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!!

A Drive Through the Country

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Heaven

Last evening after church, Denise and I drove home through the country.  That is our favorite route . . . through the country.  As we drove out of Jonesborough with our windows down and the sunroof opened, we were captured by the gorgeous sunset.  The view was spectacular!  The quiet drive and surrounding rolling hills were calming.  How appropriate for the evening.

You see, Denise and I were on our way home after the evening service and a visit in the hospital with a man very dear to us and the ministry of our church.  How it hurts my heart to see him currently unable to get out of bed and walk.  How difficult this is for a man in the twilight of his years. How difficult for us as well.  He has walked many-a-mile in his lifetime.  He has walked his farmland, over the roads through Johnson City and Boones Creek, through the country, many times from his car to Neyland Stadium and back, into the foyer at church and down the aisle looking for that visitor or church member that he could share a smile and a warm welcome, and through the door of his home with many, many guests following him to eat at his dinner table.  He has walked through many storms of life, heartaches, church trials, and political disappointments.  He has always been by my side as a mentor, supporter, and encourager in the ministry whether he agreed with me or not.  Over the years, I have never wondered if he would forsake me or turn on me.  He has been a faithful friend through it all.

How often my wife and I have driven through the country with Rod and Hope. He is an open history book of the lands around us.  I have learned much from him.  As the years begin to wind down and the sun begins to set, his future is as bright as the sunset last night because he, like us, is headed to a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews11:10). This will be a ride, not through, but to a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16).  Until that day, we will keep taking those drives through the country knowing “I will rise when He calls my name, no more sorrow, no more pain.”

The Celebration Continues

by Dale, posted in Marriage

California Trip 5-5-14 705

The  Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “celebrate” as 1) to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.; 2) to praise (someone or something) : to say that (someone or something) is great or important.  Today, Denise and I celebrate 33 years of marriage!  We will certainly do something special and enjoyable today because marriage is great and important!  As a matter of fact, marriage is great and important every day, not just on Valentine’s Day, Sweetest Day and Anniversary Day.

What must you know and do in order for your marriage to be a continual celebration?

  1. Marriage is a grace gift from the Lord.  After salvation, being married is the second greatest blessing of my life.  God’s grace brought us together, and His grace has truly sustained us, empowered us, and blessed us abundantly.  Neither of us deserves to be married, but what a precious grace gift Denise is to me.  By virtue of salvation and marriage by grace, I am, yes, better than I deserve!
  2. Marriage requires daily renewal.  As I look back over the years, it’s the little things done each day that have added up to a rewarding, fun, celebratory marriage. We cannot live today off of yesterday’s blessings.  We have daily renewal via such things as . . .
  • Often holding hands and each other
  • Kissing often
  • Often telling each other “I love you”
  • Never leaving the house without a kiss, hug and a “I love you”
  • Sharing what the Lord taught you each day from His Word
  • Sending texts and Voxer messages stating our love for each other
  • Notes left on the steering wheel in the car, in luggage, on the bathroom mirror
  • Holding hands and praying before we drift off to sleep
  • A look of care, compassion, love, and passion
  • Compliments about the meals she has prepared as well as making our house a home
  • Praying together at meals and when one is bearing a burden
  • Taking time out to just hold each other with no words spoken
  • Opening the car door for her and always seating her at the table
  • Finger dancing in the grocery store when we hear an old love song
  • Coffee in her favorite mug first thing in the morning
  • Sharing in the joys of a lost soul coming to Christ
  • A reassuring squeeze of her hand in happy and sad times
  • Walking down a country road
  • The Andy Griffith Show
  • Serving the Lord and each other
  • Just loosening up, having a good laugh, and refusing to be a “fuddy-dud” or “tight-wad” or “get old early”

Thirty-three years ago at 7:00 p.m. in Sumter, SC, we celebrated as my Dad performed our wedding at Temple Baptist Church.  We celebrated when I kissed her at the altar. We celebrated as I carried her through the doors of the fellowship hall for the reception.  And the celebration has continued, even through trials and triumphs.  We definitely will celebrate again today because marriage is great and important.  To God be the glory for the great things He has done!!

