Grace & Scott Weston

Grace and a Wrecked Four Wheeler

Speaking of grace, if I could tell only one story about my friend Scott Weston, it would be this one—it’s outrageous.

Our family had two, very used four wheelers on our little farm that we rode around the place and in the nearby Ozark National Forest. Scott and his family enjoyed these versatile and fun little machines too, and he asked me to recommend one. Soon the family owned a new 300 Suzuki Quad, one of the finest little ATVs ever made.

One beautiful fall day, I borrowed Scott’s almost-new four wheeler to take our pastor’s son Benjamin on a ride in the national forest. After a beautiful day and successful adventure, we were driving home out of the mountains on a steep curving highway, and the unthinkable happened. Going around a curve to our right at about 50 miles per hour, I happened to glance in my rearview mirror and saw Scott’s new, green, pristine four wheeler fly off the trailer and disappear over the embankment and into the trees below. It was a very shocking, sickening, surreal feeling.

I got our truck and 16-foot trailer stopped on the shoulder of the highway. Then Ben and I jogged back up the hill to see what had happened to Scott’s machine. I knew it wasn’t good. It had stopped on its side at the edge of the trees after rolling or tumbling several times down the steep embankment. We turned it over on its wheels and hoped to drive it back up to the trailer, if it would start. But the key was missing. After a brief search, Ben miraculously found it in the tall grass beside the highway. It started and wobbled back to the truck on bent rims and a twisted frame, then climbed the ramp back onto the trailer.

I called the service manager at the Suzuki dealership and told her I had a 911 case I was bringing in. She said they would have their triage team ready. I dropped Ben off and headed over there. She came out with a box of tissues for me, and after seeing it wobble off the trailer pronounced it, “Totaled.”

I was taught by my father that whenever you borrowed something, you must return it in as good or better condition than when you borrowed it. I also was taught that people were more important than things. That material possessions were only wood, hay, and stubble—or in this case, steel, rubber, and plastic. I’ve simply had to buy Scott a new four wheeler, after a sincere apology for destroying his. It was only right. It was a good chunk of money, but I would do it, whatever it was.

He was gracious when I told him, and not visibly upset, even though I knew he had come to really like that machine. I told him of my plan to shop for that exact same model, and make sure that it was agreeable to him before I bought it. He nodded his head in agreement.

But when I took Scott to see the four wheeler I found, he said it was fine and then quickly started writing a check for it on the sale manager’s desk. By that time I had my checkbook out and exclaimed, “What are you doing!?” “I’m buying this four wheeler.” “No, you’re not! That’s not right! And not what we agreed!”

By this time, we were bumping each other away from the desk in a scuffle while writing our checks, and knocked a pen holder off of the sales manager’s table, scattering pens and pencils across the floor. “Why don’t one of you buy me a four wheeler?” the sales manager exclaimed, with an incredulous grin on his face.

Scott had a head start and finished writing his check first, even with the scuffling, and handed it to the sales manger. A bit embarrassed by the whole scene, I said, “Well OK, for now, but this is not going to stand! It’s just not right! I ruined your new four wheeler, and I’m going to replace it!” The two of them just smiled at me and shrugged their shoulders as I bent down and started picking up pens off the floor.

A few weeks passed, as I thought about the situation and how I could make Scott take my money. Then one day I was at my parents home, visiting with my brother. I told him the whole story ending with, “And he wants to pay for the four wheeler—for my mistake!?” My brother quickly piped up, “Well, you’re not gonna let him, are you!?” At that moment, some clarity, humility, wonder, and grace flooded over me. It was something that transcends common sense and what’s right. And for the first time, I had the thought, and voiced it to my brother, “I think I am.”

Grace is hard to understand, and hard to deal with. I don’t think we really do until it comes our way, face-to-face, or heart-to- heart. Grace and mercy seem connected, but they are distinct—two different things. The best definitions I’ve heard are these. Mercy is not getting something bad that you deserve. Grace is getting something good that you don’t deserve. Grace is more about the giver than the recipient. Scott really wanted to pay the price for my mistake and bless me. I could continue to resist due to pride or what’s right. Or, I could accept his gracious, loving, extraordinary gift, and the heart and mind and soul behind it. Next to the Lord Jesus, Scott taught me and modeled for me the biggest lesson on grace I ever received. It changed me. It opened doors for me that I continue to walk through, and hopefully help others walk through. That is the nature of GRACE. That is the soul of my treasured friend Scott Weston. I miss him.

Last Words

If I were asked to say or read something at Scott’s graveside or celebration-of-life service, it would probably be this:

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

If Scott were to choose or write something as his epitaph, it would be something like John wrote as his motive for writing his Gospel:

“But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).

I guess that’s where Scott learned about GRACE. It changed him, like it changes everyone. And those who know Scott best know it was the most important thing in his life.

Rest in peace, Scott Weston. I’ll see you in the morning. You were a true and beautiful friend, and will be forever. I am blessed.

“Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, 
but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6 ESV)

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Scott Weston — Extraordinary Friend

Robert Scott Weston 1951-2025

I’m at the cabin. It’s October 17 and I’m up at 6 o’clock in the morning to listen and read. I have witnessed a magnificent sunrise and spent some time reading my book, God Stays Near, Faith and Flight. I’m thinking about writing something to honor Scott Weston, and the good and beautiful friend he was. I’ve intended to do so as a blog on my laptop, resisting the slower paper and ink method, but now a pen seems the better option. I’m asking the Spirit to help me.

