Reflections

This Christmas I was overwhelmed by how important family is to me. A couple of days before Christmas day, my immediate family exchanged our gifts. I have said it before, but let me say it again: I am a blessed man.
God has given me much more than I deserve. He has blessed me with a extraordinary life-partner and three great children (a daughter and son-in-law, and a son).

I am grateful for the gifts that I received, but I was overwhelmed with how God has blessed me with my family. Maybe it is a sign of old age or maybe it is the first Christmas without our parents. But family is important.

At creation God established the home and the church. God knew that we needed to be surrounded by family. On the sixth day of Creation God created male and female. Then in Genesis 2, God says: "It is not good for man to be alone." God knew our need for family.

On Christmas Eve, our immediate family traveled to the Metroplex where we were able to spend time with my brother and his immediate family and my wife's sister. I am grateful that God provided me with family. We (and I include myself) take family for granted. Thank God for your family and enjoy spending quality time with them.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a special time of year. I love Christmas music. I have several Christmas CD's, though I haven't had much time to listen to them this year. It is exciting to listen to new arrangements of familiar carols.

Even though Christmas is a special time of year, we get too involved in the hustle and busyness of the season. We rush from store to store trying to find the perfect gift. Added to the shopping we are busy with parties, musicals, church, work, etc. We get so busy with these good things that we often overlook the best thing.

We must not allow these things to keep us from worshiping THE GIFT. There is a lesson we came learn from the shepherds who can to the manger. In Luke 2:16-20 the Word of God says: So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

The Shepherds "spread the word" about what they had seen and experienced. Have we become so calloused that we forget what it was like to have experienced the Savior? Return to the Manger and worship the Savior.

Congratulations

This weekend my son-in-law will be graduating from Texas A&M University. It has been four 1/2 long years for him. In those years he has had challenges, adversity, and hard times. In those years he has worked several hours a week, taken classes, studied, and married my daughter (you will have to ask Clay if his marriage is a challenge, adversity or a hard time).

Seriously, it has been a hard road for him, but he has persevered. It makes me proud to see how he has overcome all that he has faced. If you look in the dictionary for perseverance you should see Clay's picture.

Even though I am a Baylor Bear, I must say that I am proud to have two graduates who are Aggies. That leaves just one more (hint, hint) to graduate. Hopefully, we will be in this position in two more years.

Clay, congratulations for your accomplishments. I am proud of you.

Sights of New England

Sights of New England

Reflections on New England

I have just returned from a Mission Project with the Singing Men of South Texas. You may want to peruse the "photo gallery" on the SMOST website for pictures of the trip.

One of the things that God impressed on me last week was the "lostness" of New England. Only about 2 - 3% of New Englanders attend an Evangelical church. As I was trying to process that information I was reminded of the influence the area has had on Baptists and missions. Two New Englanders, Luther Rice and Adonirum Judson were early pioneer missionaries. Their influence on missions and the future of the Cooperative Program were critical for Southern Baptists. How far has New England moved away from their mission-minded past.

In the Boston area, there are some 80 universities they comprise over 300,000 college students. There are some of our nation's top universities included in that number (Boston University, Tufts, MIT, Harvard). Yet, with all of those students and universities, Baptists are struggling to make an impact. The colleges will not allow Baptists to be on campus, so one of our missionaries, is working to reach college students through house churches. She has been able to start 10 house churches in the area.

It was also in New England in the early 1700's that the First Great Awakening began. That awakening began primarily with college students. Could God be using the churches, pastors, and missionaries to bring another Great Awakening to New England?

Beantown

I will be leaving Wednesday morning with twenty or so people representing the Singing Men of South Texas. We will be singing for the New England Baptist Convention in Marlborough, MA. It is outside of Boston (Beantown, The Walking City).

The New England Baptist Convention is celebrating their 25th anniversary as a convention and the 50th anniversary of Southern Baptist work in that area. We will be providing the music for all the sessions of the convention, singing in churches on Sunday morning, and leading in a Thanksgiving Praise Sing on Sunday afternoon.

Your prayers for our safety and for the Lord to use us while in Boston will be appreciated.