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The Verbs of Your Life

by Dale, posted in Christian Living

In 2 Kings 17 we read about Israel’s demise under King Hoshea and its deportation to Mesopotamia under the direction of Assyrian king, Shalamaneser. The king of Assyria then sends Babylonians and Arameans to repopulate Israel to make the areas more manageable and loyal to his leadership.  What interested me as I read were all the action verbs in 2 Kings 17:6-18 that describe the sins of Israel which led to their captivity.  Just look at some of them for a moment:

  • Sinned against the LORD (7)
  • Secretly did against God what was not right (9)
  • Burned incense in all the high places (11)
  • Refused to hear (14)
  • Hardened their necks (14)
  • Refused to believe (14)
  • Rejected God’s statutes (15)
  • Became vain (15)
  • Went after the heathen (15)
  • Left all the commandments of the LORD their God (16)
  • Sold themselves to do evil (17)
  • Provoked God to anger (17)

Wow!  These are just some of the verbs in this passage.  When I completed my reading, the thought came to my mind, “What verbs would describe my relationship with God at the end of my life and, even more so, today?”  Looking back over that list, the following comes to mind from Hebrews 11:

  • Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice (11:4)
  • Enoch pleased God (11:5)
  • Noah prepared an ark (11:7)
  • Abraham obeyed (11:8)
  • Abraham looked for a city (11:10)
  • Sarah received strength (11:11)
  • Sarah counted Him faithful (11:11)
  • These all embraced the promises (11:13)
  • Abraham offered up Isaac (11:17)
  • Moses chose suffering for righteousness sake (11:25)
  • Moses forsook Egypt (11:27)

Do some inventory today.  Ask the Lord in prayer to reveal the verbs that describe you.  Be honest.  Write them down.  What needs to change?  “Repent” and “confess” would be some good verbs to begin with so you could please, obey, embrace, etc.  Then as you dwell in this land, you will be loyal to your King  (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Victory For Prayer

by Dale, posted in Faith, Prayer

Last week, my wife and I had the joy of attending the Spiritual Leadership Conference 2014, Lancaster, CA.  Every service and every workshop was a gift from the Lord to worship and be trained.  Tuesday evening’s service was a tribute to the power of prayer and courage as the mayor and city council of Lancaster, CA, were recognized as well as the freedom legal counsel for their part in a recent Supreme Court Ruling.

In 2009, the City of Lancaster was sued for opening city council meetings in prayer.  Rather than bowing to the pressure of this liberal organization, as many other cities have done, Mayor Rex Parris (pictured above) and the city council took a stand for prayer.  The lawsuit spanned for more than two years and was argued in two courtrooms.

On July 12, 2011, the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles ruled in favor of the City of Lancaster.  On November 8, 2012, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals also ruled in favor of the City of Lancaster, upholding the right of religious leaders to invoke the name of Jesus when opening meetings in prayer.

In a 5-4 ruling announced May 5, 2014, the Supreme Court of the United States held that opening prayers in open government meetings was not in violation of the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.  This applies, according to the court, even if the prayers are overwhelming Christian.  Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the court, “The inclusion of a brief, ceremonial prayer as part of a larger exercise in civic recognition suggests that its purpose and effect are to acknowledge religious leaders and the institutions they represent, rather than to exclude or coerce non-believers.”

When determining whether or not prayers must be generic or so general that no one would be offended, Justice Kennedy said, “The First Amendment is not a majority rule, and government many not seek to define permissible categories of religious speech.  Once it invites prayer into the public sphere, government must permit a prayer-giver to address his or her own God or gods as conscious dictates.”

May I encourage you to pray much for your governmental leaders?  Do not have a “well let’s just fold up the tents and go bury ourselves in the sand” attitude!!  As long as we are on earth, we can pray and spread the gospel because of our Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, seated at God’s right hand! Let’s be courageous on our knees and on our feet!

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1 Timothy 2:1-5).

