July 2016

#mondaymarriagematterspart4

July 29, 2016July 28, 2016 by Dale, posted in Love, Marriage, Salvation, Uncategorized

Bike Ride — Continuing the journey of intimacy

Today I will end the week of posts with the last of six reasons why marriage matters (#mondaymarriagematters).

Marriage matters because of its unique intimacy.

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed (Genesis 2:25).

The greatest relationship in all the world is found in the redemptive, justifying work of Jesus Christ on the cross that makes us, who were at one time enemies of God, now reconciled to God, and no longer at enmity with God but set apart to Him for eternity (Romans 3:9-31; 5:1-11; Colossians 1:20-22). That relationship is offered to all men by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Peter 1:2-4). The cross and resurrection proves that God the Father sent His Son to reconcile the world back to Himself to be restored to eternal fellowship (John 3:16).

There is another special relationship that cannot be duplicated on this planet in any other union except between what God has ordained between only a man and a woman. That uniqueness is the intimacy found in a husband-wife relationship. For intimacy to flourish in a marriage relationship to its highest level there must be integrity, trust, and openness. Adam and Eve were completely at ease with each other at this highest level because at this point in the narrative there was no evil. There was genuine, pure openness. Even though evil abounds in our world and in our hearts (Jeremiah 17:9), genuine believers in Christ have the power through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to experience blessed intimacy with God the Father and in marriage (John 14:16-23; 15:1-27; Romans 8:1-39; Ephesians 5:18-33).

Marriage matters every day of the week, month, year and your life. As you grow in your intimacy with your spouse, you will be glad you took intimacy seriously.

Here’s my testimony to intimacy that I hope will encourage you: The Gift of 35 Years

#marriagematterspart3

July 28, 2016July 27, 2016 by Dale, posted in God's Creation, Love, Marriage, Uncategorized

Companionship

So, what did God’s Word say to you as you considered from yesterday’s post that marriage is the creation of God, the Originator?

Today we will we consider the second reason why marriage matters #mondaymarriagematters.

Marriage matters because this is God’s ultimate earthly plan for companionship. (Genesis 2:18, 21-22)

God said that it was not good for man to be alone, so he gave Adam a woman, his wife. Consider the following thoughts with me:

The only thing in God’s creation that He said was “not good” was man being alone.

Genesis 2:18 “begins with the striking announcement by God that the man is not yet as God had planned to be. Adam is alone, and that state is not good—the only thing in creation that is not good in God’s opinion. Since the idea of ‘good’ describes that which is appropriate and fitting within the purpose of creation, the man’s being alone was not good, because he could not do all that God had planned for humankind.” (Allan Ross)

Nothing else in the world completes a man, answers the “is it not good” situation except a woman (2:18-20).

This is God’s perfect plan from the beginning. His ways and thoughts are transcendent and perfect (Psalm 18:30; Isaiah 55:8-9). Adam did not find this completion in the animal world. According to the divine, righteous plan of God, He “made a woman” for Adam (2:22).

Both man and woman are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

This means that both man and woman are personal, relational, rational, moral beings.

Each in their God-given role, man and woman, complete each other (Genesis 2:18).

The word “helpmeet” in the KJV means:

Help – one who provides what is lacking; not a demeaning term; God created man to need a partner, a wife.

Meet – one who corresponds to physically, socially and spiritually

So, how does this apply to today?

A husband and wife should be best friends. There is nothing wrong with a man having time with “his buds” or the wife having some “girl time,” but each should always long to be with their spouse over everyone else.
A husband should seek to understand his wife (1 Peter 3:7) and the wife her husband so they can learn each other strengths and weaknesses. This will enable them to “play to each other’s strengths” and support each other’s weaknesses. Your wife is not your enemy. You should each be looking out for one another, to help, to assist, to learn, to work together. There you find completion.
The greatest way to understand companionship is to learn of Christ and His relationship with you through His Word in power of the Spirit. God made you for a personal relationship with Him, and you are to love Him with all your heart (Matthew 22:37). Therefore, as husband and wife draw closer to God, they are automatically drawing closer to each other.

More tomorrow . . . because marriage matters.

#mondaymarriagematterspart2

July 27, 2016July 26, 2016 by Dale, posted in Marriage

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Yesterday’s post was the foundation for my writings this week. Today, I want us to consider the first reason why marriage matters.

