What are you currently reading? Do you have any books to recommend? Who are some authors you enjoy? These are questions that I frequently get from friends, but in the last few days it seems everyone is trying to find something good to read! With the current world situation we all have a little more…
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My grandpa remembered where he was when Pearl Harbor was attacked. My dad remembers where he was when JFK was shot. I remember where I was when the planes hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. My children will remember the global pandemic of 2020. There are moments in every generation that fix themselves forever…
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If you are a teenager I am quite sure that your social life has been disrupted and your school year has been less than you imagined. (Or perhaps, better than you imagined – depending on your perspective!) After a few days at home most young people begin to get bored. Maybe you are way past…
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We have become a nation of “shut-ins” in many ways. (This should make us more compassionate and caring of those who truly are shut-in and unable to ever leave their homes!) The current shift in schedule has disrupted a mobile society and the ripple effects are just beginning to be felt. What should Christians do?…
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Just a few days ago it was my privilege to be back in our nation’s capitol. Washington D.C. is more than the seat of government for our country – it is a city with millions of eternal souls. Sometimes in the frustration with politics it is easy to forget that souls are at stake. National…
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The term has been lost with the passing of time – and so has the use. Few people today think much about a “family altar.” Yet in days of revival in our nation the principle of families praying and worshiping together was vital. True revival does not start at the church house, it starts at…
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Tomorrow we begin a brand new month. April is usually filled with revival meetings and Bible conferences, but the Lord has allowed a much different itinerary. Like most of you, our travel is limited and work is adjusted because of the global pandemic. I am not discouraged or worried. In fact, I have great peace…
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In crisis hours we are all reminded of what is most important in life, and who truly watches for our souls. We are all living through a season that reminds us of the importance of the local church. This season will pass but the church remains. Christ is building His church even now! He is…
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This week I had the privilege of participating in an extended discussion with a group of pastors. These are unique times for those who are leading churches and feeding God’s people. While each local church and community is unique they all have one thing in common – they are being called on to minister in…
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In recent days we have all been reminded of the positive use of technology and online resources for Christians and churches. They are platforms that can be used for the gospel and the encouragement of God’s people! We are increasingly asked where to find our full length Bible messages. Every church uses different platforms to…
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How to Enjoy the Journey Many years ago, I heard a gentleman say as a Christian that he knew he was going to enjoy the destination, but he wanted to enjoy the journey. I thought so much about his statement. My friend is with the Lord now, he is enjoying the destination, but he was…
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First let me say that I am not a pastor. I do not have the responsibility of shepherding one flock and overseeing the needs of a local church. As an evangelist I spend much of my time trying to encourage pastors and help churches advance the gospel in many places. I love pastors and local…
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Many of us are spending a little more time at home these days! The worldwide pandemic and resulting restrictions have cut down on travel, meetings, school, and a host of other “normal” activities. Most are suffering some degree of withdrawal from the lack of sporting events and simultaneous overexposure to news media. Now we are…
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One of the great desires that I have is to get helpful resources to those who are laboring faithfully in God’s work. There is no lack of available resources, but there is often a dearth of trustworthy ones. That is why I enjoy partnering with other likeminded ministers to develop tools for Bible study and…
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These are unusual and exciting days to be serving the Lord. I believe that revival is on the way and whatever God has to rearrange in all of our lives and ministries is up to Him. It is amazing how quickly things can change! As you read these words I am flying back to West…
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The world is shaking…but God is not! These are uncertain days, but the people of God have a certain future. He has not failed us, forgotten us, or forsaken us – and He never will! How can you live with confidence in uncertain times? Rest in what you know for sure. When there are questions…
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I rarely post on the Lord’s day, but this Sunday is an unusual day for many churches and church members. Social media has been filled this week with updates, instructions, and explanations from pastors and Christian leaders about the current pandemic and the varied responses. These are challenging days for those who have been called…
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What is ahead? As I write these words the news is filled with stories related to the Coronavirus that is sweeping the globe and the downturn of financial markets. Mix in the political climate and uncertainty about the future and you have a recipe for anxiety! Perhaps your fears are more connected to personal issues,…
