Eight months ago we took another step on our own journey with the beginning of the Enjoying The Journey podcast. God has been gracious to give us favor and so many of you have been very kind to join us. We have just crossed the threshold of 95,000 listens to the Bible studies! Every where I…
Read MoreWe are thrilled at the number of preachers and their wives who have made plans to join us next week in Hickory, NC. This gathering has been designed to encourage and strengthen God’s servants. Please help us pray for the good hand of God on every person who is coming and each meeting that will…
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The month of August has been a month of transition as our oldest daughter, Morgan, has begun college and Lauren and Grant have returned to school. God has graciously allowed me to spend a little extra time at home and with our family during these days. Now we are about to begin a very busy…
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Birthday celebrations are special, especially when you get to enjoy them with family. The older I get the more my celebrations turn to meditations. (They tell me that reflection is just another sign of old age!) Every milestone in life is an opportunity to both glorify God and examine your own heart. I am very…
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Many years ago my pastor taught me that if you are a blessing to the preacher you have a part in helping all of those that he helps. God uses faithful preachers to teach us the Word of God. He uses faithful people to encourage the preacher. The Apostle Paul said it this way: “Let…
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American culture has invaded American churches. The desire for novelty, the tendency to boredom, the love for entertainment – all are now very prominent in the average local church. One by-product of this is the frequent migration of church members from one church to another. It is common for churches to “trade” members with some…
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Recently NBC aired a special news report on the increase of loneliness in people around the world. The British government has now instituted a “minister for loneliness.” This new undersecretary in England has been commissioned to work on what the prime minister called “the sad reality of modern life.” How is it possible? We have…
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All over the country young people are returning to school. Our own children start back this week. New beginnings are a wonderful opportunity to set so many things in motion. Regardless of what school your children are in, parents are always key to the education of their own children. Little things can make a big difference.…
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Preacher’s are engaged in the greatest work in the world. It is a work that will outlive this world! 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” Those who are engaged in such labor must also have times…
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Preach In Faith All of us who have preached for any length of time can testify that some things are different every time we stand to preach. The truth never changes, but the preacher’s mind, the audience’s attitude, and the general circumstances do! Some days the message flows. Sometimes it does not. I have wondered…
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It was my privilege to serve as an assistant to a wonderful pastor for many years. Eighteen years were spent helping someone else fulfill the work God had put in his heart to do. Yet the great truth is that I was also fulfilling the work God had put in my heart to do! An…
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These words from Luke 11:1 are the prayer that opens the understanding to more prayer. How often we go through the motions and mechanics of prayer but fail to truly connect with Heaven. The adventure of faith, the thrill of communion with the God of the universe, the privilege of affecting eternity awaits…and we are…
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What a precious summer we have had so far! God has helped us and we have seen Him at work in so many places. Thank you for praying for us and for those we have the privilege to minister to. August is a special month in our family full of birthday celebrations and, this year,…
Read MoreThis week on our “Enjoying the Journey” podcast I am dealing with what the Word of God says about alcohol. (You may subscribe or listen at enjoyingthejourney.org.) As an accompanying resource, I wanted to pass along to you a most helpful article that my friend, Pastor Johnny Pope, has written on this subject. It will…
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This is not an article on health and wellness. It is much more important than that. (If my mother is reading this I want to go on record as saying that I do believe we all should eat our vegetables! Love you, mom.) The question is: why would we take better care of our bodies…
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Today is my son’s 13th birthday. We have had a wonderful time celebrating this week as a family. How could we have three teenagers?! I asked Grant to lead us in prayer for our meal the other night. Near the end of his prayer he said, “Thank you, God, for giving me 13 years.” It…
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We were in the middle of a service several weeks ago when a fine young man leaned over and asked me, “Do you have a favorite hymn?” I did not know that he was scheduled to play the offertory or that in a matter of moments this gifted young man would play one of the…
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Recently as I ministered in a beautiful southern city a local pastor began to describe all of the filth that has invaded their area. Immorality of every type. When I asked where it all began his answer was without hesitation, “The brewery’s came to town and every other evil followed them.” What’s true in a…
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As I write these words I am sitting in northern Michigan. It is a beautiful summer day at camp. This morning at breakfast I had an engaging conversation with a young man who is starting out in ministry. Near the end of our time together he asked me a question that seemed very broad. And…
Read MoreThe Christian witness should not be awkward. A rigid recitation of facts will never effectively introduce unbelievers to “the way, the truth, and the life.” Early on in my witnessing I was taught to use key Scriptures from the book of John and the book of Romans. While this is very helpful, we must never…
