Category: Hope

A Message from a Hurricane

by Dale, posted in Death, Eternity, Hope, Uncategorized

We are a moment, You are forever;
Lord of the Ages, God before time.
We are a vapor, You are eternal;
Love everlasting, reigning on high!

These words struck a solemn chord in my heart as I led the congregational singing at Boones Creek Bible Church for our 68th Anniversary.

How true. How current. How assuring. How relevant. How needful. How solemn.

My heart has been so heavy as our area and the surrounding states have been devasted by Hurricane Helene. I need not be descriptive; you have most likely seen the videos and pictures on social media. Many who were in our communities and in our lives are now gone. So many areas dear to our hearts in these mountains have been altered or destroyed. We are looking at a very long recovery period if there is any at all. Our lives have been rearranged.

Since Friday, I have been thinking . . .

1. This is a definite reminder of how temporal life here really is.

We are so prone to live as if we can control our lives and everything around us. We put so much stock in our weakness thinking we are strong. We are so prone to take life for granted—the next day will come, the next meal will be available, life will go on as usual. Yet, we are seeing the harsh reality of this vapor life and how quickly it can change.

In fact, you have made my days just inches long, and my life span is as nothing to you. Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor. Selah (Psalm 39:5).

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes (James 4:13-14).

2. God is merciful.

How could I say that? In His mercy, God is giving us another opportunity to live in the reality of eternity. There is coming a day when this life as we know it here will be over. There is coming a day when the Church will be raptured out of here (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Soon to follow, this earth will endure seven years of unparalleled tribulation. Then the Lord Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4-11) and set up His millennial kingdom to rule on this earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:2-7). This event is followed by the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem (Revelation 21).

Today you have the opportunity to be ready for eternity, which is more than just living life forever. Eternal life is the life of God dwelling in the soul of man from the point of salvation for all eternity. With that assurance, we understand the temporal nature of all that is around us, and therefore live with the end in mind.

Although my heart is grieved, burdened, and hurting for the thousands upon thousands who are affected by Hurricane Helene, there is a future which is only found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God is merciful in giving you another opportunity to turn to Him through the gospel.

May you be able to sing with full assurance in Christ . . .

We are the broken, You are the healer,
Jesus, Redeemer, Mighty to save.
You are the love song, we’ll sing forever,
Bowing before You blessing Your name.

Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
Highest praises, Honor and Glory
Be unto Your name,
Be unto Your name.

(Words by Gary Sadler / Lynn Deshazo)

Joy, Even In Old Age!

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Hope, Jesus Christ, Joy, Uncategorized

Yesterday was another typical ministry day in the life of a pastor. It was a WOW!!!!

After spending half of the afternoon meeting Mike and taking a tour of a relatively new ministry nestled in the mountains bordering the Cherokee National Forest, Back 2 Basics Adventures, it was time to make my way back home. There were two visits with church members that I desired to make.

Pulling off to the side of the country road, I said, “Lord, where should I go?” Once again, as always, what He initiates He also guides.

Continue reading “Joy, Even In Old Age!” →

Settling Truths in Unsettling Times

by Dale, posted in Faith, God's Word, Hope, Trials, Uncategorized

Are you fearful about the future?

Does the current state of life in this world bring anxiety to your heart?

Are you asking, “When will the suffering end?”

May I invite you to soak your soul in these settling truths?

Continue reading “Settling Truths in Unsettling Times” →

The Rest of the Story

by Dale, posted in Hope, Jesus Christ, Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Pastoring

Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.

“We can endure anything because God knows the rest of the story!” This thought came to my mind as I was preaching from 1 Timothy 4.

Ministry life has many blessed days, but they are accompanied at times by difficult, complex days (months or years) that may tempt you to bail out, to quit, to move on to another place, get discouraged, sulk or become bitter.

Continue reading “The Rest of the Story” →

Sunday’s Icing on the Cake

by Dale, posted in Hope, Ministry, Monday Ministry Encouragement, Music, Pastoring, Uncategorized

Monday’s Ministry Encouragement: Written to encourage you, my friend in ministry, to be refreshed and renewed as we live for Christ and look toward the Bema.

He has been in ill health for awhile. Recently, he has been battling mini-strokes which has hospitalized him again.

Standing by this bedside I ask, “How are you doing spiritually?” He struggled to answer.

“Do you doubt God’s love for you?” “No.”

