Category Archives: Understanding Our Times

Articles that lend insight or understanding to our times, the day in which we live, usually in comparison to the Biblical or historical perspective, which will aid one in knowing how to live and act wisely in our day. “Like the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times and what Israel should do.” I Chron 12:32

Light in Darkness

“When the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his son, made of woman” Galatians 4:4

Globally we live in dark times unless our media is deceived and is deceiving us?? Apparently it’s not either/or but both/and in this case. 🙂 But thanks be to God, we can live in His light and joy in the midst of darkness. Why? How? Trust in God, and His Son Jesus Christ.

It’s been a peaceful and joyful time in my heart as I’ve pondered the advent story each day in December. I pray that it has been so for you as well. I’ll share with you by note and hyperlink some of the things that have come my way in the last few days that remind me of the power and beauty of this magnificent season. They speak to events hatched in the mind and heart of the Trinity eons past, entering time in the fullness of time, as foretold by prophets and witnessed by the stars. I pray Jesus’ story of passion and pathos warms your heart and spirit during this Christmas season as it has mine and all the people who have come to trust him throughout the ages.

The Star of Bethlehem. Since I discovered it a few years ago, I’ve watched this DVD in awe and worship ten or more times with friends and alone. It’s masterfully done and fills my heart and mind continually with wonder and joy.

“Tidings of discomfort and joy,” was the title of a Christmas sermon I heard last week from a young man visiting from east Asia. He reminded me and the western church that there is nothing normal or comfortable about a baby in a feed trough. He went on to point out how dark the times were for God’s people the Jews at Jesus’ birth, and that Jesus’ life wasn’t one of comfort. We his followers should reexamine that as we look at our culture, our lives, and the days ahead.

Advent readings and books. Daniel Partner & Walter Wangerin Jr. in their unrelated, and much inspired advent reflections have ushered me into the dark, simple, trusting world of Zacharias, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as they lived and touched lives as normal mortals while great and evil forces and governments churned around them — God working out His own plan in their “quietness and trust” during dark times.

Lastly, a book has come into my life by Wayne Jacobsen that I’m reading for the second time, slowly and devotionally, mediating on short chapter after short chapter. The Lord is speaking to me out of it about “living loved.” It’s Christianity 101 but it’s also Christianity 707 for those of us who have walked some years with Jesus. Within it’s pages are beautiful insights about the prodigal son, which the author points out is really the story of God our Father, the rich young ruler, the human Jesus, and some insights into the mystery of the cross and the Trinity. The quote below I borrow from the beginning of Chapter 16….

“You will trust God only as much as you love him. And you will love him not because you have studied him; you will love him because you have touched him — in response to his touch…. Only if you love will you make that final leap into darkness.”Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Brennan Manning, Lion and Lamb

“the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”” (Matthew 4:16)

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[If you’re still hungry for more Christmas spiritual food, check out this pastoral letter from my most formational mentor, and this month’s blog from one of my best friends. Joy to you, and to the world! The Lord has come! :)]

Eternity? Heaven? Hell?

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, ….” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Sunrise this morning walking with my wife, my best friend

This week I was in a men’s meeting at our church with a young mathematician and math teacher. We were sharing from our journals and he shared he felt the Lord had been saying to him, “eternity, eternity, eternity.” He’s in good company. The apostle Paul encouraged us to think like that. You can read what he said in a recent post to my book’s website.

Indeed, the Creator has put a sense of eternity in our hearts. Sunrise and sunset speak of it, as do the heaven’s starlight. These are internal and external witnesses to something we all too often ignore — eternity.

The life group that meets in our home started to focus on one aspect of eternity last Wednesday night by watching the film, “Hell and Mr. Fudge.” It’s sparked some lively discussion about eternity — what we believe and what we can know from the Bible on the subject. And how this knowledge affects the way we live our daily lives, if we hold it to be true.