I love Scott Weston. It took a while, because we were quite different in many ways. But we were alike in a few ways—the things we valued most and the things that really matter. He was a regional bank president, living in a world of three-piece suits, board meetings, and business relationships involving millions of dollars. I was an airline pilot and a military pilot who valued time off with family, and in the outdoors with cows, chainsaws, canoes, four wheelers and such.

My amazing friend and valued mentor, Charles Angel, ten years my senior always said, “The Holy Spirit establishes relationships. Just be looking for them and sensitive and embrace them when they come.”

I don’t recall first meeting Scott, or how we met. I’ll have to ask my wife. But I do remember Scott and Katherine appeared to be radical/normal Christians and wanted to live in a community of the same type folks with the same goals of following Christ. They weren’t raised in Christian homes and became believers in their early marriage after the birth of two of their four children. One unusual synchronicity that caused us to end up in the same community was that they enjoyed listening to a Christian recording artist named Craig Smith before moving from Missouri to Arkansas. Unbeknown to them, Craig happened to be a pastor at our church.

We loved that Scott and Katherine loved the Lord, loved their family, and seemed to be fun-loving people. They learned that we had acquired some acres just out of town and had a small cattle farm. They told us they wanted to do the same thing, asking if we would consider selling them some of our land. We told them we weren’t interested in selling any of our property, but in the spirit of hospitality, care, and genuine Christian community, we would help them look for a place.

I love to see people pursue their dreams and help if I can, but I never thought that was a good idea for these city folks. While wishing them well, smiling, I tried to dissuade them from this dream—mainly of Katherine’s but supported by Scott—telling them about the realities, the cost, and the commitment required of farm animals. But we kept looking with them.

One day I heard in the Spirit, “You should sell Scott and Katherine part of your land.” This was the opposite of everything I thought was wise and wanted to do, so I decided to sit on it a while and seek more confirmation. Yet I suspected it was from the Lord. That very afternoon, Elizabeth came home and said, “I had the craziest thought today, that we should sell Scott and Katherine part of our land.” Well! It gets even better. Before the dust settled on that conversation, and I told Elizabeth what I had heard earlier in the day, the phone rang and Scott asked if he and Katherine could drop by for a visit. “Of course.”

An hour later, there was a knock on our door. They came inside and sat on our couch across the room from us. I said, “You all called this meeting, what’s going on?” They looked at each other, then they looked at us and Scott said, “We just want to ask you one more time if you would consider selling us some of your land?” I looked at Elizabeth, then back at them before saying, “How much land do you want? Where do you want it? And how much do you want to pay for it?”

Before their visit, Elizabeth and I had discussed the obvious synchronicity of what we’d heard that day in our in our thoughts. We both still didn’t want to sell, but both felt God was wanting us to do it. So we briefly discussed that if they asked again, we’d probably sell up to ten acres, and would probably prefer it to be on the west side of our property, and at whatever price they offered. We both knew the land had been given to us supernaturally, and it belonged to the Lord. We were only the happy stewards of it. Scott quickly and quietly answered my questions in a business- like, humble manner, “We’d like ten acres on the west side of your forty acres where the road comes in. And we’d like to pay a little more than market value for it” quoting a price.

We became neighbors that day and for the next several years our friendship grew and we experienced “life together.” Of course I haven’t the need to tell all of it, nor could I, but three things stand out to me now that point to the beauty and depth of our friendship—coffee time, a European vacation, and a wrecked four wheeler.

The Gift of Friendship and Coffee Time

Scott was one of the busiest, scheduled-up friends I’ve ever had. But nine out of ten times I called to see if he wanted to get coffee he’d say, “When and where?” I thought I was doing him a favor by getting him out of the office to breathe air, but looking back, he was doing me the favor of valuing time together and offering his friendship. His sacrifice and honoring me in this way taught me about friendship in practical, touching ways that still bring me joy and a heartfelt smile.

European Vacation

Both of our 25th wedding anniversaries were coming up when my wife came to me saying, “Why don’t we celebrate our special day with the Westons in London or Paris?” Shocked and amused by the idea coming from her, I responded with a smile, “Aren’t you supposed to spend your anniversary with your spouse?” “Well yes, but Katherine and I were talking, and they’ve never been to Europe, except when Scott was stationed in England in the Air Force, and we think it would be fun.”

Scott liked the idea. I was flying to London or Paris weekly with American Airlines, so I could plan the trip, and off we went! It was a beautiful time of sharing lives and adventures with a few days in London, a Chunnel ride, and a few days in Paris, where Katherine almost got us kicked out of the Louvre. Our friendship grew and the Westons started making trips to Europe on their own with their children. We all grew from it together, and with the Lord, experiencing adventure, some challenges, and GRACE.

[“GRACE & Scott Weston” to be continued in the following blog. An additional Scott Weston story is recorded in God Stays Near, Faith and Flight, Chapter 4, page 37]

Are you ALL IN ?

