The Spearman Family

Recent Family Photo

2012-01-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

January 2012 Update

2012-01-12T15:25:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends and Family,

We pray that each of you had a great Christmas and New Year. Wow! It just seems like yesterday that we were all worried about Y2K (Year 2000) and now it's 2012. Man, time sure does go by fast.

Our last day of school for this semester was on December 16th and we're off until January 25th when the staff returns and then the first day of the second semester will be on February 1st.

During the break, we've been keeping ourselves pretty busy. The boys are spending two hours every day working on their Liberty Home Bible Institute curriculum. It's an eighty hour Bible Diploma from Liberty University that they will be able to transfer into their undergrad program once they get there.

Dane will graduate in May and he has already been excepted for the Fall 2012 semester at Liberty University where he wants to work on some type of pre-law degree. He's not sure right now which one, but there's no pressure for him to make that decision right now. He just needs to focus on his last semester of high school. Right now, he is the class valedictorian. Yes, mom and dad are proud (in a humble, Christian sort of way). Also, Dane received his rank of Eagle last August!

Brandon is a junior this year and he is doing very well academically as well. As a matter of fact, it's his best year ever and we are proud of him.

They both stay pretty busy with their music as well. In addition to helping me lead worship on Sunday mornings, they lead worship for my Sunday night Bible study, their youth group and the school's chapel services. They have also been asked to play again at Calvary Chapel Lima's surf camp at the end of this month and are planning a back to school concert as well that they call "Friday Night Live".

Jannett is doing well. She is using her time off to work on her last class to renew her teacher's license. She is pretty excited to be almost done with it. She's had to take a total of nine hours, but it is required by our school that teachers keep their licenses up to date. Makes sense.

As for me, I'm still busy with my school as well. I just recently wrapped up my last class to upgrade my teacher's license. I'm glad that's over. I am also still in school at Liberty and am scheduled to graduate this fall.

The Lord has really blessed us with the International Christian School of Lima. They are an awesome group of people and a privilege to minister with. This past semester, we had fourteen students come to faith in Christ in the high school. As chaplain that gives me an awesome opportunity to further speak into their lives and many times the lives of their families. Several of them are coming to my evening Bible study as well.

We have also been very busy serving at the church. The boys and I lead worship on Sunday morning and that is a total blessing to serve the Lord with your children. We are really going to miss Dane when he goes home for college in the summer. He's our only bass player! :/

I am also still teaching a Bible study every Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. We are currently going through the book of Matthew. I record the messages and place them on my blog at www.dwaynespearman.org.

Prayer Requests
* Please pray for Dane as he finishes up his last semester of high school and that he will stay focused. "Senioritis" usually hits around this time. Also, please pray as that we are still waiting to hear back from the university about his scholarships, grants, financial aid, etc... for the fall.

* Please pray for Brandon. He has been given an opportunity to intern at Calvary Chapel Dallas this coming summer in their youth and worship ministries. However, the finances are proving to be a problem. Just the airfare is going to be around $1200.00 and then he'll need some spending money. He is going to be sending out a letter to friends and family with more information on how they can pray and possibly help financially. It would be an awesome opportunity for him to "get his feet wet" in ministry which is where he believes the Lord is calling him.

* Please pray that the Lord would provide us with another apartment. Our landlord told us in December that he and his family are going to be moving back in May. Rent has skyrocketed since we got here in 2009 and our budget is pretty tight.

* Please also pray for our teachers as they return from their vacations at home with friends and family. This is usually a very rough time for them because saying goodbyes is always hard.

* Please pray for our teachings schedules this coming semester. I will be teaching Bible Doctrines, Revelation, Genesis and New Testament Survey. Jannett will be teaching drama, middle school Bible, elementary computers and yearbook. On top of that we both oversee the school's community service program and continue to minister to the students, staff and their families through my chaplain and Jannett's member care responsibilities. We tag team in those areas quite well!

The Lord certainly does continue to provide for us here through friends and family like you and we appreciate the sacrifice and prayers that you offer up on our behalf. Thank you so very much for being a part of our ministry here in Lima, Peru.

Please keep in touch with us because we love to hear from each of you!

Martin Luther's Puppy

2012-01-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

One day, Martin Luther's little puppy happened to be at the table, he looked for a morsel from his master, and watched with open mouth and motionless eyes; to which Martin Luther replied, 'Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on the piece of meat. Otherwise he has no thought, wish or hope."

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:43:00.001-08:00

We just want to wish all of our friends and family a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas

2011-12-22T07:41:00.000-08:00

"If Jesus Christ had never been born, there would be no Christmas celebration. The American economy depends on people buying other people Christmas gifts each year. That is why the idea of "holiday" shopping is so ridiculous. No one buys gifts to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The kids don't run downstairs at 5 a.m. on New Year's morning. Overwhelmingly, Americans exchange gifts with friends and family precisely because it is Christmas. Ask American retailers and they will tell you--it's the most wonderful time of the year. It is hypocrisy of the highest order for retailers to make their living from Christmas sales, and yet be too politically correct to even acknowledge that fact in their advertising, pretending that people are "holiday" shopping. Who are they trying to kid?" - Tim Wildmon

The Calling of God

2011-12-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Here is something to think about. I read this in "Crazy Love" the other day for about the fifth time: "Most of us use "I'm waiting for God to reveal His calling on my life" as a means of avoiding action. Did you hear God calling you to sit in front of the television yesterday? Or to go on your last vacation? Or exercise this morning? Probably not, but you still did it. The point isn't that vacations or exercise are wrong, but that we are quick to rationalize our entertainment and priorities yet are slow to commit to serving God."

2011-12-05T11:02:00.001-08:00

"Evangelical repentance is repentance of sin as sin: not of this sin nor of that, but of the whole mass. We repent of the sin of our nature as well as the sin of our practice. We bemoan sin within us and without us. We repent of sin itself as being an insult to God. Anything short of this is a mere surface repentance, and not a repentance which reaches to the bottom of the mischief. Repentance of the evil act, and not of the evil heart, is like men pumping water out of a leaky vessel, but forgetting to stop the leak. Some would dam up the stream, but leave the fountain still flowing; they would remove the eruption from the skin, but leave the disease in the flesh." - Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Truth vs. Fiction

2011-11-29T19:49:00.001-08:00

There is a tale told of that great English actor Macready. An eminent preacher once said to him: "I wish you would explain to me something." "Well, what is it? I don't know that I can explain anything to a preacher." "What is the reason for the difference between you and me? You are appearing before crowds night after night with fiction, and the crowds come wherever you go. I am preaching the essential and unchangeable truth, and I am not getting any crowd at all." Macready's answer was this: "This is quite simple. I can tell you the difference between us. I present my fiction as though it were truth; you present your truth as though it were fiction." - G. Campbell Morgan

Anger Without a Cause

2011-11-28T11:24:00.001-08:00

Matthew 5:21-22 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' (22) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

After Jesus said that he had not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, he began to interpret a couple of the commandments. Bear in mind that he is still dealing with the issues of outward righteousness verses inward. His point is that there is a difference between the letter of the Law and the spirit of the Law. He starts with the sixth commandment (killing) and the issue of anger and then proceeds to the seventh commandment (adultery) and the issue of lust.

Of course, there is a difference between murder and self-defense or accidental death (Num. 35:16-25) and the Law recognizes that.

On this basis, the Lord gave the interpretation of the commandment not to kill. Again, he is taking the Law from the physical to the spiritual. He said, basically, you're guilty of murder if you are simply angry with your brother without a cause.