Read MoreThis week we concluded our series on The Great Journey’s of the Bible. The Lord has been so gracious to allow us to study Scripture with people around the world through the daily podcast. I continually hear from friends, many of whom I may not meet until heaven, who are getting into the Word of…
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We all want someone to blame. When things go wrong in life – and they inevitably do – it is human nature to point the finger at someone else who failed to do their part. Typically the person who bears the greatest blame is the leader. That is true in a family, in a church,…
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He was only 39 years old when he died, but he looked much older. War will do that to a man. His death by human logic was unnecessary and untimely – he was accidentally shot by his own men. Yet Stonewall Jackson would see the providence of God in the details. My travels this week…
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Today I am on my way to speak at a very special men’s conference in North Carolina. It is the last meeting of what has been a very busy month. God has been so gracious and we have seen Him at work individually in many lives and corporately in many churches. I thank God that…
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As a boy my dad told me, “Son, there are two kinds of people in the world – givers and takers – and you’re going to have to decide which one you want to be.” I have lived long enough to know that there are more takers than givers. Which are you? Giving Living In…
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Do you have a difficult time loving some people? Do you struggle to express love to others? Does it seem that even with those you love that your love falls short in so many ways? I am convinced that one of the greatest needs in families, churches, our nation is a fresh understanding and experience…
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It is amazing how sometimes the most far reaching things are the ones we did not plan at all. Several people have asked me recently how our daily Enjoying The Journey programming began. It was not a big idea or some personal vision. Instead, it was the providential work of God. A conversation. An open…
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This week I am preaching at the historic Sixth Avenue Bible Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. This beautiful 150-year old church is the continuing fruit of a faithful man. Robert Lowry is now famous for the many hymns that he wrote. Great songs like “Christ Arose” and “Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus” came from…
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Several of you are planning to study God’s Word with us as we tour Israel at the end of this year. We are excited about touring the land of the Bible with friends. If you are still praying about joining us I would like to encourage you to care for your registration and deposit before…
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There is nothing in this world quite like seeing an eternal soul come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that Scripture teaches God’s love for all people and that Christ died for every person (John 3:16). Believers are privileged and responsible to share the good news of salvation with “every creature” (Mark…
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Our world has some mixed up ideas about love! The devil and the flesh always try to pervert what is perfect. Only the God who is love can teach us how to love. God’s love is deep and wide. It is inexhaustible and infinite – because God is. It is greater than our sin. Greater…
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3 Positive Ways To Use Your Social Media There is a lot of negative talk in this world. Social media has only amplified it. Sadly, many believers use their social media just like those who do not know God. Disagreements are aired for the world to see. Accusations are thrown flippantly. Complaining is the norm. “My…
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God is at work in our nation. He is working in individual hearts and homes. The awakening of a country always begins with the awakening of God’s people. As I travel across our land I am encouraged by the burden many now have to pray and seek the Lord. In our own region like-minded churches…
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“As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25). These words, given by God to His people, have come to mean more and more to me with the passing of every day. Though we schedule into the future and plan for days ahead we can only live one day at a time. Each day…
Read MoreI thank God for faithful evangelists. They are a gift to the local church (Ephesians 4:11), and properly used, a help to both pastor and people. It has been a joy at this stage in my life to learn more about evangelism both from personal experience and from the experiences of others. Larry Clayton…
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When I was a young man someone told me, “Choose only a date who would make a good mate.” That was good advice. A casual relationship can quickly turn into a serious one. Friendships often become lifelong commitments. There are many choices in life, but few have more lasting consequences than who you will marry.…
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Long before I was a preacher I was a sinner. We would like to think that this changes over time, but I am still a sinner! One of God’s great preachers said it best: “O wretched man that I am!” (Romans 7:24). For sure, we should be sinning less but we are not sinless. Only…
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Are you hungry to know God in a deeper way? We come to know God through His Word – literally, through His words. We believe that the very words of Scripture are given by God and that every word is essential (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “Every word of God is pure…” (Proverbs 30:5) The Lord Jesus…
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7 Excuses For Not Sharing Christ Through the years, I have had the privilege of speaking at conferences and meetings for revival and evangelism. My heart has been stirred and my hope renewed. Christ is still “able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him” (Hebrews 7:25). The gospel has…
