Author: Dale

Raised in the south, I have a passionate love for the Lord, my wife, my daughters, my son-in-laws, my grandsons, preaching the Word of God, pastoring people, discipleship, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Clemson Tigers football, running the Tweetsie Trail, and hiking through the awesome TN/NC/VA mountains!!

Peyton, Jason & the Church

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Heaven

This past weekend, two players in the NFL reached historical milestones. Denver Bronco’s Peyton Manning became only the second quarterback ever in the NFL to throw 500 touchdowns in his career. The other being Brett Favre. Manning reached the milestone in 13 fewer games than Favre.

The other football player to make his mark this past Sunday was Jason Witten, tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. Witten joined Tony Gonzalez and Shannon Sharpe as the only tight ends in NFL history with 10,000 receiving yards. (Interesting that both Manning and Witten played their college ball at the University of Tennessee.)

If you are a fan of football, you have probably made the analogy of where would Manning and Witten be if they did not have the unsung heroes known as the offensive line. To pass for 500 touchdowns in your career is remarkable, but thanks to all those big, burly men who pushed, shoved, endured injuries, took a finger or two in the eye, spent most of their football lives crouched or on the ground and remained unknown while Manning gained his glory status.

The same could be said for Jason Witten. Although at his tight end position, he has blocked for the quarterback on many occasions, it was the offensive line that enabled the quarterback to throw to Witten when running a pass route.

Both of these players have made real advancements in football because they played on teams with men who played as a team. They had the goal of winning, of making the next play, of moving forward, of not quitting, of being knocked down, but not staying down, of staying the game.

I can make the same analogy of the church. We are a team for Christ. Let’s have the goal of winning, of making the next play, of moving forward, of not quitting. We may be knocked down, but we don’t stay down, and we stay in the game! Let’s block for another, cheer on one another, encourage one another and meet together at the Judgment Seat of Christ and hear Him say, “Well done!” By God’s grace, we can reach that milestone and give Him all the glory!!

Matt. 16:18         And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

Ephesians 5:26-27 That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

1 Corinthians 3:9-14  For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.   For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.   Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,  each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.  If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.

The Thou Shalts of Digital Media

by Dale, posted in Family, Parenting

It’s the world we live in. The Jetson’s have moved from TV cartoons to reality. The internet has changed our lives. Who would have thought that a cellphone would have such possibilities? Let me be quick to say that my wife and I own and use our smartphones all the time.   For many of us, it is our office away from our office. Seems like everywhere you go, people young and old are using their cellphones to text, talk, search the internet, find directions, get information, etc.  I even use mine in the pulpit and class.

Speaking of youth, gazillions of kids and teens have cellphones. They are attached to them like an appendage. The point of this blog post today is to join up with a parent who has attempted to guide and give some discipline to her children concerning their digital media. Parents, our children and teens need your help in all areas of life including the proper use of their digital media. I believe you will find Susan Maushart’s “The Ten Commandments For Using Modern Media” to be helpful.

  1. Thou shalt not fear boredom
  2. Thou shalt not “multitask” (not until thy kingdom come, thy homework be done)
  3. Thou shalt not WILF (WILF describes the “What Was I Looking For” phenomenon of using Google to look for one thing, and then burning two hours hunting down random and unimportant facts)
  4. Thou shalt not text and drive (or talk, or sleep)
  5. Thou shalt keep the Sabbath a screen-free day
  6. Thou shalt keep thy bedroom a media-free zone
  7. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s upgrade
  8. Thou shalt set thy accounts to “Private”
  9. Thou shalt bring no media to thy dinner
  10. Thou shalt bring no dinner to thy media.

Friday’s Findings

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Joy, Marriage

Here’s a sampling of things I’ve read in recent days that I thought you might find to be helpful.  Have a great day in the Lord and prepare your heart for an awesome day of worship on Sunday!

From Simplicity to Elegance – One of many reasons why I love my wife and enjoy the life we have shared for 33 years . .  .

 

Something We Shouldn’t Be Good At – We all have them and need to get rid of them!

 

What Is Real Christianity All About?

 

Remember When – A look back at what makes a marriage; the little things.

 

For the Guy Who Dropped His New iPhone6

 

Eat All You Want Church

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, God's Word, Pastoring, Prayer

While driving through a nearby town, I read the following on a Bojangles Restaurant board, “Sunday Buffet, 11-2, Eat All You Want.”  This got me to thinking about what happens in churches across the country every Sunday from around 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or so. Every Sunday when you attend Sunday School and the morning and evening services, the following ought to be true:

1.  The teaching in SS and the preaching in the services should be a buffet that is well-prepared, presented and prayed over.

Therefore, the pastor needs to spend time alone with the Lord early in the mornings each day to know the heart of God and His Word.  He must pray through the passages that he’ll be preaching from in the coming days.  He needs to study the text, dig for the meaning, seek the Spirit of God to reveal the Truth, and come to the “table” ready to deliver the goods!

If Bojangles invites you to eat their food until you are full, they had better have the food prepared.  So should the pastor and teachers.