A young agnostic friend of mine, Michael, recently started to spend time with me discussing God and eternity saying, “I don’t believe in God anymore, or that He’s relevant, but I don’t want to discuss it with any of my believing college friends because I wouldn’t want to hurt their faith. I don’t believe I can hurt yours, so will you talk with me about the issues? I want to discuss it because if I’m wrong, the ramifications are significant!” I appreciated his honesty and realized with him the gravity of his statement.

The Movie and Related Books

Let’s not ignore these things because we’re distracted or for any other reason, but honor the “eternity He has set in our heart” with searching, faith, and reason.

I encourage you to avail yourself of these resources and consider these things with me in this season of our lives. It may prove life saving, and life giving, for yourself and others around you. 🙂

Traditionalism vs Conditionalism — Who Knew?

Amy, a bright young woman in our life group asked, “Is this about Rob Bell and other’s contention that there is no hell?” No, at least not directly. Nor is it about “universalism,” “portraying all humanity as saved in the end, Jesus tells of a final separation between the righteous and the wicked, the sheep and the goats.” “…evangelicals agree that hell is the most terrible fate that can befall a human being. But today … theologians debate the nature of hell. Does it consist of of conscious punishment that lasts forever, or does it have an end? The first view is called traditionalism and the second conditionalism or annihilationism.”*

Either way, it’s obvious that hell can and should be avoided. Eternal life is available for the asking by means of the cross of Jesus Christ the Son of God. So is this small (??) distinction about one aspect of hell important for us to consider? I would say it would be to those on the “wide road that leads to destruction” for sure! And maybe to us all, because it speaks about the very nature and character of God. And it’s certainly good to spend some time dwelling on the eternity He has set in our hearts.

So let’s be like the wise Bereans in Paul’s day, who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul was telling them was true.

Downtown Houston Home of Edward Fudge

In the end, it’s not important to me what you decide. After all, some heavy hitting theologians, who are very bright, love the Word, and love the Truth have lined up on each side of this debate. It’s a debate that has gone on throughout church history I’ve discovered, but has come to considerable light and focus in recent years among today’s theologians, and will soon make it’s way down to the church in general. Indeed I suppose in some circles, it already has. It’s come to me and my friends in this season.

It’s not by coincidence that our life group is also studying The Book of Hebrews this fall. It’s all about the preeminence of Christ. So we’ll be looking very closely again and anew at Jesus in every respect. For now I suppose, we’ll see what He had to say about hell and about eternity. Since He knows, and He addressed the woman at the well and the pharisee alike with the whole truth out of love and concern for them, I’m sure we will, like them, gain new insight into truth and living.

Time & Eternity? Time or Eternity?

In summary, focus on eternity and focus on Christ. Don’t let your culture and times cause you to neglect so great a salvation! Heaven is for real. Hell is for real. Eternity is for real, be in that number! Don’t neglect Jesus Christ. Don’t be distracted. Don’t become unfaithful or fall away. Remember our High Priest, the Lamb of God, Who paid for the sins of the whole world.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17)

These quotes taken from the introduction of “Two Views of Hell,” Edward William Fudge & Robert A. Peterson available here. I recently finished reading this book and hope to write a review in the near future.

Foster Care Summer Camp 2015

Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. I had the pleasure of attending the 44th annual Fort Smith Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast downtown. The event is hosted by the CBMC (Christian Business Men’s Committee) and was very inspirational. Some inspired prayers where offered up to the Lord by area pastors, and among the honored guests was Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchison, who briefly addressed the crowd before the main speaker, NFL running back William Green, took the podium.

T. Ray Grandstaff, Arkansas Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, introduced Mr. Green saying that he had arrived in our area a couple days early and addressed several area high school football team members resulting in 59 young men professing faith in Jesus Christ. He was an outstanding man, an excellent speaker, with a great story. (When his talk becomes available digitally, I’ll include a link here!)

Gov. Hutchison was brief with his remarks praising the committee for their efforts in hosting this event and underscoring the value and need for prayer in the political and government arenas. He went on to passionately promote two initiatives asking faith based groups to come along side the State of Arkansas in service and leadership with their help and support. He framed the need and opportunity by asking churches and faith-based groups to help in giving some Arkansans a much needed 1st chance in life, and by giving others a much needed 2nd chance in life.