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How are you doing with your devotional Bible reading so far? Many believers begin at the first of the year with some goal. Perhaps you have already started. For many of us the first weeks of the year are fairly easy…then comes the daily grind. The routines of life have a way of distracting us…
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If you have been traveling with us through the Word of God, thank you! If you have not yet joined us on this journey I would like to encourage you to begin today. We have just completed our second year of podcasts. (You may find the archive here.) As we begin this third year of…
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Use A Journal This Year It was quiet in the house and I was sitting in my favorite chair, reading and reflecting. The little, leather books around me were not published volumes. No one else has ever read them, but they are books that mean a great deal to me. Perhaps someday my children will…
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Today is the first day of a new month, the first day of a new year, and the first day of a new decade. God has allowed us to live to this day and to labor for Him. How blessed we all are! Joshua gave the children of Israel instructions from God as they moved…
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Life is not a series of endings, it is a series of new beginnings. Five years ago we finished a season of ministry at a wonderful church and college, and began the gospel and revival work that God has given us. Now, we stand at the end of our fourth year and the beginning of…
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A few days ago, it was my great joy to untangle the many strands of Christmas lights that somehow magically weave themselves into ridiculous knots during the off season. Why can’t these things be easy? I muttered to myself (again), “There has to be a simpler way!” Something in all of us, at all seasons,…
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Around this time of year it is not uncommon to hear someone refer to “a Christmas miracle.” A miracle is something that cannot be explained by natural wisdom or human ability. It is an intersection with almighty God! To be sure there are many miracles associated with the coming of Christ to Bethlehem: There is…
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Is your Christmas shopping list complete? Christmas card lists, grocery lists, gift lists…tis the season for written reminders! What about your Christmas prayer list? At this time of year it is easy to grow overly introspective. In fact, that can even become selfishness. It is easy to fixate on your own family and contemplate only…
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“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” The greatest way to impact the future of a nation is to reach another generation of children. More than ever, we need people with a passion to reach and teach children for Christ! My friend, Pastor Mark Fowler, worked with children for many years.…
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They have been playing in our home for nearly a month now… You know the ones! Songs of the season. Christmas carols. It seems the whole world begins to sing at this time of year. The great philosopher, Charlie Brown, asked, “Why can’t it be Christmas all year long?” Lucy sarcastically replied, “You are a…
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Over the last few days it has been my privilege to be on conference calls with a number of pastors from across the country. We have prayed together that somehow, by God’s grace, the Lord would send another spiritual awakening to our land. I believe 2020 will be a pivotal year for our nation and,…
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This is my favorite season of the year! I love the time with family and friends. But the older I get the more I realize that the greatest Christmas blessings are the ones that are wrapped up in Christ. Ones that are priceless and that do not change with the calendar. It is what Paul…
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Do you love your hometown? Who will reach your town, your Jerusalem for Jesus? Today we meet with pastors from around our region for a time of prayer. This meeting will be held at the convention center where in July 2020 we will be conducting a gospel crusade. The goal is simple – we want…
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A friend remarked to me recently that men often struggle with discontentment. It is one of the deceiver’s ways of leading us to things that God has not chosen for us. Discontentment at its core is just the sin nature – desiring what we cannot have and thinking we know what is best. We live…
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Recently God has used a Bible verse in my life in such a profound way that I have chosen it as my “second half verse.” Along the journey there have been hundreds of Scriptures that have given me definite comfort, rebuke, instruction, and guidance. But there have been four verses that I have adopted as…
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December?!? Yesterday was the first day of the month and we are now in the last month of the year. Spiritually speaking, this is not the time to shift into neutral and coast through the rest of 2019. How you finish this year will likely determine how you begin the new year. December is in…
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We are so excited about the Conference On Revival And Evangelism (CORE) , January 7-9, 2020. This is a powerful way to begin a new year of ministry. The theme is VISION 2020, and the emphasis is on a renewed vision of God, a vision for souls, revival, and the local church. Today is the…
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Through the years I have written a number of brief articles on the subject of gratitude. From time to time we all must be reminded how good God has been and how worthy He is of our praise! I thought that today you may enjoy reading one of these Bible meditations in your personal devotional…
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Our December itinerary and a brief word of thanks.