Unfortunately, the NIV has done a rather poor job in proper translating this verse for it just says, "But I tell that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." In the Majority Text it says, "But I tell that anyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be subject to the judgment." If God condemned for being angry we would all be in Hell.

Obviously, the fact that the words are there indicate that there is a cause to be angry. Jesus looked on the hypocritical Pharisees with anger (Mark 3:5). Jesus did get angry, but he had a cause. The Bible says that God is angry with the wicked every day (Ps. 7:11). Even Paul agrees that there is a way to be angry and yet not sin (Eph. 4:26-27). So, the bottom line is that to justify anger, there must be a cause.

You see, anger is that feeling which we have when we are injured. It is sometimes totally appropriate to respond in anger. Quite frankly, there needs to be more of it in the church today.

However, the anger that Jesus is condemning here is the anger without a cause. That is anger that is unjustly, rashly, hastily, where no offense has been given or intended. In that case it is evil; and it is a violation of the sixth commandment.

2011-11-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

I came across this illustration from one of my messages in Ephesians 5 while answering a marriage question for someone and thought that I would share it.

"A couple married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife had. For one month they planned to drop a slip in a "Fault" box. The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations. The wife was diligent in her efforts and approach: "leaving the jelly top off the jar," "wet towels on the shower floor," "dirty socks not in hamper," on and on until the end of the month. After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong. Then the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, 'I love you!'"

Forgiveness

2011-11-18T08:27:00.001-08:00

Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:13, When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.

It reminds me of a story that so perfectly illustrates forgiveness. "A missionary was walking along a trail in East Africa with some friends, when became aware of a delightful odor that filled the air. He looked up in the trees and around at the bushes in an effort to discover where it was coming from. Then his friends told him to look down at the small blue flower growing along the path. Each time they crushed the tiny blossoms under their feet, more of its sweet perfume was released into the air. Then his friends said, "We call it the forgiveness flower."

In the end, what can be learned from this story is that the forgiveness flower does not wait until we ask forgiveness for crushing it. It does not release its fragrance in measured doses. It does not ask for an apology; it merely lives up to its name and forgives-freely, fully, richly.

Blessed Are the Persecuted

2011-11-17T08:38:00.001-08:00

Matthew 5:10-12 says Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (11) "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (12) Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus was persecuted from the time of his birth to the time of his death. His disciples were also told that they would be persecuted and even rejected by their families (Matthew 10:34-39). Even the blind man who Jesus healed in John 9:33-34 ended up being eventually thrown out of the synagogue. We too are promised blessings as we face persecution (Luke 6:27-36).

"Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star, Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was wounded by the archers, spend, leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent, by ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned: Hast thou no wound? No wound, no scar? Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, and, pierced are the feet that follow Me; but thine are whole: can he have followed far who has no wounds nor scar?" - Amy Carmichael

Prayer

2011-11-15T18:50:00.001-08:00

Thank You, Lord

2011-11-15T10:35:00.001-08:00

With Thanksgiving coming up pretty quick, I thought of an old song that I used to sing as a child and it still holds true today!

Thank you, Lord for Your Blessings on Me

As the world look upon me as I struggle along;

They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong.

In my heart I'm rejoicing. How, I wish they could see!

Thank you, Lord for your blessings on me.

There's a roof up above me. I've a good place to sleep.

There's food on my table and shoes on my feet.

You gave me your love Lord and a fine family.

Thank you, Lord for your blessings on me.

Blessed are the Peacemakers

2011-11-15T08:05:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:9 says, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. A peacemaker by definition is one who tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight. Jesus clearly taught that his disciples to do this (Matthew 5:39-42; 18:15-17).

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers. Paul said in Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. The writer of Hebrews said Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

To illustrate what God can do with a peacemaker, I'm reminded of a story of Saint Telemachus who was a monk that lived in the 4th century. He felt God saying to him, "Go to Rome." He was in a cloistered monastery. He put his possessions in a sack and set out for Rome. When he arrived in the city, people were thronging in the streets. He asked why all the excitement and was told that this was the day that the gladiators would be fighting and killing each other in the coliseum, the day of the games, the circus. He thought to himself, "Four centuries after Christ and they are still killing each other, for enjoyment?" He ran to the coliseum and heard the gladiators saying, "Hail to Ceasar, we die for Ceasar" and he thought, "this isn't right." He jumped over the railing and went out into the middle of the field, got between two gladiators, held up his hands and said "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd protested and began to shout, "Run him through, Run him through." A gladiator came over and hit him in the stomach with the back of his sword. It sent him sprawling in the sand. He got up and ran back and again said, "In the name of Christ, forbear." The crowd continued to chant, "Run him through." One gladiator came over and plunged his sword through the little monk's stomach and he fell into the sand, which began to turn crimson with his blood. One last time he gasped out, "In the name of Christ forbear." A hush came over the 80,000 people in the coliseum. Soon a man stood and left, then another and more, and within minutes all 80,000 had emptied out of the arena. It was the last known gladiatorial contest in the history of Rome (January 1, 404 AD).

Blessed Are The Pure in Heart

2011-11-14T11:15:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:8 says, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. To be pure means to be free from anything of a different, inferior, or contaminating kind. This is what the Psalmist was referring to when he asked Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? His answer was simply He who has clean hands and a pure heart.

Bob Jones University...no longer a political factor?

2011-11-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Bob Jones University...no longer a political factor? (OneNewsNow.com)

I once again refer to my previous post "Schools that aspire to gain the respect of the secular world and compliance with the secular norms will in the end of necessity find themselves distanced from their original theological commitments. This will be the admission price for secular respect."

Blessed Are The Merciful

2011-11-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Bible says in Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Mercy by definition is compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power. The Psalmist said To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless (Psalm 18:25).

The law of mercy in the kingdom of heaven is simple. You grant mercy and you receive mercy. You withhold mercy and you get judgment. The blessed are merciful and therefore they receive mercy.

Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst

2011-11-10T10:38:00.001-08:00

The Bible says in Matthew 5:6, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. The Jews were desperately looking for something. Unlike most of the Pharisees, they all knew that they didn't have righteousness and they wanted it so badly that they could taste it. That's why Jesus said in John 6:35, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. The righteousness that they wanted, and that Christ offered, could only come through Him.

Secular Respect

2011-11-08T07:45:00.001-08:00

Schools that aspire to gain the respect of the secular world and compliance with the secular norms will in the end of necessity find themselves distanced from their original theological commitments. This will be the admission price for secular respect.

Blessed Are The Meek

2011-11-08T07:41:00.001-08:00

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Meek be definition is the act of being humbly patient or docile when under provocation from others. Zephaniah encouraged us to Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger (Zeph 2:3). The strict interpretation here is that the Jew who was truly meek would place himself under the authority of God's word and God's Son, and as a result, would inherit the earth in the kingdom that Christ offered. This is also what the Psalmist said in Psalm 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. To the Christian, it means we are to also submit under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt (us) in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

The Swoon Theory

2011-11-07T08:13:00.001-08:00

There is a theory that Jesus never actually died on the cross, but that he merely "swooned" and woke up later while in the tomb. This is called the "swoon theory". Here is a humorous letter to the editor of a Christian magazine about it that I thought I would share with you.

Dear Eutychus,

Our preacher said, on Easter, that Jesus just swooned on the cross and that the disciples nursed Him back to health. What do you think? Sincerely, Bewildered. Dear Bewildered: Beat your preacher with a cat-of-nine-tails with 39 heavy strokes, nail him to a cross; hang him in the sun for 6 hours; run a spear through his heart; embalm him; put him in an airless tomb for 36 hours and see what happens.