Information Source:  Spiritual Leadership Conference 2014 Material; Baptist Bible Tribune, June 2014

God Writes the Best Stories

by Dale, posted in Evangelism

Sunday night after church, the New Adults SS Class headed on over to Jason’s Deli for some fellowship.  After awhile, three young men came in and sat down near us.  I said to my wife, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that was Thomas that I met at Sam’s Club last Friday night.”  The longer I sat there, the more convinced I became.  Finally, I went over to their table and engaged them in conversation.  There sat Thomas.  Wow!  The Lord had made a connection for me again!  We talked drag racing and the results of the days events.  Thomas shared with me that he had given the tract to John Force, and then I was able to share a tract with the three men.  Wow!  Awesome God!!

What are my “take-aways” from this continuing saga that has been such a blessing and an encouragement?

  1. Odds mean nothing to God.  He is able to do more than we could ever think! (2 Kings 3:18; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Ephesians 3:20).
  2. Be soul-conscious everywhere you go.  Always be ready to turn every conversation to the Theme of themes.  Let the Christ in you speak through you to point someone to Himself, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).
  3. Have strong faith when you pray because your faith is based upon an omnipotent God (Job 42:2; Psalm 33:6; Matthew 7:7; 21:22).

What opportunities are you pursuing right now to share the Good News?  How’s your faith in prayer?  Are you soul-conscious?  God is able.  God is faithful.  He knows how to write the story and put the right characters in the right place at the right time!

Such a Light Thing

by Dale, posted in Evangelism

If you read my blog from this past Friday, I told you about an opportunity that I let slip away at the Tri-Cities Airport on Thursday to at least give a gospel tract to NHRA Funny Car Champion, John Force.  Friday morning, I cried out to the Lord for another opportunity.  When you really think of it, since I am not attending the race this weekend in nearby Bristol, and even if I was, why would anyone let me near this man?   As I read 2 Kings 1-4, I wrote in my journal all the times we see the mighty acts of God described in those four chapters.  Even 2 King 3:18, Elisha says, This is a light thing in the sight of the LORD.  He will give the Moabites into your hand. What seems impossible to us is a light thing in God’s sight.

Are you ready for this?  While walking out of Sam’s Club last Friday night, who was pushing a large cart of items to a Ford van but a man wearing a shirt just like the one John Force was wearing on Thursday.  I asked him, “What is the chance you will be talking to John Force?”  He said, “100%!”  I couldn’t believe it but here was Thomas, one of his team members!!  I told him my story, gave him a gospel tract, and he promised that it would be delivered!   I certainly don’t know about John’s spiritual condition, but I just wanted the opportunity to place the gospel in his hands.

Tears came to my eyes as I walked back to my car.  “God, how wonderful, gracious and kind you are to answer my prayer!”  Futhermore, He showed me that He indeed is not willing that any perish (2 Peter 3:9)!  What seemed impossible to me was a light thing to the LORD!!

Who do you want to reach with the Gospel?  Seek the LORD, call upon Him, and watch Him work!  It’s not a light thing to Him!

Renewed Passion for the Great Commission

by Dale, posted in Discipleship, Evangelism, Renewal

While walking to the last workshop that I attended during the Spiritual Leadership Conference in Lancaster, CA, one of the pastoral staff said to me, “How’s the conference so far? Any take-aways?” My wife asked me yesterday, “What is the one thing you are taking away from this conference?” Without hesitation, that take-away is a renewed passion for the Great Commission found recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

On the flight home yesterday, I finished reading Church Zero by Peyton Jones. Before the final chapter, the author quoted C.T. Studd, “I pray that when I die, all hell will have a party to celebrate the fact that I am no longer in the fight.” That, my friend, is a startling, heart-stopping statement! Am I so motivated by Christ’s love for me (2 Corinthians 5:14) and zealous to share the gospel that hell would rejoice when I am gone?