Marriage matters because it is the creation of God. He is the Originator. (2:18, 21-22)

What does this mean for marriage? Since God created marriage, then His “Owner’s Manual” (The Word of God, the Bible) is the only place to find out exactly how marriage is to work. Indeed, the Word is filled with many commands and examples for marriage that if followed would enable men and women to live to the fullest as God intended in the bonds of marriage, even in a sin-cursed world. Here are a few examples:

Genesis 2:18-25
1 Corinthians 13:1-8a
Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:21-33
Proverbs 18:22
Hebrews 13:4
1 Peter 3:1-7
Romans 8:1-39
Romans 12:1-2
Galatians 5:16 – 6:10

Take one passage a day or work through a longer passage for a week. Read it together, taking turns reading through the verses out loud. Don’t be in a hurry. Share what God teaches you, brings to your mind as you read through the Scripture. Remember, the Holy Spirit is guiding you into truth (John 16:13) helping you to understand God’s plan for your marriage. Jot down your findings in a journal. Pray with your spouse as you read through the passage as well as afterwards as you confess, repent, and move forward with your biblical action plan. Men, you take the lead in this endeavor. Every issue you face in marriage is addressed in the Word of God!

And, my I remind you, your marriage is more important than your children. So take the time to build up your marriage and create a good home for your children.

More tomorrow . . . because marriage matters.

#mondaymarriagematters

July 26, 2016July 26, 2016 by Dale, posted in Marriage, Uncategorized

Not too long ago, a #mondaymarriagematters Instagram thread began. Every Monday, ladies post pictures that recognize something about their husband that is special to them and demonstrate their appreciation through this social media. Why? Because marriage matters.

Genesis 2:18-25 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman because she was taken out of man.” 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Marriage matters because it is the creation of God. He is the Originator. (2:18, 21-22)
Marriage matters because this is God’s ultimate earthly plan for companionship. (2:18, 21-22)
Marriage matters because of its unique distinction set down by God. (2:19-20)
Marriage matters because of its unique role. (2:23)
Marriage matters because it is God’s plan for the family unit, one man and one woman. (2:24)
Marriage matters because of its unique intimacy. (2:25)

So, marriage matters on Monday, and it also matters the rest of the week, month, year . . . until death parts you.

How are you demonstrating today to your spouse and to God that His awesome, unique creation of marriage matters to you?

The Most Important Word in Running

July 22, 2016July 21, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Running, Thanksgiving

That was the title to an article found within the pages of Runner’s World written by Mark Remy. The subtitle was, “Here’s a hint: It has nothing to do with nutrition, form, or VO2 max.”

So now, you are asking, what did the article say was the most important word in running? Are you ready?—-“Thank you.”

Often my wife, who power walks, and I remark about how grateful we are to be out exercising. We both realize that all we are enjoying comes from the good hand of our God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

So what are we grateful for?

The beauty of running in the country!
Ol’ Bossie watching us from the cow pasture.
Seeing a newborn calf.
Quiet.
Time to pray, memorize Scripture, and/or listen to sermon podcasts.
Fellowship with other runners and the encouragement they bring to keep going.
The ability to exercise. I promise you this is not taken for granted!
Meeting some our neighbors who are out as well.
The benefits of exercise.
Safety. (This can be a challenge when faced with a driver who does not want to lose five seconds of his drive-time.)
Goal setting.
Being with my wife.
Camaraderie with other runners through the MapMyRun app.
Finishing the race.
Good shoes.
Water & Gatorade!
Strength & endurance
Memories of good and bad races.
The opportunity to run again in races that were special.
The fall colors.
Our Enduracool towels.
The Tweetsie Trail.
Eyes to see, ears to hears, and lips to rejoice in all that God has created around us.
Life in Christ that makes this life worth living.

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:20)

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Running to Heaven

July 21, 2016July 21, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Eternity, Running, Uncategorized

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I love to run! There is something special about being outdoors, the scenery of the mountains or farm lands, pushing your body beyond what you think it can do, running alone or with others or a crowd, and then the exhilarating rush of accomplishment!

Kingsport, TN, hosts an annual race that has intimidated me due to its Saturday, 9:58 p.m. start time. I have never run in a race beyond 7:00 p.m. and the thought of its effect upon my “Sunday life” left me a bit concerned. I missed it last year, but had set my sights on conquering this Crazy 8s 8K this time around! Wow! What a race! 2,287 participants lined up on Ft. Henry Drive for the start. After prayer that included the gospel and ended with a note of thanks for Christ’s death on the cross as well as a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, it was time for the start! Obviously, it is a bit slow for the wave of runners to get up to speed, but as we turned the corner onto Eastman Road, we were well up to our pace. All the way, folks were gathered on the sidewalks to watch, cheer, hold up signs, spray us with water, and give us a boosts of mental energy. The highlight was finishing the race by entering J. Fred Johnson Stadium with the festive fanfare of multiplied cheers of encouragement. What a run!

