Category Archives: Be A Man

Articles relating to and celebrating manhood, being a man in service to others, and to the King.

Ask!

Does asking God for things boldly in prayer equal faith? Apparently God thinks so, or you can make a case for that from Jesus’ words in Luke 18.

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Then in the same context we read, “…when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8 ESV).

Pray! Ask! Boldly! Ask with enthusiasm and determination and tenacity! Of God, no less! “And…Don’t loose heart!”

Why should we pray like this? He tells us to do so, and invites us to do so! It pleases Him and has purpose!

In this famous, unusual parable Jesus ties this kind of prayer to our faith — the kind of faith He hopes to find when He returns. No pride or entitlement, but humbly, boldly, honestly, continually praying for what’s on your heart. Will the Son of Man find faith like that when He looks at you?

Ask!!

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“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).

“I cry out to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2).

“In my distress I called upon the Lord;
to my God I cried for help.
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears” (Psalm 18:6).

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6).

“The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15).

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission” (Hebrews 5:7).

“Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Glatians 4:6).

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20).

New Book – God Stays Near

Here in the mid south we are in a deep freeze that’s a bit unusual for us with 4-8 inches of snow blanketing the area and temperatures near 0º F or -18º C! It’s a great day to stay by the fire and read.

I’m announcing the arrival of my new book, God Stays Near – Faith and Flight, which became available as a paperback from Amazon February 17th. A hard cover and eBook version will follow shortly. The short blurb on the book’s cover reads:

“A former American Airlines captain and USAF fighter pilot tells stories about faith and flight during the retirement chapter of living and how God has stayed near for joy, protection, and adventure. Included are stories of flying to Alaska, Idaho, Honduras, and picking up a new airplane from the factory in the Pacific NW with a friend—all flying adventures he never saw coming when retiring professionally. Intermixed are stories of current and past faith adventures that continue to shape flight through life as God stays near. Woven in the mix is advice to peers and the next generation on how to experience God and enjoy life to the full until the end via the spiritual disciplines—the habits and rhythms of the ancient-future faith in Jesus Christ. You will enjoy these stories of faith and flight and be inspired to adventure in your realm.”

The book is very real and personal too, as it may be my last, except possibly photo books, for meditation and devotion. I tell about an airplane crash I had in January two years ago, about some of my most personal spiritual experiences, and God’s faithfulness and leading through these chapters of life — staying near.

The cover is from a painting by a treasured friend Ralph Irwin (1936-2019), an artist who did the art work on my first book, A Friend of the King, and was by my side on many kingdom missions in our communitty of faith in Fort Smith, Arkansas, as well as in Belize. I had a strong spiritual impression to use this artwork even before I knew which direction the book would take. The book is largely about “soul care” or practicing the ancient spiritual disciplines or habits and rhythms that serve to keep our souls healthy, vibrant, and knowing God better each day and year of our sojourn. There are spirits involved, angels light and dark, from a different realm, but active in our realm and interacting with us, many times without our notice, especially if we neglect these practices and fail to maintain spiritual sensitivity.

I think when you read the book, you’ll get it as you go. We’re all on a journey, to enjoy and live the gift of life and choice that is magnanimously given by our Father in heaven. We travel, as the title to Ralph’s painting suggests, “From Portal to Portal.” There are spirits involved. It’s best to understand how they operate, especially those who are enemies, and stay connected to the Father of Lights.

Here’s a quote from the book: “As an international airline pilot, I had the opportunity to spend many days in Paris, London, and Madrid. I would frequent the Louvre, the National Gallery, and the Prado art museums. The number of paintings of angels and demons in conflict from the early Middle Ages to the Enlightenment in these world-famous art repositories is staggering. I used to think, ‘Wow, these people were superstitious!’ But now I think they were more in touch with reality and the spiritual realm than modern humans.”

That’s a tiny, but important aspect of the book. I hope you’ll give it a look and profit from it spiritually for the rest of your soul and the rest of your days. Reading is a spiritual discipline, as is solitude, slience, meditation, and taking time alone to think and hear from God. So stay warm, cozy up somewhere with a blanket or cup of coffee, and read a good book. Godspeed on your journey.

Click here to order

Joyful Epiphany 2025

Yesterday was Epiphany, but it’s never too late for an epiphany while you have breath–the gift of life and your spirit from our Creator God.

