hebrews 10:35-38 NIV, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will come and not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” Message delivered; message received.

Perhaps you are nearing the end of your rope, your grip is lessening and discouragement seems about to win the day. Stop what you are doing right now and take back the joy in serving Jesus that Satan is attempting to steal. Refuse to shrink back in defeat. Pray. Focus on your Master. Do that which you know God would have you do. Remain faithful and sooner than later a new day will dawn and the discouragement you feel will be replaced with a fresh expectancy that God is on the move. Be encouraged fellow servant of the Most High God!

July 4 Sermon...

2010-07-11T17:56:00.000-05:00

On July 4 I preached "America: Where We've Been, Where We're Headed." Since last Sunday I have had many people e-mail, call or speak to me personally about the message. All thanked me for the courage to preach what must be said if we are to see revival of Christian principles and values in America. Due to the high demand, the audio version of the message has been loaded to the front page of the FBC-Odessa website. You can find the message at http://www.fbcodessa.com/.

Two Words that Change Everything...

2010-06-13T09:51:00.000-05:00

I mentioned earlier this week that I would share with you two words that have the power to change everything. Now I realize some of you are rather skeptical. You think this is too good to be true - it is not. You may even be thinking "there is nothing that can change my situation." That, too, is incorrect. So what are the two words? Here they are - "But God!"

Yes, "But God" are the two words I am placing so much stock in that I will brag to my heart's content regarding their substance. These two words are pivotal in that they recognize and give credence to the truth that when God shows up, everything and anything can change. I can prove this sublime truth through Scripture very easily. In Ephesians 2:1-4, the moment/process of salvation is described. Paul explains how before we come to saving faith in Jesus Christ we are totally, completely spiritually dead, having nothing of merit to offer God because dead folks do not offer anything. He explains that we walked according to the ways/patterns of this world, following after Satan, the prince of the power of the air. He finishes describing just how horrible we were before Christ by stating that we were nothing but children of wrath, meaning that in eternity that is all the spiritually dead person can expect to receive from God.

Then, when the truth cannot get any darker, when the story could not be any more horrible, when all seems lost and there is no hope - BUT GOD!

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved." But God showed up! But God sent His one and only Son to the rescue! But God brought about redemption to all who place their faith in Jesus alone. But God... Two incredibly powerful words revealing that no matter how dreadful our situation looks, no matter how horribly hopeless we may feel, no matter the despair that seeks to overcome - But God can deliver!

Now let me see if I can explain this so we all make a connection -

You could ask for millions in hopes that money could make you happy – But God’s grace is far richer.
You could ask for pleasure in hopes that pleasure could make you happy – But God is far better.
You might think you have come to the end of yourself and you see no way out – But God…
You may have tried all cures and you see nothing but a lingering death due to illness – But God…
You may hear people saying your situation is hopeless and there’s no use – But God...
You may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death and expect no joy ever again – But God...
You may be climbing the mountain of happiness and the rope is fraying and ready to break - But God...
You may be leaping like a young calf over good times and the market crashes – But God...
You may have made it to easy street and the workers show up to repave your street – But God...
You may think that the world is unraveling and the future is bleak – But God...
You may fear natural disasters increasing and the entire planet feeling the effect – But God...
When the car breaks down and the washer goes out and there is no money to fix either – But God...
When sales are down, creditors are aggressive, and the bank account is vanishing - But God...
When life is just flat out sorry and you feel it will never change – But God is the ANSWER!

Do you get the picture? Do you understand that in a moment, God can turn your direction? Do you grasp that with a single nod from His sovereign head, God can undo all the pain, heartache, hopelessness, and fear that has come on you.

Why don't you pray and believe that with God all things are possible! Two words that change everything - But God....

Great Day of Worship...

2010-06-07T11:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day of worship at FBC-Odessa. We shared in the Lord's Supper in both AM services. We've not always had the Lord's Supper in the AM but the response has been phenomenal. It was a sweet time of fellowship around our Lord's table and a great time of remembering what is most important and where our focus should be. Thanks FBC-Odessa for a great day of worship yesterday!

Later this week I plan to post on two words that change everything. Be thinking about what those two words might be. I would be willing to bet what you come up with is not what I'm thinking (unless you were in the worship service last night).

Have a great Monday!

Lord's Supper...

2010-06-03T11:50:00.000-05:00

Hey FBC-Odessa folks, we will be having the Lord's Supper in both AM services this Sunday. What a wonderful privilege our Lord gives us as we pull up to His table and remember that which is most important in life. Talk about a sense of community that will be taking place around the Lord's table. Make your plans to be there - you won't regret it!

A Good Man...

2010-06-02T10:36:00.000-05:00

A good man is being laid to rest today. Glen Atkins was a member of FBC-Odessa for many years, having been ordained a deacon in 1967. I was just 5 years old when Glen began serving the Lord as a deacon at the church I pastor. He loved serving the Lord and the Odessa community. He was involved in everything and more connected than probably anybody I know in this city. But what makes Glen so special - and what made my job easy today as I preached his funeral - is that he loved Jesus and was a confident believer who lived his faith. He wasn't perfect, but he was forgiven. What a good man in so many ways.

Summertime and Camp Celebrate...

2010-06-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

Summer is here at FBC-Odessa. Today we have a group of 50 preschoolers leaving for three day Camp Celebrate. For most of these it will be there first trip away from mom and dad. They will be taking a charter bus and no doubt the giggles will be abundant. Be praying for Deana and the rest of the adult sponsors on this trip. They are going to have a blast and there will be lives impacted for the Gospel.

Lots of other activities you can pray about are happening this week and in the summer months to come. Stay tuned and I will be dropping them on you right here.

The Audacity of American Christianity...

2010-05-18T10:14:00.000-05:00

I have been floored (another word for convicted) by the state of Christianity in America. This is not something recent, I have felt this way for quite some time. No, I don't feel this way because of some report I read chronicling the decline of the church. I also do not feel this way because I have read a book that has told me what I "ought" to think. I feel as I do because of what I have observed with my eyes and because I seek to correctly discern the times in which I live. I feel this way also because I have studied the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do not see an overwhelming resemblance between American Christianity and the scriptural model provided. With that understanding, I am disturbed by the audacity of American Christianity for several reasons. First, I often wonder why the majority of Christians' walk does not seem to match their talk. They will utter words that sound like they are right on target with the Gospel, living for Jesus, but their walk will be just the opposite. This is concerning on many different levels. It causes alarms to go off in this pastor's heart regarding those who profess a salvation in Christ but produce no resulting change in lifestyle. It is totally incomprehensible to me that when the God of all creation brings salvation into a life that the person will not be radically changed. If a gospel has so little power that a sinner is not changed by it so that they continually grow in their reflection of Christ, it must not be the Gospel that is taught in Scripture. So, first, I am alarmed because I see so little life-change transpiring in American Christianity.

Second, I am concerned because my eyes have been opened to a growing level of self-indulgent Christianity in America. The main goal in coming to worship is not about glorifying God, but rather it seems to be about getting temporal needs met. We do not seek Him out of a poverty of self; we seek Him out of an overflowing wealth of self-sufficiency. There is so little dependency upon God that one must truly ask if we really even need “another god" in our lives at all. His is the "bit" part in the movie of our lives where we have cast ourselves as the star. So, for this reason and others, lost America is asking "who needs God, especially your God?" Why would they need conversion when their life and those who profess Christ look so similar? It is incongruent that God desires dependency and reliance upon Him from His children and yet continue to bless lives overflowing with self-indulgence.

Third, I fear the reproach that comes with ignoring the plight of the poor who live around us. I have been convicted lately that we in America have so very much and yet we give so very little. Yes, it is true that 20% or less of church members give 80% or more of the money needed to fund the work of the Lord in the local church. We have so much and yet we spend the money only on that which supports our ostentatious lifestyles. While preaching this past Sunday I stated that "most people in this world could live a better life if they just lived off of the garbage we throw away in the dumpster weekly." I am convicted by my own statement; I am also alarmed that most were not.

What is going to happen to the Church in America? Only God ultimately knows, but I have an idea what will happen if revival tarries. If there is not a turning back to the Lord in the form of a great spiritual awakening we can expect God's absolute removal of His hand of blessing on our nation (some would say this has already happened). We can expect our self-sufficiency tried, tested and ultimately proven a failure. We can expect our self-indulgence to cease because there will be a reversal of fortune like never before in the world. We can expect to join the ranks of those we barely tolerate who have so little and are among the poor in America. We are at a crossroads. We are at a turning point. We are at a fork in the road and God is watching to see the path we will take. The audacity of American Christianity... where will it end?

Hiking Out of the Jungle...

2010-05-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

Our last day in the jungles of Ecuador centered upon the hike out of the Huaorani village back to civilization… now that’s a relative term. Our civilization was a bunk at UMPES, the jungle camp where we had begun. It was also a hot shower – thank the Lord for modern conveniences. Every one of us at this point was ready for a hot shower, a bar of soap and a mattress. (Missions pastor Jason Johnson, with a tasty treat!)

We left Kakatarro in shifts Thursday morning. The first shift left at 6:45, second at 7:00 and third at 7:15. We gathered early for our final breakfast with the Huaorani’s and to drop off our packs for transport out. The mode of transportation was the Indians who had volunteered to guide us out of the jungle. I will never forget Gallo, the young Huaorani Indian who was so interested in the English language, packed and loaded for the journey. He had one pack on his back and was wearing another one in reverse on his chest. He looked like a sandwich board advertising that these Americans are too wimpy to carry their packs out of the jungle. I’m not sure if he thought that or not, but I confess that’s how I was feeling when I saw him lugging two packs.

I walked in the third group with Missionary Steve Thompson and two other men from our team. Behind me was Chief Gabriel’s wife. No, she was not carrying my pack. A young Quichua man carried my pack (no pregnant woman or child, thankfully). The day before, I had acquired a short walking stick to be used on my journey. I was ready, bring on the jungle.

At 7:15 we hit the trail by first crossing the river by the camp that had been so swollen upon our entrance that a canoe had been required. Today it was only to our knees; so much for having dry boots and socks for the trail. We hiked up the first hill – why is it that first hills always seem the hardest? Soon we were on the trail deep within the jungle, surrounded by singing jungle birds and overgrown trees so tall and wide. It had not rained the entire time we were at Kakatarro, but when we awoke at 5:00 on departure day, we could hear the rumbling of thunder and the rain hitting the roof of the school house where we slept. It had not rained much so we still were hoping for a minimum of slipping and sliding when we started. That hope soon vanished when the mud began to cling to our soggy boots once again, making the steep hills and sharp descents very difficult.

We had walked about 30 minutes when we caught up with the group that had left at 6:45. They were taking the steep hills slowly and we had been walking briskly. We passed them and moved on through the jungle. I was hot on the heels of Steve, determined he would not leave me behind like he did on the trial coming in. (No, I didn't take this picture of the Ocelot on the trail. I took it in the jungle zoo I talked about on day 1. Same for the Toucan below.)

Soon I adopted my familiar modus operandi of slipping and falling in the mud. The short walking stick I was utilizing kept getting shorter because I was breaking it off in 6” pieces along the trail. Every time I would fall I would hear the Chief’s wife snicker and giggle behind me. She never fell. Perhaps it was because she was strong enough to whip most men on the trip and could definitely outrun us all. Maybe it was because I hiked in hunting boots with big soles designed for traction, while she walked barefooted and could feel every root under her feet for a good grip. Whatever the reason, she never fell and she chuckled every time I did. I am glad I could brighten her day with some comic relief. She must have grew tired of laughing at this big American walking with this ever-shortening stick in his hands because after I fell at one point she tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a 6 foot walking stick that had substance. No way was I breaking that bad boy. It was a blessing and she laughed less. Just fun in the jungle!

After we had walked for about 2 hours, caught and passed the second group from our team, it started to rain. Not a West Texas drizzle, a true rainforest rain of huge drops. Back home we call this a flood. In the jungle it was probably a shower. The rain felt so wonderful and it actually made hiking easier. In just minutes the hard rain was running in torrents down our trail washing all of the loose sediment/mud away and providing a firmer footing. What we had dreaded had turned out to be a blessing. It cooled us off and made walking easier. I loved every minute of it!

What I soon realized was that the rivers we crossed coming in that were knee deep would quickly swell much deeper if we didn’t get out of the jungle soon. Again and again we crossed water above our knees until we came to our final crossing of the day. What was a small creek when there was no rain had become a raging river. The Indians had us wait so they could escort us across one at a time. The water at this crossing was easily at my waist. For the group that was 35 minutes behind us the water had risen to chest high. Thankfully, the last group made it out while they could still keep their head above water... barely.

My hike out of the jungle took 3:45; substantially faster than the 5:15 hike into Kakatarro. All the hikers were out of the woods by 12:30 PM and we headed back to the produce truck to say good-bye to our Huaorani friends.

We thought we’d be back to UMPES by 3:00 but our final challenge still lay ahead. When we reached the final river we needed to drive across, what had been a large stream was now no less than 50’ across and flowing at full force. There was no way we were crossing at that moment so we hunkered down to wait. And we waited… And we waited… And we waited some more. All total, we waited for 5-6 hours to cross the river and it was still 3 feet deep. But God provided and got us across. We were headed home. (James with an 8' python.)

Ecuador was truly fantastic and a life-changing mission trip for sure! I met some brothers and sisters in Christ that I will possibly not see again until we are around God’s throne in Heaven. I also learned the necessity of speaking the language in a foreign country. Before I return to Ecuador I will spend some time with the Spanish language in an effort to communicate more effectively. Finally, I will forever treasure the joy of teaching in a church without walls while sitting in the middle of the Amazon jungle. God is good! He protected and provided for every need we had. It was a great mission trip and I cannot wait to do it again.

If you have never been on a mission trip and want your life to change – pray about where God can use you and jump in with both feet. It will be one of the most spiritually rewarding experiences of your life and you will never be the same.

God bless and thanks for reading!

Day Three - Evening Worship and a New Baptist Church...

2010-04-29T08:15:00.001-05:00

Wednesday in the jungles of Ecuador was a full day in need of more attention. I mentioned yesterday that part of Wednesday was set aside for celebration. The purpose was to celebrate the chartering of the very first Baptist church on Huaorani land. The church we had painted the previous day and worked to build a storage room on the back was to become an official Baptist church that night.

The “Iglesia Cristiana Bautista” was a product of the combined efforts of a truly blessed evangelistic team in Ecuador. Southern Baptist missionary Steve Thompson partnered with an Ecuadorian missionary years ago to take the Gospel into the Indian nations. They were the first to reach out to the Kakatarro Indians and share Christ with them. As a result, many have come to Christ and have been baptized and discipled as believers. The church was only a building with no official start date or charter members. That would change that evening after an afternoon of celebration.

The celebration events were to be held on a large area adjacent to the camp where there was a soccer field and volleyball net. The Huaorani school teacher was not from this particular village and was placed there by the government to provide the most basic of skills to the children. As a young man in his mid-twenties, he had lived in the city where he received his education – he was also quite an athlete. When he found out that we would be competing he changed into his uniform, cleats and all and prepared to take on us Gringos. It was about then that I fully realized we were in trouble. Not withstanding the fact that every single Indian in the camp could eclipse all of the missionary team in a footrace, they could easily out maneuver us on the soccer field. Not only that, but most of us were still trying to recover from the hike into the jungle and we didn’t want to do anything that would cause more pain on the hike out on Thursday. So, most of the “celebrating” was left to only a couple in our group. As for me, and several others, we celebrated the river for an hour or so while they sweated on the soccer field. I personally liked that particular arrangement.

That evening we gathered at the church for the commissioning service. It was dark and the candles were lit. Pastor Timothy requested we gather in a large circle like their elders of years gone by for the teaching time that night. I was more than willing to teach while sitting in the circle and we all took our places and the worship service began.

First we sang songs in Quichua and Huaorani, Spanish and English. (Earlier we had sung Jesus Loves Me in all four languages at once – beautiful!) I then shared on the necessity of the Huaorani’s continuing to evangelize other Huaorani tribes deeper in the jungle. I gave them the scriptural mandates of why this was important and emphasized that these people would not hear the Gospel from an Anglo but would receive it from them. I pray that they are more responsive to evangelism than the average North American church member.

Upon my completion Pastor Timothy said that his people would dance like their ancient elders. He then called for several men and women to gather in the middle of the circle and they performed a shuffling movement as they raised their hands to God. Steve Thompson interpreted that they were giving praise to God the Father. This gave evidence of their animistic heritage where they recognized a divine creator but did not know God through Jesus, His Son. I think this was probably for our entertainment more than anything else, but it was a privilege to witness their culture and history up close. After a couple of these dances we moved into the official commissioning service.

Upon gathering all of the baptized believers in the middle of the circle – there were some 15 to 20 – both missionaries and my missions pastor, Jason Johnson, and myself were asked to pray a prayer of dedication for the new church. While we prayed the believers kneeled in the middle of the circle. Upon completion, the very first Baptist work in Huaorani territory had officially come into being as a recognized church. No, there was no by-laws and constitution. But from this day forward the baptized believers would be considered charter members and records would be kept of additions into the body of Christ by baptism. Hence forth the church would officially operate as the “Iglesia Cristiana Bautista” in the heart of the Amazon jungle as a clear picture of Jesus’ words, “Where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them” (Mt. 18:20).

Great joy prevailed as the shadows of the congregants moved about inside of the church in the candlelight. There was much chatter between each other as different gifts were exchanged and the celebration came to a close. I was visiting with Gabriel, the chief, when he took from his head a handmade Ocelot headdress which he placed on my head. Through an interpreter I asked if this was mine or what and he said he was giving it to me as a gift. Now that was a true treasure. I then pulled a large fixed blade hunting knife from my pocket that I had brought to give to him. I told him I hoped he would skin many monkeys and wild hogs with this knife. He was thrilled and the next day I saw that he was wearing it on the hike out of the jungle. There were some others who had brought things to trade and so I went to an older warrior who had made a 5 foot spear and had brought for trading. I swapped him a pair of binoculars. He was thrilled. He would have taken anything from an American just to say that he had it but I believe the binoculars will come in handy.