“Do you wonder if He’s forsaken you?” “No.”

“Do you know He loves and cares for you?” “Yes.”

As I read Psalm 34, his countenance displayed he was connecting with . . .

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their cry.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

Continuing to struggle to verbalize his thoughts, I began to sing, “He Is Able to Deliver Thee” and he joined in.

From there we sang, “He Touched Me,” “Blessed Assurance,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” “Are Ye Able Said the Master?, and “In the Garden.” Amazing how he works so hard to express his thoughts, yet he hardly misses a word of song.

After prayer, he took his right hand from beneath the covers and reached for mine for a handshake. As I took his hand, he pulled me to him. I hugged him, and he held onto my hand. From one brother in Christ to another, I said, “I love you, friend. You are very dear to me. I’m cheering you on! Your church family is praying for you.” As best he could he said, “I know. They sent me some cards.”

I have heard it said so often, “one of the best ways to get the focus off of your own pain/cares/discouragement, etc., is to go be a blessing to someone else.”

Ministry friend, are you down-hearted today? Does the Monday Ministry Blues have you in its grip? Are you weighed down with ministry burdens? How about making a visit to a dear saint of God? Read Scripture to them. Sing some of their favorites with them. When you leave, your vision of Christ will be clearer and your heart will lifted with joy and blessing.

On this Sunday, our morning gathering was a blessing in so many, many wonderful ways. This afternoon visit was the “icing on the cake.”

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. (2 Corinthians 1:3-6)

Pastors in Hiding

by Dale, posted in Church, Fear, Hope, Ministry, Pastoring, Renewal, Uncategorized

Ministry friend, are you struggling? Do you want to quit? Are you carrying a heavy load? Do you feel all alone? Need a friend to help you, listen to you, care for you, and give you hope? Please read the post below and reach out to us. You are never too far gone that the Lord cannot restore and refresh you!!! Let us help point you to the One Who is our Living Hope!!

Nearly Two in Five Pastors Have Considered Quitting Full-Time Ministry

With pastors’ well-being on the line, and many on the brink of burnout, 38 percent indicate they have considered quitting full-time ministry within the past year. This percentage is up 9 full points (from 29%) since Barna asked church leaders this same question at the beginning of 2021.

There are many reasons for pastors quitting the ministry, but one I am concerned about is pastors in hiding.

Continue reading “Pastors in Hiding” →

It’s A Mad, Mad World!

by Dale, posted in Anger, Christian Living, Gospel, Hope, Joy, Salvation, Sin, Speech, The Gospel, Uncategorized

That’s my impression from my stroll down the main drag of Gatlinburg, TN, recently.

  • Few people smiling or laughing.
  • Harsh words being spoken to others, especially to children and other family members.
  • One woman spewing out foul language because she has pulled into a blocked street and folks are not “parting the Red Sea” for her to back out onto Parkway.
  • Impatience on display.
  • Many store clerks looking like their job is a misery to their soul.
  • T-shirts declaring the woe-filled and proud hearts of so many.

All this and more in one of the vacation capitols of America!

This is supposed to be “the happy place!” Right?

Really????

But, this is the case almost everywhere you go today. Why?

1. Man tries to fill his empty, eternal soul with temporal, earthly things. There is nothing in the world that will ever completely satisfy mankind. There may be momentary satisfaction, but it leaves a desire for more or something else.

In the midst of all this unhappiness, I saw new attractions, new restaurants, a gazillion moonshine stores (Isn’t that what brings great joy, so we’re told????), new stores, new products on the shelves, etc. This should make people happy, full of joy, right?

2. Man without a personal relationship with Christ does not have the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:19-24)

As my wife and I strolled up and back down Parkway, our hearts were saddened and grieved by the thousands who are choosing to live this way without the Prince of Peace, The Joy of Jesus, the Savior of our souls.

May I encourage you to read the three links given in the last sentence above?

When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds in the field, his first words were “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). That “great joy” was the truth that the God who had seemed far off had come to them in human flesh. He was to be called “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Isaiah 9:6–7; Matthew 1:23). Those who saw Him saw the face of God (John 14:9). He had come to rescue, to save, to heal, and to make mankind right with God (Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:17–21). That was cause for great joy! (gotquestions.org/joy-to-the-world)

The only cure for a mad, mad world is the Gospel! The Good News!!

(Photo from trekearth.com)

What Is This World Coming To?

