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Who Was St. Patrick?

3/17/2024

Ireland

Today is St. Patrick’s Day. A day many pinch those not wearing green, eat corned beef and cabbage, look for shamrocks and search for leprechauns. March 17, 461 is the day one of Christianity’s greatest missionaries passed away. Patrick’s life is filled with legends. One is he chased all the snakes in Ireland into the sea; this is why Ireland doesn’t have snakes today. Another legend is Patrick used a shamrock to teach the Irish about the Trinity. What’s true about Patrick? He evangelized Ireland – and experienced great success.

Born in 389 in what is now England to a wealthy family. His father was a deacon, and his grandfather a pastor. He grew up in a Christian home and was captured by raiders and taken to Ireland when he was 16. Patrick claims as a youth he did not know the Lord. In Ireland, he was sold as a slave. For six years he was a slave tending to sheep. Alone in the fields, he deepened his faith through prayer and solitude.

While enslaved in Ireland, he began to understand the Irish Celtic people. His understanding of Irish culture and language would lead him back as a missionary. After six years of captivity, a voice spoke to Patrick in a dream saying, “You are going home. Look! Your ship is ready!” The voice directed him to flee for his freedom the next morning. He awakened before daybreak, walked to a seacoast, saw the ship, and negotiated his way on board. The ship took him to England and he trained to be a priest. He served many years as a priest in England.

At the age of 48 Patrick experienced another dream that would change his life again. An angel read him a letter. The letter was from his former captors in Ireland appealing him to come back. When Patrick awakened the next morning, he interpreted the dream as his “Macedonian Call” (Acts 16:9) to take the Gospel to the Celtic people of Ireland. Patrick shared his dream with church leaders and they commissioned him to return as a missionary to Ireland.

Ireland was considered a place of barbarians and raiders. There were about 200,000 to 500,000 people in Ireland who spoke the same language. Patrick was one of the few, if only, persons in England who knew the Irish language and culture.

Patrick served 28 years as a missionary to Ireland. He baptized tens of thousands of people and planted over 700 churches and ordained over 1,000 pastors. He also helped halt the Irish slave trade; he was the first man to publically speak against it. He knew the horrors of slavery because he was one for six years. As a missionary to Ireland, Patrick was once beaten and robbed of all he had. At his death, Ireland became a Christian country and missionaries were being sent from Ireland to Scotland.

What do we learn from Patrick in 2024?

First, Patrick truly loved the Irish people. He was willing to go back to a people who held him captive for six years. During his years of slavery, he was saved. Patrick practiced forgiveness.

Second, Patrick had a burden for the spiritually lost of Ireland. He knew the Celtics weren’t Christians. It would take a missionary going over to this barbarian island to share the Gospel.

Third, Patrick followed the Lord’s leadership in his life. Both the Old and New Testaments record God speaking to people through dreams. If God is sending you to a “barbarian” land or “barbarian” people to share the Gospel with, you must go.

Today there are unchurched “New Barbarians” whom are vastly different than church folks. If Christians pay the price to understand them, we’ll know what to say and do – and hopefully like Patrick, see a great number of people follow Christ.

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Asbury Revival - One Year Later

2/9/2024

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February 13, 2023 at 9:30 pm

February 15, 2023 at 4:53 am

One year ago this week was the Asbury Revival in Wilmore, Kentucky. It was a 16-day worship service in the Hughes Auditorium, attended by 15,000+ people with 50,000+ trying to attend. I had the privilege to drive down there three times, with one being before 5 am. Our church's youth group was able to attend one evening as well.

One year later, the Asbury Revival will be something read about in Christian history books, just like the one there in 1970.

What do we learn from movements of God such as last year's revival?

First, movements of God are real. No where in the Bible does it indicate that revivals and outpourings of the Holy Spirit have ceased. We don't want to have a critical spirit, you do want to make sure any revival lines up with Scripture. From what I witnessed at Asbury, it did.

Second, we celebrate new life in Christ. Many people turned to the Lord during the Asbury Revival and Christians are thankful for God saving people today. Revivals are one of many ways to practice proclamation evangelism.