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Take the day off…Those are beautiful words. (Since you don’t work for me you should probably still show up for work today!) Why is it that we only seem to apply these words to areas of responsibility? For sure it is exciting to think about “a day off” from the normal routine, but what if…
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He was an engineer who had been responsible for the invention of things too intricate for me to understand. Yet the message he conveyed to me was one that I not only understood, I needed to hear. Over a meal in a city where I was speaking a very kind Christian gentleman was explaining to…
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The only hope of America, the only hope of any nation, is the mercy of God. In recent days we have all watched the national news and the deterioration of political debate into an outright spirit of anarchy. We are a divided nation, and only one Person brings true unity. There will always be differences…
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Today we finish our “Journey Through Scripture” podcast series. So many of you have let us know that you have been making the journey with us and have helped to share it with others. Thank you. Tomorrow we are releasing an episode that is a special word to our listeners. This informal conversation is the…
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Do you have a favorite Bible character? Each one has some message for us. They may serve as a positive example or a negative example. At different times, they may be both! Over the last few months I have been spending a lot of time with John the Baptist. He has come alive to me.…
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Thank the Lord for faithful preachers of God’s Word. We need them more than ever and we need more of them! As I travel my appreciation for the Lord’s servants grows. Most pastors are not well known, many are carrying a load no one knows about. They are shepherds. I am an evangelist, but I…
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How To Make This The Greatest Summer Of Your Life Everyone looks forward to summer. Students will tell you that summer begins the moment they are out of school. For adults, summer doesn’t seem to begin until you leave work for that first day of vacation. It means something different to everyone but almost everyone…
Read MoreWords cannot express how truly grateful I am for the prayers of God’s people. I am humbled and honored by the many who pray for us each day. Your labor is not in vain. One half of 2018 is almost gone! Next week we will email our quarterly newsletter and I would love to send…
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Society is full of people who speak as though they made themselves what they are. Churches are too. It is so easy to think that it was our own effort or ability that brought us to where we are. It was not. Any good thing in our lives is because of God’s goodness to us.…
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The European’s have long taken their “holiday,” but it is America that has institutionalized the family vacation. American’s spend an inordinate amount of money every year on elaborate trips and extravagant adventures. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, the great thing about vacation is not the place or the activity – it is…
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Dr. Johnny Pope is the pastor of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship in Houston, Texas. His Spirit-filled preaching has always been a tremendous help to me. It is full of Scriptural substance that makes you think and stirs your heart. Brother Johnny has been a friend and encourager. I believe you will be helped by his writing.…
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Permit me to share with you something personal that God has been doing in my own heart. Week after week I am introduced to speak in some public meeting as an “evangelist.” Am I? Are you? In our world, the term has become synonymous with one who travels extensively and preaches publicly. The evangelist is…
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“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). We all want to be faithful…but what does that mean? Faithfulness is not a schedule; it is a spirit. There are many people who are present but not present. Fathers who are at home but not really with their family.…
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Dr. Johnny Pope is the pastor of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship in Houston, Texas. His Spirit-filled preaching has always been a tremendous help to me. It is full of Scriptural substance that makes you think and stirs your heart. Brother Johnny has been a friend and encourager. I believe you will be helped by his writing.…
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Many of you faithfully read our Enjoying The Journey blog. Thank you for taking time to read, comment, and share the resources. This year we have had a guest author to post each month and the feedback has been very positive. I am excited to continue sharing the helpful thoughts and resources of others. A dear friend,…
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Hello, praying friends! Thank you for standing with us on your knees. We need your prayers more than ever and are conscious every day that someone is praying. God bless you. The summer is a busy one. We are taking a few days off the road in the middle of this month for some much…
Read MoreJust a few days ago we hosted a county-wide baccalaureate service for the graduating seniors of our home county. God blessed in a marvelous way. Hundreds of seniors, parents, grandparents, and friends gathered at a local high school auditorium. The Lord used a great team of volunteers, local churches, business sponsors, donors, and prayer partners.…
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Last week we celebrated our 100th “Enjoying the Journey” episode. Yesterday we concluded our journey through the Old Testament. On today’s broadcast we are examining what God was up to between Malachi and Matthew. Soon we will launch into the next phase of our journey as we begin to walk through the New Testament. I…
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Tomorrow is a big day for our family. In just a few hours Lauren will turn 16 and Morgan will graduate from high school. As a dad it is both joyful and sobering to watch my baby girls grow up. Later this summer our youngest, Grant, will turn 13. (Pray for us, please!) Today is…