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Death, Eternity, Gospel, Hope, Jesus Christ, Rest, The Gospel

Several years ago, I heard that question posed and answered this way, “What is this world coming to? This world is coming to Jesus!”

Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

Indeed, the day in coming when the saints and angels in heaven, everyone on earth, and the devil, his hosts and those in hell below, will bow before Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as Lord, as Savior, as King, as Sovereign over the universe and mankind.

The above stated question is also asked by many believers day-after-day. The answer is the same.

No matter the craziness, chaos, perplexities, or “jaw-dropping-moments” of life, the preeminent response is always “come to Jesus” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Open your Bible. Look into the face of Christ. He gives you saving and sanctifying rest as you learn from Him through meditation and memorization. This exchanges the human viewpoint of life with divine viewpoint that “sets you free” (John 8:31-32) and appropriates the peace of God which will rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15).

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

RIP or LITF

by Dale, posted in Death, Eternity, Heaven, Hope, Uncategorized

RIP . . . you see this attached to a social media post almost every day. The sentiment is there, but do we really know what RIP means? Do we know what we are saying? What’s its origin? Is it a blanket statement for all deaths?

Wikipedia says, “’Rest in peace’ (Latin: Requiescat in pace) is a short epitaph or idiomatic expression wishing eternal rest and peace to someone who has died. The expression typically appears on headstones, often abbreviated as R.I.P. or RIP. The phrase was not found on tombstones before the eighth century. It became ubiquitous on the tombs of Christians in the 18th century, and for High Church Anglicans, as well as Roman Catholics in particular, it was a prayerful request that their soul should find peace in the afterlife.”

Of the questions in the first paragraph, I think the last one is the most important one. 

Can we say RIP for every death? 

For all who die in Christ as a true born again believer, yes; for all who choose to reject Christ’s offer of salvation; no.

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus give us a good answer (Luke 16:19-31).  For the rich man, he is in the place of torment, apart from God, as is the current state of all unbelievers.  For Lazarus, he is in Paradise just as Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Another comforting truth for believers is found in 2 Corinthians 5:8 which assures us that we are immediately in the presence of the Lord upon death.

So, do unbelievers rest in peace?  Peace nor rest can be found in a place of torment.  Furthermore, to randomly attach RIP to someone that you are uncertain of their eternal state is careless.

The worst tragedy today is that unsaved people around the world died and entered into eternal torment. The greatest blessing for believers today is that many around the world entered into eternal rest, joy, and peace in the presence of Christ.

So, could RIP be placed on your tombstone with complete certainty? 

If you are not truly born again, a genuine follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, would you take time to watch the following video?  It will mean the difference between RIP or LITF (Living in Torment Forever).

Please don’t take death and eternity lightly!

According To Your Word

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Eternity, Fear, Gospel, Heaven, Hope, Jesus Christ, The Gospel, Uncategorized

My soul melts from heaviness (Psalm 119:28a). This describes my heart since Sunday afternoon.

The heaviness that has come over me because of the effects of sin.

The grief that has gripped me due to the deep deceitfulness of our wicked hearts.

Wednesday around 2:00 a.m. I was abruptly awakened out of my sleep, praying out loud for the many drowning in sorrow in Uvalde, Texas as well as those picking up the pieces from the SBC/Guidepost report released Sunday afternoon. As I thought of those precious elementary children, I thought also of my dear grandsons.

Oh Lord, strengthen me according to Your Word!!!

As I rolled out of bed, I grabbed my phone on the night stand and went to Wednesday’s scripture reading from Psalm 119:41-48. I needed strength! I needed to hear from the Lord! I needed my heart to be calmed!

Let Your mercies (lovingkindness, steadfast love) come also to me, O Lord— Your salvation according to Your word. (Psalm 119:41)

These were the first words I read. How marvelous to know that God has extended mercy and grace to me as a poor, lost, hell-bound sinner and has rescued me according to the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 1:12-17) . . . according to Your word.

You see, for true salvation and assurance of eternal life in heaven, for our wicked hearts to be changed, for sin to be correctly and adequately dealt with, for quietness in our soul in the midst of such wickedness and sorrow, for an understanding of perilous times, to have “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,” . . . it can only and always be . . . according to Your Word.

Remember the word to Your servant, upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life (Psalm 119:49-50).

According to Your word!

P.S. Take some time to read Revelation 21