Crazy 8 8K

Scripture reminds us that the Christian life is like running a race:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1).

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).

May I encourage all believers today in the Christian race to:

“Stay the course” – Be faithful in your daily spiritual preparation of the Word, prayer, memorization, memorization, and the use of 1 John 1:9.
Don’t run aimlessly – Just as you choose the races to run, have a plan and set goals for your spiritual growth. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Exercise self-control – Begin your day in surrender to Christ. Don’t listen to yourself . . . preach the Truth to yourself . . . and do it all day! (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Be encouraged by all who have finished – Just when you think you will not make it through another day, look to the Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) as well as all who have finished well. (Hebrews 12:1; Isaiah 40:31)
Edify and encourage other runners — This race is an eternal one with an eternal reward. We are running the best race. Let’s help the fallen, encourage the weak, hand them a cup of water, and run alongside at times.
Keep pressing on toward the goal – We are to be forward-looking believers. In a race, I may look back to see who’s behind me for safety sake as I move right or left in the road, but my mind is not on the start line but the finish line.
Finish well – As I turned right onto Indian Drive and up the hill for the stadium, I could hear the crowd cheering, the music playing, Tom Taylor making comments over the PA system, and it gave me a boost of energy to quicken my pace. For a runner, coming into that stadium and running to the 50 yard line with folks on both sides cheering; that was one awesome entrance!! I’ve got tears in my eyes right now thinking about it. I can only imagine what Heaven will be like with the saints of God praising, singing, worshipping, enthralled in the presence of Christ, and knowing . . . we are finally Home!

As I said earlier, we are running the best race now with the Bema as the finish line and Christ the Perfect Judge to hand out the rewards. In the meantime, let’s run spiritually and physically well for God’s glory. By the way, “When’s the next race? I’m ready!”

Give a listen: Finish Well

Map My Run

July 20, 2016July 20, 2016 by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Health, Running, The Bible, Trials, Uncategorized

Map My Run is a handy app on my phone that logs all my workouts. It records my distance, duration time, average pace, split-pace times, calories burned and elevation gain. These details are very important as I reach out for my goals in preparation for the next race or just to keep in shape.

Map My Run reminds me of a very functional tool for your daily spiritual growth—a journal. Just as the Map My Run app helps me track my physical fitness, I believe a hand written journal or one online is a good means to help you in your daily relationship with Christ; to run the race of the Christian life as we set our affection on things above and not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2) to stay spiritually fit. So consider the following questions:

How do you track your growth in Christ?
As you read the Word each day, where do you record what God said to you?
When you attend church, how do you document what God is up to in your life during the service whether in singing, prayer, small group Sunday School or the preaching?
What has the Lord been teaching you in the school of trials and temptation?
How have you seen God answer prayer today?
What spiritual goals have you attained by the grace of God?
What sins have your overcome?
What victories have been won by faith and God’s grace?

We are prone to soon forget the blessings of God, the impact of His Word, and the lessons He brings, but not so if we record them in a journal and then scan over them each week. Our Shepherd is leading us today (Psalm 23). Let’s track His steps and His lessons in our lives. The Christian life is not a sprint but a marathon. Let’s run well in His Word, burning off the calories of sin, the flesh and the world, and keep a good pace through all the elevations of life as we run for the prize.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

This Will Change the World

July 15, 2016July 14, 2016 by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

Yesterday, I put the following status on our church Facebook page:

Why do we have Sunday School? The Great Commission. Why do we have Church in the Park? The Great Commission. Why do we have Greeters? The Great Commission. Why do we have Fellowship Time every Sunday at 10:00? The Great Commission. Why do we have Pioneer Club? The Great Commission. Why do we have Youth Ministry? The Great Commission. Why do we have Connection Cards? The Great Commission. Why do we have VBS? The Great Commission. Why do we have Apples of Gold? The Great Commission. Why do we have Deacons? The Great Commission. Why do we preach the Word? The Great Commission. Why does BCBC exist?—–THE GREAT COMMISSION!!!!