24 Years Ago

It was an early, and I mean early, Thursday morning twenty-four years ago this Saturday. My wife was scheduled to have a C-section to give birth to our first child at 9:30 a.m. on that Thursday morning. My mother-in-law and I took her to the hospital on Wednesday so she would be ready to go on Thursday morning. At 1:15 a.m. on Thursday, my wife called to inform us (her mother and I) that her water had broken. We quickly, and I mean quickly, showered, dressed, and drove the 30 minutes to the hospital.

We arrived at the hospital where we were told that my wife's Dr. was on his way. He was not on call that night since he had been out of town. Anyway, about 4:15 a.m. our first child, Megan was born.

We had been concerned about her because she was breach. The Dr. had tried to turn her, but each time he would lose the baby's heart rate. That forced us to have to have C-section. When Megan was born we found out why the Dr. was unable to turn her - the umbilical cord was wrapped around her shoulder.

It has been twenty-four years since that early morning. I could not be more proud of my first born. Megan, for the most part, has been a wonderful daughter. I say for the most part, because there were those few teenage years. Seriously, God has blessed us with a beautiful daughter and a her wonderful husband.

I can honestly say that I am a blessed man because God has blessed me with a wonderful family. I don't deserve the wife, daughter, son, and son-in-law that God has given me.

What can I say about my daughter? I guess I could say she married way over her head, but that would get me in trouble. (Right Meg?)
Honestly, I can say she is beautiful, talented, and I'm sure a great teacher. I have never seen her in the classroom setting, but I have seen her interact with children. Megan, thank you for blessing my life for these twenty-four years. I love you.

Twenty-one Years Ago

Tomorrow will be twenty-one years since my son was born. It was an early Monday morning, the first Monday after time change. I remember that because the clocks at the hospital were off an hour. We arrived at the hospital early as my wife waited for our second child to be born.
Before I was escorted into the delivery room, I was told that my wife was alright even though her blood pressure had dropped. The Dr. had obviously given her too much medicine that caused the blood pressure drop. She was anxious and slightly irritated, as we waited for the birth. (That is the only time in 21 years since here blood pressure has been low. I'm sure my son has caused her blood pressure to rise a few times.)
The moment of the birth came and our son was born. I was quickly ushered out of the delivery room to waiting family and friends. I announced to the group that we had a boy. They asked about the health of the baby and his mom.

In a sense these twenty-one years have flown. I could not be more proud of my children. God has richly blessed me with a wonderful wife and two marvelous children, by birth, and a marvelous son-in-law. But on this day I want to recognize a son who makes his dad proud.

What can I say about my son? I could speak of his humor, his abilities, or his willingness to express his love for his family. But I will just say: Happy Birthday, Jonathan. I love you.

Character

In reading some other blogs, I was reminded about a quote from Gene Wilkes. Gene is the author of "Jesus on Leadership." Several weeks ago I shared some thoughts from Gene's newest book, "An Angel in the Flame - a tale of two saviors."

One statement that Gene makes in his book literally jumped off the page for me. I re-read it several times because of the impact it had on me.

Gene writes: "You can tell a man's character by two things: how he prays and how he manges his sex drive. How a man prays exposes his heart and to whom he bends his knee. How he manages his sexual urges exposes the depth of discipline in his life."

I would challenge the men who read this blog (all one of you, maybe) to re-read that statement. I believe that Gene has issued us a challenge. We must challenge ourselves every day to pray and discipline our natural desires in order to focus on the mission of God.

Would you join me in seeking to be men of God, used by God? To do so we must live lives that are pure.

Empty Me

Many of you American Idol fans will remember Chris Sligh from a few years ago. A great voice with a head full of hair. Chris has released a new CD. One of the songs, "Empty Me," has been played on Christian radio. This song speaks to me, challenges me, and causes me to examine my own life. Read these words:

I’ve had just enough
Of the spotlight when it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
I’ve tasted my share
Of the sweet life and the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change

Chorus:
Empty me of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds onto
Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You

I’ve seen just enough
Of the quick buys of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change

‘Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to You, compared to You
‘Cause everything is a lesser thing
Compared to You, so I surrender all

Several lines of the song challenge me - the chorus especially.
There have been several mornings in the past few weeks that these words come to my mind when I wake in the morning. Is God trying to tell me something? Is this something which you need to be reminded? Because "everything is a lesser thing, compared to" God.

