A Simple Idea for Families Families are busier than they have ever been. One of the most challenging things to do as a spouse or parent is to consistently read the Bible with your family. I must confess that I feel I have failed in this area more often than I have succeeded. We have…
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Emotions are a gift from God. They are also marred with the sin nature of Adam. When they are under God’s reign they feel as He feels, but when they are “out of control” they are both deceptive and destructive. The longer I work with people, the more I come to see my own depraved heart,…
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As I write these words Tammy and the kids are with me for a conference with young adults in Florida. It has been such a joy to have my entire family traveling with me this month. The Lord has been gracious to allow us to spend some very special days together and to see the…
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Dr. Tom Malone used to joke about having five sermons and five hundred titles. My pastor challenged me years ago to work constantly at preparing new Bible messages. That counsel has been of inestimable value to me. It is easy to let your soul grow stale when the Bible is so fresh! As I have…
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Words are powerful things. Spoken, written, typed, or texted – they are vehicles of communication that tend to last. If not on paper, in the hearts and minds of others. With our words, we build up, and with our words, we tear down. Solomon declared, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue”…
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Amy Carmichaels’s Dream Amy Carmichael was an amazing servant of Christ. As a young woman, she sat in a meeting where D.L. Moody was preaching on the elder brother of Luke 15. When he came to the father’s words, “All that I have is thine,” the Holy Spirit spoke to her in a definite way.…
Read MoreOn this unofficial beginning of summer our family is ministering in North Carolina. School is out and it is a special joy to have Tammy and the kids with me on the road. The weeks ahead will be filled with meetings along with a little down time with the family. Please pray that God would…
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Over the last few months we have been clearing a fence row around our new home. The underbrush was thick and the work was slow going. Thanks to my dad’s tractor and my father-in-law’s chain saw some progress has been made, but the work continues! One afternoon, covered in brush and perspiration, the truth of…
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Go East, Young Man! Our culture displays an obsession with the ability, beauty, and virility of youth. Somehow, in all of this obsession, we have forgotten the wisdom of age. Young people miss the examples of parents and grandparents. New couples fail to draw from the experience of more mature married couples. Young ministers often…
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Are you spiritually fit? Spiritual health does not come on accident – it is a product of purposeful disciplines. In recent days the Lord has taken me again to the words of 1 Timothy 4:6-8, If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished…
Read MoreIt is a joy to be home for a couple of days after a busy season of meetings. Just a few days ago we conducted a Go Reach America Campaign in the Tri-Cities region. The Lord blessed in a wonderful way and we give Him the glory for it! As I have had some time…
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Forgive me! Over the last few weeks I have heard from many of you who regularly read the blog and pray for us. The month of April was exceptionally full and I posted very few articles. I hope to get back on a more regular schedule in May! Thank you for keeping up with our…
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Each month this year we are offering a free resource to help encourage Christians and churches. These tools are designed to encourage prayer, Bible reading, witnessing, and personal ministry to others. I hope you will use them and pass them along! Several months ago I wrote in my private journal a simple prayer concerning the…
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I have just returned home from several meetings. The Lord is blessing and we are grateful to be in His work. Over the last few days we have heard from so many precious people and have been reminded that we have faithful friends praying in many places. Thank you. Every three months we send out…
Read MoreIn a few weeks school will be out and summer will be in full swing. This is the time of year that young people (and their parents!) begin counting the days until vacation. Like many of you, we are planning a few days away with family and look forward to the time together. As a…
Read MoreWe are quickly approaching an exciting 4 day campaign in May. Please help us pray and share this important information. Below I am posting an open letter that is being sent to area churches throughout the Tri-Cities region of Tennessee and Virginia. There are three ways you can help us: Add this to your personal…
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Are you facing any decision right now? In need of guidance? Searching for direction? Years ago, I came to a crossroads in my life. We all make many decisions every day, but there are seasons of decision-making that alter the course of our own life and the lives of others. These are critical moments. Reflecting…
