Christian Living

A few weeks, ago before the Sunday evening service, we had one of the meetings that I most look forward to—a Pastor’s Prayer Partners fellowship. This is a group of people in our church who have committed to pray with a partner for me, my family, and the ministries of our church. Their commitment and faithfulness is a tremendous blessing and encouragement to me.

I am not excited because I have retired and am looking forward to a stress free life of daily golf. (Those who know me well know that there are few things more stressful to me than trying to hit a golf ball.) I am feeling great because we are following God’s plan for our life in beginning a new ministry that we believe will be every bit as busy and productive as the one we are leaving.

If the ministry is anything, it is labor. Paul told Timothy, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Timothy 3:1). And that is exactly what it is—work.

Each generation must contend for, “The faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). If the foundations of faith upon which our freedoms stand are being destroyed, what can we do but lay them again?

I almost drowned once. It was at a friend’s birthday party, of all places. I think I was six. Thankfully, I was rescued, but I still remember that sense of helplessness as I was engulfed in the water and knew I couldn’t swim.

For two thousand years, Christians have been persecuted in many places all over the world for teaching and practicing their faith. This is not new.

Every Bible-believing Christian sees the need to pray for our nation and its leaders. But knowing we need to pray is not the same as praying.

When we deal with adversity, we have a tendency to think that we are an isolated case; however, everyone faces difficulty at various times in life. We aren’t the only ones dealing with trouble.

Now, more than ever before, current events remind us that we are living in the last days. Recent events have pointed to Bible prophecies concerning the progressive lifestyles of sin (2 Timothy 3:1–4) and the oblivion of and disregard for God’s judgment (Matthew 24:37–39).

A controversy has grown up over standards in conservative churches. There is a movement against the standards fundamentalists have followed, and there are some who question whether they should have standards at all. In all the fussing on “both sides” of the standards issue, some very basic facts are being lost.

So how do you read a book? In addition to my daily Bible reading, I am an avid reader. Reading is food for the mind! Television turns your brain to mush! You decide! Here are some tips I’ve discovered in reading a book:

I’ll just come right out and say it: I believe America is the greatest nation on earth. I know, I know. In today’s globalist times, nationalism isn’t always revered as a virtue. But there is not an unpatriotic bone in my body, and I unashamedly practice patriotism and believe it should be taught to a younger generation.

There is a quote that I remember hearing repeated frequently during Bible college: “Always make sure to keep the main thing the main thing.” Yet, all across America, and, yes, even on the mission field, the main thing seems to no longer be the main thing. I am sure you have guessed what I am talking about—soulwinning!

Faith is seldom developed in comfortable surroundings. As long as we maintain the familiar, predictable routines of life and ministry, we only maintain our faith. But when we choose to step outside our comfort zone—in obedience to the call of God—God increases our faith. And the further out we step, the more He increases it.

What can be done after a revival to maintain the sense of revival once we are back to our regular routine? If you sense that God did a work in your heart during revival, and you want to keep that place and not regress, here are some suggestions:

No building can be erected without tools. In fact, quality work depends largely on the right tools being available and in excellent condition. Several years ago I needed to saw some lumber for a drama set we were building.

Jesus Christ is our great example. As laborers together with God, we are on the same team and understand that if the team wins, we win.

From our earliest days of driver’s training, we quickly learn the importance of making sure that the gear shift is pointing at the right letter. We have learned that there is a tremendous difference between a car being in neutral, drive, or park. Personally and ministerially, it is wise to inspect whether we are in neutral, drive, or park.

I enjoy cooking, finding recipes, and sharing new meals with my family and guests who visit our home. Because of my love for cooking, I get especially excited when I have the opportunity to visit a restaurant that I have read about or seen advertised. And, if I happen to have the chance to eat at one of these restaurants, I always look to see what the critics have said about the food, décor, and overall dining experience.

The Lord has given me the privilege of having dear friends in ministry—friends who love me and my family, challenge me in my spiritual growth, rejoice with me in God’s blessings, and hold me accountable in my personal life.