The two groups of Arkansans, he went on to say are (1) prisoners being reintroduced into society after they’ve served their time. And (2) foster homes for kids. He said that there were presently 500 foster children in Sebastian County who were in need of a place to stay with only 125 homes currently serving. Please pray about these situations and act as the Spirit leads you. Foster children need a 1st chance in life, while released prisoners need a 2nd chance.

On Father’s Day this year, a local faith-based organization hosted their 11th annual summer camp for foster kids with volunteers from four area churches and their children. The organization, Matthew Eighteen, is organized and lead by a local couple who have served foster kids in their homes for several years, and adopted foster children.

This 2015 Matthew 18 camp saw 25 volunteers serving 23 children. And according to Curtis, the director, there were eight baptisms at camp’s end. He said, “This year’s camp was characterized by healing. The camp’s theme was, ‘You are more.'” For a photo album of this year’s camp, click here. For a short story of this year’s camp by video, click here.

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If you’re interested in Governor Asa Hutchinson’s call for faith based help, attend and talk up the Restore Hope Summit explained below.

“This morning, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced a call to action for faith-based leaders to discuss solutions to two seemingly disparate issues facing the state: the shortage of foster homes for children in Department of Human Services custody, and the lack of services for former prison inmates reentering society. The “Restore Hope Summit” will be held on August 25 and 26 at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock. Those interested in attending can register online here.” Arkansas Times

Another Camp Hope Video

Video “A Day at Camp Hope”

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8–9)

Eternal Focus

Focus – Eternity

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NIV)

Pause to enjoy your life… and think about it?

There is lots being thought and said about the recent supreme court ruling, and I’m tempted to share my thoughts on it too because of it’s importance to our families and futures, and what it portends for the future of the United States of America? See! I sat down to write a blog article on “focus” and I’m already distracted!

Focus! Focus! Focus! On eternity! And that will help us all with spiritual enemy #1 in our day, “distraction.” Focus on Eternity is a good antidote to the life robbing disease of distraction. Twenty centuries ago, Paul tells the believers in the young church at Corinth, a leading-edge Roman cosmopolitan church in a day like our day, and believers of all times to focus on eternity and eternal things. Indeed to “fix our eyes” on things eternal. I think you can see the value in it? If you pause? But how do you do it?

How can you focus on eternity? Good question. And one far too involved for a short blog article. I’m just suggesting you do it! Just do it! Listen and look for references to eternity in verbal media and print. Meditate on it when it crosses your mind. There is a beautifully haunting phrase written by Solomon and recorded in Ecclesiastes (3:11) that says, “… He has set eternity in the human heart ….”

Eternity

So it’s in us. Eternity! A feeling that what we see isn’t all there is. We have a desire to continue on, like our unseen Creator. Just look and listen for eternity and mediate on it when it comes your way. I heard a completely new thought on eternity just the other day. It came from a mentor of mine who said, “Eternity isn’t a long, long, long time as generally thought. It’s no time, at all.” You might want to ponder that for a bit?

Fearfully and wonderfully made… 🙂

I’ll end, pun intended, by mentioning two other resources connected to this topic that have caught my imagination in the recent past. First and most recently is a movie, “Hell and Mr. Fudge.” Secondly is a book, “Heaven is for Real.” (Skip that movie, it’s disappointingly different from the book and the true story.) Believe me, both will get you thinking and perhaps in a proper and enlightened way about eternity.

May the Holy Spirit of the living God give you insight and revelation as you ask Him, pondering your life and eternity. Amen.

Spin with Life… Also Stop and Ponder it’s meaning and conclusion…

Matthew 18 … Kid’s Camp 2015 … Eternal Rewards

Jesus, “the Lamb of God,” “the author and finisher of our faith,” said Himself that He “came to give us abundant life” here on the planet. But even more importantly, “…that all who believe in Him, would not perish, but have eternal life.”