The night ended with us purchasing all of the artisan work the ladies of the village had made. There were bread plates, beads, carrying sacks, and other items, all made by the women for the purpose of sale.

We went to bed that night thankful for being allowed to be part of a rare and special event. We also went to bed thinking about the grueling hike we faced in the morning. I will save that for tomorrow.

Day Three - Friends, Weapons, and Warpaint...

2010-04-28T08:00:00.003-05:00

Day three in the jungle dawned when the roosters began to crow at 5:00 AM. Although we didn’t get up until 6:00, it’s rather hard to sleep with Mr. Rooster evidencing such exuberance. Not a problem, however, because the jungle coming alive with the various sounds of nature was worth listening to as some early morning dozing took place.

One important tidbit I failed to share from Monday’s activities was our group’s afternoon interaction with Gabriel, Timothy, and Gallo. All three of these men are leaders among the Huaorani people. Gabriel is the tribal chief (a.k.a. president); Timothy is the pastor of the Baptist church in the village and Gabriel’s brother-in-law; Gallo is a right hand man who is intensely curious about the American way of life. The pictures you see are of these men with a blowgun and lance. We all had our try at each of these and I must confess when it came to the blowgun I was sorely lacking (no hot air comments please). This hunting tool is approximately 12 feet long and capable of shooting a dart 50 yards with incredible precision and velocity. I feel quite certain that Gabriel could shoot an eye out at 25 paces with little or no problem should that be his intention.

The lance was 10 feet long and made of a type of jungle ironwood. It was sharpened to a lethal point on both ends and is unquestionably a powerful weapon. Due to size, weight, and velocity when thrown it would easily pass through the human body and come out the other side. I was glad we only threw at a papaya that we all had trouble hitting.

Gabriel said that the reason we could not hit the target was because our faces had not been painted. Within minutes a runner brought back a plant that had red seeds inside a pod and the chief began painting our faces with red war paint. It was great fun, but it didn’t help us hit the mark.

These men are products of a culture that thrives on men being strong hunters and mighty warriors. Although they no longer war between their clans or with outsiders, you can tell they maintain a fierceness and strength by the way they carry themselves. Please do not get the wrong idea, however. The Kakatarro Huaorani were incredible hosts and never once did we feel threatened or in danger.

When visiting with the missionary I asked him about their friendly disposition and he shared that we had been invited to their village. If a stranger were to appear from the jungle at Kakatarro, they would question him as to intentions and politely request he leave. If he did not heed the request, he could possibly be in danger of harm. Further in the jungle are other Huaorani tribes that are even more primitive than our Kakatarro friends. Should you wander into their village, your life could be in grave danger.

The Ecuadorian government has little power over enforcement of laws among the Huaorani people. These are self-governing tribes that maintain a strict code of conduct. For crimes such as murder, rape, child molestation, capital punishment would be the sentence. For lesser crimes such as stealing, public beating would serve as a deterrent. I find their swift judicial process quite interesting in light of the loose system of justice so common in America.

With the church painted on Tuesday, we sought to build a storage building on the back of the church on Wednesday. As you can see form these pictures we set the foundation posts in place and built a frame for flooring and walls. Digging postholes was done with a machete and concrete was river sand and gravel that would harden up when dried. The structure was complete all but the flooring and walls by the end of the day.

At lunch on Wednesday I had my first taste of monkey. Gabriel had gone hunting that morning with his antiquated 16 gauge single barrel shotgun and had killed two monkeys. The picture you see is the traditional way they tie the tails together to carry them through the woods. The other pictures you see are the monkey arm I was given and the head of a monkey that was boiled in the same pot with our food. I will confess that I was not upset when the monkey head was kept to be eaten by the Indians. The arm I was eating was enough for me. People have asked what it tasted like and my best answer is squirrel. It is a dark, tough meat with not a lot of flavor. All in all, it wasn’t that bad.

They also steamed fish for us on Wednesday. This was fish caught in their river, cleaned, and wrapped in banana leaves for steaming. It was delicious!

That afternoon we celebrated a special event that would take place later that evening – the chartering of the very first Baptist church in Huaorani territory. I will tell you more about that tomorrow.

Spiritual Applications –

First, my experience among the Huaorani proved a precursor to Revelation 7 and what we might expect around the throne of God in eternity. I have long held that Anglos may be the minority in heaven because there are so many people of color around the world. Verses 9-10, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” In eternity I will worship my Savior with Gabriel, Timothy, Gallo and other Huaorani brothers and sisters I met at Kakatarro.

Second, Jesus Christ is oftentimes the only thing we have to offer people of other nations. When I viewed my friends at Kakatarro, it was not difficult to surmise what all they lacked from an American point of view. Nonetheless, these are some of the richest people I have ever met. They have very few needs and even less worries. They do not have electric bills, water bills, credit card debt or house payments. Worry about retirement accounts and interest rates play no role in their daily thoughts. They do not fret about where their next meal is coming from and there seems to be very little jealousy over what others might have that they do not. In essence, I have determined that should I have been born a Huaorani Indian boy I would have loved every minute of it because it is a life centered upon nature, hunting, fishing, and freedom. Maybe we could learn some things about materialism from these people who have so little and yet are so richly blessed. So what do we have to offer them? What must we offer them? The Gospel of Jesus Christ is our most important contribution to these people who have little need of what else we might offer.

Stay tuned tomorrow for some additional thoughts.

Day Two - Total Dependence...

2010-04-27T14:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I described the hike into the Amazon jungle and my arrival at the Huaorani Indian village of Kakatarro. I felt as though I had stepped back in time because there was no running water, no electricity, no technology or modern conveniences. The Indians exist by daily hunting and fishing for food. Other than Yucca (pronounced you-ka) and a small amount of corn, they grow very few crops. The jungle provides certain green vegetables and fruit, but for the most part they eat what they catch or kill.

On Tuesday we arose at 6:00 to start the day. After breakfast – which consisted of some fried plantain and a very soft fried egg – our first order of business was to paint the church in Kakatarro. The pictures you see here are the men at work and the finished product of the painted church. Yes, you are right, most would not choose to paint their church blue and white but for some reason it seemed to fit this community very well.

After lunch of chicken – killed, plucked, and cleaned that day – deer, rice and of course yucca, we finished the paint job on the church and went for a swim in the river. If you have ever been to New Braunfels and seen the Comal River that is what the Kakatarro village river reminded me of. It is a beautiful, clear flowing body of water; cold and refreshing.

That afternoon I taught the first time on the characteristics of a believer in Christ. Their worship was genuine and their love for Christ so evident. That evening after supper I taught on the perseverance of the believer in Christ and God truly blessed. My illustrations had to be changed because these sweet Christians have never seen a television or microwave. They have never had a refrigerator or stove. They didn’t understand much of what we take for granted. After explaining the biblical text, it proved quite a challenge to illustrate it in a manner they can understand. However, one area to which every culture can relate are the difficulties and trials of life. When I shared some of the events that have tried my faith most, the connection was made and they related wonderfully. I will forever treasure teaching the Word of God to a distant and exotic people as we gathered in an open-air church by candlelight.

Spiritual applications thus far on the mission trip –
First, when I was trudging forward on the trail to get to the village, I could not help but make the connection between the similarities of my walk up the trail and my Christian walk through life. As the Amazon trail grew increasingly more difficult and exhausting, I ceased worrying about the next hill or obstacle and just began taking them one-by-one. I had overcome everything the trail had thrown at me thus far and as I walked further my confidence grew and I reasoned that I could overcome whatever unknown obstacle lay ahead. God had strengthened me and was continuing to do so. What a picture of the Christian life. As a believer in Jesus Christ I am on a trail headed towards a sure destination - Heaven. I am not sure when I will arrive, only God knows. As I walk with God I need not worry about the next trial I may face as a Christian, I simply need to rely on His strength to see me through. There is no going back or quitting. Every trial I face and overcome leaves me stronger in my faith than before. All I am required to do is move forward in daily dependence on Jesus Christ. What sweet beauty in living there is when we do not have to fret over what we cannot see, we simply place our trust in the God who sees all and we know that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Life is better that way!

Second, as I walked through the jungle and for the entire time I was with the Huaorani’s, I was keenly aware of my total dependence upon God. There are no emergency rooms or hospitals close by. If a major medical issue arose or a bone was broken or a snake bite occurred, you are on your own. No EMT trained response team is coming. When you are in this situation you are totally dependent upon God for your protection and safety. I found this very liberating. Far too often we worry about that which we should not when all God wants us to do is place our total dependence on Him. Life is better that way!

Finally, and I will give more tomorrow, I was reminded of the healing power of forgiveness. In 1956 Jim Elliot and four other men were murdered by the Huaorani Indians. They were mislabeled as Auca’s at that time but it was the Huaorani’s who speared these five missionaries to death on the banks of the Curaray River just a short distance from where we were staying. I met a nephew of one of the men involved in the murders. He is a devout believer and has been used by God to open the door for the Gospel among his people. The picture you see here is with Pei, a man who has received God’s forgiveness as have I and who longs greatly to see the Gospel advanced among the Huaorani. Life is better when we embrace the healing that comes through forgiveness!

God bless and stay tuned for more tomorrow. I will tell you about the pastor, chief and eating monkey then.

Back In Time...

2010-04-26T20:00:00.000-05:00

Last Monday at 10:15 AM I stepped back in time. I had travelled to Ecuador with six other men from the US on a mission trip to the Ecuadorian jungle. We had left Houston the previous Friday, arriving in metropolitan Quito at 9:30 PM for an overnight stay at Howard Johnsons. We arose early the next morning and headed out of the Andes Mountains to our jungle destination of Tena, located on the banks of the Napo River.

I preached at Terere Baptist church in Tena on Sunday morning. What an incredible experience as roughly 200 gathered for worship – a mega church by Ecuadorian standards. That afternoon I led two different Bible conference sessions for local pastors and church leaders at UNPES, the camp we were staying at outside of Tena. What a blessing I received as I met so many godly brothers and sisters in Christ. I went to bed at 10:00 Sunday night anticipating the travel back into time to the Huaorani (pronounced Waodoni) Indian village of Kakatarro.

Early Monday we climbed in the back of a produce truck for a 2 ½ hour ride deep into the jungle. Along the way we were joined by a number of Quichiwa Indians who would hike into the village with us. By the time we loaded all who would participate, we had 37 people stuffed in the back of the truck with the tarp pulled over because we wanted to remain dry and it was trying to sprinkle. Man, were we in for an awakening.

At the end of the road – literally – we hoisted our backpacks, met some of the Huaorani Indians who had walked from their camp to greet us and headed into the jungle for the hike of a lifetime.

The trail had been chopped by machete through the dense forest and was fairly easy to follow. For the first 15 minutes we laughed, talking and were thinking this to be no big deal. Steve Thompson, the local missionary, had advised that if we grew tired along the trail to hand our backpacks off to one of the Indians and they would be glad to assist us. He had described a previous trip into the jungle where a man was soon physically wiped out so he handed his pack off only to find that a pregnant Indian woman carried it the rest of the way. Now, if you know me, you know that just would not cut it. How could I stand before my church after having let a pregnant woman lug my backpack into the jungle because I bummed out from exhaustion? Time would tell.

We came to our first log bridge and scurried across like jungle pros. We walked five more minutes and came to the bottom of the first of MANY steep hills and the fun (yes, I jest) began. I affectionately named the hill “Stairway to Heaven” without realizing just how true the moniker proved to be. The climb seemed to have no end. Higher and higher, steeper and steeper, with slippery mud from the rain that was now falling profusely, our journey went. I began praying. First for my men whom I traveled with and then for myself. Up and down, hill after hill we trudged. The mud was so slippery that it was just as perilous going downhill as it was strenuous going up. We walked and walked, each person going at his own pace. Because of this, I found myself walking through the Amazon jungle alone much of the hike. I loved it! The rain, mud and hills made the going so incredibly tough but I was totally in tune with the fact that I was where billions would only read about and never experience. I crossed so many swollen streams and rivers that I lost count. The water was often up to my waste and yet I would see the trail leading up the slippery opposite bank and ahead I walked. At one point I walked by a huge animal den and paused at the entrance wondering what was inside. At that moment I saw two eyes looking back at me. I couldn’t tell what it was so I thought I would take my flashlight out. At that moment I pinched myself and moved out. I thought, “You dummy. You don’t have any weapon other than a pocket knife and there are things that will eat you in the jungle.” I continued my walk, backpack and all.

I walked and walked for what seemed like forever. Finally at 4:01 PM I topped the final hill and there before me was Kakatarro. I had made it, backpack and all, and was physically exhausted. I thought for sure I must have walked for 10 or more miles but found later that the distance was only 4.7. Putting this in perspective, I have run two full marathons in my life, both faster than the 5:15 minutes it took for me to cover 4.7 miles in the Amazon. What a trip!

I arrived at the camp and headed to the river to clean off the mud accumulated since the last crossing. Upon entering the cold water I began having intense muscle spasms and cramps in both legs that would continue for much of the evening. But I had made the journey and was the first one of our group to arrive. The cramping and pain was real but the elation from having achieved a grueling physical accomplishment overshadowed the negative effects. I was at my home where I would live with the Huaoroni’s and share Jesus with them for the next three days. Life was good; God had blessed; I was back in time.

Stay tuned tomorrow for more of the adventure.

Ecuador Jungle Missions...

2010-04-12T17:53:00.000-05:00

Later this week I leave for a 9 day mission trip to the Ecuadorian jungle. Last year I made a similar trip where we spent time doing construction on a church at a retreat for pastors and their families. We were on the fringe of the jungle last year, complete with running water and electricity. This trip we will travel into the jungle in the back of a produce truck and then hike for 1/2 day further to our destination. Yeah, it kind of reminds me of "Romancing the Stone" and them riding in the bus up the mountain with the chickens and pigs roaming free around their feet. We will spend 4 nights sleeping on mats under mosquito nets as we stay in a Huarani indian village. The days will be spent building a church - something this village has never had - and attending a Bible conference which I will be leading. It will be an exciting, exhausting, rewarding and tough trip - but loads of fun doing ministry in a totally different context.

Please pray for me and the rest of the team daily. Pray that the Gospel will be presented well everytime I stand to speak and that Christ will be honored. Pray for those who are lost to come to know Jesus as Savior. Pray for harmony among all those traveling and for our security. This is a pretty remote area and we need God's hand of protection all the way. Also, please pray for my ankle. If you have seen me lately, you know that I severely sprained my ankle the Saturday before Easter. It has made good progress, but is not healed to where I'm not still hobbling to some extent. Please pray that the ankle will hold up during the hike so that the men I am going with don't have to drag the pastor in and out of the woods. Too funny!

Thanks in advance for praying and I will report in detail when I get back about all God does while visiting this beautiful country on mission for Him.

I Choose the Roller Coaster...

2010-04-01T08:44:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Andi and I were talking about life, kids, dreams, and the future. We do that quite regularly. While we talked she used the analogy of the life of faith we have been called to live as either a roller coaster or a merry-go-round. She contrasted the adventures of the roller coaster with its ups, downs and quick turns to the monotony of the merry-go-round. And then she said what I already knew to be true about her - "I choose the roller coaster!" What an incredible woman of faith God has blessed me with.

Faith is not easy. Why do we think that faith should come easy when it costs God so much? Why do we think that when we pray we should just automatically get an answer from Him without some hard-working, sweaty faith along the way? Why do we feel the need to help God out after we've prayed for a while, giving Him a back door exit just in case our prayers aren't answered like we've asked? Why do we feel the need to manipulate circumstances to aid God in His marvelous work? Why do we ever get the idea that living a life of faith in an unseen God, trusting Him completely and relying on Him fully is easy? We should be ashamed.

And yet, most never experience a roller coaster life of faith because they are either unwilling to persevere and believe or just simply give up and become hopeless. They saddle up on the painted pony of their choice and sit while the horse bobs up and down and the music blares in their ears. At first they grab the reins and lean forward into the ride but soon realize that little is needed to stay in the saddle because there is no adventure to be expected. They go round and round and experience a life of Christian monotony that never takes off to explore a new horizon. Many become so boring in their walk with God and then wonder why there is nothing contagious about their faith when they encounter those who need saving faith.

Well, Andi, I choose the roller coaster with you! I wouldn't want to ride it with anyone else. I want us to sit in the front seat, not the back, and I want to top the next hill with you, look down the rails and know that we may scream a little along the ride but the cars are intact, the rails are secure, the speed is not unmanageable, but the joy is unmistakable. I want to throw our arms up in the air and look up to God and laugh as we twist and turn along the route. I want us to lean into the curves together and experience the forces that propel us forward. I want us to arrive at our destination with a screeching halt and look at each other and say, "Wow! That was fun! Wanna go again?"

We are not of those who shrink back...

2010-03-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

I love the concept and practice of endurance. I run long distances, fending off the elements and the desire to stop for the simple satisfaction of enduring. I admire corporations that endure the tests of time and stay focused on a corporate mission that works. Churches that endure without compromise receive my applause. People who endure unusual difficulty and hardship cause me to stop and take notice of their fortitude and determination. Endurance has always been important, but it is a necessary characteristic now more than ever.

This past Sunday legislation intended to revolutionize healthcare in America was approved. On multiple occasions I was questioned about what was transpiring and asked to pray. As I concluded a meeting with a group of wise men in the church this past Sunday evening, we broke up into groups to pray. More than a few times did I hear prayers for our government rising forth unto heaven.