I like history so I spent some time this morning researching “Why January 6th?” What the western chruch celebrates on January 6th each year is the wise men from the East who were the first Gentiles to have an epiphany, realization, revelation that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, the Annointed One–the King of the Jews, and the Lord of Heaven and Earth (Matthew 2:1-12).

It was interesting research leading me to chruch councils in the first millennium, the differences between solar and lunar calendars the ancients contrived to track our days on the planet, and more. It’s interesting but still a mystery to me, and perhaps it’s meant to stay that way. The fact that it happened, was recorded in the Bible, and has been celebrated for two millennia is significant and fun to ponder.

I do think the mystery of the December 25th date we celebrate Christmas may have been solved by a lawyer with presently available astronomy software, and I gave you a link to that information in my last blog. It doesn’t take away any of the mystery, but only adds to the awesomeness of our Creator, Redeemer God—His power and His plan.

So I finished my history research amazed at the infautation of God’s family with knowing Him, and all the bread crumbs, along with the interaction with His Holy Spirit, that blows among us like the wind in our quest to know God, ourselves, and our destiney. I watched the three YouTube videos below in the order I share them as I worshiped the Holy One.

Listen, quietly, in stillness, and see if you have an epiphany.

Godspeed and Bon voyage in your journey to know God, yourself, and your destiney better in 2025.

Megan Woods – The Truth (Official Lyric Video)

Casting Crowns – Praise You In This Storm (Live from YouTube Space New York)

My Deliverer – Rich Mullins

“for He says, “At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—”

(2 Corinthians 6:2)

Stem the Tide — Vote

“Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored;
Renew our days as of old” (Lamentations 5:21).

Do you want to know how to vote Biblically? Would you like to hear the best sermon on the state of the union and how to view goverment and voting I’ve heard in fifty years of attending chruch and living in Christian community? Here’s a link!

We watched it last night in our home with our young community group and discussed how it measured up with the Bible and our concsiences — and what the Spirit of the Lord might be saying to those who fear Him. I think you’ll enjoy it, be inspired and encouraged by this inspired, informed, and courageous pastor.

Our young Millennial and GenZ group was, and the viewing sparked a lot of good discussion. I told our young group during the discussion I agreed with his perspective after seventy years of living, along with fifty years of reading the Bible and studying history, only he communicates it a lot better and more succinctly than I could. I often say, “Wisdom is seeing things like God sees them, because that’s how they really are.” We get God’s perspective when we view things through the lens of the Bible.

Here are a few quotes from Church, Unite for the Soul of America! | Ezekiel 33:1-5 | Gary Hamrick , as well as a few of his main points to whet your appetite for truth. Be patient, he will tell you who you should vote for and why in the end. It’s a good paridigm for November 5, 2024 and to carry into your remaining voting days.

“Good goverment can’t save us, but bad goverment can destroy us.” “Of ninety million evangelicals in the USA, forty million don’t vote, and fifteen million aren’t registered.” William Wilburforce who was largely resposible for the successful battle to end slavery in the British colonies said, “Let it not be said I was silent when they needed me.” Fredrick Douglas said, “I will unite with anyone to do right, and no one to do wrong.”

Even though politics wasn’t His main focus, Jesus didn’t shy away from political matters. He spoke out on matters of authority and taxation. And when in the presence of Pontius Pilate the Roman Govenor of Judaea, he spoke boldly, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37b NIV).

Listen, and vote.

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“Give all the power to the many, they will oppress the few. Give all the power to the few, they will oppress the many.”—Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804), Founding Father

“Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin condemns any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12a)

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Self Control

“Know Thyself” (Pythian proverb on ancient temple in Delphi, Greece)

KNOW THYSELF
CONTROL THYSELF
BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE

That’s what I was hearing as I awakened just now.

Self-control (selfctrl) is also a ministry my young friend Ian has founded with his wife Hayley. It’s so needed and crucial to happiness and long-term joy. It means making decisions time and time again that make you who you are and who you want to be—who you choose to become.

If you get to know Jesus, that’s who you’ll choose to imitate. He’s the best!

Ian is my mentee. Well, that’s what he calls himself. I call him a friend. We have a lot in common, even though he’s younger than my son at about half my age. What we hold most in common, and most dear, is a love for Jesus and His ways.