Join me in praying "Lord, empty me of me so I can be filled with You."

The Cage of Failure

I read this blog by Mark Batterson, Pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. Check it out.

Ike

I would ask your prayers for southeast Texas. The area has been ravaged by Hurricane Ike which has left many, many people either without a home or with severe damage.
There are others several hundred miles from the coast that are still without electricity after five days. I have family members and friends, some of which I haven't had a chance to speak with, that endured the storm. The ones I have talked with only had minor damage and loss of electricity as a result of the storm. They have been blessed by escaping the worst of the storm.
Here is a link to some pictures showing the devastation from the storm.

Hymns and the Next Generation

I was raised on hymns. I must confess I love hymns. They have been for generations the life-blood of the church. They teach theology. Many people know more about the Bible because of hymns they have sung.

I also love contemporary Christian music. I love to sing new songs that express the deep thoughts of individuals. It is refreshing to sing a simple tune to simple words like "I love you, Lord," in a moment of worship.

I also love contemporary hymns. Writers like Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend who have written some powerful songs like "In Christ Alone," and "The Power of the Cross."

I also love it when writers take an old, sometimes unfamiliar hymn, and write a new tune or chorus. People like David Crowder and Chris Tomlin are just two examples of contemporary Christian artists who have written some powerful songs that would fit into this category.

I also love it when a Christian contemporary musician releases a new album of hymns. Here is an article about MercyMe's lead singer Bart Millard, who has released a second hymns album.

A Sense of Destiny

When I was a seminary student I attended a church in Hurst. One of the members gave me a placard which said: "God is the blessed Controller of all things." I thought it was a good saying then, but the longer I live the more I believe it.

I was reminded of that statement the other day. I was reading Mark Batterson's new book "Wild Goose Chase." Batterson is the pastor of National Community Church in D.C. Batterson writes about a conversation that he was having with a family member who was dealing with some issues. Mark finished their conversation by praying an unscripted prayers. He prayed, "Lord, thank You that You want us to get where You want us to go more than we want to get where You want us to go."

They stopped praying and started laughing because they weren't sure what Mark had just prayed. Later, as they began to decipher the riddle, Mark was reminded about this truth: "God is far more concerned about your future than you are."

Proverbs 16:9 says: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." I am reminded of another passage, one that has been a favorite for years, Proverbs 3:5-6. Solomon says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

An Angel in the Flame

The newest book that I am reading is by my friend, Gene Wilkes, Pastor of Legacy Drive Baptist in Plano. Gene and I grew up together in Beaumont and were apart of the same youth group at First Baptist, Beaumont. Gene is also one of my sister-in-laws brother

You can read more about the book and about Gene at this link.

Uncertainty

Isn't it interesting when God provides a word just when you need it? That just happened to me. The uncertainty of life has been on my mind lately and God spoke. He didn't speak audibly but he spoke through a book I'm reading.

I have been reading Mark Batterson's book "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day." Mark is the pastor of National Community Church in the nation's capitol. Mark's words spoke to me about uncertainty. He said: "I used to hate uncertainty, but I'm learning to love it. It is an acquired taste. I am discovering that the greatest moments in life are unscripted. They are unrehearsed and unplanned and unpredictable and that is precisely what makes them unforgettable."

He goes on to say: "We naturally want everything to go according to plan, but the element of surprise infuses life with so much joy. Thank God for uncertainty and unpredictability. The alternative is monotony."

God has called us to live by faith. But faith involves a loss of control. That is especially difficult for someone like me who is a control freak. I like things to go like I want. "With the loss of control comes the loss of certainty. Faith is the willingness and readiness to embrace those uncertainties."

God is trying to teach us that the life of a Christian is about faith - trusting Him as the blessed controller of all things. He is sovereign and is capable of handling the affairs of our life.

Privileged

Let me say at the outset how privileged I am to have an outstanding family. That has been evident this summer. This summer I have been privileged to have been able to work on the same staff as my son. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that we would be able to serve on the same staff.

