Christmas and New Year are a time for family and fun. But for a believer it is a season of faith. A time to turn our eyes to Christ and to His work in our lives. The holidays are to be more than a time for festivity. They are to be a time of reflection…
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Even among unbelievers Christmas is viewed as a season for miracles. (Think Miracle on 34th Street!) But for those of us who know Christ it is more than that – it is a reminder that we serve a God who works miracles. Christmas is merely a reminder of who God is every day. He is the…
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Everyone is busy this week. Shopping. Eating. Cooking. Eating. Traveling. Eating. Wrapping. Eating. It is easy to forget the things that truly matter in the hurry and haste. Perhaps you are working feverishly from a Christmas list. Would you add these things to your list this year? Don’t forget Christ. Remember it is His birth…
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As a boy, I heard an older man say, “If you have a handful of true friends in life you are a wealthy person.” At the time I thought it was a ridiculous statement. I had a lot of companions! I planned to make more… Now, at middle age, I am that older man! As…
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I was being introduced to speak early on in my time as an evangelist. The man who was introducing me was a fine man and very sincere, but his introduction made me laugh. “Pray for Brother Pauley. He lives from week to week as an evangelist. He has to live by faith.” Has to? His…
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We were in a meeting in a large city, a city known for sizable churches and well known preachers. One afternoon I had the privilege to visit two churches that I have heard about for years. I was not there to speak. In fact, I did not know a soul at either church. I was…
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Winter is not often thought of as fruitful. In many parts of the country short days and cold weather begin to limit the activities of the church. Depressed moods can settle in on good people, and days are just lived in expectation of better times to come. Never forget that our God is a present…
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We take family for granted…until they are gone. We take health for granted…until it is broken. We take sleep for granted…until it refuses to come. We take children for granted…until they are grown. We take the church for granted…until we have to find a new one. We take friends for granted…until they are not…
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It is inevitable that critics will come. If you obey God there will be some man who does not understand. And the critics are not always foes – sometimes they are friends and family. Even Jesus said to Peter, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Sincere people can serve as the enemy’s mouthpiece. It is not…
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We have just come through one of the busiest seasons of the year for revival meetings. In reality, God chooses the season for revival. It cannot be scheduled or planned. It will not be confined to our calendar. Revival comes in God’s time and God’s way. As I sit in meetings week after week, preaching…
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As a twelve year old boy the Lord called me to be a preacher of God’s Word. Through the years He has confirmed that call and deepened this conviction in my heart. An old entry in my journal reads… God has confirmed His call on my life. It is not to be an administrator, a…
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We are drawing to the close of a very busy year! I am grateful to have a little extra time with the family over the next few weeks. Most of our December meetings are on Sundays and Wednesdays, and we look forward to being with several churches. As always, we are grateful for your prayers…
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The Apostle Paul rarely ever ministered alone. For each gospel advance he enlisted and engaged a missionary team. In his words, “we are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Some plant. Some water. God gives the increase. This is a gospel team at work. In January we are conducting an evangelistic crusade in India.…
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If you live in central or southern West Virginia I am happy to announce that we are beginning a daily radio program in December. Enjoying the Journey will be a ten minute broadcast, Monday through Friday. This new program will air from 7:50 to 8:00 a.m. on WMLJ, 90.5 FM. I am excited about sharing God’s Word…
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I must be getting more sentimental in my old age. Over the last few years I have developed a great love for poetry. In so many ways it expresses the deepest feelings of the soul. It is my conviction that this is why the Holy Spirit used poetry in the Word of God to articulate…
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Families will gather around tables this week and briefly mention the many blessings for which they are grateful to God. For most of us the emphasis will be on the good things we have received. God truly has given us so much. This Thanksgiving I am thanking God for something else. I am grateful for…
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Over the last few days we have been building a list in our home. We live by lists! Grocery lists, to do lists, special event lists. This one is different. It is a “thanks list.” Every week this month each of us have written down one thing for which we are grateful to God. The…
