Tag Archives: Jesus

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)

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.

Free eBook This Week!

For those of you who read books on iPads or Kindles or other eBook platforms, you can get my latest book, God Stays Near, Faith and Flight, for FREE April 16 through April 20 by clicking here!

All my books are about devotion to Christ and inspiration and motivation for living out that faith, even though they all have a slightly different bent and emphasis.

“A Friend of the King“ is about David’s faith in God and what he teaches us about God and friendship — primary motivations for followers of Christ.
“God Came Near” is a real-life story about God’s activity in our family’s life, beginning with the supernatural healing of our daughter.
“Puzzling 2020“ is a 70-chapter worldview devotional for Christians or thinkers about how a Judeo-Christian or Biblical worldview makes sense of the pandemic and living in our day.
“God Stays Near” is a sequel to God Came Near, about how God has been as near and faithful in our 60-70s as in our 20-30s, with adventure flying stories, and insights about the traditional spiritual disciplines of our ancient-future faith.

Thanks for giving God Stays Near a look, and please give it a rating with a 2-3-sentence comment, along with a prayer that it travels to those who might benefit. Please share this blog or the link to the book as widely as you can. Thank you!

Shalom, and blessings as you journey!

Dwayne

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Jesus (Matthew 24:35)

Good Friday Reflection (from an earlier post)

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)

Why Christmas? Why Hanukkah?

““Or let him rely on My protection,
Let him make peace with Me,
Let him make peace with Me.’
In the days to come Jacob will take root,
Israel will blossom and sprout,
And they will fill the whole world with fruit.”(Isaiah 27:5-6 NASB).

Israel ישראל 2024

My friend Dwayne Russell sent me this Scripture today along with these comments: “Israel has filled the whole world with its fruit! We have been touched by this one nation more than any other. Our laws were taken from the law given to Moses! God gave the Jews the scriptures even the majority of the New Testament. In a sense we are Jews by faith in the promise given to Abraham! I believe the millennium will be God fulfilling His Promises to the Jewish nation! So we need to make sure we are staying the right side of Israel.”

I didn’t intend to start this blog with Israel, but I also included two chapters about Israel in my latest book, God Stays Near, which should be available in January or February 2025, saying: “It seems I can’t write or understand history without referencing Israel, because of the central place she plays in God’s plan for the planet and our day-to-day lives.”

You can start with Adam, or start over with Noah, when looking at God’s plan. Or start with Job, the oldest book in the Bible, written between the times of Noah and Abraham to see what the ancients knew and thought about God. But starting with Abraham about 2000 BC, the path recorded in Biblical and secular history, gets more clear. We can trace God’s steps on our planet throught the steps of one small ancient nation one-fifth the size of Arkansas and still at the center of world history, appearing in our headlines every day.

The Jews were bearing God’s image to the most ancient and powerful cilivizations like Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. It appears to have been God’s plan to use Greece to give the world a common language and then Rome, with it’s worldwide lines of communication, to prepare for the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God to make His appearance and bear God’s image further into world history and the hearts of men and women by His most Holy Spirit, to both Jews and Gentiles — those who could see Him and choose to believe. It’s a wonderous story beginning in Israel, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, as foretold by the Hebrew prophets, extending to the whole world as described in the Acts of the Apostles, and the history of civiliztion.

Why Christmas?

So why Christmas? Why Jesus Christ? Why Yeshua the Messiah or ישוע המשיח? The word messiah literally translates to “anointed one” or “chosen to rule.” Yeshua in English is Joshua and translates to “Yahweh saves.” You can meditate on that if you wish.

The arts and sciences point to His beautiful story in the stars, the Scriptures, and the records of mankind and civilizations. It’s all there for men and women who will hear and believe. One of the most beautiful tellings of the story I have enjoyed for the last few years is “The Star of Bethlehem” by Rick Larson. It’s available on DVD here, or by streaming within another movie “God of Heaven and Earth.” This telling involves astronomy, science, history, with beautiful art and music, as a lawyer puzzles out clues from Matthew (2:1-12) about the Magi. Who were they? Why did they come? How did they know when to come?

After it’s telling, one feels like worshiping! This is a season for worship and retelling the most wondrous story ever told engulfing God and mankind in a sweep of creation and history. Oddly, Christmas and Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, both occur this year on December 25th. The Jewish Jesus celebrated this “Feast of Dedication” as it is also called (John 10:22-23) in Jerusalem.