Eternally yours, in Jesus,

Dwayne

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:16–17, NIV)

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV)

“… I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, NASB95)

“and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:11, NIV)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

Play in Creation… it speaks to eternity and of the Creator

Don’t let kids play with your camera! 🙂

Enjoy your journey… but make it count!

D-Day 2015

Dad Hogue in the SE Arkansas Delta where he lived most of his life

Remembering my father-in-law, Russel Hogue, from a book written by his daughter, Elizabeth Hogue Bell, titled “My Dad – No Ordinary Man” 2007.

I really had no idea of the extent of dad’s service in World War II. The hardship and the danger and the courage required as he served; he really never discussed. We just knew he served in World War II. It wasn’t until my husband, Dwayne, and brother, David, began traveling to his war reunions that we begin to learn about his experiences. While traveling to one of those reunions dad was in the airport in Dallas and ran into one of our friends. The friend was introduced to dad and told where we were going. The friend asked dad what he did in the war? “I drove a 2 1/2 ton truck full of 5 gallon gas cans to refuel tanks most of the time,” was dad’s humble reply. The friend quickly remarked, ”There’s a country song out there called, “What were you thinking?” Dad’s quick comment was, “Yeah, I didn’t have many hitchhikers.” I think that was the first time we realized how dangerous his job was! A stray bullet or tracer around, and kaboom!

We had never known or realized that history reveals dad’s unit, The Third Armored Division, did more to win the war in Europe for the allies than perhaps any other unit. They have records for many firsts among US forces, including the first across Hitler’s famous Siegfried line, and the first to capture a major German city, Cologne. They were in the Battle of the Bulge and in some of the fiercest fighting of the war after crossing into Europe at Normandy.

Dad served in the CCC in North Dakota two years preceding WW II

Dad served with the CCC in North Dakota two years preceding WW II

Dad never made a big deal out of carrying a Thompson sub machine gun and driving a truck full of gas and support of tanks for 18 months in one of the most dangerous times and places in history, to defend our country and freedom for the world. In mud, rain, snow, daylight, and dark he served, many nights sleeping under that same truck.

After attending a few reunions with Dad, and having the light of these truths slowly dawn on him, my husband once asked Dad, ”Why have you never told this to me or any of our family?” His humble reply was,”It’s something I never figured people were much interested in, and it’s something we’d just soon forget.” Yet when at these reunions, with men who had experienced the same things, they would talk, laugh, love, and remember the bond that extreme adversity, courage honorable conduct, and sacrifice mold. They seem to know the value of each person. They seemed to love good and hate evil, and see it a little clearer that people do today. They loved freedom and appreciated it more, having seen the cost. This in small part is the fabric of what is been called the ”Greatest Generation.” This was my dad’s generation, and in our eyes he was one of its most noble parts.

Dad Hogue as a young boy with his father SE Arkansas

It was so fitting that his funeral service was held on the anniversary of D-Day. Dad participated in the build up and crossed the Normandy beaches a few days following D-day to fight the rest of the war, freeing Europe and the world from tyranny.

Dad’s service began because he was drafted into the army on March 5, 1943. He could tell you quickly from memory that he was in the service for two years, nine months and twenty-seven days. He was, however, offered a deferral to stay out of the war due to his job making torpedo triggers. What a man! He could have taken an easy way out but no, to him it was an honor to fight for his country. Yes, my dad was a noble part of a great generation.

Dad with grandson, our son, Joshua

Dad with grand daughter, our daughter, Amanda

Dad’s son David who played football at the University of Arkansas

Dad’s Daughters Elizabeth & Susan

Dad raised a family of four, each of which have children

Dad’s Love and Wife of 46 years, Janie Jo Whitaker Hogue

Dad, or Pappaw as he was called by his grandchildren, in his 83rd and last year, pictured with his daughter Elizabeth, my wife, and the author of this article.