2.  The attenders should want nothing more than to leave having eaten all they could hold.

Now, since losing my weight, I do not have the capacity to eat like I used to.  There were years that buffet and happiness were synonymous in my book.   Sad to say, too many Christians have a greater capacity to eat temporal food than they do eternal manna.  Hence, it’s like the old hair gel commercial’s tag line, “A little dab will do you.”  We eat hardy at the world’s tables, but are satisfied with a light snack of God’s Word.  The reason I return to a restaurant is due to the good food.  When I heard a restaurant I love was opening in my town, I was excited!  We should be in the Word so much outside of church that when we attend, we eat until we are full and are looking forward to the next time!

Think on these truths:

Psalm 19:7-11

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;

9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,

And in keeping them there is great reward.

 

Psalm 119:97, 103

Oh, how I love Your law!

It is my meditation all the day.

How sweet are Your words to my taste,

Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

 

Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them,

And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;

 

So, are you faithful member of the Eat All You Want Church?  I’ll pray, prepare, and present; you eat all you want!

Outreach Opportunity Month

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Evangelism, Serving

As I watch the farmers around my house cut hay and prepare for winter, my thoughts have drifted to harvest time and colder temps.  These are great days to look on the fields (Luke 10:2) and pray for harvesters and a harvest.  But, we do not just pray, we get involved.  For the dear congregation of Boones Creek Bible Church, I offer on this the first day of October, some outreach ideas for you to exercise the heart and compassion of Christ and be a laborer in the harvest field of opportunity!  Start or continue to build relationships that point to Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:35-38)

  • Invite a group of folks to your backyard, build a fire, and make s’mores. Play a game.
  • Bring someone to the Community Caring Closet at church, October 18-29, that could use some clothes and some gospel care.
  • Prepare your car trunk with goodies for Trunk or Treat night, October 28, at church. Have a theme for your and bring some other kids.  After the service, all the children will walk through the parking lot receiving your goodies.  Great opportunity for you to connect with the kids and be a blessing to them!
  • Reverse Halloween: It’s the one night of the year when most folks are at home and eager to answer the door. Of course, residents will be surprised when they get treats instead of having to give them out. Go door-to-door to distribute bags of goodies containing candy, Christian DVDs or CDs, a gospel tract, a book, a card, etc.
  • Help a neighbor rake leaves and/or take in their summer furniture; just offer to help in some way.
  • Family Free Car Wash: Make up signs saying “FREE Car Wash” and “No Tricks, Just Treats”. People will stop and ask, “What’s the gimmick?” Tell them, “We’re Christians, and doing something for you, at no charge, is one way of letting you know that Jesus loves you and so do we. We want to treat you today by washing your car for you.” Most people will stand outside while their car is being washed. This is a good time for friendly talk, to invite them to church, and if possible to ask them about their relationship with the Lord Jesus. As they leave, give them a tract and information about our church.
  • Prepare a harvest basket of fruit, cookies, etc and deliver it to a policemen or fireman as way to say thanks. Be sure to include a gospel tract, a personal note of thanks with your address, and church information.
  • Lead a church service at the local nursing home by singing, reading Scripture and prayer.
  • Distribute donuts, hot chocolate, and a gospel tract at a local bus stop.
  • Bring in breakfast for all the teachers at a local school near you.
  • Go door-to-door in your neighborhood and ask how you can pray for them. Write it down and go back in a week or two to find out how God answered.  If possible, have prayer with them at the door.
  • Offer an evening or Saturday to help a single parent. That may include babysitting, fixing things, helping maintain a car, help cleaning the house, etc. Ask questions and be a good listener. Perhaps offer to pray.

Opportunities are everywhere because people are everywhere!  See the harvest?

Celebrating National Coffee Day

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Joy

Yesterday was a special day—National Coffee Day!!  Now’s that a sure celebration waiting to happen!!  So as I poured my first cup, I celebrated as I added my always present favorite cream peppermint mocha and took a sip!  Then I poured another cup into my UK Wildcats mug just as I had done before and celebrated once again!  This same event happened a third and fourth time as the morning moved along.

To add happiness upon happiness, I received an email from my favorite coffee source, Dunkin Donuts, inviting me to stop by their store and enjoy a free cup of the new brew of dark roast!  So, as I drove from one hospital visit to the next, a stop at DD caused another celebratory moment!  Since I love coffee so much and drink it from morning until night, I celebrate all day!!

As I prepared one of my cups yesterday morning and took a picture of it for Facebook and Instagram, the thought occurred to me, “This thing of celebrating should be an every day event for the followers of Christ!”  Yes, I really do love my coffee, and I love to celebrate, but genuine rejoicing and celebration is the grace gift of every believer in Christ!  We should celebrate all day, every day, throughout the day, . .  . just like drinking coffee!!

Why should we celebrate?