Third, there still remains a spiritual hunger. God has created all people with a desire for Him (Genesis 1:26). Our world will offer everything to fill this hunger. Being made in the image of God means only God can meet our deepest need, we were created and find purpose for Him.

The other Asbury Revival Post:
What Are You Looking For?

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What to do When Your Spouse Commits Adultery

8/3/2023

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You suspected it. The signs and secrecy were all there. The increased isolation, unaccounted time, sudden trips to see friends and family. The coldness, critical spirit, sarcasm, and missing money - something wasn't right.

The happy marriage is now a distance memory. It's lies upon lies - you don't know what to believe. You stumbled upon the truth, your fears are confirmed, your spouse has cheated on you.

What do you do when your spouse commits adultery?

1). You must turn to the Lord to heal your marriage. God performed the first marriage between Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28. He instituted this covenant between a man and a woman, which is the foundation of the family. Since God created marriage, He's the One who can heal and sustain your marriage.

Eventually, the cheating spouse, if he or she is a believer, has to come "to his senses" (Luke 15:17) and turn to the Lord for forgiveness. This could take some time, especially if the cheating spouse is still experiencing the excitement of the affair. You should never let up praying for conviction of sin, and given the opportunity, sharing Biblical truth to your spouse about marriage and adultery.

Remember, it's the Lord who will save your marriage, not you. God is faithful, He wants two believers to stay married. Here are the steps (in order) that need to eventually happen and be addressed:

The adulterer must repent and ask the Lord's forgiveness. God is the ultimate victim of adultery. He created the marriage covenant and you broke it. 2 Samuel 12:13

The adulterer must ask forgiveness of his or her spouse. This likely will take some time, especially if they got "caught" and never really wanted to stop the affair. The adulterer doesn't realize how much they've hurt their spouse, mentally, they've rationalized the affair away, "it's no big deal, just sex."

The hurt spouse must forgive the adulterer and not remind them of their sin every third day. Forgiveness doesn't hold your spouse hostage. They've confessed their sin, you've forgiven them - Christ has forgiven them - this must happen for your marriage to heal and be restored.

2). Be cautious speaking with friends and family. If you speak with someone who doesn't believe what Mark 10:9 says, "What God has joined together, let no one separate" - they'll likely encourage you to get divorced.

Jesus said that Moses permitted divorce because the hardness of your hearts (Matthew 19:8). Divorce is not the plan and purpose of marriage.

Don't make life-altering decisions when you're hurting and you just discovered your spouse is cheating on you. Allow the Lord to heal and forgive. If God can raise the dead, you have to believe He can restore your marriage.

3). Begin meeting with a Biblical counselor and / or Bible-believing pastor. Having a couple pray for you, encourage you in worship attendance, and learn to rebuild trust and accountability is a must to prevent future adulterous encounters.

A marriage discipleship plan - couples are praying together, reading Scripture together, and worshiping together - should be in place. This will be a challenging step if your spouse isn't repentant.

Social media, apps, bars, and our immoral culture have made compromise too easy and common.

I believe God can restore any marriage - the betrayal, pain, hurt, broken trust, and embarrassment are all real. I can't promise you a restored marriage, but I can promise you God is faithful as you cry out to Him.

Helpful Resources:
Baptist Press: Adultery, Divorce & the Believer

Billy Graham: Adultery Brings Devastating Consequences

Adrian Rogers: How Do I Forgive My Spouse for Past Mistakes

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VBS Follow-up

6/28/2023

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Twists & Turns VBS at Broadway

VBS concluded last week at our church. Now is the time for follow-up. After children attend, someone from your VBS team, will want to contact every child who attended VBS and thank them for attending.

You might be tempted to call only children who don't list church homes, but many parents list churches they attend on registration forms that they don't actually (or rarely) attend.

One time our church in Georgia knocked on every door in our zip code. I visited a home and the twenty something man who answered told me he attended the church I pastored. I had never seen him. 🤷🏼‍♂️

I personally like to call parents and thank them for attending. 60% of phone calls go to voicemail, but the 40% who I do get to speak with are positive, yet brief, conversations.

Why call families for VBS follow-up:

1). The conversation is personal. You rarely hear back from anyone with a postcard or email.

2). The conversation opens the door for other ministry opportunities. I always ask, "Is there anything I can pray for you about? Anyone I can include on our church's prayer list?"