“ALL IN” seems to be a timely word — for what the Spirit is saying and doing in the earth, and certainly in His Kingdom. Are you ALL IN to what you’re committing your time and life to? I hope so. The opposite is being lukewarm, which is something Jesus decried in His teaching, and far from what He modeled in His life on earth.

My good friend Ron has been mentoring four men for about five years next door. We meet once a week and this fall he chose the topic, “ALL IN.” We’ve discovered that Mark Batterson, a well-known author and pastor in Washington DC has a series of teachings from the Bible entitled, “ALL IN.” One of our elders taught Sunday about Jesus noticing the woman in the temple who put in only two small coins, but it was all she had. She was “ALL IN.”

With the events of recent weeks, Charlie Kirk certainly comes to mind. He was “ALL IN” by any metric. He was admired by his following of mostly young people — friend and foe, for his ideas, faith, work ethic, intellect, kindness, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for the truth.

He founded Turning Point USA in 2012 when he was just eighteen years old. He was self-educated mostly by correspondence courses from Hillsdale College, reading books (about fifty per year), and seeking out mentors. He would debate students and faculty in colleges far and wide, including Oxford and Cambridge. The Spectator asked him to write about his UK experience. They reported this, “The result was this well-observed, funny and now strangely prophetic-sounding piece about the condition of England.” They went on to say, “Charlie Kirk believed in free speech. He died speaking freely. RIP.”

To get a tiny grasp of how great this young man was, one only need watch his memorial service put together eleven short days after his murder and attended by 100,000 people according to police estimates. Over 100 million people watched on line according to a Grok search polling major TV networks and streaming services. Of course you can still watch it in segments or the whole on YouTube, which I highly recommend. You can decide for yourself what kind of young man he was.

To be only thirty-one years old, and have the President and Vice President of the United States, along with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of War speak at your funeral or celebration of life service is incredible. Also to hear from his young, beautiful widow and new CEO of Turning Point USA, only days after her devastating loss was as touching as it was insightful into Charlie Kirk’s life and legacy.

With so much deception, sensationalism, and propaganda in our news media these days, I do not watch the news. I find it more peaceful to hear what I need to know from my friends, and to research newsworthy items on the web. So I’m a bit embarrassed to say I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was. But as soon as I became aware and watched some of his debate and speaking clips, I was refreshed with his truth-loving — truth-speaking courage and candor. And I thanked God for a young man speaking to his generation and culture, in fact all generations and cultures, about a Biblical worldview of the Kingdom of God and how it relates to our personal lives and the political institutions that govern the way we live. I recently wrote a book on a Christian and Biblical worldview called Puzzling 2020. It’s the ancient path that got us to the good way we have enjoyed for so long, and holds the keys to its preservation.

Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, and may your movement and organization prosper and succeed in its mission a million times more than your wildest dreams. May God bless your organization and your family with success unimagined and peace.

*********************

“A good name is better than a good ointment,
And the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

“Thus says the Lord,
‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way is, and walk in it;
And you will find rest for your souls.’
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.'” (Jeremiah 6:16)

Charlie Kirk Shorts #1 (chosen because of so many views)

Charlie Kirk Shorts #2 (I’m a soul accountable to one Being)

Charlie Kirk Shorts #3 (giving your life to Christ)

Charlie Kirk Shorts #4 (about the LGBTQIA2S+ Community)

Remembering Charlie Kirk With Mike Huckabee, Franklin Graham, Matthew West, & More

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
— Pericles, Greek orator

Truth and Charlie Kirk

“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:19 BSB)

The expression “How the mighty have fallen” appears most famously in 2 Samuel 1, where David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. The phrase reflects the heartfelt agony of the loss and calls to mind their courage, strength, honor, and passion for the people of Israel and their God.

If you’re over thirty, you may not know much about Charlie Kirk. But you do now! Instagram Reels, YouTube, TikTok, X, Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, and other social platforms with billions of viewers have carried the man and his message around the world and into the future via the minds and hearts of young people everywhere. He stirred people into thinking and into action with his courage, kindness, truth, and right living.

Were it not for his murder and untimely death, like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was martyred by Hitler a few days before his concentration camp was liberated, people would probably not be aware of his genius, courage, passion for his country and for his Lord, Jesus Christ. Also, his love for freedom of speech and his love of truth set him apart.

May his voice be duplicated in the generation he lived and died for, a groundswell of courageous youth who think for themselves, educate themselves, search for the truth and value it as much as Charlie did. If you’re motivated to help, click here. Pray for his sweet family. Take action in some way to honor Charlie Kirk’s life and courage.

Charlie Kirk and Western Civilization

As a student of history, I’ll close by sharing an article I read after the tragedy by Shai Kalach, a conservative Orthodox Jew:

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk – A Turning Point for Western Civilization

This week, Charlie Kirk, a conservative American author and social activist, was murdered. He was the clear voice of an entire generation, and countless young people and adults enjoyed listening to him and reading his words. With his exceptional eloquence, well-reasoned arguments, and courage to step into any arena and respond to any claim, he managed to touch the hearts of millions, restore moral reasoning to the American nation, and become a revered figure for many of its citizens.

His murder is not an isolated act—it is a symbol of a broader phenomenon. Usually, we think of political assassinations, but here it was not a politician who was killed, but a man of ideas. A man who expressed himself with a pen and a microphone. What disturbed his killer and his supporters was not Kirk’s authority, but his ability to clearly articulate his worldview and persuade people. Whoever murdered him, and whoever supported that act, does not truly believe in freedom of speech; they fight against it with violence.