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We are fast approaching the season of the year where vast sums of money will be spent on things. More stuff. Newer stuff. Nicer stuff. But, just stuff. It would be good for all of us to take a fresh accounting of true riches. As a boy I heard Adrian Rogers say, “To find out…
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Augustus Toplady, author of the great hymn “Rock Of Ages,” was twenty-eight years old when he spent an afternoon in London with an older preacher whom he admired greatly. The advice that an aged Mr. Brewer gave to that young minister has been passed along to me. I am amazed at its relevance to our…
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In just over a year we will be hosting a special Bible study tour in the land of the Bible. If you have ever wanted to go to Israel, this is a wonderful opportunity. Tammy and I hope that you will come and go with us, November 30-December 9, 2020! You can find the itinerary…
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Rarely do I post anything on a Saturday night but this is special. On Tuesday one of my dearest friends and fellow laborers is leaving for Iraq. God has called him and his family to labor in that needy part of our world. I have been challenged by their faith and believe that our Master…
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Have you noticed? Everyone is looking at their mobile device…constantly! In the grocery store. Around the dinner table. Driving down the road. Walking through town. Consumed with a digital world, we are no longer conscious of the world God placed us in. Concerned about connections and messages we are losing real relationships with those who…
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The Word of God is an amazing book. Only through its divine lens do we begin to see clearly. Without it our view of reality is skewed by sin and clouded by the world around us. God’s Word is a window that shows us God. The Bible sheds light on who God is. As we…
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Today we conclude our podcast series on “What The Bible Says…” I am more convinced than ever that this is a day where we must know what we believe, why we believe it, and how we can share it with others. If you missed any of the episodes you can listen to the entire study…
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I often hear it said, “They are good people.” This is a subjective statement, of course, because it is filtered by the person’s standard of goodness. We know from Scripture that “there is none that doeth good” (Romans 3:12). The Apostle Paul, by any measurement, a good man, testified, “In me (that is, in my…
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It is a question that we hear frequently by those who are serving us in some way. Perhaps it is a question that too often we fail to ask others. It reveals the spirit of a servant. In the words of Christ, he “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). A dear…
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This week Tammy and I are speaking at two different couples’ retreats. It is wonderful just to be together and a privilege to invest in others truth that has been invested in us. Marriage is one of God’s greatest classrooms. In it He teaches us so much about ourselves, about Himself, and about one another.…
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As I write these words I am sitting in my study on a beautiful fall day, overwhelmed with the goodness and faithfulness of my Lord. This has been a truly blessed year and we give God all of the glory. Soon 2019 will come to a close. Let’s all pray that we can finish this…
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This month has been designated as “Pastor Appreciation Month” in many places. I am grateful to God for the faithful pastors who have influenced me. The Lord has used them to shape my life. At this time it is my joy to call my dad my pastor again. For nearly thirty years he has pastored…
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We live in a world of lies because people have rejected the truth. The condition of Isaiah’s day is much like our own, “And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter” (Isaiah 59:14). God’s eternal truth is forever settled in heaven…
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The passion of my life is to get the good news of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. Time is flying and eternity is coming. We must do what we can while we can! Who are you taking to heaven with you? Some time ago I gave a message from the oldest Psalm…
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We are in the season of the year that many churches hold revival meetings. I have been in many of them over the last few weeks. Whether they are truly revival or not is another issue, but it is what we pray for – a spiritual awakening among God’s people, fresh life breathed into the…
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Several years ago we relocated from Tennessee to West Virginia. It was the first big move in our married lives. There were a host of little details to care for, but one of the most important was to leave behind a forwarding address. It was our personal and business connection with so many people. Someday…
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Frequently I am asked if I plan to continue in evangelism, if I want to pastor, or if I miss what I did in the past. They are good questions that all have the same answer. I love what God has given me to do and plan to do it as long as God desires.…
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American Christianity (which is a far cry from Acts Christianity) has done much to develop consumerism in the minds of the average church member. People shop for a church today. “Where can I be happy? Who has the best music and programs? What will my family get out of it?” I have a suspicion that…
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Have you heard the news today? It is easier than ever in our digital age to keep up with what is going on in the world. Usually if you listen to conservative news for 15 minutes, you have the general picture…the next several hours will just discuss it in 100 different ways. While it is…
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It is ironic that we are living in a world where people are easily offended by others and yet so often hardened to the needs of others around them. Such skewed sensitivity is really just the sin nature – the self-life on full display. And Christians are not exempt. Selfishness is often robed in church garb.…
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Just a quick note today to tell you what the Lord is doing here in southern West Virginia. A great number of preachers and people have been praying for some time for revival. We are burdened to see a real spiritual awakening among God’s people and others brought to Christ. More than 20 churches have…
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3 Simple Helps For Bible Study It is truly amazing the number of Bible study helps that are now available at our fingertips. The proliferation of tools and the accessibility of technology has changed study forever. As a person who spends a great deal of time on the road I am truly grateful for these…