Read MoreI love preachers. It was my privilege to grow up in a pastor’s home. For eighteen years I served under a faithful pastor. Now, it is my opportunity each week to spend a great deal of time with preachers across the country. One thing I know to be true: God’s men need times of refreshing…
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Proverbs opens with a father speaking to his son and closes with a mother speaking to her son. Children need the influence and instruction of both dad and mom. In the first chapter of this book of wisdom Solomon wrote, “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy…
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I was baptized as a five-year old boy. I chose to be baptized to show that I had recently trusted Christ as my personal Savior. Now, in fact, I simply chose what Jesus had already chosen for me. 2,000 years ago He told His disciples that those who believed on Him should be baptized (Mark…
Read MoreJust today over lunch the topic of the devotional life came up. Let’s be honest. We all struggle with it. Not just consistency, but truly having a meaningful time with God. How can my quiet time become a true meeting with the Lord? In college I was given a copy of George Muller’s Soul Nourishment First.…
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For nearly two decades I had the joy of serving on the staff of a wonderful church and college. After the first few years I had the responsibility of not only being a staff member but also having staff who answered to me. I told someone recently that I learned more about serving on a…
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I remember well the first Bible word study I ever did. It was an easy word. I already knew what it meant…or at least I thought I did. On that day one word opened up one of the greatest principles in Scripture to me. The word is found in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess…
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Pastor Scott Hooks is one of my dearest friends on earth. The work he has been chosen to lead in Hickory, NC is being blessed of the Lord in a wonderful way. In a personal way, God has used him in my life. I am pleased to share his guest post with you and to announce a…
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“This is the Lord‘s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:23-24). Every day is a gift. Every good thing the Lord does is grace. I am more conscious every day, in the words of Hudson Taylor, that…
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Our world and our churches are full of hurting people. Far too often, those hurts come from those who are supposed to be fighting in the same army. Friendly fire. The sword of another brother in arms. We are commanded in Scripture to use a spiritual sword – “the sword of the Spirit,” which is…
Read MoreIt is something I hear often. People are interested in the “great churches” in our generation. What are they? Where are they? Who is even qualified to say that they are great? Over the last thirty months on the road full time I have had the joy of being in hundreds of churches. Churches of…
Read MoreDid you know that the first time the word “worship” is used in the Bible is in the context of the home? On top of Mount Moriah Abraham taught Isaac what it truly meant to worship God (Genesis 22:1-18). I promise you this was not a lesson that young man forgot! The first “worship leaders”…
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Below is one of the longest posts I have ever made and yet it will be one of the most enjoyable reads. As a college student, learning to learn, I was introduced to an old story that made a powerful impression on my life. It has helped me to study, to think, to meditate, to…
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Over the last few weeks I have been privileged to spend time with a number of high school seniors. One of them is living in my own home! Just yesterday I was on the campus of the school I graduated from twenty-four years ago. My heart was filled with both memories from my past and…
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Most Sunday mornings I am asked to address a combined Sunday School class or spend time with a particular Bible study group. This is always something I enjoy doing and is a little more informal than the preaching services. Recently I began a special meeting on a Sunday morning and the pastor asked if I…
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This generation has grown accustomed to the 24-hour news cycle. Our eyes, ears, minds, and emotions are bombarded by the constant flow of headlines and pictures. We know more detail and digest more information than any people who have ever lived. Yet our souls are starving. Hopelessness and despair are at an all time high.…
Read MoreIn just a few days Lincoln would “belong to the ages.” His life, like the Civil War, was soon to end. The final stages of battle were underway. Lincoln has always been my favorite president. On my desk are two volumes of Lincoln’s letters and speeches from 1832-1865. From time to time I enjoy seeing…
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As many of you know I spend a good deal of time on the road. Another frequent traveler, the Apostle Paul, once wrote, “all things are yours” (1 Corinthians 3:21-22). F.B. Meyer observed that everything is God’s classroom and serves to teach me something. Sitting in a hotel room recently I began to make a…
Read MoreEvangelist Byron Foxx has been a tremendous encouragement to me. He is a happy Christian and his enthusiasm is contagious! You may learn more about his ministry at BibleTruthMusic.com. I believe his brief article on attitude will be a help to you today… Have you ever had an experience with a person who had a…
Read MoreThis generation needs the good news of Jesus Christ! Young people are growing up in a world of violence and hate. Only the love of God can make the difference. In the past months we have seen repeated shootings on school campuses. Students are hurting. Families are afraid. Bullying is on the rise. Kids are…
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No two people are the same, and no two preachers are either. The gifts and callings of God are unique in the life of every one of His servants. It is a beautiful revelation of the wisdom of God and a reminder that He can use others who are not exactly like us. Over the…
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When I was in college someone gave me a copy of an anonymous poem about the Bible as God’s revelation of Himself. Today we begin a new podcast series called “Journey Through the Scripture.” My prayer is that we all will come to know the written Word in a greater way, and through this journey,…