President Trump called for prayers during Kirk’s final hours, later announced his death, and America bowed its head, even lowering its flag to half-mast.

Why did this great nation mourn him as one of its most distinguished sons?

Because there is nothing more splendid than American democracy, whose very heritage is freedom—freedom that recognizes the essence of free speech. The Founding Fathers gave their lives so that every individual could express an opinion without fear. Charlie, with his resolute voice, joined their ranks. He fell solely because of his steadfast commitment to truth—the very thing the progressive left fears most, for truth threatens its existence.

One must understand this clearly: the radical left’s art has always been violence and murder. Gulags, show trials, extermination camps—all of these grew out of the school of Marxism, the bloodiest enterprise in history, which buried more than 150 million souls. Even within communism itself, dissenting voices were silenced—Stalin persecuted Trotsky simply because he had a pen and differing opinions.

Today, communism has allied itself with woke culture, which is nothing but a grand masquerade of false peace—a cover story for the fascist violence of the radical left.

This moment marks a turning point in the cultural struggle of Western democracies. They must recognize that this is a war of violence versus freedom of speech. They must unite against the radical “ultra-liberal” left, which silences opposition through intimidation and assassination.

In a proper country, all journalists in Israel would have issued a clear statement against this violent assault on freedom of expression. Yet it turns out that not all are the democrats they claim to be—for they do not believe in liberty or free speech, but in silencing voices when the victim does not belong to their political camp.

But such silencing will not succeed. Every attempt to uproot the fight for truth only deepens its roots. Every attempt to take a life gives birth to new life. Yesterday, not only America but the entire world gave new birth to the image of Charlie Kirk in the many who now carry his voice.

Charlie’s assassination is not merely a private or national tragedy; it is a call to action for the free world—a call for revival: to raise the banner of liberty, to zealously guard the right to speak and express one’s opinion, and to wage cultural war against those who choose the easy life of lies. For as long as there are men and women willing to die for speaking the truth, Western civilization will not cease to live.

And the people of Israel will deepen their identity and roots—and proclaim liberty to the entire world.

*********************

“Nothing gives rest but the sincere search for truth.” Blaise Pascal

“In passing we should note this curious mark of our age: The only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute” ― Francis A. Schaeffer

“To fail to exhibit that we take truth seriously at those points where there is a cost in our doing so, is to push the next generation in the relative, dialectical millstream that surrounds us.” ― Francis A. Schaeffer

“Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it.” Blaise Pascal

“The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever” — Unknown

“Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it isn’t going away” —Elvis Presley

“No legacy is so rich as honesty” —William Shakespeare

“In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ― George Orwell

“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.” ― Henry David Thoreau

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4)

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Following Christ

H.D. McCarty — Following Christ

I attended my first board meeting this week of Ventures for Christ. The meeting was lead by the 92-year-old H.D. McCarty who is still leading the way in exalting Christ, pleasing Christ, and becoming like Christ — for the joy set before him and all who believe.

H.D. McCarty’s mind is razor sharp. His heart is ablaze with passion for the King and His flock. His vocal cords, and his ability to speak or communicate this reality and passion, are affected by the polio he experienced in his youth.

This week he assembled a group of men, spiritual and distinguished in their careers and lives, for lunch in order to exhort them to follow Christ in a disciplined, sacrificial, “lay down your life” way — the way of the cross.

All of the men are older. About half are in their 80s and about half are in their early 70s or late 60s. All are successful doctors, lawyers, businessman, bankers, even a rogue pilot, who could go their own way, so to speak, and live lives of relative ease.

Indeed, there was small talk before and during lunch at Noodles restaurant about golf courses, vacations, and health discussions typical of retirees. But there we sat, loving the one who called us together, admiring him, and wanting to be loyal to him to the end — and as devoted to his Lord as he is.

He shared a few things with us as best he could. His beautiful and precious daughter Karen joined for a brief time and helped us understand some of his utterances that were unclear. But his main focus was that we get to know each other, and love each other like he loved us individually. And that we all pledge ourselves anew to die to ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Christ, Who is worthy and still showing Himself to H.D. in his 90s as ever before and as never before. His name be praised.

He left us with three sheets of printed material to read and meditate upon, after holding up a book by Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. He intimated the book was special to him among the hundreds he has read.

One sheet was selected scriptures, front and back, that expressed the spirit and vision of Ventures for Christ, his ministry moniker in this chapter of his life. The other two sheets were copies from the Chamber’s book for November 1 through November 3, with H.D.’s personal notes scribbled around some of the text with insight and feeling.

I think you could sum up this unlikely, unusual, and sacred meeting like this:

“Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; give heart and soul and mind and strength to serve the King of kings.” (William Merrill, 1911) Or in the words of Jesus of Nazareth, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me (Matthew 16:24-26).

I wrote on the bottom of my copy, “if you don’t first pick up your cross, there is no need to follow.” This truth came to me in the moment and perhaps has been lost on our affluent culture with a lukewarm church in many quadrants. May the Lord help us. He will, IF we do what He says. Amen.