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Yesterday we published our quarterly family newsletter. (If you did not receive it you may read it here.) In it we released some information that I wanted to pass along to others regarding a new ministry phone number. It is my desire to help as many pastors and churches as possible. At this juncture I…
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The words of Christ are as true today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago: “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). As we come into the fall of the year I am praying that…
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It is a joy to study God’s Word and a privilege to share it with others. More and more people are joining our daily Enjoying The Journey episodes and we are grateful for the Lord’s blessing. Nothing brings joy like meditating on the very words of the living God! “I rejoice at thy word, as…
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Several folks have asked me recently how we record the daily Enjoying The Journey episodes. Technology has made life so much simpler in some ways! I am able to record our broadcast on the road or at home using the tools that are now available. We have a wonderful group of people who work as…
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Tammy and I are spending the day with a great group of preachers and their wives at The Preacher’s Rest. I thank the Lord for calling me to be a preacher, and I thank Him for using faithful preachers in my life. It is a pleasure to invest in precious servants of the Lord over…
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It is amazing how quickly the summer season goes. Our kids are now back in school and hints of fall are in the air. As students return to their classrooms, we must all remember what God has taught us this summer. For many, the start of school is the restart of regular schedules and routines.…
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A number of “Christian” celebrities have recently renounced their faith in Christ and begun to actively question the reality of God. Many are shocked, and some are confused. What should we make of all this? 4 Things to Remember When Others Renounce Christ: This is not new. Judas was fairly well known and respected, but…
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I love pastors and thank God for the privilege to labor with so many of them for the gospel. This week it is our privilege to host a special pastor’s luncheon with Evangelist Byron Foxx in my hometown of Beckley, WV. If you are a pastor, staff member, or evangelist within driving distance we would…
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“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). Weariness is common among workers. You cannot always put your finger on it – it may be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual – maybe a combination of different factors. Sometimes we must press through…
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When I was a student in college, Dr. Frank Sells once challenged us to choose a “life book” – a book of the Bible to immerse ourselves in and to hide in our hearts. That book became the New Testament letter of Philippians for me. It has for many years served as both an anchor…
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Every week I have the privilege of being hosted by wonderful Christians. While there is “no place like home” it is also true that there is “nothing like being with God’s people.” It’s more than friendship – it’s family. Recently as I spent time with some very gracious people I was reminded of the necessity and…
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Delayed. One of the most dreaded words in air travel. It glares in yellow letters from the airport monitors. The very word sounds like what it represents – a long indefinite period. Few updates bring more downcast looks. Frustration rises. Immediately the questions begin to come…Why? How long? Is the new time accurate or just…
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Just a few days ago my dad challenged our home church family to take 6 gospel tracts – one for each day between Sundays – and pass them along to others. Great numbers of people took 6 tracts to share with family, friends, and strangers. It has been wonderful to see the good response of…
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One of the most exciting ways to study Scripture is to get acquainted with the great characters of the Bible. When you begin to identify with the men and women that the Holy Spirit emphasizes you find that there really is “no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and that “his truth endureth to…
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Let’s face it: we all like to be in control. To feel as though we can direct the course of things and determine the outcome. But this mentality works against faith. It is rooted in pride – a belief that we know what is best and deserve to be in control. As I rode on…
Read MoreIt is just after 4:30 a.m. as I write these words. No, I have not become one of those ridiculously early risers! My body clock is still on Australia time and the adjustment period is real. In spite of all of this I have known the Lord’s strength and help since returning. We had a…
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Thirty years ago tonight I surrendered my life to Christ to preach His Word. Thirty years. A few days later, as a twelve-year-old boy, I stood in a cottage prayer meeting and preached my first Bible message. What an adventure it has been serving the Lord! Thousands of times I have had the joy of…
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Every father and mother knows that one of the greatest joys in life is seeing your children obey – immediately, cheerfully, and when they don’t even know that you are watching. Our Heavenly Father is no different, except for the fact that He is always watching. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be…
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We are very happy to announce that at the end of this month the Fundamental Broadcasting Network will begin to carry our Enjoying The Journey daily broadcast. FBN began in 1988 through the faithful ministry of Pastor Clyde Eborn. Their reach has continued to grow through the addition of terrestrial stations, affiliate stations, internet radio,…
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The highlight story in a major magazine carried this title: “Living My Truth.” It was the story of a transgender airline pilot who proudly boasted that he was now living his own truth. My heart broke as I read the words of a man who had believed a lie but had convinced himself that he…
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Over the last few weeks I have been meeting people everywhere who are “Enjoying The Journey” with us through the Word of God. If you have been listening, thank you! If you have not yet joined us, today would be a good day! Starting today we are studying specific Scriptures that will help us know…
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It is easy to fuss at the darkness around us and fail to do the very things that bring true light into our dark world. Political conservatism and true Christianity are not the same thing. As followers of Christ our hope is in God and our help comes only from Him. This week we celebrate…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