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It is hard to imagine that we are near the end of the first quarter of 2018! Next week we will publish our quarterly family newsletter with several special reports. We would love to send it to you. If you have not subscribed to our email newsletter you may do so here. We have seen…
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My Advice To A Young Preacher Recently a teenage boy wrote to tell me that God had called him to be a preacher. What a joy to see another generation of young people yielding their lives to serve Christ! He asked if I would give him some advice. Below are the simple things I wrote…
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Just this week as I was reading God’s Word I noticed a reference that Jesus made to the reading of Scripture. In Luke 6:3 Christ spoke to religious people when He said, “Have ye not read so much as this…? Those who knew so much about God had failed to read some of the most…
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I am so very excited about the news I am going to share with you today! At the beginning of this year we began a daily podcast to promote the study of God’s Word. It is a joy to meet people who are being helped by the daily episodes. Friends have shared with me that…
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So much of our Christianity has become trite and cliche. Words often overused and under-appreciated are common place. Do we even think about the things we are saying? I hear this cliche Christianity in my own prayers. It is easy to criticize the “vain repetition” of other groups and false religions, but what about MY…
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For many years I almost prided myself in not reading fiction. “I read real stories.” Some time ago I was given a work of Christian fiction to read. As I read the book I came to a stark realization… I was wrong about reading fiction. Now, like any other genre of books, all fiction is…
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Not all investments are good ones! Investing in the gospel is always a wise investment. Today I am traveling to preach the Word of God. Continually I am reminded that many people who I will not see (some who I do not even know) are investing in the work God has called us to do…
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Two months from today is primary election day in West Virginia. While I do not believe that politics is the answer for our nation, I am convinced that believers should not retreat from our political system. God’s people must do their part to be “salt and light” in the world. Christians should be the best…
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Pastor Kenny Kuykendall is being mightily used of the Lord in Lawrenceville, Georgia. It was my privilege to review his newest book on preaching. I know it will be a great help to all of us whose passion is to effectively preach God’s Word. We are happy to share these brief thoughts and recommend his…
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Like so many days, I am flying through the Charlotte, North Carolina airport this morning. Four miles from the terminal a private memorial service is being held for the most famous preacher in the world. Billy Graham has preached the gospel to more people than any evangelist in history. While there are things that Graham…
Read MoreThe Lord has been so faithful to us in the opening weeks of this year. Thank you for your continued prayers. I closed out a missions revival in Florida last night and am flying home this morning. We added a local meeting tonight and details on that service may be found at enjoyingthejourney.org/itinerary. Below you…
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Today on “Enjoying the Journey” we conclude our study through the book of Philippians. I have heard from people across the country and even outside the U.S. who have joined us over the last few weeks. Thank you for taking time to listen! If you missed some of the broadcasts you may find all 41…
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Everybody loves a good story. Some preachers and teachers are known as story-tellers. This should never be our goal. Our mission is to be truth-tellers. However, learning to tell a story that reveals the truth – that is another matter entirely! THAT is teaching and preaching as Jesus did. Communicators in every field have come…
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This is the time of year when so many people become sluggish. Schedules are hectic. The newness of the new year has worn off and the freshness of spring has not yet arrived. Weather is wearying. Illness is rampant. Christmas vacation has long since vanished and summer vacation seems far in the distance. For all…
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Today is President’s Day in the United States. In the war zone that is the American political system it is often easy to forget the spiritual conflict that is always raging. The enemy of souls is far greater than any perceived enemy on the other side of the aisle. “For we wrestle not against flesh…
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There are a few men who are admired by believers of all backgrounds. These are special men. Men who make an impact far outside their immediate realm of influence. They are the encouragers. People who do not agree on many things often agree that these men helped them along the journey. Preachers and churches of…
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lt,Tammy and I are on our way to speak at a marriage retreat for the next couple of days. This week is, of course, a special time for sweethearts and I am truly grateful for mine. On Valentine’s Day, we often think more about the romantic aspects of love. Yet God’s love is the same…
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It has been said that the most beautiful word in the English language is your own name. Even if you don’t care for the name you have been given, it means a great deal when others care enough to use it. Everyone loves to be known. To be acknowledged. Several months ago I was having…
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Several years ago when I served on a church staff a college student came to me at the end of a service with an interesting question. He said, “I hear you pray publicly for the preacher when he is about to come with God’s Word. You always pray the same things for him. Why?” My…
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My first guest author this year is my pastor and hero. He has been my best friend all of my life. I am grateful for dad’s testimony of faithfulness. He has lived at home what he preaches at church. As we focus on marriage and family this month I am happy to share with you…