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The last few days of March will be very busy. We are excited about the opportunities before us in April. Only the Lord knows how long we have to serve Him – Jesus could come today! Until then, we want to be faithful in the work of revival and the gospel. Several folks have asked about…
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Some time ago, a friend said to me, “Do you ever have a bad day?” I laughed. Of course, we all have bad days. When I inquired as to why he would ask such a question, he said that my social media posts always seemed to be very positive. He was right. I have purposefully…
Read MoreIn two months we will conduct a very special campaign in the Tri-Cities region of Bristol, Kingsport, and Johnson City, Tennessee. 17 sponsoring churches are working together for the purpose of winning souls and training soul winners! The campaign begins at 7 pm on Wednesday, May 3 with an area-wide prayer rally. On Thursday and…
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Praying for the Preacher Many years ago my pastor taught me that I could have a part in helping all of those the preacher ministers to if I would labor with the preacher in prayer. God will multiply the fruit of your prayers in the lives of so many people! Prayer is the greatest work. “Ye…
Read MoreIt is a great joy to announce the release of a writing project I have been working on for some time. The burden on my heart as an evangelist is to help train as many people as possible to engage where they are in the work of evangelism. Everyone needs the gospel of Jesus Christ! And…
Read MoreIn my office at home is a bust of my favorite U.S. President. Since I was a boy I have admired the strength and gentleness of Abraham Lincoln. On a recent trip though Washington I made sure to drive our kids by Ford’s Theatre and the house across the street where Lincoln spent his last…
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Making the Most of the Evening Hours Through the years I have written a number of things about making the most of the mornings. (You may read several articles about how to begin your mornings here.) In Genesis 1, we repeatedly find the phrase, “the evening and the morning.” Evening hours and morning hours serve as bookends…
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It is a joy to be home for a few days with the family. Preparations are being made for busy days ahead. We covet your prayers as we approach the month of March. Join us for one of these special meetings… Friday-Saturday, March 3-4 – Bound by Love Marriage Retreat, Northside Baptist Church, Nolansville, TX, Pastor…
Read MoreThe Power of A Small Church Our generation is mesmerized by mega churches. As I have had the privilege to be in churches of all sizes, the words of my mentor, Pastor Clarence Sexton, have become more meaningful: “The greatness of a church is not in its size, but in its likeness to Jesus Christ.”…
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As children we were always instructed to think before we speak. Now, with children of my own, I realize that this is good advice for adults too. This simple rule would transform relationships and the very atmosphere in most homes! God’s Book of Wisdom cautions us not to be “hasty” with our words (Prov. 29:20). In…
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In recent years I have come to realize the importance of the morning hours. There is something special about the quiet – and the coffee! – before the noise of the day. God desires, and deserves, the first. (Read more about the blessing of early mornings.) A friend once said to me that it was his…
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We would like to make available to you this “Tool to Strengthen Believers.” It serves to accompany our current series on Watch and Pray. Several years ago as I studied the life of Daniel the Holy Spirit drew my attention to the fact that the devil tried to get Daniel to stop the discipline of…
Read MoreTomorrow we will drive to Gray, Tennessee. At 2:00 p.m., Saturday we will be part of a special prayer rally with churches from around the Tri-Cities. For weeks we have been talking and praying with pastors. Our burden is simple: to see souls saved and to train soul winners. True revival among believers always leads…
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I want to thank you for taking time to read the posts on Enjoying the Journey. Thank you for keeping up with our family and praying for us. Every week I meet people who are faithfully interceding. Almost daily I hear from individuals who are laboring with us in prayer. There are many more who…
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At the end of this post I have a special announcement to make and a number of free resources to offer you. Permit me to explain why this is on my heart… The battle is real and our Captain has given us weapons with which to fight. Scripture teaches that “the weapons of our warfare are not…
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Recently I encouraged a dear friend who is living through a trial to keep a daily journal of what God is doing in his life. My suggestion grew out of personal experience. On the shelf before me is a stack of leather-bound books. They are deeply personal and very precious to me. Occasionally I sit…