The Other Miracle at Cana

Jesus Is On The Move [John 4:46-54]

Jesus is Going to Where the People Will Hear

He has just come back from Jerusalem where he did several miracles. Jesus settled into an area of northern Galilee. He did not return to Nazareth explaining that a prophet is without honor in his own city and in his own family. In contrast, the people of Galilee warmly received him, having seen the miracles he did in Jerusalem and many believed he was the Messiah.

Cana is Special

Cana of Galilee is special to me. The wedding, the first miracle, the dialogue between Jesus and his mother, the display of God’s heart… to care about a young newlywed couple being embarrassed, to care about the affairs of our ordinary everyday lives, to care about family and community, to care about what’s on Mary’s heart and her prayer. It also shows the generosity of the Almighty. These are a few things that touch my heart about Cana. John is the only gospel writer to record this miracle. He said it was Jesus’ first. As I think about it now, possibly what touches me so deeply is the revelation of the humanity of Jesus here. It demonstrates earthly families and our heavenly family in close conjunction. There are at least two people present who are very in tune with God. They are praying, listening, and feeling in their hearts what’s going on with their community, friends, and family.

The author John Eldridge, in his book about the humanity of Jesus, Beautiful Outlaw, uses this miracle to demonstrate God’s generosity. I smile when I think about it. He goes so far as to compute how many bottles of wine Jesus produced for this celebration very late in the party, 908 if you take a large number, 757 if you take the smaller number. Then he ends with the humorous comment, “Don’t get mad at me! I didn’t do the miracle, I just did the math.”

Another Miracle in Cana

Today, in my New Testament reading and meditating about Jesus, I was struck with thoughts and insights about a second miracle that happened in Cana. Jesus had just come through Samaria (Gasp!), dialoguing with the woman at the well then staying a few more days in her village introducing many of her friends to the kingdom of God. Standing now in Cana a few miles north, he had just made the comment about prophets not being received, then a ruler of the people, a man of some position and authority from Capernaum, who had traveled some miles to find Jesus stood in front of Him. He was desperate and needy because his young child was sick and close to death. With desperation and determination that perhaps only new parents know, he ended up in Jesus’s presence. “Please come heal my child because he’s close to death,” gushes out of him.

For reasons we don’t understand because we weren’t there and because we’re not God, Jesus gave an unusual reply. It was something along the lines, “You people are always looking for a sign unless you see a sign you won’t believe.” He may have said it to teach the disciples something true about themselves and all the people in the area? He may have said it because he wanted to challenge the thinking and understanding of the people in the region who were hearing his words? It might be because the Holy Spirit knew it would be recorded, informing and instructing people there and for ages to come about the condition of people’s hearts and what it really takes to please God?

For whatever reason he said it, it seems a little confrontational toward the ruler and father standing in front of him? But in humility and desperation, the man chose not to speak to Jesus’ comment nor question it. He just seems to say, “Please Sir, will you come and heal my son!?”

Then Jesus seeing the man’s humility, desperation, and love for his child; feeling compassion for him and seeing the faith demonstrated in his coming, simply said, “Go your way, your son is healed.” And so he was healed in the city a few miles away because a loving father exercised humility, action, and faith — a faith well placed in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

It Was A Turning Point

That was a turning point for this ruler, and for others. People would hear. The news of Jesus power to heal and do miracles would spread. Capernaum, whose Hebrew meaning is ”covering of mercy”, would become known as Jesus’ town, as it is to this day. He made it His headquarters for ministry during His three years in the Galilee.

Many Jews and Samaritans in the region would come to believe that he was the Christ the Son of the living God. Indeed, in the almost 2000 Easter seasons since, many millions of people have read this story, and and others like it recorded in the New Testament of the Holy Bible, the most published and best selling book of all times, coming to the same conclusion.

That conclusion seems to be reached by hearing or reading the Gospel story combined with some revelation from above bearing witness to its truth. Then those two events are mixed with the hearers own faith resulting in salvation and a relationship with the Most High through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ.