Some are struck with fear during these uncertain times, others with anger. Whenever a person feels a loss of control, these two emotions naturally emerge. This is due to our inherent nature pushing us to be in control of our destiny. When we are confronted with the reality that we have so little control – as was evidenced this past Sunday when the healthcare vote was taken – our emotions are inflamed because we reckon ourselves powerless to control that which plays such a major role in our lives. When this occurs we will view the events either positively or negatively. I am determined to remain positive believing that opportunity prevails.

During times of difficulty and uncertainty there are always opportunities to be seized. May this be a time when the Christian church seizes opportunities to advance the Gospel among a struggling people seeking real meaning and purpose for living. May we seize the opportunity to pray more as God’s people – lifting up our cry to our Father’s ears. May we seize the opportunity to represent Christ with a spirit of optimism rather than pessimism. May we be a people who turn to God’s Word for truth rather than the American media. May we see the recent events in our country as opportunity for God to bring good from what appears to be the opposite? And may we be people who evidence a steadfast endurance now more than ever.

America is a nation that endures! We have the oldest living constitution in existence. We have faced countless challenges to our freedom and prosperity and yet we remain firmly established. We have learned that endurance is necessary if we are going to continue to march forward as a people. Even more so, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ has endured for roughly 2,000 years. We have endured persecution and calamity, deception and heresy, times of prosperity and times of decline – and yet we march forward by faith. May we be people who refuse to shrink back now more than ever!

Today, if you feel like you may not be able to hang on any longer, have faith. Strengthen your grip on God’s promises. Allow Hebrews 10:38 and 39 to encourage you to endure - “But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

Happy Birthyday to the Greatest Woman in My Life...

2010-03-19T23:44:00.000-05:00

Today is my Andi's birthday - it has been all day. We have had a blast hanging out together. We all went to a movie and to Chili's for lunch. I cooked steaks this evening and we had a wonderful meal around the McWilliams' family table, laughing and enjoying the company. We opened gifts and sang Happy Birthday. The cake was GiGi's cupcakes. Andi had the Tiramasu. I had the Wedding Cake cupcake (with coffee of course). We are now ending this wonderful day watching Casablanca. It's been a great day!

Andi, I love you darling! You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. I hope you've had a wonderful birthday!

If Hope Floats, then Faith Sweats...

2010-03-18T20:53:00.000-05:00

Several years ago the movie “Hope Floats” hit the cinemas. I’m not even sure what the movie was about, but the name of the movie causes me to think. How can hope float? What is there about hope that is buoyant? Oh, I could give some analogies as to the title if I were inclined to stretch my overactive imagination. Nevertheless, you’re probably thinking: just watch the movie and it will make sense. Maybe, but that’s more than I want to know right now because I’m pondering a different topic… faith.

That’s right – F-A-I-T-H – Faith! Not just ordinary run of the mill type faith that impresses nobody, let alone God, but hardworking faith that sweats. Real faith always sweats! Not sweating because it struggles to believe in God (although this happens to some), but sweating as it perseveres in the pursuit of God. Abraham had a sweaty faith. As you read Scripture you can see his faith develop from one who timidly trusted God to one who believed God so much that even the hardest task of obedience would not shatter his walk (Gen. 22). Abraham walked by faith even though he too sometimes stumbled by sight. He understood “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” and that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:1, 6). Abraham’s faith was not simply words tossed about with no evidence of belief. His faith was represented by actions that proved his deep and abiding conviction for God, His Word, and a desire to live and walk in a manner pleasing to his Lord. His was a faith that conquers; his was a faith that sweats.

What are you facing right now that is requiring some perspiration from you in the area of faith? Is it a relationship problem that you are trusting God to resolve? Could it be an employment issue or a financial matter that you are praying for God’s movement? Could it be a prodigal child or a wayward sister or brother? Whatever it might be, roll up your sleeves and pray. Believe the all-sufficient God for a positive outcome to your difficult situation. And work up a good sweat as you continue to do that which God says is pleasing to Him, evidencing to all that your faith is a sweaty faith that works and drips for God’s glory.

Yes, perhaps hope does float, but I know this to be true – real faith sweats!

Back in the Saddle Again...

2010-03-17T17:39:00.000-05:00

I have been chastised! My wife just told me that she doesn't look at my blog because I write so infrequently. I asked her what she wanted to read and she said, "Anything. Just write anything. Tell me about your running or about anything going on in your life. Just write something." So, I am making a commitment to myself right now - I plan on blogging for the next 21 days straight in an effort to build a habit of blogging and move this from the last item on my "To Do" list to a more prominent position. So I am back in the old blogger saddle again - in a big way... (Well, we'll see! LOL)

Regarding running, I am back in the saddle there too. In early January I stressed my left calf and pulled a muscle deep within. It was not the big muscle you can feel and see, it was one of the smaller ones imbedded deeper inside the calf. I am usually able to run through pain to a fairly strong degree, but not this. When it occurred I limped the 1 1/2 miles home and didn't run for 4 days. When I started back I was able to go less than 1/2 mile when again I found myself walking home. So, I put my running shoes on the shelf in my closet for 41 days with no running whatsoever. I maintained fitness through cycling, but runners are biased and have an attitude towards riding a bike. It did serve a purpose and help me keep my aerobic training up so that at the end of the respite, I was able to run fairly well. I have been running again for less than 2 weeks but all seems well at this moment.

February and the first week of March were my travel months for IMB and SBTC. I found myself flying somewhere 5 out of 6 weeks in a row. I was usually only away 2 or 3 days, but that much time away from family and the office takes a toll. Glad to be anchored down in Odessa and not heading anywhere until the May IMB meetings.

Okay, so I have blogged today. I feel like it was rather trivial and of no significant value but day 1 is in the bank and I am back in the saddle again. So stay tuned and what follows will have more substance in the days ahead – I promise. In fact, I have been preaching a sermon from Hebrews 11 on the radical nature of faith. So in the days ahead, look for some thoughts related to faith and the absolute necessity of faith to please God. It will be fun!

A New Theological Liberalism...

2010-02-28T09:33:00.001-06:00

A dear friend of mine in ministry is Nathan Lino. Nathan pastors Northeast Houston Baptist Church in Humble, Texas. He is a great biblical expositor and an amazing church planter. He has recently posted some thoughts on a new theological liberalism encroaching upon the church, words very similar to that which I have said many times from the pulpits God has called me to preach. Because I believe it an encouragment to read things from others who are biblically sound, I strongly recommend you read and follow Nathan's blog. You will be blessed.

Long Range Plan for FBC...

2010-02-17T09:49:00.000-06:00

This Sunday in both AM services the body of Christ at FBC will vote to affirm the Long Range Plan that has been presented and discussed over the past several weeks. The Long Range Planning Committee spent many long hours in 2009 dreaming about an incredible future at FBC-Odessa. On January 31 the plan was unveiled at the Commemorative Air Force Base on what was truly one of the greatest days in the history of our church. The plan has been bathed in prayer and promises to meet the physical plant needs of FBC for the next 50-75 years. I am convinced it is God’s plan for our future as we determine to do everything we can to maximize our effectiveness for His Kingdom.

Some have said that we are voting to build a new sanctuary this coming Sunday. That is not correct. We will only be voting to affirm the Long Range Plan. Moving into a building program at FBC will come at a future date as God leads.

Make every effort to be present Sunday. It will be a great day in the life of First Baptist Church of Odessa.

My Valentine...

2010-02-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

“Andi this is Byron; Byron this is Andi. Y’all talk” were the words spoken when my high school friend Steve introduced Andi and me. We started talking on that day 29 years ago and have been talking ever since. For 27 years Andi has been my bride; for 27 years I have been married to God's perfect Valentine's gift for me. I am supremely blessed to have this beautiful, loving, caring, gifted and devoted woman in my life. On this day and every day, I renew my commitment to never take her for granted and to love her with a supremely devoted love that honors her and honors my Lord.

Andi, I love you darling! You are the very BEST Valentine I could ever have and the only one I ever want! I choose us - always!

American Idol and Life on the Edge...

2010-02-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

Last night my family was watching “American Idol” (tell me that name doesn’t typify American society) when I noticed a recurring pattern. Several contestants interviewed were in dead-end, no-win situations in life and they were seeking to become the next “American Idol” so that their circumstances could change. Clearly they should be applauded for their willingness to sing as the world watches. They also should receive some congrats for having stood before Simon Cowell and received their fair share of criticism as to why they will not be the next “American Idol.” However, I could not help but wonder why they would rely on such a long-shot for life improvement and would give so little thought to more tried and true methods – namely EDUCATION and HARD WORK! As I pondered this, the following thoughts came to mind…

Most people do not like to be challenged in life. The path of least resistance is the most trodden trail. They do not want to push themselves beyond what is comfortable and common. They are unwilling to embrace the struggle and sacrifice necessary for change to result and goals to be achieved. As I have observed, many routinely reject new challenges and remain in dead-end jobs with little reward and even less future. They refuse to struggle so that they might do something they love and instead opt for a bland life of stagnation. Oh, they may gripe and complain about their miserable circumstances and some will even pray for God to bring about changes for the better… but they put forth zero effort to embrace the challenge of change themselves. Singing on a stage and expecting instant gratification is one thing; sitting in a classroom for four years where tests are utilized to objectively measure achievement quite another. Finding a few minutes of stardom is a quickly fading sense of accomplishment; starting a new career when you hit 35 because life is to short for moss to grow over your dreams is a lasting achievement.

Risk avoidance is a common characteristic of those who are stagnating in life. The common stumbling block for many is the question “what if I fail?” This fear lurks in the shadows of everyone looking to embrace a new challenge. It is natural and warranted, but it must never be what stops personal growth from taking place. Whenever a challenge is met and a risk is taken that stretches a person beyond the normalcy of living, they win regardless. Win or lose the one who steps forward and gets in the game is always a better person. Their self-esteem has grown. Their life has taken on a freshness that rejects the repugnant stagnation so prevalent in so many. Risks are not for the faint of heart, but they are for those who seek to live life on the edge, draining every drop of goodness from the precious few days they have.

Psychologists have identified “controlled trauma” as a means of one embracing a challenge so that their life can shift upward for the better. Controlled trauma is the willingness to incur pain, sacrifice, and hardship so that a greater goal can be achieved. When someone purposefully steps out of their comfort zone and into a challenging and demanding situation, they are employing controlled trauma as a tool for personal growth. An example of this would be my son’s recent activities. Because he has some very specific and challenging goals, he willingly submits to an incredibly demanding fitness routine that brings daily trauma into his life. Regularly do those training with him hang their head over the trash can and lose their breakfast. There is intense pain involved, but the controlled trauma promises a greater possibility that he will achieve his dreams and therefore it is totally worth it. In a similar way, those who diet incur controlled trauma when they willingly put aside food so the scale gives the desired result. Controlled trauma is necessary at times in our lives – regardless of the pain and sacrifice involved.

My encouragement is that you submit to a total examination of your life. Are you achieving all that you have dreamed of or are you walking the path of least resistance? Are you embracing new challenges in your life and taking risks? Are you willing to submit to some controlled trauma to see your goals become reality? Nothing will change until you submit to this reality check and demand change from yourself. So what will it be – bland monotony or the thrill of living life on the edge? Me personally, I choose the edge!

The Tim Tebow Story...

2010-02-08T10:33:00.000-06:00

Tim Tebow has been making headline news for several years. As a former Heisman Trophy winner and an amazing college quarterback, he is a very public figure. With his size and strength, Tebow will have a promising future in the NFL should that be the direction God chooses for his life. Recently, Tim and his mother came under sharp criticism for a commercial to be aired during the Superbowl describing the choice Mrs. Tebow made to not abort her son. This is a powerful story of love and trust in God. Why don't you check it out at http://www.focusonthefamily.com/.

Off We Go...

2010-02-05T13:06:00.000-06:00

If you were part of our services last Sunday morning at the Commemorative Air Force Base you experienced a rarity in the life of FBC-Odessa. The entire church came together at one time for this important worship event. Based on the 1,100 chairs - excluding choir and orchestra - and counting the children that were present in our preschool, we had well over 1,300 total in worship. It was a great experience, one that will not soon be forgotten.

This Sunday afternoon at 2:00 I will show the PowerPoint presentation again for those who could not attend last week. A question and answer period will follow that will provide additional details regarding the Long Range Plan. The following Sunday, February 14, at 5:00 PM we will have the final Q&A and will vote at the conclusion of both of our AM services on February 21 to affirm the Long Range Plan.

As I have said before - and you will hear again - this vote is not to enter into a building program, it is simply to affirm the Long Range Plan that the committee brings forth as a recommendation to the faith family at First Baptist Church. The implementation of Phase 1 of the plan will come at a future date as the Lord leads.

I hope you are excited about all God is doing at FBC-Odessa. It is incredibly exciting to follow Him by faith as a family of believers. Remember, let's trust God and do something larger than our individual lives that will touch the next generation for Jesus Christ.

Obscurity...

2010-01-25T12:22:00.000-06:00

I recently wrote the following article for SBTC Crossroads magazine; it will be printed in the upcoming issue. However, as most of you do not receive this particular magazine, I am posting it on my blog for you to ponder. Be blessed.

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Obscurity is a double-edged sword for God’s servant. On one side it is a joy rarely embraced … even though what it offers is of tremendous value. On the other it is a peril that often results in feelings of depression, drudgery, even hopelessness. Few actively seek obscurity; many fervently crave notoriety. The search for significance permeates our 21st century church culture with the idea that languishing in some obscure piece of geography that even God struggles to find is to be avoided at all cost. I have witnessed this in others and I have slid down both sides of the sword myself. Perhaps now that I am further down the road, I can shed some light on the precious value of time spent serving in obscurity.

Serving God in obscurity is one of the greatest training tools for ministry in existence. Please don’t misunderstand, I value formal education tremendously and can be quite opinionated in this area. I have long held that if someone has opportunity to advance their knowledge in a conservative seminary classroom and chooses not to do so, little wisdom is found in that logic. Formal education is of immense value as we study to “show ourselves approved.” No price, however, can be put on the value of hands-on learning in a real pastoral setting.

At one time, the young seminary graduate typically left the classroom to accept a call for service in a rural country church with eager anticipation. They would arrive on the field, experience the culture change, learn from the congregation and begin their pastoral residency training. There they learned how to make hospital visits, do weekly outreach visitation, perform funerals, hold the hand of those experiencing death, and write sermons. They learned the value of a cup of coffee for decision making and conflict resolution. But also, they learned when to speak up and, by all means, when to shut up, none of which can be taught in a classroom. This obscure setting is where the minister and real ministry would first meet to form an inseparable bond.

Serving in this type setting is where humility in ministry is learned. With little encouragement, we ministers can so easily begin to think too highly of ourselves and our polished skill set. We might even begin to see God as fortunate to have us on His team. Today, the idea of leaving big city lights and traveling to places where the only lights at night are stars is unthinkable for many. The thought of serving in a place where the telephone book is so small its not even a good fly swatter, where you see more livestock than humans, or where traffic moves so slowly that the dogs can nap in the road is the undoing of many young men entering ministry service. They cannot handle the obscurity because they have been trained to think far bigger and they have missed the importance of touching lives one at a time. If not careful, pride in their ability causes them to disdain the smaller place of service. Yet, God has a way of teaching us minister’s humility as we serve those who value truth, integrity, and stability even more than flashy sermons and high-minded ideals.

An obscure place of service is where God also teaches His servant who’s really the boss. Every church has people of great influence in the congregation; they are not the boss. The pastor has to learn that no man is boss, only God. In my years of ministry I have been confronted with local power brokers who seek to negatively leverage their influence against the body of Christ. Early on I had to determine who was going to be the boss, an individual or the Lord Jesus. Without fail and without regret I have always sided with God as the one who calls the shots in the local church. This comes through a natural dependence on God above all else. Dependence of this sort does not emerge during times of ease, but when the cannons are thundering and the rifle fire is intense. Here is where the minster truly touches the heartbeat of God for His church. Recently I read where Henry Blackaby said, “The heart of God and the heart of the one God chooses must beat as one.” This only comes through absolute surrender and devotion to duty. God does not strengthen the rebel, but He solidifies the courage and resolve of the dependent servant who recognizes Him as Lord and boss!

One final point, confident service in a place of obscurity is a testimony to the sovereignty of God. It is a bold statement to those watching your life, and there are more than you know, that God Almighty is in control and able to deliver his servant from obscurity in a moment’s notice. Take Joseph as the Scriptural example. At 17 he was sold into slavery and separated from his father’s house. He then languished obscurely for 13 years, being falsely accused, unjustly imprisoned and forgotten. But one day – a day like any other – Joseph’s life changed with sovereign precision. On that day he was extracted from prison, given clean clothes and a shave, and marched into the presence of the greatest king on earth – Pharaoh. On that day he was utilized to give Pharaoh not only the interpretation of the forthcoming famine but also a direct plan for how it should be handled. On that day he was promoted to the second highest position in the land – from the prison to the palace – all in one day! What a tremendous testimony that God knows our exact position always.

Do you trust in the sovereignty of God in your place of service? Do you believe your sovereign Lord sees you in the obscurity of your prayer closet? If God can see you when you pray, don’t you think you should trust that He sees you where you serve? I do not know your circumstances, but I do know the God who reigns above all trials and troubles we will ever face. So stay focused and alert. Work with diligence and faithfulness. Keep your eyes on your master because joy comes in the service not in the location. And should God choose to change your circumstances, never doubt what He can do in just one day.

IMB Missionaries and Persecution...