Sincerely,

Eutychus

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

2011-11-07T07:48:00.001-08:00

Last night we looked at Matthew 5:4 where Jesus said Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. To mourn is to feel or express sorrow or grief. Isaiah 61:2 says that Jesus came to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and for those who do He promised to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

To the Jews specifically, Jesus promised comfort to those who would except Him as their King. To the Church, He promises comfort to those who mourn over their sin.

This is also what James was referring to when he said, Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. (10) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up (James 4:9-10).

Authority of Scripture

2011-11-05T21:42:00.001-07:00

Reject the authority of Scripture and it will only be a matter of time before you are back in Rome or have become a humanist.

Family Getaway to Lunahuana.

2011-11-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

2011-11-03T14:14:00.001-07:00

Matthew 5:2-3 says and he began to teach them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The word poor in our way of thinking is to have no money, goods, or other means of support. However, that is not what the word means here. Instead, it is referring not to physical poverty, but spiritual poverty.

The Psalmist said in Psalm 34:18 "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." The word “crushed” in this verse means "to be remorseful". The Psalmist is saying that God is close to those who are remorseful for their spiritual poverty.

It is only when one becomes remorseful for their spiritual poverty that one can be saved.

Japanese Outreach Event

2011-11-03T13:28:00.001-07:00

Just finished putting together a pretty large outreach event at one of the Japanese schools here in Lima for this Saturday. We have about 15 teachers and 41 students going from our school to host a sports camp for 50 of their students. Of course, the hook for us is that we get to share Jesus with them! Please pray that the Lord will bless this event.

Three Levels of Discipleship

2011-10-25T13:04:00.001-07:00

Using Matthew 4:17-22 as our text once again, it says, From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (18) As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (19) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (20) At once they left their nets and followed him. (21) Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, (22) and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

This morning we look at the three levels of discipleship as found in the Bible. If you look closely, you can see in the Bible a a progression in the lives of these disciples (primarily Peter, James, and John) that sets up a pattern for us. We can see beginner, intermediate, and advanced discipleship.

Beginning

In John 1:40-42 we see them bringing souls to Jesus when it says, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. (41) The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). (42) And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter).

Intermediate

In Matthew 4:18-22 we find them forsaking something to follow Jesus when it says As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (19) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (20) At once they left their nets and followed him. (21) Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, (22) and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Advanced

In Luke 5:2-11 we see them forsaking ALL to follow Jesus when it says, he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. (3) He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. (4) When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." (5) Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets." (6) When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. (7) So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. (8) When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" (9) For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, (10) and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." (11) So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Dwayne Spearman.org: Staff Photo

2011-10-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Dwayne Spearman.org: Staff Photo: Here is a recent photo of our teachers, staff and their families. Our family is to the left. Look at those good-looking boys.

Disciple-Makers

2011-10-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

In our Matthew study last night we looked at the issue of discipleship when we came to Matthew 4:17-22 which says, From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (18) As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. (19) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (20) At once they left their nets and followed him. (21) Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, (22) and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

In this passage, we find some of the basic aspects of discipleship. A disciple is a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher. Therefore, in discipleship, we should expect to find a similarity in doctrine between the teacher and his student and see a similarity in their lives.

Although Jesus wasn't literally a disciple of John the Baptist, he did let John baptize him before entering the ministry. Consequently, you would expect the gospel that Jesus preached to be the same as John preached. For example, John's first words in Matthew 3:2 was repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near and Jesus' first words after his baptism here in our text was repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.This identical preaching marks one of the basic principles of discipleship. The disciple is going to follow the preaching and teaching of the fellow that trained him.

Other examples include: Jesus taught Paul what to preach (Gal. 1:11-12); Paul taught Timothy what to preach (1 Tim 1:2-3) and Timothy taught others (2 Tim. 2:2).

Paul urged Timothy in 2 Tim. 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.

God has called each of us to be disciple-makers (Matt. 28:19). Who are you pouring your life into?

Drums vs. Organs

2011-10-20T07:05:00.001-07:00

Here is something to think about in the music war.

What Mormons Believe

2011-10-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a lot of confusion in the church today about what exactly Mormons believe. Here are some good straight forward answers. I also highly recommend the website.

http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html

Hypocrites and Martyrs

2011-10-14T11:34:00.001-07:00

"If anything is clear from the Gospels and the Acts it is that the apostles were sincere. They may have been deceived, if you like, but they were not deceivers. Hypocrites and martyrs are not made of the same stuff." - John Stott

Beautiful Harmony

2011-10-13T11:24:00.001-07:00

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; (9) persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; (10) always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. (11) For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. (12) So death is at work in us, but life in you.

J Vernon McGee once said of this verse, "It was piano craftsman Theodore Steinway who said that it is the forty thousand pounds of pressure exerted on the two hundred forty-five strings of a piano that creates beautiful harmony. Sometimes, it is only the pressure, the persecution we undergo that causes a song to resonate in the hearts of those with whom we share. Paul knew this. That is why he could say, "Good things are happening even in our tribulation and difficulty, for through our hard times, Jesus shines brighter."

Definition of Cult

2011-10-10T16:54:00.001-07:00

For those who seem to be confused about what the definition of a "cult" is, which would apparently include most of the American news media, it is any group that attempts to "deny or redefine any or all essential Christian doctrines" and also "claims to possess a new and inspired written scripture that supplements or supersedes the authority of the Bible."

Something to Think About

2011-10-08T18:38:00.001-07:00

"I went into church and sat on the velvet pew. I watched as the sun came shining through the stained glass windows. The minister dressed in a velvet robe opened the golden gilded Bible, marked it with a silk bookmark and said, "If any man will be my disciple, let him deny himself, take up his cross, sell what he has, give it to the poor, and follow me."

Followers Needed

2011-10-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

There is a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college, but her heart sank when she read the question on the application blank that asked, "Are you a leader?" Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote, "No," and returned the application, expecting the worst. To her surprise, she received this letter from the college: "Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower."

Sanctified Vessels

2011-10-06T10:38:00.001-07:00

Our verse this morning was 2 Timothy 2:22 which says, Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. In regards to this verse, Wiersbe says that in order for God to be able to use us as vessels, we must be empty, clean, and available. He will take us and fill us and use us for His glory. But if we are filled with sin or defiled by disobedience, He will first have to purge us; and that might not be an enjoyable experience. In the "great house" of the professing church, there are true believers and false. We must exercise spiritual discernment and be careful that we are vessels sanctified unto honor.

Hast Thou No Scar?

2011-10-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

I read Matthew 5:10 in preparation for my Bible study next Sunday night and it says, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. It reminded me of what Amy Carmichael once wrote.

"Hast thou no scar? No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land, I hear them hail thy bright ascendant star, Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound? Yet I was wounded by the archers, spend, Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent, By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned: Hast thou no wound? No wound, no scar? Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, And, pierced are the feet that follow Me; But thine are whole: can he have followed far Who has no wounds nor scar?"

A Call to Ministry

2011-10-04T06:31:00.001-07:00

After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up." "That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?" "Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, And I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen."

Universe of Nothingness

2011-10-03T12:04:00.001-07:00

"When man makes himself and his reason, god over creation, he destroys all meaning in creation and leaves himself a chained and gibbering baboon, sitting in terror on a wired electric chair in the midst of a vast universe of nothingness." - R.J. Rushdoon

2011-09-30T09:34:00.001-07:00

Our text this morning came from Revelation 2:4-5 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. (5) Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Unfortunately, we all tend to stray away from the things of God for one reason or another from time to time. However, it's never too late to come back and the remedy is threefold. First, you must remember from where you have fallen. You need to remember what you were doing when you knew for sure that you were in the perfect will of God. Second you must repent. Tell God you're sorry and turn away from your sin. Remember, it's always our sin that causes us to forsake our first love. Third, we need to go back and do the things that we were doing before we forsook our first love.