H.D. wants us to be points of light for others, and disciple them in the way of the cross. I found on his website where he expresses this sentiment and passion in his own words:

“We are all to be men and women sent from God.” II Corinthians 2:17b
Our Ventures for Christ Mandate
The Ventures ministry is our Spirit led attempt to shepherd as many Christians as the Lord might give us into a Cross Disciple life! Our efforts are aimed at those who hunger to be contented warriors for Christ. Our goal is to teach others to continuously practice thinking, feeling, and acting with the Mind of Christ. We must grasp and internalize the practical presence of the Godhead ─ our triune Creator, Redeemer, and Perfecter ─ and respond increasingly, urgently, and precisely to the mystery of our New Creation birth in Christ. This can be done as we bring His thoughts into our minutes and learn the empowerment of His perceptions and promises! We “capture” His Mind, then “embrace” His Heart, and then “sacrifice” for His Will!
Carrying the Savior’s Cross for our individual earth adventure begins with a passion to live out one’s life increasingly directed and consumed with the Mind of Christ.

Get to know H. D. McCarty — An interview with a curator of the Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville, AR. [Photos above were taken in his office during this interview.]

A good many things could be said about H.D. McCarty, but to those who know and love him and have had their minds, souls, and spirits directed up to Christ by him, certainly these verses come to mind.

“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history…” (Acts 17:26 NIV).

“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation …” (Acts 13:36).

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

In my latest book, God Stays Near, there is a chapter called “Grey Eagles” about aging with the Lord. In the board’s estimation, H.D. is the grayest and the greatest we know. May our gracious God continue to be the wind beneath his wings.

Quickly approaching ninety-three, he’s working on a second book. His first came out last year, His Cross and Ours. It’s a needed word in our generation and culture.

Recent Ventures for Christ Board Meeting with H.D. McCarty

Choose or Be Chosen?

We are made in God’s image, all humans, but we are not like Him — no one is. God is quite different from His creation or any created thing. He’s the paragon of power, truth, and beauty — all that is good.

I have a friend named Pablo. He says he’s “tried” to believe but just doesn’t feel what the rest of us feel in the community of faith. He also says he can’t get on board with a God who sends people to eternal damnation just because they are something like Hindus.

Well, that’s another issue with thousands of books and articles addressing it, just like the topic of this blog, “Choice.” I will say quickly and quietly, that subject may be several levels above our pay grade to understand or decide, especially at the beginning of our faith journey. Also, “eternal” damnation as described in the Bible may not be what you think it is or have been taught in many of our churches. You can read chapter 23 in my book, Puzzling 2020 or, Hell, A Final Word , by Edward Fudge, or watch the movie, Hell and Mr. Fudge for a different Biblical perspective.

More importantly, ask yourself, “Could I get on board with a God who made every human in His image, gave them breath, a beautiful earth and creation to enjoy, and the freedom to experience it all as they program their souls as they see fit? That may be the better question or way to approach God, with less pride and hubris and more gratitude. But approach Him as you wish. He allows you that amazing choice.

Ephanay? Paradox? Choice?

The Bible teaches that if you will choose God, He will choose you. And He knows your heart better than you do. He’s willing to be patient with you, to let you work out what you want to believe over time.

There is another important piece to this puzzle. There is a domain of dark, delusional, deluding spirits who fit into God’s plan in some way ambiguous to humans. They are constantly leading humans astray or deceiving us about truth, who God is, who they are, and who we are. And you? You get to decide or choose what you want to believe, as one caught up in this cosmic battle for your soul. At stake is eternal life, the ability to forge deep relationships, and know truth — also the Holy One.

Choose wisely. Dig deeply into the person and purposes of God by reading the Holy Bible for yourself with an open heart and mind to know truth if God will reveal it to you. It’s the perennial best-selling, most-widely-published book on the planet. It also makes the claim that it is inspired by the Spirit of God Himself for the purpose of making Him known to us, us known to ourselves, and us known to Him.

The Spirit and Your Faith

Now for the mysterious and mystical part of the equation — God’s Spirit. There is a whole branch of theology about how one comes to faith. It’s called soteriology. I find it as fascinating and mysteriously beautiful as it is simple. Jesus told his disciples to come to God the Father like a little child or don’t bother coming at all (Matthew 18:3). The way is simple enough for all, the young and old, the simple and wise — everyone.

It’s just that you don’t control it all. You only control your part, which is to believe and have faith like a child. Go ahead and ask the hard questions, the harder the better. Be intellectually honest of course. But be honest and respond in childlike fashion when revelation and answers come. I love hearing how people come to faith. You should ask people who believe how they came to faith when you see the Spirit of light in their lives. I tell the stories of three people coming to faith in my latest book, God Stays Near, Faith and Flight.

Landing the Plane

Read the Gospels over and over. Thomas Jefferson had only one book beside his bed, the words of Jesus lifted from the New Testament. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). We have the written Word, the Bible. We have the Word of God in the flesh, Jesus the Son of God (John 1:14). He sows the seeds of faith and shows us the way to the Father, our Creator God (John 14:8-21).

Read the Gospels often and much, in silence and solitude, until you hear that still small voice that leads to faith. Reading shows your heart, that you desire to know the truth. Then leave the revelation part to Him. He will answer. But own your part and responsibility — your faith.