2010-01-21T12:24:00.001-06:00

I am in the office today after having spent the first part of the week in Richmond, VA at an International Mission Board meeting. It is my joy to report that the IMB is doing well and that the attitude among trustees is fantastic. Yes, we have been somewhat affected by the financial downturn in America resulting in some belt-tightening measures, but the organization is working harder than ever to make every dollar count and to provide maximum support to our missionaries around the world. There is a sense of unity on the board that is powerful and contagious. We are looking to the future together as we pray for God's leadership in the selection of the next president of the IMB. I ask you to pray as well for Dr. Jimmy Pritchard and the entire President's Search Committee as they seek God's man for this position.

While at the meeting I had the privilege of visiting with two long-term missionaries and their experiences around the world (names withheld to protect the obvious). This beloved couple has been on the field more than a quarter century, they have buried a son in Africa and faced untold physical persecution throughout their tenure. They are indeed heroes of the faith like those the writer of Hebrews describes as "of whom the world has was not worthy." Like those to whom they minister, they have come to realize that persecution is like the sun coming up in the East, it's going to happen. But of course this is reality for 80% of the Christian world who live with regular, on-going persecution because of their faith in Jesus Christ. When asked whether he felt persecution would come to the United States, the missionary said, "Why would Satan want to wake us up (through persecution) when we've already shut up!" What a powerful and thought provoking response from someone committed to giving his life for the Gospel. This incredible servant made another statement that I leave you with today, a statement every evangelical Christian in America should hear and give utmost consideration. He said, "When you deny Christ and refuse to share God's truth of salvation for fear of persecution, are you not identifying more with the persecutor than you are with the persecuted?" What a question to ponder...

Memories of Gardening Days Gone By...

2010-01-12T13:04:00.000-06:00

In 1997 my family moved from Houston to a small Southeast Texas town by the name of Spurger. (It's pronounced like burger with an Sp in place of the B.) Many of you have never heard of this beautiful little out of the way place, but it exists at the corner of FM 1013 and Highway 92 in Tyler County. Although we only lived in Spurger several years, this little community sowed its roots deep into our hearts and produced many precious memories for our family.

Spurger is where my son, Jordon, and I spent hours waging war with his BB gun on all the Red Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Hornets seeking a free meal from the pears rotting under the tree by the parsonage. Jordon is an excellent rifle shot today... I credit the time spent aiming at a winged insect as tantamount to the reason why. Great adventures were had under that pear tree as he and I devised our battle strategies in the blistering heat of the summer sun. Although only seven at the time, he was capable of executing military commands with such precision that Patton would have been proud. Those pesky critters with craving appetites never had a fighting chance as we stormed their strongholds and demolished their defenses. When the flying armies we opposed were unalarmed by our presence, Jordon would be the long distance sniper, taking out the enemy with incredible stealth. When the defenses were raised I would sometimes take over the rifleman duties so as to fire rapidly, often in self-defense. Of course both of us were barefoot and treading carefully was a necessity. One wrong step onto a large ‘bull’ Yellow Jacket would send you doing the one-legged Watusi away from the field of battle as you headed to triage for wound treatment.

Oh the memories that flood my mind as I think of those wonder years. More precious than gold are the memories of good times gone by.

Spurger is also were I learned to garden. On the side of the parsonage, not far from the pear tree was my first garden site. There is where the soil was tilled, rows were created, and seed was planted. There was where many mornings found me hopping out of bed, jerking on my jeans and hurrying out the door to inspect the rows for growth that occurred overnight. There was where I had my first hands-on experience with God’s “Law of the Harvest.”

The Law of the Harvest states that what is sowed will be what is reaped. Since I sowed corn seed in my garden I would reap ears of corn from the stalk. Since I sowed beans, I would reap beans. Upon sowing potatoes, I would reap potatoes as I scratched them from the fertile soil. Never one time did I plant a seed that did not produce a crop according to its kind. It was a sure thing: what I sowed in that garden produced more of what was planted… every time.

This same Law applies to our relationships and the fruit we should bear in the Christian life. Galatians 6:7 says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” With abounding clarity, God’s Word confirms the Law of the Harvest to be just as applicable to our everyday lives as it is to the farmer sowing seed in his garden. When we sow kindness, we reap kindness. When we sow peace, we reap peace. When we sow love, love is what we can expect to reap. Conversely, when anger, discord, hatred, impurity, crankiness and bitterness are sown, these are guaranteed to be reaped as well. God’s Law of the Harvest is an unbreakable, unbendable law. That which one sows, that will one reap, it’s as simple as that. So, my question for you is this – what kind of seed have you sown today? Think about it and then do some planning on what you plan to plant the rest of today, and tomorrow, and the day after that.

And by the way… if you don’t know what the one-legged Watusi is, you’ve never stepped on a ‘bull’ Yellow Jacket barefooted.

A New Year, A New You...

2010-01-07T11:59:00.013-06:00

We hear so much talk about getting a "new you" at the turn of a new year. We are diving into 2010 and I'm wondering how many of you really want a "new you" or you simply want to change some of the things you find less appealing about the current you.

The way I read and interpret Scripture, you only become a new person two times in your life. Certainly you are new when you are born. Every parent understands this when they hold their new baby for the first time. The only other time a person becomes "new" is when they receive Jesus Christ as Savior and are born again. At that moment the person becomes a new creation in Christ and regardless of the quantity of new calendar years they experience, they will never in this lifetime experience being a "new" person again as you are only born again one time. So do you really need a new you, or do you need to change and tweak the old you? If you need to be born again, I pray the Holy Spirit is so clear with you that you cannot turn away from your computer without confessing your sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

My 17 year old son recently became the new owner of my black 2003 Dodge pick-up truck. I have to confess that due to the dusty conditions in West Texas, my truck has not seen near the number of scrub downs it has needed over the years. Before I handed over the keys, however, I detailed the truck, replaced the cracked windshield, had a new Rhino Liner installed in the scratched up bed, and thoroughly cleaned the interior. What a difference it made! I was floored by how gorgeous the black truck was when the old layers of dust and dirt was removed allowing the shine to come through. He's got a great truck; something he can be proud to drive.

What a picture of the average Christian life. For far too many, their normal Christian walk is anything but a shining example of the power of God. Many who claim salvation through Jesus Christ are no longer a Q-Beam of faith shining forth to pierce the prevailing darkness, but merely a dull, impotent glow. If you find yourself in this situation at the start of 2010, let me encourage you to stick around over the next few days as I provide some guidance for revitalizing your faith. I will be sharing some thoughts for how you can find a fresh bounce in your Christian walk and experience a spiritual satisfaction that only comes from a right relationship with God. So tune in tomorrow as I tackle some incessant spiritual killers that attack us all at some time or another.

Gotta Love America...

2009-12-18T10:34:00.000-06:00

I received the attached link from my father-in-law about an event that transpired at the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado a number of years ago. I know that the people who read my blog have a deep love for our great land; you will love this wonderful 3 minute segment. Enjoy it and then stop and thank God for the privilege of being an American.

$500,000 and Counting...

2009-12-16T14:02:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday was our World Mission Offering ingathering at FBC. It is always a special day of worship and sacrifice as we seek to assist our Southern Baptist mission sending agencies to reach the world for Christ. Our goal for 2009 was $425,000. At the end of the late service the FBC administrator handed me the adding maching tape for the announcement on how much we had received in our two morning services. When he handed it to me he said, "You might want to sit down" and was he ever correct. The total I was privileged to announce was $496,419. I was blown away! This is the largest one-day offering since I have been the pastor of FBC and, if I'm not mistaken, the largest missions offering in the history of the church. So what have I learned from this...

1) God does do exceedingly and abundantly above anything we can ask or imagine when we trust Him. He cares far more for missions around the world than I do so why would He not provide a truly excellent offering.

2) We can always do more together than we can ever do apart. I believe in the Cooperative Program of the SBC for this reason.

3) My faith is sometimes too small! I had prayed earlier that morning for us to have over $300,000 that day with full confidence we would collect the balance before year-end. My prayer was far too small as God far exceeded my expectations.

4) It was again confirmed to me just how great a church God has allowed me to pastor. I'm proud of you FBC Odessa! You have done, and are doing, a splendid job for the cause of Christ here and around the world.

God bless you all and thanks for your willingness to give to missions! We are over $500,000 and still counting...

Pondering Major Change at the IMB...

2009-09-22T09:20:00.002-05:00

The following was written last week as I was preparing to travel back to Texas from my most recent trustee meeting with the International Mission Board. I encourage you to read this and pray for the Southern Baptist Convention. Exciting days are before us!

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I write from a hotel room in Jacksonville, Florida, having just completed a trustee meeting with the International Mission Board (IMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention. Over the last three days I have attended numerous committee meetings to discuss the on-going work of the IMB. This gathering has been like no other during my trustee tenure as Dr. Jerry Rankin, president of the IMB, announced his retirement to the board during the plenary session yesterday. The announcement should serve as an explicit call to prayer to all Southern Baptists for such a time as this. Why do I say this? Read on...

Who is the most important person living on planet earth at this time in world history? Some would say the president of the USA while others would declare the most important person on earth to be those who control the world's petroleum or financial markets. I beg to differ. In my humble opinion the most important person at this time in world history is the president of the largest mission sending agency on planet earth. Why would I make such a bold statement? Please consider that this man has the responsibility of mobilizing an aggressive force of missionaries to go into all the world declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has the responsibility of establishing a strategic vision for carrying out the Great Commission in countries like Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia where if you convert to Christianity and it is discovered, you are executed with about as much forethought as one would have when swatting a common house fly. He has the awesome responsibility of humbling himself before the Lord so that God will fully use him to lead over 5,000 full-time missionaries to take the ONLY eternal message to "every nation, tribe, people and language" so that the multitudes can stand "before the throne and worship the Lamb." (Rev. 7:9) If you believe that this Gospel we treasure must be preached around the world before the end will come, you must believe that this position is one of the most important - if not the most important - on planet earth.

With this understanding, we as Southern Baptists should hear a clear call to prayer for the search committee who will be responsible for recommending Dr. Rankin's successor. Only God knows who this person will be and Southern Baptists had better get it right as we discover God's will in this matter. To fail at this crucial time in history and place the wrong man in this position would do damage to the forward movement of the Gospel message for decades to come. Prayer is the most important safeguard to ensure this does not occur.

God bless you!

"The Truth Project" and Other Happenings...

2009-09-04T12:39:00.002-05:00

Well I'm back from blog sabbatical. Tons of "things" have kept me from spending time writing, but I am back at it again.

"The Truth Project" - If you were not at FBC-Odessa this past Wednesday for part 1 of "The Truth Project" you missed a great time of learning. The first session was all about truth (as you might imagine), what it is and is not. We spent an hour unpacking the importance of truth and how it determines everything when it comes to answering the question - "Do I really believe that what I say I believe is really real?" It was fantastic material and you don't want to miss part 2 this coming Wednesday. When we gather next week we will move out of the Fellowship Hall and back into the Sanctuary so we can accommodate our 14 foot viewing screen. This will make it an even more enjoyable time together. Invite a friend and come on - you won't regret it!

Last Wednesday we had over 700 people on our campus. AWANA had 210 children, we had a hundred students, 130+ in choir/orchestra, 160+ in discipleship, when you add in workers on top of these numbers it was a great night. Therefore, let me extend a huge THANK YOU to all who work hard to make Wednesday at FBC so wonderful! You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.

Fitness Recovery Update - #4

2009-08-24T11:36:00.005-05:00

Hey folks, it is good to be back. This morning I've been humming that old song "Back in the Saddle Again" as I ponder the kids going back to school and the approaching change of seasons. I want to take a few minutes and update you on my Fitness Recovery Program as I have just concluded week 8.

This morning I hit the pavement at 6:30. It was still dark outside and I was thankful for the streetlights as I ran through our neighborhood. If you will recall just seven short weeks ago (on July 4) I got off the couch after having not run in several months and got back into the running game. I ran/walked 3 miles that hot, hot day in 37:21. This morning I ran 4 miles in 39:23. Last week I ran 19 miles (2 - 4 mile runs, 1 - 6 miler, and 1 - 5 miler). I am well pleased with my progress as I have not experienced any Achilles Tendonitis issues or any other pains of note. So I'm on my way back as a runner and I'm thanking God totally for the ability He has given to me.

But what about the weight loss goal? As of Sunday morning I have lost 20.6 pounds. If you remember I was only planning on losing 30 total. Perhaps I will revise this and stay on the same eating regimen longer, we'll have to see about that. As of now, I am again well pleased and I look forward to the next 8 weeks and the progress I believe will come. God is good!

Several people have asked me about running and how they could get started enjoying the sport. Being totally honest, more have wondered why in the world I would ever want to go run 6 miles as in their eyes this must be a special form of insanity. Perhaps they are right. But for those of you who have the same insane tendencies as I and would like to go pound the pavement but are not quite sure how, I offer these thoughts. I do not profess to be an expert in this area, so what I share are simply my opinions and what I have found works for me.

1) Set a goal. What do you want to do with your running? Do you just want to build your endurance to where you can run 1 mile or do you want to run 3 miles or maybe 10 miles? Do you want to run for weight control purposes only or would you like to run with a goal of completing a 1/2 or whole marathon? Whatever the reason, setting a goal will help. Being specific and writing the goal down also makes a difference.

2) Go run. It is a proven fact that you cannot become a runner without running. If you are unwilling to log the time on the pavement or treadmill you will not become a runner. Usually this is the most difficult step in the running process but once you get off the couch and begin to feel the positive benefits your motivation to become a runner will increase.

By the way - I detest the title JOGGER. I mean, who wants to become a JOGGER? JOGGING conjures up all sorts of counterproductive images in my mind. You don't even have to train to JOG. There are no goals involved in JOGGING, much less any sweat. Besides, almost anyone can JOG but not everyone can be a runner. I am a runner. To misspeak and call a runner by the slanderous title of JOGGER is to level an almost unforgivable insult. But, I digress...

3) Persevere. If you are unable to run very far (notice I didn't say "JOG"), then start out running for 1 minute and walking for 2 minutes. Use this formula for 10 days to 2 weeks and you will begin to see improvement. When you do, you need to increase the stress level a little so why not reverse the times and run for 2 minutes and walk for 1. After 10 days to 2 weeks of this, slowly increase your time spent running and decrease your time spent walking. You will see results quickly, but be flexible. These rules are not rules carved in stone, they are only suggestions. Modify them to fit your life and ability.

4) I do not run for time, I run for distance. I don't go out to run for 4o minutes. If I want to run 40 minutes, I am going to run 4 miles. If you've not run in a long time, I recommend beginning the run/walk combination for 2 miles at first. When this becomes less difficult then simply increase the mileage slowly. As you will notice I said "slowly" increase the mileage.

5) Run long enough that you run beyond the pain. I remember being told that most people quit running before reaching a point where their body has adapted and there is little or no pain as they run. They give up because until you get into shape, running can be somewhat painful. Muscles hurting and lungs burning is not particularly pleasing and fun. However, if you are to become a runner, you have to be consistent enough with your training that you get into shape and can run for the desired length of time with little or no pain. When I run I'm not feeling pain. I do feel the effects of the run for a while afterwards but my muscles and lungs no longer burn during the run. The only time I notice anything other than the cadence of my feet on the pavement and my corresponding rhythmic breathing is when I push the pace enough to take me out of my comfort zone. This is a good occasionally as it improves fitness; however, running in pain is not fun. I've been there and done that enough and prefer to enjoy my running rather than it being something I loathe.

There you have it - a few helpful hints to those of you who have asked about my running. Believe me, there is nothing scientific about what I have shared above. If you are looking for something more advanced and "official" I recommend checking out the Runner's World website. And if you have not been physically active in quite some time, I also recommend checking out your doctor - or, better yet, letting your doctor check you out.

Have fun and thanks for reading!

Have a blast on the pavement; I know I am.

So Much To Do, So Little Time...

2009-08-11T12:40:00.001-05:00

The title sums up my pastoral experience at this moment. I have done two funerals this week with another starting in less than 90 minutes. There seems to be so much to do and so little time right now.

But don't lose hope. I will be back shortly and will be sharing some more thoughts and ponderings from my heart as I blog later in the week.

As of now, please pray for the Ecuador mission team as they are doing VBS in this distant land even as I write. Please pray that they will boldly share Jesus with those they come in contact and that they will never be ashamed of the Gospel. Please pray for their safety and that God will pour out His blessings on their efforts in such a way that every member of the mission team will be changed in a real and tangible way.

God bless and I'll be back in touch soon.

FRP Update - #3

2009-08-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday marked the completion of week four since I have been running again. I have come far since that very hot July 4th afternoon and am well pleased. I have run four times a week every week except last. I ran three times last week but two of those run were four miles each. When I began four weeks ago I ran/walked the three miles in excess of 37 minutes. That is so slow that I’m almost ashamed to put this in written form, but if I don’t, there is no point in updating my progress to you. I ran the same 3 mile route yesterday morning in 30:21 – over seven minutes faster than my initial run. I have long been amazed at the human body as a creation of God. When faced with regular physical challenges, the human body quickly responds. The heart is an amazing muscle and adapts extraordinarily when pushed pushed beyond normal limits. God is amazing! All that said, yes, I’m pleased with my running progress and look forward to extending my distances in the weeks ahead.

This past Sunday I visited with a friend named James at FBC-O about running as he is taking up the sport. Talk turned to shoes so I thought I would answer his question on-line. Every runner who has logged more than a few miles is very opinionated regarding the best shoe on the market. I am no different. Asics are my favorite shoes, hands down. More specifically, I run in Asics GT-2140’s with extra inserts for increased padding. This shoe/insert combination is wonderful and works well for me. I have switched to a different Asics model only once and had some ankle issues so I stick with what has worked for many miles and have no plans on changing again.