This summer, Jonathan has served as one our youth interns. Besides being a sponsor on all the youth trips, operating sound for camps, and leading some small group sessions, he has been able to video all of the youth events. In fact, a compilation video of all the youth events is going to be available for purchase.

I am amazed all the time by how talented our children are. That has become evident this summer with Jonathan's videos. I have seen him take some rough video and make a masterpiece. His video work is in addition to his work with the audio at the church.

I realize that pride is a sin, but I'm sure our heavenly Father will forgive me. I am grateful to God for blessing me with a wonderful wife, and talented children (including my son-in-law).

Hallelujah

It is an exciting day, and "Halleljuah" expresses my thoughts well.
My daughter has a job. You can read her blog telling about the job here.

Christians at the Top of the Class

Some of the criticism that we as believers face, is that we are unintelligent. Dr. D. Michael Lindsay, professor of sociology at Rice University, has some interesting comments in this regard.

"Student enrollment at Christian colleges and universities has grown 60 percent since 1990, while the general college student population has barely changed. The percentage of evangelicals earning at least a college degree has increased by 133 percent, which is much more than any other religious tradition. As highly selective universities have sought to diversify their student bodies by race, gender, and ethnicity, they have also unintentionally diversified their campuses' religious makeup."

Rev. Peter Gomes, who has taught at Harvard for the last forty years, says, "There are probably more evangelicals (on Harvard's campus today) than at any time since the seventeenth century." A growing number of graduate students are also engaging their faith in various ways. One such program is The Harvey Fellows Program, sponsored by Dennis and Eileen Bakke, that have students enrolled in top academic programs like Yale Law School, Harvard Business School, and PhD programs around the country. These programs feature some of the the brightest individuals in the arts, humanities, law, medicine, business, and engineering.

Lindsay says, "Developments in recent years have enabled a growing number of faithful Christ followers to shed the cultural insularity of Christianity's recent past. If events of the last few years continue, outspoken Christians will come to occupy even more important roles within the intellectual mainstream."

Mark Batterson

As I mentioned in my last blog, I have been reading "UnChristian." One of the chapters, entitled "Sheltered," speaks of how Christians are viewed by the younger generation as being boring, unintelligent, old-fashioned, and out of touch with reality. Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C., comments about how his church is changing the perception of Christians being sheltered.

Batterson's church meets in movie theaters at Union Station. Approximately twenty-five million people pass through the Station every year. The station features 125 retail shops, a food court, a train station, a metro stop, and a movie theater. Batterson realized that they could not buy or build a church building, where their church would have more visibility than the Station.

As a part of their ministry, the church now owns and operates the largest coffeehouse in the nation's capital. Ebenezer's opened for business in March of 2006 and is rated as one of the best coffeehouses in the city. The business also doubles as a sanctuary for two Saturday night services.

Mark Batterson compares a coffeehouse as a ancient water well. Wells were natural gathering places in ancient culture. "Coffeehouses are postmodern wells," Batterson says. The coffeehouse also serves as place "where the church and community can cross paths."

UnChristian

I am reading a new book by David Kinnaman, president of The Barna Group and Gabe Lyons, founder of the Fermi Project. The book is: "unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity... and Why it Matters." The book resulted when Kinnaman received a call from his friend, Gabe Lyons, that he was resigning his church to work with young adults, ages 16-29.

Gabe commissioned the Barna group to do extensive research on what young Americans think about Christianity. Lyons had a gut-level sense that something was desperately wrong, and three years of research paints exactly that picture. Mosaics and Busters (the generations that include late teens to early 30-somethings) believe Christians are judgmental, antihomosexual, hypocritical, too political and sheltered.

There are comments included by some Christian leaders who add their assessment of the problems and how the Christian community should respond.

Many of the comments by the young adults are accurate. The church has been judgmental, hypocritical, etc. I have been challenged by the book. The church wonders why she is unable to make a significant difference in the lives of young adults. Some of the reasons are included in the book. The church has been guilty of some these charges.

The church needs to learn how to be true to Biblical teaching and yet not be hateful and judgmental. The church has responded in a hateful, unchristian manner in her dealings with these young adults and others.

It is an interesting read. One that should be read by many Christians, especially church leaders.