Read MoreGratitude begins vertical and becomes horizontal. As we offer thanks to the Source of every good gift, we are reminded of the many channels that He uses to deliver them. Sometimes it is easy to recognize blessings from a distance and miss the ones that are right in front of us. Permit me to share…
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Christ’s greatest work was not done in a Temple or a synagogue. It was not accomplished through discussion with religious leaders or debate with skeptics. His work was done outside the city where the lepers lived. At the side of the road where the beggar sat. In the fields where the poor gathered to hear…
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It doesn’t mean much to us, but to the crowd Christ was speaking to it was radical, revolutionary, even ridiculous. “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain” (Matthew 5:41). The Jews lived under constant Roman oppression. One demand by a Roman soldier or citizen would require a Jewish person…
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A few days ago I was talking with a school teacher who has a number of special education children in her class. As we spoke about the importance of this work, she told me that there was one student who had made a tremendous impact on her. This young man shows up every morning with…
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There are few things more frustrating than the pilot’s announcement that your flight is in a holding pattern! How long? Why? What is the problem? When will this end? In recent days I have counseled with a number of people whose lives and ministries seem to be in such a holding pattern. What is God…
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A Word to Younger Preachers Recently a precious friend introduced me as “a young preacher.” I love those words. I am now at the age where I want to hang onto them as long as possible! As a preacher, I am increasingly aware of the investment that older men have made in my life. All…
Read MoreBooks become friends. They instruct and inspire. As my wife will tell you, there are a lot of books around our home! At any given time there are several off the shelf, in the process of being read. I have previously written several articles on reading and developing a library. There is both a discipline…
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Dr. Bob Jones, Sr. used to say, “When gratitude dies on the altar of a man’s heart he is well-nigh gone.” There is no way to underestimate the power of thankfulness, in a heart or in a home! For believers, thanksgiving should not be a single day – it should be a way of life.…
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10 Ways to Begin Bringing Others to Jesus Have you ever had the joy of sharing Christ with someone and seeing that person come to know the Lord as their personal Savior? If so, you know there is nothing in this world like it! We know that Jesus said, “ye shall be witnesses unto me”…
Read MoreFrequently in my sermons I tell the story of some great Christian hymn. The background to a song often opens up the message in a more meaningful way. I am currently reading Al Smith’s Treasury of Hymn Histories and my heart has been blessed again by the way God works in the hearts of His…
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This is my favorite season of the year and a busy season of ministry. God has been faithful and we are seeing Him work in many places. Thank you for praying for us. Our itinerary for the month of November is below. I would deeply appreciate your prayers and, as always, would be encouraged to…
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The service had just ended and an older woman whom I did not know came to speak to me. She told me that she prays for me and for my family every day. I cannot think of anything more encouraging than that! Then she asked the question that few people ever ask. It revealed a…
Read MoreDr. Frank Sells was one of my favorite Bible teachers. I can see him now, sitting on the platform, in his own conversational way showing some of the most powerful truths I have ever seen in the Word of God. Many of his statements were, as one author said, “velvet covered bricks.” They landed gently…
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Suicide is up 300% from my father’s generation. Over the last few months I have read an alarming number of articles on the suicide rate in our nation. A quick Google search will reveal that suicide is on the rise in almost every region – and most alarming, it is on the rise among pre-teens.…
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What is the greatest thing in all the world? Henry Drummond was a Scottish evangelist who was mightily used of the Lord. D.L. Moody called him the most Christ-like young man he ever knew. Though I cannot endorse everything that Drummond wrote, I wholeheartedly recommend to you his commentary on 1 Corinthians 13. Many Bible…
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Are you looking for a study that will stir your heart for the advancement of the gospel? Are you interested in a brief series on witnessing that could be used in a Sunday School class, youth group, or small Bible study? Are you needing a training resource to prepare believers to share their faith? It…
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Living on the road can be a challenge. In fact, life itself is a challenge! The duties and demands of every day. The pull and pressure of people. It is so easy for all of us to grow weary…to let our souls grow stale. How do you stay fresh? Apply these simple ideas today… Read!…
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Dear friends, Communication is so important in life and ministry! Technology has made this much easier for our generation. In the work God has called us to do, we have tried to share prayer requests and updates with our friends and are always grateful to hear from you. I am working hard to stay…