My 1700 calorie per day diet has been successful in spite of having wanted to lose weight at a more rapid pace. In the five weeks I have been following the eating program outlined in a previous blog, I have lost 14 pounds. It sounds better than it is because of the huge weight loss in week one; however, I have averaged 1 pound per week since so that's not too bad. I am contemplating reducing the calorie intake by 200 per day, but we’ll see on that. A better alternative would be to insert 3-4 days of weight training, but we’ll also see on that.

That’s my update for now. Thanks for reading.

Pondering the Existence of Dinosaurs...

2009-07-30T16:07:00.004-05:00

Last night in Q&A at FBC Odessa I attempted to answer one of the most asked questions we have received over the past four weeks – Dinosaurs. Were their dinosaurs on earth? When were the dinosaurs present? What happened to dinosaurs? Where is the reference to dinosaurs in the Bible? Were their dinosaurs on the Ark?

These are good questions because they challenge us to dig deeply to determine what we believe regarding the Bible, science and creation. To this end, I want to ponder the issue of dinosaurs a little further for those who may not have been able to attend last night but have some of the same questions. I begin with some basic presuppositions.

First, I am not a paleontologist and did not take courses on paleontology in college or seminary. I also am not a physicist or archeologist. The following has originated from personal study and is the basic understanding that forms my beliefs in this area. Second, I am a creationist. The Bible teaches creationism. Any attempt to substantiate an evolutionary hypothesis from Scripture is a stretch that does not work. I do believe in the adaptation of animals over time to their environment but strongly oppose evolution as a viable thesis regarding the origin of man. Third, I hold to a “young earth” belief that dates the earth to be about 10,000 years old. I believe when God created the earth He created a mature earth. This poses no problem in my biblical hermeneutic of Genesis. When God created Adam & Eve – the first human beings – He created them as mature adults. When God created the animal and plant kingdoms, again they were created mature. If God created mature inhabitants, and we accept that, why would we not accept Him creating a mature earth? Now let’s talk about dinosaurs.

1. Dinosaurs existed on earth. I realize God could have provided fossil records to show only the appearance of them existing, but I do not believe that to be correct. I believe God created dinosaurs like He did all other animals on earth. This is supported by the abundance of fossil records that have been found principally in the Mesozoic strata proving the existence of dinosaurs on earth.

2. Since dinosaurs did exist, they were created on day six of the Genesis account of creation. Yes, I support a literal day being 24 hours in Genesis. Scientists and skeptics have long argued over the Hebrew translation of “day” and its meaning. I prefer to believe what God has said rather than diminish the authority of Scripture by postulating my beliefs of how creation took place and over what period of time. God defined the creation process in Genesis and He was the only eye witness. Not only this, but when using Scripture to interpret Scripture, the Bible supports a literal 24 hour day. For example, in Exodus 20:9-11 the Bible says “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” We readily accept a 24 hour literal day in this passage, why would we not accept it just one book previous in Genesis? Besides, the quoted verses from Exodus are translated from the Hebrew Bible, the Bible Jesus read and He never appears to be confused about the length of a day.

3. Dinosaurs became extinct at some point in time – no person knows exactly how that occurred. There were no eye-witnesses and the Bible does not speak directly to how or why they became extinct. Multiple scientific theories exist for their extinction – volcanoes, changes in environments, eating of dinosaur eggs, a dinosaur disease epidemic, food shortages, or a universal flood – but there is no ultimate proof. Therefore, to definitively state how dinosaurs became extinct is presumptuous when Scripture does not give a clear word on how this happened.

4. Dinosaurs were reptiles but most were not huge like the T-Rex we see on the movie Jurassic Park. Okay, assuming they were small, what if they were allowed to live and grow for many years, continuing to grow until they die? Before the flood the age of man was huge – Adam, 930 years; Seth, 912 years; Methuselah, 969 years. After the flood the age of life began to drop significantly with every successive generation. Terah, Abraham’s father lived 205 years. Abraham, 175, Isaac lived 180 years; Jacob lived 147, and Joseph lived 110 years. Imagine how large a West Texas rattlesnake that lived a total of 930 years feasting on jackrabbits would grow. I would not want to be around when it became hungry. I attach a picture of a rattlesnake recently killed in Odessa that proves my point to some degree.

5. Before the flood Dinosaurs were grass/plant eating animals. This seems apparent in light of Genesis 1:30 wherein God gave “to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” Then in post-flood Genesis 9:1-3, God provides meat for sustenance to man. He places the fear of man upon the animal kingdom and provides that “every moving thing that lives shall be food for you.” Based upon these texts, it seems logical that if dinosaurs still roamed the earth post-flood they began eating meat at that time.

6. Were dinosaurs on the Ark and how was the Ark big enough to handle all of the animals? If dinosaurs survived the world-wide flood described in the Bible, they would have to have been on Noah’s Ark. Was the Ark large enough to handle the large influx of animals? The answer is “yes” it was. The Ark was a gigantic barge (450 ft. long x 75 feet wide x 45 feet high) with a displacement of 43,000 tons and an inside capacity/volume of 1.4 million cubic feet (one cubit = 17.5 inches). There were multiple decks and levels within the Ark. The total deck area is estimated at over 100,000 Sq. Ft. The Ark had a carrying capacity equal to that of 522 standard railroad freight cars or the equivalent of 8 freight trains with 65 freight cars each. This means that at least 240 animals the size of a sheep could be accommodated in a standard 2-deck stock car. Multiply that out (240 x 522) and you can see the ark’s capacity for animals the size of a sheep to be 125,280. Now most likely the animals on the Ark were young so replenishing of the earth could occur. To this end, if there were dinosaurs on the Ark, they would have been young and certainly smaller. But can I definitively state without reservation there were dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark? No, but it is totally possible. (See "The Genesis Flood" by Whitcomb and Morris for more information on this subject.)

7. Where are dinosaurs found in the Bible? The clearest description of an animal that is extinct today but fits the profile of a dinosaur is the behemoth found in Job 40:15-24. This animal doesn’t exist today but did during the time of Job. It has been described as a brontosaurus – a creature not unlike Dino in the Flintstones cartoon. Now wouldn’t that have been a great pet?

As you can tell, this was not an exhaustive study on the creation and extinction of dinosaurs. There are Christian scientists like Dr. Kurt Wise, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who holds a PhD in Paleontology from Harvard University, that spend their entire lives studying what I have only touched upon today. Could I be wrong in some of the information I have provided above? I would never be so arrogant as to presume to speak with final authority on that which God’s Word does not present a thorough discourse, so yes, I could be wrong in some areas. However, God’s Word is authoritative and regardless of differing opinions, when God’s Word speaks it is accurate and without error. As Adrian Rogers stated on more than one occasion, "I would rather be accused of taking the Bible too literally than not taking it literally enough." To that I give a hearty amen!

Pondering the Great White Throne of Judgment...

2009-07-23T11:52:00.005-05:00

Last night in Q&A I answered a question regarding the Great White Throne of Judgment as described in Revelation 20:11-15. Without argument this is one of the most gripping and serious passages in the entire Bible. Particular verse 15 which states that “if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” We are dealing with a most sobering passage of Scripture.

Upon being asked who was going to stand before this Great White Throne of Judgment, I exclaimed that I was not, nor would any other believers having professed faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. At this point a statement was emphatically made that every person would stand before this fearful Great White Throne and be judged. Some of the biblical reasons for my disagreement with that statement follow.

1. The sins of the Christ follower were judged at the Cross. On the day I accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, I received total and complete forgiveness of my sin. The blood of Jesus Christ was shed so that my sin would be atoned and His righteousness would become my righteousness. Through this glorious act of divine grace, I received positional (imputed) righteousness before God for eternity. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us that “For our sake He (God) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God.” Couple this magnificent act of mercy, love and grace on God’s part with Romans 8:1 and the believer rests assured that “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When one is “in Christ Jesus” it means that he has been purchased/redeemed by the blood of Christ shed at the cross and is forgiven because the sin debt he could not pay has been “paid in full” by the Lord Jesus. As such, the sins of the Christ follower were judged at the Cross when Jesus shed His sinless blood and there will be no future judgment of sin upon the Christian. Because of this, I can rest assured that I will not stand before the horrible Great White Throne of Judgment.

2. The Great White Throne of Judgment is for the unredeemed of all the ages. This is the last court that will ever convene and come to order. The unredeemed dead of all the ages will be arraigned before this throne, guilty of crimes committed against God. The out-and-out flagrant sinner will be there along with those who rejected Jesus because they felt salvation came through just being a good person. Hitler, Stalin, and other world leaders who sought power on this earth will be finally and ultimately judged for eternity as they come before this throne. There will be no place to hide. There will be no cross examination or rebuttal. All that has been done in opposition to God – particularly the rejection of God’s Son – will have been recorded in the books that testify to the guilt of all who stand before this throne. When the sentence is read – “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt. 25:41) – God’s justice will be fulfilled and the unredeemed of all the ages will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

3. The “Bema” seat of Judgment is not the Great White Throne of Judgment. But, you may reply, the Bible says “we must all appear before the judgment (bema) seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is exactly true, but this is not the Great White Throne of Judgment referred to in Revelation 20. This is a time when all Christ followers are before God and the work done, or not done, for Christ will be judged with rewards distributed accordingly. Scripture is clear in stating “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:14-15). So, yes, all Christians will be judged, but not at the Great White Throne of Judgment and not for our sin to determine our eternal destiny. The works that a Christian has done for Jesus Christ post-salvation will be examined and judged to determine reward and on that Scripture is very clear.

What does this mean to me? First, if you are a believer in Christ, you have eternal security in Jesus. You are now to live each day with an eye on eternity, honoring Jesus Christ with your life on this earth through what you do for Him. An unproductive Christ follower is an oxymoron. Every Christian is to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God and will be rewarded accordingly. Second, if you are not a believer in Christ, you have no eternal security in Jesus but only a fearful pending judgment that is to come before you are cast into the lake of fire. Call upon Jesus Christ today for salvation so you too can be saved. God's free gift of salvation is available by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Why not confess your belief in Him and receive salvation right now. What are you waiting for?

More Church Picnic Thoughts...

2009-07-20T17:12:00.002-05:00

It seems I was a little remiss a moment ago when I thanked my pastoral staff only for pulling off a great picnic. No, nobody has called to tell me I blew it, I just kind of figured that one out on my own. So, here goes...

To all of you who volunteered your time cooking hamburgers, preparing the feeding lines, cutting watermelons, and contributing your service in any way possible to ensure success - THANK YOU! Without you, nothing happens. Thanks for serving the Lord by serving your friends and family.

Church Picnic Brings Out the Soreness in Some of Us...

2009-07-20T15:24:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was the 4th annual First Baptist Church family picnic at Sherwood Park here in Odessa. We had a blast just hanging out and being a family together. My pastoral staff did an outstanding job in coordinating the activities - especially Earl Claypool our Pastor of Junior High and Recreation. Thanks Earl!

Each pastor spent time in the dunking booth with my allocated time being 5:30. Now I have swam in some really brown lake water before, but I'm thinking this is pretty close to the top on the dirty scale. Could it be because I got in the water after my two music guys? Not sure on that just yet.

There was an egg toss that transpired while I was being dunked. Afterwards we had an old-fashioned sack race. Yes I fell down because it was hard! Finally, the old guys took on the young 15-18 year olds in a game of football. Now that was fun! I haven't played football like that for quite some time and it was a blast. Of course, the old guys won in spite of my having dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone. I have never felt more like Terrell Owens that at any other moment in my life. But truly, it was all tremendous fun... and now I'm sore, but it's a good sore.

Yesterday reminded me of the four connections we need in life to make our lives most enjoyable. First, every person needs to be connected to God. This glorious connection is made at salvation and is the supreme connection that stands above all others. If one is connected to God, they are ultimately secure and can have peace regardless of what they encounter in life. Second, every person needs to be connected to God's church. Here is where we learn to live the Christian life in community and grow in our relationship with the Heavenly Father. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." What a blessing to be part of God's local church and worship Him in Spirit and in truth with others in the Christian community. Third, every person needs to be connected to their earthly family as so much of our lives are spent investing in those to whom we are related. When these earthly relationships are broken, we suffer. My prayer for all who are struggling in a relationship right now is that God will be allowed to be central in the members lives so healing can occur. Fourth, every person needs the connection of friends.

Yesterday I witnessed all four of these connections played out in the lives of people I encountered. It began yesterday morning as I celebrated Jesus Christ in worship with my fellow believers. Then, at the picnic, I witnessed the Christian community having fun as they laughed and played together as part of God's family. Yesterday was a living testimony of Psalm 68:6, "God sets the lonely in families." I'm thankful for my earthly family and my church family. I am doubly blessed (and doubly sore today)... and I love it!

God bless and have a great week!

Fitness Recovery Program - #2

2009-07-17T11:53:00.002-05:00

I am coming to the end of week #3 on my Fitness Recovery Program and want to update you as promised. Last week I shared the “why” of my FRP, today I will share a little about the “how.”

Byron’s Diet Plan – (Just the sound of that makes me want to write a diet book and make some money. I mean doesn’t that sound as good as “Grapefruit Diet” or “South Beach Diet” or “Weight Watchers” or “Jenny Craig?” It has a great ring to it… but I digress.)

Like many people who, as John Wayne once said, “tend toward the gut,” I have tried numerous diets over the course of time with limited success for any extended period. However, six years ago I stumbled upon the most simplified way of eating imaginable – counting calories. I know some of you are feeling the urge to click on the red “X” in the upper right corner of your screen, but just hang with me for a moment. As a concept, dieting is very simple - expend more calories than you consume and you will lose weight. As a practice, however, dieting can be very difficult.

On the day I turned 40 my body adopted an aversion to change. As the bonfire of candles were extinguished, it developed a mind of its own and changed from a hard-working, fat-fighting machine to a miser who sought to horde all gains it had made throughout my indulgent years. On that fateful day I could hear the faint sound of my body singing the Beatles classic, “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away.” And here I am saying, “We can work it out” to no avail. From that moment forward every gain I have made physically has been hard fought. (Does this resonate with any of my 40+ friends?) Exercise and counting calories is the only solution I have found to quench the rebellious coup my body attempted that day, and every day since. But as a practice, dieting is not easy, it is hard work all the way. You will not lose weight and have the body you desire if you are unwilling to do the hard things. Dreaming about it and wishing for it will not make it happen. Excess weight does not magically fall off. Weight loss and physical fitness comes at a price – a price that is well worth paying, but a price nonetheless. So what do I do?

When I am seeking to lose weight I restrict myself to 1700 calories per day. I eat vegetables (squash, onions, peppers) in large quantity that have been grilled or cooked in very little or no oil. I eat whole grains (brown rice is my favorite) and lean meats, much of which is grilled by the best griller in the McWilliams’ family – my lovely wife. I eat so much “yard bird” that I’m convinced that I sometimes cluck when I sleep. I eat fruit as desired and do not hesitate to utilize an energy/high fiber breakfast bar when I’m on the go. I never drink my calories – I must be part bovine because I love to chew! I take no diet pills. I do take a vitamin D and B6 everyday and I should take some fish oil for Omega 3 but right now I’m out. And there you have the Byron Diet Plan. Nothing new under the sun, remember?

About the same time I determined to count calories and exercise, God placed a verse of Scripture on my heart that has been my strength on many runs and at many times. Hebrews 12:11 in the NIV says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have ben trained by it." My prayer for you is that God will use this verse to inspire your heart today as He has mine.

Plodding Forward and My FRP...

2009-07-13T14:23:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 2:00 PM, just nine days ago, I was going through my usual routine of being a “man of constant sorrows” regarding my fitness level and weight. I am unequivocally my own worst critic and this was proving to be especially true on that hot summer afternoon. As I sat in my chair berating myself for not maintaining a previously attained high level of physical fitness, I made a decision. With the temperature soaring at 97 degrees, I put on my running shorts and shoes, my favorite running shirt and my stopwatch – I also strapped on my identity bracelet that has listed several phone numbers in case of emergency – and I stepped out my front door on a journey back into fitness.

As I said, the mercury was stretched to 97 and there was no wind. It was flat out hot, no two ways about it. But not to be deterred because, after all, I am a runner, I began hitting the pavement again on a 3 mile run. I ran the first mile complete and then began walking/running in 2 minute intervals until I was finished. Normally I would have been absorbed in self-pity for having to walk any at all (runners are fairly well convinced that walking is for wimps and old folks – no offense intended) but on this day just finishing the course was all that mattered. Besides, I had gotten off the “L” train, uh, that would be “Lazy” train, put my money where my mouth is, put up rather than shut up and made happen what had needed to happen for months – I was back on track with a true “Fitness Recovery Program” (FRP for short).

In 2002 I became convicted that I needed to take better care of myself physically so I did what most guys do, I started lifting some weights and running. I had exercised for a few weeks when a friend of mine asked me to run a marathon with him. It was late summer 2002 when he sprung the question on me and the date with destiny was January 17, 2003. I laughed and made some excuse about killing myself in order to train for a marathon in that short a time but we agreed to just run together and if I didn’t think I could do the whole 26.2 miles in January, I could always opt for the half marathon.

We began running 3 miles together at first, most of it on a ¼ mile track at the high school in Evadale, Texas. Many long hours were logged on that track in the next 8 weeks. It was cushioned and therefore didn’t take a toll on my knees and my ability to run progressed. I will never forget in October of ’02 when I ran 10 miles for the first time without stopping. It was beyond thrilling as I for the first time felt like I could actually be good at this thing called running. Then, in November my friend asked whether I’d decided to run the whole or the half marathon in January. I figured since we had run over 10 miles in training on more than one occasion I might as well run the full 26.2. We continued to train and on January 17, 2003 I completed the Houston marathon in 4 hours and 54 minutes. I was pumped!