The angel Gabriel told a maiden named Mary from the village of Nazareth a few miles from Cana that she would bear a son to be named Jesus, which in Hebrew means “God saves”. And that Jesus would set on David’s throne, the ruler of a kingdom which would never be destroyed. It’s my prayer, that if you’re not part of this kingdom and the Family of God made possible by His sacrifice and resurrection, that this Easter season you too will become a part. May you know His salvation and peace now and forever. Amen.

“Jesus said to him, “Go; your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started off. As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives”; and he himself believed and his whole household.” (John 4:50–53)

The Footsteps of Paul

Ready for Adventure?

Greetings in the Name of the Lord,

I’m planning a spiritual adventure that I want to make public. It’s a trip to Turkey and Greece this coming June 2015. I led a wonderful group of thirty folks to Israel in 2009, and many of them requested I put together a follow-on trip covering the footsteps of Paul — his missionary journeys. Then earlier this year a pastor friend of mine mentioned he had promised his people a similar trip, but was having trouble finding the time to plan it. I offered my assistance. The resulting trip is on the books and available to you or any friends who may be interested. We have twenty folks signed up and have room for ten or so more to make an optimum size group.

I am! 🙂

Paul covered an amazing amount of territory in his missionary journeys, even by today’s standards. We’ve arranged our travel to cover about 80-90% of it, including the Churches of Revelation, and the Isle of Patmos where John wrote the Apocalypse. Pastor Wes has been teaching on the book of Acts in preparation for the trip, and you can access his teachings here. You can find a basic map of our trip that I hope to update soon here.

Or you can read the itinerary for the trip here, along with phone numbers for answers to any questions you might have. You can also email me for information from this website. We’ll visit a beautiful part of the earth, as well as an important part of church history and western civilization. I’ve not been to Greece and am very much looking forward to that. I was in Turkey on an USAF deployment in the 1980’s and found it warm, beautiful, and enchanting. Ephesus is still the most amazing archaeological site I’ve ever seen. I look forward to seeing it again!

Ephesus

Today I received this insight from Dr. Tuttle, who will be the Paul expert on our trip, along with Pastor Wes, myself, and our Turkish/Greek guides. “I’m just back from Israel and we had a great time. Turkey/Greece and Rome will be even better. I’m reminded that this pilgrimage completes the NT begun in Israel. Israel gets us into the Gospels but Turkey/Greece/Rome get us into the rest of the NT.”

I hope you can join us! Pass the word and this link to anyone who might be interested in this earth-life adventure!

Shalom All,

Dwayne

Athens

Honduras 2015

Honduran Coast at Tela

Honduras, about the size of England, is the second largest country in Central America after Nicaragua, it’s neighbor to the south. It’s home to about 8 million people. According to Operation World, Seventh Edition, about 50% live in cities, and about 37% are under the age of 15! It’s one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere with an average income per person of $1,826 (4% of USA), and 28% unemployment.

New Guitars Put to Use

Commenting on the religious landscape Operation World states, “In 1960, evangelicals numbered 32,000 and 1.7% of the population. They are now 1,750,000 and 23% , and growth shows little sign of stopping. Some polls show that up to 36% of the population identify with evangelical beliefs.”

Beautiful Young People

Moon’s travel guide reports the religious landscape according to a 2008 poll as 47% Catholic, 36% evangelical Christians, and 17% “other.” They also note that, “A belief in magic and witchcraft is common among Hondurans in both rural and urban areas.” And commenting on it’s history they note, “For reasons not entirely clear, Copan (in Honduras) was the greatest center for arts, astronomy, and science among the Maya.”

5 Hour Drive from San Pedro Sula to Olanchita

From January 7th to January 13th, sixteen folks from Louisiana, California, and Arkansas went on a ministry and friendship mission adventure to Central America organized and hosted by Extreme Missionary Adventures (XMA) and initiated by my friend Robert Lindsay, our leader at age 75, making his 10th and perhaps last mission trip to Honduras. He’s passing the leadership torch and mantle to others he’s trained along the way.

Prison Ministry

During the week long adventure we did prison ministry, a three-day pastor’s conference, construction at the mission complex, and visited two villages, praying for the sick, sharing the gospel, distributing Bibles, tooth brushes, and clothing.