Why Christmas? Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us succinctly what the whole of Scripture tells us in many stories and an easily solved puzzle. The Jewish prophets said Yeshua would come like He did, telling us many facts about His birth and death. The Disciples and Apostles, mostly Jewish, would explain to the world what had happened, was happening, and some future events to come. And they would explain and demonstrate the indwelling power and presence of the Holy Spirit being poured out into their lives and realms from on high. We have the incarnation so we could have the cruxification — our Father, Creator God, making a way to draw us back to Himself and dwell with us now and for eternity as Emmanuel.

I pray all of us enjoy the light of His revelation and dedicate ourselves to His person and purposes during this magical, mystical season we call Christmas or “Mass of Christ” since before 1050 AD, and celebrated on December 25 as early as 200 AD. Gloria in ecelsis Deo to the timeless One, who sent His only Son.

The most famous Jewish king, save One, who ruled, wrote, and prophesied around 1000 BC said this about God: “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness [humility, meekness, condescension] makes me great” (Psalm18:35). Walking around our lake this frozen morning, I had the Christmas thought, “What I treasure most about the Lord is His mercy and His majesty — what undoes me is His mercy.” Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and may the shalom [peace] and joy of Christmastime be poured out in our hearts. Noel. ✨

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“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, roo little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2).

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17).

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them…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. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,” (Isaiah 9:2,6.7).

“Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth’ ” (Isaiah 49:6).

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

The Star of Bethlehem website

“Why Christmas?” by John Piper

The Christ Child meets Chris Tomlin’s Noel ft. Lauren Daigle

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Barlow Girl

One King Point of Grace

Go see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in theaters now

Advent 2024 Begins Today

Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus’s birth at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, often referred to as Advent Sunday. (Wikipedia)

I pray this December is a time of waiting, preparation, and celebration of Jesus’ coming for you and your household. Today my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year portions were from the books of Job and Revelation. That’s the oldest book in the Bible, and the last book in the Bible. It seemed fitting for pondering the advent of Jesus Christ.

From the Book of Job:

“Would He contend with me by the greatness of His power?
No, surely He would pay attention to me.”

“But He knows the way I take;
When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

“But He is unique and who can turn Him?
And what His soul desires, that He does.” (Job 23:6,10,13)

From the Book of Revelation:

“And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood….” (Apocalypse 1:5)

You might wonder why one might think Revelation is a good read for Advent. The first four words of the book in Greek are: “The revelation of Jesus Christ.” This could be taken as revelation from Jesus Christ or revelation about Jesus Christ. Both are true and appropriate, and that is the unified theme of the book. So what better way to celebrate and think about Advent than reading the Apocalypse or Revelation–even with its swirling timeline and mystical accounts of events in eternity past, present, and future. It celebrates the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth–Jesus Christ, our Lord.

In a parallel universe, or the same one, I sit by the fire watching my wife of forty-nine years putting the ornamants on our tree. They are almsot entirely crosses and crowns, with a simple golden crown adorning the top of the tree–a beautiful decision she made several years ago. At the same time, I am reading, His Cross and Ours by H.D. McCarty. He’s one of my main spiritual mentors, and the book just came out. He finished it at ninety-one years of age, this spring. I highly recommend it if you know H.D. or not–most of NWA does, as his mentoring fingerprints are on many in Arkansas and around the world.

Buy it for yourself or someone you love for Christmas! Here are some of H.D.’s remarks from the preface:

“I have no fear, only a relaxed urgency to fully please our dear Savior while I can!” “My hope is that my story in this book–the culmination of a long life of public ministry, personal struggle, theological reflection, and increased “yieldedness” to our Lord Jesus–may inspire, instruct, and guide you on your own journey of cross discipleship. Joyfully stay in the battle, my brothers and sisters in Christ.” — H. D. McCarty

Christmas Peace to you and yours, Dwayne.

“We will not hide these truths from our children;
we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
about his power and his mighty wonders” (Psalm 78:4 NLT).

New Book Coming Soon

Happy Thanksgiving! We are in Houston with our adult children and it is lovely to be with family and just relax, rest, and be thankful for all of God’s good gifts–life, breath, relationships, and grace. Also celebrating flight, as we flew the new airplane here.