If the parent empresses interest in visiting our church, I ask their permission to include their email on our church's email list, this way every Friday, they receive upcoming information about our church. I only add them with their permission.

From my experience, people will research your church before they visit. They'll check-out social media accounts, church website, and watch worship services.

Visitors want to feel in control. They decided to attend VBS, they'll decide to visit one Sunday - they don't want to feel coaxed.

A weekly email helps them feel "in the know" of everything going on.

3). Ask if there is anything we can do to improve VBS? Parents will occasionally make suggestions, they seem to appreciate the fact you asked for feedback.

Some of your best feedback for improvements will come from attendees / parents.

Related Posts:
3 Pastor's Principles at VBS
VBS: Before & After
Five VBS Takeaways

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How is Ultrarunning like Christianity? (from Sherri)

5/16/2023

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Big Turtle 50 Miler in Morehead, Kentucky

Ultrarunning has taken off in popularity recently and grown by over 345% in the past 10 years. But many folks would ask, “What does an Ultrarunning event even entail?” While a marathon is 26.2 miles, an ultrarunning race can include a 50K (31.07 miles), 50 miles, 100K (62.14) miles, 100 miles or even up to 3,100 miles (Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence Race in New York City). The average age of an ultrarunner is greater than 40 years old! Only .03% of all the world’s total population has ever even tried to tackle an ultramarathon.

During the COVID pandemic my husband and I decided to take up running together as an activity. We both had more downtime because of pandemic guidelines and found running was a new passion we could share. We completed our first virtual marathon (San Francisco) during this time and then got bit by the ultramarathon bug. Ultrarunning was appealing because we had already conquered the distance of a marathon. As all the road races closed during 2020, the trails and state parks flung their doors wide open. We ran a 50K in December 2022 (Red River Gorge Ultra), another 50K in April 2023 (Bluegrass Ultra), a 50 mile race in April 2023 (Big Turtle 50 Miler), and we have a 33 mile race this Saturday (Yamacraw).

Three weeks ago, we both completed our first 50 mile race accomplishment and I felt compelled to share post-run thoughts. Why do middle-aged, educated individuals choose to run massive mileage amounts as a mid-life crisis? Many co-workers, friends and family members think we might have lost our minds. However, running for hours solidarity in the woods against time restraints certainly have mental effects. First, you question why you thought running for miles in the woods by yourself sounded like it would be a good idea? Then you begin to battle mental demons about quitting, not finishing, crying, or making excuses as to why you want to DNF (did not finish).

You are ultimately not in competition with other runners, whom you cannot even visualize because of the dense forest. You are in competition with yourself, with your time goals, and with your willpower. This mental struggle causes you to focus on the small things: the number of breaths you take in a minute, the small clusters of colored flowers beside the path, or the sound of the trees in the wind. It forces you to think, to contemplate, and to slow down. It is a break from the barrage of struggles the world brings, allowing you to meet God in the forest.

Why in the world does this remind me of Christianity? Ephesians 6:12 tells us that, “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” We are not fighting against non-believers around us following the ways of the world; we are fighting against the unseen forces of Satan. Just as we are not fighting against people in the races to win, we are fighting against ourselves to keep the course, to stay on the path, to follow through. Hebrews 12:1 compares Christianity to finishing a race because of similar reasons. It is easy to throw up our hands amidst a sinful world and give up, fleeing inwardly to our churches and waiting for Jesus to return. Jesus calls us to a greater purpose, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Time passes and children grow, we age, acquire more wrinkles, and before long we have lived half our lives. What are we doing with the time God has given us here on earth? I feel like I ultimately entered into the Ultrarunning community to be challenged. Halfway though my life on earth I still want to be challenged, still want to live actively.

As Christians we need to view our journey on earth with the same vision. Whatever season of life you're in, are you running this Christian race with effort in your steps, or have you given up and ready to be a DNF? God desires for us to finish the race with strength. 2 Timothy 4:7 tells us to, "Finish the race and keep the faith." With the Lord we can accomplish greater tasks than we could ever imagine if we follow Christ and run with endurance until the end, just like an ultramarathon.