According to Matthew 28:18-20, every New Testament, local church should be motivated in every area of ministry by the Great Commission which is the genuine definition of discipleship. God will be glorified when Christ and His work is exalted by the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

EVERY pastor, staff, Sunday School teacher, greeter, VBS leader & worker, deacon, welcome team member, usher, choir member, Pioneer Club/AWANA/children’s ministry leader & worker, believer in Christ should be living a soul-conscious life that breathes the Great Commission at church and outside the walls of church. When we enter the doors of our church buildings, our homes, our place of employment, the grocery store, the ballpark and/or family reunions, it should be natural to see others as blessed opportunities to share the gospel, fulfill the one another’s of Scripture, and to pray, exhort, encourage them as we point them to Christ. EVERY person around you needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ or be encouraged in Christ because life is Christ (John 14:6). Believers in Christ are followers of Christ who daily witness the words and works of Christ in order to proclaim the message of Christ to a hell-bound, hurting world that desperately needs Christ. Like a billboard I saw recently that said, “Every answer of life is found in Christ.” And, if we are really a follower of Christ, daily in His Word and in prayer, fulfilling the Great Commission will never be forced or phony. The Christ in you will be the Christ coming out of you.

Are you an obedient disciple of Christ? May the Great Commission not be an omission in our lives.

Disciples, it’s who we are; Discipleship, it’s what we do! It will change the world!

My Vocabulary

July 14, 2016July 13, 2016 by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

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A current event on Facebook is something called “My Vocabulary.” When you click on the link, the following is found on the opening page:

Online English Vocabulary Size Test

Ever wonder about your vocabulary size? Even if you are a daily English speaker or a native English speaker, you still might find this test challenging!

We conducted academic research and looked at online resources to design the model of this quiz. We believe we’ve prepared the best quiz for you!

Although I have not taken the quiz, the numbers I’ve seen from those who have range from 10,000 to 22,350 to 30,150 words in their vocabulary.

As I’ve pondered this, the question that comes to mind is how much of my vocabulary are words of:

Praise from all the Scripture and songs I’ve been exposed to over the years.
Memorized Scripture that would be on the tip of my tongue to exhort, encourage, and edify others.
Gospel presentation that would enable me to share Christ and hopefully see that soul come to Christ.
Admiration, respect, love and discipleship for my spouse and family.
Soft answers.
Wisdom
Grace, Seasoned with salt.

When we think about our vocabulary, our prayer needs to be, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

Severe Weather Alert

July 12, 2016July 11, 2016 by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

fri_jul_08_21h22m14_2016 — Mark’s Weather Blog

The black cloud hanging over the hill behind our home had an eerie, foreboding look. My weather.com app carried a severe thunderstorm alert for most of the day which is not unusual in the summer time. Denise and I sat down to eat while keeping an eye on the storm. After thanking the Lord for His grace provision before us and asking for protection, I took one bite and then . . . . Whoosh!!!!! Oh, how quickly 60-70 mph winds descended upon our home and neighborhood! I watched my back porch receive a needless deep cleaning as the wind swept away our swing, coffee table, chairs, grill, etc! Gone! Scattered all over our neighbor’s yard, hanging on the fence across the road, and thrown in the catch basin down the road! Siding on the west side of my house was pulled out. A four-county area here in East Tennessee was affected with power outages, downed trees, structural damage, and sadly, loss of lives.

Here are a few quick thoughts as I consider this storm in retrospect:

A storm like this reminds me that the earth is groaning due to curse of sin (Genesis 1, 3; Romans 8:18-25). Devastating storms were not a part of Eden, but creation eagerly awaits its release from this corruption (Romans 8:19-21). In the meantime, every harsh storm is a reminder that creation’s groaning is not normal; Eden is. God’s original purpose for creation will return, which we long and hope for (Romans 8:22-25; Revelation 22:1-5).
A storm like this reminds me that the stuff of earth is temporal, here today and gone tomorrow. Interesting enough, I had just gone out to remove a few things off our coffee table to prevent them from being blown away. Well, that shows how strong I am at holding onto the temporal. Therefore, Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2), and godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content . . . But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Timothy 6:6-8, 11).
A storm like this reminds me that I need to heed the warnings and commands in Scripture more carefully that I did the weather alert. How easy it is to just get adjusted to all the weather alerts that when a storm does arrive, as they warned us, we are surprised and unprepared. Furthermore, I need to genuinely realize that the meteorologists will not get it right every time, but the commands and warnings of Scripture are holy and righteous for all eternity. Note these two potent statements found in Proverbs 11:8, 14, The righteous is delivered from trouble, and the wicked walks into it instead. . . . Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Interesting that when the winds picked up yesterday on a beautiful, sunny afternoon, I for a moment was transported back to Friday evening. That storm got my attention. Does the Word have your attention?