  • We have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3).
  • We have an inheritance reserved in heaven for us that is incorruptible, undefiled and will not fade away (1 Peter 1:4).
  • Our salvation is secured by the power of God forever (1 Peter 1:5).
  • We can rejoice in the midst of suffering (1 Peter 1:6-9).
  • We can rejoice that trials have a “shelf-life” (1 Peter 1:6).
  • The character of our faith in trials will one day testify of Christ (1 Peter 1:7).
  • The more we know of Christ and abide in Him, the more we have to celebrate and be joyful (1 Peter 1:8).
  • We can enjoy our salvation today (1 Peter 1:9).
  • God’s Word is eternal (1 Peter 1:25)

I have just mentioned a very few reasons to celebrate!  So, if you are a born again believer, a true follower of Jesus Christ, today is a day of celebration of all we have in Christ for time and eternity!  So, take a drink of coffee and celebrate!

Friday’s Findings

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism, Family, Parenting

As we close out this week, I’m sharing some links/blogs that have impacted me this week.  I believe they will be of encouragement to you.

 

Christ’s Body: The Mission of the Church —Watch as Jason Ormiston delivers a message that all believers need to hear.  (Bob Jones University Chapel, September 24, 2014)

  • You would also be greatly edified by listening to Dr. Steve Pettit’s messages on Walking in the Spirit.

How I Learned to Win Souls — You will find this practical post by a dear man of God, Dr. Don Sisk, to be a rich blessing in obedience to the Great Commission.  One other feather in his cap is the fact that he is a UK Wildcat fan! 😉

Parenting – Have We Lost Our Way?— How grateful that we have the blessed opportunity to support this family on the mission field.  Here are some very timely questions that need to be answered in regards to modern-day parenting.  If you are a parent, please read and answer with genuine honesty and transparency.  Here is hope for you.

Are You Leeching the Local Church? — Enough said.

Eliminating and Concentrating — Help for busy ladies!

You Are the Best!

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Family, Marriage

PA Trip Sept 2014 893

In keeping with my theme of gratitude for this week, I must tell you about one particular person that tops them all.

  • She prays constantly with great passion and assurance.
  • She studies the Word because she has a personal relationship with its Author.
  • She knows me better than anyone, and yet she loves me unconditionally.
  • She is my number one cheerleader.
  • She is a lady of character.
  • She loves the ministry, especially with children and women.
  • She has always been by my side.
  • She truly fears the Lord.
  • She knows how to make a house a home.
  • She thirsts for discipleship.
  • She memorizes the Word.
  • She lives what she believes and knows about her God.
  • She is unselfish.
  • She loves to laugh and once-in-awhile be ornery.
  • She is willing to try something new and out of her comfort zone.
  • She takes the hits sometimes that are unwarranted, unkind, and directed at me.
  • She has given her life to the best mom possible.
  • She continues to do the best thing for her husband, daughters and son-in-laws, pray.
  • She weeps with those who weep and rejoices with those who rejoice.
  • She speaks with wisdom.
  • She works hard.
  • She rises early.
  • She is hospitable.
  • She has overcome my unreal expectations and become a humble, faithful servant.
  • She is an excellent teacher and a good learner.
  • She has endured trials that have broken her heart.
  • She sings with a melodic, soothing voice that comes from her heart.
  • She makes me proud to call her mine.

She is my precious wife that God gave me over 33 years ago. She is the mother of our three precious daughters.  She is the “Tonto” that keeps me from being the “Lone Ranger.” Outside of my personal salvation, she is the greatest grace gift God has bestowed on me.  Thank you, Sweetheart, for who you are and what you do.  You are the best!!

Thank You For Serving!

by Dale, posted in Church, Giving, Serving

It happens almost every Sunday night.  After a very full day of ministry, at some point between leaving church or an after-church fellowship and getting into bed for a good night of rest, I find myself looking back over the day with a sense of amazement and awe.  So very much happened!!  I can still hear the voices of people sharing their burdens, singing their hearts out, asking life questions, telling me of answers to prayer, sharing a testimony; the chatter, the children, the laughter, the tears, the “Pastor, what about . . .?”, etc.  Then I go back over Sunday School class, the AM Service and the PM Service as well as replay my preaching over and over wishing I had said that or left out that.

Somewhere in those thoughts comes to mind ALL the people involved in ministry throughout the day at BCBC that serve upfront and behind the scenes.  They are those who set up the gym for SS and then put away the tables and chairs, those who come to early prayer meeting, sound room workers doing a multitude of things for sight and sound, greeters ready to welcome and be hospitable, one who gets an umbrella and walks people from their car to the carport in the pouring rain or parks the cars for some of our ladies, nursery workers dealing with precious and sometimes not so precious babies, janitors, deacons who are all over the place doing seven things at once, coffee makers providing that ever-needed java jolt, secretary work that didn’t end on Friday, teachers leading their classes, musicians playing and singing, people being intentional to reach other people with a hand-shake and a smile or the gospel, and on and on it goes throughout a typical Sunday.  The purpose of this blog today is to say to all who serve at BCBC on Sundays as well as Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, THANK YOU!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:3-6).