The following year we again ran the Houston marathon and I completed it that day in 4 hours and 28 minutes. Life was good and I was enjoying being a runner. But as life tends to do, change entered the picture when my family moved from Southeast Texas to Odessa, Texas in July 2004. I continued to run but my routine was totally changed and the long runs gradually became shorter and shorter.

Long story short, due to inconsistency and riding the “L” train, I gradually lost the level of fitness I had been so pleased having attained. My long runs shrunk to an occasional 5 miles, with most runs being a 3 mile loop from my front door. Due to demands at church, studying to complete my doctorate, and increased activities with 3 teenagers, I neglected doing what I love so much and my running became increasingly intermittent. With inconsistency comes injury and last April I was attacked by an acute case of Achilles Tendonitis, something I had never suffered from before. I nursed the injury for some time with little improvement and finally decided to take a full 3 months off from the sport… and here I am today. The 3 months expanded to 9 months and my waistline expanded accordingly. I gained 20-25 pounds and lost the zip I felt in my step when I was running on a regular basis. So welcome to the first edition of my Fitness Recovery Program.

My plans are to update you on my progress on a weekly basis. If you are interested, and want to respond, please feel free. If you aren’t, no need to respond because you’ll find something better to read than a few words from a plodder who decided to tell others about his efforts.

Tomorrow I will tell you about my diet and how my running has fared for the last two weeks. In the days ahead I will give information on the type shoes I run in, my strategies and goals and will update you on my Achilles issue and how it feels. Stay tuned.

Now listen – if you have been sedentary for quite some time, I do not advise the strategy of personal tail kicking that I employed above. I felt confident (not smart) running in 97 degree heat because I have been to the Cooper Clinic in Dallas and have received a great report from them. So be wise.

Do Angels Speak God's Message Today...

2009-07-09T16:33:00.002-05:00

Last night in Q&A the following question arose – “Do angels still come to earth and deliver God’s message to men?” Feeling spontaneous, I polled the audience through uplifted hand as to how many would answer the question in the affirmative. I was shocked when over 80% of those in attendance lifted their hand. To this end, further elaboration on this question is definitely needed.

First let me get our minds thinking along the same lines by asking a few questions. Are we talking Angel Gabriel type messages such as the one delivered to Mary in Luke’s gospel? Are we talking about the numerous references to the “Angel of the Lord” in the Old Testament intersecting the lives of men? Or are we talking about an angelic messenger appearing to a man/woman today to deliver God’s special message just for them? Regardless of the question, the answer to all of the above is an emphatic “NO!” Angels do not come to earth today to deliver God’s message (meaning revelation) to men at all in any context.

I know for some of you this is totally contrary to your opinion. I can hear it now, “Pastor, if God spoke through a donkey couldn’t he speak through an angel today?” He could, but tell me the last time you heard a donkey speak when you weren’t watching Winnie the Pooh on television. God does not speak His message through angels today for several reasons –

1. God spoke finally and definitively through His Son Jesus. Yes, God used a multitude of means to speak to mankind prior to Jesus coming to earth – even a donkey – but God communicated finally through the person of Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. Hebrews 1:1-2 confirms this in saying, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” Could there be a clearer word that God spoke finally and definitively through Jesus? I think not. God’s Word is clear.

2. God’s revelation of Himself to man is complete in Jesus Christ. There will be no further revelation from God to disclose who He is to mankind. John 1:18 tells us that Jesus came to exegete God for human understanding because Jesus “has made Him known.” Never will an angel come and declare an additional message to man to assist in understanding who God is; it is simply unnecessary. Jesus, having done that masterfully well, stated in John 14:9 “whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.”

3. God’s written Word is the full disclosure of Jesus Christ to man. This means that you will not learn the attributes and characteristics of God without time spent studying, analyzing, praying and obeying God’s written Word. God provided 66 books of Holy Scripture through inspired human instruments to unveil Himself to mankind. There will be no more revelation from God to man. The canon of Scriptures is closed. It is the complete written authority by which we learn about God. The only way to learn more about God than what is provided in His Word is to stand before Him in heaven and see face to face what “now we see in a mirror dimly” (1 Cor. 13:12).

4. God protects His Church from heresy through the closed canon of Scripture. The 66 books of the Bible is all the revelation any Christian will ever receive. It is also all the revelation any Christian will ever need. In His omniscience, God knows the ease in which His followers are led astray by every wind of false doctrine. He also knows Satan, the enemy, is cunning and will “disguise himself as an angel of light” (1 Cor. 11:14) in order to deceive and destroy. To this end, no Christian should ever seek after, pray for, desire, or listen to any extra-biblical message from an angel. Destructive heresy and cults are the outcome when Satan is allowed to convince someone of a special word they have received from God through His angel. The cult of Mormonism began on September 21, 1823 when an angel named Moroni began visiting Joseph Smith and shared with him a new gospel found on golden plates. This new gospel is a false gospel that has ensnared millions, leading them boldly to a Christ-less eternity in hell. Galatians 1:6-9 denounces this and brings it all together: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel – not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.”

There you have it - sound theology over personal opinion. My opinion regarding what I think about something in God's Word is of infinitely less importance than the truth God's Word actually teaches.

Does God use angels today as ministering spirits? Sure He does; Scripture confirms this in numerous places. Do angels still come to earth and deliver God's message to men? Not hardly.

2009 Southern Baptist Convention - Final Ponderings...

2009-06-29T11:24:00.002-05:00

Another annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention is now in the history books. I provided a small amount of information related to convention on-goings while in Louisville and found that I could not do justice as the time was so short. To this end, I will now share my thoughts on the meeting and what we might expect in the future.

1. Great Commission Resurgence - I feel confident the 2009 meeting will long be remembered as the Great Commission Resurgence Convention (GCR). This was the most highlighted and talked about pre-convention issue and it also received the most attention among the messengers attending the convention. The formulation of a task force to examine the Southern Baptist Convention as a whole was the first motion made when business opened and motions were received. It was the only motion brought to the floor of the convention for discussion and subsequent vote. It passed overwhelmingly as most realize a need for getting back to the basics of what we are called to be as Southern Baptists – intentional about winning the world for Jesus Christ! So what does this mean for the future of the SBC? Truthfully, nobody is sure at this moment. The GCR task force, headed by Arkansas pastor Ronnie Floyd, will examine the structure of the SBC and look for areas of overlap and waste. It will report its findings and make any proposals in Orlando during the 2010 annual meeting. With the GCR being an attempt to analyze the SBC from the top down to see how Southern Baptists “can work more faithfully and effectively” together I will be very interested in seeing the outcome of the study and what proposals will be forthcoming. I will keep you posted on this important issue.

2. Attendance and Demographics – One of the great shocks of Louisville was attendance. Many thought this would be the most poorly attended annual meeting in years; however, it proved to be just the opposite. There were 8,790 registered messengers, 1,500 more than last year’s meeting in Indianapolis. As the recording secretary put it, "it was also a much younger convention." Nobody needed to tell me this as I saw young families all over the place. There were more baby strollers to dodge at this convention than at any other I have attended. With there having been talk that the SBC was in decline and younger pastors were dropping out left and right, it was a welcome sight to see the huge proportion of the convention being the 40 and under crowd. I see this as a very good sign for the future of the SBC.

3. Resolutions – There were a total of 26 resolutions submitted to the Resolution Committee for consideration. These are requests by individuals that the SBC messengers make a public statement regarding a particular issue. Some are very important while others are nothing more than the efforts of an individual to further a personal agenda. They are all examined by the Resolutions Committe with full awareness that this is where the media can oftentimes voice major criticism of the convention. The resolution that held the greatest potential for controversy was “On Racial Reconciliation and the Election of Barack Hussein Obama” which was unofficially known as “The Obama Resolution.” This resolution passed nearly unanimously as it appropriately affirmed the election of Obama as “a step toward nationwide racial reconciliation” but it heavily criticized the actions taken by him in instituting policies contrary to the Christian way of life and the Word of God. It strongly opposed Obama’s assistance to pro-abortion groups and his declaring June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month. There were other areas where opposition against Obama’s policies was voiced and all Christians were urged to pray for him as the president and for our nation. There were other very good resolutions considered and acted upon by the messengers. These can be viewed at http://www.sbc.net/.

4. Election of Officers – Johnny Hunt, pastor of FBC Woodstock GA, was elected to serve as president for a second term. I have long held Dr. Hunt to be one of the finest preachers in the SBC and am highly supportive of his second term as president.

5. Broadway Baptist Church, Fort Worth – Due to the church’s on-going stance of allowing full participation in their fellowship by practicing homosexuals, the Executive Committee recommended there be no “cooperative relationship” with Broadway Baptist Church and the Southern Baptist Convention. In essence, the church was prohibited from seating messengers and fellowship with the church and the SBC was suspended. This issue at Broadway Baptist has been a media sensation for months and the action by the SBC Executive Committee was appropriate.

6. Southern Baptist of Texas Gift – If any person wants a clear example why I am proud to be affiliated with the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention, they need look no further than Louisville. During the International Mission Board (IMB) report, Dr. Jim Richards, Executive Director of the SBTC, provided IMB president Jerry Rankin a check for $100,000 to be applied toward the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering shortfall. This money would immediately go towards helping put more missionaries on the field around the world. The SBTC does many things to which I give my hearty approval. We are the only state convention that forwards greater than 50% of all Cooperative Program monies received in the state on to the Southern Baptist Convention to be used nationally. We have no problem stating that we believe the Bible to be the totally true and inspired, inerrant Word of God. Also, world missions is the heartbeat of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. I am so pleased to be part of a state convention that is strongly in support of the Southern Baptist Convention, stands on Scripture as the final authority, and is doing everything it can to fulfill the Great Commission. Praise God for the SBTC and for Jim Richards’ leadership of this state convention!

Well there you have my final wrap-up of the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention. It was time well spent and I am so pleased with what God is doing among Southern Baptists. We are clearly living in uncertain and unusual times that demand all Christians pray. We, the Christ followers who comprise the Southern Baptist Convention, have been appointed by God for such a time as this and we must not fail to be used by Him to effect quantum change around the world exclusively for His glory. What an honor it is to be part of a convention that has this as its goal!

Finally, thank you for your prayers for me as I hosted the Annual Alumni and Friends banquet in my role as National Alumni President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. All went very well.

Remember, "Never yield your shield, stay in the battle!"

SBC 2009 - #2

2009-06-23T22:59:00.002-05:00

It has been a very long day at the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting.

It began at 8:15 with the gavel dropping and the meeting coming to order. I have heard some phenomenal preaching, great reports from agency heads and seminary presidents, and some interesting motions made from the floor of the convention. All-in-all the convention has been calm and peaceful with very little to report to those who look for conflict behind every corner. I'm pleased with what has transpired today and look forward to another productive day tomorrow as we close out the convention for another year.

Several items to point out -

1. A total of 8,400+ registered messengers are in attendance. Not too bad considering that this convention is not in the most populous of places in Southern Baptist life.

2. The Great Commission Resurgence was the most debated item of the night and it passed with flying colors. In a nutshell it is a call to examine ourselves and move back to the basics of doing the work God has called Southern Baptists to be about. I was/am very in favor of this taking place as it will prove to energize and stimulate areas of the Convention that have grown stagnant. A task force will be named tomorrow that will begin the study process and make recommendations to the Convention next year.

3. One of the greatest highlights of the Convention was when Dr. Jim Richards, Executive Director of the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention handed a check for $100,000 to Jerry Rankin, president of the International Mission Board. This money was a small effort of the SBTC to do more to alleviate the shortfall in money needed for sending missionaries to the field. If you want to know why I love the SBTC it is because they have a genuine heart for mission work around the world through the Southern Baptist Convention. God bless the SBTC and the work we are able to accomplish through this state convention in Texas.

4. Another highlight was having my son hang out with me this evening as we attended the evening debates/discussions and listened to the IMB report. It was a true joy having Jordon by my side and introducing him to so many of my pastor friends within the convention. It was a blessing indeed! The girls took it easy tonight and let the guys hold down the Convention fort.

That's a brief update on what has transpired. Tomorrow the resolutions will be discussed and voted upon. It will be interesting and I will post more tomorrow.

Also, as president of the National Alumni for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary it is my honor to host the annual Alumni and Friends luncheon. Please pray for me that I do a superb job in carrying out my duties tomorrow.

My eyes are very tired so therefore the pillow beckons my company. Talk to you tomorrow.

Southern Baptist Convention 2009 - Pt. 1

2009-06-22T17:03:00.003-05:00

We are in Louisville, KY for the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention. This will be the largest business meeting most have ever seen. There will be 7,000-8,000 registered messengers who will be hearing some powerful preaching and all motions and resolutions coming from the SBC. My plans are to keep you updated on what is going on through my website for the next 2 days. So, after tonight I will shout back with some details.

For now, these are some items we will be looking at -

1) Great Commission Resurgence - There is a movement in the Southern Baptist Convention to get back to the basics as to what we are all about - the Great Commission. As you know, many have quipped that the SBC is in a state of decline and that if something is not done there will be no convention in a matter of a generation. I am not one who feels that we are drying up and disappearing. I am convicted, however, that a Great Commission Resurgence is powerfully needed and that the SBC needs some energy and momentum. I will post more details on this as it comes available.

2) Resolution on Barrack Obama - A resolution has come forth from a prominent black pastor in Arlington, Texas calling the SBC to affirm Barrack Obama's presidency. No comment on my part right not, but I will update you as this comes forth from the Resolutions Committee.

3) Election of Officers - I am fully expecting Johnny Hunt, pastor of FBC Woodstock, GA, to be reelected to a second term as president. There will be others elected and I will post on that as it comes up.

All in all I do not expect a contentious convention. In fact, due to it being seen in that light there are some who will stay home. We will see what happens and I will let you know.

UPDATE - I am still writing the 10 things I've learned after 27 years of marriage and will post them upon my return from Louisville.

I'll be in touch.

We've Only Just Begun...

2009-06-12T09:11:00.003-05:00

On this day, 27 years ago, I stood in Spring Baptist Church watching the woman I love walk down the aisle on the arm of her father. Little did I know, as he patted her hand looking into her eyes, he was making one final offer to help her escape. I am thankful that on that day she decided to ignore her father’s offer as it was the fantastic beginning of two different lives becoming one.

I was raised on country music – the Red Headed Stranger, Waylon Jennings, The Gatlin Brothers, David Allen Coe, Jerry Jeff Walker and other “redneck” recording artists of the 70’s. Andi could sing every Beatles song ever written word for word. The Bee Gees, Carpenters, and Journey sang the lyrics that came through her 8 Tracks. She was from an upper middle class family living in the suburbs of the 4th largest city in America. I was a country boy who wore boots and hauled hay in the fields that dotted the countryside around Tyler County. She was a Gloria Vanderbilt girl and I was a Levi’s and Tony Lama boy. She was a Spring Starlette; I a Woodville Eagle. We were different in 1,000’s of ways. Yet, in just a short period of time those differences would begin to become one.

In the fall of 1978 my life changed dramatically as we moved to the suburbs of Houston. My brother and only sibling had been killed in an accident that devastated my mother and me. Months later my widowed mom married a man she had been seeing and soon I was seeing Woodville in my rear view mirror headed for Spring, Texas.

Life in Spring was strange and unfamiliar but God provided. I made friends, found a job, endured high school and then one day – one of the top 10 greatest days of my life – a high school buddy hit me in the halls and said, “Hey Byron, Andi likes you.” I was floored! I mean, come on, I had noticed her but never talked to her. I had admired her incredible beauty from a distance but never once dared approach her. And now, the thought that this beautiful girl liked me was almost too good to be true. It was a call to action!

We went on our first date to “The Mariner” in May 1980 (I still remember what she wore that night). I graduated from high school a few weeks later and we saw each other almost every day during our first summer together. We were quickly falling in love and it was wonderful.

We went to more movies at Greenspoint Mall than should be allowed and sat for hours in Bennigan’s eating steak fingers, chimichangas, ultimate nachos and drinking iced tea. We talked and talked, looking at each other with “googly eyes.” I hung on every word she said and as we laughed together our love grew. We saw concerts together and swam often in the pool at her house. Life was good and love was flourishing for both of us. It was the closest thing to paradise I had ever experienced. God had rescued me from the dark days of tragedy by sending a beautiful young lady into my life who cared about me. We were destined to become soulmates and best friends. Then the moment of truth came…

After we had dated 18 months we were on our way to an Eddie Rabbit concert when talk turned to marriage. This was not the first time we had dreamed of marrying, but that night it took a more serious turn. Now I have to admit, I have always been embarrassed by my sloppy, juvenile tactics as I popped the question. There was no nice restaurant, no holding her hand while on bended knee, not even an engagement ring – you ladies are thinking, “You should be embarrassed” – there was simply a 19 year old guy who knew he was in love and that the best thing of his life was in the car with him at that moment. So in my youthful exuberance and before I could help myself, I blurted out the question – “Do you want to marry me?” Andi was a little shocked at my bluntness and perhaps a little surprised when she asked, “Is this it?” I grinned an affirmation, said “yes” and all of a sudden we were headed to the altar six months later. We’d only just begun.

After a six month engagement we were married at Spring Baptist Church on June 12, 1982. We did the Texas triangle for a honeymoon – San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and back to Houston. Upon our return, we set up house in an apartment off Southwest freeway and settled into a wonderful life together. We both worked long hours at our jobs but we spent every other bit of time together. I was paying my way through college so money was usually tight but we were happy! We talked for long hours and dreamed together of all God had in store for us. We traveled when we could and ate at a new restaurant just about every week. We became better than best friends. That was 27 years ago and yet to this day our love is so fresh I sometimes feel like we’ve only just begun.

