Church Life!

Church life is actually the only life I've ever known; I can't imagine living without the church. The church family is special and it is a privilege and an honor to be involved in the lives of those in the church family.

There is a kindred spirit and fellowship developed in the church over the years that the world can't understand or comprehend. The very fact that we are indeed "brothers" and "sisters" in Christ creates a wonderful bond.

We laugh together and we cry together because we are of the same spirit and body.

2 Corinthians 4:13 a

"We having the same spirit of faith"

Romans 12:5

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."

The burden of ministry never goes away and you never feel adequate in helping others.

Numbers 4:47 b

"The service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation"

We face many challenges in the church today because people are facing things that they never dreamed they would ever face. Divorce, sickness, disease, job loss, relationship problems and caring for aging parents are all issues facing everyone from the pulpit to the pew.

The responsibility to care for the flock and protect the flock as a pastor is overwhelming to say the least. We face attacks from within and from without!

The enemy is always on the prowl and he will use whatever means to get at the shepherd and the flock, especially in times of such great vulnerability.

I am encouraged from the Word of God that Jesus is coming soon; yes I'm still a believer in the pre-tribulation rapture of the church! I believe that the demonic attacks are increasing just as the turmoil in nature represents birth-pains. The closer we get to the coming of the Lord the more intense the pains are going to be.

Fasten your seat-belts and get a good grip on your faith because we are living in perilous times. Don't be shocked or surprised by what you see or hear. Don't be caught off guard by the attacks of the enemy.

1 Peter 4:12 (CEV)

"Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire."

Jesus warned that because of the spread of iniquity that the love of many would grow cold. People will hate you without a cause even those of your own family; brothers against brothers, parents against children and children against parents.

There are seducing spirits, doctrines of devils and a departure from the faith. While some are forsaking the ancient landmarks others are embracing the attitudes and lifestyles of the world.

Needless to say, the one thing that we need to know is that everything is alright between us and God.

2 Peter 1:10

"Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall"

Time Flies!

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had last written; boy, time really does fly!

God has been so good to me and my family; I stand amazed at His incredible mercy, love and grace. The Psalmist rejoiced that God loaded him up with benefits everyday. David couldn't write the songs fast enough to praise God for all His blessings.

We rejoiced in the fact that God blessed us with our very first grandson in Alex. Then along came a second in Logan; I must tell you it is great having a couple of boys around after living with three females for all these years. But there's always room for another female and God blessed us with Skylar; she is adorable with double dimples. Our family has grown and I pray that it doesn't stop growing; grand-kids are truly grand!

I'm so very proud of my girls; they have turned into wonderful wives and mothers. They have had a great role model in their mother, to teach and train them to be that way.

There have been many things said about preacher's kids (PK'S) in a negative way but I want to set the record straight. Not all preacher's kids have gone astray because of what they have experienced through church life. Some of the greatest hurts you will ever experience is in the church. The church is usually where you let your guard down and become more vulnerable because of the love that exists between church families. Our family has not been immune to attacks; as the Apostle Paul said, "I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus." Although our marks and scars are not physical they are still very real. There are not many pastors that have their children involved in ministry especially after they leave home. Abby and Beth are still in the church working for the Lord. Abby loves kids and who knew that God would place here in the children's ministry to use that gift of love for children. Beth has a magnetic personality and people seem drawn to her; especially young people. She serves as a great mentor and communicator leading the youth.

I love my wife Gayle; I don't know where I would be today without her! She can juggle so many different things at one time and I don't know how she does it.

Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
the fruit of the womb a reward."

Proverbs 17:6 (ESV)

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their fathers."

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV)

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing
and obtains favor from the LORD."