Bunk Bed Construction

If you’d like to view some photos of those activities, places, and people click here.

XMA exists to help groups of friends, individuals, or church groups go on mission adventures and make a difference in the lives of others while broadening their own perspectives, fulfilling the great commission given by Jesus to disciples of all ages until He returns. You can get a feel for their philosophy and hearts to serve from visiting their website, as well as a look at opportunities for future missions. I’ve been on ten short term mission trips now, and I can attest to the fact that they are experienced, organized, and excellent in all phases of making such trips meaningful and successful. It was a pleasure.

Robert with Leo

Speaking of a pleasure, meeting the other fifteen team members, all but one for the first time, was a real pleasure. We bonded immediately and had a great time together, building memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

I found Honduras a beautiful country, with beautiful, warm hearted people, who were generous, gracious, and truly appreciative of our help. XMA has a ten year relationship in Olanchito with a pastor who pastors a church in the city while mentoring pastors from several neighboring villages. We partnered with Pastor Dario, helping his ministry while he made many of his relationships available to us. Working with him gave us meaningful and immediate entrance into communities and lives there, opportunities to really see into the culture and into people’s individual lives that simply being a tourist can’t replicate. I can’t say enough about it. It was truly another life event and memory, as most short term mission trips are. Go! Soon! You’ll be glad you did.

Honduras!

Bill with Bear Wittness and an armed Guard!

Youth Leading Worship…Honduras’ Future

My Goodness 2015

January 1 Greetings,

Making new Friends

This time of the year and this day of the year are excellent for pondering one’s life, and especially the years — the passing of time. My wife and I have each remarked that 2014 was the fastest passing year of our lives. With technology and communication being what they are, there is no reason to expect time to slow down going forward! Unless, unless we make a quality, personal decision to make it so, and then take some necessary action!

Reconnecting with Old Friends

Quickly said, our times are against us in the matter of enjoying our lives and making the most of them. We’re at each and every turn confronted with images, voices, talking heads, technology to use, learn, and play with, and the list goes on, growing larger seemingly by the day. What’s a person to do?

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” That’s what I hear in the Spirit when I ask that question.

I want my life to count for something — for something bigger than me, and for something eternal.

When I look around it seems as if the kingdom might be loosing ground? At least in our time and place.

Enjoying Life with Present Friends

But then I reflect on Abraham (2000 B.C.), David (1000 B.C.), Daniel (600 B.C.), Esther (470 B.C.), Paul and Peter (30-70 A.D.), and I realize the kingdom is never losing ground — only we, perhaps are loosing ground!

“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2:44)

I reflect from time to time about writing another book (only if the Spirit leads of course. :)) I might title it, “The Laugh of the King!” from Psalm 2.

Peanuts Cartoon appearing while our home group studied Job :)

Peanuts Cartoon appearing while our home group studied the Book of Job 🙂

“Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, …!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, ….” (Psalm 2:1–4)

So what can you do to overcome your flesh and the distractions of our complex times? Seek a relationship with the King and the King’s people — His followers, His disciples, His Bride, His Church. These relationships are all you can take with you! Not possessions which will end up in the trash heap or burning up. People are eternal. Sow your life into relationships, into people. They are eternal. Their hearts, and lives, and character, and love are all that will make it to the other side.

Family Vacation and Significant Birthday Celebration

Someone has said, “In the end all that will matter is who you loved and who loved you.”

So for me it’s: [1] Read the Bible daily. [2] Talk to God, listen, mediate, ( spelled “pray”) daily, and occasionally journal impressions that come during these times. [3] Seek out and get to know others who are passionate about Jesus and want to know Him better. [4] Doing these things helps me keep the trappings of our culture and times from stealing my attention, my affections, and my time — my life.

Cousins at Family Dutch Oven Dinner

By doing these things, perhaps something of my life will count for others, for the King, for something bigger than myself, and for something eternal?

I look to Him who loved me and called me; and I trust Him to make it so! The Lord is my Shepherd, He leads….