It’s instructive and insightful how often Jesus said, “Go in peace, your faith has made you well [or saved you]” (Luke 8:48, 7:50, 17:19, 18:42, and others). The Spirit of God does the major lifting, the heavy part, but at some point faith springs from you up to meet God, like a silent lightning strike, that seals and starts a new life — forever.

Shalom and Godspeed on your journey with Him to “Joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1Peter 1:8).

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“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).

How should we view predestination? Are there people He just doesn’t call? “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

You must choose what you think and believe about this. Then the seeming paradox will become more clear as you journey. In the words of St. Augustine, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:16-17).

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV).

“Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).

For Freedom

It’s the 4th of July! Of course everyone’s mind is on freedom and liberty, and the gift of a freedom-loving form of government God gave us through our forefather’s wisdom, sacrifice, and passion. But the desire for freedom has much deeper and personal spiritual roots in us all than political. You might be surprised how often this need and quality of life is addressed in the Bible.

The phase, “For freedom you have been set free,” came to me early this morning as I began to listen and ponder in my meditation and quiet time.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1 NIV).

Judged Already

I just received a message from a good friend of mine, Dwayne Russell, in the river valley that was related to what I was reading, hearing, and thinking. He quoted John 3:17- 20, the verses after the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16, and then went on to his missive entitled, “Judged Already.”

“For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved hrough Him. He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:17-20 NASB1995 Emphasis Added).

“Judged already! The light has come but sadly we love darkness, because we can’t hide our stuff in the light. It is exposed. But when we see the light and embrace it, the exposure brings forgiveness, love, and strength we didn’t know we had, because it’s Him in us (Col 1:27).

Jesus will stand at the end of time and have the final say to those who love darkness. The light will win and one day there will be no more darkness except in hell itself.”

Walk In the Light and Live Free

Love light! Walk in light! Confess sin, and let the light shine upon it and in your hearts. Then it’s easier to repent and win over sin experiencing God’s forgiveness (washing) and power for living free—His Spirit! “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32).

That’s a summary, the over-arching truth, and the key to freedom and joy for all who will call upon the Lord. That is also the substance and summary of our pastor’s message Sunday from Galatians five. Dr. Ben Wilson said the apostle Paul gave us in Galatians (Chapter 5) two distortions about freedom and a path forward.

The two distortions:
(1) Moralism or legalism leads to slavery (v1-12).
(2) License (everything that feels good, do it) leads to death (v13-20).
The path forward:
(3) Walk in the Spirit and fulfill the law of love (v 13-26).

Avoid “the trap of sin and shame” as Martin Luther called it in, The Freedom of the Christian and the Bondage of the World.

Ben entitled his sermon, “Fully Convinced! Following Christ with Conviction in a World of Confusion.” Before ending with two verses from Galatians 5, here are some of his salient quotes:

“We must understand our freedom in Christ, which is true freedom.”

“God’s law gives you an excellent picture of righteousness, but it can’t make you righteous.” “It can’t set you free from sin and shame.”

“There is a Latin phrase from the reformation that can be translated ‘not able, not to sin.’ License does not equal liberty. Do not use your liberty to cast off restraint.”

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25)

Rising Lion

Israel is at war with Iran. More specifically with the evil government of Iran, not it’s people — but with Ayatollah Khamenei, and his violent IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) bent on the destruction of Israel and being a regional military superpower with nuclear weapons while ruling the people of Iran with a dictatorial fist.

When Israeli intelligence detected that Khamenei’s regime had enought enriched uranium for about sixteen warheads and were weeks or months away from the enrichment necessary for weapons, they decided to act. There was a lot of chatter in the media that Israel might be making some unusual preparations to deal with this threat to their survival. But the Iranian regime replied with an old Arabic saying, “A barking dog does not bite.”

Israel launched a surprise attack the next day, June 12th, in the early morning hours, and experienced unusual, if not supernatural success in destroying Iran’s sophisticated air defense missles, radars, and weaponry allowing it to damage Iran’s nuclear weapons facilities, eliminate its top nuclear scientists, the IRGC’s top military leadership, and start the process of destroying the 1000s of ballistic missiles and their launchers with unrelenting success.

The sorely crippled IRGC continues to launch decreasing salvos of ballistic missiles at Israeli civilians and cities, not military targets, which has been met with Israeli retaliation and force after alerting Iranian civilians to flee Tehran and areas around the missiles.

It appears the US and some European countries will soon join the conflict to ensure the nuclear weapons program is safely dismantled and the evil regime responsible for so much bloodshed and destruction in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza, and Israel is ousted and brought to justice. The world is a lot safer as a result of all this action, for which people who understand justice and the actions of the Almighty as outlined throughout the Bible should be thankful.

It’s clear from the Bible that God expects a task like this to be completed, once it’s started (e.g. 2 Kings 13:17-19, Deuteronomy 7:2, Psalm 118:7-14, 2 Kings 10:30, Psalm 119:152). And it’s clear from history half measures are doomed to failure.

“The era of procrastination, of half-measures, of soothing and baffling expedients, of delays is coming to its close. In its place we are entering a period of consequences.” Winston Churchill

“You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:119).