I’ve been working on my fourth book much of this year, and sent it to the publisher just last week. It’s not totally finished, but they never are. One could keep tweaking them and adding pertinent content ad infinitum.

The latest book is a sequel of sorts to my second book, God Came Near. That book recounted several encounters with the Holy Spirit, that changed our perspective, paridigm, and worldview of how the Spirit of God works with humans during their earthly sojourns–Biblically, historically, and personally. We were living the decades of our thirties and forties.

The new book is a continuation of similar stories framed in our fifties and sixties entitled, God Stays Near (subtitle to be determined. :)) This is how the book jacket or cover will possibly read: “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—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.”

I appreciate all prayers for the book as it enters it final phase before distribution and being available for purchase. And I welcome any suggestions or comments. There is still time for minor additions or changes during the next month, and hopefully it will be available in January!

I spent some quiet time meditating on John 14 this morning, and was amazed at the simple, clear truth Jesus shared about who hears spiritually and who does not–who comes to faith, what that looks like, and those who do not. This passage also includes some of the most important revelation on the purposes and working of the Holy Spirit in the whole of Scripture. Then, after all of that, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “Get up, let us go from here” (John 14:31b).

Seems like the Spirit just spoke that to me, “The book is finished; let’s get up and go from here to the next adventure, living life today, while there is light.”

Unite Arkansas

“Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters.” — Margaret Peters

Last night’s UNITE in Bud Walton Arena at the University of Arknasas campus in Fayetteville was awesome! Ten thousand college students gathered and heard a blistering word about sexual purity and the Gospel of Grace — the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There was a call to holy (set apart) living, and Jesus was worshiped until after 10:30 PM. The meeting was about to be over, so my wife and I left to walk a friend who had driven in from another city an hour away to her car. We learned later the meeting went on in some fashion until 2:00 AM in the morning, moving across the street to the south in an outdoor setting were many students were baptized.

We were there from 5:15 PM with some people from our community of faith who had set up a tent for food and fellowship before the event. Some of us had been asked to go into the venue a few minutes early to walk and pray. I heard the Spirit really moved in similar events at Alburn, the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, and Ohio State, but I didn’t know what to expect. The straight talk about sexual issues, sexual purity, and sexual healing was shocking to me. But judging by the response of thousands of students–it was very needed and refreshing, accompained by the Gospel of Grace for forgiveness, and the promise of the Holy Spirit for healing and transforming lives to live on a higher plain.

In the previous month, I heard in the spirit similar messages and blogged about sexual freedom and the self control available as a fruit of the Spirit. But to hear this forceful message to ten thousand college kids and see their reaction in embracing it with their lives was mind blowing.

The musical group Elevation Rhythm led the crowd in vibrant worship, which at times was loud, powerful, blasting with the college kids dancing and singing after rushing the stage area, then quite and still–so melodic and calm you thought you might touch heaven or be touched by the same, with a hush over the crowd.

Speaking of the crowd, one of my college friends just called me. He and his wife were there doing the same thing we were. He told his wife earlier in the day, “They have only issued four thousand advance tickets for the event, and are secretly hoping and praying for ten thousand attendees–that’s just too big a gap and not going to happen.” Durning our phone call he said, “I’m going to have to stop under estimating God.”

One phrase repeated in one of the songs was: “There is no waste at the altar.” I don’t recall that phrase in the Scriptures and found myself wondering what it could mean. Maybe it speaks to all the sins, sexual and addictions, being brought to the altar last night? That’s certainly no waste, as they are accepted and burned up–forgotten by the One Who matters as an act of mercy and grace. You can come as you are with your idols to the altar, and leave as a son or daughter for the courts of the King, ruined by His love, ravished by His magnanimous generosity and good will.

What you lay at the altar you get back if it was a promise from God, only with the unhealthy attachment burned away–a bit like Abraham offering up his son Isaac, and getting him back, both of them now having the realization that “God will provide the Lamb.”

So there we were, a few grey eagles, who had attended the same university fifty years ago, watching lots of young eagles experience God in similar ways we did, under H.D. McCarty, with the promise of change and soaring through life and into old age with adventures galore and relationships to make, mend, and restore.

“Time has a wonderfful way of showing us what really matters.”[ Click here for a few more photos of the event!]