Josh Hamilton

It has been a while since I last blogged. I have been warned by my son that I didn't blog he would remove me from his blogroll.

This is an inspirational story about Josh Hamilton. Josh just this week almost won baseball's Home Run Derby prior to the All Star Game. Josh is a player for the Texas Rangers, but more than that he is fellow Christian brother with a marvelous testimony. You need to read his story.

An Act of Love

This article is a wonderful story about Kyle Woods. Woods was a Baylor football player who was injured during football practice in 1979. He suffered a fractured back spinal cord injury which has left him in a wheelchair for all these years.

There is also a great video that was done by George Riba of WFAA TV in Dallas. It is how coaches and teammates have combined their efforts to build Kyle a house.

The story and video are worth your time. I have been a fan of former Baylor Coach Grant Teaff for years. The video shows his character and integrity.

Church Decline

In a recent interview Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention, indicated that the convention is rapidly declining. He said that the resistance to change could cause more than half of the 44,000 churches to die by 2030. In a matter of 22 years, more than 20,000 churches could close their doors.

I have spent almost 28 years as a local church minister. I have given all of my adult life to the church, either in training or serving local churches as a minister. Having given my life to the local church that statistic scares me. It scares me, not because I may not have a job, but because I'm concerned about the church we are leaving my children.

It is time for the church to do whatever it can to reach this younger generation. These 20 somethings consist of one of the most spiritual generations in history. The problem is, to quote a book title: "I like your Jesus, but I can't stand your church."

What are the changes that need to be made to reach this generation? I honestly don't know, but I know that our time, our resources, our scheduling, our politics, our music styles have to change to reach this generation.

Dove Awards

Today I have been watching the 2008 Dove Awards. I recorded it last night when it aired live. The show not only has the winners in different categories (such as Group of the Year, etc.) but it also have some performances by some outstanding Christian artists.

The show featured Casting Crowns, David Crowder Band, and a special presentation by a the combined artists of Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, Christy Nockels, Israel Houghton, Chris Tomlin, and Steven Curtis Chapman.

Some of the winners for 2008 are:
Chris Tomlin - Male Vocalist
Natalie Grant - Female Vocalist
Casting Crowns - Group of the Year
"East to West"- Song of the Year
Brandon Heath - New Artist of the Year
"Everything Glorious" - Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year
"How Great Is Our God" - Worship Song of the Year

They also inducted Larnell Harris and others into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame as well as honoring the contribution of Michael W. Smith for 25 years in gospel music.

But more than the winners, performances and special recognitions it was a joy to hear the hearts of some of the winners. Some of those moments came when Mark Hall, the writer of "East to West," received the award for Song of the Year. Mark shared how grateful he was to know the grace and mercy of a God who forgives us of our sins and removes those sins as far as the east is from the west.

Wish You Were Here

This may be the most difficult post I have written. It has been four weeks since my Mom went to be with the Lord. It has been a difficult time. My Dad went to be with the Lord almost 27 years ago. My children didn't have the opportunity to know him, since they were born after his death.

I was reminded of an experience that I had four weeks ago. My wife and I had left Beaumont, leaving my Mom's hospital bed, not knowing how much longer she would be with us. I was listening to Mark Harris' newest CD. One of the songs, "Wish You Were Here," was the next song on my ipod. I had to skip the song, because the lyrics were much to fresh. (You will understand that better in a moment - when you read the lyrics.) Moments later my older brother called to tell me that my Mom had passed from this life.

Here are the lyrics to that song.

WISH YOU WERE HERE
1 Cor. 2:9
Pete Kipley and Dan Muckala

I wanted to tell you how closely I’ve kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we’re apart
But don’t cry for me
‘Cause I’m finally free

To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That’s where I’ll be
When you finally find me
No don’t you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you’ve never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day They’ll welcome you home
And that’s when you’ll be
Finally free
Finally free
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker
That’s where I’ll be
When you finally find me
I wish you were here, I wish you were here
And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that’s when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again
To run with the angels on streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our maker that’s where you’ll be
When you finally find me

We’ll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We’ll listen to stories of saints new and old
We’ll worship our maker that’s where we’ll be
When you finally find me

I wish you were here

© 2005 Songs From The Indigo Room (adm by Wordspring Music, Inc.)/SESAC, Wordspring Music, LLC/SESAC, Word Music, LLC/ASCAP and Glomo Music (adm by Word Music, LLC)/ASCAP

I think my Mom was trying to tell me something four weeks ago, but I couldn't bear to hear it at the time. She was saying that she was "finally free - to run with the Angels on streets made of gold."