For 27 years I have talked to Andi every day and but for just a few days of business travel or hunting, I have laid my head on the pillow beside my wife every night. There has never been one moment I have regretted saying “I do” to this woman. I have admired her tenacity and courage as she delivered our three babies. I have watched her spiritual strength and trust in God grow. I have seen her beauty increase with every day and our love grow beyond anything we could have dreamed or imagined on our wedding day. I have watched her arise in the morning early, take her bible and journal in hand and get alone with God for her strength for the day. I have counted it a great privilege to hold her hand as she cried and give a shoulder when she wept. Even in the days when we didn’t know what was coming our way, the one rock-solid truth we knew as a couple was that we had each other and with God’s help we would make it together!

I am blessed! I wouldn’t trade it for anything! And if God will answer my prayer that we get 70 years together then we’re not even half-way there yet so again... we’ve only just begun!

Andi, I love you more today than on any day we’ve ever had together and I will love you more tomorrow than I love you today! Thank you for loving me. BATW

(My next post will share with you 10 truths I have learned from marriage and ministry that every person who is newly married or planning to get married should hear. I will post it Monday.)

Almost Persuaded...

2009-06-09T09:16:00.004-05:00

There are many who have a close walk with Christ and yet wonder if they are making any impact on this world. If you are one of those, perhaps the attached video will help you realize that what held true for the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:6 holds true today. This verse reads, "I (Paul) planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." Now the Apostle is not talking about vegetable gardening; he is describing the development process of saving faith in the life of a person. It is all a work of God, we simply are allowed to participate by planting a seed or watering the salvation soil through a word or action on Christ's behalf. To see the impact of someone almost persuaded, check out the attached video. When you are finished, say a prayer for God's Spirit to grab hold of this man and saving faith to be realized.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM

I will post later in the week, but for now - Never yield your shield; Stay in the battle!

Embrace the Struggle...

2009-06-04T09:35:00.003-05:00

In Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers, he tells the story of the Memorial Cup hockey championship in Vancouver, British Columbia. To say that hockey in the frozen lands of the north is not huge is equivalent to saying that people in Dallas know nothing of a team with a star on their helmet. As I read his story, I found most intriguing the description of the winning hockey team’s locker room. More specifically, just a hand-painted banner hung on the wall of the locker room that read "Embrace the Struggle." As I pondered those three words I saw a picture of life in so many ways. Let me explain...

How many times do we fail simply because we encounter difficulty or pain and refuse to embrace it on the road to victory? Whether a personal fitness challenge, weight loss goal, playing sports at the next level, becoming the best in your profession, or more importantly, walking more deeply with God, how often do we not achieve success because we refuse to embrace the struggle? I am utterly convinced the reason we do not experience more victories in our lives is due to an unwillingness to put forth the effort to overcome the obstacles we face. The temporary pain of perseverance through trials outweighs the satisfaction of the desired achievement.

I have long held that it is rarely the most gifted intellectually who finds greatest success in life. Nor is it the one born with a silver spoon in his mouth who stands atop the pyramid of success most often. It is the one who faces adversity, hardship, pain, and difficulty and yet through gritted teeth takes another step forward in spite of the immensity of the struggle. It is the one who endures hardship because the feeling of victory far outweighs the struggle to get there.

What are you facing today where the words “Embrace the Struggle” are necessary for you to advance onward to victory? Why not write those three words on a piece of paper that you will see often and pray for strength today. Hebrews 12:11 says "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." In other words, embrace the struggle and expect the harvest!

Never yield your shield; stay in the battle.

New Look...

2009-06-03T08:59:00.002-05:00

Psa7872 has a new look.

In the header you see from right to left some of the phases of my journey through this life. The lion is the mascot of the high school from which I graduated. Yes, the U of H represents where I received my bachelors degree. The seashell is actually a pectin and is the national trademark for Shell Oil Company where I spent a number of years as an accountant before God changed our life and called us to full-time ministry. Therefore, the cross seems a fitting final item as this is where God has called me to remain - at the foot of the cross in my service to Him. It has been an incredibly exciting journey thus far, one that I wouldn't trade for anything.

I hope you enjoy the new look. With this completed, I will posting a little more regularly so stay tuned.

Never yield your shield; stay in the battle!

Do Not Fear...

2009-06-02T14:34:00.004-05:00

Fear is a reality for far too many Christians. Every day they awake to find themselves afraid of unseen dangers lurking in the shadows of their imaginations. This type fear is irrational, unnecessary, and certainly not from God. It can center upon finances, personal health, relationship issues, work related problems, or any of a thousand other areas to which Satan seeks to saddle the believer. So, let me give you two pointers if fear of this type is something you are confronting at this moment in your life.

First, realize that a feeling of fear is really a call to action. It is a time to put on the whole armor of God and stand firm. It is a time to cinch up the belt of truth (the Word of God) in your life and fasten down the breastplate of righteousness that ensures your position and standing before God. It is time to be bold and brave, remembering that through Christ all things are possible, including your overcoming this assault on your peace by Satan. It is time to pray with increased determination. In Isaiah 41:10, the Bible says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” You can believe it Christian!

Second, let me encourage you with something I found several years back from Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a pastor in England in the 1800's. Read and ponder his creative word pictures as he describes reasons we should not fear. My prayer is that God will use these words to speak to your heart as they did mine years ago when I first read them.

"God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for He is able to do all things. Believer, till you can drain dry the ocean of omnipotence, till you can break into pieces the towering mountains of almighty strength, you never need to fear. Think not that the strength of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. While the earth’s huge pillars stand, you have enough reason to abide firm in your faith. The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and who trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply you with daily strength. While He is able to uphold the universe, dream not that He will prove unable to fulfill His own promises. Remember what He did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how He spoke and it was done; how He commanded, and it stood fast? Shall He that created the world grow weary? He hangs the world upon nothing; shall He who does this be unable to support His children? Shall He be unfaithful to His word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Does not He ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds His chariots, and hold the ocean in the hollow of His hand? How can He fail you? When He has put such a faithful promise as this on record, will you for a moment indulge the thought that He has outpromised Himself, and gone beyond His power to fulfill? Ah, no! You can doubt no longer.

O You who are my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of Thy grace can never be exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of Thy strength can never be emptied by Thy friends or rifled by Thine enemies. 'Now let the feeble all be strong, and make Jehovah’s arm their song.'"

Remember... Never yield your shield; stay in the battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

Jon and Kate - Is it too late?

2009-05-25T21:04:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure how many of you have been following the saga of Jon and Kate Gosselin, but my family has been hooked this Memorial Day weekend on the JnK marathon. In case you are unfamiliar with JnK, five years ago they became parents of sextuplets and from that moment on they have been their own unique version of the Truman Show. America has watched as the kids grew, celebrated birthdays and learned to use the potty on Jon and Kate Plus 8. It seems that few details have been lost as the good, bad and ugly has been captured on film. Now, they are experiencing a very public squabble (as my grandfather used to say), a squabble that could easily lead to a very public and bitter divorce.

It seems that Jon has been feeling neglected, unloved and unfulfilled for some time. So much so that he was photographed with another (much younger) woman catting around on the town in the wee hours of the morn at 2 a.m. This occurred while Kate was on her recent book tour - one of many public engagements on her calendar. So, let me share several thoughts from my perspective.

First, JnK both claim to be Christ followers. I will not dismiss their claim as I have little or no basis to do so. Rather, I will say that when two people are Christians and are intent upon His will being done, there is no marital difficulty that cannot be overcome. Notice I said "two people" intent upon His will. That is the essential element when a marriage is crumbling because as Jesus says, "a house divided will not stand" (Mk. 3:25). In far too many cases when engaged in marital counseling, I find that only one really cares for the marriage to work. If this cannot be overcome, the time spent counseling is of less value than last week's newspapers. When two want it to work out, and those two are believers in Jesus Christ, it is never too late.

Second, JnK are examples of a torturous cycle present in every marriage I have ever witnessed on life support. They have the classic love/respect problem and seem totally oblivious to it. Ephesians 5:33 says a husband must "love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." One only need watch one episode of JnK to see that Jon isn't very loving and Kate certainly does not respect her man. Hence, the vicious cycle is played out before approximately 4 million viewers each week. Jon shows Kate no love and she shows him no respect, so he continues to show no love and she escalates a lack of respect. For their marriage to survive, the cycle must be broken and both will be required to work hard to break it. With God all things are possible so never should it be seen as hopelessly impossible to break the cycle. Quality Christian marital counseling in this area would be of benefit to these two before it's too late.

Third, perhaps it is time that the marriage and children take precedence over the TV show and the resulting fame and fortune. You say, "but how will they live since their livelihood comes from the TV?" Good question, but there are many large families who live happy, productive lives on incomes much smaller who never stand in the limelight. To sacrifice the marriage on the altar of fame and fortune is not an acceptable alternative. However, it appears that giving up the show is most definitely not an option for JnK; but if their marriage collapses, the show may give them up. As Raegan, my 14 year old, said "nobody wants to watch a dysfunctional family for very long." With the growing weirdness of the American public perhaps this isn't true, but I can tell you one family of five who will quickly tune it out because it will be too late then.

Fourth, and this will sound harsh, but maybe a little more selflessness is needed for the marriage to survive. Jon expressed in a recent People Magazine article that he "got married at 22, had twins at 23 and the sextuplets at 27. I wouldn't have it any other way but I never went out in my 20's." Well boo hoo, my tears are falling for you... NOT! Jon needs to man up and assume the responsibility he has been given. He does not have the option of being a playboy on the town and being a good daddy. The two do not mix. His 8 responsibilities (plus Kate) demand he live a selfless life and put away childish things. We are in the shape we are in as a nation partly because too many men who have the ability to father children seem to have an inability to be anything but selfish jerks! I realize I'm speaking against my own gender here, but with great responsibility comes great sacrifice. Come on Jon, get it together. Take off the cool shades, put aside the sports car, and honor the vows you made before God to your bride before it's too late!

And Kate, lighten up a little! I know your personality drives you to be the critical woman who tends to nag her husband all the time but this can be overcome. Berating and snapping at Jon does not a lovely marriage make. Chill out and take a deep breath every now and then. You will enjoy life much more if you do.

Finally, JnK need our prayers. As fellow believers we are all subject to sin in our lives. No follower of Christ is immune to attack. When we say "that could never happen to me" we've made a strategic error and are playing into the adversaries hands. The public demise of JnK would cause the children to suffer, but even more importantly, it would broadcast a bad witness for the cause of Christ. For these reasons, and many more, may we as fellow believers pray for the survival of their marriage. I am convinced there are few things on this earth that gives God more glory than two people wholly committed to Christ in a loving marriage. May that be the end result for Jon and Kate because it's not too late!

Remember... Never yield your shield; Stay in the battle.

In Christ alone,

Byron

Missions Moment...

2009-05-19T21:18:00.000-05:00

I am at an IMB trustee meeting and have just spent the last two hours with 8 new missionary couples headed overseas. Three are middle age and the others are in their mid-20's or so. Truly beautiful, gifted, awesome men and women with hearts burning for those in Poland, Spain, London, and other foreign European areas. Several things jumped out at me tonight -

1. They were obediently following the will of God. They have been called to serve in missions and were being obedient in every way. They were giving up promising careers of worldly reward for a more promising service and eternal rewards. They will not regret it.

2. More than one stated in their testimony that they had grown up in Christian homes but came to the place where they had to own their faith and not live off their parents coattails of faith anymore. This usually was the crisis moment God used to transition them to His call. He works like that if we pay attention. I remember when he did it in my life and Andi and I decided our faith had to be our own and it had to be real. It was scary but it was the best road to travel. Is your faith your own?

3. Finally, one young lady mentioned that before she was ever born, when her parents thought their nest was full, her mother was challenged to pray that God would raise up one of her children to be a missionary. She began praying. After that a third daughter was born, I met the answer to her mother's prayers tonight. She and her husband are moving to Poland. Okay, will you pray for God to raise up a missionary in your home? I'm going to, why not join me.

It's been a long and rewarding day.

Never yield your shield; Stay in the battle.

In Christ alone,

Byron

IMB Meeting...

2009-05-18T16:35:00.000-05:00

I am on my way to two days of trustee meetings in Denver, CO for the Inteernational Mission Board. It will be a packed couple of days. We will elect new officers, continue working on the structural reorganization, meet new missionary candidates, approve/disapprove other potential candidates. We will also hear a report on the state of missions globally from the president and I will attend a special international accounting sub-committee meeting (wonder why the put me on this). It will be a packed time of meetings and discussion. Please pray we accomplish all we should.

Regarding my last post on preaching - I strongly believe there to be an emptiness in most pulpits in America. For many, a watered down version of the Gospel that promotes easy believism and no change is the norm. However, you don't want me to write about preaching too much and I'd rather write about other matters myself. So, be watching for what comes next.

Have a great week. And remember, Never yield your shield; Stay in the battle.

In Christ alone,

Byron

The Emptiness of the American Pulpit...

2009-05-12T08:39:00.003-05:00

Preaching is my calling. I understand that it is not simply preaching alone. I am called to pastor a local congregation of believers, oversee a thriving church administration, stay focused upon the spiritual growth and development of those who sit under my leadership, engage in the Great Commission call to make disciples, fulfill my prayer responsibilities, participate in ongoing personal development, stay current with the times in which God has placed me, prepare multiple sermons a week but most definitely to preach. So as I say, preaching is my calling. If I could not preach the truth of God's Word I would feel a vast expanse of emptiness in my life. Not because I would miss the public recognition of standing before people every week or the satisfaction of hearing myself talk (I laugh at that thought as I am my harshest critic). But if I could not preach I would be denying God's purpose for my life, suppressing what I have been created to do, and failing to live out God's will for me in Christ Jesus. I am a preacher!

So what is the purpose of this post? Over the past 10-15 years as I have studied preaching, read numerous books on the subject of preaching, attended many conferences where some preached and others dabbled at it, and as I have hopefully developed as a preacher myself, I have come to a conclusion in light of the increasing decline of the church in America - there is an emptiness in the American pulpit of alarming proportion. Where is that voice of authority calling people from a life of sin to the joy of living for Christ? What happened to those mighty men of God who would stand against the culture and declare "thus says the Lord!"? Where have the preachers in the vein of Spurgeon, Moody, Lee, Olford, Lloyd-Jones, Criswell, Falwell, Rogers, and Graham gone? I contend that one of the key reasons the Southern Baptist Convention – a Convention with a rich history of vitality from its pulpits – is in decline is due to an increasing emptiness in the pulpit. It is an emptiness that no longer challenges the declining morality in America but passively sits by watching this country slide down the slippery slope of pluralism and religious anarchy. It is an emptiness that is filling a religious void in awakened sinners but failing to call for true repentance and conversion. It is an emptiness that is spreading and must be remedied if we are to play a role in seeing spiritual awakening in this country once again.

Therefore, over the next several weeks I will be particularly self-indulgent (and somewhat opinionated) as I will be writing about preaching. I will examine the call to preach, the conviction necessary to preach, and the authority for preaching. I will talk about the necessity of precision in the pulpit coupled with passion and boldness. I will also share my thoughts regarding steadfastness, maintaining focus, and how to engage a desperate culture with a word from a desperate heart!

I hope you stay tuned and don’t cease to stop by Psa7872 because you feel this won’t speak to your situation in life. I realize most who read this blog are not called to preach from a pulpit but every Christ follower is called to “preach” in their walk of life. So hang around and I am convinced we can all learn something together.

Remember... Never yield your shield; Stay in the battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

Pleasing Faith...

2009-05-05T14:31:00.002-05:00

I remember leading God’s people to do a spiritual gifts assessment at a previous church. There was a buzz of excitement as each person worked their way through the list of questions to determine the gifts they had divinely received from God. When the tallies were completed and the results provided to the participants an interesting statistic emerged. Over 80% of the participants had the spiritual gift of faith. Wow, talk about an opportunity to do something great for the Kingdom! However, a small problem (I use the word small loosely here) also became evident – well over 90% of those who professed to have the spiritual gift of faith exhibited no evidence that they were regularly exercising their gift in any tangible form. Uh, forget what I said a moment ago about impacting the Kingdom by all the faithful.

I heard recently about a Chinese pastor who was returning home from a visit to America. When he arrived back in China and was giving his report to some fellow pastors he said, “It’s amazing how much the churches in America are able to accomplish without God.” In other words, he witnessed a great deal of hard work but little dependence upon God. Faith demands dependence upon God! It is believing God and taking Him at His word. It is trusting in God to do the incredible to achieve the impossible with power that is supernatural for His eternal glory! Faith is singularly pleasing to our Father in Heaven. In fact the Bible teaches us that "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6). So how pleasing is your faith today? What are you trying to accomplish on your own to the exclusion of God? Why not please God right this moment by drawing near to Him in faith and spending time with him in prayer.

And if you desire a little deeper emphasis on how pleasing real faith is to God, why not read Hebrews 11 and highlight or underline every occurrence of the word “faith” found in the chapter. See how many you come up with and you’ll understand more fully how important faith is to God.

Remember... Never yield your shield; Stay in the battle.

In Christ alone,

Byron

The Simple Power of Unusual Kindness...

2009-04-29T17:48:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday I challenged my church to take ministry to the streets of Odessa by utilizing a very simple, non-threatening tool we are calling the Acts of Life card. The church was instructed to perform a random act of kindness for someone they did not know and then give them an Acts of Life card, smile, and say “God bless you.” It’s that easy and the great people of FBC-Odessa have taken to this new ministry like a duck takes to water. Beginning Monday morning I began hearing testimonies from all over town of how people in the church were using the card to bless others with a simple act of kindness done in Jesus’ name. Here are some examples of what I am hearing.

On Monday I ran into a church member while visiting some people in the hospital. She shared how she had given two Acts of Life cards away that morning and needed more to share simple kindness with others. She’s making a difference!