As I write this, my mind runs back to yesterday and the opportunity to share Jesus with Pierre who sat next to me on the flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte. Pierre professed to know Christ and gave good evidence of it. Another man on that same flight as well as the “crop duster” flight to Tri-Cities is well-known in the NHRA Drag Racing world, John Force. I wanted to get to him and share at least a gospel tract. When I finally had the opportunity, he was engaged in a stressful conversation on his cell phone while waiting for his bag at the luggage turnstile. John Force is a highly successful driver, a winner of fifteen NHRA championships.  But does he know Christ? That opportunity came briefly, but I missed it. I missed it. He was standing next to me, still stewing over his phone call. I wish I had turned, introduced myself and said, “John, I can tell you are under stress. My name is Dale, and I pastor a local church in the area. Could I stop and have a brief word of prayer for you right now?” I missed it. He grabbed his bag, and immediately was engaged again with someone on his phone as he walked toward the parking lot.

God is good, in spite of our failures, as He gave me the opportunity to briefly chat with one of John Force’s associates and give him a tract. When I arrived in Johnson City, the Lord sent two other opportunities along to minister to three people. Thank you, Lord!

I share all of this to simply be transparent with you. I want the last command of Christ to be my first priority. Christ came to seek and to save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). My commission is not to be an omission. I want to have the same passion as my Savior and missionary statesman, C.T. Studd. I want my “take-away” to be what other individuals take away from me—hearing the Gospel and knowing the love of God (John 3:16).

 

 

Renewed in the Desert

by Dale, posted in Renewal

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31). Denise and I have had the blessed privilege of attending the 2014 Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church, Lancaster, CA, this week. The conference theme has been simply stated, but powerfully proclaimed and applied—renew. What strikes me is that I have literally come to the desert to be renewed! Only God could place a man in the desert and cause him to be refreshed!

The word renew means “to gain new strength; to receive renewed strength.” We need to be renewed every day of our lives and in every area of our lives. I am coming home renewed in the following areas:

1. A renewed passion for the priority and place of prayer in my own personal life as well as corporate prayer (Psalm 5:3; Hebrews 4:14-16). I want the “back stage” of my life and ministry to be bigger than the “front stage.”

2. A renewed passion for preaching the Word with power (1 Thessalonians 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2).

3. A renewed passion to live my life in obedience to the greatest business in the world—the Great Commission, sharing and bearing the image of the gospel in soul-winning and leading others to do the same (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8).

4. A renewed passion to equip the believers at BCBC to do the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12).

5. A renewed passion to change my daily priorities and routines to be in line with the Lord’s daily directives and provision (Psalm 37:1-7, 23; Philippians 2:13).

How wonderful to be renewed. How blessed to have met with my Lord in the desert!

Being Renewed

by Dale, posted in Praise & Worship

This week, my wife and I are attending the Spiritual Leadership Conference in Lancaster, CA. The theme is “Renewed,” and we are preparing to come home refreshed. The music, the preaching, the testimonies, and fellowship have been a bit of heaven on earth! Here’s a taste of what we have heard this week. The music has been truly awesome!!!

SLC2014

Praiseworthy Signs

by Dale, posted in Praise & Worship

As we entered the building, we were anticipating a glorious meeting with the Lord. Several happy people of various nationalities greeted us as we arrived and walked through the main entrance and foyer. As we found our seats in the auditorium, I realized we were seated behind the deaf ministry. The dear lady who interpreted the music portion of the service was a jewel to behold as her facial and hand expressions were like watching an artist in the park create life on a canvas. Then came a moment during the baptismal service that stirs my heart every time I think about it. As folks came up out of the water, the congregation applauded with praise and thanksgiving. The deaf folks raised their hands and gave the sign for clapping! Wow! All these hands were raised in the air making the back-and-forth motion sign. The thought occurred to me, “Without speaking a word, even deaf people can show their rejoicing!”  How sad that I often have reason to praise the Lord, and have the ability to utter audible words, yet I act as though I am deaf!

Therefore, the redeemed of the Lord must . . .

1. Show expressive praise

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph (Psalm 47:1).

2. Speak exalted praise

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart (Psalm 32:11).

3. Sing eternal praise

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him (Psalm 68:4).

So, today, based up the great goodness of our God and His mighty acts, what will you do with your hands . . . and your voice?