One day I will be "finally free" to join my Mom, my Dad, Roger, and the many others who have gone on before. Until that day I want to be faithful worshiping our Maker here on earth.

The Day That True Love Died

Enjoy this video. It is a video of the song "The Day that True Love Died." It is written by, Phil Wickham, a worship leader from California. It is very appropriate for the Easter season.

You Never Let Go

This has been a difficult few weeks. For those who don't know, my Mom went to be with the Lord a couple of weeks ago. I heard a Pentecotal preacher say: "you never get over losing your Mom." That comment has been with me for over ten years.

Even with all that I have experienced I was reminded and encouraged by a Matt Redman's song entitled "You Never Let Go." The song was released last year, but I want to remind you of these words.

You Never Let Go

Even though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death,
Your perfect love is casting out fear.
And even when I´m caught in the middle
Of the storms of this life,
I won´t turn back; I know You are near.

And I will fear no evil,
For my God is with me.
And if my God is with me,
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?

O no, You never let go,
Through the calm and through the storm
O no, You never let go,
In every high and every low
O no, You never let go, Lord You never let go of me.


And I can see a light that is coming
for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare.
And there will be an end to these troubles,
But until that day comes,
We´ll live to know You here on the earth.

Yes, I can see a light that is coming
For the heart that holds on,
And there will be an end
To these troubles,
But until that day comes,
Still I will praise You,
Still I will praise You.

Baylor Bears

The Baylor men's basketball team will be in the NCAA tournament for the first time in twenty years. Though I was dissappointed in their play last week in the Big 12 tournament, I will be cheering for the Bears this week.

The Baylor women's basketball team will also be participating in the NCAA Women's tournament. This is the fifth straight year that the women's team has made this tourament. They have been to the tourament seven times under Coach Kim Mulkey.

To my knowledge, which is limited, I believe that this will be the only time in the school's history that the men's and women's basketball teams will be playing in their respective tournaments. Finally, Baylor fans are having something to cheer about. Now if only the teams will make a good showing in the tournament, and end the losing streak for both teams.

Guard Yourselves and God's People

I have started reading another book. My wife will probably say I read too many books, or at least she will say I buy too many books. But I love to read. Anyway, the present book I am reading is "Who Stole My Church" by Gordon McDonald. McDonald is one of my favorite authors. He is a pastor and author, serving churches in the northeast part of the country.

This book is fiction, but McDonald is writing from the first person as if he is involved in a meeting of some church members. Though the book is fiction, it contains a great deal of truth.

McDonald quotes Acts 20:28.
After reading the verse I was once again reminded of how we tend to be critical of the church. Leaders sometimes complain members' lack of commitment. Members tend to complain about leaders and the decisions they make. But we forget what God's Word tells us about the church.

We often speak of "my church." We complain that a leader or member does something to "my church" to which I disagree. The problem is the Apostle Paul doesn't say the church belongs to me. He also doesn't say the church belongs to you. Paul says, that it is God's church, "which He bought with His own blood."

I may not like drums in worship, or I may think that the organ is outdated, but the problem isn't what I like because it is God's church. The church doesn't belong to me or you - it belongs to God. He bought it with His own blood and He has given us the responsibility as leaders to "watch" over ourselves and the flock of God.

The next time we complain about the church or talk about "my church" we must remember that it is God's church. He bought it with His own blood. He paid the ultimate price for the church.

The Super Bowl Spotlight Shines on a Changed Man

This is a story about how Christ has changed David Tyree's life. For those who don't know Tyree made one touchdown catch and a remarkable 4th quarter catch against his helmet. You need to read this article.