Five Races to Learn More:

Yamacraw Trail Runs
Red River Gorge Ultra
Bluegrass Ultra
Big Turtle Trail Runs
Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 3,100 Mile Race

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What Are You Looking For?

2/15/2023

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This morning at 5:27 am in Hughes Auditorium

Monday evening at 10:06 pm in Hughes Auditorium

This morning I arrived shortly before 5 am at Hughes Auditorium on the campus of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Middle of the night, every business is closed, very few cars - yet 75-100 people, mostly college students are in the chapel worshiping and praying - many at the altar.

A week ago, Asbury held their Wednesday morning chapel service, and it hasn't ended. What I attended this morning was a continuation of last week's chapel service - a revival. As I was leaving this morning before 6 am - I was standing in the lobby, the custodian was emptying the trash nearby, I spoke with an older lady who just walked into the auditorium. She said she just arrived, driving to Wilmore, Kentucky in the middle of the night, from Florida. She was so excited to be there. Smiling, she said she wanted to spend the day worshiping the Lord.

On Monday night, I saw a friend I haven't seen in 12 years, he drove from Prattville, Alabama. I also met a man in the balcony, he said he came from Dallas, Texas.

In John 1:38, two men were following Jesus, they had heard John the Baptist declared publicly that Jesus is the One who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. As these two men were following Jesus, He turned around and asked them, "What are you looking for?"

How you answer that question determines if Asbury's 24/7 chapel service is a revival.

America has experienced two Great Awakenings.

In 1734 in Northampton, Massachusetts - Congregationalist pastor, Jonathan Edwards - preached with such intensity, the First Great Awakening broke out in the American colonies.

In August 1801, a Presbyterian evangelist, Barton Stone, led a revival at the Cane Ridge Meeting House in Bourbon County, Kentucky - launching the Second Great Awakening - this awakening was known for camp meetings, altar calls, and personal evangelism. Awakenings spread - circuit riding preachers brought the Gospel to rural areas of America.

It's been 200 years since America has experienced a Great Awakening. There are two characteristics of Great Awakenings:

The focus is on Christ.
It spreads.

Every Christian needs to make a pilgrimage to the Hughes Auditorium in Wilmore. You need to go the altar and meet the Lord.

But when you leave and head home, Christ will ask you, "What are you looking for? What is happening in Wilmore, should not stay in Wilmore.

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3 Ways to Invite Someone to Church Without Verbally Inviting Them

11/18/2022

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Lexington, Kentucky

You go to work, school and play sports - you want to invite your co-workers, friends, and teammates to church, yet for various reasons, it's "off limits," "awkward," or "not really discussed."

As Christians, we know God has placed people in our circle of influence with a purpose. The Lord wants us to share the Gospel; point our friends to the saving power of Jesus. A way to begin this conversation is to indirectly invite them to church.

There are ways to let others know we are Christians and active in a local church, without verbally inviting them to, "come with us this Sunday."

1). When you hear of a physical need, tell that person you're praying for them. Pray for them, and then follow up a few days later. Ask how their family member, health concern or challenging situation is coming along. If they're still burdened by it, ask the person if you can add their need to your church's prayer list.

By this point - you've already told them that you're praying for them, you followed up with them several days later, and they still need prayer - your co-worker will likely be open to your church family praying for their need.

Your church's Wednesday night prayer list is a powerful tool to see answers to prayer and personal outreach.

Now your friend at school knows New Hope Baptist Church in Glencoe, Alabama (where I preached my first sermon) is praying for them.

Pick-up a copy of your church's prayer list; give it to your friend, showing your church family is praying for them. You have just let your friend know what your church is doing for them - and you haven't once invited them to attend, but they're grateful.

2). List on your social media bio that you:

Teach Sunday School at Valley Baptist Church.
Worship at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Sing in the choir at First Baptist Church, Atlanta.
Serve as a deacon at Sumiton Church of God.

When you list on your bio how you serve at your church, you're declaring not only are you a Christian, but actively serve the Lord at a local church.

Also, the "check in" feature on Facebook is an indirect way of saying, "I'm here." You're not vocally inviting others to attend, just stating here's where I attend worship.