Slowing to the Speed of Life 2014

May you have a great and prosperous new year in 2015, as your soul prospers.

Dwayne

OBTW, Short term mission trips are another way to get your mind and heart on the bigger world and greater good, serving others and seeing what God is doing in other cultures. It is perspective changing, paradigm changing, and life changing.

It’s a win/win situation, but those who go and serve get more from the experience than those who are served. 🙂 Our Lord Jesus said it this way, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” And of course everything He said is true.

Go on a mission adventure soon!

You’ll be glad you did!

On that note, I’m leaving soon on a short term mission trip to Honduras. Please pray that God will bless this trip as He wishes with purpose, provision, and protection. And consider contacting the folks at XMA to go on one of their mission adventures around the world. Take a look at their website. Grab a friend or friends and go! You’ll be blessed more than you know!

“Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”” (Psalm 2:1–6)

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. 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 3:14–17)

Carpe diem

This is the day the LORD has made…

Years ago I tried to read The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but just couldn’t get into it. I found it a hard read by a brilliant man, philosopher, and theologian. But recently a young friend of mine, a junior high school math teacher, started a Friday morning men’s group at our church and this is the book he’s chosen for discussing and journaling about at the moment.

Colorado Aspens 2014

It’s been said, “Timing is everything.” And that may be the case here, because now I’m devouring this writ paragraph by paragraph and getting so much out of it! Maybe it’s where I am spiritually, or where the Lord is leading me? Maybe it’s because Bonhoeffer’s times (pre-WWII Germany) are so much like ours? I just know I’m grateful to the Lord, to Bonhoeffer, to Ryan and to the the men who meet on Friday mornings, because I’m getting so much truth for living and spiritual food out of this book.

This one knows how to seize the day!

The book is largely about Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and about discipleship. In essence it is about Jesus and about us – disciples. Of course, Bonhoeffer wrote and knew there was a cost to discipleship, something we don’t hear much about in our churches today. And as John Eldredge says in Beautiful Outlaw, “An honest book about Jesus that does not address suffering is not an honest book.”

But we’ll leave the ideas of cost and suffering in following Jesus till another day. Today I want to share a concept and a couple verses that have been ringing in my ears and spirit since I read them in The Cost of Discipleship. The concept is “live today,” and only “in the present,” as opposed to “the past” or “the future.”

The same one… 🙂

In His model prayer, Jesus said, “Give us this day, our daily bread.” Do you see His focus on today? And on looking to God, our Father, daily, each individual day, as we live one day at a time, for all our sustenance, physical and spiritual? This philosophy and practice fosters and strengthens your most important relationship in the world, that between you and your Creator, your Father in Heaven. It also gives you the focus you need, to make the most of your time, and bring the maximum meaning to your life and experience on earth in relating to God and others. Live today, in the moment.

I attended my father’s church Sunday and heard the preacher say about Judah in Jeremiah’s day, a day also like ours, just before the Babylonian captivity and destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C., that their religion or relationship with God had “become a part of their life instead of the center of their life.” Don’t let this happen to you! Pray as Jesus taught, and live in the day.

The second Scripture Bonhoeffer used in making this point about living each day was Matthew 6:34, “each day has enough evil of it’s own.” So don’t drag yesterday’s regrets, judgments, etc. into today! Nor are we to drag tomorrow’s worries into today! Each day has “enough trouble of it’s own.” It seems to be the natural order and design of things, so listen to Jesus and do what He says. Make it your practice to live today, in the present. And recommit to it everyday, or whenever the thought crosses your mind. Start today! Live today!

In doing so you will carpe diem “seize the day!”

“‘Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus (Matthew 6:11)

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Jesus (Matthew 6:34)

A Friend of the King

David and His Mighty Men

Category Archives: Understanding Our Times

Light in Darkness

Eternity? Heaven? Hell?

Foster Care Summer Camp 2015

Eternal Focus

D-Day 2015

The Other Miracle at Cana

The Footsteps of Paul

Honduras 2015

My Goodness 2015

Carpe diem