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It’s estimated that there are one million Christians in Iran, in mostly underground churches. And a great many Iranians despise the Ayatollahs and long for freedom. Pray for their safety and for mercy, as this necessary war to rid the earth of this cancer continues to its completion. Pray for that completion as you pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and mercy for inocents in both countries, and those who love peace.

Military analysts would likely conclude the war is over after the lightning strike nutralized their air defenses, commanders at the hightest levels, crippled their nucular facilities, and eliminated their top scientists. Israel’s IDF has been freely attacking the remaining, sizable arsenal of missiles and launchers ever since. But how this war ends is important. It would be best if the citizens of Iran take their country back. They know who the real agents for burtality, boodshed, and violence are, and can see them removed and brought to justice. More than likely there will be US and European boots on the ground at some point to help them make sure the cancer is removed, and to oversee the dismantling of the nuclear threat.

In my books Puzzling 2020, and God Stays Near, I have chapters about warfare, spiritual warfare, and Israel throughout history and in our day. The short chapters are succinct and worthy of your reading and mediation written after the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel from Gaza.

In God Stays Near, Chapter 10 is entitled “Prepare for War.” Chaper 11 is entitled, “Israel–A Time for War.” Following are some Scripture references and quotes from those chapters:

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8).

“As barbaric and evil as the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by its Palestinian neighbors in Gaza was, the anti-Semitism that has come to light around the world since then is even more troubling. People are marching, rioting, burning flags around the world, and threatening violence against Jewish people who probably have never met a Jewish person. How do you explain that? Outside of dark, evil spirits?

“Jesus said, “You shall know them [people] by their fruit,” by what they do, not what they say. Consider what both sides in the conflict have said and done throughout history, especially since 1948. Then, draw your conclusions.

“In the meantime, you can dwell on the Bible-stated truth that God hates violence and loves Israel. You will always do well to love what God loves and hate what God hates. ‘And God loves Israel, declaring, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness’” (Jeremiah 31:3). “The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion” (Psalms 11:5).

“Those who do not love what God loves and hate what God hates, and passionately support violence and hate Israel are shaking their angry fists at God. This never ends well for them, their political organization, or those who support them.

“This is how to make sense of it, even with the smoke and media haze — misguided secular-humanist deception. Harvard? CNN? BBC? Beware of deception! Be aware of these verses: “They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:10b-11).

“Fear God and keep His commandments. Or if that seems too draconian for you, “Love What God loves, and hate what God hates,” you’ll be fine and fare well.

“Shalom and Godspeed on your journey to truth — also righteousness, peace, and joy. ‘For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” Indeed, that’s what Israel is in the process of doing right now. They are freeing Israel from a people who love violence, oppress their own, practice lawlessness and injustice, hate Israel their neighbors, and fire rockets and missiles at them incessantly. You reap what you sow. There is One who sees to it.

“May our gracious Creator and King exercise justice and judgment mixed with mercy. It’s His to do. And He is the only One who can.

“To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.”
(Revelation 5:13)

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“The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor,
The utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,
The utterance of him who hears the words of God,
Who sees the vision of the Almighty,
Who falls down, with eyes wide open” (Numbers 24:3-4).

“God brings him [Israel] out of Egypt,
He is for him like the horns of the wild ox.
He will devour the nations who are his adversaries,
And will crush their bones in pieces,
And shatter them with his arrows.
He couches, he lies down as a lion,
And as a lion, who dares rouse him?
Blessed is everyone who blesses you,
And cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Numbers 24:8-9)

Brandishing Books

This blog is directed to authors and writers, while others may find it interesting.

I started writing a few years ago because I felt like I had a message burning within me to share with friends, family, the church, and the world at large. Since putting my faith in Jesus at an early age, I found that following Him is the path that brings me much truth, light, wisdom, and joy. I tell how I came to faith in my latest book, God Stays Near, Faith and Flight. Following Jesus, as outlined in the Bible, and with the ever-present help of His Holy Spirit has led me into many joyful and wonderful friendships and relationships during the journey. I believe that relationship may be the purpose of it all, along with knowing God and knowing Truth (Phil 3:10, John 8:31-32). To know our Creator Father, and to be known by Him, as we journey with others on our way to eternity with Him is exhilarating and satisfying (Eph 3).

My writing journey started with a book about David, king of Israel, about 1000 BC, and what he teaches us about God and about friendship. This turned into four books describing that path and experiences along the way. I continued to write because I felt the Holy Spirit’s leading to do so, found it inwardly fulfilling, and because the path I saw so clearly seemed to be obscured and hidden in our day by deception and dark spiritual forces needing to be combated.

“The pen is mightier than the sword.” (Edward Bulwer Lytton)

This expression voices the belief that the written word is more powerful and effective than violence in bringing about social, moral, political, and spiritual change. I want to be a warrior for truth and light—for the help and protection of family and friends in the kingdom of Heaven which seeks these values for all people. That’s why I write.

My journey seems humorous to me. I started out knowing so little about writing and being an author. I still feel like that. But I’ve learned a few things along the way that I can share with those of you writing or who aspire to do so for your own reasons.

Helping Hands

In an earlier blog I told you about booknook.biz, the people who helped me a great deal in bringing my last three books to fruition. They mainly serve in formatting and giving advice to get your book published and available on line and in book stores.