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An Item for Praise and Prayer Yesterday I had the privilege to speak to a group of pastoral staff men in the church where I am preaching. It was a joy to share with them truths that God and my pastor graciously taught me as a staff member. As I spoke to them, I was…
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How to Keep Yourself Stirred One of the hardest things in serving the Lord is keeping your own heart stirred about the work you have been given to do. We all struggle with it. It is called flesh. Flesh is weak. Flesh grows weary. You cannot trust the flesh. It is not difficult to get…
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We do not need more sermonizers, organizers, and motivators. We need more evangelists. Not just the kind who travel from place to place preaching in meetings. Our world is in desperate need for gospel consumed, Spirit-controlled, eternity conscious believers. People passionate about reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ. Evangelists. The Work of Evangelism The…
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What I Have Learned in My First Year of Evangelism It has been a privilege this week to take part in a special conference on revival and evangelism. I have enjoyed the fellowship with a number of wonderful evangelists and pastors, and have been honored to labor alongside men who have been in this work for…
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I often hear wonderful messages on the subject of reading the Word of God. The Scriptures are so wonderful! We may grow stale, but the Lord is perennially fresh! We are instructed in 1 Timothy 4:13 to “give attendance to reading.” Reading the Bible is not the end of what we should do with the…
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This morning I preached the first meeting of the new year. The Lord’s Word and Spirit was so very precious. Only God knows how many more meetings we will be allowed. “Our times are in his hand.” I want to make every one of them count for eternity. January 1, Sunday morning service, Clearbrook Baptist…
Read MoreA special hour-glass sits on the desk in my study. It was a gift from my family and means a great deal to me. It actually measures fifteen minutes of time and is a constant reminder to me that every moment counts. Minutes become hours. Hours become days. And days become – well, you get the…
Read MoreThe final week of the year is perhaps the strangest week of the year. It is like living in limbo. One year seems all but gone and the next is not yet here. Many will wait until January 1 to begin their resolutions. But wise men know “better is the end of a thing than…
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Missing Messiah While preaching recently in the beautiful state of Connecticut, I drove through several old cemeteries. Very old. It was fascinating to see markers going back to the 1600’s! It may sound strange, but I have always enjoyed visiting cemeteries. Reading the epitaphs. Noticing the ages. Imagining the stories. Every memorial is a reminder…
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This is a busy time of the year. It seems that every season has become a hectic one! So much noise. Beneath the surface our hearts long for quiet – true quiet in a noisy world. I have been blessed by the writings of S.D. Gordon. He makes me think. His book titles are very…
Read MoreWe all have them. At times they must be adjusted, but always they live in our memory. Traditions held with family and friends. Fixed reference points in a world that is constantly changing. Christmas is especially a time for tradition. There is a danger in allowing traditions to take the place only truth should hold…
Read MoreYou will be tempted not to finish reading this post. Could I ask you now to read to the very end? I have just completed a wonderful biography on the Life of John Newton, originally published by the American Sunday School Union in 1831. The account details how God took a slave trader (who became…
Read MoreThis has been a whirlwind year! In just a few days we will publish a year-end newsletter and report on this year’s meetings. If you have not subscribed to receive our quarterly email we would love to include you in it! Click here to subscribe. These are days of opportunity…and days of spiritual opposition. Everything…
Read MoreGod’s Word and God’s Spirit have become very precious to me this year. In cities and rural communities, in church meetings and area rallies, we have witnessed the Lord at work. These are exciting days to serve Christ! This week I am preaching the last revival meeting of the year. So many friends have kept up…
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Life in a fallen world is full of disappointments. Situations don’t always turn out the way you hope. The best people let you down. Your own intentions fail to become reality. It is easy for disappointment to become disillusionment. Perhaps this is why there are so many cynical people in our world. The question is not…
Read MoreOver the last few weeks I have had the privilege of spending time with a number of church staff members in the places where I have been preaching. This is always a great joy for me. More than eighteen years of my life and ministry were spent as a staff member. Every day I thank…
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A Spoiled Generation Recently I drove through the cemetery where all of my grandparents are now buried. I paused for a few moments at each grave and thought of the heritage they had passed down to me. My Grandpa Pauley gets a great deal of discussion because of his ministry as a preacher of the…