3). Talk about something you learned or something God taught you while at church. For example:

Reference peace from God, "My pastor preached last Sunday on having peace as we go through storms."
"God reassured me that everything was going to be okay while I sang to Him on Sunday."
Share a main point you learned at church from a recent sermon. "I recently learned at church when you quit praying about something, you've accepted the outcome."

All of these statements include pastor, church, choir, preached, praying and God - these are words unchurched people typically don't use - you're using language and making statements that invite listeners to ask a follow-up question such as, "Where do you go to church?" "Are you a Christian?" "What do you believe about God?"

Related Posts:
3 Ways to Invite People to Church Without Saying a Word
3 Non-confrontational Church Promotion Tips
4 Ways to Maximize Online Worship

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5 Spiritual Changes You Should Make in 2022

12/31/2021

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2022 is almost here. Covid is still with us. God is still on His throne. Masks are still required in some places. Jesus is coming soon. Alabama has a great football team. Some things never change, but there are critical spiritual changes you need to consider for the new year.

1). You need to begin January with a commitment to daily read the Bible. Answer these questions:

Will you read the Bible on your phone or read a physical Bible?
Will you read the entire Bible in 2022?
Will you follow a Bible reading plan?
Will you listen to the Bible on a podcast?

2). You should commit to pray over a weekly prayer list. If you know of someone who doesn’t know the Lord, make a commitment to pray that person to Christ in 2022. Write their name down in your Bible – pray for your pastor, your church, your Sunday School class – God listens when His people call upon Him. Prayer is access to God.

3). Begin looking at your network as a mission field. You go to work, to school, the doctor, the grocery store, the gym, the family who lives above you, the salon – the people you regularly see and speak to – invite them to church, ask how you can pray for them, shift your conversations from college football to the Lord. Evangelism is telling a lost person you know about Christ. God wants people saved in 2022.

4). Commit to a Sunday School class or small group. Sunday School is your spiritual connection to like-minded believers. You connect to people who are in the same stage of life as you – your closest friends should attend with you in Sunday School – they’re the friends you text at 1 a.m. for prayer – your children should likewise be with others in small group. Christians who connect in a group are more committed to their church. Being fully devoted to a Bible-believing church is God’s plan for His people. For those who've fallen away from church, 2022 should be a rededication to weekly worship.

5). Remove the clutter – sinful compromises towards other things in your life should disappear in order for you to commit to reading the Bible, prayer, evangelism, and attending worship. Many Christians aren’t able to make spiritual changes because of busy clutter – social media, TV, hobbies, even church work – harmless things that don’t allow time for spiritual growth. You’re doing things God hasn’t assigned you to do – you need to get rid of good things to become godly.

5 spiritual changes for you in 2022 – commit to reading your Bible, commit to a dedicated prayer life, commit to leading others to Christ, commit to your church, and commit to removing the clutter that prevents the first four changes.

Related Posts:
3 Commitments You Needs to Make in 2020
3 Bible Reading Plans for 2018
The Five Subtle Ways Christians Become Worldly Without Knowing

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Five Secrets to Making More Friends at Church

11/12/2021

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When a church has multiple services, multiple Sunday School times, online services, and a variety of different ministries to be involved in - it becomes tempting to know fewer and fewer people at church. You'd like to know more folks, but you don't know how.

Being connected at your church is a must. Your spouse and children should have friends and look forward to seeing those they know on Sundays and Wednesdays. If you have family members in your home and they don't know anyone, you should help them cultivate friendships and connections.

I can look at someone's circle of friends and tell you how happy they are attending church.

Here are five secrets that remind us that we don't "find friends" we "make friends.":

1). Arrive 10 minutes early, hang around 10 minutes afterwards. If you arrive after the service has started and you bolt for the door when it's concluded - you will speak to very few (if any) people. Arrival / Departure time will determine the effectiveness of making friends.

2). Do not sit down. You're likely to speak to more people standing up - you're free to move around. If you sit in a chair (or pew) and pull out your phone, you're saying, "Off Limits." Sitting down is isolating.

3). Attend Sunday School. Small groups connect - they're conversational, casual and you'll discover other people who have things in common. Make sure you join the class' email list - speak up when the teacher asks questions. Volunteer to read Scripture - go to lunch with the class after worship.