As the Deer

2011-09-22T13:51:00.001-07:00

In the devotion this morning, we looked at Psalm 42:1-2 which says, As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? The word used for pants in this verse is the word "bray" which means "to cry". We see it similarly used in Joel 1:20 when it says, Even the wild animals pant for you; the streams of water have dried up and fire has devoured the open pastures.

The word properly means "to rise; to ascend; and then, to look up toward anything; to long for." It implies that the animals of the field cry out to God in a time of drought and need. The Psalmist said in Psalm 104:21 The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The question for us today is, "If even the animals know to look to God during their time of need; shouldn't we also?"

Junk Food

2011-09-20T11:21:00.001-07:00

Our devotion this morning came from 1 Peter 2. Here are a few things that was shared. Verse 1 says, Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. When we see "therefore", we must ask, "What's it there for?"In other words, in lieu of all that I have said in chapter one, we need to do these things.

Verse 2 says, Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. This verse is contingent upon the first verse. If we don't lay aside the things in v.1, then we will not be able to enjoy the Word here in v.2. However, if we don't enjoy the Word, we will not have the strength to lay aside the things in v.1. Remember we talked about how that sitting under the teaching of the Word of God is like sitting under a shower?

One pastor compares the things in v.1 to junk food. No matter how good the home cooked meal is that is waiting for us at home; if we eat junk food on the way, we will not be interested. The same is true of us and the Word of God. When we stop studying the Word (the home-cooked meal), it's because we're eating the junk food (the things the world has to offer).

Funny Story: A candidate for church membership was asked, "What part of the Bible do you like best?" He said: "I like the New Testament best. Then he was asked, "What Book in the New Testament is your favorite?" He answered, the Book of the Parables, Sir." They then asked him to relate one of the parables to the membership committee. And a bit uncertain, he began... "Once upon a time a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves; and the thorns grew up and choked the man. And he went on and met the Queen of Sheba, and she gave that man, Sir, a thousand talents of silver, and a hundred changes of raiment. And he got in his chariot and drove furiously, and as he was driving along under a big tree, his hair got caught in a limb and left him hanging here! And he hung there many days and many nights. The ravens brought him food to eat and water to drink. And one night while he was hanging there asleep, his wife Delilah came along and cut off his hair, and he fell on stoney ground. And it begin to rain, and rained forty days and forty nights. And he hid himself in a cave. Later he went on and met a man who said, "Come in and take supper with me." But he said, "I can't come in, for I have married a wife." And the man went out into the highways and hedges and compelled him to come in! He then came to Jerusalem, and saw Queen Jezebel sitting high and lifted up in a window of the wall. When she saw him she laughed, and he said, "Throw her down out of there," and they threw her down. And he said "Throw her down again," and they threw her down seventy-times-seven. And the fragments which they picked up filled twelve baskets full! NOW, whose wife will she be in the day of the Judgment?" The membership committee agreed that this was indeed a knowledgeable candidate!

The bottom line is that we need to study the Word of God. It is the real deal. It is the home cooked meal. Everything else is simply junk food!

Matthew Introduction

2011-09-19T13:57:00.001-07:00

Here are some facts about the Gospels that I shared last night in my Matthew class last night.

The Gospels open with an announcement in the Temple of God (Lk. 1:11-20) and close with the ascension of the Son of God (Lk. 24:50-51).

As the Old Testament began with man made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), the Gospels open up with God made in the image of man (Jn. 1:14).

The man made in the image of God was defeated by Satan in a garden when defied God's will (Gen. 2:8; 3:1-7), but the God made in the image of man defeated Satan in a garden when He submitted to His Father's will (Lk. 22:39-42).

Prior to the Gospels, sheep died for shepherds (Ex. 12:1-13), but now the Shepherd was going to die for the sheep (Jn. 10:11).

At his birth he was offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh by wise men who worshipped him (Mt. 2:11), while at his death he was offered thorns, vinegar, and spittle by wicked men who ridiculed him (Mt. 27:29, 34, 26:67).

The Gospels describe Jesus saving sinners under a tree (Jn. 1:48), up a tree (Lk. 19:4-5), and on a tree (Lk. 23:43).

The Tree of Life

2011-09-15T21:53:00.001-07:00

This morning we looked at Revelation 2:7 which says, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. I remember when I was in Bible College, I had a teacher who used to tell us that the reason God gave us one mouth and two ears was so that we would listen twice as much as we talk. That is very true. What the Lord is saying is that we would all be wise to listen to both the compliments paid and the warnings given to this first church of Ephesus. They were complimented for their great work, love, labor, patience, and because they hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans. However, they were warned because they had left their first love. We would all be wise to take those compliments and warnings to heart.

If we do listen, we are told that God will give us the opportunity to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the paradise of God. The first place the tree of life is mentioned in the Bible is in Genesis 2:9 where it says, And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam was later told by God that he could eat of everything in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2:16-17). The implication is that he could have chosen to eat of the tree of life, but when given the option, choose not to do so.

Instead he chose to eat of the one tree God told him not to. Isn't that just like us? You tell a child to do a hundred things but one, he will chose the one. It's his rebellious nature that he inherited from you. You received it from your parents and they received it from theirs. It goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden.

What if Adam had chosen the tree of life first? He would have lived forever! But no, he chose to rebel and do exactly what God told him not to and ate of the tree of knowledge. It cost him paradise and his life. He and Eve were expelled from the garden because God did not want to allow them to turn and then take of the tree of life and live forever in their fallen sinful state. That's the first time we see the tree of life in the Bible, but not the last.

Where is the tree of life now? We were just told in Revelation 2:7 that it is no longer in the Garden of Eden but in the paradise of God. That's not the Garden of Eden, but Heaven. We are told this again in Revelation 22:1-2 where it says, Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. And then again in Revelation 22:14 it says, Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Today, we have the same choice set before us: death or life. Unfortunately, Adam's rebellion has already infected us all for it was passed down to us. However, there is a way of escape. We can still take of the tree of life through Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 11:25-26, Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" If you do, you'll live forever!

Excuses, Excuses

2011-09-14T20:22:00.001-07:00

I used to sing this song by the Kingsmen Quarter as a child.

In summertime it is too hot, in winter it's too cold;
In Spring and Fall when the weather's nice there's some place else to go --
Either to the mountains or to the beach, or visit some old friend;
Or stay at home and hope that some of the relatives will drop in.
A headache every Sunday morn, and a backache Sunday night;
But by the time on Monday you're feeling quite all right.
But maybe some of the children had a cold -- Pneumonia, you suppose --
So all the family had to stay at home -- and blow the poor child's nose!

Excuses, excuses; you'll hear them every day
The devil will supply you, if from Church you'll stay away.
When people come to know the Lord, the devil always loses,
And so to keep them from the Church he offers them EXCUSES!!!

The Effect of Legalism

2011-09-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

In contrast to the two commands of Christ, (love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind and your neighbor as yourself), the Pharisees had developed a system of 613 laws, 365 negative commands and 248 positive laws...By the time Christ came it had produced a heartless, cold, and arrogant brand of righteousness. As such, it contained at least ten tragic flaws. (1) New laws continually need to be invented for new situations. (2) Accountability to God is replaced by accountability to men. (3) It reduces a person's ability to personally discern. (4) It creates a judgmental spirit. (5) The Pharisees confused personal preferences with divine law. (6) It produces inconsistencies. (7) It created a false standard of righteousness. (8) It became a burden to the Jews. (9) It was strictly external. (10) It was rejected by Christ.