Read MoreIn the last few days we have moved into our new home in West Virginia. Thank you for praying for our family during this season of transition. The beautiful changing leaves at this time of year are a reminder that the seasons of life are constantly changing. The Creator and Sustainer of life is at…
Read MoreThis week I am preaching a revival meeting in the Washington, D.C. area. My heart has been stirred afresh. The future of our nation hangs in the balance. In just a few days we will elect a new president of the United States. That election will determine more than the presidency. It will decide the…
Read MoreOne of Satan’s greatest tools is discouragement. I am afraid that many preachers are so disillusioned with the condition of our nation that they wonder if there is anything they can do to make a difference. This is a strategy of the wicked one. Never has a generation of believers had so much opportunity for the…
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Boredom seems to be the order of the day. Why go to church anyhow? Church attendance nationally is on the decline. Even among those who go, few seem to enjoy being there. It is a religious routine. An empty form. Surely this is not what the Lord had in mind when He said, “Not forsaking…
Read MoreMy favorite season has arrived. Fall is officially here. This year our family is celebrating the changing of the leaves in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. It is a new season of life and ministry. So many of you have prayed and encouraged us this year. Thank you for your friendship. A few days…
Read MoreThis week thousands of people will converge on the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and Tennessee for “The Battle at Bristol.” As much as I enjoy football (and hope that the Volunteers win!), there is a greater battle going on at this hour. It is a battle for the souls of men. I have always loved…
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A Deepening Conviction Every conviction in our hearts should grow out of God’s Word. With the passage of time, those convictions that are founded in eternal truth only deepen. The Holy Ghost confirms again and again that Bible convictions are true in every circumstance. Like God, His truth does not change. At this stage of…
Read MoreGod has been so very gracious to us. The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and change. Thank you for praying for our family as we have relocated back to West Virginia. Times of transition remind you of so many truths. For me, one of those has been that God chose the…
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How to Make This a Great School Year My wife and I have been blessed to have had our children in wonderful schools through the years and are truly thankful that the Lord continues to provide that opportunity for our family. Across the country this is the time when schools resume – elementary, middle school,…
Read MoreLike many people around the world I have watched with great interest the Olympic Games in Rio. Particularly the medal count! It is the talk everywhere I go…Which nation has the most? Will Michael Phelps get another gold? Why are the athletes biting their medals for pictures? For at least a few days it has…
Read MoreRecently someone asked me what the kindest thing was that had been done for me as I traveled from church to church. That was easy. Pastors and people have been very gracious and encouraging in every place where we have been privileged to serve, but there is one thing that stands out above the rest.…
Read MoreThe last few days have been filled with so many wonderful memories…and so much expectation for the future! As we pulled out of Knoxville, Tennessee on Wednesday I reflected on how good God has been to us in that place. We rejoice that He is not bound by geography! In fact, He is not bound…
Read MoreA Christian’s relationship with the Word of God does not end with Bible reading, but it does start there. The simple discipline of reading the Scriptures is a powerful resource in the daily walk of a believer. As I grow older my conviction in the power and sufficiency of God’s Word grows! This is indeed…
Read MoreGod has been very gracious during this summer season. We have seen much fruit in many places. Please help us pray that the fruit will remain to the glory of God. It has been a special blessing to see so many friends across the country. The upcoming month will be a very busy one for…
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Note: This post was originally written a decade ago, but the information is still relevant today, especially with the unrest around recent law enforcement activity. We have had many dear friends though the years who serve in law enforcement. I recently remembered again that those who protect and serve are special people.. They have families,…
Read MoreThe months are passing so quickly! Six months ago my family and I stepped out into full time evangelism. God has been so good and He continues to exceed our expectations. Thank you for praying for us. Each week we hear from faithful friends and see many others. We would love to see you in…
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The Book that Saves the World A few weeks ago, I picked up a copy of the Wall Street Journal in a hotel. As I was breezing quickly through the sections, my eyes fell on something I could not believe. At the bottom of one page was an ad with this startling header: “THE BOOK…