4). Don't talk about yourself. Asking questions, sharing encouragement, and listening always wins friends. People love talking about themselves, their travels, their children & grandchildren - use that to your advantage.

5). Come with a, "I'm here to serve attitude." If you arrive with an evaluation attitude, your thought pattern will be:

"She didn't speak to me."
"I didn't get anything from the sermon."
"I don't like this kind of music."
"This is an unfriendly church."

This should be your thinking while at church:

"Who can I speak to?"
"Who can I pray for?"
"Who needs encouragement?"
"What need can I meet?"

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3 Ways to Improve Your Sunday School

7/31/2021

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I love Sunday School - it's the small group connection that keeps many people connected in church and cultivates friendships. It's challenging to get to know folks in a worship service, but Sunday School is all about connections - from my experience Sunday School is what keeps church members committed. Sherri and I teach two year-old Sunday School and our young students make friends and learn Bible stories - Sunday School is a positive experience for all ages.

Here are three simple steps to improve your Sunday School class - even if you're not the teacher, you can talk with your teacher about implementing these improvements.

1). Send a weekly email. Every week, email to your class: prayer requests, praises, birthdays, anniversaries, upcoming Scripture you're teaching on, and upcoming lunches / mission opportunities. Members in your class will begin to look forward to your email of FYI - I recommend it have a, "Everything you need to know" format in case someone misses several Sundays.

2). Plan get togethers outside of class. A monthly lunch, partner with a local non-profit your class can serve together, organize a cookout at the park, summer pool party, and plan a Christmas party. There should be opportunities outside of class for building friendships.

3). Contact class members who've missed two consecutive Sundays. Keeping a role will grow your class - write, email, text or call attendees whom are absent. They need to know they were missed. Folks should be expected to attend every Sunday - spiritual growth matters. Establish a, "We want you here" culture. Raise the bar of expectation.

The new school year is about to begin - now is the time for Sunday School outreach and a recommitment to the blessing of being apart of Sunday School.

Related Posts:
5 Steps to Grow Your Sunday School Class

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3 Spiritual Advantages of Running

7/16/2021

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Finish line of the Bluegrass 10,000

Sherri beat me on July 3

Regularly running is one of the best physical activities a believer can practice. Running is biblical - David wrote about the sun maintaining it's course, "It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course" (Psalm 19:5). Like the sun, a runner stays on course. Our life should maintain the same God-centered focus.

Paul compares the Christian faith to running a race, "Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24). When you run, you want to try your best, set a personal record.

If you're desiring spiritual revival / removal from worldliness / repentant heart towards God - running could meet these goals.

1). Running allows for alone time with God. You can listen to a sermon podcast, spend time in prayer, and meditate on God's Word. Don't waste your run listening to secular music - make time with God.

2). Running keeps you away from other forms of media. No TV, movies, video games, and scrolling your phone. Not only does it free you of media - but can free you from addictions - alcohol, unhealthy eating, and pain. Your attention and time moves towards exercise and goal setting. Signing up for a race is how to begin a goal. I'm training for a 50-mile ultr a in April 2022.

3). Running reveals indwelling sin. When you're miles into a run, tired, weak, and hot - God convicts you of sinful attitudes, actions and motives. Job had lost everything, he was depleted and God spoke to him. When you're at exhaustion, the Lord comes near. Job 42:6, "Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes." Running puts our life in perspective.

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Top 10 Kentucky Day Trips

6/4/2021

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Pinnacle Overlook at Cumberland Gap

Summer is for day trips. Plenty of daylight, warm weather, and no need to pack for an overnight stay. If you live in, plan to visit, or driving through Kentucky, here are the top 10 places you must visit - parents and grandparents should pick a day, grab the kids, and go - many of these places are free. These are in order - you don't have to go to these places every year, but they are better than a "one and done."

1). Ark Encounter - Williamstown - most expensive on the list - life-size Noah's Ark one hour north of Lexington - truly brings the Bible alive. Every believer has to visit the ark.

2). Natural Bridge in Red River Gorge - Slade - most-dangerous on the list - this is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest - best outdoors place in Kentucky - has something for everyone - one hour east of Lexington.

3). Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park - Hodgenville - America's most-famous president was born in Kentucky, while you're there, visit his boyhood home nearby - also not too far is, My Old Kentucky Home, in Bardstown - two hours west of Lexington.

4). Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Middlesboro - Daniel Boone found a gap in the Appalachian Mountains and westward migration came through this gap - also visit nearby Chained Rock at Pine Mountain State Resort Park - 2.5 hours southeast of Lexington.

5). Ashland - The Henry Clay Estate - Lexington - the must-visit home of America's statesman - first-class preservation. Afterwards, drive two miles down Main Street and tour the Mary Todd Lincoln House (Abraham Lincoln's wife).

6). Mammoth Cave National Park - Mammoth Cave - surprisingly, Kentucky is filled with caves all over the state - Mammoth Cave is the world's longest cave system - book a tour - 2 hours west of Lexington.

7). Cumberland Falls State Resort Park - Corbin - visit Little Niagara Falls - also part of the Daniel Boone National Forest - book a boat ride to the falls - view the moonbow - two hours south of Lexington.

8). T he State Capitol - Frankfort - Kentucky's state government comes from a small town - you can tour the capitol and see the governor's mansion nearby - one hour north of Lexington.

9). Kenneland - Lexington - book a tour at America's nicest horse racing track - you also can tour where horses are auctioned in September - afterwards, tour the Kentucky Castle four miles down the highway.

10). Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory - Louisville - if you love baseball, this historic bat company is the perfect tour - you can also watch bats being made - while in Louisville, tour the race track of the Kentucky Derby, Churchhill Downs - tours are booked through the Kentucky Derby Museum - 1.5 hours west of Lexington.

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16 Breakthroughs in 16 Years

4/17/2021

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College Graduation Recognition at First Baptist Church, Moreland, Georgia in December 2007

Baptism Service in the Flint River at Sprewell Bluff State Park in Upson County, Georgia in May 2009

Broadway Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky's Staff in December 2016

Today is my 16 year anniversary as serving as pastor - the past 16 years, I've only once missed two consecutive Sundays being at either First Baptist Church in Moreland, Georgia or Broadway Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. The two consecutive Sundays was our adoption trip to China in July 2014 to bring Esther home.

Every year provides new breakthroughs in pastoral ministry. Here's what I've learned in 16 years (no order of importance):

1). Change must be embraced. Only the Word of God doesn't change. People, technology, ministries, and possibilities - they're always changing. Yesterday isn't returning. Don't begin a sentence with, "We've always done it."

2). Conservatism kills churches. Not theological conservatism, rather playing it safe with ministry. The day you pull back, begin to take it easy, let off the gas - is the day you begin to die. Outreach, evangelism, missions, worship - must be the DNA of every Christian and church. Churches always need to be in a growth mode.

3). How you respond (or don't respond) to criticism is actually more important than the criticism. There's usually a grain of truth in all criticism - you must be able to differentiate truth from attack. Use criticism as a learning opportunity.

4). Friends and connections are everything. Unconnected people drop out of church - if you're connected to God, connected to a group of friends, and connected to a place of service - your worship experience will skyrocket. Having someone to sit with determines whether someone worships online or in-person.

5). Fasting is the secret to spiritual growth. If you want to draw close to God, walk around hungry all the time - every time you think you're starving, you'll remember your hunger's for God.

6). Worship is an experience with God. Folks want to walk away from a worship service having felt they encountered God. An experience with God can be felt.

7). Middle school ministry might be the most overlooked area of church life. Parents of 6th to 8th graders want a strong group for their preteens and young teenagers. If a church doesn't make this age group a priority, families will look at other churches that do.

8). Senior adult ministry is the most stable and most supportive area of church. I've learned senior adults are very open to change as long as you communicate the change in advance. People do not like surprises - I utilize a weekly email on Friday afternoons to accomplish this.

9). Pastors could become viewed a public health emergencies. I fear pastors who preach biblical truth will be viewed as harmful, hateful and intolerant. Pastoral censorship can't be ignored.

10). Learn to notice who's not there. If someone's missing 3-5 consecutive Sundays, something's usually wrong.

11). Monthly meetings wear people out. If you're meeting every 4-5 weeks - two things start to happen: folks begin looking for reasons to miss the meeting, and you run out of things to talk about - which can lead to gossip.