Serving God in Truth

2011-09-13T19:12:00.001-07:00

Francois Fenelon was the court preacher for King Louis XIV of France in the 17th century. One Sunday when the king and his attendants arrived at the chapel for the regular service, no one else was there but the preacher. King Louis demanded, "What does this mean?" Fenelon replied, "I had published that you would not come to church today, in order that your Majesty might see who serves God in truth and who flatters the king."

Sincere Love

2011-09-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

We covered 1 Peter 1:22 which says, Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

"Now that you have purified yourselves": No one is made pure without personal intention or effort.

Just as no one can be become an accomplished or learned musician, so too, no one can become purified without some personal effort.

As a matter of fact, the amount of effort which we make in purifying our souls is usually the measure of our closeness to the Lord.

"By obeying the truth": Notice that the purifying process only takes place as a result of obedience.

There is no purification without obedience.

"Through the Spirit": Unfortunately, the NIV does not put the next phrase after "by obeying the truth" which is "through the Spirit".

It is only by the power of the Spirit that we can obey the truth and thus be purified.

Zec 4:6 "…Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the LORD of hosts."

"So that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.": The effect of purifying our souls by obedience to the truth through the power of the Holy Spirit is that we will have a sincere love for the brethren!

You show me someone who is having a hard time loving his brother or sister and I'll show you someone who has not purified themselves by obedience to the truth through the power of the Holy Spirit!

What's Wrong With Church?

2011-09-07T12:57:00.001-07:00

This is an article written by Paul Baloche, a respected worship leader, that truly speaks to what I've believed for years. The "modern" church is simply missing it.

"What's wrong with the church? What's wrong with modern worship? What is it that would help most twentysomethings connect with God, and how would music fit in and encourage that connection?" Over the past year I have made a point of interviewing lots of twentysomethings and asking them for honest feedback regarding all things worship. I have been surprised and challenged by their responses. Following is a fictional yet common synopsis of their accounts.

Picture if you will...you walk into the Friday night college group of a prominent church. In the foyer you see about hundred college-aged students mingling about getting coffee, munching on day-old pastries, and talking. Music blares form the speakers throughout the hall and sanctuary causing everyone to shout out their hellos. These kids have the perfect haircuts, the most put-together outfits, and an air about them that says, "You couldn't possible be as good-looking as me, even if you tried." Intimidating to say the least, this group looks more like they're dressing up for a night on the town rather than coming together to worship God.

After a few songs punctuated by well-timed lights and a moody atmosphere, smoke billowing down the aisles and a virtual mosh pit in the front, the pastor walks on stage and addresses the crowd. "If it's your first time, we welcome you here. The way we see worship, if you can scream your guts out at a football game or dance around at a concert, you can do it here for God." And on he goes with anecdotes, with a spiritual bent, that have everyone snickering and cheering for various pop culture icons.

Individual expression in worship is wonderful. If these people want to raise their hands for God, dance and jump around, that's all fine. But maybe we are taking something special out of this connection with God by mimicking other areas of entertainment. Have we come together to be entertained, to take part in some godly rock show? Often times this is what it feels like. The worship band seems more in focus than God. After seeing the staff at some of those places, I begin to understand partially why everyone in the congregation looks like celebrities. They're all young, dressing even younger and acting like they're the best thing since carbonated beverages. Those who who can call the staff friends are automatically a notch cooler than the rest. Where is the focus here? Where is God here?

This type of service might please some, but I've talked with many who are less than satisfied. Rather than feeling accepted into this crowd, newcomers feel intimidated and separate. Skillful musicians and singers do the worship, but the performance and light show can be distracting. Though they are greeted at the door, it's easy to feel like the person in front of you is just playing a part, obviously not that interested in you as a person because as soon as you start to respond, they're on to the next person. What is lacking here? What makes this atmosphere so easy to play along with, but so lacking in meaning?

I've found that this generation is not looking for another show, another competition, or another place to feel inadequate. They seek authenticity. They seek people who are genuine through and through. Worship is supposed to be the heart's cry to its maker. The leaders in worship should be focused on a genuine expression of the heart, not simply a performance.

What this comes down to is a pursuit of truth. Twentysomethings don't long for a sugarcoated version of the Bible, faith and church doctrine. They seek an in-depth exploration of what it means to be Christian – Bible studies and sermons focusing on why Christians believe what they believe, not because tradition says so, but because of what Scripture claims.

A Debt We Could Not Pay

2011-09-06T11:35:00.001-07:00

Our Devotion comes out of 1 Peter 1:18 which says, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Again, we see the precious blood of the Lamb by which we were redeemed.

This is an argument for holy living in light of all that God has done for us. The word, redeemed means to be ransomed. Today that word means very little to us because slavery is, for the most part, outlawed. However, in Peter's day, slavery was an everyday thing. It is estimated that the population of Rome consisted of about sixty million slaves.

There were only two ways in which a slave could buy his freedom. A person could either save the money and purchase his own freedom or someone could do it for him. Certainly the event of redemption meant a lot more then than it does now.

Moses continually reminded the Children of Israel that they were once slaves. He said in Deut. 5:15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

Paul also reminded us in Titus in Titus 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Like the slaves of Rome, we were unable to redeem ourselves, so Christ did it for us! In response, we owe him everything.

Preparing for His Coming

2011-09-02T14:13:00.001-07:00

Our text this morning was 1 Peter 1:13-17 which says, Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (14) As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. (15) But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; (16) for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (17) Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

In preparing for this glorious salvation that will come to every believer, Peter exhorts us to do six things.

First, prepare your minds for action

I'm sorry, but that does not sound as good as "gird up the loins of our minds."

Willmington says, "This girding calls to mind a patriarch of the Old Testament who wore a long flowing robe. Around that robe he had a big belt called a girdle. When the time came that he had to move swiftly, he pulled it up and lapped it over the belt. He girded up his loins and was ready for action."

Second, be self-controlled.

To be self-controlled means to be "calm; not under the influence of passion."

Third, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

In other words, keep your eyes on Jesus no matter how it looks around you.

Fourth, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

(v.14).

In other words, we believers who are looking for salvation, we are to be governed by a different rule because the old rules that we lived by then, not longer apply to us.

Fifth, be holy in all you do (16) for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy. (vv.15-16).

This meaning is simple: since God is holy, and we profess to be His followers, we should be holy as well.

Sixth, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear (v.17).

Peter is also saying that we are to not lose sight of the fact that we are only going to be here for a short while.

We are pilgrims who are merely passing through (1:1; 2:11)

The Judgment Seat

Finally, notice in these verses that Peter reminds us that one day there will be a judgment when he says, Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially.

The judgment that Peter speaks of here is the Judgment Seat of Christ.

It is at this judgment that we will all give an account of how we passed our time here in this life.

Wiersbe points out that the Greek word for "judge" in this verse means "to judge in order to find something good."

In other words, in that day, God will be looking for our motives so that He may glorify Himself in our lives and ministries.

Overcomers

2011-09-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

1 John 5:1-5 says that Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. (2) This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. (3) This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, (4) for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (5) Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

These verses tell us that there are two ways that we and others can know that we are truly children of God. First, we will obey the commandments that God has given to us in His Word. Jesus reminded us in John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

Secondly, we will love one another. He also said in 1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (12) No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

However, I also see something else in these verses. It says that only those who do these things (obey His commandments and love one another) have the ability to overcome the world.