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A Good Resource and A New Song Several weeks ago I had the privilege of speaking in a pastor’s fellowship where Evangelist Byron Foxx was singing. He has been a real encouragement to me through the years and especially as I have stepped out into evangelism. The Lord is gracious to give us faithful friends…
Read MoreI know. The title has real potential. A preacher friend of mine recently said to me, “I have no problem with mother-in-laws. I love my wife’s mother-in-law!” (For the record, I did laugh. But I shouldn’t have…) My relationship with my wife’s parents has always been especially good. For that I am truly grateful. My…
Read MorePrayer is a help. It is our connection to the great Helper! Prayer is our lifeline to Heaven and the only way to live victoriously on earth. Yet, as surely as I know that prayer helps, it seems that many days I need help to pray! My problem is not that I don’t believe in…
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Like many Americans, I had the opportunity today to go by the cemetery where our family members are buried. The rolling hills were decorated with flowers and flags. It seems like just yesterday that I was at my grandparents house on Memorial Day. Now they are all with the Lord. I only had the opportunity…
Read MoreThis week I have been in multiple airports. Some are better than others. All are the same after awhile! In a few minutes I am landing at my new favorite airport. No, it is not the largest or most modern, but it speaks to me every time I am here. Perhaps a story will help you…
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This week I will speak in commencement exercises in a couple of states. I love these special meetings and it is an honor to be part of such a great day for young people and their families. Commencements are just that…the beginning of the next step. My Advice to Those Who Are Seeking God’s Will…
Read MoreSchool is out and summer is upon us! These have been exceptionally busy weeks of travel and ministry. So many of you are praying for us and we appreciate it more than words could express. God is answering your prayers. Last week I had the joy of participating in commencement exercises for my Doctor of…
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His Name Is Not A Swear Word! Have you noticed it? I heard it sitting in a restaurant last week. It was muttered by someone who passed me in an airport recently. Yesterday, an individual spoke from across a hotel lobby. “Jesus.” No, they were not speaking to Him or about Him. They were just…
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It all started in the mountain state so near to my own heart. Anna Jarvis began to send carnations to her local church in Grafton, West Virginia in honor of her mother. They were her mother’s favorite. Anna never had children of her own but she set something in motion for generations of children…
Read MoreAs I travel week after week it is always fascinating to see the buildings and attractions that make each area unique. Large cities and rural communities all have something of interest to discover! Each place is a new adventure. Yet I have come to the conviction that the greatest thing in any town is the…
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Have you faced any disappointment in the last week? The last 24 hours? The last 10 minutes? It is inevitable. Disappointments come. In the last post I shared with you a few observations from Luke 24 related to the causes of disappointment. Some things never change! (If you missed part 1, click HERE to read.)…
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We all have them. Disappointments are a part of life in an imperfect world. Every day we face the possibility of disappointment with circumstances, people, and even ourselves. It may not sound spiritual but at times we are even disappointed with God’s ways – why doesn’t He do things the way we think He should?…
Read MoreMy daughter Lauren has recently developed a new fascination with reading. Over the last few days she has devoured several books, putting us all to shame. I grew up with a special love of books. I travel with several at all times. In our day of e-books this has become much easier, but there is…
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Last night I finished preaching in another youth conference. These are special meetings and more needed than ever. It was a privilege to have our daughter Morgan with me on this trip. Having teenagers of your own changes your whole perspective! As I looked at a sea of faces last night, hundreds of young men…
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The Battle That Never Ends As a young Christian I imagined that some day it would get easier. My flesh would not rear its ugly head; the world would not seem as attractive; the devil would not fight so fiercely. That day never came. In fact, there is a battle that rages all of the…
Read MoreGod is at work all over our world. When He declared that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse” He did not say that He would do less and less! In perilous times His power is still active. It has been a thrill to see the Lord’s hand in so many places in…