Recently I told these trusted folks that I was thinking of promoting my books some, and that I have received several unsolicited phone calls monthly for the last ten years trying to convince me to use the caller’s services to do so. The owner replied, “Let me know if you’re going to do that and I’ll connect you with someone I trust who really knows the business.”

Introducing “launchmybook.com” “BRINGING YOUR BOOK TO THE WORLD” “Book Publishing and Promotion For Established and First-Time Authors.” They have plenty of free courses and resources, and also publishing services for a fee, backed with a good track record and methods of doing business. Give them a look and see what you think, then compare their services to others you might find on the web or via recommendations. I found Joel’s discussion on “Traditional Publishing, Hybrid Publishing, or Self Publishing — What’s Right for You?” to be the best I’ve encountered and the most enlightening.

Since I have a good relationship with BookNook.biz, and they helped me with all my books except for A Friend of the King, which was a hybrid book using West Bow Press, I only used LaunchMyBook’s marketing services.

After sharing my intentions with Joel, the president, in a scheduled phone call, he suggested a program they do with Amazon involving a four-day give away of the eBook version of my newest book. They make sure we are marketing to the right category of readers, buy lists of readers in those categories from data companies, do a large email blast, see that the book has exposure to specific bloggers, and then track the results for those four days and in the weeks afterward.

They aspire to achieve 1000 downloads, and perhaps an Amazon best seller rating in one or more of the categories. The idea is that this creates a web buzz and exposure for the book, Amazon book reviews, and readers who will sample the books, tell others, and all this resulting in wider distribution and more sales. This model is known to work best if an author has three or more books.

The book achieved 2700 downloads over seven countries. And it achieved #1best seller rank in three categories: Biographies of Religious Leaders, Spiritual Growth, and Adventurers & Explorers Biographies. So the campaign exceeded the metrics and goals we had for it. The real test of course will be the number of books sold and delivered into the hands and hearts of readers. I was more than pleased with the whole process, even though it still seems a bit nebulous.

It was by faith and following a spiritual leading that I began writing. It’s been that way through all four books. So it seems natural that is continuing with some marketing to make the books more widely known. I hope this description of the process and the introduction to these helpful companies is beneficial to you.

Please write a review of God Came Near, Faith and Flight, after you’ve read a portion. Pray with me that the books find their way to all whose faith would benefit from reading them.

Here’s how to review the book, although a young woman in our community group did it in 30 seconds standing in our living room:):) It’s easy and doesn’t take long!

(1) Go to Amazon.com
(2) Type Dwayne Bell (or B. Dwayne Bell) in the search window
(3) Click on the book (God Stays Near)
(4) Click on reviews (the number to the right of the star ratings)
(5) Click on “Write a customer review”
(6) Give it a star rating
(7) Write a couple sentences about the book, an insight, or its impact on you

Thank you very much! Shalom in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Generosity

Our community group, consisting mainly of young people (20-30 something), is studying and discussing the classic spiritual disciplines or habits of faith in Christ as laid out by author and pastor John Mark Comer in his latest book, Practicing the Way. This week we looked at “Generosity.”

Among other things “Generosity” is said to comprise two sides of the same coin — “Giving,” and living a simple lifestyle (also called “Simplicity”). I’m beginning to see “Generosity” as an invitation to step further into God’s presence and better know His person. He is a giving God, beyond our comprehension and understanding. He’s magnanmous and as gracious to the poor as to the rich. Compared to Him, we’re all very poor, and it’s behoves us to realize it and act accordingly in His sight and walk in that light.

Concern For The Poor

In the very oldest book of our Bible, Job, we see that the ancients knew concern for the poor was a virtue and lack of concern for the poor invites God’s displeasure and discipline. The theme is continued throughout the Law of Moses, the Old Testament and into the New Testament in the teachings and examples of Jesus, His Disciples, and the Apostles. This is motivation enough: (1) To give to the poor pleases the Lord and is obedience to Him and His commands. (2) To give to the poor is to identify with the poor and acknowledge we are all poor before God. (3) To give to the poor is to experience a similar joy that God feels when He helps those in need and shows them grace so they feel His love and care.

But giving to the poor and practicing generosity in all realms of our lives as a way to know God better and experience Him more fully hasn’t been on my radar. It appeals to me as maybe the highest reason to practice generosity and simplicity. It’s a new mountain to climb and vista possibility in my spiritual journey that is exciting, new, and invigorating.

Take the Plunge — Or Baby Steps

Harvest Community Church, our community of faith, has some members who have begun a website to support some poor children in Uganda, Africa, in a church and school setting we know because we’ve been there twice and are going again this summer. It’s a bit like the Compassion International model of child sponsorship, but we know these kids and the adults that love and serve them personally. The pastor’s wife, Judith, mother of four, was a Project-Compassion child herself growing up in the slums of Kampala. Now she administers this program in their school with beautiful results we have seen and experienced.

I encourage you to pray about it, and consider helping one of these little ones to a better life, and perhaps to be a spiritual leader in their community and nation. That would be generous, pleasing to the Lord, and it might open your eyes spiritually to things you’ve been missing. His joy as you journey and lay up treasure in heaven!

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Photos from HCC in Uganda

Webpage to make donations

The Generosity Practice Session 04: Be Generous to the Poor John Mark Comer

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

“Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.” (Luke 12:33)