Breathe

2011-08-30T20:25:00.001-07:00

Here is a song that I found on my laptop tonight that was recorded at Borderland years ago. Fond memories.

http://www.dwaynespearman.org/Recordings/Music/Breath.mp3

Seeking a Solution, not Separation

2011-08-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I believe that it's time to get off this sinking ship.

Seeking a solution, not separation (OneNewsNow.com)

The Beginning of the End

2011-08-29T07:40:00.001-07:00

"When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them; and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work, because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation."

Who Would You Invite?

2011-08-26T09:08:00.001-07:00

1 Kings 1:9-10 says "Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king's sons, and all the men of Judah who were royal officials, (10) but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his brother Solomon."

It was obvious what Adonijah was up to; not by who he invited, but by who he did not invite. He only invited those whom he knew would tell him what he wanted to hear. He conveniently left Nathan the prophet, the special guard and his brother Solomon off the guest list.

We need to be very careful that we do not do the same thing by surrounding ourselves with people who we know will always tell us what we "want" to hear and not necessarily what we "need" to hear.

Fan the Flame

2011-08-25T13:13:00.001-07:00

Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6-7 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

The important thing about this passage to me is what Paul is telling and not telling young Timothy. He was not telling him that he needed to go back to school to get another degree, study harder, work harder, etc... Instead, he is telling Timothy to stir up what is already in him as a "gift" from God. In other words, he is telling him to start where he was and to use what he had! That's good counsel any day of the week!

I Will Rejoice

2011-08-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

Our text this morning was from 1 Peter 1 which spoke of the trials that we are each destined to go through as God refines us into the people that He desires for us to be. I also read this in my time with the Lord this morning that I would like to share.

Habakkuk said in Hab. 3:17-18 when he was contemplating the fact that God was indeed going to use the Babylonians to bring judgment on his own nation. Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, (18) Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (NASB)

Show Me!

2011-08-22T08:06:00.001-07:00

Jesus said in Matthew 17:20 "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

The world says, "Show me and I'll believe you!" God says, "Believe me and I'll show you." Apparently God is not from the "Show Me State" of Missouri!

Mahatma Gandhi

2011-08-21T11:55:00.001-07:00

Mahatma Gandhi says that he was once approached by an atheist with the request to organize and promote an anti-God society. To which Gandhi replied, "It amazes me to find an intelligent person who fights so strongly against something which he does not believe exists."

Abiding

2011-08-19T12:26:00.001-07:00

Jesus said John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

The word "abide" is a verb which means "to stay". Matthew Henry once said, "True Christians find by experience, that any interruption in the exercise of their faith, causes holy affections to decline, their corruptions to revive, and their comforts to droop." So, let's not be droopy!

Make Every Effort

2011-08-18T11:49:00.001-07:00

Our text came from the epistle of 2 Peter this morning. While 1 Peter was written to encourage Christians to remain firm in the midst of persecution and suffering knowing that it would draw them closer to Christ; 2 Peter was written to the same audience to warn them about false teachers.

2 Pet 1:5-7 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; (6) and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; (7) and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. The phrase “add to your faith” implies that it is not automatic but must be purposely done. To that end, we need to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Notice that love is in essence the outcome of all of these things.”

Notice “make every effort to add to your faith” in v.5. This phrase implies that it is not automatic but must be purposely done. To that end, we need to add to our faith goodness (virtue), knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. However, the gist is that we must be purposeful in these things.

Therefore, there is much truth in the saying that every man is the architect of his own fate. Your choices affect your destiny. Out of a rough block of stone one man may make a beautiful statue and another man may make gravel. Both products are good and useful under certain conditions, but a statue can be immoral in conception and gravel can be the grudging and punitive work of a criminal condemned to a rock pile. The point is, whether you are a gifted artist or a competent gravel maker, you can choose whether to use your abilities worthily or unworthily. In building a Christian life you have the same choice.

Pregnancy Reduction

2011-08-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

How totally sad that we have reached this point.

Baptist Press - FIRST-PERSON: 'Pregnancy reduction,' an everyday horror - News with a Christian Perspective

It Could Be Worse

2011-08-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

The story below (surely fictitious) reminds me of a proverb that I learned as a child. It says, “I felt bad because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no legs.”

“An insurance company that wanted some assurance as to the validity of a claim submitted by a bricklayer. So, they mailed a letter to requesting more information from him and received the following.

I am writing in response to your request for additional information. In block number three of the accident reporting form, I put "poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more and I trust that the following details are sufficient:

I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof of a new six-story building. When I completed my work, I discovered that I had about 500 pounds of bricks left over. Rather than carry the bricks down by hand I decided to lower them in a barrel by using a pulley, which fortunately was attached to the side of the building at the sixth floor.

Securing the rope at the ground level, I went up to the roof, swung the barrel out and loaded the bricks into it. Then I went back to the ground and untied the rope, holding it tightly to insure a slow descent of the 500 pounds of bricks. You will note in block number 11 of the accident reporting form that I weigh 135 pounds. Due to my surprise at being jerked off the ground so suddenly, I lost my presence of mind and forgot to let go of the rope. Needless to say, I proceeded at a rather rapid rate up the side of the building.

In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming down. This explains the fractured skull and broken collarbone. Slowed only slightly, I continued my rapid ascent, not stopping until the fingers of my right hand were two knuckles deep into the pulley. Fortunately, by this time I had regained my presence of mind and was able to hold tightly to the rope in spite of my pain.

At approximately the same time, however, the barrel of bricks hit the ground - and the bottom fell out of the barrel. Devoid of the weight of the bricks, the barrel now weighed approximately 50 pounds. I refer you again to my weight in block number 11. As you might imagine, I began a rapid descent down the side of the building.

In the vicinity of the third floor, I met the barrel coming up. This accounts for the two fractured ankles and lacerations of my legs and lower body. The encounter with the barrel slowed me enough to lessen my injuries when I fell onto the pile of bricks and fortunately, only three vertebrae were cracked. I am sorry to report, however, that as I lay there on the bricks in pain, unable to move, and watching the barrel six stories above - I again lost my presence of mind. I let go of the rope!”

Laugh! It is good for you!

Suffering

2011-08-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

1 Pet. 1:6-7 says In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (7) These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Trials are meant to be purifying experiences and God often allows the trial to come not to break us but to make us. Trials are those things which put us to the test. We must remember that a test is never employed for the purpose of injury any more than we as teachers would seek to injure our students with them. For example, a weight is attached to a rope, not to break it, but to prove it. Also, pressure is applied to a boiler, not to burst it, but to certify its power of resistance.

Charles Spurgeon said it this way, Indeed, it is the honor of faith to be tried. Shall any man say, ‘I have faith, but I have never had to believe under difficulties’? Who knows whether thou hast any faith at all? Shall a man say, ‘I have great faith in God, but I have never had to use it in anything more than the ordinary affairs of life, where I could probably have done without it as well as with it’? Is this to the honor and praise of thy faith? Dost thou think that such a faith as this will bring any great glory to God, or bring to thee any great reward? If so, thou art mightily mistaken.

God's Orchestra

2011-08-15T08:43:00.000-07:00

A study was done on 11 major symphony orchestras and how their members perceived each other. The percussionists were viewed as insensitive, unintelligent, and hard-of-hearing, yet fun-loving. String players were seen as arrogant, stuffy, and unathletic. The orchestra members overwhelmingly chose "loud" as the primary adjective to describe the brass players. Woodwind players seemed to be held in the highest esteem, described as quiet and meticulous, though a bit egotistical. Interesting findings, to say the least! With such widely divergent personalities and perceptions, how could an orchestra ever come together to make such wonderful music? The answer is simple: regardless of how those musicians view each other, they subordinate their feelings and biases to the leadership of the conductor. Under his guidance, they play beautiful music.