On Tuesday morning I received a telephone call from a local resident having trouble raising money to pay taxes on the home his mother had left him. He was a single parent of two elementary age children, and being out of work had decided to have a car wash on Sunday afternoon to raise money. While the car wash was a bomb, a woman from First Baptist Church pulled to the curb and handed the man $40 and an Acts of Life card through the window and said “God bless you.” He was overwhelmed!

Another person shared how his family pooled their efforts to baby sit twins for new parents who were overwhelmed. They kept the children all night and gave the mom and dad money for dinner and a movie along with an Acts of Life card. Those young parents will never forget that unusual act of kindness!

Today, a member of the high school golf team my son plays on shared with him how he was at the counter in Starbucks about to pay for his drink when the person behind him stepped up, paid his ticket and handed him an Acts of Life card. It made an impression!

Attorneys, students, neighbors, and others from all walks of life are using the Acts of Life card to impact lives for Jesus Christ. I’m so proud of the people of First Baptist Church who are sharing His love on the streets of Odessa in a way that is grabbing the attention of so many people. Every encounter is an opportunity to see Jesus glorified through an act of kindness. How about you, are you willing to share a simple act of kindness in Jesus’ name?

If you have shared an Acts of Life card with someone, tell me your story. I'd love to hear from you.

Remember… Never yield your shield; stay in the battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

Demographic Call to Action...

2009-04-27T14:36:00.002-05:00

We hear so much talk about an Islamic overthrow of the world but many wonder if it could happen. Others seem to dismiss the desire of the Islamic world to ensure it happening as preposterous and outlandish. Take the next 8 minutes and view this compelling video on YouTube that reveals what is transpiring around the world then see how you feel. In fact, if you want to share your thoughts with me I am going to leave the comment stream open on this one for that purpose. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3X5hIFXYU

Kind of sheds new light on God's imperative to "be fruitful and multiply" as found in Genesis 1:28 and other places in Scripture.

Remember... Never yield your shield; stay in the battle.

In Christ alone,

Byron

His Eye is On You...

2009-04-23T11:16:00.001-05:00

Because of my deeply held Christian convictions, it is with great pleasure that I am now considered a right-wing extremist. I weep not due to wearing this label. Rather, I consider it a worthy badge of honor and courage in light of the current moral, political, and theological climate in America. I would never want to be one of those poor miserable creatures trapped between the exaltation of humanistic arrogance and the denigration of hopeless disbelief anyway. No, not me, I heartily welcome and praise God for the distinction of wearing this title. Besides, it is how the ruling regime in America considers me so I may as well embrace the empowerment received from it while knowing that God is watching. His eye is on me, can I do any less?

Now, mind you, I have never picketed an abortion clinic, marched in a civil rights rally, or placed a derogatory bumper sticker on my vehicle as a radical statement. I have never made threatening phone calls requiring someone to adhere to my belief system or sent angry letters demanding conversion to my Christian convictions. I believe in the rights of all individuals to hold to their own religious liberty and would never put a sword to the throat of someone who believed differently (that wouldn’t be peaceable now would it?). I have never worked as a community activist seeking to register more people to vote so that my own causes and personal agenda might be furthered. I have never protested our government and called for national reform. I have never written the President of the United States demanding anything – or any government official for that matter. I have never been arrested or imprisoned. I ardently oppose the legalization of drugs as being bad for society. I have never intentionally sought to break any rules that our government has established. I consider myself so straight-laced that whenever I cross the established barrier called the speed limit I feel conviction and ratchet back the RPM’s in my pick-up truck. O, but perhaps that is it, I drive a pick-up truck and have lived in the South all my adult life and I own a Bible. Maybe those are reasons I have been labeled as a right-wing extremist. Add to that the fact that I believe in a republic form of government and denounce socialism, communism, and dictatorships. Add to that the reality that I regularly attend an evangelical church and I seek to daily practice my faith. Add to that the fact that I do not just attend church, but I am a pastor (oh my!) who fervently seeks to guide others to a deeper walk with God (oh my, oh my!). Add to that the preposterous conviction that I preach from the Bible and resolutely believe there to be only one way to eternal life, that being Jesus Christ. Add to that the outrageous idea that I happen to believe the Bible to be the holy, inerrant Word of God. Add to that the ridiculous reality that I refuse to be silenced from preaching regardless of what any administration says or demands – and there you have it – I am a right-wing extremist! And – one more thing – add to all of this my unashamed belief that what America needs now more than anything are increasing numbers of right-wing extremists who believe in God, the Bible, Jesus Christ for salvation, and the power of prayer and now we know for sure – I am a right-wing extremist (or so they say)!

Label me as you please for I am in good company. As I read the Bible – the book that gives left-wingers and middle of the roaders’ great heartburn and unending consternation – I am in good company! The heroes of faith I admire most from God’s Word stood for Him, refusing to waffle or waver in their beliefs. These men stood for something greater than enhancing the local government by simply being a nodding head of assent regardless of the demand to renounce or compromise their faith. Daniel is one such example. This man of God was targeted because he refused to refrain from bowing before his God in prayer. What about those radical extremists Peter and the apostles? They were jailed and reprimanded solely because their beliefs were so precious that they refused the compromise of silence. They held to the deep conviction that Jesus is not a tool to be used for bartering purposes but the singular path to eternal life. Even when being “strictly charged … not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us” (Acts 5:28) they refused silence. “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29). Most importantly, Jesus was crucified because He was considered a right-wing extremist by the religious establishment and rulers of His day. He had the audacity to equate Himself with God. Therefore, when all is considered, I am honored to be in the company of these men who stood for God and to kneel before my Savior sent by God as an act of utmost love. I would rather maintain my deepest convictions and bring honor to God with my life than receive a multitude of platitudes from those empowered now but who will be judged later. Therefore, call me a right-wing extremist if you desire. I will continue to label myself a fully devoted follower of Christ regardless of who is watching because I know that His eye is on me.

What about you, are you a right-wing extremist? I hope so.

Remember… Never yield your shield, stay in the battle.

In Christ alone,

Byron

On the Importance of a Shield..

2009-04-21T10:23:00.004-05:00

I have been asked on numerous occasions why I close most of my notes to the church with the phrase “Never yield your shield, stay in the battle.” My answer is multifaceted. First, I am convinced that Christians in America have been lulled to sleep by Satan and have forgotten a battle rages all around them. Their shield has been laid aside. They are not fitted for war. They are easy prey for the enemy who is ever-vigilant in his evil practices against them. Second, few have a full understanding of the purpose of a shield as noted in Scripture. God told Abram in Genesis 15:1, “I am your shield” for the purpose of calming his fears. God revealed to David that He was his shield of protection. One verse confirming this truth is Psalm 3:3, “But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” David knew that God was who protected Him from the lion as a shepherd, from Goliath as a young warrior, as an anointed servant of God on the run from jealous Saul, and as a King when forced to flee due to a coup attempt from his own son Absalom. David rested in the protection of God. He treasured the rock-solid belief that God had him enclosed from his enemies and that nothing could touch him apart from God removing His shield of protection. It works the same way in every believer’s life. We are encircled by God and protected on all sides. Nothing can harm us apart from God deliberately lowering the shield of His protection - which He sometimes does for His divine reasons. We’ll discuss this in a future note.

Solomon, King David’s son, understood the role of God as the shield of the faithful also. Proverbs 30:5 states, “Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” This verse transcends time, applying just as perfectly today as it did thousands of years ago when Solomon penned these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Every believer can stand upon this truth that regardless of what is coming their way in life, God is their shield. He is their refuge. What a truth for living in 2009 with financial crisis, terrorism threats, apostasy rising, and morality plummeting. God is our refuge. He is our shield!

But finally, in the New Testament the Christ follower is told that “In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph. 6:16). As stated above, the enemy is vigilant as he continues to fire his flaming darts our way intent upon destruction. He does not stop. He attacks continually with no regard for rules of war. No Christian can stand against the attack when he yields his shield of faith. We do not stand in our own strength, we stand in God’s. We do not endure with our own intestinal fortitude; we endure by faith in God. We are only able to stand firm when we take up the shield of faith, appropriate the Word of God, and stand believing God will deliver us.

So today, how are you being attacked? What are you facing right now in your life where you need to cling tightly to your shield of faith with full assurance that God will not let you down? What area of life are you waiting for an answer from God and it appears the heavens are brass and God’s not listening? Whatever you are facing, both known and unknown, take up your shield of faith and refuse to yield that which is part of your Christian armor. Stand firm Christian soldier God will not fail you!

Take a moment and read the words of this anonymous poem (my favorite by the way) and decide today to never yield your shield!

I want to let go, but I won’t let go.
There are battles to fight,
By day and by night,
For God and the right –
And I’ll never let go.

I want to let go, but I won’t let go.
I’m sick, ‘tis true,
Worried and blue,
And worn through and through,
But I won’t let go.

I want to let go, but I won’t let go.
I will never yield!
What! Lie down on the field
And surrender my shield?
No, I’ll never let go!

I want to let go, but I won’t let go.
May this be my song,
“Mid legions of wrong –
Oh, God, keep me strong
That I may never let go!”

Remember… Never yield your shield, stay in the battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

Emir Caner

2009-04-20T08:50:00.003-05:00

If you are looking for a new blog that tells it like it is regarding the ongoing war between radical Islam and Christianity, check out Emir Caner's blog at www.emircaner.com. Dr. Caner is a leading mind in the area of Islamic studies in America and he tells it like it is. For those of you who have questions regarding what's happening in the Islamic world and its interaction and planned takeover of the Western world, you won't want to miss this.

More later...

Remember - Never yield your shield, stay in the battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

The Incredible Fredom of Forgiveness

2009-04-17T09:23:00.001-05:00

Unforgivable! If ever a word points toward a tragic ending filled with overwhelming regret, surely this one does. It is a word filled with heartache and heartbreak. It floods our conscience with pain and scrapes at our emotions like rough sandpaper over the surface of soft wood. Recently, someone shared with me that what had happened to them was unforgivable. They could not, would not, and dare not forgive for in their eyes they had been wronged so completely. Rather than allow grace to intervene, they chose to embrace their pain, with little regard to their future and how this decision would dictate their legacy. Upon hearing this, I began to ponder “unforgivable” and whether it should ever be a word used by a follower of Christ. My conclusion - I think not.

Over 50 years ago, African American John Lewis, now a Democrat Congressman from Georgia was brutally beaten by a Ku Klux Klan member named Elwin Wilson solely because of the color of his skin. It was a crime of hatred that went unchecked and was forgotten by most, except Lewis and Wilson. As Wilson aged, his burden of guilt increased as his viewpoint regarding hatred changed. He had committed what some would say was an unforgivable act, and yet now he found himself faced with an overwhelming need for forgiveness. Mr. Wilson sought out Mr. Lewis and on February 6, 2009 publicly apologized for the wrong he had done to him so many years ago. What he found was a man who understood grace. What he realized was the freedom of forgiveness because there are few moments in life more powerful than when forgiveness is sought and received.

Do you need to forgive someone today? Do you need to seek forgiveness from someone you’ve hurt today? The Bible speaks to this matter with perfect instruction – “Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (Col. 3:13). If you are reluctant, think about this next statement and see if your willingness might change: What if the Lord refused to forgive you when you asked for forgiveness, where in eternity would you be headed right now?

Decide right now that you are going to call someone you have hurt and bridge the gap in the relationship by asking for forgiveness. Determine when you will make this call and just do it!

Capitalization...

2009-04-15T10:55:00.003-05:00

Last night I had the privilege of being my oldest daughter’s date to a lecture on the campus of University of Texas Permian Basin. The intriguing and thought provoking lecturer was Malcolm Gladwell. Mr. Gladwell has written two New York Times bestsellers and his new book “Outliers” will no doubt make this prestigious list also. I was not sure what to expect as I had not attended a lecture on a secular university campus in years. I was pleasantly surprised.

Gladwell’s lecture centered upon the theme of “Capitalization.” Coming from an accounting background I thought he was going to speak about proper capitalization of assets during difficult financial times (yawn!). I’m glad I was wrong. Capitalization is the ability to maximize the potential for achievement of an individual or group of individuals in spite of factors which seek to limit success. In other words, why do some athletes achieve greatness while others refuse to capitalize on their raw talent and ability? Why do Asians excel in mathematics while the Western world struggles with a defeated mindset in this area? What factors influenced the success of Bill Gates to capitalize on his abilities? These were intriguing questions as I have longed believed a celebration of mediocrity to be the standard by which success is measured in America (and in the church). He had my attention.

As we walked to the car, the question regarding how capitalization can be increased by an individual/organization was racing through my mind. With never a mention about the church, Gladwell had just described one of the greatest frustrations pastors of older, established churches face – how to lead this organization to maximize its potential for the Kingdom of God when there are so many factors (both internal and external) seeking to suppress capitalization in the church? As Gladwell applied three major factors suppressing capitalization – poverty, stupid rules, and attitude – I will do the same for the church.

First, what about poverty? Does poverty in the local church impact Kingdom success? No doubt there are definite times when financial restrictions do suppress capitalization in the church. Even today there are congregations facing this reality due to the financial crisis we are experiencing across this land. However, poverty in the church can always be countered by the financial faithfulness of its members. As we are obedient with God's money, poverty for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom is minimized.

Second, stupid rules that constrain capitalization (Gladwell’s words not mine) flourish in the church today. Some traditions found in the church would fall into the category of a stupid and constraining rule. Whenever tradition dictates a church’s ability to maximize Kingdom potential, capitalization has been suppressed. When there are more effective means of reaching people but “we’ve never done it that way before” becomes the determining mantra, capitalization has been suppressed. When worship style garners more attention on Sunday morning than the God we worship, capitalization has been suppressed. When a church is unwilling to adapt to a changing demographic due to traditionalism or racism, capitalization has been suppressed. Clearly some of the extra-biblical “rules” inserted into the life of the Church should be examined as realities that suppress capitalization for the Kingdom.

Third, the attitude of a church and its leaders can be the greatest determinant for increasing/decreasing capitalization. Gladwell effectively revealed that Asians thrive in math not because they possess a "math gene" but because they possess an attitude of hard work and will settle for nothing less than success. Bill Gates arose at 1:30 AM most mornings during high school to utilize a nearby university mainframe for four hours – hard work. Athletes that excel epitomize an attitude of hard work. Far too often those responsible for leading God’s people have a “get by” work ethic rather than a “get after it” determination to succeed for Kingdom advancement. Their attitude permeates through the entire congregation suppressing capitalization due to lack of vision and hard work.

So what is the answer? As far as I can tell, Jesus believed in capitalization for Kingdom sake regardless of obstacles standing in the way. The Great Commission is proof. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:19-20 ESV). Church leader, what are you doing to increase capitalization in your congregation to impact all the world for Christ? Christ follower, how are you maximizing your abilities to achieve more for the Kingdom of God than you ever dreamed? When understood in this context, capitalization is not a financial term, it is a Kingdom term!

Remember... Never yield your shield, stay in the battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

On War and Warriors

2009-04-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

Ever pondered why God does not remove all the obstacles that block your path and the adversaries who challenge your peace? I am studying through the book of Judges in preparation for preaching this in the near future. I have read Judges numerous times and again I stand amazed at how this Old Testament book mirrors the times in which we live.

Yesterday I was confronted with the opening verses of Judges 3 and their relevance for today. In these verses God explicitly states that He allowed other nations to remain in the Promised Land for two purposes. First, to test the Israelites faith as they lived in the midst of pagans who did not know the one true God. Judges 3:4 says, “They [the nations] were for the testing of Israel, to know whether Israel would obey the commandments of the LORD, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.” They failed this test and began serving other gods every single time.

The second purpose for God allowing other nations to remain in the land was so God’s people could learn to fight. Through the threat of battle, God provided the opportunity for His children’s strength and resolve to stand firm to increase. With war looming overhead God’s people would be forced to a deeper level of dependence upon Him than they had ever experienced. God wanted their perseverance and determination to be hardened by the challenges they faced. He wanted them to know war and become warriors!

The same two challenges face every Christ follower today. Will we remain faithful in the midst of blatant immorality, idolatry, and ever-increasing sensuality and will we learn the art of war and become warriors? From my years in the ministry I have surmised that most Christians are not good fighters. They don’t know war and are not warriors. We are a weak army, having been softened by the ease of Christianity in America. No longer do we stand for God regardless of what we face; no longer do we look the enemy in the eye while falling to our knees to engage in battle. We do not reside in the Word of God to find the unsurpassed strength needed to stand. The American church cannot be classified as warriors because we have forgotten how we are supposed to fight and have lost the will to do so. For this reason God is testing the church today to develop faithful fighters who stand for what is right at all cost.

My prayer for the Church in America is that we will again resolve to fight, to stand firm, to faithfully trust God in this time. May we be refined like precious gold and strengthened like stainless steel. So that when God does a troop inspection He will know that we have been pressure tested and found faithful. What about you?

Never yield your shield… Stay in the Battle!

In Christ alone,

Byron

We're Off and Running...

2009-04-13T10:17:00.000-05:00

No, this is not the Kentucky Derby, I don't even like horse racing that much. It is the inaugural post of Psa7872 – “Ponderings and encouragement from one pilgrim plodder to another.”

The name Psa7872 comes from… well, you can figure that out. It has been my life verse for many years as a pastor and the goal I have set before me in pastoral ministry. My purpose will be to share from my heart various ponderings and encouragements. Ponderings are the meditations of my heart. These are those thoughts that push me to a deeper walk with God. They center upon the Word of God, sound theology, and the joy of being a Christ follower. Encouragements need no explanation. My prayer is that you will enjoy what you read and that you will receive the encouragement to plod on as a pilgrim bound for the Promised Land. So, enjoy. I’ll post more very soon.

In Christ alone,

Byron