Baylor Proud

As a graduate of Baylor, I have not had much to brag about with our sports teams. Yes, the Baylor Women's basketball team has been successful - in fact they won the national championship a few years ago. Yes, the tennis team has been successful. But the men's basketball and football teams have not seen successful in years.

Now for the first time in the history of Baylor, both the men's and women's basketball teams are in the top 25 teams in the nation. The men's team, under the leadership of Coach Scott Drew, is in the the top 25 for the first time since 1969 - some 18 months before Coach Drew was born.

Last night the Bears played the nationally ranked Aggies. Thanks to my son I was able to watch the game on the Internet as the game went into overtime. Let me say that the game, which went into five overtimes, was one of the best basketball games I have seen. The longest game in history went into seven overtimes. The Aggies and the Bears played their hearts out. The Aggies lost at least one player to fouls in the overtime period. The Bears lost five players to fouls in the five overtimes.

Without trying to offend my Aggie family members, let me say how proud I am of the Baylor Basketball team. In 2003, Scott Drew inherited a basketball program that was, to say the least, wounded.
With the loss of players, either by transfer, death, or prison and with the NCAA penalties - the basketball program was almost near death. Coach Drew, in less than five years, has brought some pride back to Baylor basketball.

I realize a few games doesn't mean that the program is a success, but it is a step in the right direction. With the hiring of Coach Art Briles, the football team, I believe will also begin to make a comeback.

It has been a long time since Baylor fans have had much to be excited about. You Aggies and Longhorns don't know how it is when you can't get excited about your school's sports teams. But let me say - the coaches of the Baylor sports teams, along with the players - are bringing back some pride.

Sic 'em Bears.

Top Ten Predictions for 2008

Some have listed posts based on the top ten events of 2007. Others have made predictions about what will happen in 2008. Some of those predictions come true and some don't. Those predictions are based on one person's opinions. Those predictions are futile - barely worth the paper they are written on.

I have the "Top Ten Predictions for 2008" which are a sure-fire bet. I can guarantee these predictions. So here are they are:

1) The Bible will still have all the answers.
2) Prayer will still work.
3) The Holy Spirit will still move.
4) God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5) There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6) There will still be singing of praise to God.
7) God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8) There will still be room at the Cross.
9) Jesus will still love you.
10) Jesus will still save the lost.

(source unknown)

These predictions are based on fact - and aren't you glad?

Aging

I have been thinking about aging more lately. It is not because I'm having a birthday anytime soon, but is centered around my aching back. I spent the final days of last year dealing with an aching back. I strained my back and spent several days moving from the bed to a straight-back chair. That tends to make you think about aging - which we all do. Someone has been so bold to suggest that I move to the nursing home. It's nice to have friends like that.

I was reading about one of my favorite Bible scholars. He is an former pastor, author and Bible teacher. I had the privilege of hearing him a few years ago. Warren Wiersbe is Bible scholar who has written the "Be" series - commentaries of many of the books of the Bible.

Anyway, in Wiersbe's autobiography, he writes about one particular day. It was a drizzly day and he was suffering from the pangs of arthritis. It reminded him of the consequences of getting old. In his devotions on that day, God led him to Isaiah 58:11, which says:

"The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

Then Wiersbe wrote this:

"After I've attended my last meeting and preached my last sermon, written my last book and answered my last letter, told my last joke and said my last good-bye, and I wake up in the presence of my Lord, I want to be able to say to Him what Jesus said when He came to the end of His earthly ministry: 'I have glorified You on the earth, I have finished the work You have given me to do' (John 17:4)."

That's a good word for all of us. Oh, that we might be able to live our lives to the fullest and be able to say to our Lord "I have glorified You on the earth."

John Wesley, one of the so-called founders of the Methodist church, said on his seventy-first birthday: "How is this, that I find just the same strength as I did thirty years ago? That my sight is considerably better now, and my nerves firmer, than they were then?" Nine years later, on reaching the age of eighty, he said, "Lord, let me not live to be useless."

I can't say that my strength is the same today as it was thirty years ago. Nor can I say that my sight and nerves are better than they were. But I want to be able to say, no matter my age, "Lord, let me not live to be useless."

We need to ask God use us no matter our age. May we be able to say that we lived each day being useful for God's Kingdom.