I know Ian well. We went on a mission to Africa last summer and were roommates. The young church we went to support in Uganda was a loving community. But Africa was a hostile spiritual atmosphere, and meeting the challenge of spiritual warfare for the first time with a friend like Ian was a bonding experience. We’ve also spent more than a few hours sharing lives, struggles, and choices in the Old Pine coffee shop or my living room. I consider our friendship a treasure and look forward to knowing Ian even better as we encourage each other, pray for each other, and fight more spiritual battles—battles that are increasingly about self-control.

We live in a culture, country, and time where people are out of control. They have cast off restraint. They no longer believe or know that the person who exercises the most self-control enjoys God’s favor, long-term happiness, and a character worth having.

Self-control and these character traits can be experienced, won, and achieved by Practicing the Way. That’s the name of the new book by John Mark Comer. It’s also the practice of Jesus’ followers throughout the centuries—our ancient-future faith’s habits, rhythms, and disciplines. It’s a way of living life above the fray. It’s spending time with the Master daily so you can focus on the most important issues—those of character—and experience the power of His Spirit to help you as you go.

I’m going to pour a cup of coffee and read my Bible now. Godspeed to you on your journey, and happy Labor Day!

“As the deer pants for streams of water,
  so my soul pants for you, my God.”
(Psalm 42:1 NIV)

“Take my [Jesus’] yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
(Matthew 11:29)

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
(Mark 8:36 KJV)

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
(Galatians 5:22-23a)

OshKosh B’Gosh

When I tell my friends I just returned from Oshkosh, most of them ask, “What’s that?” A few will blurt out the slogan, “OshKosh B’Gosh,” which is the name brand of a famous line of children’s clothing, known especially for its marquee striped overalls, based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, since 1895. But most any pilot will recognize it as the host city of the world’s greatest, largest airshow and aircraft display every summer since its inception in Milwaukee in 1953. Here’s an editorial about this year’s event, known as EAA AirVenture.

I just returned from the 2024 edition last week. It was great, as usual! The 2024 numbers aren’t in yet, but last year’s 70th anniversary saw 677,000 aircraft enthusiasts attend the week-long show. They got to look at 10,000+ aircraft, a fleet that makes the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh the world’s busiest airport during the event. Pilots conducted an average of 148 takeoffs or landings per hour, with up to three airplanes landing on big colored dots painted on three runways at the same time, then turning off into the grass, taxing to parking spaces guided by an army of well-orchestrated volunteers. Amazing!

It’s like a huge city springing up out of the ground almost overnight at the regional airport of Oshkosh, a city of about 70,000 located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. People are there to gawk at airplanes and talk about airplanes — the oldest flying to the latest, greatest, newest technology. Military, civilian, home-built, factory-built, aerobatic — you name it, and it’s there.

One of the main reasons I went this year, besides my love of aviation and the camaraderie of flying friends from NWA and FSM (Fort Smith, AR), was to share the experience with two young aviators. Shepherd is an engineering college student who won an AOPA scholarship in high school, paying for him to get his pilot’s license. When I first met him at church, he expressed to me an interest in becoming a missionary pilot. I told him that although I was a retired military and airline pilot, I didn’t know much about that, but I would help him in any way I could. I immediately thought of Oshkosh and remembered that all the mission aviation organizations are represented there in one place each year.

The second young aviator, Samuel, is the son of one of my best fighter pilot friends. He’s seventeen, a senior in high school, has already soloed, and is working toward getting his private pilot’s license before beginning engineering university year after next in Missouri. He wants to be an airline pilot. Excellent! I thought, and his dad agreed, sponsoring his way up to the event with Shepherd and me.

There’s too much to say about the show in a blog, so I’ll let my photos do the talking. But I will report that Shepherd spent several hours talking to mission organizations and pilots serving around the globe in some beautiful, challenging places to fly — providing airlift, humanitarian, medical, language translation, and spiritual ministry to groups in great need of such.

I went around with Shepherd much of the time and learned there was a great deal I didn’t know about mission aviation. I knew the two biggest organizations, MAF and JARS, were there, but there were more than a dozen similar support organizations forming a big, beautiful community of aviators and worldwide support personnel — many needing pilots, especially now, as there is a worldwide shortage of pilots. Moody Bible Translators has an aviation school in Spokane, WA. MMS Aviation in Ohio trains mechanics and pilots for the mission field. So does the Texas Air Corps in Bullard, TX. Samaritan’s Purse was there, and Samaritan Aviation (a separate organization) serving the remote villages of Papua New Guinea. And that’s not half of them. Christ’s kingdom is bigger than you think and growing all the time, without fanfare, just loving and serving people.

