Category: Christian Living

Three-Hundred-Million Years From Now

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Death, Discipleship, Heaven
Monday, I began reading a book entitled One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill.  The introduction contains a compelling question:  “Three-hundred-million years from now, what will be the only thing that will matter?”  Before you read on, please consider this question and give an answer.  (I’m waiting to type any further while you formulate your answer . . . . . . .)
The author goes on to say, “Will it matter what kind of car you drove?  Will it matter who won the NCAA football and basketball titles this year?  Will it matter who you took to the homecoming dance?
Cahill gives his answer in the next paragraph.  “Three-hundred-million years from now, the only thing that will matter is who is in heaven and who is in hell. And if that is the only thing that will matter then, that should be one of the greatest concerns now.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:11, The Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. If is of the utmost importance for Jesus to reach the lost, shouldn’t it be a major priority for you?”
What was your answer?
The author goes on to say, “The real question then is:  What are you doing of significance today that will matter three-hundred-million years from now?”
As I was typing this, I received a phone call from a dear man that attended our church a long time ago. We have kept up with him here and there. His life had recently spiraled out of control due to alcohol and drugs. The call was this dear man sharing the good news that he had just trusted in Christ as his personal Lord and Savior!  Three-hundred-million years from now, this dear brother will be in Heaven as will the man who cared for his soul!

Romans 10:9-15  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Wow!!

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Death, Heaven

Recently, I have posted about the Home-going of pastor friend, Tom Craig, from Oak Ridge, TN.  One of his faithful church members and a former college classmate of mine, Brad Zockoll, has written some excellent posts on his own blog, zockollthoughts, that are a must share.  Today, here’s a post that is a true illustration of Psalm116:15, and as for me, eclipses some of the recent books that have been written.  Thanks, Brad, for sharing your heart and being intimate with all of us about something so precious, yet teaching us so much about the precious side of a believer’s death.

I had a conversation with Kim Craig, Tom’s wife, about the last days of our dear pastor’s life.  She had mentioned that he saw some wonderful things, and I received her permission to write about it and share it with you:

It was the last week of Tom’s life.   He would be gone by Wednesday evening.

The hospital room was quiet.  Tom, alone with his wife Kim, lay quietly gazing at the ceiling, fighting the pain and weakness brought on by the crush of pancreatic cancer.

1dHe was tired.  His energy was gone.  But he was alert… and Kim noticed that his eyes were fixed on a scene…

Tom stared at the ceiling, looking intently at something.

Kim, seated on the bed beside him, stroked his hair, “What is it, Tom? What do you see?”

His voice was weak but audible.  “Angels.”

Kim leaned closer.  Her heart skipped a beat.  “Angels?”

He nodded his head. Yes.

“How many of them are there?”

Tom moved his lips quietly as he lifted his two hands, counting his fingers softly.  He turned and gave a definitive answer:  “Twelve.”

Kim leaned in closer.  “What do they look like?” “Do they look like female angels?”

Tom, unable to talk freely, shook his head no.

“Are they male angels?”

He clearly nodded his head yes, then lay back exhausted, but enthusiastic.  Kim realized his fatigue, but was struck by his determination in what he was witnessing. No doubt about it; Tom knew he was seeing angels.

He lay quiet for a time, perking up upon greeting numerous friends and family as they stopped by, occasionally attempting to converse, but growing frustrated that he did not have the energy to utter more than a few words at a time.  However, he didn’t give up; three words he was able communicate: “I love you.”

Later on, Kim and daughter Allie told me, he grew excited and animated.  When they leaned in to hear, he exclaimed that he saw something new.  Something almost indescribable.  He saw colors.  New colors.   Incredible hues and shades. Colors not realized on this earth.  Possibly the colors of heaven?  Tom was adamant that they were unseen by him before.  Kim and the family pondered this.

He spent his last day with family around him, quietly adding a word here and there as he was able.  But then he’d stop and look at the ceiling.  His eyes were open, gazing above the group.  It was a different kind of look, as if … well, as if he were listening for something.  It became apparent that he was indeed hearing something, and he let them know through gesturing that this was something different …

“Do you hear … music?” Kim asked, drawing near as he nodded his head yes.

“What kind of music, Tom?”

“Beautiful,” he whispered.

“Are you familiar with it?  Do you recognize the song?” Kim asked quietly.

“No,” he replied.

“You’ve never heard it before? Is it a new song?”

“Yes,” he replied firmly.

And then another visit by the angels…

Tom saw the angels, as family members stood about him.  “How many do you see, Tom?”  He was weaker but he was determined to let them know.  Once again he counted with his fingers, One, two, three…

Five, he told them.