Read MoreA little over two years ago I started running. I didn’t plan to do it. In fact, I’m not sure why I went out that first day. I remember saying to my wife, “I’m going for a run.” Her loving, tender answer was, “You’re not a runner!” And she was right. In fact, I’ve never…
Read MoreSomeone said to me not long ago, “You must really love to travel!” Anyone who has spent much time on the road will tell you that the initial thrill and adventure wears off fairly quickly. Something else has to keep you going. Life itself is a journey – full of goodbyes, unexpected circumstances, and change. These…
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My favorite book of the Bible is the little New Testament book of Philippians. I love it for many reasons, but most of all, because it is a book of joy. Repeatedly we are told to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). God not only commands us to rejoice,…
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Thank you for your continued prayers. A precious lady at a church recently asked me, “What can I pray for specifically?” I love that. Specific prayers bring specific answers. Please pray that God would give His strength for a busy season of ministry. Without Him we can do nothing. With God all things are possible.…
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Four months from today I will fly to India. One of my prayers in evangelism was that God would open doors for us to preach the gospel in other countries and help to train gospel laborers in those places. He is answering that prayer. Dr. P.D. Cherian is being mightily used of God at the…
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Every week I read things that I think are helpful. Often I recommend these resources to others or quote a particularly helpful statement from an author. Occasionally I read something that so convicts me and challenges me I go back to it again and again. Such is the case with a brief piece written by…
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Last night I had the joy to be in Murfreesboro, Tennessee for a wonderful tent meeting. God met with us in a special way. In just 4 weeks the Southwide Baptist Fellowship will meet here at the Franklin Road Baptist Church. Pastor Mike Norris and his gracious people will be wonderful hosts and this is…
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We are only days away from 9/11. So many thoughts and emotions come to our minds as we approach this day of memorial. For those of us who know Christ, one of our thoughts should be that people who are bound in false religion desperately need the good news of Jesus. Recently I was speaking…
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A few days ago I had the joy of addressing a group of college students in a local church. There were freshmen and upperclassmen, full of hope and excitement as they approached the beginning of a new year. Life is divided into seasons and every season has a purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). The college years are a…
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What is your morning routine? We all have one. Typically, mine begins with a trip to the coffee maker! While there are simple variations to my morning routine I try to follow the same pattern each morning regardless of where I am. The course of the day is charted in the first moments of the…
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Several weeks ago I published a short post on how to know when you have been called. (You may read the original post here.) It was encouraging to hear from so many who are sincerely praying about the Lord’s will for their life. We need more people laboring for souls, not fewer! I had the…
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Relax. I’m not going to ask you to give up something important like chocolate or coffee. I want to ask you to give up something far more destructive. A few days ago I started to say something in casual conversation to a family member. It was a thoughtless comment. A negative word about someone I…
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A fellow preacher and personal friend asked me recently how I believed we could do a better job of retaining young people in our churches. It is a problem of epidemic proportions. The vast majority of young people are exiting the local church by the time they are eighteen. For many years I said to…
Read MoreAlong the journey God brings people across your path who will forever affect your life. He did that for me in August of 1994. In the good providence of God I enrolled as a freshman at Crown College in Powell, Tennessee. Little did I know the lasting influence that Pastor Sexton would have on me…
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This months resource is one of my favorites. In fact, it is my favorite book of the Bible! One of my instructors in college said that his favorite book of the Bible was the one he was reading at the time. Without doubt, all Scripture is wonderful. But many years ago I was challenged to…
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In 1948, Winston Churchill said to the House of Commons, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Our own nation is in the midst of a revolution. An outright revolt against history. While not everything in our history is good, it is true. And only truth can guide us forward. The attack…
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“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Not every day is the same. In fact, in itinerant evangelism, every day is different! The schedule changes. The surroundings vary. But one thing is sure: every day is a gift from God, a day to…
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Late last night I returned from meetings in Georgia and Tennessee. Soon I will leave for another appointment in Ohio. It is a way of life in itinerant evangelism. A friend said to me this week, “You must really love to travel!” Not always. I love the Lord. I love preaching His Word. I love…