This was an exciting development to experience, learn about, and hopefully facilitate young aviators to find the path forward in their flying dreams and aspirations. I hope you’re as inspired by the photos and these fine young men as I am. Shalom.

Oshkosh 2024 Photos

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“If I take the wings of the dawn,
If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,
Even there Your hand will lead me,
And Your right hand will lay hold of me” (Psalm139:9-10).

“Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31a).

Sex and Freedom

Happy July 4th! I recently stood with an eighty-something friend on his wooden deck sticking out in space from his home atop a mountain perched on a cliff. After standing in silence for a good while peering over mountains, lakes, valleys, and forests beneath an azure sky punctuated with white clouds, he pipped up and said, “I liked your book [Puzzling 2020], except for one thing — that three-letter word you used so often.” I smiled at him quizzically and said, “What word, John?” “S-E-X,” he spelled out for me.

Smiling, I shook my head and told him the book was written for a multi-generational audience. And I couldn’t be sure that the younger generation even knows what the Bible says about sex. This book was a 70-chapter devotional that describes the Christian or Biblical worldview and hopefully makes it as compelling as it is.

I wrote a few chapters on the subject based on history, philosophy, psychology, and the Bible, hopefully expounding the truth and what God reveals to us about the gift of sex—its best, most enjoyable, and highest uses. My overall summary was: “Sex is a beautiful servant but a terrible master.”

Introducing Thessalonica

Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece (one million people), was founded in 315 BC by the Greek general Cassander, who named it after his wife, Thessalonike, sister of Alexander the Great. By Roman times, it had become one of the most important cities in the empire following Greece. It was one of the first churches established by the Apostle Paul in Europe, and it was the first epistle Paul wrote to any church (50 AD). These Christ followers were important to him relationally and personally, as is clear by what he says and how he says it. It’s also clear that sexual misconduct was common and prevalent in the Roman Empire approximately halfway through its thousand-year existence. It was one of the first things Paul addressed, urging them to lead self-controlled lives as God teaches for their good and His glory. In other words, Rome looked a lot like the West and the USA today.

This makes their story poignant and relative to ours. Last week, before July 4th, I heard the first sermon on sex I’ve ever heard preached in more than fifty years attending chruch as an adult.  Our young PhD pastor, Ben Wilson, delivered it right out of I Thessalonians and from the Spirit of God, who gave Paul the message in the first place. It’s well worth viewing.

I’ll give you a summary of Ben’s message, but the facts and details are important to know and internalize, so don’t stop short of hearing him out. God made sex for our enjoyment, and He prescribed how to enjoy it most fully — one man and one woman in marriage. Anything else actually dilutes and divides the pleasure and satisfaction possible. And, one experiences bondage instead of freedom. 

Tozer says idolatry is: “Having thoughts about God that are unworthy of Him.” If you think your ideas about sex are better than God’s, then I would suggest you don’t know God as well as you ought. He’s good and wise and gives good gifts to His children.

About idols, the Bible tells us: “They have ears, but can’t hear, eyes but can’t see, legs but can’t walk, hands but can’t feel — those who worship them become like them.” Don’t let this happen to you! Know and choose God’s ways concerning sex. Self-control isn’t a deterrent to freedom but an avenue to freedom. Godspeed as you journey and live free!

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law [emphasis added]” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline [emphasis added]” (2 Timothy 1:7).

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom [emphasis added]” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Adventure Malaysia

This week, I returned from Malaysia, where eight friends from our church went on the friendship, mission, and travel adventure of a lifetime. Our leader, who lived with his family in China in the past and is connected to some manufacturing company, made a friend in Malaysia who invited us to come.

This friend is a Malaysian pastor, and he introduced us around to some of his friends who served as our hosts and guides as we explored the Island of Borneo (now known as Sabah, Sarawak, and part of Indonesia). We concentrated our exploration on the cities of Semporna, Lahad Datu, and Tawau in Sabah and the islands easiest to visit from there for snorkeling and sightseeing. Two of our young guides were pastors, so we asked if we could experience their churches. They obliged. 