This got us all to considering what was occurring to Tom, aligning this with a Biblical account of Heavenly messengers.  When Jesus related the story of Lazarus, He made mention that when the beggar died, he was carried into glory by angels.  Think of it.

Stop and ponder this truth.  It was Tom’s time to have his load carried for him.

Pastor Tom had indeed been carrying a lot of burdens in his ministry, numerous responsibilities that would test the strength of any pastor.  His compassion loaded him with the responsibility of seeing folks who were in physical need.  His desire to show Jesus charged him with preparing messages saturated with Biblical truth.  His oversight of the church weighed on him the financial responsibility of the assembly.  His outreach vision added the burden of making sure missionaries were being supplied with their necessities.  Visiting, counseling, leading, speaking, praying, exhorting … being available 24 hours a day.

Tom carried a load.

Now it was time for the angels to carry him to the Father.

“It was so precious,” said Kim.  “The way he described it, well… I wanted to go myself!”

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants…

I used to get puzzled about that Psalm.   I mean, death is precious?

Yes, it is to the one who is heading to the Heavenly Reception.  The Portals of Real Life.  The Grand Celebration with the Author of Life.

The family told me that, one of the last words they heard escape from his lips was “Wow.”

I get the feeling that’s what we’ll all be saying as the angels come down to escort us to the Heavenly realm.

Wow.

—Written October 11, 2014

Friday’s Findings

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Family, Joy, Marriage, Parenting, Prayer

The goal of each Friday on my blog is to share a potpourri of links I’ve found to feed your soul, encourage your heart, bring a smile to your face, and cause you to rejoice.

What Will Your Kids Remember About You?  Parents, especially Moms, will need this one as you come to the end of your week.  A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:12). A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Be Yourself In Prayer  This is an extremely practical, well-written help for all believers as we engage in the best work.  Remember, prayer is only beneficial and accepted before God the Father when you go through the only advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous One (1 John 2:1). Our goal is not pray perfect prayers, but to simply talk to our Heavenly Father through the Perfect One, Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Share your heart, your burden, your praise, and let the Perfect One handled your prayers perfectly (Psalm 18:30). His ears are open to our cry (Psalm 34:15).

Marriage Takes More Than Love – A quick read with three practical helps for marriage.

Fall Foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains  This is one of the most spectacular times of the year as God paints His creation with colors from His perfect paintbrush along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Enjoy the pics!

The Zipper Story – Enjoy!

Contaminated!

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

Wal-Mart is not. Ball practice is not. Homework is not. Family gatherings are not. Working at McDonald’s is not. But . . . church sure is! Or at least that’s what it appears to be. When I hear the excuses parents make for not faithfully attending church, youth activities, Sunday School, ministry opportunities, regular services, I begin to wonder, “Is church contaminated with something?”

Look at the following written by Mary Louise Kitsen, “Generations of Excuses,” found in the Good News Broadcaster.

  • our baby Timmy’s birth
  • Timmy’s just a baby
  • Timmy always catches a cold in the nursery
  • Timmy’s too noisy and too active
  • Timmy can’t get along with the other children
  • the birth of Timmy’s baby sister, Sally
  • Sally’s just a baby
  • Sally always catches a cold in the nursery
  • Sally’s too noisy and too active
  • Sally can’t get along with the other children
  • we’re all so busy that Sunday is our only day as a family
  • my husband’s boss wants to golf with him on Sundays
  • I work during the week and Sunday is my only day to relax
  • Timmy’s soccer games are on Sundays
  • Timmy thinks going to youth group is dumb
  • Timmy’s married now, and you know how it is with newlyweds!
  • Timmy’s baby’s birth
  • Timmy’s baby is too noisy, too active, might catch a cold in the nursery . . .

Many parents don’t mind exposing their children to the germs at the grocery store, because after all you must eat. Or exposing their children to the other children at school, because after all they must get an education. Or exposing their children to the “clean world” of McDonald’s, because after all they must get a job. No excuses are uttered here for these temporal endeavors. BUT, exposure to eternal, life-changing truths, people who preach and teach the Truth, activities that help children hear the Gospel and eventually understand salvation, summer camp that enriches the lives of children spiritually, the local church which is the body of Christ, now we had better be careful! There must be something about those eternal things, so we make excuses to protect them! (By the way, my favorite line at the door on Sunday morning as folks are leaving is, “We probably won’t be back tonight for church.” Oh really????)

What excuses are you using to keep your children from being impacted by Truth? What excuses are you using that your children are learning and will use someday as well?

Luke 14:25-26    Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

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.

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!