Read More19 months ago God led us into full-time evangelistic work. We have seen His direction at each step on this journey. Some time ago the Lord began to stir in my heart a desire to have a younger man, a new evangelist, to travel with me in meetings. Divine confirmations have come repeatedly that this…
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How to Study the Psalms So many people are looking for a Bible plan or devotional help. Some are looking for a place to get started. Others are looking for a place to start again. It is easy to allow your devotional life to grow stale. Remember that your soul may grow dry but the…
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Tammy and I thank the Lord for our children. Like every parent we pray that they will desire to follow Christ. More and more I understand the words of John, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). Recently our oldest daughter Morgan posted some thoughts…
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When the Lord first began dealing with me about being a preacher I asked my dad, “How do you know when you are called to preach?” He gave what I thought was a vague answer at the time. “You’ll just know.” Now, I find myself giving the same answer to others! He was right. You…
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Just a few month’s ago I had the privilege of writing five Bible studies on witnessing. They are designed to both inspire and instruct believers to begin sharing their faith right where they are. Each lesson provides a thorough exposition of a passage of Scripture, a teachable outline, helpful illustrations, and practical applications. There are…
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This summer has been exceedingly busy and blessed. We thank the Lord for His goodness in our lives and in the work He has called us to do. God has allowed us to see much fruit and I am praying that He will cause it to be “fruit that remains” for His glory. Over the…
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The other day I wrote a short post about how the devil loves to use our words to tear others down. Permit me to share the positive side of this truth: the Lord desires to use our words to build others up! The Scripture says, “Speak not evil one of another, brethren” (James 4:11). But it…
Read MoreDr. Lee Roberson used to say, “It takes no size to criticize.” Indeed one of the smallest things a man can do is to tear someone else down. Christ always sought to build men up – it is the devil who seeks to devour. There are many names used in Scripture for Satan. One of…
Read MoreOn a recent flight a lady commented to me that she loved the hymns but found it very difficult to find a church now that would sing them. This is increasingly becoming the norm. While I am not opposed to new songs and choruses, I thank the Lord for the great hymns of our faith.…
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This week I am preaching a revival meeting in the low desert of Arizona. (Yes, it is hot. No, it is not a tent meeting!) The pastor has worked diligently to prepare the church and hearts have been very responsive to God’s Word. I have come to realize that the most important days in a…
Read MoreFamilies are busier than they have ever been. One of the most challenging things to do as a spouse or parent is 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 done better at certain seasons than…
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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 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. She thought of…
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…
Read MoreOur culture is obsessed 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. Young couples fail to draw from the experience of more mature married couples. Young ministers often reject the insight of seasoned…
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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? Almost two years ago I came to a crossroad 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…
Read MoreThank God for faithful youth workers. While raising our children I realized more than ever that no one raises their children alone. My wife and I praise God for every youth pastor, youth pastor’s wife, teacher, coach, administrator, and choir leader who influenced our children…and we pray for them. We need them. Our kids need…
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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…
Read MoreSome 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…
Read MoreThrough 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 on each day. It is vital that…
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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 MoreOur 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.” “For who hath despised the day…
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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…
Read MoreRecently 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…
Read MoreYesterday 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 reminded how truly grateful all of…
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This past year has been a year of change in my life. Our home has changed. My work has changed. Schedules, routines, and so much that had been familiar was suddenly very different. Through it all, God has both changed me and reminded me that He never changes. Change is inevitable. Life is constantly changing!…
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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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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