We found the people friendly, and they welcomed us into their lives and culture. Not being more knowledgeable, I assume this is more of the Indigenous people group. Malaysians are known for their hospitality, and there are many people groups and cultures living there. We saw no other Americans while we were exploring that part of the island and only a few European travelers. The populations we encountered were mainly native Malaysians and Chinese tourists.

Thankfully, Tim and wife Lindsay could guide us on food choices along with our hosts. The food was delicious and inexpensive — adding to the adventure. And several in our group were much more “foodies” than I had known.

Malaysia and neighboring Indonesia are primarily Muslim. There is a fair amount of religious freedom, with segments of the population being Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian. On our arrival day in the country, we decided to rest a bit from the long (35-hour) travel and recover from jet lag. Tim was familiar with the city from his business travels, and using Grab (Asian Uber), he snagged us a couple of cars to transport us from the airport hotel to the Batu Caves, a beautiful, unusual Hindu religious site.

Then, we used Grab to get to downtown Kuala Lumpur to see the impressive city center with business and government buildings, including the Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers at 88 stories. They are officially a bit higher than the Sears Tower in Chicago, which held the tallest building record for many years. We also strolled through Chinatown, which was a short ride away.

We returned to the hotel for our friends’ briefing on the country, had a good night’s sleep (I think!), and the next day, boarded another three-hour flight to Sabah, our main destination for the visit. I had traveled with these friends to Honduras the previous year, so I knew they were tough and would soldier through the travel without complaint. 

Our reward was soon a nice hotel in Semporna, where we hung our hats for the entire stay, except for excursions and flying out of Tawau. The people were friendly and helpful, our hosts were gracious, and the scenery exquisite. It was just like I imagined the South China Sea to look, maybe better. Peaceful, serene, beautiful white sand with aqua-blue water housing coral reefs and the most colorful array of fish imaginable — along with comfortable temperatures and a gentle breeze moving palm trees and clouds with its sway. Enchanting.

Our guides welcomed us into their lives and families, showing us that the Spirit of God moves similarly to people all around the globe. And around the globe, it is! Thirteen time zones different from CDST, south of Vietnam and north of Australia, get you in the area as the peninsula of Malaysia extends off the south tip of Thailand. And off the very south tip of Malaysia is the tiny, powerful island, city, and nation of Singapore.

It’s far. For pricing and connections, we elected to go east through Qatar on Qatar Airways (15 hours from DFW), connecting to Malaysia Airlines (8 hours) to KUL, Kuala Lumpur.

Overall, it was a trip, a cultural and spiritual experience none of us will soon forget. Grateful for the experience, the company, and our new friends, we returned to our homes, families, and friends who held down the fort so we could experience this culture, place, and people for ourselves—an unforgettable experience.

Malaysian Friends Photos

Malaysia Travel Adventure

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“The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations” (Psalm 98:2).

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad” (Psalm 97:1).

“For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 4:15).

Charles Simpson Celebration

Charles Simpson, a man whose influence touched the lives of many, bid farewell to Earth on February 14, 2024, leaving a profound legacy in each of us who knew him.

Several hundred folks from around the country and globe gathered to joyfully celebrate his life and legacy. It was a true party, as one would expect. Stephen, Susanne, and the CSM leadership team, guided by the Holy Spirit, orchestrated a gathering of joyful, expectant, grateful, humble, accomplished, spiritual warriors and warrioresses at Covenant Church, Mobile, AL, to celebrate the gift that Charles Simpson was and honor the man he was.

When I received the invitation, I wondered how they would pull this off. Let the people assemble two hours before the service begins to hug necks, tell stories, and catch up on each other’s lives and what Charles meant to them, for starters.

Once the official service started, one got the idea that Charles himself had laid out the plan, and Stephen (and the other speakers) said as much. “I hate long funerals,” Charles said. He gave each speaker a certain amount of time, mostly five minutes, which was mostly honored. His children may have been given a little liberty on the time or taken a little liberty, but it was beautiful and special.

I won’t try to recreate what Stephan, Susanne, Charlyn, and Jonathan said. I will say that what the ladies shared was very real, honoring, candid, relational, and beautiful. The whole service was recorded as a YouTube video, which is worth your time to experience for an inside look at the beauty we all beheld at some distance.