2011-08-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder if people realize that the Bible has some pretty strong words about horoscopes? Isaiah 47:13 All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.

Sitting at Our Lord's Feet

2011-08-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

The theme of our devotions this morning was Fight for Your Relationship with God. Our relationship with God does not come automatically. Like any relationship, it takes time and some effort on our part. I’m reminded of the event in Luke 10:39-42 where it says that Martha had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. (40) But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! (41) Martha, Martha, the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, (42) but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. We, like Mary, need to make sure that we take the necessary time to sit at the feet of Jesus and not allow life to get in the way.

Staff Photo

2011-08-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Here is our staff at the International Christian School of Lima. Great group of people!

Sunday Message

2011-08-12T06:22:00.001-07:00

I will be teaching this Sunday morning at the Union Church of Lima. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. and my text will be John 1:1-5.

A New Commandment

2011-08-11T08:57:00.001-07:00

To go along with the theme of our devotions this morning, it says in 1 John 2:7-11 Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. (8) Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. (9) Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. (10) Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. (11) But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Two things can be learned from these verses. The first is found in verses 9-11. We need to be honest with God and confess our feelings of hatred for other people so that God can replace that hatred with His love. It has been said that Hate is like acid in that it can damage the vessel in which it is stored as well as destroy the object on which it is poured. It’s the equivalent of burning down your own house to get rid of a rat.

The second thing that we can learn from these verses is that the commandment to love is both old and new. The old commandment said, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself in Leviticus 19:18. However, the new commandment spoken by Jesus in John 15:12 says, This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. There is certainly a big difference between loving others the way I love myself and loving others the way that Jesus loved me!

Sanctified For Obedience

2011-08-09T21:59:00.001-07:00

I Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, (2) who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

We have been and are being sanctified for obedience to Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, there can truly be no sanctification without obedience. John 14:21a reminds us that whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.

It’s been said that He who believes obeys, and he who obeys believes.

May we be obedient servants of our Lord.

Where our Captain bids us go, 'tis not ours to murmur no; He that gives the sword and shield chooses too the battlefield where we are to fight the foe.

Obedience

2011-08-09T09:09:00.001-07:00

You call me Master and obey me not; You call me Light and see me not;

You call me Way and walk not; You call me Life and desire me not;

You call me Wise and follow me not; You call me Fair and love me not;

You call me Rich and ask me not; You call me Eternal and seek me not;

You call me Gracious and trust me not; You call me Noble and serve me not;

You call me Mighty and honor me not; You call me Just and fear me not;

If I condemn you BLAME ME not!

Back in Lima

2011-07-26T19:12:00.001-07:00

We arrived back in Lima last night at 9:30 p.m. The weather here is awesome at the moment with temps hovering around 60 degrees. We spent the morning today recovering a bit and then ran some errands for groceries and haircuts. We also ended up getting a new battery for our car. I knew it was coming because we had to have it "jumped" a few times before we left.

Tomorrow, Jannett and I start back to work at the school. The boys will still have a bit of their "summer" left until next Wednesday.

It sure was great to see family and friends while we were at home. It was also great to make some new ones!

Audio Files

2011-07-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

I just received a gift from a dear brother to add space to my website so that I can upload some audio files. I'll be adding them a little bit at a time.

Be Still My Soul

2011-06-14T07:03:00.001-07:00

Psa 131:1-3 LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. (2) Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. (3) Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.

Be Still My Soul was reportedly the favorite hymn of Eric Liddell, the athlete who became famous in the 1924 Olympics for refusing to run on the Sabbath (see the movie Chariots of Fire). Liddell later became a missionary in China, and was imprisoned during World War II. He is said to have taught this hymn to others in the prison camp (where he eventually died of a brain tumor).

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.

Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.

Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Prayer

2011-06-13T06:35:00.001-07:00

Every night a mother would kneel on the floor with her little 4 year old to pray. And then one night the little girl asked if she could pray. The mother consented and the little girl began to pray. The more she prayed the softer and softer her little voice became, until her mother could no longer hear her speaking. And then finally the little girl said, Amen! The mom said, Honey, I didn't hear a word you said. The little girl answered, Mama, I wasn't talking to you.

When we pray, we must that remember:

1. The love of God that wants the best for us.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
3. The power of God that can accomplish it.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

2011-06-10T09:03:00.001-07:00

Lam. 3:19-23 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. (20) My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. (21) This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. (22) It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

Thomas Chisolm wrote Great is Thy Faithfulness in 1923. In stanza one he writes of God's unchanging character and unfailing compassions. In stanza two he writes of God's faithfulness in maintaining the order of His universe. In stanza three he writes of God's faithfulness in forgiving our sins, providing strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Each stanza leads to the great culminating chorus that declares the victorious words of Jeremiah, "Great is Thy faithfulness."

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father,

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin And a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, With ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Do Not Worry About Tomorrow

2011-06-09T06:46:00.001-07:00

The Bible says in Matthew 6:25-34 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (26) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (28) And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (30) Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Three times in this passage Jesus gives the command to now worry or be anxious (vv.25, 31, 34). He also gives four reasons why we should not worry or be anxious.

#1 It is unfaithful because of our Master (v.25). To worry is to doubt the faithfulness of our Master to take care of us.

#2 It is unnecessary because of our Father (vv.26-30). The believer has no reason to worry because of who his Father is. Jesus is basically asking, Have you forgotten who your heavenly Father is?

#3 It is unreasonable because of our faith (vv.31-33). Worry is inconsistent with our faith and is therefore sinful. To worry means that we have taken our eyes off of God.

#4 It is unwise because of our future (v.34). Making reasonable provision for tomorrow is wise, but to be anxious about tomorrow is unwise.

There is an old hymn written by Ira Stanfield that says:

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day.
And I don't borrow from the sunshine,
'Cause the skies might turn to gray.

And I don't worry about the future,
'Cause I know what Jesus said;
And today I'm gonna walk right beside Him
'Cause He's the one who know what lies ahead.

There are things about tomorrow
That I don't seem to understand.
But I know Who holds tomorrow,
And I know Who holds my hand.

Feed the Flock

2011-06-07T06:49:00.001-07:00

The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:1 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Although he knew tough times were ahead, Peter encourages them to feed the flock that God had entrusted them with. He is simply passing on what he was told by Jesus in John 21:15-17 during his restoration after denying the Lord.

The primary responsibility of the elder is to the feed the flock of God. The apostles said in Acts 6:2 It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. That is why deacons were selected.

Too many elders get sidetracked with other things. I.e. counseling, church administration, etc… These can be snares of the enemy if they are placed on par to or over the primary responsibility of the elder which is to the feed the flock of God. I've seen way too many pastors who are guilty of this.

taking the oversight thereof : This literally means "Do your job!" In the original it says, "Discharge your duties." Sadly, too many pastors are lazy bums who are simply there for a paycheck. The call to ministry is not a "career choice" but a calling from Almighty God Himself. One old preacher told me once, Son, if you can do anything else, please do us all a favor and do it!

Can't Confine God

2011-06-06T19:38:00.001-07:00

With the elections in Peru behind us and a new president in front of us, I found this on my son Brandon's Facebook this morning and I totally agree.

iiii personally don't see what the big deal is with the elections stuff....i don't think we can possibly confine God's ability to work within this box of who wins or not...God's gonna do what he does whether ollanta wins or mother teresa wins. good thing to know : )

The 23rd Psalm

2011-06-03T07:02:00.001-07:00

Psalm 23:1 says The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The purpose of the 23rd Psalm is to show that God is our shepherd. As such, we can trust Him to provide and care for us. The words I shall not want according to Albert Barnes, as applied to the psalmist, would embrace everything that could be a proper object of desire, whether temporal or spiritual; whether pertaining to the body or the soul; whether having reference to time or to eternity.