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My Struggle with Doubt and the Victory I Found It was the darkest time of my life spiritually. Like many believers, I struggled through a period of tremendous doubt about my salvation. There were many factors that contributed to my lack of assurance. Because I had trusted Christ as my Savior as a young child…
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We are living in a day of identity confusion, gender confusion, political confusion, and doctrinal confusion. A confusion of roles within the family. Confusion seems to be the order of the day. Don’t be surprised! This is a mark of the last days (2 Tim. 3:1-7), and a characteristic work of Satan in every age.…
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Thank you to so many friends who have joined with us in prayer for the advancement of the gospel and revival! We are just completing our first three months in evangelism and rejoicing in God’s faithfulness. He truly does “do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). If you have signed up…
Read MoreIt Works A man shared the most encouraging phone call with me yesterday. This man attended a men’s conference that I had the privilege of being in last week. He took part in a training session on witnessing, where we challenged men to share their personal testimony with someone over the next seven days. My…
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Recently as I was caring for some personal business the Lord reminded me of a wonderful principle. God’s people should be helping God’s people. The verse that the Holy Spirit brought to my mind was Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of…
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Lessons Learned on My Daily Run Running has become for me many things. It is a means to stay in shape, a stress reliever, time to think. Recently it has become a classroom in which the Teacher has been showing me so many important lessons. It is not by accident that God refers frequently in…
Read MoreLet’s clear the air…No, this is not a post about politics. And, no, I am not a progressive. With our current political climate the term “progressive” has been in the news a great deal of late. In fact, the term progressive refers to a broad philosophy that says progress is vital to the advancement of…
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Every day is a gift. Yes, they are a gift from God, but for the discerning Christian they are also a gift to God. The Lord grants us breath, health, and strength. We, in turn, give each day back to Him as a gift of gratitude. The Lord gives life and we are to live…
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I have shared several thoughts concerning the daily Christian life. On the front of my calendar I have written: “Plan for the future, but live one week at a time, one day at a time, one meeting at a time.” It is a constant reminder to not get ahead of myself…or more importantly, not to…
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There are many daily blessings in the Christian life. There are also Daily Battles. One of the ironies of walking with Christ is that much of the blessing comes through the battles. It is near the front lines, in the heat of war, where the victory is seen and God is known. Daily Battles Satan,…
Read MoreOver the last few months several of my dearest friends have said goodbye to loved ones and watched them slip away to Heaven. Moments like these remind us all that this earth is not all there is. Our bodies are for a little time. Our spirits were made for eternity. I have stood by the…
Read MoreMany friends have taken up a ministry of prayer on our behalf. In just a few days we will begin sending a monthly update via email to those who desire to partner with us in prayer. I look forward to sharing my heart and some of the special things God is doing. If you would…
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Walking with Christ is a daily matter. For me, the emphasis of daily habits for a pleasing Christian life has been a reminder that I need the Lord every day. And every day there are principles that I must apply in my walk with Him. One irony of the Christian life is that it is…
Read MoreBrace yourself for a lengthy dedication! This post is dedicated to my beautiful wife, my loving mother, my faithful pastor’s wife, my wonderful sister and sister-in-law, two aunts, and my godly grandmother who is now with Jesus. All of them have one thing in common: they are all preacher’s wives. And they are special servants…
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Confession: I love to eat. Food makes the day so much more interesting. It is one of my favorite hobbies to tour America by restaurant! Most of us rarely go a few hours without feeding our bodies…much less a full day! Yet many a believer goes days without feeding his inner man. There are so…
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I love Thanksgiving. But for too many of us, thanksgiving is a day of the year instead of a way of life. We have established a tradition without applying the truth. God never meant us to give thanks from time to time. He blesses us every day. This is why David wrote, “Blessed be the…
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My second year in college I enrolled in a Greek class. It met at 7:00 in the morning. Now, I do not think English well before 8:00 a.m., much less Greek! Nevertheless, it was a required course and one for which I am now truly grateful. There are many technical things about Greek that I…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