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Do you have a favorite portion of Scripture? One of my Bible teachers used to say that his favorite passage of Scripture was the one he was studying at the time. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus said it this way, “Man shall not live by…
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In recent years we have seen an epidemic of high profile people committing terrible acts. Preachers, politicians, prominent entertainers, powerful business people. It seems the news is always new and yet always the same: leaders whose lives do not match their labor. This is nothing new. It is as old as sin. But our age…
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The first month of 2018 has exceeded our prayers and plans. In the words of the Psalm 118:23, “This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.” So many of you have been praying and God is answering your prayers. Thank you for laboring with us for the gospel. I am happy to…
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Evangelists are not typically known for series preaching. For many years I thought that sermon series were basically pastoral in nature. More and more I believe that such preaching is simply Bible preaching and it can be done over a long period of time or in a short season. Preaching through a portion of Scripture…
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After days of flying it takes a little time for your body (and your mind) to get back to normal! I’m not sure I am completely there but each day I am able to reflect a little more on our recent gospel work in Asia. While I am rejoicing in the work we were able…
Read MorePreachers do not always preach the most powerful sermons. Sometimes church members do. Not long ago I sat in an auditorium as a humble man rose from his seat to share a simple testimony. While he spoke, God spoke to me. I cannot tell you all that he said, or even all that he meant…
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I wrote this post while ministering in another country. No matter where I travel in this world, I can boldly proclaim that God loves all people and Christ died for every man. Our heart for humanity must be bigger than one people group because God’s heart is! While it is a privilege to labor in…
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Last year we provided a free resource each month to encourage and equip believers. In 2018 I would like to make available a different type of resource. Each month a special guest will publish a blog post on Enjoying the Journey. People are the greatest blessing of all! The writers will all be different and will…
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I do not normally publish a post on the Lord’s day, but today I have a special prayer need to share with you. In just a few hours we will leave for India. Much prayer and preparation have gone into the next few days. Our team has been praying specific Scripture and definite prayers as…
Read MoreRecently, I had the joy of spending a few minutes with a group of children who have given and prayed for our upcoming gospel work in India. What an encouragement to be with boys and girls and see the excitement about life and the Lord on their faces! As I travel the Lord has often…
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Every close to the day is a reminder that God has not failed or forsaken us. Weariness should remind us that His strength was sufficient. Memories should remind us that His wisdom was perfect. Quiet hours should remind us that His presence was real in the busiest hours of the day. Evenings are a time…
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I am in another time zone this morning. Next week I will be in a time zone ten and a half hours different from home! It is easy for mornings and evenings to get mixed up at times. God makes a definite distinction between evening and morning in His Word. This is true from the…
Read MoreToday is the last day of the first week of a new year. Imagine each year as a puzzle with fifty-two pieces. The first piece is now in place. Recently I heard someone talking about “chance.” Christians should not view life as an accident. Life is about choices. There are two kinds of choices: There…
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How are you doing with your goals for the new year? It is just the first week but how quickly we can forget and fail in the very areas we resolutely said we would do better in! Do not be discouraged. The year is a marathon, not a sprint…and you are just getting warmed up.…
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When God speaks to us it is natural to respond to Him. The Bible should lead us to prayer! Several years ago someone gave me a book about praying the Scriptures. That truth changed my devotional life. If you pray in the will of God you can know you are praying in the will of…
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There is power in one word from God. I hold a personal conviction that the very words and every word of Scripture are given by inspiration of God. They have been preserved for us. Every word. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16). “…It is written, Man shall not…
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Many of us have made definite commitments to give renewed attention to God’s Word in the new year. For me, that means something different every year. I try not to use the same reading schedule or plan. This keeps the routine from becoming a rut and helps me to approach it with fresh expectancy. I…
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The first day of a new year. What will we do with it? It will never get any easier than today to take action. Never. Do you want to learn more from God’s Word this year? Take the first step – read a chapter of the Bible today. Do you want to pray more this…
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Six years ago this month I began writing on our blog. At the time God led me to call it Enjoying the Journey. (You may read more about why I chose that name here.) Now, on the threshold of a new year, we are taking another step on that journey. We are launching a daily podcast. There…
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If God lets us live until Monday we will begin a brand new year. What a privilege to serve the Lord! Below you will find our scheduled meetings for the first month of 2018. We need your prayers especially for the evangelistic crusade taking place in India during the middle of the month. Please help…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