I found Seventeen Promises from Psalm 23 years ago. I have no idea from where, but it has been a blessing to me and the source of many messages.

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

I shall not want = That's Supply!
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!
He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!
He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!
For His name sake = That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!
I will fear no evil = That's Protection!
For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!
Thou annointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!
My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!
Forever = That's Eternity!

What is a Friend

2011-06-02T06:37:00.001-07:00

I read this many years ago. I have no idea where it came from, but it is so true. How many friends to we truly have? Oh, we all have acquaintances, but I'm talking about true friends like described below. I don't think most of us can name more than just a few, if that. However, I believe that just one is a tremendous blessing. My best friend is my wife.

"What is a friend? Friends are people with whom you dare to be yourself. Your soul can be naked with them. They ask you to put on nothing, only to be what you are. They do not want you to be better or worse. When you are with them, you feel as a prisoner feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on your guard. You can say what you think, as long as it is genuinely you. Friends understand those contradictions in your nature that lead others to misjudge you. With them you breathe freely. You can avow your little vanities and envies and hates and vicious sparks, your meannesses and absurdities, and in opening them up to friends, they are lost, dissolved on the white ocean of their loyalty. They understand. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse them, neglect them, tolerate them. Best of all, you can keep still with them. It makes no matter. They like you. They are like fire that purges to the bone. They understand. You can weep with them, sing with them, laugh with them, pray with them. Through it all--and underneath--they see, know, and love you. A friend? What is a friend? Just one, I repeat, with whom you dare to be yourself."

Planted by Water

2011-05-31T07:41:00.001-07:00

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

A tree by a river has a continual source of water. It will never wither away, because it is always getting what it needs. If we are constantly needy, it may be worth examining if we are planted by the rivers of water or not. This would also be a tree that is strong and stable, sinking down deep roots. The life of the righteous man is marked by strength and stability.

Love Never Fails

2011-05-30T06:44:00.001-07:00

1 Cor. 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (8) Charity never faileth:….

This chapter is called the love chapter of the Bible. Of course, the word love is from the Greek word agape. It is translated “charity” in the KJV.

In this chapter we find a display of love, not a definition. We must remember that this chapter does follow chapter 12 which dealt with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is logical to assume that chapter 13 tells us that the energy or fuel of the gifts is love.

Thus, a good way to see how we’re doing is to simply replace the word “charity” with our own names. Try it and you’ll understand as I do, that we fall so short, but thanks be to God who loves us still!

Paintball with some middle school students

2011-05-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Love Made Perfect

2011-05-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Many times this verse is quoted out of context because the previous verse says, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment.” It’s primary interpretation is referring to the fact that as Christians we have no need to fear because we have already been judged at the Cross. Of course, it can have secondary application to everyday life issues as well.

I read this illustration of the love of God several years ago, “A certain medieval monk announced he would be preaching next Sunday evening on "The Love of God." As the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through the cathedral windows, the congregation gathered. In the darkness of the altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the cross. It illuminated the crown of thorns, the two wounded hands, the two wounded feet, the marks of the spear. A hush fell on the congregation. He blew out the candle and left. There was nothing else to say.”

Use Time Wisely

2011-05-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

John 19:30 “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

“If you had a bank that credited your account each morning with $86,000 that carried over no balance from day to day...Allowed you to keep no cash in your account, and every evening cancelled whatever part of the amount you failed to use during the day, what would you do? Draw out every cent every day, of course, and use it to your advantage! Well, you have such a bank, and its name is TIME! Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it rules off as lost whatever of this you failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balances, it allows no overdrafts. Each day it opens a new account with you. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow.”

Comfort One Another

2011-05-26T06:51:00.001-07:00

1Th 5:11 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

The encouragement here is not for us to “take” comfort, but to “give” comfort. In other words, if all Christians had a heart to comfort others then all would be comforted. The idea is that a church should be full of active participants and not passive spectators. Hiebert says, “It is clear that in the early church that the care of souls was not delegated to an individual, but it was the work in which every believer shared.” Paul’s encouragement wasn’t to scold them for not doing it, but to encourage them to continue doing it.

It's a Daily Decision

2011-05-17T20:07:00.001-07:00

There is something terribly right about...realizing that our struggle with sin is in many ways similar to an alcoholic's struggle with drinking. It's never over. How often I find myself talking about sin in the past tense as if being a sinner is something I'm beyond--a page turned in the book of my life. But sin is like alcoholism. Sinners are never cured; they simply decide to stop sinning...and it's a daily decision.

Rejoice Always!

2011-04-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4). You'll notice that it doesn't end with "... unless you're doing something extremely important." - Francis Chan

Chastity and Church

2011-04-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

Very interesting findings. Chastity and church: Is there a connection? (OneNewsNow.com)

Friends & Family

2011-03-20T05:30:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things with you and give you a few specific things to pray about.

Updates
The school year is coming along fine. We have about 168 students right now from Kinder to 12th.

God is giving me some awesome relationship with some of the other staff members. It's opened up the door for me to be able to speak into their lives and to pray with them. I am the old man around here with the teachers ranging from 22 to 26 years old.

Dane just took his SAT for college and scored very well. His plan is to go to Liberty University after graduation. Next week he is going to take some Advanced Placement tests to see which classes at the university that he can test out of. Those tests will be in Spanish and Literature.

Both of the boys continue in the ministries that the Lord has given to them. They are faithful in leading worship for the school, church, youth group and community outreaches. We are very proud of them.

Prayer Requests
I've been offered the opportunity to start a Bible study on Sunday evenings beginning on March 27th. I really believe this is from the Lord because so many of the teachers, missionaries and people who just live and work in Peru really need a place to fellowship, worship and learn the Bible in their own language. The majority of them simply do not speak Spanish well enough to be edified in the Spanish church services they normally attend. Please pray that God will bless and that His will would be done. I am going to start with a verse by verse study through the book of Daniel, my sons Dane and Brandon are going to lead worship and Jannett is going to help with the children. Just like old times!

We have just purchased our tickets to come home as a family from June 18th to July 24th. We will be flying into Atlanta, GA to spend a week with my family in Greenville, SC. From there we will drive to Southaven, MS where we will attend a two week training for the Network of International Christian schools and then we will make our way to Andrews, TX. Please pray that the Lord would give us traveling safety, rest, relaxation, catch-up time with our families and friends.

Please also pray that the Lord would give us some time to visit with some of the churches who have been faithful to our ministry here in Peru. Please let me know if your church would be interested in me sharing in one of your services.

Answered Prayer
The transition from the Bible College to the Christian School went smoothly. Our biggest concern was that our supporters back home (you) would follow in that transition. We simply moved by faith that you would and you did! Thank you so much for continuing to support our ministry here through your prayers and finances.

I also had asked you guys to pray about an 11th grade Bible class that I was really struggling with. They were simply unresponsive. However, I changed the format of the class to a group orientated class that involves a lot of group discussion and that has worked wonderfully. I also started given them notes of my lectures with blanks so that they can follow along and fill them in as we go. It has also helped the class to maintain focus. Thanks for your prayers in that area.

Please pray for our Spiritual Emphases Week at the school. A group is coming in this weekend from Tennessee to do this for us. Please pray that God would lead them and that students would be encouraged through their ministry. Also, that some of the students who have never given their lives to Christ would do so during this week.

We love each and every one of you. Thanks for all that you do for us.