Don Poythress led us in worship. Michael Coleman delivered the eulogy. Bishop Joseph Garlington brought some special music and words of insight about Charles. To the surprise of many, Pastor Aaron Früh, Charles’ personal pastor for the last few years, welcomed us and provided us with some surprising pastoral insights into Charles’ final days.

Most of us were there for four hours, from 10 AM to 2 PM, and it seemed like thirty minutes—also seemed that time didn’t matter. The Spirit moved like a Gulf breeze through the family gathered to honor Charles, warming hearts, giving revelation, and bringing a soul-stilling peace.

It was even more special to experience it with some West Monroe, LA, friends who knew Charles well and had been similarly impacted by his life, teaching, and preaching.

To top it all off, many of the crowd ambled over to the fellowship hall for an authentic Cajun meal of seafood gumbo, cheese grits, collard greens, pork, chicken, and more. Indescribable deserts were centered around a large plate piled high with apple fritters, which we learned Charles enjoyed daily with his dog as part of their breakfast. Who knew?

My heart is smiling, and I’m rambling. The reality is that I have no words to describe God’s unfathomable reach and majesty. I also struggle to find words to describe the depths and impact of a man so given to knowing God, experiencing His Spirit, and making Him known to others most of the hours and days of his life. Such a man and friend was Charles Simpson. To God be the glory.

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[Click here to enjoy some photos and videos from the event.]

As I think of Charles several Scriptures come to mind, like Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Malachi 4:2, and Psalm 112:4. With a heart smile, I’ll end with this one:

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime— until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4 NLT).

I invite you to pray with me the Aaronic Blessing over Charles’ family, ministry, and closest friends:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV).

Charles Simpson 1937-2024

One of the most influential men in my life has departed this earth for heaven. This morning, I sit in silence and solitude by the fire, grateful—full of joy and peace. I’m still inspired by his inspiring life, incredible Bible teaching, and leadership within the church as a minister of the Gospel and along the pathways of life wherever he went. And go, he did, to the ends of the earth and crisscrossing the country until he fell ill a few months ago.

Reflecting now, I think it was his fear of the Lord, humility, and close walk with God that touched me most. Also, it was his familiarity with the Holy Spirit and the way he flowed in the Spirit so effortlessly. “A person with an experience is never at the mercy of a person with an argument” is one of his quotes that comes to me now and often. He lived that and helped me do the same — a quiet assurance of faith that comes from spending time with God in His Word, meditation, and obedience to what you hear.

A quote from his website says it succinctly, “Embracing the truth with our lives. In an age of confusion and challenge, there is a great hunger for clarity and courage. We believe that we are called to stay rooted in the Bible, to listen to God’s Holy Spirit, and prophetically declare what we hear Him saying in this generation.”

A friend from Louisiana just texted me to ask if I was coming to Charles’ Celebration of Life service. It’s a hike from here, but I’m planning to go—to honor one of the most humble, gracious, influential, and godly men I have ever known and to celebrate his life with friends who knew and walked with him.

I read many of his articles in New Wine Magazine and listened to many hours of recorded teaching and sermons before I met Charles. Then, once on an F-4 deployment to Gulfport, MS, a squadron mate and I drove to Mobile, AL, to hear him speak on Father’s Day an incredibly inspiring and insightful message, “The Missing Man.” It was the first time I saw him and shook his hand after hearing his Spirit-given, razor-edged wisdom and truth in person.

By the grace of God, I eventually had a couple of one-on-one conversations with him. With a small group of friends, I also visited his home for an evening of coffee and conversation. Just last year, he graciously wrote an endorsement of my latest book, Puzzling 2020.

I have no words to communicate what the man means to me for the infusion of the Word and Spirit he deposited in my life or was a catalyst for the Lord to deposit in my life. I can only sit in silent awe with a joy-filled and grateful heart, reflecting on the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living to His servants and friends.

I just read a blog by Charles’ oldest son, Stephen, which caused my heart to swell again with thanksgiving, love, and joy.

I remain very quiet in my spirit—thankful. My heart is full of quiet joy to have known him. What a race! And victory won. And Sabbath rest for him… the first Easter with his Redeemer and Friend.

Easter Shalom to you all.

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“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

“O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come” (Psalm 71:17-18).

“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand” (Hymn by Edward Mote, 1834).