12). Your discipline on the front end determines if you're playing catch-up on the back-end. The decisions and spiritual disciplines in your 20s and 30s shape who you are in your 40s and 50s. Decades of spiritual neglect and prayerlessness have an ongoing impact on someone's spiritual life.

13). Local culture is waning. Teenagers in San Diego and teenagers in South Alabama both watch YouTube, Netflix, and post pictures on Instagram - the internet is erasing local context.

14). Churches must help answer these questions, "What's my place?" "Who am I?" "How do I find myself in this world?" - these are the questions a hyper individualistic America are asking. Pastors should keep this in mind when preaching.

15). You notice what you're looking for. This is from the perspective of guests and church attenders. People can discover anything they want from a church.

16). Fear is contagious. A church must be governed by faith, not fear. The attitude of, "We're broke, everyone's leaving, soon we'll close our doors" - isn't healthy and doesn't encourage new folks to belong to something exciting. People want to be on a winning team.

Related Posts:
15 Truths in 15 Years
11 Truths in 11 Years
10 Discoveries in 10 Years
9 Truths in 9 Years

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Time is Slipping Away

2/19/2021

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On Wednesday, February 17, Rush Limbaugh, passed away. He was 70 years old and died from a year-long battle with lung cancer. I've been listening to Rush since 2015 - I didn't listen everyday, he would become repetitive and had too many commercials. Half his show seemed like he was selling something - but he had a keen observation of American culture and politics - he's had great influence in my political beliefs. Limbaugh has shaped conservative thinking more than any other media personality.

I even bought our children a Rush Revere book to teach American history.

I went back and listened to his final show he broadcasted before he was too ill. It was Tuesday, February 2, 2021. He's been on the radio for over 30 years and probably didn't think February 2 would be his last show. One of the final statements he made before signing off, "Time is slipping away."

Time is slipping away - how you spend your time influences how close you'll be with Christ and your service to God. How sad to see talented, God-gifted believers who squander their time.

From my personal experience, here are the five time-squandering things I have to guard against:

1). TV (especially news)
2). Movies
3). Social Media
4). Sports
5). Conversations about Nothing

If you don't manage your time, someone or something will manage it for you.

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7 Things We Owe President Biden

1/15/2021

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The White House

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021 Joseph Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America. As Christians, owe President Biden 7 things. Maybe you didn’t vote for Biden, but come January 20, he will be sworn in as your president. Many Christians didn’t vote for Biden because of his views on abortion and same-sex marriage – these 7 things do not compromise your biblical convictions.

First, you should commit to pray for your president. Scripture commands us to pray for those in leadership – pray President Biden seeks the Lord with his decision-making.

Second, you should give him the benefit-of-doubt. President Biden has not signed a single bill, law or executive order yet. We do not fully know what a Biden presidency will look like. Christians should not have a dark view of Biden before he takes office.

Third, you should not use social media to slander Biden. He can’t defend himself and you likely hurt your Gospel witness. We also have to make sure we’re not circulating conspiracy theories.

Fourth, President Biden is America’s second Roman Catholic president, first was President John F. Kennedy. He’s a member of St. Joseph on the Bradywine in Greenville, Delaware. Biden professes Christianity and Bible-believing Christians should view our president as a brother in Christ.

Vice President Kamala Harris is a member of the Third Baptist Church in San Francisco – which is affiliated with the National Baptist Convention. Harris’ pastor, Rev. Amos Brown, is one of only eight students who attended the only college class taught by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Morehouse College in 1962, the class was titled, “Social Philosophy.” Vice President Harris is a fellow Baptist and we should think of her as a sister in Christ.

Fifth, we owe our president a spirit of peace. Christians are called to display the fruit of the Spirit, one of those is peace. Promoting political division does not encourage peace. Christians should not be known for causing trouble. We don’t advance the Kingdom with a sword.

Sixth, you owe President Biden your eyes. You should be watching and aware of what our new president is doing. We don’t want new restrictions on religious liberty or freedom of speech – our president needs to know we’re watching.

Seventh, you owe the president respect. The office of president is the highest in our country. It’s the most-difficult job. You might not agree with anything President Biden does – but we’re called to be respectful of the office he holds.

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